The Golden Book of India

The Golden Book of India (1893)
by Roper Lethbridge

2544029The Golden Book of India1893Roper Lethbridge

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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THE

GOLDEN BOOK

OF

INDIA

A GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF THE

RULING PRINCES, CHIEFS, NOBLES, AND OTHER

PERSONAGES, TITLED OR DECORATED

OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE

BY

Sir ROPER LETHBRIDGE, K.C.I.E.

London

MACMILLAN AND CO.

AND NEW YORK

1893

Printed by R. & R. Clark, Edinburgh

By Special Permission

DEDICATED

TO

HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY

Victoria

QUEEN EMPRESS OF INDIA

INTRODUCTION

I.—Sources of Information.

NO official authority whatever attaches to this work, or to any statement in it. The Editor has received the most kind and valuable assistance from all those Indian officials who have charge of matters relating to Dignities and Titles; but he is alone responsible for the contents of The Golden Book of India. Much of the information has been derived from the Princes, Noblemen, and Gentlemen whose names are included herein. To each one has been sent, so far as it has been found possible, a prospectus of this work, with a request for information, and with specimens of the form in which that information is desired; and in every case in which that appeal has been responded to, the fullest consideration has been given to the particulars submitted for insertion. It is hoped that, now the work in its experimental form is once before the Indian public, all those who are interested in its accuracy will send their suggestions, whether for additions, or for alterations or corrections, direct to the Editor, care of Messrs. Macmillan and Co., 29 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C. It will readily be understood that in a work of such magnitude, involving reference to some thousands of persons, individual correspondence must be impossible; and consequently the Editor, while assuring those who favour him with their communications that these shall receive the most careful attention, hopes that he will be forgiven if he is unable to reply separately to each one.

The task of compiling this much-needed work has been of far greater difficulty than was expected. Some of the difficulty has been due to its novelty ; for among those who have sent information regarding themselves and their families, there has naturally been little uniformity in method or scale. This difficulty will, it is anticipated, soon disappear. But the chief difficulty has been owing to the fact that India stands alone among civilised nations in possessing no special Department, College, or Chancery, charged with the duty—a very necessary duty from the point of view alike of expediency and of national dignity—of recording and certifying national honours and titles, of regulating their conferment, and of controlling their devolution where hereditary. The Foreign Department of the Government of India, being that Department which has charge of the relations of the Paramount Power with the Feudatory States and their Rulers, naturally and properly directs so much of this business of State as cannot by any possibility be shirked. But the question of the very necessary establishment of a Heralds' College, or a Chancery of Dignities, has only once (in 1877) been seriously faced and then its solution was postponed.

The results of this neglect are already deplorable, and must ere long receive the attention of the Government of India. Indian titles are officially defined to be, either by grant from Government, i.e. a new creation by Her Imperial Majesty the Queen Empress through her representative; or "by descent, or by well-established usage." The Government alone can be the judge of the validity of claims, and of their relative strength, in the case of titles acquired by "descent" or by "well-established usage." And it is clear that this Royal Prerogative, to be properly used, ought to be exercised openly and publicly through the medium of a regular College or Chancery. It is, of course, true that the Foreign Department possesses a mass of more or less confidential information, and thoroughly efficient machinery, for deciding all questions of the kind, when such questions are submitted to, or pressed upon, the notice of Government. But when that is not the case, there seems to be no public authority or accessible record for any of the ordinary Indian titles, or for the genealogy of the families holding hereditary titles. Much confusion has already arisen from this, and more is likely to arise. In the Lower Provinces of Bengal alone, there are at this moment some hundreds of families possessing, and not uncommonly using, titles derived from extinct dynasties or from common repute, yet not hitherto recognised formally by the British Government ; and these, sometimes justly, but more frequently perhaps unjustly, are in this way placed in a false and invidious position. The State regulation of all these matters, in a plain and straightforward manner, would undoubtedly be hailed with pleasure in India by princes and people alike.

In equal uncertainty is left, in many cases, the position of the descend- ants of ancient Indian royal and noble families ; as also that of the Nobles of Feudatory States, the subjects of ruling and mediatised princes.

Then, too, there is endless confusion in the banners, badges, and devices that are borne, either by the custom of the country or by personal assumption, by various families and individuals. Tod's learned work on The Annals of The Annals of Rájásthán^[1] taught us long ago that badges and family emblems were as characteristic of Rajput chivalry as of the feudalism of Europe—appealing to similar sentiments, and similarly useful for historical and genealogical purposes. To this day hundreds of Chiefs and country gentlemen in Rájputáná, in Central India, in Káthiáwár, and in many other parts, use their ancestral devices in their seals or accompanying their signature. Thus every petty Thákur (as well as Chiefs of higher degree), from Oudh in the East to the Western Sea, who can trace his descent from the proud Chauhán clan of Rájputs that gave the last Hindu Emperors to Delhi and Ajmir, still claims his ancestral right to the Chauhán santak, or device on seal and for signature, called the "Chakra" (see the drawing at p. 100). Figures of Hanumán (the Monkey God), of the Sacred Peacock, and of the Sacred Garur or Eagle, take the place, in the heraldry of the East, of the lions, the leopards, and the fleur-de-lys of the more elaborate and artificial coatarmour of the West. The kulcha, or "lucky chapáti" (biscuit), with the silver quatrefoils, on the green flag of the Nizám, the red oriflamme of the " Sun of the Hindus " (the Maháráná of Udaipur), the falcon of Márwár, the Gangetic dolphin of Darbhanga, the white and green stripes of the late Sir Salar Jang, and many other hereditary devices and emblems, have long been and still are familiar in India. But there seems to be no authority by whom the use of such emblems is directed or controlled ; nor has the Government of India ever had the prudence to avail itself of the rich store of revenue that might easily, and indeed (from the historical and genealogical point of view) usefully, be raised from the fees and duties to be derived from the extended use of armorial bearings. It is hoped that the publication of this work may have some influence in inducing the Government of India to establish that very necessary institution, a Heralds' College or Chancery of Dignities, in connection with its Political Department—or, perhaps better, to petition Her Majesty to attach a duly-constituted Indian Department to the College of Arms in London under the Garter King of Arms.

In the existing circumstances—it may be hoped only temporarily existing —described above, the Editor has felt constrained, very reluctantly in many cases, to decline to insert the particulars of any titles that have not been more or less formally recognised by the Government of India, except in about half a dozen very special cases, where there could not by any possibility be any doubt of the authenticity of the claims. For instance, in the case of the Raikat of Baikanthpur, in the district of Jalpaiguri, Bengal, the title appears to be unique in India—and there can be no doubt whatever that it has been borne by something like twenty generations of hereditary kinsmen of the Rajas of Kuch Behar ; some account of this singularly interesting title has been inserted, though there is some reason to doubt whether it appears in any official list. And so, too, with a few well-known courtesy titles (see § 8 of this Introduction).

2.—METHOD OF ARRANGEMENT.

After much thought and deliberation, it has been determined that, at least for this first edition of The Golden Book which in many respects must necessarily have something of the nature of an experiment the Arrangement of the work shall be simply alphabetical. In future editions it is possible that the volume may be divided into separate parts, distinguishing between Ruling Princes on the one hand, and Dignitaries and Titled Personages of British India on the other or possibly distinguishing between Territorial Titles and others. But the difficulties of classification would be exceedingly great in a large number of cases, and any attempt in that direction would certainly greatly delay the appearance of the work. And, after all, even the most careful and accurate classification would, for practical purposes, be of very little use ; for, as the next section of this Introduction will show, there is at present no strict gradation of titles and of some titles the relative values, strange as this may seem, are different in different parts of India.

