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 20 The Aeistocracy of Southern India,

appellate authority or requires the interference oJ' Government, except in cases of niisgovernraent.

2. In the present instance it is evident that ill feeling on the part of the v/idow of the late Nawab who claims the succession is inducing her to set the Nawab in defiance, but she must be given to understand that his authority must be respected and the Government cannot sanction any proceeding which would have the appearance of weakening that authority.

3. On these principles the Government cannot approve Mr. Chase's proposal to constitute a punchayat, presided over by a Government _ ofiicer to determine the disputes between the Nawab and the widowed Begum, and would be unable to sanction any such arrangement. They regret that Mr. Chase should have taken the step of suggesting it to the Nawab and the opposite parties without previous reference to Government.

4. They desire that Mr. Chase will take an early opportunity of visiting Banganapalli and impressing on the Begum kindly but firmly that she must accept the present state of things, and refrain from defying the Nawab's authorit^% but that if she persists in her present line of conduct, it may be necessary to arrange for her residing beyond the limits of the Jaghir at either Kurnool ^r Hyderabad.

5. Mr. Chase will also inform the Nawab that his authority in the matter will b<? supported by Government so long as he behaves with justice and consideration to the Begum."

The first wife of the Nawab was a highly talented lady ; she was conversant with Persian, Aiabic and