Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/168

 Sitamau.

THE chiefs of Sitamau are Rathor Rajputs connected with the Rutlam family, and the early history of this branch of the clan is that of the Rutlam state. They are descended from Maharaja Udai Singh of Jodhapur (1584-95 A.D.). His grandson, Mahesh Das, entered the Imperial army in 1634 A.D. and secured a mansab from the Mogul Emperor. He was a dutiful son and had great affection for his parents. He proceeded with his mother on pilgrimage to the famous shrine of Omkar on the Narmada. On the way, his mother fell seriously ill and died at Sitamau, a small village, then held by the Bhumias of that place. Mahesh Das asked the" Bhumias for a piece of ground to perform the funeral rites and erect a cenotaph to his mother. The Bhumias refused the request, and Mahesh Das had to purchase a plot of land, where he built a memorial to his mother. Mahesh Das revenged himself on the Bhumias, and took Sitamau under his possession. He afterwards rose to great distinction in the Imperial army.

Ratan Singh, the eldest son of Mahesh Das, succeeded to the possession of his father in 1,644 A.D. He distinguished himself at the Court of Delhi by his bravery, and received jahagirs in Malwa from the Emperor, of which Sitamau formed a part. Ratan Singh fell in the battle of Fatehabad near Ujjain in 1658 A.D. fighting with great valour. He was succeeded by Ram Singh, who died at Daulatabad in 1682 A.D. and was followed by his eldest son, Shiv Singh, who ruled for only two years.

After the death of Shiv Singh, Keshav Das succeeded to the gadi of Rutlam ; but he established his capital at Sitamau in 1695 A.D. perceiving the natural advantages which the situation of the town possessed. In fact, he is the founder of the Sitamau State, where he ruled till 1748 A.D. He was followed by Gaj Singh ( 1748-52 A.D. ), Fatteh Singh ( 1752-1802. A.D. ). and Raj Singh ( 1802-67 A.D. ). During this period, the Mahrattas established their sway in this part of Malwa and exacted large tributes from the chiefs of Sitamau. In 1820 A.D. at the advent of the British, an agreement was made between Maharaja Daulat Rao Sindhia and Raja Raj Singh of Sitamau, by which the latter was confirmed in the possession of his territory, on payment of tribute to the Gwalior Durbar under the British guarantee.

Raja Raj Singh of Sitamau ruled for 63 years, and remained faithful to the British Crown during the trying times of the Mutiny of 1857 A.D. In recognition of his fidelity and friendship, a khilat of Rs. 2,000 was presented to him. He was an able ruler noted for his philanthropy and charity. He died in 1867 A.D. and was succeeded by Raja Bhawani Singh (1867-85 A.D.), Bahadur Singh (1885-99 A.D.), and Shardul Singh (1899-1900 A.D.). The last named ruler left no heir; and the Government of India selected the present Chief, Ram Singh, to succeed him, who was invested with ruling powers on the 28th of February 1905 A.D.

The area of the State is 350 square miles with a population of 23,863 persons and the total revenue of three lacs, which includes khalsa, jahagir and muaffi.

The present Chief, His Highness Raja Ram Singh, enjoys a salute of 11 guns.