The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c10.258

c10.258

In Khándesh the pacification of the country was more difficult. The Bhíls formed a large portion of the population, and though the open country was soon cleared, it was not so easy to reduce the mountainous tracts of the Sátpudás and the unhealthy wilds of the west. A considerable force was kept up, which had its head-quarters at Málegaon: the hills were guarded and outbreaks were severely punished. On the other hand inducements were held out to the Bhíls to cultivate land; two agencies were established, one for the western Bhíls and one for those in the eastern and southern districts called the Kanar agency; advances were made and land given free to all who would settle; allowances were made to the Náiks who held the hill passes; and finally attempts were made to give the Bhíls emp'oyment by forming them into an irregular force. Owing to the lazy habits of the men and their dislike of discipline, the first efforts failed. It was not till A.D. 1825 that Lieutenant (afterwards Sir James) Outram was successful in forming the Bhíl Corps. His patience and firmness, combined with his thorough knowledge of their character, gave him a great influence over his men; they soon did good service against bands of plunderers, and Khándesh by degrees grew quiet.