Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/96



THE chiefs of Alwar belong to the Lalawat branch of the Naruka Rajputs whose ancestor, Rao Kalyan Singh, flourished under Jai Singh, the first Mirza Raja of Jaipur, and received from him in jahagir the estate of Macheri about 1671 A.D. His descendant, Pratap Singh, was a man of great vigour, courage and address. He distinguished himself by his valour and tact, and succeeded in establishing an independent state for himself in the latter part of the eighteenth century. He defeated the Jats at Barsana and Dig, and for his gallant services received the title of 'Rao Raja' from the Emperor Shah Alam II. He conquered the fort of Alwar in 1775 A.D. and established his capital there. He died in 1791 A.D.

Pratap Singh was succeeded by his adopted son, Bakhtawar Singh, who completed the conquest of the remaining, territories about Alwar. At the commencement of the Mahratta War, he allied himself with the British, and co-operated with Lord Lake. After the famous battle of Laswari (Nov. 1st, 1803 A.D.), in which the Mahrattas were practically annihilated, a treaty of offensive and defensive alliance was concluded with Bakhtawar Singh on the 14th November 1803 A.D. Bakhtawar Singh died in 1815 A.D., and two claimants to the throne came forward; one was Banni Singh, his nephew and the other Balwant Singh> his illegitimate son. A makeshift arrangement was sanctioned by the Government, according to which Banni Singh was to have the title, while Balwant Singh was to exercise the power. In 1824 A.D. Banni Singh seized the reins of administration and made his cousin a prisoner. He ruled till the year 1 857 A.D. But before that, he proved his loyalty to the British Government by sending some troops and four guns to the assistance of the beleaguered garrison at Agra.

Banni Singh was succeeded by his son, Sheodan Singh, then about twelve years of age. He was found incapable of ruling efficiently, and hence was deprived of his power in the year 1870 A.D. ; he died in 1874 A.D. leaving no legitimate descendant, lineal or adopted. The State consequently escheated to Government, but it was decided to allow the selection of a ruler from the collateral branches of the late chief's family. The choice fell upon Thakur Mangal Singh of Thana, who was accordingly recognised by Government as ruler of Alwar. He was invested with ruling powers in 1877 A.D. Mangal Singh was the first pupil to join the Mayo College at Ajmere; and the first chief to accept the Native Coinage Act of 1876 A.D. In 1885 A.D. he was gazetted an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army. In 1886 A.D. he was created a G.C.S.I., and in 1889 A.D. the hereditary title of 'Maharaja' was bestowed upon him. Maharaja Mangal Singh died in the year 1892 A.D. and was succeeded by his only son, Jai Singh, the present Chief, who was invested with powers in 1903 A.D. During his minority the administration was carried on by a council acting under the general supervision of the Political Agent.

The area of the State is 3,141 square miles, the population being 8,28,487 according to the census of 1901 A.D. The total revenue of the State is Rs. 32,00,000.

H. H. Maharaja Sir Sawai Jai Singh Bahadur K.C.S.I. is entitled to a salute of 15 guns.