What were the 12 states of the Sikh confederacy called ?

The 12 states of the Sikh confederacy were known as Misls [2]. The term 'Misl' is derived from an Arabic word meaning 'equal' or 'alike', and it also refers to a 'state' or 'file' [1]. These misls emerged as military brotherhoods with a democratic setup during the 18th century, particularly in the power vacuum following the invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali [2]. Each misl was an independent military unit or confederacy that exercised control over specific territories in the Punjab region [2]. While they were autonomous and led by their own chieftains or Sardars, they often united under the banner of the Dal Khalsa to fight common enemies. Other terms like 'Gurmata' referred to the collective resolutions passed by the Sikh councils, and 'Rakhi' was a protection system, but the political units themselves were the Misls [2].

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 5: Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India > Consolidation of Punjab under the Sikhs > p. 114
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 4: India on the Eve of British Conquest > The Sikhs > p. 72