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126 In recognition of the public spirit and loyalty of the Rajah, the Government of Madras in 1877 granted to him the following certificate:—

"By Command of His Excellency the Viceroy and Governor-General this certificate is presented in the name of Her Most Gracious Majesty Victoria, Empress of India, to Sri Rajamani Raja Deo Garu, Zemindar of Mandasa, son of Sri Srinivasa Rajamani Raja Deo Garu, in recognition of his services to the State in handing over free of cost the land required for a road through his Zemindari and of the public spirit and loyalty which he has evinced in various ways,"

Sri Rajah Vasudeva Rajamani Raja Deo Garu, the eldest of the three sons, was placed, while young, under the careful supervision of his father; and under the instructions of his teachers he- learnt English, Telugu, Bengali and Urdu. The Rajah Sahib wishing to show his loyalty to the British Government volunteered himself to place his services at the disposal of the Government of Madras and to proceed to South Africa at a time when the Boer war assumed gigantic dimensions and threatened to become a serious matter. This was just before the relief of Lady-smith when Field-Marshal Lord Roberts was of opinion that every available man in the Empire would be required for active service in the war. The Rajah spared no time in making arrangements about the management of the estate by the Government of Madras during his absence in field service. On hearing that Ladysmith had been relieved, and that there was no necessity for him to join the war service, the Rajah rescinded the arrangements he had made. At every successful stage of the war there were great rejoicings at Mandasa and prayers and thanks-givings in the temple. ' f..