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41
MODERN HYDERABAD.


So far the present ruler has shewn no inclination to interfere with government revenue, which pays for the administration, the Courts of Justice, the State army, the Public Service, etc. His Highness is much too intelligent and enlightened a ruler to jeopardise the good government of the State, the loyalty of his subjects, and the good- will of the Government of India by such a course of conduct. With other Nizams it has. however, been different; and it is well to bear in mind that the powers of the ruler of Hyderabad are almost limitless, not only as regards Paigah and Jagir lands, where he can give or take away as he pleases, and Sarf-i-khas lands, which he rules as a private landlord, but also concerning the lands and the revenue of the government. His Highness can, and does, banish from his Dominions such persons as seem to him to be undesirable residents; he appoints guardians and directors for his young nobles; and if a Jagirdar is oppressing the ryots, he suspends or deposes the offender. But he does not touch what may be called "public monies," although he is cognisant and gives his consent to all that is done with them. He receives yearly from the government revenue