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Hecords of the Government of Huilia,

FOREIGN DEPARTMENT.

 

 

SUCCESSION

TO

MAHOMMEDAN STATES

 

 

Guleutiz:

ERINTHD AT THE FORDIGN DEPARTMENT PRESS,

7, COUNCIL HOUSE STREBT,

 

LSG5S.SUCCESSION

TQ

MAHOMMEDAN STaTne.

J OW EA ET.

From G. Wettrstey, Esq., Resident, to Groraz Swinton, Esq., Secretary
to Government, in the Political Department, Fort William,—No. 387,
dated Indore, the 9th September 1825.

Ir is with the greatest regret I have to report, for the information of
Government, the loss to the service of that able and valuable public officer Cap-
tain McDonald, intelligence of whose death I have just received from Colonel
Lumley in a despatch, of which the enclosed is a copy. Captain McDonald
filled a place in the management of our relations and interests in this province
which will not be easily supplied by an equally efficient officer.

“. I have directed Lieutenant Gilbert Pasley, the only Assistant Local
Agent at present within my field, to proceed with all practicable expedition
from Mehidpore to Neemuch, and take charge provisionally of the Agency, left
vacant by the death of Captain McDonald. Meanwhile I await the orders
of Government regarding a permanent successor.

3. lam sorry to have to report also the death of Nawab Ghuffoor Khan,
intelligence of which has likewise just reached me from Captain Borthwick,
who is about to” proceed immediately to Jowrah for the purpose of superin-
tending the settlement of matters in consequence of this event. Ghuffoor
Khan leaves behind him a legitimate son, an infant, named Ghous Mahommed
Khan, who will, of course, succeed to the jagheer. Some trouble and difficulties
may, perhaps, be experienced in the establishment of a provisional administra-
tion for the management of affairs during the young Chief’s minority, from
the jostlmg of parties striving to secure the post to themselves, but I trust

none of any very serious nature.SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

2

Lt J. Lumiry, Commanding Meywar Force, to G.

t
From LreuTevant-CoLont
—dated Neemuch, the 5th September

Wetiestey, Hsq., Resident, Indore,

1825.

I ramen to report the de
melancholy event happened last night,

The necessary steps have been adopted by me for the security of the
s, and I shall not permit the treasury to be opened

ath of Captain McDonald, Local Agent. This

property of Governmen

until your instructions, with which I beg to be honoured, shall arrive.

Se

From GEORGE Swrnrow, Esq., Secretary to Government, in the Political De-
partment, Fort William, to G. Waxttestey, Hsq., Resident at Indore,—
dated the 4th November 1825.

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 9th

September last.
9. The Governor General in Council has learnt, with sentiments of real
eoncern, the demise of Captain McDonald, Local Agent in Bangur and

Kauntul.

3, His Lordship in Council approves your having directed Lieutenant
Pasley to assume temporary charge of the Agency. Mr. Evelyn M. Gordon
has now been appointed to succeed the late Captain McDonald, with the
designation of Political Agent, retaining the salary of Rupees 1,500 per men-
sem, which he received in his former capacity of Principal Assistant to the
Agent to the Governor General in Saugor and the Nerbudda territories, and
will proceed from the Presidency to join his station with the least practicable

delay.

 

From G. Wenuestey, Esa., Resident, to Grorer Swinton, Esq., Secretary
to Government, in the Political Department, Fort Wilham,—No. 398,
dated Indore, the 6th October 1825.

In my letter to you of the 9th September I reported the death of Nawab
Ghuffoor Khan, and that Captain Borthwick would proceed to Jowrah for the ~
purpose of arranging a settlement of affairs in consequence of that event, &e.

2. The bad state of Ghuffoor Khan’s health for the last year having
given reason for an expectation of his early dissolution, I had taken care to put
Captain Borthwick in possession of my sentiments as to the arrangements that
should be adopted on that event, and which had reference to the state and the

views of parties entering into the case. There was no question anywhere asSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES, 3

to the right of Ghuffoor Khan’s son, Ghous Mahommed Khan, to the succes-
sion, but parties were busy some time even before his death in intriguing
against each other with a view to secure to themselves on its occurrence the
management of affairs and disappoint the eventual hopes of their rivals.

3. In order to explain the bent of these intrigues it is necessary to take
a view of Ghuffoor Khan’s family. He left two bond jide wives, to the eldest;
of whom he was married thany years ago, and by her had a daughter, who is
married to Jehangeer Khan, from which union there are children. No son
being born to Ghuffoor Khan by this wife, and there being no prospect of one,
she urged him to marry again in the hope of his having a son, and he accord-
ingly married another wife a few years ago, by whom he had the present Nawab
Ghous Mahommed, now about two years old, and no other son. Ghuffoor Khan
had living and settled with him in Malwa three brothers, all older than himself,
and who have each of them sons. It would appear that, until the late birth of
Ghous Mahommed Khan, Ghuffoor Khan’s son-in-law, Jehangeer Khan, had en-
tertained sanguine hopes, and been supported in them by the elder Begum, to
whose own daughter he was married, of obtaining the succession for himself or
his children; and although these hopes were interrupted by the birth of Ghous
Mahommed Khan, yet the latter being of tender age and not unlikely to perish
in his childhood, Jehangeer Khan might still look to the probability of an
opening for their realization. In these views to succession, however, he was
opposed by the brothers of Ghuffoor Khan, who not without reason considered
themselves and their children to have better claims to succession, as
being in. the male line of relationship to Ghuffoor Khan, than Jehangeer Khan
and his children, whose pretensions were only in the female line; and they and
the rest of Ghuffoor Khan’s kindred were from this and other causes animated.
with a strong jealousy and dislike of Jehangeer, whom they affected always to
regard as an interloper in the family. A third party in the family consisted of
the younger Begum, the mother of the young Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan,
and her father and relatives, who naturally felt a solicitude regarding the self-
interested views of the other two parties and a desire to guard the young
Nawab and his interests, no less their own, against any danger fromthem. Such
was the state of the family, the respective parties in it, their views and preten-
sions, and it was foreseen from the symptoms that had made their appearance,
that, conformably with these views and pretensions, they would each, on the
demise of Ghuffoor Khan, strive to establish themselves in the power over
affairs. Ghuffoor Khan himself made no declaration or demonstration in favour
of any one of these parties, but seemed only solicitous about the succession
and security of his infant son, and to place his reliance for the accomplishmentSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

4

nd the management of affairs in a suitable manner on. the
d authority of the British authorities, whom he, and, indeed,
the proper arbiters of any question that might

of these objects a
wisdom, justice, an
all other parties, looked upon as
arise. |

4. The course I directed Captain Borthwick, under these circumstances,
| Ghuffoor Khan’s death, was to nominate the

to pursue on the occurrence of in
respected for her good sense, qualities, and

elder Begum, who is generally
birth,* to the guardianship of the y
affairs and interests during his nino
away from her and Jehangeer, who it was expected would be ot by her as
dviser, all interest adverse to the interests of and
arge, but, on the contrary, to identify their interests

oung N awab and the management of his
rity. At the same time, in order to take

her principal agent and a

their duty towards their ch 3 |
with those of their charge, Captain Borthwick was directed to suppress their

hopes of the succession ever falling to Jehangeer Khan an his chien,
Dy giving it plainly to be understood that any such pretensions on their part
could never be allowed to come into competition with those of the male
relations of Ghuffoor Khan. Hence they would come to regard it as their
‘nterest to cherish the young Nawab and his interests, instead of regarding
him as an obstacle in the way of their hopes, while Ghuffoor Khan’s brothers
would be relieved from their fears of Jehangeer Khan’s pretensions to succes-
sion interfering with their own; and the young Begum and her relatives
would no longer entertain apprehensions of ill will and designs on the part
of those who would be placed in charge of her son.

5. Captain Borthwick shaped his proceedings accordingly, and I am
happy to say the selection of the elder Begum for the guardianship and
management has proved satisfactory to all parties (to Holkar’s Government
among the rest); and she herself is very grateful for the honour done her.
Ghuffoor Khan’s brothers likewise expressed their approval of the elder
Begum for the situation, but protested strongly against Jehangeer Khan’s
being vested with any share in the management, declaring they could never
be reconciled to it, but would object to no other person whom the Begum
might wish to select. Their objection, however, was overruled on the ground
that the Begum being made the responsible party, 1b would be unfair to
limit her in the selection of her agents to please them, who had, in fact, no
present title to any voice in the question. Assurances, however, were given
them that they should not suffer under the new arrangements any diminu-

 

* Sheis a sister, | understand, of the present King of Delhi’s first wife, some time
dead, and has a sister married to Ameer Khan,SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. D

tion of the benefits and attentions they enjoyed while their brother lived,
unless they brought it upon themselves by perverse conduct of their own.
Nevertheless, I thought it advisable for Captain Borthwick to recommend
confidentially to the Begum to forbear from giving Jehangeer Khan any
prominent part or positive office in the management, but to preserve an
apparent equality between him and Ghuffoor Khan’s brothers by employing |
neither in any executive duties, and considering both in the honorary light
of advisers from the relationship in which they stood towards her, while
she made use of the agency of some well-qualified man of business ag the |]
medium of transacting business ; by which means she would be placing the
two rival parties in a suitable relation towards each other as well as towards
herself, the feelings of her husband’s brothers would be conciliated, and her
own authority would be more likely to be preserved unimpaired over all.
The Begum, however, did not show herself inclined to follow this recom-
mendation as far as the non-employment of Jehangeer Khan was concerned,
but it will no doubt have the good effect of operating as a warning to her
to avoid giving other offence to the brothers, or of letting J ehangeer Khan
gain a prejudicial influence and sway over her.

6. The opposition made by Ghuffoor Khan’s brothers was in a great
measure attributable to the intrigues and instigations of Munsaram, the
Dewan or principal Agent employed by the late Nawab, who, knowing himself
to be obnoxious to Jehangeer Khan and the elder Begum, and that, if they
obtained authority, he and his adherents would probably lose their employment,
endeavoured to prevent such a result by setting on the brothers to urge
objections against Jehangeer and assert their own preferable claims; but his
schemes having failed of their object, he will meet with his deserts in
attempting them by the loss of his situation.

7. I considered it advisable, on the appointment of the Begum to the
guardianship and management, to impress upon her the leading duties expected
from her, and the consequences that would ensue in the event of her failing
to fulfil them satisfactorily, particularly as regarded the efficiency of the
Contingent of troops furnished at the charge of the jagheer; and in doing so
I gave her to understand that it was more owing to her being considered
to possess the requisite good qualities for the situation that she was appointed
to it, than to her being considered to have any particular claim to it on

other accounts.

8. The British Government, as guarantee to the settlement of the jagheer
on Ghuffoor Khan and his heirs, and as paramount party, is undoubtedly theSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

6

of the requisite arrangements in the present case, and
has been so considered by all parties ; but adverting to the circumstance of
dar of the Holkar State (virtually he is

this Chief being nominally a jagheer 7 :
independent of its authority), it may be considered suitable that the Maharajah

should enjoy a part in the act of investiture on the occasion of the nce sony
and the sentiment is entertained by the Durbar. Thinking it, however, expedient
that their exercise of this prerogative should be dependent upon the choice and
confirmation of the British Government, I have suggested that such an act
on their part should be postponed until the sentiments of Government may
ositions, which can only be deemed provisional

just and proper arbiter

be expressed on the new disp : )
sn the interim; that when expressed it is probable they will be accompanied

with directions to me to invest the young Nawab as successor and the Begum
as guardian and manager, with khilluts of confirmation, by authority and on the
part immediately of Government, and that then would be the best time for
the Maharajah to confer his also. This recommendation met with the ready
acquiescence of Holkar’s Government.* In the course of our communications
on the subject they gave a hint that it was a customary rule on such occasions
for the act of investiture by the sovereign Chief to be preceded by the tender
of a suitable nuzzurana or gratuity from the new jagheerdar, and that they
trusted it would be observed on the present occasion; to which I replied, gener-
ally, that whatever might be found customary in that respect would no doubt
be done in the present case: and I directed Captain Borthwick to mention the
circumstance to the Begum in order that it might be taken into consideration
by her. The practice I imagine 1s too well established} among the native
powers not to be recognized as due on the part of the jagheerdar ; and the only
question likely to be started will be as to the amount. A handsome sum may
reasonably be looked for by Holkar’s Government referrmg to the known pros-
perity in which Ghuffoor Khan left his affairs. His jagheer, which was rated
at about three lakhs and a half at the time of its settlement upon him at the
peace, has been since greatly improved by his prudent management, and he is
generally supposed to have brought up his receipts to as much as six or seven
lakhs.

9, Ghuffoor Khan, at the same time that he was a good economist of his
resources, was not the less liberal in his expenditure, and all his establishments

 

* I propose taking Jowrah in the course of my tour at the end of the year, and of
then confirming the new arrangements by the grant of khilluts.

+ Holkar himself, Sindia, and the other members of the Mahratta Hmpire, on
occasions of a new succession, thought it due always to apply for confirmation by an
investiture from the Peishwa, and gaye large nuzzuranas for the same.SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. é 7

were well found. In his own person and in all about him there prevailed a
degree of genuine and consistent style that is not generally observable about
natives of rank; and, indeed, he was in every way respectable, not only in his
personal appearance, his attendance, and establishments, but also in connections,
in education, in talents, in manners, and in conduct. He was, moreover, to be
relied on as a staunch friend to the British rule, to which he considered himself
indebted for his handsome settlement, and looked up to for protection and

security in it against the secret enmity of Holkar’s Government and against
any other parties.

