Royal princes were sent as governors to provinces.

In the historical context of Indian states, the practice of sending royal princes as governors to provinces was a common administrative strategy. This practice was prevalent in various kingdoms and empires across different periods of Indian history. The primary reason for this practice was to ensure loyalty and maintain centralized control over the provinces. By appointing members of the royal family, the ruling monarch could trust that the provinces would be governed in accordance with the central authority's policies and interests.

The practice of sending royal princes as governors was not unique to a single dynasty or period but was observed across various historical contexts. For example, in the Mughal Empire, the emperor would often appoint his sons or other close relatives as governors of important provinces. This ensured that the provinces remained loyal to the central authority and that the princes gained administrative experience, which could be useful if they were to succeed the emperor.

Similarly, in the Maratha Empire, the Peshwas (prime ministers) would often appoint members of the royal family to govern important provinces. This practice helped to consolidate power and maintain control over the vast territories under the Maratha rule. The same can be observed in other historical Indian states, where the practice of appointing royal family members as governors was a common administrative strategy.

It is important to note that this practice was not limited to India but was also observed in other historical contexts, such as the Roman Empire and various European kingdoms. The underlying concept is that by placing members of the royal family in positions of power, the central authority could ensure loyalty and maintain control over the regions.

Understanding this practice is crucial for comprehending the historical administrative systems in Indian states and the strategies used to maintain centralized control over vast territories. This practice reflects the complex interplay between royal authority, administrative efficiency, and the maintenance of loyalty and control in historical Indian states.