Question

The Indian states were divided into how many groups before independence?

Answer 1

Before independence, the Indian princely states were divided into three groups under the Mountbatten Plan of 1947:

1. States that wished to join India
2. States that wished to join Pakistan
3. States that wanted to remain independent

It was made clear that remaining independent was not practical, and states were encouraged to sign the Instrument of Accession with either India or Pakistan.