noun
princely state; native state
Historical term referring to the semi-sovereign princely states of pre-independence India under British suzerainty.
インドの土侯国は、独立後にインドへ統合された。
The princely states of India were integrated into India after independence.
Compound of 土 (native, local) + 侯 (feudal lord) + 国 (country). The term was coined to describe the native princely states of British India.