Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/244

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The Aristocracy of Southern India.

meeting at Sangam Valasa, and made a grand speech expatiating on the benefits derived from British rule in general, and on the virtues of the King in particular.

To the Rajah Sahib were born seven sons; the last four of them died while young. His eldest son, Sri Rajah Chandrasekhara Nishanka Bahadur, who was an educated prince, died some years ago leaving a son, Sri Rajah Viswesa Nishanka Bahadur. The Rajah Sahib's second son has also sons and grandsons.

His Majesty King Edward VII, while President of the Royal Asiatic Society, expressed himself highly pleased with the commentaries of the Rajah Sahib on the works of Kalidasa and appointed him a member of that body.

The Rajah Sahib has been in charge of the estate for the last 56 years, and his rule, we think has been the longest amongst the Zemindars of Northern Circars. At the end of his 50th year's rule, a jubilee was celebrated at Sangam Valasa. On that most auspicious occasion his subjects prayed for his long life and prosperity, while his brother Zemindars and friends offered their congratulations.

He has saved from ruin the temple dedicated to Viswesvara Swami in Sangam Valasa. He has presented Valuable jewels to many temples. He is very pious, and therefore generally spends his time in the company of Pundits. He is very charitable to the poor, and is greatly popular throughout the district.

The Rajah Sahib is full of honours and years, and his counsel on matters of importance is highly valued by the educated public of ihe Vizagapatam District. His versatile genius, his noble behaviour, his vast and varied experiences and many other virtues that he possesses entitle him to the first place amongst the Zemindars of the District.