10. For the further information of Government on the subject of this
Report I enclose copies of correspondence which has passed relating to it, and
I cannot conclude without expressing my obligations to Captain Borthwick for
his good management in all this business, which, to bring to the satisfactory
termination effected with go little trouble and difficulty, required all the influ-
ence he enjoys with the parties from their intimate acquaintance with him and
their appreciation of his character, and the knowledge, temper, judgment, and
tact with which he proceeds on all occasions in his Agency.

Copy of a letter from Mr. WeniEstey, to Capratn Borruwicx,—dated Indore,
the 18th April 1825.

I am sorry to hear such a bad account of Ghuffoor Khan’s health. We
must be prepared against his dissolution, and you had better keep near at hand
for the occasion. I trust it will be attended with no troubles. You are in
possession of my sentiments as to the mode of proceeding, viz., the son, as a
matter of course, to be declared successor, to be considered under the political
guardianship of the Company (virtually) and of Holkar (nominally), but
committed to the domestic guardianship of the elder Beeum, who is to be vested
with the management of affairs in his name during his minority, subject,
however, to removal from the office in the case of bad management. Strong
advice to be given her to make no material innovations in the existing order
and system of things. No alterations to be made by her in the actual disposi-
tions in the Contingent, except at our recommendation or with our consent.
Pay of Contingent to be regular ; if not, Contingent will be taken entirely out
of the hands of the jagheerdar, who will, in that case, be required to make us the
necessary payments for its maintenance, and which if not ponneonsa, an
equivalent will be taken from the lands of the jagheer. Warning to be given
the new Administration of these liabilities. Should any symptom be exhibited
anywhere of a supposition that Jehangeer Khan or his children may look toSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

8

n suould be put down at once by implicit declara-
so long as there may be any relatives of

Ghuffoor Khan’s on the male side. Your influence over the Contingent, I
trust, may be relied on for preventing their taking any part oneine occasion
contrary to our wishes. It is to be expected, should there arise divisions regard-

ight to administration, that attempts would be made by

ing the succession or ¥ |
the parties to tamper with and gain over the Contingent to the support of

I need say no more at present.

the succession, such suppositio
tions of the impossibility of the thing,

their own sides.

 

Extract of a letter from CAPTAIN Borruwicr, to Mr, WELLESLEY,—dated
Jowrah, the 18th September 1825.

I procneven this forenoon to the new residence of the late Nawab Ghuffoor
Khan, and announced to his relations and dependants, and to the heads of the
different classes of the inhabitants of J owrah assembled for the purpose, the
succession to the jagheer of Ghous Mahommed Khan, the infant and only son
of the late Nawab, and the contemplated arrangements devolving upon the
elder Begum, the guardianship of Ghous Mahommed Khan, and the management
of the affairs of the jagheer during his minority: and it is with very sincere
pleasure that I have to inform you that this announcement afforded general
satisfaction. I yesterday visited the Begum and communicated the intentions
of our Government, which called forth from her the expression of her sincere
eratitude for the consideration that was thereby paid to her; and she declared
that she would endeavour to evince what she felt in a more intrinsic manner, by
a faithful and conscientious discharge of the duties of the guardianship of the
young jagheerdar and the affairs of the jagheer; and, what had been of para-
mount solicitude with her deceased husband during his life-time, the punctual
fulfilment of the obligations under which the jagheer is held, should be with
her an object of equal care and solicitude to render faithfully and to preserve
unimpaired. From her conversation I am induced to think she is a smart, in-
telligent woman, and as far as report goes, I am inclined to think the arrange-
ments will thrive well in her hands. Ghuffoor Khan’s three brothers visited me
the day before yesterday, with whom I had a long discussion on the subject of
affairs. They had nothing to object to, but acknowledged the propriety and
justice of the arrangement that placed the Begum at the head of affairs
during them inority of the heir; they, or rather the two elder, however (for my
friend of the Contingent, Mahommed Nyme Khan, was not only silent during
the discussion, but when they were going out of the tent, he stepped back and
very significantly whispered in my ear—“ You see what they would beat; theySUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES, 9

want to get rid of J ehangeer Khan, when they would, they think, have it all
their own way’’), advanced with a good deal of pertinacity a élaim to share in
the direction of affairs and the guardianship of the child, on the plea of their
proximity of relationship to the late Nawab, as well as that it was his express
wish before he died that they should participate in the management of his con-
cerns. I said I was confident that their advice, when it was good and proper,
would always be attended to by the person in whose hands the management
would be placed, but that to vest it in the hands of more than one
person appeared to us very unadvisable and little likely to be productive of
any benefit, but, on the contrary, of discord and confusion ; and that, therefore,
we had determined to try the more eligible plan of giving the direction of
everything to one person, and of holding that person alone responsible.
With regard to the wish which they asserted Ghuffoor Khan had expressed
in their favour, I said that, while I was here during his former illness, he
had never even hinted at such an arrangement, and though I was in cor-
respondence with him till the day of his death, he had never expressed any-
thing of the kind in any of his letters; but if he had even done §o,
the management of the affairs of the Jagheer was a case which I conceived,
as regarding the peace and prosperity of a considerable tract of country
held under our guarantee, to belong to us to decide upon. But, in answer
to this part of the plea, on which they founded their claim, I could have brought
a more stubborn reason, and one which would have told against the truth
of their assertions that Ghuffoor had wished them to have a share jn the
direction of his son, or, if he had, against the expediency of attending to
it, namely, that the child, Ghous Mahommed Khan, stood between their sons
and the jagheer, thereby bringing his well-being into collision with their
interests. Abdool Kureem Khan, the eldest of the brothers (but by a different
mother from the late Ghuffoor Khan, and the other two who are from the

same mother), has ason about eight years of age; Abdool Hukeem Khan, the

second, has one about sixteen years of age; and Nyme Khan two grown up to
manhood. After this the two elder brothers inveighed in no very measured terms
against Jehangeer Khan, that he was a stranger and intruder in their family,
and what, perhaps, may be considered a more weighty objection against him, if
such really be the case (which I am not prepared to say is so), that he

was equally disliked by the whole of the late Nawab’s kindred and the natives
el the country; and they concluded that they would submit to anything |

but to have him to lord it over them, and hoped I would prevent him from

having anything to say in the affairs. I said that the arrangement I was

instructed to carry into effect did not recognize Jehangeer Khan in any way ;
2UCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

10 §

that, if he was employed, it would be as a subordinate Agent by and on
the responsibility of the Begum, to whom alone we looked for a faithful
discharge of the trust confided to her, and, therefore, it would be unadvisable

to prevent her from employing any persons through whose agency she hoped
uties of this trust. They at length took their

to discharge satisfactorily the d !
departure, with assurances from me that I would stipulate with the Begum

(though I said I was perfectly convinced that it was not necessary) for no
alteration being made in the provision which they enjoyed from their late
brother, and that all the respect and consideration that they had hitherto
received should continue to be paid to them. On these points there is nothing
to be apprehended, for I am perfectly satisfied, not only from the assurances of
the Begum herself, but the acknowledgments of the brothers, that she is well
disposed to conciliate the whole of her late husband’s kindred by a kind
and considerate treatment of them. Jehangeer Khan, too, I have reason to
think, is not so generally disliked as the brothers would wish to make it appear ~
he is, and there is no doubt that he has lately been doing everything in his
power to conciliate them and others of the Nawab’s relations who have shown any
enmity towards him ; indeed, he sees that his future prospects now rest upon
different grounds to what they did; that any countenance or support from us
must be gained by a more moderate and conciliatory line of conduct and
a just and considerate dealing to all than he at all times observed when
in authority during the Nawab’s life-time. Under such a reformation he would
be a useful instrument of management ; and it appears to me that we have nothing
for it but to give him a trial, for I can see that he is the only person about her
in whom the Begum places confidence, and to deprive her of his assistance in
the outsetting would, I fear, put the success of our arrangements to some risk.:
As might be expected, though I am unable to say that there are just grounds
for it, much of the opposition shown by the brothers to the arrangement exclud-
ing them from authority is laid to the instigations of Munsaram. The Begum
herself accused him of this to me, and said that he had excited much bitterness
and heartburning between her and her late husband ; but that she conceived it
would be unworthy of her to entertain any longer a recollection of the evil
machinations which he employed to estrange him from her in favour of the
person of his second marriage: and though she could never bring herself to con-
fide in him the transaction of public business, she would, whenever he chose to

return to his country, dismiss him with all due consideration.

There are two papers, one in Persian, which I gave to the Begum, regarding
her charge, and the other Persian and Hindee, which I had’ read to the people
in public, which I shall send you.

Uae |SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES, 11

Extract of a letter from Capra Borruwicr, to Mr. WELLESLEY,—dated
Jowrah, the 26th September 1825.

Tur advice I have already been giving to the Begum with regard to
Jehangeer Khan has been quite in unison with what you propose should be
recommended to her in your last letter, excepting latterly that, seeing she was
bent upon making him her principal Agent, after pointing out to her the possi-
ble vexations and troubles that such preference might be productive of to her
management, my advice has been rather directed to the least offensive course to
the brothers to be pursued in effecting this object of her wishes than to dis-
suading her from it, convinced as I am that it is one which she has too much
at heart for any means like those of mere persuasion to induce her to relinquish.
I have therefore strongly recommended her not to exercise her authority
through him for the present, but only to do so when she found that the brothers,
by her kind and considerate treatment, were more reconciled to her management
and her measures, and their hope of obtaining a share in the direction of the
affairs became less sanguine. ‘The evening before last, after the receipt of your
letter, I had a long conversation with her, in which I brought all the points
intended for her in it to her notice, and endeavoured to impress upon her the
advisableness of adopting them, which she promised to do as far as lay in her
power, but at the same time explicitly declared that she considered the success of
her management to depend upon being allowed to employ him as the chief instru-
ment of it; that she would maturely consider all that I had said, and address
me by letter on this and other subjects. This letter, which I enclose, I only
received this morning, which is the reason that I have not written you sooner.

Extract of a letter from Caprams Borruwicx, to Mr. WELLESLEY,—dated
Rutlam, the 29th September 1825.

I YESTERDAY forenoon presented khilluts to the infant son of the late
Ghuffoor Khan on his succession to the jagheer, and to the elder Begum as
guardian and manager of affairs, and after this ceremony I left Jowrah and
came here this morning. J.am in no fear but that this arrangement will succeed
to our wishes, unless that the Begum allows herself to be misled by Jehangeer
Khan, for whom she shows an exclusive preference; but it is to be hoped
that her good sense and cleverness, in which, from report as well as what
I have been able to judge from the different audiences I have lately had
of her, she is in no way defective, will prevent her from falling into such
an error. I paid her a visit just before quitting, and plainly expressed my
apprehensions on this point as the only one on which I had any for the
Success of her management, and strongly urged upon her the necessity ofSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

12

conducting herself with strict impar

tiality between him and her late husband’s
d that Jehangeer Khan was the only person

kindred. She candidly confesse
ould confide as an out-door instrument

at, present about her in whom she ¢
of her authority, but promised that in all measures she would exercise her
own, judgment, and any that bore relation to the late Nawab’s. kindred
should be executed with that degree of consideration and delicacy which should
leave them without, any ground of complaint.. I shall leave what else 1 may
have to say on this subject until I see-you, which I hope: will be very soon.
I remain here two days and afterwards. proceed to, Mehidpore to. get the Contin-
sserah. I shall at the same time so. manage as.to be able

gent, ready for the Du :
to spare a couple of days to remain at Oojein in passing, should it be necessary.

 

TRANSLATIONS.

DocUMENTS PROMULGATED TO THE INHABITANTS OF JOWRAH.

Arrangement on the part of the Government of the Hon'ble Company and of
Maharajah Mulhar Row Hotkar.

Tur death of Nawab Abdool Ghuffoor Khan has occasioned the deepest
sorrow and regret, the existence of a, Chief of his great prudence and ability
having been a source. of satisfaction and confidence to both Governments: but
it is necessary to yield with resignation to the inevitable decrees of the Almighty.
The child, Ghous Mahommed Khan, the son: of the deceased Nawab, is. now, with-
out doubt or question, the rightful heir and successor to the jagheer according
to the laws and institutions of allsects and nations; but, owing to his tender
years, ib has been judged expedient that the principal Begum of the late
Nawab, who is distinguished by her high station in the family, should adopt
the child, Ghous Mahommed Khan, have charge of his person and education, and
also be vested with the management of his jagheer. The most confident hopes
are: entertained that: the Begum, impressed with these obligations, will conduct
the affairs of the jagheer with the same regularity as has hitherto prevailed,
for, by preserving order in every department, the good-will and approbation
of Government will be obtained. ©

Written on the 17th September 1825 c. E., agreeing with the 3rd Suffur
1241 Hijree. .

Letter from Caprain Borruwick, to the Begum of the late NawaB GHUFFOOR
Kran.

TuE arrangements on the part of Government have been declared in a

general way and promulgated to high and low, and these arrangements, togetherSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES, 13

with other points, though already verbally discussed, are now herein committed
to paper.

The good management of the pergunnalis, the content of the inhabitants?
and the inerease of the cultivation and revenue by every proper means, being
objects worthy the attention of a judicious and enlightened Government, are
to be constantly borne in mind.

The relations and connections of the deceased Nawab to be treated with.

kindness and attention, in order that their obedience and submission may be
conjoined with affection and respect for the superior of the family. Neither
relatives nor others should be allowed an undue participation in the management
out of favour and partiality, as it would tend to your own disadvantage.

