Chapter 56: The Lure of Prosperity

The offers from Bharat Corporation were met with varying degrees of suspicion and excitement. Some princes, clinging to their ancient prerogatives, initially resisted. But many, particularly those with a pragmatic eye for their treasuries and the welfare of their subjects, saw the undeniable advantages.

The Princely State of Mysore, known for its intellectual and administrative prowess, was one of the first to respond enthusiastically. Adav, through Bharat Corporation, proposed a massive hydroelectric project utilizing the state's abundant water resources, not just for power generation within Mysore, but to feed into India's national grid. The Maharaja was offered a significant equity stake in the project, guaranteeing a steady stream of income that far surpassed his traditional revenues. Alongside the power project, Bharat Corporation established a modern textile mill and a small precision engineering unit, bringing hundreds of new jobs and skills to the state.

Similarly, in Hyderabad, a vast and resource-rich state, Bharat Corporation secured long-term contracts for coal and iron ore extraction, investing heavily in modern mining equipment and infrastructure within the Nizam's dominion. The Nizam received substantial royalties and shares in the mining ventures, ensuring his continued wealth while subtly integrating his state's economy into the broader Indian industrial machine.

These ventures weren't just economic; they were socio-political. The influx of Bharat Corporation engineers, managers, and skilled labor brought with it a new, modern sensibility. Roads built by the Trust connected princely towns to new industrial cities, facilitating the flow of goods, people, and ideas. The princes, now inextricably linked to India's economic prosperity through shared investments, found their future wealth and influence increasingly tied to the success of the unified Indian nation.