Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 7.djvu/62

MAHARAJAH OF BHURTPOOR. was about eleven years old, a minor under education, and when the affairs of his state were conducted by a council of regency, presided over by the Political Agent at his court. In February, 1874, he entered his twenty-third year. On the 10th June, 1869, he was invested with the administration of Bhurtpoor; but being still under age, with some restrictions, which were removed by a petition from his nobles being acceded to in 1871. In 1873 he requested that the Political Agent should not reside at Bhurtpoor, which was also complied with, so that he has now the absolute control of his own affairs in all respects without interference.

The Maharajah's name is Jeswunt Singh, his titles Maharaja Dhiraj Sewaye Brijendur-Jeswunt Singh Bahadoor. The revenues of his state in 187 1-2 were Rs. 2,767,214, or about £276,721 sterling, the Bhurtpoor rupee being of somewhat less value than the government coinage. He maintains a force of 1,500 cavalry, and 7,400 infantry, artillery, and mounted police, with twenty-one field guns, and seventeen in his forts. He has been carefully educated, and is acquainted with English, Persian, and Hindee the vernacular of his principality. He is a most promising native ruler, and bids fair to maintain his high position with loyalty to the British Government, and good effect to his people. During the Maharajah's minority, the state affairs were managed by a council of regency presided over by the English Political Agent, and the result was beneficial to the state. The revenue has increased by six lacs, £60,000, and many improvements, such as irrigation works, roads, hospitals, dispensaries, &c., were commenced; and it is satisfactory to observe that these good works will be carried on by His Highness.

During the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh to India in 1869, the Maharajah went to Calcutta to meet him, and invite him to Bhurtpoor, where he was entertained in a sumptuous manner. It is to be regretted that the Maharajah lost his son and heir, and also the Maharanee, in the year 1869; the boy had long been delicate as well as his mother.