Due attention to be paid to the Contingent of Cavalry and Infantry, as
on their efficiency depends the permanence of the jagheer and the approbation

of Government. The monthly allowances of the soldier to be paid regularly,

so as to ensure their gratitude and attachment, for,in the event of the monthly

payment of the Horse and Foot being neglected, another arrangement must be

made, that is, a portion of the revenues of the jagheer equal to their main-
tenance must: be appropriated for that purpose.

The greatest confidence is placed in your prudence and ability for the
fulfilment of the above stipulations, and that the arrangement now made will

be followed by such happy results as to secure the approbation of Government.

Letter from the Begum, to Caprary BortHwick.
Your former observations relative to the good management of the
pergunnahs, the maintenance of order in the jagheer, the propriety of giving
public assurances of kindness and favour to the brothers and relations of the

deceased Nawab, and also: what you repeated yesterday on the same subject,

have been distinctly impressed. on my mind, and as I could not then reply
to you verbally, I now proceed, in pursuance of my promise, to returm an answer
in writing.

The good order of the districts will be fully maintained through the:
favour of the Almighty and the happy’ auspices: of the Hon’ble Company. It.

is my intention. to use every effort. in giving comfort. and. satisfaction to the
brothers, and. connections of the late. Nawab, for it. was. the practice of the

deceased’ Nawab to: expend. thousands: without regret: in: such acts. of bene-
ficence from.a, regard. to, his. owm character; I should, therefore, no longer hold
an: honourable station: in: society were I to depart from this practice. As for the14 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

ons who have been so far misled as to claim the chief control, and been «
ate trouble, it is well known the late Nawab.
brothers to interfere in the government of the

pers
ready to remonstrate and cre

did not allow any one of his
jagheer, but took care that every individual was supported in his proper rank

and station by a fixed monthly allowance. But anticipating a new cue
of things, they entered into fruitless projects: as the poet says— A quarrel is
a wonderful thing, for money comes to hand whatever may be the rea
When they find their interested designs fruitless, they will consid their ee
monthly allowance as a blessing. With regard to the enmity and opposition
of the Nawab’s brothers to Jehangeer Khan, it can be ascribed only to their
own folly, for, being invested with the management of the country by the |
Government, it rests with me to employ as my chief Agent whomsoever I
consider fitted for the office: the choice is by no means limited to Jehangeer
Khan. It is well known to every one acquainted with affairs that Munsaram,
Pundit, has for a long period been ill disposed towards me; and as he still continues
in that disposition, his continuance here is useless : I will, therefore, agree to his
retirement should he wish it, in order to put an end to the trouble which
his presence tends to promote; and should it not be disagreeable to the
Resident, I will depute to his presence a person on whose attachment and
qualifications for business I can place the fullest reliance. I sincerely hope
that, in the event of any neglect or error in the administration of affairs, you
will make it a practice to notice and remedy the evil, for God forbid that
any cause of displeasure should be given to the Government or to the Resident.

Letter from G. WELLESLEY, Esq., to the Begum,—dated the 29th September
1825.

Wirt sincere sorrow I have learnt from your letter the lamented death
_ of the Nawab, and no doubt your grief must be extreme on so afflicting an
event; but as such is the will of God, it is necessary you should submit with
patience to the dispensation.

As Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan is the lawful heir of his deceased father,
he has therefore been appointed to succeed to the jagheer; but being yet
in his infancy, it becomes necessary that a person of integrity and possessed
of the requisite qualifications should be appointed to the charge of his person
and to the management of his interests, and considering that you were noted
for prudence and good judgment on this account chiefly, and also adverting
to your relationship to the deceased, you were deemed a proper person to adopt
the young Nawab, to take charge of his person and education until he attains-SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. AR

the age of discretion, and to be entrusted with the control and management
of affairs during his minority. It is, therefore, to be hoped you will exercise
such care and prudence in the conduct of affairs as to evince to Government and

to the world that the charge of affairs has been entrusted toa person well quali-
fied for such an office.

 

From Grorer Swryrton, Esq., Secretary to Government, in the Political De-

partment, to G. WELLESLEY, Hsq., Resident at Indore,—dated Fort
William, the 4th November 1825.

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, dated 6th
ultimo, reporting the arrangements which have been made on the jagheer of
the Nawab Ghuffoor Khan on the death of that Chief and the accession of
his infant son, and to communicate to you the orders and observations of the
Right Hon’ble the Governor General in Council in reply.

2. In determining that the jagheer descends exclusively to the son of
the late Nawab without participation with the widows and daughter, who
might claim shares under the general provisions of the Mahommedan Law, the
Governor General in Council concludes that you have been guided by estab-
lished usage and _ prescription, according to which it is probable that the
jagheer descends to a single male heir. And assuming that a point so essential
‘to the right of succession has been fully considered and ascertained, His Lord-
ship in Council, confiding in your judgment and local experience, sanctions and
confirms your proceedings as above reported, the more especially as the arrange-
ment which you have provisionally introduced is stated to be fully concurred
in by the Government of Holkar. At the same time the Governor General in
Council is not without apprehension that the nomination of a secluded female
to the office of guardian and manager of the jagheer, and the share which
Jehangeer Khan will probably take in the administration, are circumstances
calculated to produce much future embarrassment; and to ensure the success
and stability of the arrangement now sanctioned, it is obvious that the exercise
of great prudence, address, and forbearance will be necessary on the part of the
Begum and her advisers. The counsel addressed by Captain Borthwick to the
former respecting the general management of affairs, and specially as to her

_ conduct towards the brothers of Ghuffoor Khan, was quite proper and judicious ;

and it would not be amiss if he were to take the first opportunity of holding
the same language to Jehangeer Khan also personally should he not have been
included in the general admonition.16 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

3. The Governor General in Council further observes that Ghuffoor Khan
being a jagheerdar and feudatory of the Holkar State, the Makanjeh is
entitled to take the lead in the arrangements for the formation of an adminis-
tration on the accession of a minor Chief, and that the interference of the
British representative should be limited to seeing justice Gone; and SOE
such measures as appear to be equitable and generally satisfactory. It 1s the
desire of Government that this principle should be kept in view, and acted up
to as much as practicable in the steps which remain to be taken. The investi-
ture, therefore, of the young Nawab, Ghous Mahommed, and the formal appoint-
ment of the guardian and manager, should issue from the Maharajah Mulhar
Rao Holkar; and the khilluts to be subsequently granted by you should be
considered of a confirmatory nature, expressive of the concurrence of the
British Government as a party to the arrangement in consequence of its
guarantee. The Governor General in Council can, of course, have no
objection to the Government of Holkar requiring from the new jagheerdar
such fee or nuzzurana on the occasion of his accession as is customary and
proper, either according to the particular usage of that State, or to native
customs and feelings generally ; and His Lordship will approve your represent-
ing to the Jowrah Administration, if necessary, the propriety of their complying

with any reasonable demand on the above account.

4. The declaration which you state yourself (in the 4th paragraph of your
letter) to have made through Captain Borthwick, that the claims of the eldest
daughter of the Nawab Ghuffoor Khan and her offspring to possession of the
jagheer can never be allowed to come into competition with those of his male
relations, is one of serious importance, as tending to exclude permanently the
descendants of the deceased Nawab in the female line ; and it would have been
satisfactory to Government if you had stated explicitly the grounds on which
you arrived at the conclusion that the title of the brothers of the late Nawab
to the eventual succession is so decidedly preferable as to exclude his daughter
from sharing the estate with those in the event of her surviving her brother:
the present successor.

5. The Governor General in Council still wishes to receive this information
after such enquiry as may be necessary with reference to the Mussulman law,
to local family custom, and to the usage respecting jagheers held under
the Holkar dynasty, as it appears very desirable that there should be no
difference of opinion on the subject between ourselves and the Maharajah,
whose sentiments you will endeavour to ascertain in the mode least likely te
excite any public and formal discussion. I am at the same time directed toSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 17

observe that, if the declaration against the pretensions of J ehangeer Khan’s
wife and. children to participate in the eventual succession to the jagheer can be
maintained on grounds of legal right, or established usage, it will, of course, be

desirable to repeat and enforce it, in the strongest terms, under the subsisting
arrangement.

6. In conclusion, I am desired to acquaint you that His Lordship in
Council concurs entirely in the commendation which you express of Captain
Borthwiek’s conduct and good management whilst acting under your instructions
at Jowrah ; and the influence, address, and judgment which he has displayed on
this occasion have inspired Government with a highly favourable opinion of his
general character and abilities as a public officer. ce ,

 

From G. Wetirstey, Ese. Resident at Indore, to Guorer Swinton, Esg.,
Secretary to Government, in the Political Department, Fort William,—
No. 409, dated Camp, the 28th March 1826.

Wirt reference to the proceedings consequent upon the death of the
Nawab Ghuffoor Khan, I beg to acquaint you, for the information of Govern-
ment, that, in pursuance of the instructions in your letter to me of the 4th
November, I signified to the Indore Administration the intention of Govern-
ment that-the investiture of his successor, Ghous Mahommed Khan, and
the formal appointment of the guardian and manager, should issue from
the Maharajah Mulhar Rao Holkar, and the khilluts to be subsequently
granted by me should be considered of a confirmatory nature, expressive of the
eoneurrence of the British Government,—a communication which was gratefully
received by the Durbar as evincing the regard paid by Government to the
support of the Maharajah’s dignity.

2. The Indore Administration having already expressed its concurrence
in the expediency and propriety of the arrangements effected at Jowrah,
the only point requiring to be settled preliminarily to the grant of the

- investiture was the nuzzurana to be given on the occasion, and a negotiation
was opened between the parties for the purpose. But they differed so widely

in regard to the amount, the Indore party stating their expecta tons at so
considerable a sum as Rupees 15,00,000, the Jowrah party in return namin SO
paltry a sum as Rupees 5,000, that there appeared little prospect of their coma
to a point of concurrence by themselves, and both cen to the conclusion
of referring the matter to my arbitration. It was accordingly settled through
me at Rupees 2,00,000, inclusive of all accounts, vzz., Ist, on a of the newSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

18

‘s nuzzurana to the Maharajah, with fees to the Indore Ministers ;

jagheerdar .
- rdian and manager’s nuzzurana to the Maharajah,

2ndly, on account of the gua
with fees to the Ministers. | :

3. As I was at the time halting within a march of é owrah in expectation
of the issue of the negotiation before I would proceed thither, ue was pepe
n as the pomt was settled the Maharajah’s khilluts were dis-

: time, as soo : :
— with a request that I would give them on his part

patched to me from Indore, -
at the same time that I gave those on my own: upon recelving panes I paar
ceeded to Jowrah and conferred the khilluts on the young Nawab in public
assembly, first on the part of the Maharajah, ane aie yar on my own pare
as representative of the British Government in the province, and observing
the same course in the investiture of the Begum as guardian and manager,
All the assembly rose up at the time, and paid the respects and nuzzurs
to the little Chief, who, though only two years old, sat tranquilly and without
being dashed upon the guddee, receiving the nuzzurs, and pas himself with
an intelligence that one would not have expected from a child of such voudle:
age. I afterwards had a private audience of the Begum (a purdah being
between), when I exhorted her to the performance of her part as guardian
and manager in a manner to justify the selection of her for the charge, and not
to omit conciliating her deceased husband’s brothers and relations by a kind
demeanour towards them, and gratifying them in all reasonable respects; to all
which she replied personally in a suitable manner. At her request, too, J ehangeer
Khan, whom she desired I would consider as her Peshkar, or principal Agent, was
called in, when I exhorted him to a similar effect; and he gave me every
assurance of his intention to pursue the course I pointed out, without which,
he was aware, he could entertain no hope of favour or support from us. They
observed, however, that it was not sufficient for them, on their side, to be inclmed
to do their best to conciliate the brothers if these on their side were not

e

disposed to be conciliated by anything they could do.

