Lord Hastings, the Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823, introduced the Policy of Paramountcy. This policy marked a shift in the British East India Company’s relationship with Indian states. The company asserted its supreme authority over all Indian rulers, effectively making them subordinate allies.

The Policy of Paramountcy had several long-term consequences for the sovereignty of Indian princely states:

•  Erosion of Autonomy: The British increasingly interfered in the internal affairs of the princely states, dictating policies on succession, taxation, and military.
•  Selective Annexation: The policy justified the annexation of Indian territories through doctrines like lapse (failure of a legitimate heir) and subsidiary alliance (where the state couldn’t maintain its own army).
•  Reduced Power: Princely states became dependent on British support to retain their thrones, significantly diminishing their independence.

The Policy of Paramountcy laid the groundwork for the eventual British domination of most of India by the late 19th century. While the princely states retained some internal autonomy, their sovereignty was ultimately subject to British control.