Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/118

THE IMPERIAL DURBAR ALBUM. 10IB, from the Paramount Power and the Maharaja was made a K. C. I. E. He is a great enthusiast in educational matters, having written several tracts on the subject. His work "Training of Youths" in three volumes has been well appreciated by His Excellency the Viceroy, Lord Hardinge of Penhurst, who says: — " The perusal of these volumes has greatly interested me, and I am much impressed by the care that has been bestowed on the works, its many qualities, and the range of its contents."

Maharaja Ranjor Singh is one of the few Indian Chiefs of the old type who have lived to a ripe age, and who have passed through a variety of different but important phases of life. His views therefore cannot but be said to be the result of careful observation and mature thought.

The Maharaja is not only a versatile scholar but a keen sportsman taking a lively interest in all the manly sports. His heir-apparent, Prince Bhopal Singh, is therefore peculiarly fortunate in having had the benefit of such a paternal guidance for him.

The State of Ajaigarh is empowered with complete criminal jurisdiction by virtue of a sanad in 1887 A.D., which, however, has been recently interpreted in a restrictive sense by exempting European- British subjects and persons of European or American nationality from its jurisdiction.

Ajaigarh is surrounded by hills and dales and is noted for its natural scenery. The picturesque sight of the historical fort and the beautiful gardens called after the name of the present Chief "Ranjor Newas" at once appeal to the imagination of any person who visits them, and form a fit subject for a poet's description.

The military force of the State consists of 544 infantry, 97 cavalry, and 13 guns.

The area of the State is nearly 800 square miles with a population of 95,000 inhabitants and yields a revenue of 2 lacs of rupees per annum.

His Highness Maharaja Sawai Ranjor Singh Bahadur K. CI. E., the present ruler, has a personal salute of 1 3 guns while the State salute is 1 1 guns.