Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/110

 Kishangarh.

THE Kishangarh State was founded in 1594 A.D. by Kishan Singh, the ninth son of Udai Singh, chief of Jodhapur. He was allowed by Shah Jahan to set up a separate State as the price of the murder of Govind Das, the confidential adviser of Raja Gaj Singh, who had refused to help the Emperor when as Prince Khuram he was in rebellion against his father. Most of the land, which was granted or seized, was held by Jats.

Many of the Kishangarh chiefs were great soldiers and rendered good services to the Empire, but their dominions were preserved rather by bending to the storm, when all Rajputana suffered from the raids of the Mahrattas, than by resisting it. Bahadar Singh of Kishangarh aided the Mahrattas against his countrymen in 1790 A.D., and 179! A.D. at the battles of Pattan and Merta under Kalian Singh, his successor. In 1818 A.D. the treay was made with the British Government which ensured protection to Kishangarh.

The Chief soon showed want of principle and every sign of insanity, and, after much trouble, abdicated in favour of his son, Mokam Singh, who was succeeded by Prithi Singh in 1841 A.D. This Chief ruled in a fraternal manner and was much esteemed.

Several of the highest chiefs in Rajputana formed matrimonial alliances with

his family. He was succeeded in 1880 A.D. by H. H. Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Sir

Sardar Singh Bahadur, G.C.I. E. and after his death, by his son, the present ruler, Maharaja Sir Madan Singh.

Political relations with the Kishangarh State date from the conclusion of the treaties of 1818 A.D., which were entered into with the different Rajput states by the British Government as part of a general scheme for the suppression of the Pendharees by whom the country was at that time overrun. The treaty with Kishangarh consists of eight articles and contains the usual conditions of protection on the part of the British Government, and subordinate cooperation and abstinence from political correspondence on the part of the Chief.

The Maharaja espoused the British cause during the Mutiny of 1857-58 A.D., and has at all times proved a warm and loyal supporter and well-wisher of the British Government.

The area of the State extends over 858 square miles and has a population of 1,25,516, with a revenue of Rs. 4,09,868.

The capital of Kishangarh is picturesquely situated on the lake. The fort and the palace overlook the waters and close by them lies the town with hills beyond it.

The present ruler of Kishangarh is Captain His Highness Maharajadhiraj Sir Madan Singh Bahadur K.C.I.E. and is entitled to a salute of 15 guns.