4. This has proved to be the case. The brothers at first stated certain
points which, if conceded to them, they would be satisfied; but when these
were conceded as moderate and reasonable expectations on their part, so far
from being contented, they and their party then declared plainly that nothing
would satisfy them without the exclusion of Jehangeer Khan from all concern
in the management of affairs and the admission of themselves to a principal
share in it; or, as they express their views, that the Begum should be Mookh-
tear, but that she should aet according to their counsel; in other words,
that she should be nominally and they in reality at the head of affairs. They

further expressed their intention (thinking it would produce an effect in theirSUCCESSION TO MATOMIMEDAN STATES, 19

favour) of taking themselves off from J owrah if their demands were not attended
to, as they could not submit to reside there under the Beeum and J ehangeer
Khan’s authority. It is needless to say that I treated their pretensions to
the conduct of affairs ag quite inadmissible,

and suppressed at once all hope
of their succeeding in such views,

At the same time I encouraged them
in their proposal of removing from Jowrah as a desirable step on their own
account, since they could not live there comfortably under existing dispositions,
and observed that, wherever else they might take up their residence, the allow-
ances they received at present would be continued to them. However, it was
sufficient to recommend this course for them to express a disinclination to
adopt it; nothing, in short, would content them, but that they should keep
their ground at Jowrah and preside there over the management of affhirs.
At last, when lefé without an alternative, they said they would take up their
quarters with me, or wherever I might desire; to which I answered that I
thought they could not do better than come to reside at the Nawab’s vacant
quarters at Indore, where they would be treated with all due respect, as
they wished to be, by me as well as the Durbar. They seemed in the end
to come into this proposal, but with what sincerity remains still to be seen:
they have been following me about the country during a tour E have been
making. :

5. I shall now beg to offer some explanation of the reasons which induced
me to consider it advisable that the British Government should take the lead
over Holkar in the arrangements for the management of the jagheer, as well as
in the investiture, instead of following his lead. It appeared to me that, as
paramount and guaranteeing party, we had a fair constructive right to assume
such precedence in the case, and both the Jowrah and Indore parties looked
to us as the proper disposers of the matter, the utmost pretensions of the
latter only extending the length of a claim to ostensible participation with
us in the proceeding for the dignity and honour of the Maharajah’s State and to
the benefit of a nuzzurana. It became also a matter of consideration with me
what might be the consequences of leaving to Holkar’s Government the prece-
dence in the investiture and the appointment of an administration, in which con-
sideration two leading circumstances presented themselves to me as insuperable
objections to their exercising such a power over the question ; 1st, the deep-rooted
enmity felt by Holkar’s Government against the Jowrah jagheerdar on account
of Ghuffoor Khan having made his own terms with us at their expense,—a pro-
ceeding which they treat as a piece of flagrant perfidy on his part towards his em-
ployers ; 2ndly, the venality which generally predominates in the agitation of such
matters in Native States. On the first head, the enmity with which Holkar’s20 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

Government is possessed against the jagheerdar is such, that I Do repeatedly
received hints of the satisfaction it would afford them if the founly were to be
deprived by any means of the jagheer, although we Were to come into posses-
sion of it, and not themselves. Actuated by such a feeling, they would rather
derive a satisfaction in the embroilment of tts affairs in the hope of its leading
to an attachment, than in making suitable arrangements for ue welfare ao
prosperity ; or, at least, they would take advantage of the occasion He secure 16
so effectually within their clutches as to leave but the semblanee without any
of the free action of a distinct establishment. With regard to the venality
which would predominate in the case were the precedence in the investiture
and the nomination of an administration to be left with Holkar’s Government;
it appeared but too probable that they would abuse the powcr such 2
privilege would give them to the purpose of extracting an excessive nuzzurana,
leaving the settlement of the question in an injurious state of suspense
until their object were attained, while the selection of the guardian and mana-
ger would be canvassed, not on the disinterested grounds of the relative fitness
of the candidates (which would guide our determination, as the parties them-
selveseare ready to acknowledge), but through the arts and influence of bribery
and intrigue. And ib would be fortunate if the competitors were to content
themselves with secking their object through these means ; experience, however,
shows us that in such unprincipled contentions it is common, when those re-
sources fail of success, as must happen to one of the parties, that he resorts to
violence and arms; and so disorders, are begotten, the effects of which, in a
country like Malwa, do not confine themselves to their sources, but soon are felt
throughout the country. Then it becomes imperatively necessary for us to
step in with military force to quell these disorders, for the burthen in the end
falls upon our shoulders, and it is not unlikely that we may find 1t expedient to
take into our own immediate management or control the possessions in which
the trouble has arisen. So the legitimate and modified interference which we
were shy of exercising at first, and which, if exercised in good time, would have
saved these evil consequences, becomes unavoidable and more unqualified in the
end ; and so it is that indiscriminate doctrines of non-interference on our part
prove, in the moral order of things, adverse to doctrines of non-extension of our
rule and territory, insomuch that, if we really had a view to territorial acquisi-
tion, we could not set out with a more convenient principle for the accomplish-
ment of our object than the rule of non-interference till absolutely compelled
to it.

6. Influenced by these considerations, and satisfied of the right we had
to take the lead in the case in virtue of our paramountship over bothSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 21

the parties, and in fulfilment of the duties of our guarantee; sensible, too,
of the evils of indecision on such occasions ; I did not hesitate in adopting
my part accordingly ; and the consequence was that the new arrangements
were introduced under the auspices of our authority with a degree of facility
that was a subject of remark in Malwa, where trouble and bloodshed had
been anticipated in the determination of the contending claims: and it was
generally admitted that nothing but our taking the matter in hand, as was
done, prevented any such occurrence. Influenced also by sueh considerations,
I deemed it expedient to use great caution in fulfilling the instructions of
Government regarding the precedence to be given to Holkar’s Government
in the investiture and formation of an administration, and to confine my
communication to this Government (more particularly as arrangements had
already been effected in the propriety of which they had expressed their con-
currence) to the relinquishment to them of the honour of investiture and the
admission of their claim to a suitable nuzzurana, thus leaving them the honour
and profit of the occasion, without renouncing to them the points of political
moment. Had I gone further, and told them they were at liberty to declare
the successor and to form an administration, there is little doubt that the

event would have turned out very different from what it has done. e

7. I now proceed to advert to the strictures contained in the 2nd and 4th |
paragraphs of your letter of the 4th November on the points, 1st, of the young
Nawab’s right to the exclusive inheritance of the jagheer without participa-
tion with the widows and daughter; 2ndly, of the title of the late Nawab’s
brothers and their sons to the succession preferably to and without participa-
tion with his daughter and her children in the event of the present young
incumbent dying in his minority.

8. On the first pomt I beg to observe that I conceive Government
in expressing any doubt in the case must have entirely overlooked the condi-
tions attaching to the settlement of the jagheer on Ghuffoor Khan and his
heirs, an essential feature of which was the obligation it imposed upon the

-jagheerdar of keeping up a contingent of troops for the public service of

a strength corresponding with the revenues of the jagheer. This provision
of itself must be taken as conclusive of the intention and necessity of preserv-
ing the jagheer entire in the possession of one Chief and not allowing it co be
frittered away in shares. On this head nobody here seems to have entertained
a doubt, nor the widows and daughter themselves the slightest pee resiom or
expectation ; and so far was Ghuffoor Khan himself from ene ats the
division of the jagheer among any part of his family, that he enheniemed on
the contrary a particular objection to make an assignment on the territory or22 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

revenues in favour of any of them or of others, under the just apprehension that

such a practice was at variance equally with the tenure and the interests of the
jagheerdar.

9. In regard to the 2nd point, I beg to observe that I am not aware of
any good reason why the question of succession should be referable to the rules
of Mahommedan Law more than the principles of Hindoo, English, or other
law in particular ; why it should be judged according to the law of the depend-
ant, a Mahommedan, and not of the Chief of whom he holds, a Hindoo, or of
the supreme or guaranteeing power, the British Government. To me it appears
a special question of a political nature having no reference to the particular
religious or civil creeds and laws of any of the parties, but determinable as a
State question on general principles applicable to the nature of the case and
according to customary practice in such cases. The brothers themselves, it is
to be remarked, conceive that their superior claim in the event of the present
incumbent dying in his minority cannot be liable to a doubt; while the
daughter’s party seemed aware éhat the claim which they were inclined to
seb up was not tenable against that of the brother’s side, for they dropped
all reference to it the moment they were given to understand it could
not be efttertained as of equal validity. It is a received notion, equally
among Mahommedans and Hindoos, that it is incumbent on them to
settle their daughters in marriage, and that the daughter so settled becomes
thenceforward a member of the family into which she is married, and
ceases to form any longer a part of her parental family. Such a notion is
fatal to all idea of a claim on the part of a daughter and her issue to succeed
in preference to, or on an equality with, a brother and his male issue, or any
male branch of the family of the deceased ; and the Mahommedan Law, if I am
not mistaken, takes this view of the matter. Again, the jagheer is not only
to be deemed in the nature of the assignment indivisible, but also heritable in a.
male branch, the jagheerdar being a feudary, liable to be called on as an officer
of the State to perform service and attend in person, which is not possible for a
female ; and if a female is thence disqualified from succeeding to or participating
in the jagheer, her issue likewise, it is to be argued, can derive no right through:
her: the proper course of succession, then, must be taken to lie in a male branch.
The case, indeed, might have been susceptible of another view had Ghuffoor.
Khan been without a son, and before he died formally adopted his daughter’s
son, and declared it to be his will that he should be his successor. Such an act,
in a case of property im personal right, might have been held as conclusively
conveying a title when it did not exist before to the daughter’s son inheriting in
preference to the brother or his son, How far, however, it might have been’SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES, 23

competent for Ghuffoor Khan to will away by such an act the succession to the
Jagheer in favour of a member of a female branch of his family, to the prejudice
of the claims of the nearest male branch, without the concurrence of the
superior powers of whom it is held under special provisions, might have been
a point for. consideration, and the disposition might have been judged to

be subject to confirmation or annulment at the discretion of the superior —
powers.

10. Having said so much in justification of the part I adopted in
regard to the order of succession to the Jowrah jagheer in the event of the
demise of the incumbent in his minority, I have to request the instructions of
Government as to the person whom they desire I should look upon as presump-
tive successor at present, for whicb purpose I enclose a Statement of the
members of the family, transmitted to me by Captain Borthwick at my
request ; and, as it may be satisfactory to Government to know the person whom
I am myself disposed to look upon as such, I beg to state that Mustukeem
Khan, son of Abdool Hakeem Khan, Ghuffoor Khan’s eldest brother, seems
to me the proper person, and him I mention rather than his father, because
it seems usual with the natives to look rather to a relative in the descent,
or in the same degree of standing, than to one in the ascent, as a successor
to an estate of this description; and I imagine he would accordingly be -
considered a more suitable person to succeed to the jagheer than his father,
Abdool Hakeem. The opinion I have here given as to the proper order of
succession and the proper person to succeed in the case supposed is, I have
reason to believe, in consonance with the sentiments of Holkay’s Government.
Should it appear, however, on the occurrence happening, that the sense of
the family themselves were rather in favour of the father’s succeeding in the
first instance, Abdool Hakeem might then be declared successor, At all
events, the question would seem to lie between one of the above-mentioned
persons and the eldest son of Jehangeer Khan, and it is desirable Government
should advise me of the party of the two which they deem to have the
preferable claim, in order that I may regulate my conduct accordingly; hesitation
and suspense being lable to be attended with the worst effects and conse-
quences on such occasions.

11. Another point in my proceedings to which reference is made in
your letter of the 4th November in the way of stricture, and to which it
is proper I should offer some explanation in justification of myself, is the
selection of the Begum as guardian and manager; her sex being an objection.
This, however, did not appear to me to be a disqualification for the office,24: SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

although there are, no doubt, disadvantages attending the situation of a female

at the head of an administration which do not apply to the other sex. Except-
ing in this respect, however, she seemed the most eagle person for ve
situation. I have before mentioned her correct behaviour, abilities, neepecu Paliny
of family, and the estimation in which she was held: the general opinion
of her, indeed, seemed to point her out as the proper person to select for the
charge, and so high an opinion had Ghuffoor Khan of pee sense a
judgment, that he is understood to have been in the habit o consulting
her in the management of his affairs, and to have always received from her
advice calculated to promote his best interests. Had she been of an opposite
character, I should have been the last person to have been instrumental
in placing her at the head of affairs, for I am very far from being disposed
to admit the claim of any Begum or Ranee to the management of the
affairs of any Chief in minority under our dominion as a matter of right:
and in the nomination of the Begum at Jowrah I was particular in declaring
to her that ib was not in consequence of her being considered to have any
immediate right that she was selected, but on account of the opinion enter-
tained of her fitness in other respects. Her employment of Jehangeer Khan
is to be regretted with reference to the enmity of Ghuffoor Khan’s brothers
against him; but this is the only objection particularly attaching to him,
while, on the other hand, the particular, relationship in which he stands to
the Begum renders him the fittest man possible, according to the notions
of Mahommedans, to be taken by her into confidence: and in the objection
stated the fault does not lie so much on his side as’on that of the brethren,
who show themselves animated with an implacable spirit of hatred against
him, the like of which he has not shown against them. In the question
of guardian and manager three parties presented themselves for choice, the
elder Begum, the younger Begum, and the eldest brother of Ghuffoor Khan,
or uncle to the young Nawab. The younger Begum was too young and
inexperienced for the charge, without influence of character, and could not
pretend to compete with the elder Begum in the case. ‘The uncle was objec-
tionable for the charge, because it was to be apprehended that his interest—
there being nothing between him or his son and succession but a weak child—
might prevail over his duty towards the child. The same objection would
have applied to the Begum and Jehangeer Khan had they been allowed to
entertain any hope that a claim might be admitted on the part of her daughter,
his wife, to succession ; but when deprived of all hope of the kind, the objection
did not attach any longer to them; on the contrary, the selection of them
under such circumstances was calculated to identify their interests with thosea I I ETE

x

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATEs. Os

&

ef the child, at least as far as his personal safety was concerned. To show that
the apprehension in question was nob a gratuitous conception of my own mind,
I need only mention that, previously to an extinguisher being put upon the
pretensions of Jehangeer Khan’s wife and children to the succession, the bro-
thers insinuated that it would not be safe to entrust him or the elder Begum
with the care of the young Nawab, while these per contra insinuate the same as
a clear reasom against the others having the charge: and it is a reason in the
validity of which all natives are disposed to subscribe. These things
considered, it must be allowed that the elder Begum was the fittest selection
that could have been made; and I have little doubt that, were it not for the
perverse opposition of the brothers and the party which they endeavour,
as far as they dare, to form against her in order to embarrass her, everything
would go on smoothly under her authority: and as it is, I trust that, by
supporting her in the just exercise of her authority, and discountenancing
the brothers in their inadmissible pretensions and attempts at opposition, the
management of affairs under her will go on prosperously.

