Yes, Broach (now Bharuch) was indeed a semi-independent nawabdom for a short period in the 18th century before the East India Company (EIC) took full control.
The transition from Mughal rule to British rule involved a brief era of local sovereignty under a line of Nawabs. Here is the breakdown of that timeline:
2. Conflict with the East India Company
The British were highly interested in Broach because it was a major center for cotton production and a strategic port near Surat.
The First Attempt (1771): The EIC sent an expedition from Surat to capture Broach following a revenue dispute with the Nawab, but this initial attempt failed.
The Treaty: The Nawab subsequently visited Bombay (Mumbai) and agreed to pay the British 4 lakhs of rupees. However, he failed to fulfill the terms of this agreement.
3. The Takeover (1772 & 1803)
1772 Capture: Due to the unfulfilled treaty, the British sent a second expedition. On November 18, 1772, the EIC captured the city, and the Nawab was ousted.
Maratha Interlude: Under the Treaty of Salbai (1782/83), the British actually handed Broach over to the Maratha leader Mahadji Sindhia as a gesture of diplomacy.
Final Annexation (1803): The British retook the city during the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803. From that point on, it remained under direct British administration.
please rename (since princely states & independent kingdoms are 1)
Princely state of Broach
as
