Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/91

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H. H. The Maharajah of Jeypoee.
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Ramabhadrapuram, Makkuva, Sividi, Kurapam, Merangi, Palem Mutha, Palakonda, Birikotu, Pachipenta, Poram, Rangavalasa, Andra, Koduru, Sambam, Bondapilly, Kalahundi, Bindra Novogodo, and Khariar; and officers were appointed for the administration of these Zemindaries.

There was now a break in the line of succession as the last mentioned Maharajah died issueless, while each of the former Maharajahs had a son to succeed him. However, Sri Viswambhara Deo Maharajah had a brother Sri Mallakimardhana Krishna Deo who came to the throne in 1676. He fought with the French and succeeded in capturing some of their guns at Nandapur. His brother Sri Hari Deo Maharajah reigned only for three years and found an untimely grave in 1684. Sri Balarama Deo, the brother of the former Maharajah who came to the throne in 1684, adopted Sri Raghunath Krishna Deo, the grand son of his uncle Sri Yesovanta Deo of Gunupur. Sri Raghunatha Deo Maharajah's reign extended over 20 years, and the only event of importance was that Bissam-katak and Merangi were made tributaries. After the demise of the Maharajah, his son Sri Ramachandra Deo Maharajah was placed at the head of the administration. It was at his instance that the Sangamvalasa Zemindari was established. The last days of the Maharajah were any thing but pleasant to him as family dissensions and quarrels weighed heavy on his heart. He died childless, and his brother Sri Balarama Deo, who was the main cause of the family disputes became ruler in 1711. He was very unfortunate as he ruled the State only for a couple of years. Before he breathed his last, he had the pleasure to see the Zemindaries of Kalahundi and Khariar and Nuvagodo gaining independence under the auspices of the