The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c11.138

c11.138

On the death of Haidar, Tipu took offence at the nawáb's neglect in not sending messages of condolence, and made a demand for a large sum of money, on the ground that the contingent had not been properly maintained. Abdul Hakim Khán applied to the Maráthás for aid, which was granted. In the course of the hostilities that ensued Sávanur was taken by Tipu, and all the nawáb's property seized and destroyed. By the treaty that was subsequently made Tipu agreed to restore to the nawáb such territory as the latter had possessed prior to his son's marriage with Haidar's daughter, but the nawáb did not venture to remain at Sávanur, and went to Poona, where he subsisted on a monthly pension of £1000 (Rs. 10,000) allowed him by the Maráthás. By the treaty of Saringapatan all the territory north of the Tungbhadra was ceded to the Peshwa, and Sávanur seems to have been practically annexed. Abdul Hakim Khán died in A.D. 1795, and his adopted son Abdul Kheir Khán returned to Sávanur, while Hussain Mia, his second son, succeeded to the allowance.² When General Wellesley, after the fall of Saringapatan, marched through the country he found the family in great distress, as they had no territorial possessions, and their allowance was most irregularly paid. By the General's influence the pension was commuted, and the revenue of twenty-five villages, assessed at £1800 (Rs. 48,000) a year was assigned to the nawáb. This arrangement was afterwards continued by the British Government. At first the nawáb was not allowed to exercise jurisdiction, but afterwards his name was entered in the list of first class sardárs, and he was allowed to exercise certain powers. Full powers were allowed to Nawáb Abdul Dalél Khán, who, in 1862, was made a member of the Bombay Legislative Council. On his death in the same year, Abdul Kheir Khán succeeded. He died in 1868, leaving a son, Abdul Kheir Khán, then six years of age, who was installed as his successor, and who is at present (1877) being educated under the superintendence of the Collector and Political Agent at Dhárwár.