History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c44.133.5

v2.c44.133.5

Ravenshaw’s actual proposal was to obtain this fine from the revenues of Bāmanghāṭi which was then under Government management. Ravenshaw further proposed to realise half of the cost of the army of occupation and the salary of Captain Johnstone and his establishment from the Keuñjhar State and proposed to pay the other half from the British revenues. He was extremely liberal towards the Keuñjhar State, because he proposed that the Government should bear half of the cost of quelling the rebellion of the hill-tribes in that case and that the other half only should be realised from Keuñjhar. The amount thus proposed to be realised from the State was Rs. 32,581-14-0 or Rs. 33,000 and this Ravenshaw proposed to obtain by increasing the tribute by Rs. 1320 with interest on the capital at 4 per cent.¹ Captain Johnstone in his report made certain interesting revelations. The Rājā was a well-disposed boy and possessed some capacity but he was devoid of gratitude and had disgusted the few men who were formerly interested in him. In 1870 he had not a single sincere friend. There was a strong party in the State against him who were determined to get rid of the Rājā at any cost. There was a strong impression in the State that there would be another rebellion as soon as Government supervision ceased.¹