History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v2.c44.92.4

v2.c44.92.4

In the meanwhile, Captain Wilkinson arranged terms with the Sarbarāhkār by promising him continued possession of his tenure and a full enquiry into the causes of his dispute with the Rājā of Mayurbhañj on condition of his ceasing hostilities and going to Captain Wilkinson. The parwanah was received by the Sarbarāhkār, Mādhavdās, but a violent sickness broke out among the troops, which compelled Stockwell to abandon the Bāmanghāṭi country. He found out that the intention of Mādhavdās Sarbarāhkār was to render himself completely independent of any controlling power. A meeting of the inhabitants of Bāmanghāṭi was held and Stockwell reported on the 22nd of May that he had decided to withdraw the troops into cantonment at Medinipur. Lieutenant-Colonel Doveton, Ensign Manningford and Sergeant James McMaera died at Bāmanghāṭi with twelve Sepoys of fever alone. On the 26th May, Mādhavdās reached Captain Wilkinson and the Government ordered his restoration. He was ordered to pay the due tribute to the Rājā of Mayurbhañj. The five Pīrs were placed under Captain Wilkinson through whom the tribute was to be paid. The Government having decided on the full restoration of the guilty Mādhavdās, Stockwell resigned by way of protest against the injustice done towards him and the Rājā of Mayurbhañj.