A History of the Mahrattas v2.c58.21

v2.c58.21

The presence of Sir David Ochterlony likewise facilitated the negotiations with the Rajpoots, and enabled the Marquis of Hastings to complete his plans, or put the whole into a train of adjustment by the middle of February. A treaty with Joudpoor was signed on the 6th January, but the negotiations with Jeypoor did not terminate until the 2d April, when a treaty was concluded. All the other states and principalities, excepting Sagur, of which the British Government took possession, accepted the terms offered by the Governor-General; and Sindia, having given up the district of Ajimere, and relinquished his tribute on the Raja of Boondee, in exchange for part of the lands of the Jagheerdar of Vinchoor, situated in Malwa and forfeited by his adherence to the cause of Bajee Rao, the British Government was thus enabled to recompense the hitherto ill-requited Raja of Boondee, who behaved so well to the English when retreating under Colonel Monson. Not only was the tribute thus obtained from Sindia relinquished by the British Government, but all the possessions usurped from the Raja by Holkar were restored, and Sindia's encroachments within his frontier were also recovered for him by negotiation. The record of this instance of national gratitude will be read by every Briton with satisfaction, and the Marquis of Hastings also had it in his power to confer on the Nabob of Bhopaul a reward equally suitable; not only for the friendship of his ancestor towards General Goddard's army, but for the zeal he had himself displayed in the British cause¹ during the present war, since he acceded to the proffered terms in the month of November. A treaty was concluded with him on the 26th February, by which a small contingent of six hundred horse, and four hundred infantry, was all that was required to be furnished for the service of the British Government, and five districts¹ were ceded to him in perpetuity for their support. Some forfeited lands of the Vinchoorkur, and a part of the district of Shujawulpoor were afterwards added; the fort of Islamnugur, a much valued possession, was likewise obtained for him from Sindia by negotiation. These cessions placed the principality of Bhopaul on a very respectable footing, and amongst the natives of India, where the recollections of benefits and injuries are treasured up for generations, nothing in the whole administration of the Marquis of Hastings conveyed so deep an impression of the value of British friendship, as the conduct of its Government to Boondee and Bhopaul.²