Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/112

 Pratabgarh.

THE Pratabgarh family is descended from Khim Singh, second son of Rana Mokalji and younger brother of Rana Kumbha, who held the throne of Mewar from 1419 A.D. to 1474 A.D. Khim Singh's second son became possessed of the estate of Sadn in Mewar. His eldest son, Bhag Singh, sacrificed his life in order to save that of Udai Singh, the infant son of Rana Sang, at Chitor in 1535 A.D.

His grandson, Bhikaji, killed a powerful Bhil chief named Dev, and built the town of Devgarh or Deolia in 1561 A.D. 4 thus founding a separate state.

Bhawa, grandson of Bhikaji, is said to have sheltered Mohabat Khan after his defeat by the Emperor Jahangir. When restored to power, that official furthered the cause of Hari Singh, Bhawa's grandson, at Delhi, and he was recognised as an independent chief by the Emperor Shah Jahan. He gradually brought into subjection the whole tract which is now known as Pratabgarh. He was granted the title of Maharajadhiraj Maharawat. In 1674 A.D. Hari Singh's son, Pratab Singh, founded the town of Pratabgarh. An attempt of Mewar to recover Kanthal (the estate which Shah Jahan had given to Hari Singh,) led to the death of the Rana Ram Singh. Prithi Singh, who succeeded in 1708 A.D. was granted the right to coin money, which was re-granted, fifty years later, to his grandson, Salim Singh. The Salim Shahi rupees are still current in these districts. In the reign of 8anwant Singh (1 775 A.D, to 1824 A.D.) the country was over-run by the Mahrattas, and was saved by a tribute of Rs. 70,000 (Salim Shahi) being paid to Holkar. This is still paid through the British Government, with whom a treaty was signed in 1818 A.D.

During the later days of Sanwant Singh, his son Dip Singh, who administered the State for a time, proved very objectionable as a ruler, and was removed and banished by order of the British Government. The State fell into much disorder in the close of his reign, and when he died in 1844 A.D. he left no real heir according to Hindu law, because his only grandson, Datpat Singh, had been adopted into the Dungarpur family, the head of which he had become in 1825 A.D. It was arranged, however, that this Chief should succeed at Pratabgarh and act as Regent on behalf of his adopted son, Udai Singh, at Dungarpur. After eight years he confined himself to Pratabgarh. He was succeeded by his own son, Udai Singh, at that place in 1864 A.D. and when he died in 1889 A.D. his widow adopted Maharawat Raghunath Singh.

The Pratabgarh State has an area of 886 square miles. The population of the State is over half a lac and its revenue about Rs. 1,75,000 The State is in debt to Government and the finances have consequently been under the control of the Resident of Mewar since 1901 A.D.

The Chief of Pratabgarh bears the titles of His Highness and Maharawat, and is entitled to a salute of 15 guns.