Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/186

178 Sátára, a child was placed on the Masnad instead of Apá Sáhib. Lord Hastings, who endeavoured as far as he could to abstain from all interference in the internal affairs of the native states, desired to set up a Hindu administration, but after a short experiment the plan failed, and for some years British officers had to carry on the government, under the Resident and in the name of the young Rájá. The Governor-General made continual efforts to form a native ministry and so relieve himself of a charge which he had unwillingly undertaken, and which was contrary to the general policy adopted in the unabsorbed provinces; but during his stay in India, this alteration was impossible, and the change was made later. It should, however, be added here that in order to secure entire control over the foreign affairs of the Bhonsla's dominions, his army was placed under British officers.

The re-settlement consequent upon the third Maráthá war extended also, but in a minor degree, to the states of Haidarábád and of Baroda, where hostilities had not disturbed the relations of the princes who reigned there with the Supreme Government. A readjustment of territory was subsequently made in the Nizám's dominions, and in 1822 that sovereign was relieved of the antiquated claims which the Peshwá had upon him, in the shape of 'chauth' or quarter revenues, — a form of tribute which, being irregularly levied and often resisted, led to interminable disputes, and was the cause of considerable trouble. The Nizám, moreover, received certain districts which, lying geo-