In India itself, the relative social importance of the various Dignitaries included in this work is well known, and any attempt further closely to define precedence would be an invidious as well as unnecessary task.

For European readers it may perhaps be sufficient to give very rough and general analogies from the European system. For instance, the relative position of such potentates as the Nizám of the Deccan or the Mahárájá of Mysore to the Indian Empire may not unfitly be compared with that of the King of Saxony to the German Empire. The hereditary Mahárájás, Rájás, and Nawábs of British India occupy a position very similar to that of the British Peerage at home ; while the holders of the lower titles may be compared with our Knights Bachelors, and the Knights and Companions of the Military Orders. Among the ruling chiefs, their comparative position and importance may also be estimated by observing the area and population of their respective States, as compared with the smaller Kingdoms and Principalities of Central Europe.

3.—INDIAN TITLES : GENERAL.

A list of one hundred and ninety-six different titles known to the Government of India has been compiled in the Indian Foreign Office. Even this long list can hardly be regarded as exhaustive, for it does not include many dynastic appellations which have come to be regarded in the light of titles, such as Gaekwár, the dynastic name of the Mahárájás of Baroda; Sindhia, that of the Mahárájás of Gwalior; Holkar, that of the Mahárájás of Indore. Nor does it include such titles as that of Yuvaráj or Jubaráj (Youthful Rájá), often applied (as lately in Manipur) to the heir to the Ráj. And it is of course exclusive of the, Military Orders of Knighthood.

The majority of these titles are Hindu (derived chiefly from the Sanskrit language), or Muhammadan (derived chiefly from the Persian). The Burmese titles, though lengthy, are few in number; while still fewer are Arakanese (or Magh), Thibetan, Afghan, Baluch, Somáli, etc. Two distinguished Parsi families have received the English title of Baronet; while one Madras family, the descendants of the old Nawábs of the Carnatic, has the English title of "Prince of Arcot," called also "Amir-i-Arcot." The title of Prince is also often given by courtesy as the English rendering of the title of "Sháhzáda," conferred by Her Majesty the Empress on certain descendants of the Tippu dynasty of Mysore, of the old kings of Oudh, and of former Amirs of Afghanistan.

Some Indian titles are personal; others have been recognised by Her Majesty as hereditary. It is intended in this work to distinguish those which are hereditary from those which are personal.

In the list of one hundred and ninety-six titles mentioned above (which is given below, in section II of this Introduction, with a glossary of their meanings where known), some are specific titles, analogous to the English "Duke," "Earl," etc.; such are Mahárájá, Rájá, Nawáb. Some are descriptive titles, somewhat analogous to the "Defender of the Faith" borne by our Gracious Sovereign; such are Shamsher Jang ("The Sword of War"), a title borne by His Highness the Mahárájá of Travancore, and Fath Jang, one of the many titles borne by His Highness the Nizám of the Deccan. Titles of the latter form are generally confined to a single personage or dynasty; but a few are common to more than one State, as Lokendra ("Protector of the World"), borne by the Chiefs of Dholpur and Dattia.

4.—INDIAN TITLES: RULING CHIEFS.

The normal or typical title of Chiefs or Nobles of Hindu descent is Rájá (in the feminine Ráni), or some of its numerous kindred forms. Some of the latter are Ráná, Rao, Ráwal, Ráwat, Rai, Raikwár, Raikbár, Raikat. To these is added, to indicate excess of rank, the prefix Mahá ("Great"), as in Mahárájá, Maháráná, Mahárao, Mahárájá-Ráná, etc. The affix Bahádur ("Brave," "The Hero") is very commonly added (as an extra honorific) to all Indian titles, Muhammadan as well as Hindu, and is placed at the end of the name, much like the English "Esquire." Saheb is a somewhat similar affix, and is very commonly used as a courteous form of address; when used as the supplement of a title it indicates a rank somewhat less than Bahádur, thus Rao Bahádur and Khán Bahádur are titles usually of rather more consideration than Rao Saheb or Khán Saheb. Thákur is also a frequently-used Hindu title. Some important feudatory Chiefs bear no other title, but it usually is of less consideration than Rájá.

Diwán and Sardár are titles very similar in character to that of Thákur; but they are common to Hindus and Muhammadans.

The normal or typical title of a Chief or Noble of Muhammadan descent is Nawáb (with Begam as its feminine form); usually with the honorific suffix of Bahádur, and in forms of courteous address with that of Saheb. The title of Sháhzáda ("King's Son") is given to some descendants of the Tippu dynasty of Mysore, to some descendants of former Amirs of Kábul, and to some descendants of the old Kings of Oudh. Other Muhammadan titles—sometimes equivalent in consideration to Nawáb, but not always—are Wali, Sultán, Amir, Mir, Mirza, Mián, Khán; also Sardár and Diwán, which are common to Hindus and Muhammadans.

Among the Ruling Chiefs there are some exceptional titles, due sometimes to differences of language, sometimes to other known causes, and sometimes of unknown origin. The first and greatest of all the Princes of the Empire is always known as the Nizám of the Deccan—a relic of the time when His Highness's ancestors were mediatised kings under the Emperor of Delhi. The title, though implying in itself fealty to an Imperial authority, is one of the highest dignity, and can hardly be translated by any European title less august than "king"; it is therefore a suitable title for the first mediatised prince under the Indian Empire, charged with the absolute rule over an area more than twice as large as that of Bavaria and Saxony combined, and a population greater than that of the two kingdoms named.

Holkar and Sindhia are rather of the nature of dynastic names than of titles; and the Gaekwár (the title of one of the greatest of the Ruling Chiefs) is of a similar nature, having been originally a caste name ; and all these three are relics of the Mahratta Empire.

Among the exceptional titles due to difference of language may be noticed that of Jám, which is of Sindhi or Baluch origin; there are two Jáms of ruling rank in Káthiáwár, and one in Baluchistán. The Ruler of Spiti, an outlying Himalayan principality in the Punjab, is known as the Nono of Spiti—"Nono" being a Thibetan form. One of the Assamese Rájás is known as "the Bohmong"; another simply as "the Mong Rájá." Some of the Madras Chiefs have peculiar titles of local origin. Thus, the Maharájá of Calicut bears the historic title of "the Zamorin"—probably a local corruption of the Malayalam Samundri, or "sea-king." The Maharaja of Puducotta is known as "the Tondiman"; and some other Madras Rajas are called "the Valiya Rájá." Nine Feudatories (eight in the Bombay Presidency and one at Muscat in Arabia) bear the title of Sultán. The descendants of the ancient chiefs of Sind are called Mirs; the Chief of Afghanistan is called Amir. The Chief of Kalát in Baluchistán is both a Mir and a Wali, and has been created (like the Amir of Afghanistan) a Grand Commander of the Star of India. In the Aden territory, which is subordinate to the Bombay Government, some of the chiefs bear the title of Girad, which is of Somáli origin; others are known by the Arabic titles of Sultán, Amir, and Shaikh. Some of the heads of Hindu religious bodies are hereditary feudal chiefs; and their title is Mahant.

All, or most of the titles mentioned above, though recognised by the British Government, have come down to us from earlier times. Her Majesty has, in a few very special cases, authorised a change of title among the Feudatories; as, for instance, when a Thákur Saheb has been authorised to use the higher title of Mahárájá Bahádur. But, generally speaking, when it is wished to confer honour on a ruling prince, it is conferred, not by a change in the ancient title of chiefship, but by appointment to one or other of the classes of the Orders of the Star of India or the Indian Empire by the addition of descriptive titles by an increase in the number of guns authorised for the salute, such increase being usually a personal one or by the conferment of Honorary military rank in the Imperial army.

