Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/182

174 no small ability and discretion, and of considerable education and character; he was instrumental in adjusting difficulties as they arose by his own authority, without resorting to British intervention — a course which was sometimes necessary, but which was discouraged and sparingly applied, and only followed in cases of extreme urgency. Under his guidance and by the advice and assistance of Sir J. Malcolm, the confusion existing in the principality was rapidly removed. It was, however, found impossible to separate, in any thoroughly satisfactory manner, Holkar's territories from those of Sindhia, with which they were interwoven in a very confused and in true Maráthá fashion, but the Resident was always present to smooth over and to arbitrate upon differences should they arise. By the treaty just mentioned, portions of Holkar's dominions north of Búndi and south of the Sátpura hills were ceded, and Múlhár Ráo renounced for ever the rights he arrogated to himself in Rájputána. In this manner his territories were considerably diminished, but on the other hand the principality was made more compact, and was easier to govern. As a result, the revenues which had been only four lakhs of rupees, raised with difficulty, amounted in 1826, when Tántia Jogh died, to as much as thirty-five lakhs.

The arrangement made with Sindhia in November, 1817, had been of a temporary character. Before dispersing the army which was watching him and