Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/50

32 succeeded by his son Ratan Singh II, who after reigning for four years was killed by Rao Surajmal of Bundi. Vikramaditya then ascended the throne, but was assassinated in 1535 A.D. by Banbir, the illegitimate son of Rana Sangh's brother. He ruled for only two years, when Udai Singh, the younger son of Rana Sangh, dethroned him ( 1537-72 A.D. ). During his reign occurred the last siege and sack of Chitor by Akbar, whereupon Rana Udai Singh founded a new city, in a remote district, naming it 'Udaipur' after him. It has ever since been the capital of Mewar.

Pratapsingh I succeeded his father Udai Singh ( 1572-97 A.D. ). He fought several battles with the Mogul Emperor and suffered a severe defeat at Haldighat in 1576 A.D.; but his indomitable courage and iron-will prevailed. He maintained an unceasing warfare with his foes, recovered nearly all his dominions, and never yielded to the throne of Delhi. Pratap Singh was succeeded by his son Amar Singh, who, having met several reverses at the hands of Emperor Jahangir surrendered himself to him in 1614 A.D.; stipulating, however, that he should never be called upon to do homage in person but to be allowed to do it by proxy in the person of his son. This compromise was accepted, the Imperial troops were withdrawn, and Mewar was allowed to enjoy perfect peace. In the time of Raj Singh I Aurangzeb imposed a capitation tax {Jazia) on the Hindus. The Rana remonstrated with the Emperor in a dignified letter, which is considered a remarkable document in the history of Mewar. This act of the Rana irritated the Emperor; and his army poured in overwhelming numbers, and devastated the country. The war was continued with varying fortunes during subsequent reigns, but these vicissitudes could not shake the continuity of the ancient dynasty of Mewar. Rana Jaya Singh succeeded his father in 1680 A.D. and concluded a treaty with Aurangzeb in 1681 A.D., by which the right of levying the capitation tax was waived.

After a century of protracted wars and struggles for supremacy between the Rajputs, Mahrattas, and Mahomedans, Mewar passed under the rule of Bhim Singh II (1778-1828 A.D.), who entered into a treaty with the British Government in 1817 A.D. His successor Rana Sarup Singh distinguished himself by his loyalty to the British by affording shelter to several English refugees from Neemuch, and treatintg them hospitably during the Mutiny of 1857 A.D. The next Rana was Shambhu Singh whose munificence and efficient administration during the ravages of the terrible famine (1868-69 A.D.) gained him the title of G.C.S.I. in 1871 A.D. He was succeeded by Sajan Singh (1874-84 A.D.) who also was created G.C.S.I. The rulership passed by adoption to the present Maharana Fateh Singhji, a descendant of the fourth son of Rana Sangram II, with the approval of the Government of India. In 1885 A.D. the Maharana ascended the throne, and received the insignia of Knight Grand Commander of the Star of India in 1887 A.D. A few months later in the same year, the Imperial Order of the Crown of India was presented to Her Highness the Maharani. The present Maharana has earned a good name by his just and kind rule and his upright and noble character.

The military strength of the State is 6,015 all told, both regular and irregular and it costs the State about 6½ lacs a year. The area of the State is 12,691 square miles, with a population of about 10¼ lacs and a revenue of 26 lacs of rupees.

The Ruler of Udaipur is one of the eight princes in Rajputana who are entitled to a salute of 19 guns, but as a personal distinction two guns have been added in his case.