History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c41.328

v2.c41.328

Another long communication was received by the Collector of Medinipur from Rājā Dāmodar Bhañja on the 4th August, 1781, stating that after the arrival of certain English gentlemen at Tappore (Tājpur), the Rājā retired to fort Ghotah. For several years his ’Amils had been in possession of the country between Rājghāt and Rājā Berattees tank (Rājārāṇī Talāv). This was confirmed by English letters from the Governor of Calcutta. When Chimnājī Bāpu returned, he left with the Rājā, Mīr Himmat ’Alī Khan and Huṭguir (Hastgir) Rāo in Amardah and gave the charge of the collection to Mīr Himmat ’Alī. The Rājā protests against the seizure of Beloorichor without any Khor-posh or Mālikānā for the same. The Collector of Medinipur replied to this letter on the 4th August, 1781, stating that in the ’Amlī year 1186 an investigation was made in the presence of Govind Ruṭṭon Wakīl and the zamindar of Beloorichor in which it was proved that the Rājā plundered Oodunt (Udmant) Rāy and Rūpdās Rāy and seized these eighty-one villages. In ’Amlī 1172, Mr. Watts made an inquiry and annexed these villages to the territories of the Company. The Rāja was asked in this letter that if these eighty-one villages were his ancestral property then for what reasons he did not appeal against the order of Mr. Watts. The Rāja was once more requested to come to Medinipur in person.