5.—TITLES RECOGNISED, AND REGULARLY CONFERRED BY HER MAJESTY

THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.

In British India there is now a well-established order and gradation of nobility; in which creations and promotions are made by Her Gracious Majesty's representative, the Viceroy, just as similar creations and promotions are made in England. In the higher ranks of this nobility, an additional step or grade in each rank is made by the custom, unknown as yet in England, of making the creation or promotion in some cases personal, in others hereditary. But no rank below that of Rájá for Hindus, or Nawáb for Muhammadans, is now created hereditary.

Rai (or Rao in Southern and Western India) for Hindus, and Khán for Muhammadans, are the first or least considerable titles conferred by the British Government. These, with or without the affix of Saheb, which adds to the dignity, are very commonly ex officio titles, held by the subordinate officers of civil departments. Next above Rai Saheb, Rao Saheb, or Khán Saheb comes the title Rai Bahádur, Rao Bahádur, or Khán Bahadur; and this is the title though it has sometimes also been made simply an ex officio title which is usually first conferred on Indian gentlemen who have distinguished themselves by their munificence, by their patriotism, or in any other way. Rai Bahádur is commonly used as the Hindu title in the Bengal Presidency, Rao Bahádur as that in the west and south of India, and Khán Bahádur for Muhammadans and Parsis; and this rank seems exactly analogous to that of Knight Bachelor in England.

Above this rank is the title of Rájá (with the feminine Ráni) for Hindus, Nawáb (with the feminine Begam) for Muhammadans; and this may be hereditary or personal a remark which applies to all the higher ranks. Next higher is a Rájá Bahádur, or a Nawáb Bahádur. Higher again, for Hindus, is the title of Mahárájá, and above that is Mahárájá Bahádur. It is one of the many anomalies of the Indian system as at present existing, that there do not seem to be any Muhammadan analogies to these last two highest Hindu titles, so that a Nawáb Bahádur may be the equal either of a Rájá Bahádur, or of a Mahárájá Bahádur, according to circumstance. These seem to be very analogous to the various steps in the British Peerage.

Parsis share with Muhammadans their lower titles. But where they have attained to higher rank than Khán Bahádur, it has been indicated by appointment to one of the Military Orders, or by the conferment of British Knighthood, or (in two cases) by a British Baronetcy. The ordinary sequence of rank, then, in the aristocracy of British India, is indicated by the subjoined tables:—

Hindus.	Muhammadans.
Mahárájá Bahádur.	Nawáb Bahádur.
Mahárájá	Nawáb.
Rájá Bahádur.	Khán Bahádur.
Rájá	Khán Saheb.
Rai (or Rao) Bahádur.	Khán.
Rai (or Rao) Saheb.
Rai (or Rao).

The eldest son of a Mahárájá or Rájá is called a Mahárájkumár (or Mahárájkunwár), or Rájkumár (or Rájkunwár), or simply Kumár (or Kunwár); and these titles have in some cases been formally conferred by the Government. Nawábzáda, or Mián, is the title given to the sons of Nawábs.

Among the Barons of the Punjab there is a remarkable uniformity of title; they are nearly all styled Sardár or Sardár Bahádur and their sons are often styled Mián, though this is also an independent title, as is Diwán also, in the Punjab. In Oudh and in the Central Provinces, on the other hand, there is the greatest diversity in the form of the territorial titles Thákur being the commonest title, but Rai is also frequent (and of far higher dignity than it seems to bear in some other Provinces), and so are Rájá, Diwán, and Rao.

6.—BURMESE TITLES.

The chiefs of the Shan and other tribes on the frontiers of Burma have the titles (equivalent to Rájá or Thákur, or other Indian titles) either of Sawbwa, or Myoza, or Ngwegunhmu.

But the regular Burmese titles ordinarily conferred by the British Government are these:—

(1) Ahmúdan gaung Tazeik-ya Min (meaning "Recipient of a Medal for Good Service"), indicated by the letters A.T.M. after the name—much as the Companionship of the Bath in England is indicated by the letters C.B.

(2) Kyet Thaye zaung shwe Salwe ya Min (meaning "Recipient of the Gold Chain of Honour"), indicated by the letters K.S.M. after the name.

(3) Thuye-gaung Ngweda ya Min (meaning " Recipient of the Silver Sword for Bravery"), indicated by the letters T.D.M. after the name.

7.—TITLES AS REWARDS FOR LEARNING.

It remains to notice two Imperial titles of ancient origin, as indicating exceptional distinction in learning, that were revived on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty's Jubilee. These are Mahámahopádhyáya for Hindus, and Shams-ul-Ulama for Muhammadans. It is noteworthy, as showing a wise regard for that reverence which great erudition has always commanded in the East, that holders of these titles, ranking equally among themselves according to date of creation, take rank directly after titular Rájás and Nawábs; and thus the dignity is rendered somewhat analogous to the high Dignity of a Privy Councillor in the United Kingdom.

8.—COURTESY TITLES.

There are many titles habitually used in India and a few have been admitted into this work that are not substantive titles in the strictest sense of the term, but may best be described as courtesy titles. Of this nature is the title of "Prince" in most cases though not in the case of the Prince of Arcot, who enjoys a title specially conferred by the Sovereign. The title of "His Highness," conferred or recognised by the Queen Empress, belongs as of right only to a limited number of the Feudatory Chiefs, and to a few of the Nobles of British India ; but it is very generally conceded, as a matter of courtesy, to most of the Feudatory Chiefs and the greater Territorial Nobles. The title of "His Excellency" has been specially granted to one or two Chiefs; it is also commonly used, as a matter of courtesy, in addressing the responsible Ministers of the chief Feudatory States.

The owners of some great Zamindáris or estates, especially in Madras, are sometimes styled Raja in common parlance, even when they have not received that title from the Sovereign. But there seems to be no authority for this; nor so far as is known to the Editor, and with the few exceptions above noted is any name inserted in this work as that of a Rájá, or as holding a similar title, unless recognised by the Government of India.

Immemorial usage throughout India has conferred well-recognised courtesy titles on the heirs-apparent of the greater titles; and in some cases on the second, third, fourth, and younger sons. There is at least one Rájá whose eldest son bears the courtesy title of Kunwár, the second son that of Diwán, the third that of Thákur, the fourth that of Lál, and the fifth and younger sons that of Bábu. It may here be noted that, in common use in Bengal, the title of Bábu has degenerated like the French Monsieur and the English Esquire into a mere form of address; but it belongs of right only to a very limited class and particularly to the sons, not otherwise titled, of the greater titled personages. In Orissa, Chota Nágpur, and Central India, the eldest son of a Rájá or Thákur frequently bears the title of Tikait or Tikaildo; and sometimes (but rarely) the second son bears the title of Pothait or Pothaildo, and the third that of Lál. But in most, probably in all, cases, the younger sons are styled Bábu. In some of the Orissa Tributary Maháls, and in Manipur and in Hill Tipperah and elsewhere, the heir-apparent is styled Jubaráj or Yuvaráj. In some other parts he is called Diwán; while in the Punjab the heir-apparent of a territorial Sardár is sometimes also called Sardár, but more commonly he bears the title of Mián.

The curious Marumakkatayam law of inheritance which prevails in Malabar and the extreme south of India under which the succession is to the offspring of the female members of the family, among whom the next eldest to the Rájá is the heir-apparent makes it very fitting that the rank of an heir-apparent, in those parts of India, should be marked by special titles. The heir-apparent to His Highness the Mahárájá of Travancore is often called by Europeans the First Prince of Travancore; but his proper courtesy title is "the Elaya Rájá." The same title is borne by the heir-apparent to His Highness the Maharájá of Cochin. The heir-apparent to the Zamorin of Calicut bears, by courtesy, the interesting title of "The Eralpad." It will be seen that, under the Marumakkatayam law, no son of a Rájá can ever be in the line of succession; these receive the courtesy title of Achchhan.

