Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/142

Rh the British Government in 1819 A.D., thus securing British protection and through them restoration of the lost territories of Dhar. Ramchandra Rao died in 1833 A.D. and his wife Annapurna Bai adopted Malhar Rao, a son of Yashwant Rao of Malthan (Deccan), who succeeded as Yashwant Rao II. He made many improvements by introducing a systematic survey and settlement and a number of economic reforms. He was famous for his piety, generosity and love of learning. He died in 1857 A.D. and his half-brother succeeded him as Anand Rao III. Being a boy of tender age, he was quite unable to cope with the torrent of the Mutiny and dissatisfaction which had spread over the whole country. The Bilaities and Makranies raised the standard of revolt and held the fort for sometime in their possession, till it was taken by the Mhow Column under General Stewart on October 25th, 1857 A.D. This mutinous spirit on the part of the State troops led to the confiscation of the State on 19th January 1858 A.D., but was again restored to the Chief on 1st May 1860 A.D. with the exception of the Bersia pargana. The State continued under British supervision till 1st October 1864 A.D. when the Raja was invested with powers. During his rule many administrative reforms were introduced, and the revenue of the State rose from 5 to 9 lacs. His loyalty was recognised by the grant of a sanad awarding him the right of adoption in 1862 A.D.; while on the occasion of the Delhi Assemblage of 1877A.D., he was granted the title of Maharaja as a personal distinction, and was created a K.C.S.I., and in 1883 A.D. a OLE. was conferred upon him.

His Highness Maharaja Sir Anand Rao Pawar, died on the 15th July 1898 A.D. He was a good administrator, kind and considerate to his subjects,—of him the people say: "He was short of stature but large of heart," and, indeed, no truer thing could be said of him. He was succeeded by his nephew, Bhagoji Rao Pawar, whom he adopted a year previous to his death, under the name of Udaji Rao Pawar.

He was born on the 30th September 1886 A.D. and soon after his succession was sent to the Daly College, Indore; where he received good education till August 1903 A.D. He was invested with ruling powers of his State on the 6th December 1907 A.D.

Since His Highness has assumed the reins of Government, the State has been showing a marked and steady progress in every branch of the administration. Of an amiable and generous disposition, His Highness is very hospitable and liberally contributes to all works of improvement and charity. He is an able administrator, an enthusiastic sportsman, a keen Shikari, an excellent rider and a great lover of horses. He is a bright young scion of the ancient Pawar Family, who, remarkable as he is for his steadfastness of purpose, has always maintained the traditional loyalty of the House when occasion demanded.

The State has an area of 1,775 square miles and a population according to the Census of 1911 A.D. of 1,54,070 souls. The gross revenue of the State is 11 lacs. The State pays no tribute to the British Government or to any other state; on the other hand it receives tribute from its feudatories numbering 22 of whom 13 are guaranteed Thakurs and Bhumias, and the remaining 9 are unguaranteed Thakurs.

His Highness Raja Udaji Rao Saheb Pawar Bahadur, is the present Chief of Dhar and is entitled to a salute of 15 guns.