Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/53

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H. H. The Maharajah of Bobbili. 35

patron's designation, Sher (tiger). From Bebbooly the name of the town and Zemindari has been corrupted into Bobbin. In addition to the grant of this vakiable estate, the further recognition of the chief's services by the Moghul Emperor was the conferring of the titles of Rajah and Bahadur, and also the right to use a white flag, dhanka, nowbat and other insignia of royalty. After establishing every thing on a firm basis, Eajah Pedda Eayadu Bahadur Garu returned to his place, nominating his son Lingappa as the ruler of the newly obtained Raj. Rajah Lingappa Bahadur, who had inherited the valour and prowess of his father was also very serviceable to the Moghul Emperor whenever there was any disturbance. A son of the General Sher Mahomed Khan went on a hunting excursion on a certain day, when he was surprised, captured and kept in confinement by a Fattooridar at Rangavaka near Palasa in the Ganjam District. The General's request to the Rajah Lingappa Bahadur to rescue his son met with a favourable response, and the result was, that the Fattooridar was taken prisoner and the boy brought out of confinement. The solicitude, intrepidity, and the most opportune help of the Rajah Bahadur so much won the favor and esteem of the General, that he commended him to the favorable notice of the Moghul Emperor, whose admiration of the promp- titude and generous nature evinced by the Rajah became, so great, that he ordered the free enjoyment of as many villages in his State as he could in one night adorn with festoons. This was accordingly done, and the Rajah became the lord of twelve villages. The Moghul Emperor went a step further, and conferred the title of Ranga Row (Lord Ranga Vaka-Vaka, meaning a seat or resort of a Fattooridar, otherwise meaning victor in battle). This