The colloquial use of the dynastic titles of Sindhia and Holkar may be illustrated by a somewhat similar Scottish usage, by which the actual Chief or Laird is colloquially known by the name of his estate. Mr. Cameron becomes "Lochiel" the moment he succeeds to the estate of that name; so one of these young Princes becomes "Sindhia" the moment he succeeds to the Gwalior Ráj, and the other becomes "Holkar" the moment he succeeds to the Indore Ráj—the junior members of these ruling Houses using the title as their family name.

9.—ARMORIAL BEARINGS.

The Editor has already pointed out, in an earlier section of this Intro- duction, the need that exists for the services of an Indian King of Arms and an Indian Heralds' College. Such an institution, provided due regard were paid to Indian sentiments and prejudices, would be immensely popular among the Chiefs and notables of India ; and a very considerable revenue might yearly be raised, with the greatest goodwill on the part of those who would pay it, from a moderate duty, similar to the one levied in the United Kingdom, on the authorised use of hereditary cognisances or armorial bearings. At present an Indian noble is justly proud of a cognisance that has been honourably borne for centuries by his ancestors, and would prefer to use it with full legal authority ; but it is doubtful whether he can do so at all, except by a most difficult and most unusual application to the Earl Marshal of England and the Garter King of Arms in London, for an authorised grant. So, too, with more modern adoptions of coat-armour; these have been authorised by the College of Arms in London for the two Indian Baronets, and perhaps for a few more but as a rule the modus operandi is unknown.

Wherever the Editor has been able to obtain a sketch of the cognisance or device usually used by .any Chief or that has been emblazoned on his banner, on such public occasions as the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi, on the Proclamation of Her Most Gracious Majesty as Empress of India a copy has been given in this work in the actual form used, without regard to the question of its being duly authorised by the College of Arms, or of its being in accordance with the laws of European- heraldry. It is hoped that in a future edition this laxity will not be necessary, and that steps will in the meantime have been taken to regulate the devolution of ancient cognisances, and the assumption of new ones. It is stated that some of the Feudatory States have placed coats of arms on the postage stamps in use within their limits; and it is quite clear that the use of such emblems is rapidly becoming common.

In the case of all those Chiefs whose banners were displayed at the Imperial Assemblage of 1st January 1877, i.e all the Chiefs of highest rank the emblems then used were used "by authority"; and copies of some of them have been obtained for this work. The editor will be glad to be favoured with copies of others, sent through Messrs. Macmillan and Co.; and will give his best consideration to them, though he must not be taken to pledge himself to the insertion of any.

10.—CEREMONIES OBSERVED ON THE INSTALLATION OF AN INDIAN NOBLE.

The Warrant conferring (or authorising the hereditary succession to) a title is called a sanad—sometimes spelt "sunnud." It is signed, on behalf of Her Majesty the Empress, by His Excellency the Viceroy; and bears the Official Seal of the Empire.

It is usual though there appears to be no invariable rule—for the local representative of Her Majesty, on the occasion of the installation or succession of a Chief or Noble, to present him with a khilat, and receive from him a nazar in return. "Khilat" literally means "a Dress of Honour." It usually consists of pieces of cloth not made up; but sometimes it consists of arms, jewels, or other valuables, without any article of attire, although in most cases a turban and shawl form part of the gift. Indeed, a complete khilat may include arms, or a horse, or an elephant, or all of these together. The nazar (sometimes spelt nuzzur) must be of corresponding value to the khilat.

In the case of a Mahárájá Bahádur, or other noble of that rank, the khilat and sanad are presented, in full Darbár, by the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, or other Chief Civil Officer of the Province; or if they are unable to be present, by the Commissioner of the Division at the sudder-station (or capital).

To the Darbár are invited all the civil and military officers available, also all the Indian notables and gentry of the neighbourhood.

The chair of the Presiding Officer is placed in the middle, and that of the nobleman to be installed on his right. The brother, son, and any of the relatives of the nobleman who may be present, occupy places, according to their station, in the right-hand line.

The chairs for all the public functionaries are placed, according to their rank, on the left hand of the Presiding Officer's chair.

The local notables and gentry occupy chairs, also according to their rank, on the right hand of the Presiding Officer.

A company of soldiers is drawn up in front of the stairs, as a Guard of Honour.

On the arrival of the noble near the stairs, the Sarishtadar or Munshi of the Presiding Officer leads him to the audience. All functionaries, out of respect to him, rise from their chairs on the Chiefs reaching the Presiding Officer ; who then asks him to take his seat. All functionaries and Darbáris must have assembled and taken their seats before the Chiefs arrival.

After a short conversation, the Presiding Officer orders his Munshi to take the Chief to an adjoining room, prepared previously for the purpose, where he is robed with the different parchas of the khilat except the pearl necklace. After this, he is again brought into the Darbár room, and stands in front of the Presiding Officer. The latter, rising from his seat with all the functionaries present, then ties the pearl necklace round the neck of the Chief.

The Presiding Officer then orders the Munshi to read out the sanad. During the reading of the sanad the Presiding Officer and the functionaries resume their seats, while the Chief and the local notables and gentry rise.

The Chief presents the usual nazarána of gold mohurs, and then all resume their seats.

After a short pause, the Presiding Officer orders atr and pán to be brought; and standing up, serves out the same, first to the newly-installed Chief, and then to all the Indian notables and gentry present the Munshi bringing up each one in turn to receive the atr and pán.

They all then take their leave, and the ceremony is at an end.

The ceremony of the Installation of a Rájá Bahádur, or titled personage of lower rank than a Mahárájá Bahádur, is very similar to the one described above. But the Guard of Honour is not so large, and it is not necessary that the Chief Civil Officer of the Province should be present. Also, the sarpech, pearl necklace, or whatever may compose the khilat, is handed by the Commissioner to the Collector or Assistant Collector of the district in which the Chiefs estates are situated, and he requests him to invest the Chief with it.

A ceremonial similar to those described above is observed when a Knight Grand Commander, or a Knight Commander, or a Companion of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, or of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, is invested with the insignia of the Order by the representative of the Empress.

II.—LIST OF INDIAN TITLES, WITH A GLOSSARY OF THEIR

MEANINGS WHERE KNOWN.

TITLES.	⁠	MEANING.
Achchhan		Achchhan (Malayalam a fathe, used also as a title of respect, and in Malabar applied especially to the males of the Royal family who have no office or official rank in the State (Glos. of Indian Terms).
Ahmudan gaung Tazeik-ya Min (A.T.M. after name)		Recipient of a medal for good service (Burmese).
Ahsan Jang		Excellent in war.
Ajahat Sar Deshmukh		(Ajahat, Persian Wajahat a title of honour to a Vicegerent or representative, as one exhibiting the presence of a fully authorised deputy (Mar. Diet.)

