Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/144

 Jaora.

JAORA is a treaty State in the Malwa Agency of Central India. The rulers are called Nawabs. The State was founded by Abdul Gafur Khan, the grandson of Abdul Majid Khan, who came to India during the reign of Mahammad Shah, Emperor of Delhi (171 9-43 A.D.). Abdul Gafur Khan was a man of fortune. He rose to prominence under Amir Khan, the leader of the Pendharees and founder of the Tonk state. He took part in the dispute that arose after the death of Yashwant Rao Holkar regarding the succession of Malhar Rao. After the battle of Mahidpur in 1817 A.D, in which Holkar's army was defeated, Gafur Khan offered his submission to the British, who, on the conclusion of the treaty of Mandasor on 6th January 1818 A.D. guaranteed to him the possession of Jaora and other five tahsils, on condition that he and his heirs should maintain a body of 600 horse to co-operate with the British forces. Gafur Khan died in 1825 A.D. leaving an infant son, Ghaus Mahamad Khan, who was recognised as the Nawab of Jaora by the Holkar Durbar on receiving a nazarana of two lacs of rupees.

Ghaus Mahamad Khan was an efficient ruler and a loyal friend of the British. He rendered most important services to the Government during the Mutiny of 1857 A.D. for which his yearly contribution payable to Government was reduced and an increase of two guns was made in his salute. In 1862 A.D. he received a sanad guaranteeing the succession to the State in accordance with Mahomedah law and custom. He was a very popular ruler and was respected by his subjects, as well as by the British Government. He died in 1865 A.D. and was succeeded by his only son, Ismail Khan, .who ruled from 1865-95 A.D. He, like his predecessor, was most loyal to British' t Government.

v Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, the present Chief, was born on 17th January 1883 A.D. and .was installed on the 29th July 1895 A.D. by the Agent to the Governor-General in Central India. He joined the Daly College at Indore, where he remained tilll 1899 A.D. The administration of the State was ably conducted by the minister, Yar Mahamad Khan, wjiose name and good work will be ever remembered by the people of Jaora. The young Nawab was granted full powers of administration in March 1903 A.D. His Highness is taking keen interest in the administration of the State and conducting it on a progressive and constitutional line. In April 1911 A.D. His Highness has formed a State-Council under his own presidency, composed of five members, to consider and dispose of all important matters of the State. As a mark of appreciation the Nawab Saheb has received the Honorary Captaincy in the British Army.

The State has an area of about 568 square miles and a population of 75,000 souls. The annual gross revenue, based on the last five years average, is Rs. 6;50.000.

Captain His Highness Fakhr-ud-daula Nawab Mahammad Iftikhar Ali Khan Bahadur Saulat-i-Jang, Nawab of Jaora, enjoys a salute of 13 guns.