States’ people of Odisha launched a massive offensive in 1938-39 against the princely order demanding civil liberties and responsible government and that continued till their (States’) integration into the adjoining province. Swerving from the position of complete subordination, the British pursued a laissez-faire policy towards the States to set them as a counter weight to the growing force of Indian nationalism. As the rulers of the tiny States were allowed to wield power over their subjects with little restraint, it inevitably led to irresponsible autocracy. The growth of national movement in British India had a definite impact on these small principalities. The installation of Congress ministries in most of the provinces generated a new sense of expectation and confidence in the people of the States.