History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c44.133.2

v2.c44.133.2

In January 1867 Ravenshaw informed the Bengal Government that the Raja would attain his majority in September, but the Rani petitioned that installation should be postponed till the decision of the Privy Council was obtained. The Raja was escorted by 700 or 800 heads of villages from Katak, where he was studying, to Anandapur in Keunjhar; but it became evident in November that the Rani was raising the hill tribes against Rājā Dhanurjay and she threatened to leave Keuñjhar if the young Rājā entered the palace. A large deputation of hill-men proceeded to Calcutta on deputation to the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, who assured them that Dhanurjay would be placed on the *gadi* unless Brindāvan’s appeal was admitted by the Privy Council. In December 1863, Dhanurjay was formally installed by Ravenshaw, but the former’s condition was very helpless and therefore 40 armed constables had to be left to protect him. In January 1868 the old Rāṇī moved out of Keuñjhar and there was a rising of Bhuiyās and Juāngs. Ravenshaw persuaded her to return on the 13th February and she was present at the installation of Rājā Dhanurjay by the Bhuiyās according to ancient customs. She received a pension of Rs. 600 per month and by the end of February 20 constables were removed from Keuñjhar. The Bhuiyās suddenly broke out into open rebellion in April under Ratnā Nāyak and Nandā Nāyak.