Alijdh (Sindhia) . . . Amin-ud-daula" (Tonk) Amir ...... Amir-ud-daula" Sayyid-ul-Mulk Mumta*z Jang Amir-ul-Umara ..... Arbdb Asaf Jdh (Nizdm) .... Azam ...... Azam-ul-Umara (Baoni) Azim-ul-Iktiddr (Sindhia) . Bahddur Bahddur Desai ..... Bahadur Jang (Bhartpur) . Bara"r Bans (Faridkot) Bardr Bans Sirmur (Na"bha) Begam (Bhopdl. See Nawdb Begam) Beglar Begi (Kaldt) . Bhup (Kuch Behar) . Bohmong (Chief of the Regritsa Maghs) Brajendra (Bhartpur) Chaube Chaudhri ...... Chhatrapati Mahdraj (Kolhapur) DaVar Deshmukh

Of exalted dignity. Trustee of the State. Prince, chief. A prince of the State, distinguished in war. Chief of the nobles. Lord. An Asaf (Solomon's Wazir, according to the Muhammadans) in dignity. Very great. The greatest of the nobles. Most powerful. Brave ; a hero ; at the 'end of a name a title = the English "Honourable." Desdi (Mar/^Truler of a province. Brave in war. Offspring of a Bardr (a Jat tribe. The Raja" of Faridkot is head of the tribe Griffin). Sirmur^ a crowned head. Lady ; queen ; title of Mughal ladies. Lord of lords. The Governor of Shiraz holds this title in Persia. Sovereign, king. (Arakanese) Head leader. Lord of Braj, an epithet of Krishna. A caste distinction. Head man of a village ; an honorific form of address. Lord of the umbrella. A king entitled to have an umbrella carried over him as a mark of dignity. A just prince, a sovereign. An hereditary native officer under the former Governments (Marathi). Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/22 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/23 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/24 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/25

NOTICE

This Edition of The Golden Book of India is up to date. It contains the Honours conferred in January 1893—including fifty-four new Titles, and nine appointments to, or promotions in, the Orders of the Star of India and the Indian Empire, gazetted in Calcutta on 2nd January 1893.

Communications relating to the Second Edition should be addressed to

SIR ROPER LETHBRIDGE, K.C.I.E.,

⁠c/o Messrs. Macmillan & Co.,

⁠29 Bedford Street,

⁠Covent Garden,

⁠LONDON, W.C.

January 31st, 1893.

ABAJI BALWANT BHISE, Rao Bahádur.

The title is personal, and was conferred on 11th September 1884.

Residence.—Bombay.

ABBAS ALI walad MUHAMMAD KHAN, Mir.

The title is hereditary. The Mir is a descendant of one of the Mirs or Chiefs of Sind at the time of the annexation.

Residence.—Sind.

ABBAS KHAN, MIRZA, C.I.E.

The Mirza was created a Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, 1st January 1882.

Residence.—

ABDUL ALI, Khán Bahádur.

The Khán Bahádur was born in 1863, and is a descendant of the old Nawábs of the Carnatic, being the son of Muazzaz-ud-daulá, and grandson of His late Highness Azim Jah, first titular Prince of Arcot. He was granted the personal title of Khán Bahádur in 1876.

Residence.—Madras.

ABDUL ALI, MIR, Khán Bahádur, and Sardár.

The titles are personal, and were conferred, the first on 22nd January 1873, and the second on 31st May 1891.

Residence.—Bombay.

ABDUL FATEH, MAULAVI, SAYYID, Khán Bahádur.

The title is personal, and was conferred on 1st January 1887.

Residence.—Násik, Bombay.

ABDUL FIROZ KHAN (of Sávanur), Nawáb.

The Nawáb is the uncle of the ruling Nawáb of Sávanur in the Dharwar district.

Residence.—Dharwar, Bombay.

ALI GAUHAR walad SHAH MUHAMMAD KHAN, Mir.

The title is hereditary, as in the last-mentioned case, and for the same reason.

Residence.—Shikárpur, Sind.

ALI GAUHAR KHAN, Khán Bahadur.

The title is personal, and was conferred on 9th June 1878.

Residence.—Punjab.

ALI HAIDAR walad ALI MUHAMMAD KHAN, Mir.

The title is hereditary, as the Mir is descended from one of the Mirs or Chiefs of Sind at the time of the annexation.

Residence.—Shikárpur, Sind.

ALI HASAN KHAN, Amir-ud-daulá Ihtisham-ul-Mulk, Bahádur, Shujáat Jang.

The title is personal, and was originally conferred by the late Muhammad Ali Sháh, formerly King of Oudh, in 1837. He is the grandson of the late Saádat Ali Khán, King of Oudh; and his title was recognised on the 4th December I877.

Residence.—Lucknow, Oudh.

ALI HUSAIN walad ALI AHMAD KHAN, Mir.

The title is hereditary, as the Mir is descended from one of the Mirs or Chiefs of Sind at the time of the annexation.

Residence.—Shikárpur, Sind.

ALI HUSAIN SARDAR MIRZA BAHADUR, Prince.

The Prince is the fourteenth son of the late King of Oudh, and his title is a courtesy title, personal to himself.

Residence.—Calcutta, Bengal.

ALI HUSAIN KHAN, Shams-ud-daulá Mukhtar-ul-Mulk, Bahádur, Mustakim Jang.

Is grandson of the late Saádat Ali Khán, King of Oudh. His titles were originally conferred by the late Muhammad Ali Sháh, King of Oudh; and were recognised by Government, 4th December 1877.

Residence.—Lucknow, Oudh.

ALI JAN, Khán Bahádur.

The title is personal, and was conferred on 1st January 1890.

The title is hereditary.

Residence. Jaunpur, North-Western Provinces.

BISHESHWAR BAKHSH SINGH, Rai.

The title is hereditary.

Residence. Partdbgarh, Oudh.

BISHNATH SINGH (of Katra Balkhera), Thdkur,

The title is hereditary, having been originally conferred by Raja Nizam Shah, Gond Raja of Mandla.

Residence. Jabalpur, Central Provinces.

BISHNU CHANDRA DATTA, Rai Bahadur.

Has rendered good service as Deputy Postmaster - General, Eastern Bengal, and received the title as a personal distinction on 25th May 1892.

Residence. Dacca, Bengal.

BISHUN NARAYAN (of Sidli), Rdjd.

The title is hereditary, and was conferred on i4th August 1868. Is the son of the late Raja Gauri Narayan, descended from a family said to be descended from the ancestors of the Maharaja of Kuch Behar. The founder received a jdgir from the Raja of Kuch Behar ; his descendants subsequently became subjects of the Mughal Empire, and in 1765 came under British rule. They were under Bhutiya control for some time, and reverted to British control after the Bhutan war in 1865.

Residence. Godlpdra, Assam.

BISHUNATH SINGH, Rao.

Born 1 5th September 1870; succeeded his father on ist October 1888. The title is hereditary, and is said to have been conferred originally on Raghubar Singh, Thakur, father of Rao Bishunath Singh, by Raja Gyan Chand.

Residence. Cawnpur, North- Western Provinces.

BOBBILI, Rdjd of.

INDORE, HIS HIGHNESS MAHARAJ-ADHIRAJ SHIVAJI RAO HOLKAR, BAHADUR, G.C.S.I., Maharaja of. A Ruling Chief.

