In 1947, nearly half of the Indian subcontinent comprised princely states ruled by rajas and nawabs, under treaties they’d signed with the British crown. When Britain decided to leave India, these states were given three options - join India, join Pakistan, or remain free. There were 565 princely states, scattered from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. At our Online Talk #FiveSixtyFive, lawyer-turned-author Mallika Ravikumar narrates the gripping events relating to the accession of princely states that led to our nation coming together in 1947, including the efforts of Sardar Patel, VP Menon amongst others, and the complex negotiations that went into avoiding the catastrophe of an India with pockets of other nations, and even parts of Pakistan, within her borders. About the speaker Mallika Ravikumar is a lawyer-turned-author and writes about history, law and trees for middle-graders and young adults. She has been published by Penguin, Hachette, Speaking Tiger and Karadi Tales. Amongst her many books are “565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India,” published by Hachette, and the multiple award-winning “The District Cup.” An MA in Ancient Indian History, she was the curator and content writer for the Government of India's website on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. She also conducts tree walks and has a YouTube channel about trees called “Tree Talk with Mallika Ravikumar.”