The real intention of the British to include the princely states in the Federal Union proposed by the India Act of 1935 was to:

1. exercise more and direct political and administrative control over the princely states
2. involve the princes actively in the administration of the colony
3. finally effect the complete political and administrative take‑over of all the princely states by the British
4. use the princes to counter‑balance the anti‑imperialist doctrines of the nationalist leaders

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• Under the Government of India Act 1935, the British proposed an All-India Federation including both British Indian provinces and princely states. The princely rulers were generally loyal to the British, and their inclusion was intended to weaken and counterbalance the growing influence of nationalist leaders and anti-imperialist movements led by the Indian National Congress.

Answer: (d) use the princes to counter‑balance the anti‑imperialist doctrines of the nationalist leaders