Before independence in 1947 India and Pakistan contained more than 600 princely states each with its own ruler . Some called Raja or Thakur ( if the ruler were Hindu ) or Nawab ( if he was Muslim ) ; there was many other titles as well . On the eve of independence in 1947 , India ( including present day Pakistan & Bangladesh ) contained more than 600 princely states , each with its own ruler , often styled Raja or Thakur ( if the ruler were Hindu ) or Nawab ( if he were Muslim ) , with a host of less current titles as well .