Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/145

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H. H. The Rajah of Kallikote & Atagada.
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One thing that has brought a great deal of honor, the thing which more than any other raises him in the estimation of the paramount power is that in his estate men of malpractices, loose behaviour, corruption and bribery have been rooted out, as the Rajah Sahib himself takes a keen interest in all departments of business. By all who have had any dealings with him, his character is readily seen and admired, and they have expressed it as their opinion, that it is impossible to overlook his indomitable energy, clear intellect, sound judgment, and sterling integrity, as well as that earnestness of purpose which is indispensable to greatness.

As regards irrigation works, the Rajah Sahib is in no way backward; many tanks have been restored completely, and many new ones have been formed. He has spared neither pains nor money in constructing new irrigation works wherever practicable.

The Rajah Sahib is an excellent horseman; he can remain a number of hours on the saddle without showing any signs of fatigue. His love for horses amounts to a passion, and he maintains a good stud for his personal use. He has carriages of almost all descriptions of up-to-date model of English make.

Most of the leisure hours of the Rajah Sahib are spent in intellectual improvement; he has gained a wide acquaintance with general literature and has become acquainted with such topics as go to form a well-trained mind. By preference he gives his attention to political, constitutional, industrial, and social history, and has acquired all the knowledge that the books at his command could give regarding the present condition of the leading nations of the world. Besides all this, the Rajah Sahib