12. I take this occasion of requesting the instructions of Government
as to whether they would wish me to take an account from the Begum of the
receipts and disbursements in her management of the jagheer during the
minority of the Chief, or leave these matters at her discretion. A considerable
surplus revenue, it is to be observed, ought to remain over and above the
expenses of the year, and it may be proper, therefore, that some cognizance
should be taken of the state and appropriation of the finances. This cognizance,
however, need not be of a minute description; such a general supervision as
may operate as a check on gross mismanagement or misapplication of the
revenues and property seems to be all that is required. The brothers, now
they find they have little chance of obtaining the management of these things
themselves, and looking to the possibility of the succession falling to them,
express much anxiety that the Begum should be subjected to supervision and
control in this respect to obviate her and Jehangeer appropriating to them-
selves the surplus revenues.

Extract of a letter from Caprarmy Borrawice,—dated Jowrah, the 1st
, March 1826.

THe family of the late Nawab Ghuffoor Khan is Afghan, of the Sewanty
tribe: the first progenitor of whom I have obtained mention is Moulvie Ma-
hommed Isaak, a native of Sewant, a town in Zaboolistan. Mahommed Isaak
had five sons, Abdool Mujeed Khan, Mahommed Muzeed Khan, Fidda Khan,

4SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

26

Bazeed Khan, and Azeem Khan. The eldest, Mujeed Khan, came to Hindos-
tan and settled ab Rampore, where he married and had a family of two sons
and five daughters. The names of the two sons are Abdool Hammeed Khan
and Abdool Rasheed Khan, who is now living at Jowrah. The elder, Abdool
Hammeed Khan, had a family of five sons and one daughter: of these
three of the sons were legitimate, namely, Abdool Hakeem Khan, at present
with you, Mahommed Nyme Khan, Commandant of the Contingtnt of Horse
at Mehidpore, and the late Nawab Ghuffoor Khan, who was the youngest
of Hammeed Khan’s children. The other three, two sons, viz., Abdool Kurreem
Khan, now with you, and Fyz Mahommed Khan, who was killed in an attack
of gang robbers in Meywar, and the daughter, are the illegitimate offspring
of Hammeed Khan. The offspring of Mujeed Khan’s second son, Abdool
Rasheed Khan, is three sons and two daughters, all living and now at J owrah.
Of these one only, the eldest son, Mahommed Sieed, who came a few days
ago from Surat, is legitimate. He is a well-informed man, has been 12
years in the Hon’ble Company’s service, and bears a high character. Mujeed
Khan's eldest daughter has a family of several children, of whom Jehangeer
Khan, the late Nawab’s son-in-law, is her eldest and only son. ‘The second
daughter of Mujeed Khan had only one child, Osman Khan, the same who
lately went to Indore on the part of the Begum to negotiate about the
nuzzurans. The third daughter of Mujeed Khan died some years ago; she
left one daughter, who is the mother of Nuttoo Khan, at present with you.
I have not been able to receive any account of Mujeed Khan’s other two
daughters, but it would not appear that they have any male children. I shall
now revert to the children of Hammeed Khan’s sons and of his daughters,
and first of those of legitimate birth comes Abdool Hukeem Khan; ‘he
has a family of one son and three daughters. His son, Mustukeem Khan,
is now between 15 and 16 years of age. He is said not to be an unpromising
youth, but no attention has been paid to his education and manners. His
father, who was greatly disliked by the late Nawab on account of his mean
and sordid disposition, has much neglected the proper cultivation of his
sou. The boy, however, has lately begun to read, and I have not failed to take
opportunities of hinting to the father the great advantage of giving his sons
a good education, which, I hope, will not be lost. Abdool Hukeem’s eldest
daughter is married to Jellal Khan, Ressaldar of the Contingent, the second to
Mahommed Noor Khan, and the third to Nuttoo Khan. Hammeed Khan’s
second legitimate son is Mahommed Myme Khan, who has a family of two
sons and three daughters: two of the latter are illegitimate. His eldest son is
a Ressaldar in the Contingent; he is not a very steady or correct character.SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 27

Azim-ood-deen Khan, the second son, 1s a very fine young man, about 20 years

of age; he is said to possess a good disposition and has an unassuming, but
manly, demeanour. The late Ghuffoor Khan was the third son; he has left a
family of one’son, the present Nawab, and five daughters: three of the latter are
illegitimate. The eldest of the daughters is married to Jehangeer Khan, before
mentioned, to whom she has a family of two sons and a daughter. The eldest
of the sons, Mahommed Moomeer Khan, is about eight years of age; the
second two years: he is named Nusseen Khan.

The eldest of Hammeed Khan’s illegitimate offspring is Abdool Kurreem
Khan, who has a family of one daughter and one son; the second, Eyz
Khan, as I have already said, was killed in Meywar; and the third, a daughter,
is still living at Jowrah, and is the mother of Mahommed Suddeck Khan, who
is married to Abdool Kurreem’s only daughter. Abdool Kurreem’s son js a boy
of about seven or eight years of age. I think I have now gone through the
whole family, with the exception of two individuals of consequence belonging to it,
whom I beg now to introduce to you. The first of these is the principal
Begum, the Mookhtearkar. I must call to your recollection the person whom
I mentioned as the head of the family, Mahommed Isaak ; his second son,
Muzeed Khan, had five sons, whose names, with the exception of one, it is
unnecessary to trouble you with; that one Mahommed Jaz Khan came and
settled at Rampore, where he married and had a family of six sons and three
daughters: of the latter the Begum here is the second. Her father is better
known by the title of Akhoon Sahib than Jaz Khan. The next personage
who remains to be noticed is the second Begum of the late Nawab and mother
of the present. She is the granddaughter of a man of high rank, the late
Nawab Ullah Yar Khan, who was Soubah of Cabul; but by the reverse
of fortune he was obliged to fly from that country: he afterwards came to
Agra, where he died. Kurreem Yar Khan, the Commandant of the Pultun,
is the father of the lady.

I hope this somewhat confused account will serve the purpose you
want it for.

(True Extract.)

(Sd.) G. WELLESLEY,
Resident at. Indore..ments for the succession t

8 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

bQ

cretary to Government of India, Politicai

From Grorce Swinton, Ese., Se
| ident at Indore,—dated Fort

Department, to G. WeiiEstEy, Esq., Res
William, the 9th June 1826.

I aar directed to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch dated the 28th
explanations ov the subject of the investiture of the

March last, containing
Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan and your arrangements for the management

of the jagheer of the late Ghuffoor Khan; requesting also further instructions
on certain points connected therewith.

9. The above despatch has been perased by the Right Hon’ble the
Governor General in Council with much interest, and is considered to afford @
sition of the views and motives by which you were
actuated in your proceedings on the occasion referred to, and which appear to
have been attended with complete success. His Lordship in Council thinks it
highly probable that so satisfactory a resulb would not have been produced had
the Government of Holkar been allowed to take the lead in framing arrange-
o and arrangement of the jagheer upon Ghuffoor

very clear and able expo

Khan’s demise; but is still of opinion that the view of that question stated
in my former despatch was well founded, and could not be altogether departed
from consistently with the rights reserved to the Maharajah by the Treaty

of 1818.

8 The Governor General in Council observes that, adverting to the
condition on which the jagheer is held, vzz., that of providing a Contingent of
Troops for the public service, your argument against subdividing the tenure
is entirely just; and the above consideration was evidently overlooked when
the former instructions were framed. ‘The reasons also now advanced by you
against the eventual claims of the son of Jehangeer to the succession are
conclusive; and His Lordship will adopt your view that the relations of
Chuffoor Khan in the male line have the preferable title to be considered
heirs presumptive. From the information contained in your despatch it
appears that the election ought to fall either upon Abdool Hakeem Khan, the
eldest brother of the deceased, or Moostukeem Khan, the son of the former.
As a point of law, the Governor General in Council would ‘consider the
father entitled to succeed before the son; and if the sense of the family -
also be in favour of the father, he should have the preference. On the other
hand, if there be any established precedent in support of the son's prior claim,
it should be reported for the further consideration of Government. |

4. His Lordship will fully allow that, under all circumstances, the Begum
was the fittest person to select for the office of guardian and manager duringSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATE. 29

the infancy of the Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan; and supported by your
advice and influence in the just exercise of her authority, it is hoped that the
administration of affairs will be successfully conducted by her.

5. In reply to the question proposed in the concluding paragraph of your
letter, I am desired to state that the Begum should be required to keep a regu-
lar account of receipts and disbursements to be open for your occasional inspec-
tion, and that you are authorized to exercise such a general supervision as may
serve to check gross mismanagement and misappropriation of the revenues
and property of the Chief. It is desirable that the surplus revenue which you
anticipate, if realized, should be invested in Company’s Paper, or in some other
secure and profitable manner, for the future benefit of the minor.

 

From G. Wuttestzy, Hsg., Resident at Indore, to G. Swinton, Ese@., Secre-

tary to Government, in the Political Department, Fort William,—No.
454, dated the 16th November 1827.

In my letter to Mr. Stirling, of the 7th August, I stated my expectation
of having to address Government before long, more particularly regarding
the Jowrah Administration ; and in now doing so I enclose copies of two
despatches from Captain Borthwick on the subject, one dated the 22nd J uly,
the other the 6th instant.

2. From the contents of these Government will perceive that the
administrators of the Jowrah jagheer, the Begum and Jehangeer Khan, have
been guilty, not only of serious malversations and misconduct in the manage-
ment of its affairs, of a contumacious inattention to our advice and requisi-
tions, and of a pernicious counteracting interference in the jagheerdar’s
contingent of troops under our orders, but also of attempting an atrocious
assassination.

8. The evidence of their contriving that foul attempt having been
completed by the unreserved confession of their confidential Agent, Sultan
Alee Bohrah, just at a time when they were bringing the infant jagheerdar,
Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan, to Indore, ostensibly to attend at the
Dusserah (a step, however, dictated by their apprehensions and anxiety
at the progress of the investigation, in the hope of managing to divert
me from a further prosecution of it, and of securing a favourable reception
from me and the Indore authorities), J deemed it unadvisable to allow
them to appear at this public festival as guardians of the infant jagheerdar,
and, therefore, lost no time in separating him from their charge, which was
accomplished without difficulty by taking advantage of a favourable oppor-30 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

tunity: at the same time I declared them deprived of the administration

of the affairs of the jagheer.

4, In adopting this proceeding T furnished them with a copy of
Sultan Alee Bohrah’s confession, and offered to confront him with them if
they wished it; but they showed no desire for this, contenting themselves
with general assertions of their innocence and the communication of coun-

ter-evidence of no value,
5. I, moreover, admonished them that they might consider themselves

treated with great lenity after such proofs of their guilt in not being placed
ith according to their deserts, a lenity which I was

in confinement and dealt w
uch from any regard for them, ds for the name

induced to observe not so m
and honour of the late and present Nawabs, whose relations they were, and

from advertence to the fortunate escape of the object of their wicked attempt
from the fate they had destined him +o; that they must, however, remain,
here for the present till an account is taken of the property and revenues
received by them during their charge, which done and all claims against them
on the account satisfied, that they may then depart to Rampore, in Rohilcund,
their native place, or elsewhere out of the province, where it will not be
expedient they should reside at large.

6. The proceeding is deemed generally just and proper, and in this
opinion of it the Indore authorities have expressed their concurrence. It
has given great satisfaction to all who have the welfare of the infant jagheer-

dar at heart, and has restored confidence to his subjects.

7, The management of the affairs of the jagheer is committed, as
a provisional arrangement, in the first instance, to Moulvie Mahommed Syud
Khan, a cousin of the late Ghuffoor Khan, who was formerly attached to
the Sudder Court at Surat, from whence he brought testimonials of a good
character. He appeared to be on the whole the most promising person for
the charge that presented himself to our choice; and if he proves himself on

trial worthy of the situation, I propose to continue him im it.

8. No regular account of receipts and disbursements and of property
seems to have been kept by the late administrators. Captain Borthwick is now
employed in investigating the state of the same and in reducing the particulars
to a comprehensive Account, to serve both present purposes and as the found-
ation of a regular Account for the future, a general view of which the Manager
will be required to give in to us every year. I shall do myself the honour of
communicating, for the information of Government, a copy of the Account in

preparation when completed.
*SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 81

From W. Borruwicr, Esq., Political Agent, to G. WELLESLEY, Eisq., Resident,
Indore,—dated Jowrah, the 22nd J uly 1827.

You have already been informed by my different demi-official communi-
cations of the disorganized state in which, on my return from Hindostan, I
found the Jowrah Contingent, particularly the Infantry part of it, produced
by an unwarrantable and pernicious interference which the Begum and Jehan-
seer Khan had taken the opportunity of my absence to exercise in its internal
concerns, and of the measures I adopted to restore it to order.

2. From the turn, however, which the Jowrah affairs have lately taken,
and other recent circumstances connected with the present members of the
administration of them, it has become necessary for me here briefly to
advert to this subject in the more regular form of an official Iteport, and

to bring it to your notice in a more connected shape than I have done
in the communications alluded to.

8. Kurreem Yar Khan, the maternal grandfather of the present young
Nawab, was the person employed by the late Nawab Ghuffoor Khan to form and
organize the Infantry Corps which, under the modified arrangement for the
Jowrah Contingent, was stipulated to be raised ; and, from the satisfactory manner
in which he acquitted himself of this service, was recommended by Ghuffoor
Khan as a fit person to command it and the Golundaz attached, and was
accordingly appointed.

