VIKRAMA DEVU GARU, SRI (of Jaipur, Vizágapatam), Rájá.
Born 1875. The title of Rájá of Jaipur was recognised as hereditary in December 1890. The late Rájá of Jaipur, Sri Ramachendra Devu Garu, received the title of Mahárájá as a personal distinction on 2nd December 1875. Claims descent from the ancient Kings of Jambhuráj; the founder of the family, Vináyakadevu, having been, in very early times, the younger brother of a King of Jambhuráj. The family banner, coloured yellow and purple, bears the figure of Hanumán, the monkey-god. For a seal the Rájás of Jaipur use the device of a lion argent standing on the back of an elephant azure. The title of Mahárájá Saheb Mehrban Doston is said to have been conferred on the Rájá's ancestors by one of the Mughal Emperors of Delhi. Vináyakadevu, who is described as a Rájput of the Chandravansa or Lunar race, is said to have married the daughter of one of the Gajapati Kings of Orissa, who conferred on him this extensive Zamindari, and subsequently, to confirm his authority over the wild tribes of the mountainous districts of Jaipur, he took as his second wife the only surviving Princess of the ancient Sila Vansa dynasty. Among the population of the Ráj are many Kandhs, Gauras, and other aboriginal tribes, who were formerly notorious for their human sacrifices known as Meriah.
Residence.—Jaipur, Vizágapatam District, Madras.
VILAYAT ALI KHAN, SAYYID, C.I.B., Nawáb.
The title of Nawáb was conferred, as a personal distinction, on 14th April 1882, in recognition of "prominent and devoted services rendered during the Mutiny, and munificent liberality." The "Saviour of Behar"—the late William Tayler, Commissioner of Patna at the time of the outbreak of the Mutiny—thus wrote of the Sayyid:—
"Vilayet Ali Khan has been conspicuous from the very commencement of the disturbance, and the bravery and frankness with which he has at very great risk to himself cast his lot on the side of the authorities is deserving of special recognition at the present time, and has been in itself of great use. A few days after the news of the Mutiny reached us, he presented to me a petition stating that he was ready to devote his life and property in the service of the State; and from that day he has incessantly exerted himself in the cause of Government, seeking for information, ferreting out bad characters, watching the city, and obtaining good information, through emissaries employed at his expense, from the neighbouring villages. Professions of loyalty are valuable in proportion as they are voluntary and timely, and their sincerity is tested by acts. The proffer of Vilayet Ali's services was made in our darkest and most dangerous crisis, and the proffer throughout was supported by 'deeds.'"
At the time of the visit of the Prince of Wales to India, the Sayyid had the distinguished honour of receiving His Royal Highness's personal thanks for his good services to the Empire; and was created a Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, 1st January 1878. He was one of the chief founders of the Patna College, now a great centre of learning, of the Temple Medical School, and of many other important educational institutions; and has always been prominent in every good work in the province of Behar.
Residence.—Patna, Bengal.
