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The Maharajah of Bobbili was the only prince of Southern India, on whom the title of "Maharajah" was conferred by the Government of India, in the last year of the nineteenth centmy during the life-time of Her Majesty the late Empress of India. He is one of those distinguished noblemen whose services have greatly contributed to widen the influence and support the renown of the paramount power.

The Bobbili Zemindari is one of the most ancient Zemindaries in India. It is included in the Vizagapatam District, Madras Presidency, and possesses a very interesting history. It is situated in lat. 18° 22′ to 18° 46′ N., long. 83° 10′ E., is surrounded by the British taluks of Chipurupalli, Gajapatinagaram, Salur, Parvatipur, Palconda and Chicacole, and consists of the Pergunnahs (Tanas) of Bobbili, Kajam, Kavitey anl Sitanagaram, each of which is under the charge of an officer called Ameen. The Zemindari, together with the proprietary estates eventually bought, is about 920 sq. miles in area, and contains 202 Jeroyiti villages, 70 agraharams and 6 mokhasas. Its revenvie is about 5 lakhs of rupees, including the value of about 3,567 garces of paddy, which is paid in kind. The peishcush is ₨. 95,315 and the land-cess, ₨. 32,467.

There are 14 indigo factories in the Zemindari; most of them are leased to Messrs. Arbuthnut and Co.