The real intention of the British to include the princely states in the Federal Union proposed by the India Act of 1935 was to use the princes to counter-balance the anti-imperialist doctrines of the nationalist leaders. The inclusion of the princely states in the Federal Union was a strategic move by the British to maintain control and stability in India during a time of rising nationalist sentiment. By involving the princes in the administration and giving them a stake in the political system, the British hoped to gain their support and loyalty, which would serve as a counterweight to the growing influence of the nationalist leaders who were pushing for independence from British rule. This move was aimed at dividing and weakening the nationalist movement by co-opting some of its potential allies.