Born 1860; succeeded to the gadi on 12th July 1886. His Highness's full titles are—His Highness Maháráj-Adhiráj Ráj Rájeshwar Sawai Sir Shivaji Rao Holkar Bahádur, Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. Holkar is the dynastic name of the Princes of this great Mahratta family, who have occupied a very conspicuous place in the history of India since the first half of the 18th century. It is derived from Hol, the name of the village on the Nira river in the Deccan, where, in 1693, was born Malhár Rao, the founder of the dynasty. It is an interesting fact in connection with the history of this Principality, that its administration has twice, at important periods, been in the hands of ladies of the family—once, most successfully, in those of the famous Ahalya Bai (1765-95), and once (less happily) in those of Tulsi Bái (1811-17). Malhár Rao adopted a military life in his early youth, and in the year 1724 entered the service of the Peshwá, from which time his rise was very rapid. Eight years later he had become the Commander-in-Chief of the Peshwá's armies, had conquered the Imperial Subahdar of Málwá, and had received, from the gratitude of the Peshwa, the territory of Indore, with most of the conquered territory. He continued to strengthen his position, and at the great battle of Panipat, in conjunction with Sindhia (see Gwalior, Mahárájá of), he commanded one division of the Mahratta hosts. After that disaster he retired to Indore, and devoted himself to the development of this great Principality, which he left in 1765 to his grandson, a minor named Mali Rao Holkar, in a state of prosperity. The latter died in a few months; and the administration was then assumed by his mother, Ahalya Bái, the daughter-in-law of the first Holkar. Aided by her Commander-in-Chief, Tukaji Rao Holkar, this clever and courageous lady ruled for thirty years, and left Indore, at her death in 1795, in a well-ordered and prosperous condition. Thereon much disorder ensued. At last Jeswant Rao Holkar, an illegitimate son of Tukaji, amid many vicissitudes of fortune, managed to maintain the position of the family. He defeated the combined armies of Sindhia and the Peshwá in 1802, and took possession of the Peshwá's capital of Poona; which, however, reverted to the Peshwá by British intervention after the Treaty of Bassein in the same year. Again, after the Treaty of Sarji Anjengaon, war ensued between Jeswant Rao Holkar and the Paramount Power, with varying fortune, till at length, in 1805, Holkar was forced to surrender to Lord Lake, and sign a treaty on the banks of the river Biás in the Punjab. He died in 1811, leaving a minor son, Malhár Rao Holkar; and the administration was carried on by Tulsi Bái, one of the concubines of the late Mahárájá, as Queen Regent. She was murdered in 1817 by her own officers; but the Indore army was defeated by the British forces at the battle of Mehidpur, and the Treaty of Mandesar followed in 1818, by which Malhár Rao Holkar became a feudatory Prince of the British Empire. He died in 1833 without issue. Mártand Rao Holkar was adopted as his successor, but was speedily deposed by his cousin, Hari Rao Holkar. The latter, dying in 1843 without issue, was succeeded by his adopted son, Khandi Rao, who died in 1844, and was succeeded by adoption by His late Highness the Maháráj-Adhiráj Tukaji Rao Holkar, father of the present Chief. Tukaji Rao was only eleven years old at the date of his accession, and was the second son of Bhao Holkar. In 1852 he attained his majority, and was invested with the full management of the State. In 1857 the Indore army mutinied, and besieged the British Resident, Sir Henry Durand, at Indore, who was exposed to much difficulty and danger in taking off the women and children to a place of safety at Bhopal. The Mahárájá, however, remained loyal, and his rebellious troops soon after were forced to lay down their arms. The Mahárájá subsequently received a sanad of adoption, an increased personal salute, and the rank of a Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. He died in 1886, and was succeeded by the present Maháráj-Adhiráj Bahádur. His Highness has visited England, and is known as a Prince of great enlightenment and ability. Like his illustrious father, he has received the rank of a Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. The area of his State is 8400 square miles; its population about 1,055,000, chiefly Hindus, but including about 73,000 Muhammadans, and 86,000 belonging to various aboriginal tribes. In size the State of Indore may be compared with the kingdoms of Saxony or Wurtemberg, but is larger than either. In population it may be compared with the Grand Duchies of Hesse or Baden, being more populous than the former, and less so than the latter. His Highness maintains a military force of 3231 cavalry, 6128 infantry, and 65 guns. He is entitled to a salute of 21 guns within the limits of Indore territory, and 19 guns elsewhere.

Residences. Calcutta ; and Ndrit, Amta, Howrah.

MAHESH SITLA BAKHSH SINGH (of Basti), Raja.

Born 1848. The title is hereditary, the Rajas of Basti belonging to a Kshatriya family claiming descent from a scion of the ancient Rajas of Kalhans. The founder of the latter family was Sej, who, with Tej his brother, in the i4th century came to Oudh and conquered the territories of the Dom Raja of Gonda. Tenth in descent from Sej was Raja Achal Singh, who granted Basti to his cousin, ancestor of the present Raja. The Raja has two sons Lai Patesir Partab Narayan Singh, born 8th August 1870 ; and Babu Bhavaneshwari Partab Narayan Singh, born 23rd February 1873.

Residence. Basti, North- Western Provinces.

MAHBSHWAR PRASAD SINGH, Maharaj-kumar Rao.

Is the brother of the Maharaja Bahadur of Gidhaur in Bengal. Educated in Sanskrit, Persian, Hindi, and English.

Residence. Gidhaur, Bengal.

MAHIMA RANJAN RAI CHAUDHRI, Raja.

Born ist January 1830; succeeded as Zaminddr of Panganur on 6th July 1847. His ancestor in the i5th century held the village of Sugatur under the Rajas of Vijayanagar. Later on the family founded the town of Kolar in Mysore, now famous for its gold mines, and acquired considerable territory in that neighbourhood. In the i6th century two brothers divided the estates between them; and by this partition the ancestor of the present Zaminddr acquired Kolar and Sugatur. Later on the family extended its influence in the direction of Cuddapah (Kadapa), and Panganur was seized and fortified, and this and other acquisitions were held under the Nawabs of Cuddapah. In 1757 A.D. the Mahrattas overran the Zaminddri, half of which was ceded to them. The Zaminddr subsequently became subject to Haidar Ali of Mysore, and passed under British control on the conquest of that dynasty. The Zaminddr has two sons Raje Sugatur Yimmidi Vira Basavanna Payal Yesunath Bahadur Varu, and Raje Sugatur Yimmidi Kumara Chikkara Payal Yesunath Bahadur Varu. The family banner bears the device of a bull. The Zaminddr was created a Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire on ist January 1884.

Residence. Panganur, North Arcot, Madras.

PANJAB SINGH (of Dhandwal), Sarddr.

The title is hereditary. The Sardar is brother of Sardar Partab Singh of Dhandwal (q.v.) belongs to a Jat family of Sikhs, whose founder, Sardar Man Singh, conquered territory on both sides of the Sutlej in the year 1759 A.D. His son, Sardar Joga Singh, was succeeded in turn by his son, Sardar Chanda Singh, the father of the Sardars Partab Singh, Panjab Singh, and Sher Singh, all of Dhandwal.

PIPLIANAQAR, MAKHDUM BAKHSH, Chief of . A Ruling Chief.

Succeeded to the gadi 26th October 1831. Is a co-sharer with Rahim Bakhsh in the Chiefship of this State, which contains a population of 716, chiefly Hindus. The Chiefs are descendants of Rajan Khan, brother of the Pmdari leader Chitu (see Jabria Bhil and Khajuria), who received from the British Government, on the settlement of Malwa, the/^Vj of Piplianagar, Khajuria, Jabria Bhil, and Jabria. On his death these jdgirs were made perpetual, and divided among his five sons.

Residence. Piplianagar, Bhopdl, Central India.

PIPLIANAGAR, RAHIM BAKHSH, Chief of.

A Ruling Chief.

Succeeded to the gadi 26th October 1831. Is a co-sharer with Makhdum Bakhsh in the Chiefship of this State. For an account of the family see under the heading of Piplianagar, Makhdum Bakhsh ; see also Jabria Bhil and Khajuria.

Residence. Piplianagar, Bhopa"!, Central India.

PIPLODA, THAKUR KESRI SINGH, Thdkur of. A Ruling Chief.

