Typically, the British Government will set up the big picture regarding on which direction India should turn into. The Indian rulers who were under the influence of the British government have the power to navigate it by their own since they have better understanding on Indian's culture and people's characteristics.
In order to control the country as a whole, The British Government signed several treaties, military agreement, and trading terms with independent states of India. But, the agreements generally only beneficial for the nobles at the top of the hierarchy but have devastating effect toward the people. The increase on wealth received by the rulers made them became the British' puppet and made them inclined to follow The order from the British government.
