A History of the Mahrattas v2.c56.39

v2.c56.39

In the meantime the Political Agents of the British Government were actively engaged in negotiations with the petty states. The Raja of Kerowlee,² a dependant of the Peishwa, to whom the Raja had paid a small tribute of 25,000 rupees a year, was the first to accept the proffered protection. He acknowledged the supremacy of the British Government, was guaranteed in his possessions, and in his particular case the tribute was remitted. He agreed to furnish troops to the extent of his means. This agreement was signed on the 9th November, and on the same day Umeer Khan’s agent at Delhi accepted the terms offered for his master. His Jagheer was guaranteed and taken under British protection, on condition of disbanding his followers, except a small number for the internal management of his Jagheer, which were to attend on the requisition of the British Government; he was also to relinquish all connexion with freebooters, and to give up his artillery for an equitable pecuniary compensation.¹ After the conclusion of the treaty with Sindia, Captain Tod, Assistant to the Resident in Sindia’s camp, was sent on a political mission to the Rajpoot states. The Raj Rana, Zalim Sing of Kotah, who governed the principality in the name of his imprisoned sovereign, with all the prudence and vigour of the ablest of the Mahratta Peishwas, immediately acceded to the terms proposed; blocked up the passes in his country, and furnished a contingent to act with the British troops. A treaty was afterwards concluded with him on the 26th December.²