Born 1872; succeeded to the gadi as a minor 8th November 1888. Belongs to an ancient Doria Rajput family, claiming descent from Sadal Singh, who served under Mahmud Khilji, the Muhammadan King of Mandu, and received from him fa&jdgir of Piploda in Malwa as a reward for his valour and success in the field. Thirteenth in descent from Sddal Singh was the late Dulai Singh, Thakur of Piploda, who held the title of Maharaj Rawat, and succeeded to the gadi on 3oth November 1863. He died in 1888, and was succeeded by his eldest son, the present Thakur. The area of the State is 60 square miles; its population is 14,175, chiefly Hindus.

Residence. Piploda, Western Mdlwd, Central India.

PIR BAKHSH KHAN, SUBAHDAR-MAJOR, Sarddr Bahddur,

Khan Bahadur.

Born 1834. The title of Sardar Bahadur was conferred on 2ist Novem- ber 1882, and that of Khan Bahadur on ist June 1888, as personal dis- tinctions, in recognition of his eminent military services. Has been a distinguished officer of the 2nd and 3rd Baluchi Regiments, with an honour- able service of thirty -two years, having received the three medals of the Persian, Afghan, and Egyptian wars. With the title of Sarddr Bahddur he had the honour of receiving the Gold Star at the hands of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Empress ; and he also received the Egyptian Star from His Highness the Khedive of Egypt. Was one of Lord Roberts's officers in the famous march from Kabul to Kandahar, for which he received the Star. He served also in the China war. Is married, and has issue one daughter.

restoring order in the Garotha tahsil towards the close of the Mutiny. Rao Udiyajit owns seven villages in the Jhansi district. He has a son and heir, Lachhman Singh, aged twenty-six years.

Residence. Kakarbai, Jhdnsi, North-Western Provinces.

UGRA NARAYAN SINGH, Rai Bahadur.

The title was conferred on ist January 1877, as a personal distinction, on the occasion of the Proclamation of Her Most Gracious Majesty as Empress of India.

Residence. Supul, Bha"galpur, Bengal.

UJAMBAR. See Ajambar.

UJJAL SINGH (of Dhanaura), Sarddr.

Born 1858; succeeded to the title, which is hereditary, on the death of his father, the late Sardar Dewa Singh of Dhanaura. Belongs to a Khatri family of Sikh Sardars, descended from Hazuri Singh, whose eldest son, Sardar Dharam Singh, was the grandfather of Sardar Natha Singh, father of the late Sardar Dewa Singh of Dhanaura. The younger brothers of Sardar Dharam Singh were the Sardars Karam Singh and Sada Singh, both of whom made considerable conquests in the Punjab the last-named being the conqueror of Dhanaura and the neighbouring territory, which descended to the posterity of his elder brother, Sardar Dharam Singh. The family came under British protection with the other Cis-Sutlej States, and rendered good service during the Mutiny of 1857.

Residence. Dhanaura, Karndl, Punjab.

UJYAR SINGH (of Gormara), Thdkur.

The title is hereditary.

Residence. Gormara, Seoni, Central Provinces.

UMAKANT DAS, Rai Bahadur.

The title was conferred on ist January 1889, as a personal distinction, in recognition of eminent services in the Political Department, particularly in connection with the State of Hill Tipperah (q.v. in Bengal. The Rai Bahadur holds the position of Assistant Political Agent in Hill Tipperah.

Residence. Hill Tipperah, Bengal.

UMBD KUAR (of Fatehpur), Rand.

Belongs to a Raj Gond family, claiming an antiquity, in the Hoshan- gabad district of the Central Provinces, of more than 900 years. The Fatehpur jdgir is said to have been conferred on an ancestor by Raja Kamal Nain, Gond Raja of Mandla, in 930 A.D. A sanad from the Raja of Mandla, dated 1500 A.D., is still in the possession of the family.

Residence. Fatehpur, Hoshangabad, Central Provinces. Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/584 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/585 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/586 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/587 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/588 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/589 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/590 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/591 Page:The Golden Book of India.djvu/592 VENKASWAMI RAO, T., Diwdn Bahadur.

Born 1830. Was appointed Diwan (or Prime Minister) of Kalahasti (q.v.), and granted the title of Diwan Bahadur as a personal distinction in 1887.

Residence. Kalahasti, Madras.

VENKATA PBRUMAL RAZ, Rdjd.

See Kumara Venkata Perumal Raz, Rdjd.

VENKATAGIRI, RAJA SIR VELAGOTI SRI RAJA GOPALA KRISHNA YACHENDRA BAHADUR, K.C.I.E., Rdjd of, Panch-Hdzdr Mansabddr.

Born 1857. Belongs to a family that traces its descent from Chenireddi, from whom the present Raja of Venkatagiri is twenty-seventh in descent; he discovered a hidden treasure, and rose to high favour in the service of the Raja of Varagala, who granted him a large jagir. Under his descendants the estate was largely increased in area. The late Raja of Venkatagiri, Kummara Yachama Nayudu, was born in 1832; and was created a Companion of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. He was succeeded by the present Raja, who was appointed a Member of the Legislative Council of Madras in 1888, and again in 1890. In 1888 he was created a Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire. His title of Panch-Hdzdr Mansabddr was of Mughal origin, indicating the military command of 5000. The title of Raja of Venkatagiri was recognised as hereditary in 1890.

Residence. Venkatagiri, Nellore District, Madras.

VENKATAKUMARA SURYA RAO, Rdjd.

See Pithapur, Rdjd of.

VENKATARAMAYYA PANTULU, G., Rao Saheb.

Granted the title, as a personal distinction, 2nd January 1893, for eminent services in the Revenue Survey of Madras.

Residence. Madras. VENKATARANGA CHARIYAR, T., Mahdmahopddhydya.

The title was conferred, as a personal distinction, on i6th February 1887, on the occasion of the Jubilee of the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty, in recognition of his eminence as an oriental scholar. It entitles him to take rank in Darbar immediately after titular Rajas.

Residence. Vizdgapatam, Madras.

VENKATASVBTA CHALA-PATHI RANGA RAO, RAVU (of Bobbili), Rdjd.

Is the adopted son of the Rani of Bobbili, Rani Lakshmi Chellegumma.- The title of Rani was conferred by the British Government, 17th February 1876; and the title of Raja of Bobbili was recognised as hereditary in 1880.

Residence. Madras.

VENKOBA CHARIYAR, C., Rao Bahadur.

The title was conferred, as a personal distinction, in 1889, for eminent services in the Madras Judicial Service.

Residence. Tanjore, Madras.

VIKAR-UL-UMARA (IKBAL-UD-DAULA) BAHADUR,

His Excellency the Nawáb.

One of the Premier Nobles of the Hyderabad State.

