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BARODA.

,

Before the

made,

The

in

expiration

of

this

period,

however,

an attempt was

November

inquiries

1874, to poison the Resident, Colonel Phayre. instituted having warranted the conclusion that the

attempt was instigated by Malhar Rao, he was suspended from the functions of ruler on the 14th January 1875

the charges against

1

him were investigated by a High Commission, consisting of three European and three native members. The Commission was equally divided in opinion as to the guilt of Malhar Rao and the Government of India having regard to Malhar Rao’s notorious misconduct, his gross misgovernment of the State, and his evident incapacity to carry into effect the necessary reforms, deposed him from the sovereignty of the Baroda State, on 22nd April 1875. Syaji Rao, a descendant of Pratap Rao, son of Pilaji Rao, the founder of the family, and younger brother of Damaji, whose line terminated with Malhar Rao, having been selected as the most fit successor, Jamnabaf, the widow of Khandi Rao Gaekwar, was permitted to adopt him, in consideration of Khandi Rao’s services during the Mutiny; and on the 27th May 1875, Syaji

Rao was

installed as

Gaekwar.

The Military Force maintained by the Baroda

State consists of a

and 42 guns (including 2 of gold and 2 of silver) ; a cavalry force of 247 officers and men, and 6 regiments of infantry, aggregating 3016 of all ranks. These troops are all drilled and equipped on a similar system to that regular force of 2 batteries of artillery, with 154 artillerymen

—

Of

of the British army.

the

artillery, i

battery consists of 2 gold

and

3-pounder guns respectively, and i light field battery of 6 guns, each being drawn by bullocks. Of the 6 regiments of infantry, 2 are local regiments, employed in the Kathiawar Districts. Besides the 2 silver

army there is also a large irregular force, numbering about 6237, 4410 horse and 1827 foot. The cost of the regular force is about

regular viz.

7J lakhs of rupees (p^75,ooo), while that of the irregular is estimated at 28 lakhs (^280,000) a year. Agriculture, etc. Luxuriant crops are grown of grain, cotton, tobacco, opium, sugar-cane, and oil-seeds. The staple food of the people is

—

bdjrd, but wheat

and

Division of Baroda

is

rice are also largely

famous

for its



for

The Northern

Those and able to short journeys they can keep up a

used for travelling-carts are of great travel considerable distances

consumed.

breed of large white size

and

cattle.

strength,

The breed of horses raised in the pace of about 6 miles an hour. Kathiawar Districts is celebrated throughout India. Land Tenures.— Wih. regard to lands which pay revenue, it may be broadly laid down that they are at the absolute disposal of cultivators holding them at its pleasure, and

the Government, the

not being in any degree proprietors, except when they acquired rights either by direct grant or immemorial custom.

have Still,