VIZAGAPATAM
when Government insisted, came back at last in 1848. His Estate was managed at first by a Special Agent, Mr. Crozier, who handed it over to him in July 1852 clear of debt and with a surplus in hand of over two lakhs. His subsequent management of the property was excellent and his public liberality most marked, and he became a Member of the Viceroy's Council, was granted in 1864 the personal title of Mahárája, and was created a K.C.S.I. in 1876. He died in 1879 and was followed by his only surviving son Ananda Rázu. The latter was also granted the personal title of Mahárája, was a Member of the Madras Legislative Council for many years, and was created a Gr.G.I.E. in 1892. He died without issue on the 23rd May 1897 and by a will made in July 1896 appointed the present Rája, Viziaráma Rázu IV, his mother's brother's son, as his successor. His mother adopted this lad in December 1897, and as he was a minor the estate was managed by an Indian Civilian appointed under the Guardians and Wards Act until he attained his majority in August 1904,and has since been administered by a Civilian whose services have been lent for a limited period. The zamindari (including the tracts belonging to it in the Ganjám and Gódávari districts) comprises thirteen tánas, the area under cultivation in which aggregates some 289,000 acres assessed (including land-cess) at about 18½ lakhs, while the receipts from inam and dévastánam land, forests, house property, the estate in Benares (157 villages)and other items bring the total income to about 22½ lakhs. While the zamindari has been under management, a survey and partial settlement have been carried out and the irrigation works have been greatly improved.
In 1903 four dáyádis of the late Mahárája brought a suit in the Vizagapatam District Court against the present Rája, questioning the validity of his adoption, and claiming that he had only a life interest in the estate, which on his death should revert to them. This suit is now being heard.
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