i64
BARODA.
,
Before the
made,
The
in
expiration
of
this
period,
however,
an attempt was
November
inquiries
1874, to poison the Resident, Colonel Phayre. instituted having warranted the conclusion that the
attempt was instigated by Malhar Rao, he was suspended from the functions of ruler on the 14th January 1875
the charges against
1
him were investigated by a High Commission, consisting of three European and three native members. The Commission was equally divided in opinion as to the guilt of Malhar Rao and the Government of India having regard to Malhar Rao’s notorious misconduct, his gross misgovernment of the State, and his evident incapacity to carry into effect the necessary reforms, deposed him from the sovereignty of the Baroda State, on 22nd April 1875. Syaji Rao, a descendant of Pratap Rao, son of Pilaji Rao, the founder of the family, and younger brother of Damaji, whose line terminated with Malhar Rao, having been selected as the most fit successor, Jamnabaf, the widow of Khandi Rao Gaekwar, was permitted to adopt him, in consideration of Khandi Rao’s services during the Mutiny; and on the 27th May 1875, Syaji
Rao was
installed as
Gaekwar.
The Military Force maintained by the Baroda
State consists of a
and 42 guns (including 2 of gold and 2 of silver) ; a cavalry force of 247 officers and men, and 6 regiments of infantry, aggregating 3016 of all ranks. These troops are all drilled and equipped on a similar system to that regular force of 2 batteries of artillery, with 154 artillerymen
—
Of
of the British army.
the
artillery, i
battery consists of 2 gold
and
3-pounder guns respectively, and i light field battery of 6 guns, each being drawn by bullocks. Of the 6 regiments of infantry, 2 are local regiments, employed in the Kathiawar Districts. Besides the 2 silver
army there is also a large irregular force, numbering about 6237, 4410 horse and 1827 foot. The cost of the regular force is about
regular viz.
7J lakhs of rupees (p^75,ooo), while that of the irregular is estimated at 28 lakhs (^280,000) a year. Agriculture, etc. Luxuriant crops are grown of grain, cotton, tobacco, opium, sugar-cane, and oil-seeds. The staple food of the people is
—
bdjrd, but wheat
and
Division of Baroda
is
rice are also largely
famous
for its
for
The Northern
Those and able to short journeys they can keep up a
used for travelling-carts are of great travel considerable distances
consumed.
breed of large white size
and
cattle.
strength,
The breed of horses raised in the pace of about 6 miles an hour. Kathiawar Districts is celebrated throughout India. Land Tenures.— Wih. regard to lands which pay revenue, it may be broadly laid down that they are at the absolute disposal of cultivators holding them at its pleasure, and
the Government, the
not being in any degree proprietors, except when they acquired rights either by direct grant or immemorial custom.
have Still,
