and acknowledge the right of the Government to try European British subjects who are charged with offences in their territories; and they cooperate in measures for the suppression of dakaiti (gang robbery) and other violent crimes. On the other hand, the Government of India agree to respect the rights of the States, not to interfere in their internal administration, so long as that is conducted with justice, and to protect them from external aggression. The integrity of each State is observed; and the right of succession is maintained, not only to direct heirs, but, on the failure of such heirs, by adoption in accordance with the rules which govern, by mutual consent, the exercise of this prerogative.
It will thus be seen that a system of imperium in imperio has been established, which, while it upholds the dignity of feudatory Chiefs, raises them to their legitimate position as Princes of the Empire; for in the days of the Mogul Empire, when the great Akbar essayed the task of conciliating the Rajput chiefs, his policy was to utilize their services, and to treat them as pillars of the State (Arkan-i-daulat).
The policy of the Government of India is identical in this respect with that of Akbar; but whereas the Mogul Emperor had only the Rajput Chiefs to deal with, the paramount power of England has during the last century taken under its protection a vast number of principalities in all parts of India, which survived the destruction of the dynasty of the Moguls, or escaped demolition by the Mahrattas, the Pindaris, and the Sikhs; while many have sprung into existence as the result of British victories and the establishment of British authority.
It has been said that Native States are a hundred years behind the rest of India in civilization. This may be true; but it is nevertheless the case that the subjects of these States prefer the despotism of their Chiefs to the laws and regulations under which British provinces are governed. Instances have been brought to light of chaotic misrule, grinding exactions, cruelty, and barbarism
