History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c44.128

v2.c44.128

It will be evident from these figures that the increase in the tribute of all states of Orissa except the Sambalpur Garhjat states was nominal. The tribute of Mayurbhañj was Rs. 1001 in 1829 and for years before that date. After 65 years the British Government raised it by Rs. 66 only. There is another reason for this very slight increase in the tribute of the Garhjat states of Orissa proper. In 1803 the rupee current in Bengal was the Sikka rupees of 17 annas weight issued from the Mints at Calcutta, Patna and Benares. The corresponding rupee of William IV of 1835 and Queen Victoria of 1837-40 weight 16 annas only like the modern rupees of George V. This accounts for the very slight increase in the tribute of Mayurbhañj, etc. The enormous increase in the tribute of the Sambalpur Garhjat States and Chattisgaḍh States like Kālāhaṇḍi show that in 1867 and in 1905 they were treated as Oudh Taluqdars or Orissa zamindars inspite of their nominal recognition as feudatory chiefs. Though the British Government formally recognised the Orissa chiefs as Rājās in 1894, the non-increase in their tribute proves that they held the same status as they did in 1803 and they were really much superior in rank to all Sambalpur Garhjat and Chattisgarh chiefs except Bastar. No new sanad was granted to Mayurbhanj after 1894 up to 1909.