Born about the year 1840. The Nawáb Bahádur bears the courtesy title of "His Excellency" as a Member of the Council of State and Minister of His Highness the Nizám. With his brother, Sir Khurshid Jáh (q.v.), and his cousin, Sir Asmán Jáh (q.v.), he is the present representative of the great and powerful Shamsiya family, the first among the noble families of Hyderabad, which has been frequently connected by marriage with the ruling House, and entrusted with the hereditary command of the Paigah or Household Troops of the Nizám. Descended from the famous captain, Shaikh Abul Khair Khán, Imám Jang, Shamsher Bahádur, who was a Mansabdár in Málwá under the Emperor Aurangzeb. He attached himself to the fortunes of the great Asaf Jáh, the founder of the Hyderabad dynasty, under whose banner he rose to the highest commands. In 1745 he defeated a force of Mahrattas; and under the successors of Asaf Jáh, the Nizáms Násir Jang and Salábat Jang, he continued his successful career. In 1752 he died at Burhánpur; and was succeeded by his son, Abul Fateh Khán Teg Jang, who became the first Noble of the Nizám Ali, obtaining the command of the Paigah or Household Troops, immense territorial possessions, and the titles of Shams-ud-daulá, Shams ul-Mulk, and Shams-ul-Umará. He died in 1876, when campaigning in Panghul; and was succeeded by his son, who at the early age of four had received from the Nizám the titles of Ba-ud-din Khán, Imám Jang, Khurshid-ud-daulá, and Khurshid-ul-Mulk. He succeeded to all the honours of his father, and became a famous scholar and savant, receiving at various times the titles of Teg Jang, Shams-ud-daulá, Shams-ul-Mulk, Shams-ul-Umará, Bahádur, and in 1827 the title of Amir-i-Kabir. In 1849 he became for a short time Prime Minister of Hyderabad. He died in 1862, leaving two sons, Umdat-ul-Mulk (who became Amir-i-Kabir), and Ikhtidár-ul-Mulk (who became Vikar-ul-Umará). The former died in 1877, when the latter succeeded him in the family honours, and as co- Regent of the State adding the title of Amir-i-Kabir to that of Vikár-ul-Umará. He died in 1881, leaving two sons, the Nawáb Sir Khurshid Jáh (q.v.) and the Nawáb Ikbál-ud-daulá, who became the Vikár-ul-Umará. Both these noblemen, like their kinsman Sir Asmán Jáh, have shared the fortune of their ancestor, in allying themselves in marriage with Princesses of the Royal House of Hyderabad. The Vikár has two sons, who have been most carefully educated under both Indian and English tutors, and who are both promising scholars and exceedingly popular. The Vikár has always taken an active share in the administration of His Highness's government, and is one of the most experienced and accomplished statesmen in India. He is also famous as the first sportsman in India; and in this capacity has always been most generous in providing the finest tiger-shooting for many distinguished visitors. On the occasion of the visit of the Viceroy to Hyderabad in November 1892, the Vikár was entrusted by His Highness the Nizám with the duty of meeting His Excellency and bringing him into Hyderabad. His palace of Falaknuma, a few miles out of Hyderabad, is one of great magnificence, and is one of the sights of India.

Residences.—Hyderabad; Falaknuma, near Hyderabad.

VIKRAMA DEVU GARU, SRI (of Jaipur, Vizágapatam), Rájá.

Born 1875. The title of Rájá of Jaipur was recognised as hereditary in December 1890. The late Rájá of Jaipur, Sri Ramachendra Devu Garu, received the title of Mahárájá as a personal distinction on 2nd December 1875. Claims descent from the ancient Kings of Jambhuráj; the founder of the family, Vináyakadevu, having been, in very early times, the younger brother of a King of Jambhuráj. The family banner, coloured yellow and purple, bears the figure of Hanumán, the monkey-god. For a seal the Rájás of Jaipur use the device of a lion argent standing on the back of an elephant azure. The title of Mahárájá Saheb Mehrban Doston is said to have been conferred on the Rájá's ancestors by one of the Mughal Emperors of Delhi. Vináyakadevu, who is described as a Rájput of the Chandravansa or Lunar race, is said to have married the daughter of one of the Gajapati Kings of Orissa, who conferred on him this extensive Zamindari, and subsequently, to confirm his authority over the wild tribes of the mountainous districts of Jaipur, he took as his second wife the only surviving Princess of the ancient Sila Vansa dynasty. Among the population of the Ráj are many Kandhs, Gauras, and other aboriginal tribes, who were formerly notorious for their human sacrifices known as Meriah.

Residence.—Jaipur, Vizágapatam District, Madras.

VILAYAT ALI KHAN, SAYYID, C.I.B., Nawáb.

The title of Nawáb was conferred, as a personal distinction, on 14th April 1882, in recognition of "prominent and devoted services rendered during the Mutiny, and munificent liberality." The "Saviour of Behar"—the late William Tayler, Commissioner of Patna at the time of the outbreak of the Mutiny—thus wrote of the Sayyid:—

"Vilayet Ali Khan has been conspicuous from the very commencement of the disturbance, and the bravery and frankness with which he has at very great risk to himself cast his lot on the side of the authorities is deserving of special recognition at the present time, and has been in itself of great use. A few days after the news of the Mutiny reached us, he presented to me a petition stating that he was ready to devote his life and property in the service of the State; and from that day he has incessantly exerted himself in the cause of Government, seeking for information, ferreting out bad characters, watching the city, and obtaining good information, through emissaries employed at his expense, from the neighbouring villages. Professions of loyalty are valuable in proportion as they are voluntary and timely, and their sincerity is tested by acts. The proffer of Vilayet Ali's services was made in our darkest and most dangerous crisis, and the proffer throughout was supported by 'deeds.'"

At the time of the visit of the Prince of Wales to India, the Sayyid had the distinguished honour of receiving His Royal Highness's personal thanks for his good services to the Empire; and was created a Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, 1st January 1878. He was one of the chief founders of the Patna College, now a great centre of learning, of the Temple Medical School, and of many other important educational institutions; and has always been prominent in every good work in the province of Behar.

The title of Khan was conferred, as a personal distinction, on 2oth May 1870, and that of Shams-ul-Ulama, for his eminence in oriental learning, on 16th February 1887, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Her Majesty's reign. The latter honour entitles him to take rank in Darbar immediately after titular Nawabs. He is the grandson of the late Nawab Shaikh Ghulam Hasan Khan, Jdgirddr of Basi. In addition to his Arabic scholarship, which is of the very highest order, he is a profound mathematician, and has a considerable knowledge of physical science. He has been appointed an Extra Assistant Commissioner. He has three sons Anwar-ud-din Khan, Munawar-ud-din Khan, and Nasar-ud-din Khan.

Residence. Delhi, Punjab.

ZUHR-UD-DIN AHMAD, HAJI, Khan Bahadur.

Born 1841. The title was conferred, as a personal distinction, on 3rd March 1876, in recognition of his position as son-in-law of the Nawab Ghausia Begam (q.v.}.

Residence. Madras.

THE END

↑ Colonel Tod says : "The martial Rajpoots are not strangers to armorial bearings. . . . The great banner of Mewar exhibits a golden Sun on a crimson field ; those of the chiefs bear a Dagger. Amber displays hepanehranga, or five-coloured flag. The lion rampant on an argent field is extinct with the State of Chanderi. In Europe these customs were not introduced till the period of the Crusades, and were copied from the Saracens ; while the use of them amongst the Rajpoot tribes can be traced to a period anterior to the war of Troy. In the Mahabharat, or Great War, twelve hundred years before Christ, we find the hero Bheesama exulting over his trophy, the banner of Arjoona, its field adorned with the figure of the Indian Hanumán. These emblems had a religious reference amongst the Hindus, and were taken from their mythology, the origin of all devices." Annals of Rájásthán, vol. i. pp. 123, 124.

[pviii-1] Colonel Tod says : "The martial Rajpoots are not strangers to armorial bearings. . . . The great banner of Mewar exhibits a golden Sun on a crimson field ; those of the chiefs bear a Dagger. Amber displays hepanehranga, or five-coloured flag. The lion rampant on an argent field is extinct with the State of Chanderi. In Europe these customs were not introduced till the period of the Crusades, and were copied from the Saracens ; while the use of them amongst the Rajpoot tribes can be traced to a period anterior to the war of Troy. In the Mahabharat, or Great War, twelve hundred years before Christ, we find the hero Bheesama exulting over his trophy, the banner of Arjoona, its field adorned with the figure of the Indian Hanumán. These emblems had a religious reference amongst the Hindus, and were taken from their mythology, the origin of all devices." Annals of Rájásthán, vol. i. pp. 123, 124.

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