4. During the life-time of the late Nawab Kurreem Yar Khan was
always deservedly treated by him with indulgent consideration and kindness;
but, after his death, he soon experienced a change of treatment which gave
him double cause to deplore that event in having lost in his son-in-law a
good and sincere friend, and in finding that, in the Begum and Jehangeer
Khan, his place was supplied by persons who viewed him with the feelings
of jealousy and dislike.

5. A respectful and conciliatory deportment, which my advice and
his own good sense prompted him invariably to observe towards them, and
(though to my knowledge importuned and solicited to joim them) his
keeping aloof from all parties and intrigues formed in opposition to them,
have failed to subdue these feelings, or even, apparently, to have any effect
in moderating them, for every opportunity has been taken either by their
manner towards him or their actions to show the jealousy and dislike in
‘which he is held. My advice and remonstrances to the Begum and Jehangeer
Khan have been equally disregarded, and only produce assurances and promises
which are never acted up to. They have discontinued the various little favours32 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

family enjoyed from the voluntary bounty

which Kurreem Yar Khan and his 7 :
of the late Nawab, and reduced the allowance which they had been in the habit of

subsequently showed that their enmity had at length

receiving from him. They
directed itself to his situation in the Contingent by their constantly grumbling

to me at his holding what they considered two commands, the Infantry and
ld be separated. This they did under the

Artillery, and urging that they shou
plea, among other frivolous pretexts, that a separation of the two would extend

ans of eligibly providing for any relation of their family who might

their me
be unemployed, or not have so good a provision as the command of the Artil-
ld afford. I told them that the

lery (the least important of the two) wou
Artillery could hardly be looked upon as a distinct command, for it was attached

to, and formed in a manner a part of, the Infantry Corps. But even allowing
that it ought properly to be considered as distinct from the Infantry, it would
be unfair towards Kurreem Yar Khan, who had formed it and the Infantry
Corps, and had ever since discharged the duties of the command of both in the
most satisfactory manner, to take that of the Artillery from him, especially
when no fault was found with him, and no benefit to the service was proposed
or could be expected to be derived from such an arrangement; that I could
not, therefore, think of agreeing to it. I, however, at the same time, told them
that I could see no objection to their relation being placed in the command
under Kurreem Yar Khan; but that, in that case, the person so appointed
must in every respect consider himself and act subordinately to Kurreem
Yar Khan, in the same manner as the principal officer of the Golundaz (the
Captain of the Guns as he is generally styled) now did. This, however, did not
meet their views, for they never afterwards repeated the proposal. ‘The reason
they gave for making it while it appeared somewhat plausible was, | am
induced to think, a mere pretext to disguise an unworthy motive, for I found
that the person they had in view for the situation, had their wishes been
acceded to, was not a relation of the family, but a more recent adherent of
their own, who had neither claim nor merit to recommend him.

6. Failing in this, they commenced their attack Gf I may so call it, for
whatever may have been their motive tacitly, it must be allowed that here
their ostensible views carried some colour of reason with them) to another
point. They began to express themselves distrustful of Kurreem Yar Khan
in his change of the establishments of draught and carriage cattle, &c., attached
to the Guns and Infantry, which involved the control of considerable disburse-
ments, without, however, attempting to show the least cause for distrust. They
accordingly proposed that these establishments and disbursements should be
confided to the superintendence of a mootsuddy appointed by themselves, thatSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN sTamrs. 30

they might secure a more direct and efficient check over the latter than they
could well exercise under the present system. 'To a proposal so reasonable
I could see no objection; but at the time ib was-made to me I was preparing ~
to proceed with the missions to the Right Hon’ble the Governor General ;
and while I admitted to them the reasonableness of it, I begged that any
change in the system that had so long prevailed and worked so well might

be postponed until my return, when I could give their proposal all due
consideration..

7. Anxious, on my departure for Hindostan, to leave as few matterg
as possible in the circle of my superintendence likely to require particular
attention, I brought all questions that could then with any practicable conve-
nience be adjusted to a conclusion, and, with the consent of parties concerned,
arranged that the consideration of others should be deferred until my return.
Besides making a similar disposal ef matters in the Nawab’s jagheer, consider-
ing the course of hostility which the Begum and Jehangeer Khan had go
long and so obstinately pursued against Kurreem Yar Khan, I added to urgent
entreaties, as a personal favour, my injunctions to them to refrain, as I have
already mentioned, from all attempts at introducing any new arrangements for
the superintendence and management of the establishments under him, but
to let things remain as they were during my absence, and to abstain from all
interference whatever with the duties of his department, that no cause for
altercation or dispute with him might arise or disorder in the corps under
his command ensue. To these entreaties and injunctions I received ample
promises and assurances of strict and implicit attention, reiterated to me by
Jehangeer Chan in person, who accompanied me as far as Augur: yet so little
regard did they pay to what I had enjoined, or to the promise they had made to
me, that one month from the time of my departure had not elapsed before they
took the charge of the establishments away from Kurreem Yar Khan and gave
it to a Havildar of the corps, a man whom I had more than once to reprehend
for insubordinate and disrespectful conduct to —Kurreem Yar Khan and for
other irregularities, but, it would almost seem, was held by them as peculiarly
fitted for the situation on this very account. Had they stopped here, the
injury might have been comparatively trifling to what was produced by their
subsequent proceedings to this part of the Contingent. But this step was
followed by a most pernicious, unprecedented interference in the duties of the
corps, which shortly produced the ruinous, but, inevitable, consequences of in-
subordination, disorder, and destruction of discipline. The men were taught
to submit their wishes either direct or through a mootsuddy attached to the
corps to Jehangeer Khan, and thus leave was granted, promotions made,

a

oOa. SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

at

and others put in

ttled, individuals removed from the service, :
all without any reference to, or communication whatever with,
Kwrreem Yar Khan any more than if he had not ba present or ever had
anything to say to the corps. His sepeanedly remonstrating wiih the Begum,
and pointing out to her the serious mischiet unae was ay being a
by such a course of proceeding, which, while if brought rum on the coe
would cast discredit on her as the person at the head of the administration of
the Nawab’s affairs in lending herself to it, met with no attention, obtained
no remedy: and when he complained on the occumence, which wa ETOOU,
eranted leave or removed from the service, &e., without his
he only received a short reply from Jehangeer Khan, when
which was seldom, that it was the Begum’s orders.

differences se
their places,

of men being
being referred to,
he did receive one,

8, Thus, secing how matters were going on, and after a determination
4o persist in so injurious and inconsistent a course had been evinced to ean
Kurreem Yar Khan was no doubt highly blameable for not fully reporting
everything to Dr. Graham, by whom measures might have been taken to put
a stop to the mischief which such a course of interference was producing. But,
under some mistaken feeling towards the Begum, or other notion, he resolved
with himself to remain silent, and as far as possible to observe a forbearant
demeanour in all that passed, until such time as my return should enable him to
communicate to me all that had transpired ; thinking from my better know-
ledge of the parties and the nature of their relative situations and duties
that existing evils would be more satisfactorily remedied.

9. Acting upon this resolution, he had for some time to endure the
haughty arrogance of the mootsuddy, whose insolence under upstart authority,
however, became at length so intolerable, that, upon some taunting language
that he presumed to use to him in the presence of a considerable number
of the men and officers of the corps, Kurreem Yar Khan was roused to tell
him that with what remaining influence and authority he possessed he would
resist to the utmost the very first act of interference that he should attempt to
exercise beyond the strict liné of his own duty. This threat seemed to have
had the effect of intimidating the mootsuddy, as well as im some degree his
supporters and instigators, for further interference through him was not at-
tempted, and a few days afterwards he withdrew to Jowrah.

10. This removal of his rival by no means diminished Kurreem Yar
Khan’s difficulties, for he had now all the evils, which, during his temporarily
superseded authority, had arisen in the corps, to contend with. He had
constantly to submit to have his authority contemned and his decisions
wantonly dissented from and referred to Jowrah, for, countenanced as such actsSa ee eee ee

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 30

of insubordination and irregularity were by the authorities there, who had
acquired an extensive influence in the corps, he considered it would be useless

and only making matters worse to attempt to resist them.

11. These difficulties were increased by the removal of the rest of the
mootsuddies of the corps, who, a short time after the principal one had gone
away, followed his example and also withdrew to J owrah, by which Kurreem

Yar Khan was left without the means of keeping up the usual Reports and

accounts of the corps. He in vain entreated the Begum to send them back
pointing out to her the great inconvenience that their absence occasioned ; a
all the reply he received was that they were dissatisfied with his conduct and
refused to return. Feeling confident that there were no grounds for such an
excuse—for, with the exception of the difference which had arisen between him
and the principal one on the score of undue interference, he had always been on
the most friendly terms with them—he, without hesitation, therefore, referred.
the mootsuddies themselves, who, however, replied to him that they were forbid-
den to attend to any orders but those of Jehangeer Khan. °

12. Some time subsequent to this, in the month of February, the cere.
mony of soonut was performed on the eldest son of Jehangeer Khan; and a
part of the Contingent, consisting of the greater portion of the officers of the
Horse and Infantry, two mishans or companies of the latter, and nearly the
whole of the Golundaz, with two Guns, were permitted to attend to add to the
rejoicing and festivity with which this ceremony among Mahommedans is

always celebrated.

13. It might have been supposed that while such a season of rejoicing
lasted all animosity would have been forgotten, or at least suspended; but so
far from this being the case, the occasion of the presence of the part of the
Infantry already mentioned was seized by Jehangeer Khan and the Beeum,
for I regret to say I cannot separate in these unwarrantable proceedings the one
from the other, to excite the men to actual mutiny against their Commandant.
The men proceeded in the most tumultuous manner to his house, heaped upon
him the grossest abuse, declared that they would no longer submit to him as
their Commandant ; that, if he ever again attempted to exercise authority over
them, they would deprive him of his abroo, and beat him with bamboos; and
that they were determined in future to obey no orders but such as come from
Jehangeer Khan. |

14. This disgraceful scene was daily repeated for some days. Kurreem Yar
Ihan’s efforts to persuade the sepoys to bethink themselves of their duty and
to conduct themselves with propriety tended rather to increase than moderateSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

36

their violence; and his repeated and urgent solicitations to the Begum and
position were for some time unattendedto. At

Jehangeer Khan for their inter
last, when he saw that his not having suffered personal violence from the sepoys

own prudence, and that he could not calculate upon
h longer, he resolved on taking the first

opportunity to go to, J ehangeer Khan himself and personally remonstrate with
him. He accordingly found his way to him, and told him that, unless the
ediately restrained, their unwarrantable conduct would certainly

sepoys were imme :
lead them to the commission of acts which he would have to regret and have

to answer for, for throughout they had used his name in a way that implicated
him as the cause of their violence, and clearly showed that it was in his power
to restrain them; that, if he thought to gain his object of forcing him to give
up his situation in the Contingent by such proceedings, he would find himself
mistaken, for no force or intimidation that he could use should oblige him to
velinguish a trust which had been reposed in him by the same authority that
ed him in the situation he held in the Administration; that if he had
efer against him to that authority he ought to

was entirely owing to his
exercising it with the same success muc

had plac
any charges or complaints to pr
prefer them, and not by such unjustifiable proceedings ruin a corps that had

ever since it was raised maintained a character for order and regularity.

15. This reproof produced, or, perhaps, only had a share in producing, the
desired effect of causing an end to be put to the turbulence of the sepoys, for
it is probable that other circumstances had their weight with Jehangeer Khan

in inducing him to interpose to arrest the progress of his own machinations.

The Golundaz, much to their credit, had resisted all the efforts that had
been employed to seduce them from their duty, and not only kept aloof from
all concern in the riotous conduct of the sepoys, but showed themselves through-
out so favourably disposed to their Commandant, that there is little doubt, had
he in extremity called on them to protect him, they would have, without hesi-
tation, obeyed his summons and opposed themselves to the sepoys in protecting

him,

16. Iam sorry to say that two of the officers gave some countenance to
the sepoys in their turbulence; but it would be almost too much, perhaps, to
expect to find in a corps like this that strict discrimmating sense of duty
which a more perfect system of discipline inculcates in regular troops: and when
the rank, influence, and relative situation of the individuals who were the
instigators are considered, some extenuation of those who were led into this
scene will, I trust, be found. The two officers alluded to showed that they
were aware of the impropriety of the proceedings to which they lent themselves,SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. Bip

since 1t appears that, before their scruples were overcome, pronuses were made te

shield them from the consequences ; and, in the event of their losing the service,
that they and their families should receive any asylum and provision at Jowrah,

17. No further turbulence after this occurred, but the same course of
pernicious interference, marked by a bitterness against Kurreem Yar Khan,

which seemed to be its sole object, was pursued almost to the day of my
return to Mehidpore.

