Page:White Paper on Indian States (1950).pdf/75

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and claimed by Rulers in respect of land such as customary right to enjoy the fruit of trees on common lands, superior proprietary rights over agricultural areas, proprietorship of service jagirs, etc., have been extinguished. The Rulers have surrendered their jagirs and where their proprietary rights over lands has been recognised, it has been done mainly on the ground that many of them have the resources and time to undertake modern and mechanical farming and to bring new areas under cultivation. As already stated, the position of the Rulers in respect of these areas will be the same as that of a private land-holder and they will be subject to revenue laws and assessment.

(v) Investments and Cash Balances.—The opening balances which, according to the books of the States, belonged to the States, have been handed over to the successor Governments. Only such investments and cash to which the States could lay no claim have been recognised as private property of the Ruler.

(vi) Ancestral Jewellery and Regalia.—In a large number of cases, ancestral jewellery has been treated as heirloom to be preserved for the Ruling family. In the case of the States having valuable regalia, such articles are to remain in the custody of the Ruler for use on ceremonial occasions and they will be subject to periodical inspection by the Governments concerned.

(vii) Civil List Reserve Fund.—The Rulers had created Civil List Reserve Funds according to the advice given by the Chamber of Princes. The fund was intended to relieve the State of the expenditure in connection with marriages etc. in the Ruler's family. The amount standing to the credit of these funds has therefore been allowed to be retained by the Rulers. Generally, additions to the fund made after the date of integration have not been treated as private property.

(viii) Temples and Religious Funds.—Excepting the temples situated within the palaces, temples and properties attached to them have been constituted into Trusts. The right of the public to worship at these temples has been maintained.

(ix) The Rulers will preserve for the nation objects of historical importance like rare manuscripts, paintings, arms etc. Even though treated as private property these objects will be preserved in Museums inside the States concerned. Where any of them are kept in private custody, scholars, students and others interested will have access to them under proper regulations.