What were the options given to the Princely states by the Britishers with the end of their rule over India?
1- They were free to join India.
2- They were free to join Pakistan.
3- They were free to remain independent.
4- They were free to join Britain.

Option 1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is Option 3 - Option 1, 2 and 3

Given statements:

1- They were free to join India. (Correct)
2- They were free to join Pakistan. (Correct)
3- They were free to remain independent. (Correct)
4- They were free to join Britain. (incorrect)

Prior to Independence, the British announced that with the end of their rule, the paramountcy of the British crown over the Princely States would also end.
This meant that the Princely States, numbering 565, would become legally independent and could choose to join India, and Pakistan, or remain independent.
The decision of joining India or Pakistan was left to the princely rulers, rather than being determined by the people.
This posed a significant challenge as it could potentially lead to the fragmentation of India and threatened the unity of the newly formed nation.