18. After my arrival there I devoted some days to an enquiry into the
different facts of this unwarrantable interference, the principal of which are
above detailed, and the pernicious effects which it had produced in the coups. |
then delivered to the cognizance of a Court of the officers formed for the
purpose the conduct of those individuals who had been more troublesome than
others and who were accused of specified irregularities. Having received the
decision of this Court, which found a Havildar and fifteen Privates of the
individuals brought before it guilty of the various acts of irregularity and
insubordination with which they were charged, I ordered the corps to be
paraded, and after noticing in terms of severe reprehension the insubordi-
nate conduct and irregularities that had taken place in my absence, I had
charges against the prisoners and the decisions of the Court upon them
read and explained, and the offenders dismissed from the service, in front of
the line. : :

19. Further, in distinctly making it known that no external interference
in the interior management of the corps would be allowed, I recalled to their
recollection and future strict and wundeviating observance the mode and
channels that had been established and had heretofore obtained in the corps
through which all requests were made, representations and complaints preferred,
and references submitted: and in adverting to the undue interference that
had been exercised by the Begum and Jehangeer Khan, I expressed my surprise
that a single individual in the corps should have allowed himself to have been
misled by it, since none of them could be ignorant that the late Nawab even
never attempted, and, I added, I could well assure them never thought of
attempting, such interference, for he had too warm an interest in the good
character of the corps to think of doing what he well knew would bring dis-
credit and ruin upon it. |

20. After the corps was dismissed I called Kurreem Yar Khan and
the officers and enjoined them to give their best assistance to him, their
Commandant, in removing the mischief that had been produced in the
corps during my absence, and in restoring it to the state of discipline andCTD apse en aan TE

 

  

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

35

order in which it was when I set out for Hindostan; and J added that I
should look to him for a faithful report of the assistance which he derived
from them in the accomplishment of this object, and trusted they would each
and all of them so conduct themselves as to enable him to report favourably
of them. I at the same time informed Kurreem Yar Khan, in their presence,
that I expected his strictest attention to the usage that had always prevailed
of looking to me for his orders, and of considering me as the only channel
through whom all communications from Jowrah in any way relating to the
corps under his command were to be attended to.

91. A similar interference was exercised in the Horse, but to a compara-
tively trifling extent. Here the same object for it did not seem to exist ;
besides, the principal officers being men of greater consideration and generally
better informed than those of the Infantry, and many of them being relations
of the late Nawab, who had just reason to be dissatisfied with the conduct of
the Begum and Jehangeer Khan, they were not so likely to lend themselves to,
or even to admit, to any great extent, an undue and unprecedented interference
from Jowrah. Still, as an improper intermeddling in many things had com-
menced, there was sufficient necessity to take the same steps with them in
forbidding all reference to the authorities at J owrah or attention to any com-
munication from them relating to the military concerns of the corps excepting
through the prescribed channels. °

29. Since these measures were carried into effect I am happy to say that
not a single instance of irregularity has occurred in either of the corps, and
that the Commandants of both continue to report in the most satisfactory
manner of the peaceable, orderly, and duly subordinate conduct of their officers
and men.

23. Ihave here treated the conduct of the Begum and Jehangeer Khan
towards Kurreem Yar Khan at greater length than the subject was, perhaps,
deserving ; but I considered it proper to lay fully before you the grounds on
which my conviction rests, a conviction which I expressed to you at the time,
that, if they themselves were not the authors, this conduct had led to the
atrocious attempt which, as you are aware, was made to assassinate Kurreem Yar
Khan a few days subsequent to the above measures being carried into effect
and the day after I had left Mehidpore to proceed to this. Popular rumour -
the time imputed this attempt to Jehangeer Chan, and circumstances of strong
en have since transpired to impress a belief that this diabolical act .
eee from Jowrah; but as IT am now, under your instructions, investi-
gating this subject, it would be premature to say anything further a it.SSS

oi SRN RE

nt

GY

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 3g

ey

24. I now beg leave to draw your attention to the affairs of the Nawab’s
jagheer, which, I am concerned to find, are falling into serious confusion from the
mismanagement of the present Administration. General discontent and distrust
have been produced throughout the country ; the ryots are abandoning their
villages, the cultivation is much neglected, and in consequence a heavy deteriora-
tion of the revenue has ensued, in many places as much as one-half, in some
even more, and the general average of the deficiency produced may safely be
reckoned at one-third. These evils, as I have just said, have been produced by the
misconduct of the Administration, of Jehangeer Khan, in the exercise of the
executive authority, showing all disregard to the performance of engagements
of promises, written as well as verbal, when a trifling pecuniary advantage was
to be gained or other object effected, by a breach of them, in pursuing a harsh,
severe, uncompromising system of collecting the revenue, without regard or
consideration of circumstances, calling for abatement, or leisure for payment,
and in rendering access to complaints and representations difficult.

25. I have frequently had to complain to you, though not so often as
occasion was given, of the great difficulty in general, and in many cases
impracticability, which almost from the commencement of their administration
I have found, to bring the Begum and her Peshkar, Jehangeer Khan, to concur
in and conform to measures and arrangements which justice and policy called
for, and to obtain acquiescence in the decision of questions determined by our
mediation. But, as you are well aware of, and have experienced no little incon-
venience from the exhibition of this untoward disposition in their. general
conduct, it would be superfluous for me to dwell on the subject. I may,
however, mention, as an instance of their impracticability, their withholding up
to this moment comphance with the orders of Government requiring them
to furnish annual accounts of the income and disbursement of the jagheer
placed under their charge. These orders were duly communicated and fully
explained to them by me about two years ago, and though at first received
with some expression of dislike, they allowed it was their duty to obey ; and my
explanations brought them to acknowledge that a system of annual accounts
would be productive of equal advantage to themselves and to their charge in
rendering their responsibility less burthensome and in exciting in them a more
vigilant attention to its concerns. After a due lapse of time, the accounts not
being furnished, they assured me, in reply to a hint which I gave them that
these documents ought to be ready, that they were busily occupied in preparing
them ; but, as they were unaccustomed to the keeping of regular accounts, begged
that allowance would be made for some delay in furnishing them. Feeling
satisfied with this reply, accompanied as it was with so plausible an explana-4:0 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

tion, 1 allowed a further period to pass without mg ae them much on the
subject, only occasionally prompting thei attention i ie At length, when
I had the honour to be nominated to conduct the missions to the Governor
General, being anxious to obtain the accounts in order to prepare them for your
inspection before I proceeded on this duty, I again made a urgent, but
unsuccessful, call upon the Begum for them. In reply, she wrote me that they
were already made out, and only wanted to be compared with the documents
from which they were prepared, which was being done, when they should be
forwarded to me. The Vakeel’s efforts were alike unavailing, and I was
obliged to proceed to Hindostan without receiving them.

96. Since I came here I find, notwithstanding all the assurances that |
had been giyen by the Begum before I left Malwa of the accounts being |
nearly ready, that not a single step has yet been taken to prepare them; and,
in place of the professions then constantly made (empty though they have
proved to be) of ready attention to the orders of Government, she and her
Peshkar now substitute foolish attempts at excusing themselves from com-
plying with these orders on the score that to render accounts would be

 

derogatory to their dignity and character and humbling them in the eyes
of the country. Seeing frivolous, unbecoming excuses were thus put forth,
though the Begum in the different conferences I have with her professed to
yield all disinclination to furnish accounts, I thought it advisable to reply to
those excuses by letter, which I accordingly did, and have received a verbal
answer through the Vakeel that orders have been given to the mootsuddies to
prepare the accounts, and that they will be ready by the Dusserah or
Dewalee festivals. Their conduct hitherto, however, warrants but little depend- |
ance being placed in such a promise, and from what I am given to learn from
different sources of information, they have no intention of performing it, but,
by evasion and subterfuge, to endeavour to get rid of the furnishing of accounts
altogether. It is evident to me that the plea put forth, that to furnish annual
accounts would in the eyes of the country be casting degradation upon them,
is a mere excuse, which has lately been put into their heads by some designing
adviser about them, and is not at all felt by them in such a length; but that
thew real objection is the control which they see this will give us over any
misappropriation of the surplus revenue and abuses in the disbursements. I
have not failed to press upon their consideration the real nature of their situ-
ation in regard to the jagheer and the property of the young Nawab, rendering
the call upon them for regular accounts not merely proper, but indispensable ;
and to remind them that hesitation and disinclination to attend to such a call

only raised unfavourable suspicion as to their motives: but all the arguments

aceSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 41.

that I have been able to use seem only to make a momentary impression, which

readily, I regret to observe, gives place to advice better suited to their short-
sighted and unreasonable views.

27. As I have before observed, in questions for the settlement of which
my mediation is required, wherein the decisions obtained are not in their favour,
I find them equally untractable, however clear the merits of the case may be
against them., On such occasions they invariably allow themselves to be carried

away by feelings of malicious bitterness towards the adverse party, and become

deaf to all that can be said to them. In this predicament stands the question
of the Ziraut, and, I may say, Lae Dustoor Huks of the Thakoor of Jowrah.
Under your instructions I entered upon the investigation of this question a
short time previous to Ghuffoor Khan’s death, and got through the Lag Dus-
toor part of it before that event took place. The Thakoor’s claim to this huk
(a tax in kind on the produce and inferior manufactures of the district) being
clearly established was ordered by the Nawab to be restored. | When the
period, however, under the administration, for levying it arrived, obstacles were
so effectually thrown in the way that the Thakoor was unable ¢o collect a
single item of it. They complained that this huk was heavy upon the ryots,
and tended to create a disability in them to render their dues to the Nawab.
There was little foundation in this, but I was anxious in the beginning of their
administration to encourage and conciliate them to the utmost of my power
and to reconcile them to the Thakoor, and therefore recommended him to sub-
mit to a modification of his Lag Dustoor on a more moderate scale. This he
agreed to, and although the reduction, which was accordingly made and agreed
to by him, was what they themselves proposed, still this concession to their
' wishes has produced little or no abatement of the difficulties placed in the way
ef collecting his dues under this denomination. Obstacles are no longer inter-
posed openly, but covertly made to prevent his receiving but a small portion
of what, from former times, has been rendered, without excuse or hesitation, as
the Thakoor’s right.

28. The investigation of the Thakoor’s Ziraut claims, what from the in-
terruption of other matters and the more tedious enquiry that was requisite to
determine the merits of this part of the question, occupied me a considerable
time longer than that of the Lag Dustoor. It was, however, at length brought
to a conclusion ; and the result which was obtained showed, on the testimony of
old inhabitants and cultivators, that the different small portions of land under
the denomination of Ziraut, to which the Thakoor’s claim had been disputed, had
been in his and his family’s possession from time immemorial. Accordingly, in
a paper descriptive of these portions of Ziraut to which the Thakoor’s claim

6

SET eA STE SEE ia a eS SNe AME4.2, SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES,

had the support of such testimony, I laid the tesuly before the pam
nearly two years ago, but have been unable to bring the question one a
step further towards an adjustment. I have frequently attempted “ bring
khem and the Thakoor together with the view to effect some compromise of the
but they are so perfectly unreasonable that all my efforts have proved
empted to dispute the justice of the Thakoor’s
he score that it comprehends a,

| matter ;
| fruitless. They have never att
claim, but object to the admission of it on t
greater portion of the lands about the town bn as Lords of the manor,
ought consistently to be alienated from them: but if one may judge from the
low, virulent language which Jehangeer Khan is in the habit of using poy
in speaking of his inoffensive opponent, the unworthy ote of aeons
jealousy at the thought of his opponent carrying his point is the bar to this

ancient birthright being conceded to the Thakoor.

My best endeavours, prompted by a warm interest in the success of this
administration, have been unceasingly used to keep the Begum and Jehangeer
Khan in such a course as appeared to me the best calculated to ensure this end ;
but how unavailing all my efforts have proved, you will learn from the various
facts which it has at length become my painful duty here to bring to your

notice.

 

From W. Bortuwicx, Esq., Local Political Agent, to G. WELLESLEY, Esq.,
Resident at Indore,—dated Indore, the 6th November 1827.

I nave the honour to transmit to you the proceedings of my enquiry into
the attempts made to assassinate Kurreem Yar Khan, the grandfather of the
Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan, and Commandant of the Jowrah Contingent
Corps of Infantry.

9, The confession of Sultan Alee Bohrah and the principal examinations

contained in the proceedings, clearly fixing the guilt of this atrocious attempt

on the Begum and Jehangeer Khan as the authors of it, have, from reasons

) - of expediency, already been laid before you; and having at length concluded

| and arranged the rest of the examinations taken in this case, the whole are now
herewith forwarded.

3. This attempt on Kurreem Yar Khan’s life was made, as shown on the”
proceedings, on Tuesday, the 5th of June last; and so effectual were the means

: taken by the authors of it to prevent all knowledge of the facts being obtained,
I that it was not until the latter end of August that I was able to gain any proof.
1 that could be deemed a satisfactory confirmation of the rumours that prevailed
in the country imputing the deedto Jehangeer Khan, for in them his name>SS

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. AS

stood alone. When the relative situations, however, of the parties are considered,
the authors of the attempt, and the individuals from whom testimony against

them was to be obtained, it will cease to be a matter of any surprise that such
difficulty was found.

4. {had left Mehidpore for Jowrah on the Monday night preceding the
day on which the attempt was made, and on my arrival there the following
Thursday, I found that Sultan Alee Bohrah had suddenly quitted Jowrah on
the Monday night pr eceding, it was said, for Rutlam, and was then absent, but
returned in the course of that day.

5. This circumstance, combined with the prevalent rumours above alluded
to, the notoriously worthless character of the Bohrah, the confidential footing
on which he stood with the Begum, and Jehangeer Khan having been for the
last twelvemonth almost the only person whose counsel they followed, and was
known to possess great influence over them, and the bitter enmity which they
had so long manifested towards Kurreem Yar Khan, altogether formed in my
mind'such strong ground of suspicion that the Bohrah has been dispatched from
Jowrah as an instrument in this deed; that I instantly set on foot enquiries to
ascertain whether he had not, therefore, before visiting Rutlam, proceeded to
Mehidpore on the first instance.

