Other States:

Smaller states were either merged with the neighboring states or merged together to 'form centrally administered areas'. A large number of states were consolidated into five new unions, forming Madhya Bharat, Rajasthan, Patiala and East Punjab states Union [PEPSU], Saurashtra and Travancore-Cochin. Mysore, Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir retained their original form as separate states of the Union.

In return of their surrender of all power and authority, the rulers of major states were given privy purses guaranteed by the constitution. The rulers were allowed succession to the gaddi and retained certain privileges such as keeping their titles, flying their personal flags and gun salutes on ceremonial occasions.