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 62 The Aristocracy of RouTHEnN India.

grand mother of the "Rajah at the ripe old age of 90 year's. The venerable lady was very fortunate, indeed, as she lived to see her grandson's grandson. The Rajah endowed a third bed in the Victoria Caste and Gosha Hospital in the name of the deceased grand old lady.

On the 22nd of October 1899 the Kumara Rajah was blessed with a daughter; she is the first grandchild of the Rajah. She was named in November, " Sree Victoria Vencata Hamanamma." The name of Victoria was selected by the Rajah to show his admiration, love, and respect for Her Majesty the late Queen-Empress.

In 1899 the personal distinction of "Maharajah" was conferred by the Government of India on the Rajah of Bobbili.

The Maharajah was selected by the Government of Madras to represent the aristocracy of Southern India on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VII. The Maharajah went to England, was present at the ceremony, paid his respects to His Majesty, and returned some months ago after visiting many places of importance in Europe. There was a grand send off and great ovation when he left Bobbili for England, and on returning safe there was a warm reception and kind welcome by his ryots. There was the usual presentation of addresses to the Maharajah.

It is an admitted fact that the Maharajah of Bobbili has won the confidence and esteem of the Government of Madras by the successful manner in which he has been managing the estate. His warm heart, his open hand, his free and cordial manner, have won the love of his ryots. His courteousness and affability have secured him many noble friends both among Europeans and natives.