"Your Majesty, there is a potential issue we must consider. If we sell India's fertile lands to the princely states, will it not significantly enhance their power, potentially leading to a situation where the tail wags the dog? Take Hyderabad, for instance. They already possess over 100,000 square kilometers of territory and a population of 20 million. Should their territory double, they would command nearly 300,000 square kilometers and a population close to 50 million. By any global standard, that would make them a significant power," remarked the Empire's Foreign Minister, Wahit.
QinTian shook his head. "It's not as straightforward as that. Although Hyderabad is India's largest princely state, their advantages are superficial. Apart from a large population, they lack significant industrial development—it's practically non-existent. Even if their territory and population were to double, they would still remain a feeble lamb in the eyes of the Empire, one that we could easily carve up at will.
Moreover, India is home to nearly 600 princely states, large and small. Several are comparable in strength to Hyderabad. An expansion of their power would inevitably result in mutual checks and balances, leaving them too preoccupied to challenge the Empire.
Let us not forget the political dynamics of India. Various parties, despite their differing agendas, share a common goal: independence for India. This aspiration stands in direct conflict with the interests of the princely states. Thus, these rulers would be compelled to suppress such movements fiercely. In doing so, their resources and attention will be consumed by quelling rebellions, driving them to lean further on the Empire for support. After all, only with the Empire's protection can they secure their positions, wealth, and luxurious lifestyles.
Finally, most princely rulers are decadent and self-indulgent, devoid of any real ambition. Defying the Empire would come at an exorbitant cost, potentially their very lives. I don't believe they have the courage for such a gamble. Therefore, there's no need to fear that their growing strength might pose a threat to the Empire."
The Empire's senior officials nodded in agreement, acknowledging the sharpness of QinTian's analysis. Indeed, India's princely rulers were akin to parasites, feeding on the lifeblood of the Indian people. Without the Empire's protection, they would lose their authority, and likely their lives, amidst the inevitable uprisings. Only a fool would abandon the Empire as their pillar of support, especially since Germany stands as the world's unrivaled hegemon. Is there a mightier backer than the German Empire?
"Your Majesty, your analysis is undoubtedly sound. However, we cannot discount the possibility of enemy intrigue. The Empire's adversaries will not idly allow us to govern India peacefully and reap its wealth. If we delegate administrative powers to the princely states, they may become susceptible to manipulation," Wahit cautioned.
QinTian nodded. "That is indeed a possibility. To undermine the Empire and topple its position as the global hegemon, our enemies will stop at nothing. While we may delegate administrative powers to the princely states, the Empire must maintain a robust military presence in India. Our army must station troops there, and we must recruit a local force that is unwaveringly loyal to the Empire. Unlike the ineffective British Indian Army, our forces must possess genuine combat capabilities. While we do not expect them to confront the Empire's adversaries, they must at least be able to suppress rebellions within India. This approach will ensure our dominance over the region."
QinTian's plan to delegate administrative power to the princely states did not imply relinquishing control over India. Formally, India would remain a German colony, maintaining diplomatic alignment with Germany, and the Empire would retain the right to station troops on Indian soil.
"Your Majesty, I propose we allocate land to the princely states in exchange for wealth. Additionally, the Empire should levy annual taxes from India. Contributions could be determined based on the population, land area, and resources of each state. This arrangement would provide the Empire with a steady revenue stream, amounting to at least 10 to 20 billion marks annually. Such income would significantly bolster the Empire's finances," suggested Chancellor Bilo.
"An excellent suggestion. While India's economy is underdeveloped, its resources are abundant, and its large, compliant population presents a lucrative opportunity. If the princely states exploit their people more ruthlessly, sufficient wealth can be extracted. The Empire needs only a share of this to secure a substantial financial boost," QinTian replied.
"Wahit, engage in talks with Mir Osman Ali Khan and gauge his reaction. If they are agreeable, proceed with the plan," QinTian commanded.
Though India was rich in fertile land and resources, QinTian was not particularly attached to its territory. His primary concern was how much wealth the German Empire could extract from India. If it could yield a continuous flow of substantial riches, that would be more than satisfactory. The suffering of the Indian people was of no concern to him. What mattered was the realization of Germany's imperial ambitions.
"As you command, Your Majesty," Wahit replied.
That evening, Wahit visited Mir Osman Ali Khan at his hotel and casually revealed elements of Germany's plan for India.
Mir Osman Ali Khan was stunned. Never had he imagined that the Germans would forgo direct rule over India. As a princely ruler, he understood the vast wealth and docility of the Indian people, who were little more than slaves. Germany's proposal was like a colossal pie dropping into his lap.