Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/157

 Orchha.

ORCHHA, which is also called Tehri, is the oldest and highest in rank of all the _ Bundela states, the only one in Bundelkhand which was not held in subjection by the Peshwa. Of all its rulers, Bir Singh Deo (1605 to 1625 A.D. ) is the most famous. He was a man of strong personality and without scruples. He was not only a great warrior but a mighty builder, and has left many monuments of his rule at Orchha. He acquired large territories and immense wealth. His son, Pahar Singh, was granted the jahagir of Orchha by the Emperor Shaha Jahan with the hope that he may put down the ravages of Champat- Rai, a powerful Bundela chief. Pahar Singh was followed by Sujan Singh ( 1653 A.D.^ 1672 A.D. ), Indramani ( 1672 A.D.-I675 A.D. ), Jaswant Singh (1675 A.D.-1684 A.D.), and Bhagwant Singh (1684 A.D.-1689 A.D). These chiefs served the Mogul Emperors loyally. During the time of Maharaja Udit Singh (1689 A.D.-1735 A.D. ), the Mahrattas commenced operations in Bundelkhand. In 1729 A.D. Chhatra Sal called in the Peshwas to his assistance, and much territory formerly belonging to the Bundelas was lost to the Mahrattas. His son, Prithwi Singh, was so much reduced that he practically held the town of Orchha only, but never acknowledged the supremacy of the Marhattas. His successor, Sanwant Singh (1752*65 A.D.), received the title of " Mahendra " from Alamgir II.

When the British entered Bundelkhand in 1812 A.D. Raja Bikramajit Mahendra was the ruling chief. A treaty of friendship and defensive alliance was made with him. He died in 1834 A.D. and was succeeded by his brother, Tej Singh, his son, Dharmpal, having predeceased without issue. Tej Singh died in 1842 A.D. having adopted previously his cousin's son, Sujan Singh. This succession was disputed by Larrai Ranee, widow of Dharmpal, and serious disturbances ensued. These were settled by the appointment of the Larrai Ranee as Regent during Sujan Singh's minority. Sujan Singh died in 1854 A.D. after coming of age, and Hamir Singh, a collateral relative succeeded him, the Larrai Ranee continuing to act as Regent until her death in 1868A.D., when the State devolved upon Hamir Singh, the late chief. Tehri under Larrai Ranee's management rendered valuable services to the British Government during the Mutiny of 1857 A.D. As a reward for these services a tribute of Rs. 3,000 was remitted.

Hamir Singh received the sanad of adoption in 1862 A.D. He died in 1874 A.D. and was succeeded by his brother, H.H. Maharaja Sir Pratab Singh, the present Chief. In recognition of his administrative ability, the Government of India have conferred on him the titles of G.C.I.E. and G.C.S.I.

The area of the Orchha State is 2,080 square miles with a population of 3,21,634 souls. The State has a normal revenue of seven lacs exclusive of income of jahagir.

The ruler of the State, His Highness Sarmad^Rajalvi- Bundelkhand Maharaja Sir Pratab Singh Mahendra Sawai Bahadur G.C.I.E., G.C.S.I., receives a salute of 17 guns, 2 being his personal honour.