Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/163

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S. R. Vasudeva Rajamani Raja Deo Garu. 125


"I should feel it a great honor to be thus represented in your ancient castle where you so kindly received me.

I am, With every good wish, Your most sincere friend, (Signed)^ M. E. GRANT-DUFF."

As specimens of local art and handicraft, the Rajah sent some beautifully carved boxes to the Colonial and Industrial Exhibition held in London, of which His Most Gracious Majesty King Emperor (then Prince of Wales) was President. The Rajah was the recipient of two medals for the carved boxes. Much credit is due to him for being the first to establish an English school in the District. Mr. G. S. Forbes congratulating him uu the interest he evinced in matters relating to education wrote in the following terms:—

"My Dear Rajah.

  • * * * *

I wish all the Zemindars would follow your excellent and generous example in the establishment of schools, I hope your are going on satisfactorily and that all the villages on your estate are taking advantage of them."

In honor of the visit of His Royal Highness, the then Prince of Wales to India, the Rajah endowed a scholarship called "The Prince of Wales' Scholarship."

Sir M. E. Grant-Duff, in a public speech made at Bezwada, classed the Rajah of Mandasa with the Maharajah of Vizianagram, and the Rajahs of Bobbili and Pittapur and said: "We have in these north-eastern Districts, men who, like the Maharajah of Vizianagram, the Zemindars of Mandasa and of Bobbili, are doing much in various ways forthe enlightenment of those around them."