The German advance in India proceeded with remarkable success. After the destruction of the main forces of the British Indian Army and the Indian Army, despite their substantial numbers, the reinforcements mobilized by the British colonial authorities failed to turn the tide. A second round of mobilization, drawing millions of soldiers into the ranks, did little to alter the situation. Although the British Indian forces had suffered immense losses on the battlefield, their total strength actually increased, thanks to the relentless mobilization. However, these newly conscripted troops, lacking in training and often sharing rifles between two men, were rendered nearly useless. Their combat capability was so abysmal that one could only describe them as nothing short of worthless. It was inevitable that, when they faced the German forces, their performance would be predictably disastrous.
Moreover, with the Indian National Congress and the Green Party breaking away from their alliance with the British colonial authorities, the Indian forces were further weakened. Under the relentless onslaught of two elite German army corps, these forces often fled at the mere rumor of the enemy's approach. The mere sound of German troops advancing was enough to scatter them, long before they even faced the enemy. This collapse in morale speaks volumes of their despair.
By mid-June 1916, the German 8th Army had captured Calcutta, while the 4th Army had cleared the southern part of India. By this point, India had essentially been pacified. The rulers of the various princely states, meanwhile, received instructions from the German Navy to embark on ships that would take them to Germany.
These rulers were filled with exhilaration, having originally feared the loss of their wealth and even their lives. Yet, much to their surprise, Germany not only spared their interests but had also granted them lands that were never originally theirs, much to their delight. Though the final disposition plan for India was still uncertain, these rulers had quickly learned that the more funds they donated to the military cause, the better the lands they would receive. Their territories were largely composed of mountains, plateaus, or deserts, while the fertile plains of India, the Indus Valley, and the coastal regions had long been under British control—territories once ruled by the Mughal Empire before it fell and became a British colony. Now, the land Germany sought to redistribute was precisely that of the Mughal legacy. Naturally, these rulers eagerly hoped for a share of the best land.
Though parting with their wealth caused them some distress, they deemed it a worthwhile trade if it meant acquiring better land. After all, compared to land, gold and treasures were expendable.
On July 12, Qin Tian held a banquet at the royal palace to honor the visiting princes. As Emperor of the mighty German Empire, his personal invitation was a great honor. Under British rule, these rulers had never been treated with such deference. Even when Queen Victoria visited India, only the more powerful princes had the privilege of meeting her; the smaller ones were not even afforded such recognition.
At the banquet, Qin Tian engaged in warm conversation with the more prominent rulers, which greatly flattered them. Each prince swore an oath of loyalty to the German Empire, a promise Qin Tian would not take too seriously, but one that undeniably signaled the recognition of Germany by India's indigenous powers. It was now time for Germany's plans for India to move forward.
The following day, the princes convened at the Imperial Parliament Building. With so many rulers arriving, the Prime Minister's office could not accommodate them, and only the Parliament's meeting hall could house them all.
Prime Minister Bilow personally presided over the meeting, and other high-ranking military and political ministers attended as well. The significance of the meeting was not lost on anyone, as it meant that the German Empire would soon acquire a vast sum from India, greatly bolstering Germany's power. To the military and political leaders, the Indian rulers had become nothing more than human-shaped gold bars, ripe for exploitation.
"Distinguished princes, welcome to the German Empire. I am sure you have witnessed the strength of our Empire firsthand. It is my hope that you will join the greater family of the German Empire!" said Prime Minister Bilow.
Since arriving in India, the princes had been shown the Empire's military ports, barracks, and factories, where they had witnessed the formidable power of the German Empire. In their minds, the German Empire had become an unstoppable force, making their submission feel almost inevitable.
One by one, the princes declared their allegiance to the German Empire, swearing solemn oaths on their gods to never betray Germany.
Of course, this was merely a formality. The German Empire would not place much stock in their promises. However, as long as the Empire remained powerful, the likelihood of betrayal was minimal, for those who would dare betray such strength would face grave consequences—perhaps even losing their lives. Only a fool would attempt such a thing.
Then, Prime Minister Bilow began to announce the German Empire's plan for India.
"Gentlemen, India lies far from the heart of the German Empire, and direct rule would be quite troublesome. Moreover, all of you are capable men, worthy of trust. That is why His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, has decided to allocate the land of India to the various princely states. His Majesty hopes that under your governance, India will grow even stronger!" said Bilow.
As soon as Bilow finished speaking, the princes erupted into cheers, singing the praises of the German Emperor. After all, the Emperor had bestowed such great benefits upon them, and a few words of praise cost them nothing.
In addition, eager to secure the most fertile lands for themselves, the princes were determined to donate as much as possible to ensure they received the best territory.