In the 18th century, the states came within the
sphere of influence of the
Maratha Empire, but they became tributary states of British India as a result of the
Anglo-Maratha Wars in the early 19th century. In October 1905, the exercise of British influence over the predominantly
Hindi-speaking states of Chang Bhakar, Jashpur, Koriya, Surguja, and Udaipur was transferred from the Bengal government to that of the
Central Provinces, while the two
Oriya-speaking state Gangpur and Bonai were attached to the
Orissa Tributary States, leaving only Kharsawan and Saraikela answerable to the Bengal governor. In 1936, all nine states were transferred to the
Eastern States Agency, the officials of which came under the direct authority of the Governor-General of India, rather than under that of any provinces. After Indian independence in 1947, the rulers of these minor princely states all chose to accede to the
Dominion of India. Changbhakar, Jashpur, Koriya, Surguja and Udaipur later became part of
Madhya Pradesh state, Gangpur and Bonai part of
Orissa state, and Kharsawan and Saraikela part of
Bihar state. == Princely States ==