6. I soon discovered that this had actually been the case, and agreeably
to your instructions in such event, I proceeded to take decided steps for openly
prosecuting an enquiry into the business.

iL placed the Bohrah and the different individuals who left Jowrah in

attendance upon him under restraint, and subjected them to a strict examination ;
- but so well prepared were they with a set story, and made by threats and
promises so firm in denying their visit to Mehidpore, that I was unable to
elicit anything from them further than that, while they all agreed in their
statements on principal points, the cross-questioning which I put them to
produced the most glaring prevarication, placing the nature of the evidence
they were then giving in its proper light, and leaving them little to
cling to but a denial of their visit to Mehidpore. To this they for some time
obstinately adhered ; at length Meetoo Khidmutgar made a voluntary offer to
disclose the truth, saying that he had only been deterred from doing s0
sooner by the fear of Jehangeer Khan’s anger falling with ruinous weight
upon his family, and expressing a hope that I would, if necessary, interpose ne
protect them. I gave him such assurances as I conceived I was warranted in
giving, and received from him the deposition which appears under his name in
the proceedings. A few days afterwards followed that of Bhyroo Mussalchee.SRR em

 

  

AA, SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

8, From the secret, but strenuous, attempts, however, which Jehangeer

Khan was incessantly making to suppress information by intimidation and
reward to all persons who were likely to afford any themevie: or to prevent
others from affording any, I found that it would be impossible to conduct the
enquiry ab Jowrah with any chance of success; I therefore moved to Ee
and there proceeded with the examination of the other aihcudane ss ns pelne
removed from the immediate influence of Jehangeer Khan and his emissaries,
and relieved by the assurances which I thought it proper to give ae from
the fears with which they had been impressed to deter them from Hevea) the
truth, they were readily brought to disclose the facts exhibited in their different
examinations. ‘The Bohrah, finding that all the collateral circumstances of the
case had been fully disclosed by the attendants who accompanied him on his
visit to Mehidpore, gave, under his own hand, the confession which closes these
proceedings. |
An investigation which I instituted into this business at Mehidpore a few

days after the attempt was made was attended with little success; but, as you
will observe from the examination which I then took, the not unimportant fact
was proved that no quarrel had ever existed between Kurreem Yar Khan and
the assassin; showing, as has since been corroborated by the subsequent con-
fession of the Bohrah, Sultan Alee, that this was a mere pretext set up to cover
the real motives by which the parties to this foul attempt had been actuated.

 

Enquiry into an attempt made to assassinate KURREEM Yar Kuan, the
matemal grandfather of the young Nawab, Guous Manommep Kuan,
and Commandant of the Jowrah Contingent Corps of Infantry.

Mehidpore, 17th June 1827, Meea Khan Bargeer, 3rd Rissalah, Jowrah
Contingent of Horse, examined :—

About 10 or 12 days ago, the exact day I do not remember, I was sentry
over the nishan of the Rissalah, when Ameer Khan Bargeer came towards me
with a pistol in his hand, which he was cleaning, and on approaching he called

out to me in a jesting manner to stand out of his way or he would shoot me.

In the same jocular strain I said, take care that I do not take the pistol from
you and serve you as you threaten to do me. I took the pistol in my hand,
and, seeing it charged, asked him what it was loaded with ; he said that he had
put two balls into it and some quicksilver (para), and, asking my forgiveness
for even in jest having threatened me, added that the contents of the pistol
were intended for the scoundrel Mogul who had interfered to put an end to hisSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 45

intercourse with a certain woman, and who had heaped abuse upon him and
threatened, whenever he could get hold of him, to slipper him: that, in con-
sequence of these insults, he was determined to take his (the Mogul’s) life.
Ameer Khan after this went away somewhere, I know not where. This hap-
pened in the morning, and the same evening the tumult took place in the
Infantry Lines which led to Ameer Khan’s death. I did not at the time know
who the Mogul was whom he threatened with vengeance, but now know from
what took place the same evening that it was Kurreem Yar Khan to whom
he alluded. I have no knowledge that any quarrel existed between Ameer

Khan and Kurreem Yar Khan beyond what I heard from Ameer Khan
himself on the morning above mentioned.

 

Mehidpore, 17th June 1827 , Mulloo Khan Bargeer, of the 8rd Ltissalah,
Jowrah Contingent of Horse, examined :—

Ameer Khan Bargeer, in the same Rissalah with myself, had formed an
intimacy with a prostitute of the town, for which, he being a thoughtless
young man whom I had been long acquainted with and wished well, I reproved
him, and his intercourse with this woman became less frequent. She lived latterly
in the lines of the pultun (the Infantry Corps), and one day he told me that
the sepoys of the Corps had been ordered to prevent him from visiting her, and
that they had threatened, if he persisted in his'visits, to seize and punish him.
A day or two after this woman visited Ameer Khan, and remained with him
until the afternoon. I was then standing sentry over the nishan of the
Rissalah, and it was his turn to relieve me. When she, therefore, went away,
he came to me and said that, as he was going into the town on busmess, his
friend, Suddoo Khan, would take his duty, on saying which he went away.
I never saw him more, for the same evening he fired a pistol at Kurreem Yar
Khan, and was afterwards killed in attempting to escape.

I have heard that he was on bad terms with Kurreem Yar Khan, but
I cannot affirm this to be the case from anything within my own knowledge,
nor can I bring myself to believe that he would have attempted to take the
life of any man on account of the woman to whom I have alluded.

 

Mehidpore, 1ith June 1827, Suddoo Khan Bargeer, 8rd Rissalah, Jowrah
Contingent of Horse :—

I was an intimate friend of Ameer Khan Bargeer, deceased, and lived for
the last two years in the same house with him. He was a thoughtless, extrava-
gant young man, and much given to women. One woman, a prostitute of the
town, with whom he had lately formed an intimacy (a connection which I

SSE Ee Se

eeORT Sareea oncom =

 

- Corps,

  

AG SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

endeavoured to persuade him to give up), came to the house the day on
which he was killed, and: remained with him until the afternoon. Shortly
after she went away he left home, and I never saw him again. ‘Towards
,and ashort while before the tumult arose occasioned by his attempting
m Yar Khan, Mulloo Khan, who was on guard over the

him as Ameer Khan had gone to

evening
to assassinate Kurree
nishan, called to me to come and relieve
the town and said I would take his duty; I replied that I would relieve him

at sunset.

Though I was one of Ameer Khan’s most intimate friends, I never
received from him the most remote hint of his design against Kurreem
Yar Khan, nor am I able to assign the cause that led him to attempt so

atrocious an act. I have heard that he had a quarrel with Kurreem Yar

Khan, but I cannot speak to the point on my own knowledge.

 

Mehidpore, 17th June 1827, Shaik Rhymut-ool-lah, Adjutant of the
Jowrah Contingent Corps of Infantry, examined :—

I was sitting outside of the Commandant Kurreem Yar Khan’s house
in company with him, his nephew, Taliar Khan, Toorab Khan, Soubadar of the
and a Mootsuddee, named Bholanauth, at the time that Ameer Khan
Bargeer attempted to assassinate the Commandant. While we were thus sitting
in conversation the Bargeer came up and saluted us, which we returned, and
the Commandant was in the act of making the usual courteous enquiries
after his health when the Bargeer raised his hand in which he held a pistol
concealed under his doputta, pointed it at the Commandant, and at the same
instant discharged it upon him, after which he threw down the pistol, and,
drawing his sword, ran off. All this was the business of a moment, and was
over before any one present could interpose to prevent it or to seize the
Bargeer. The marked agitation which the Bargeer was in when he ap-
proached, and the sudden motion of his hand in directing the pistol, produced
alarm in the Commandant, and made him instantaneously start from the
reclining posture which he was in; and he had raised himself half erect when
the pistol was discharged. This sudden movement and the Bargeer’s extreme
agitation no doubt saved the Commandant’s life, for in consequence the contents
of the pistol took effect in his foot and leg; one ball entered the foot and
another grazed the leg, slightly wounding it. It was about sunset when this
occurred, and sepoys and others were stirring about in every direction, so that a
great hue and cry was instantly raised, and the fugitive Bargeer was closely
followed by numerous pursuers and killed at a short distance from the spot
where he had attempted to assassinate the Commandant. A sepoy, who withoutee

 

’ SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 47

sword or other weapon attempted to stab the Bargeer, was cut down by him
and died of his wound a day or two afterwards. Another sepoy, the person

who is supposed to have given the blow which killed him, was severely wounded
in two different places. .

The cause of this attack on Kurreem Yar Khan’s life I am at a loss to
conceive ; I have my suspicions as to it, but feel reluctant to express what they
are. ‘Thereis a story that a quarrel existed between Kurreem Yar Khan and
the Bargeer on account of a woman, but there is no one at all acquainted with
Kurreem Yar Khan who does not know that this is false and without
any foundation whatever. I is quite impossible, indeed, that the Bargeer
could have personally any motive for such an attempt, for he was but shiehtly
acquainted with the Commandant, and was always treated by him with due
courtesy when they met. As to the asserted quarrel about the woman I know
nothing of it, and have met with no one who could affirm of his own know-
ledge that any quarrel ever existed, or that words passed between him and the
Commandant on such a subject, either directly or indirectly.

 

Mehidpore, With June 1827, Kurreem Yar Khan, Commandant of the
Contingent Corps of Infantry, ecamined :— !

Kurreem Yar Khan corroborates the deposition of the Adjutant with
regard to the Bargeer’s attempt on his life, and adds as follows :-—

My acquaintance with the Bargeer extended to little more than a mere
knowledge of his person. Whenever I met him the usual civility of salams
passed between us. I never by word or act did anything to my knowledge to
offend him, and it is impossible, therefore, that it could have been personal
feeling against me by which he was incited to conceive and attempt my
destruction. As to the story that I had had a quarrel with him on account
of a woman, it is perfectly gratuitous. I never hada quarrel with him, nor did
ever high words pass between me and him on this or any other subject. The
first and only knowledge I had of his connection with the woman in question
was derived from the subsequent circulation of this false and unfounded story
of the quarrel.

 

Jowrah, 6th August 1827, Meetoo, a servant of the Bohrah Sultan
Alee, examined :—

About two months ago his master, Sultan Alee Bohrah, accompanied by the
following persons, viz., Pumroo, servant to the Bohrah, Kallooa, servant to the
Bohrah, the deponent, servant to the Bohrah, Bholoo, sepoy, Mokarim, sepoy,48 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. ~

Deendar Khan, sepoy, Bhyroo, mussalchee, and Cheetur, syce, left J owrah hetween
2, and 3, or, perhaps, a little more ghurree He sunset and proceeded to
Mehidpore, The first information he had of this trip was ana a ou or so
before they set out, when his master, the Bohrah, on coming from une SLE s
(the Cutcherry) told him to go to the Darogah of the stable and bring him a
horse, as he was about to proceed to Mehidpore. He accordingly went, and
found that the Darogah had ordered Cheetur, syce, to get ready the horse
which he (Cheetur) attended and to carry it to the Bohrah. He (deponent)
returned with the horse to his master, and also a tattoo to carry the
horse’s head and heel ropes, very shortly after, which they set out on their
journey. They stopped at different villages on the way to smoke and
refresh themselves, the names of which he is unable to mention with any cer-
tainty, having only once before gone to Mehidpore. ‘The tattoo carrying the
head and heel ropes of the Bohrah’s horse was also ridden upon by Pumroo,
Kullooa, and deponent by turns. From a village about three or four koss before
they came to Mehidpore, Pumroo rode the tattoo, and with the other attendants
went along with their master, ahead of him, and Kullooa, who, being much
fatigued, were unable to keep up with them ; their master told him and Kullooa
that they would find him at the Bohrah’s musjid, and to come onas fast as they
could. They accordingly made all the haste they were able, and reached the
musjid (they understood) two or three ghurrees after their master and the
others had arrived. Pumroo was not present when deponent and Kullooa |
arrived, but came a short time afterwards accompanied by a fair-complexioned,
good-looking, well-dressed man. This person, whom he (the deponent) does not
think he ever saw before, on approaching the Bohrah saluted by saying “ Aeeyo
Ameer Khan,”* after which the Bohrah and he (this stranger) went to a different
part of the musjid, and, sitting down together, entered into conversation by
themselves. Having continued in conversation for some time (about one ghurree
he thinks), the stranger rose and took leave of his master. In the afternoon
Pumroo went and again brought this same stranger to his master, who, as in the
morning, took him apart and held a long private conversation with him. On this
occasion the stranger remained a considerable time longer in conversation with
his master than he did in the morning, and when he rose to take his leave, it was
late in the afternoon. On going away he heard his master say to him (the
stranger), “mehirbanee rukho aur is kamse hooshear ruhyo ; hum bhee ek saut
men ehanse jaoonga,’f to which he, the stranger, replied,— Insha-alleh talla yeh

 

* Literally, “‘Come, Ameer Khan,” an expression used equivalent to welcome.

+ Continue me in your favour and keep your attention on this business; I am also
going in the course of half an hour.SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. - 49

kam aj kul kuroonga.”* About one ghurree or so after this, having got everythin ey
ready, his master mounted his horse, and they had just set out for Rutlam,
when a great noise and uproar was heard in the camp on the outskirts of the
town; on hearing which his master sent Pumroo in the direction of the
camp (he supposes) to learn what had taken place, for his master’s orders were
whispered to Pumroo. When Pumroo left them they continued their journey
until they reached the banks of the river, where they stopped until Pumroo
rejoined them. When he came up, he (Pumroo) said something in private
to his master. They again resumed their journey, but before they proceeded,
and immediately upon Pumroo’s communication, his master cautioned them
all most strictly against mentioning their having visited Mehidpore, and said
that they must only mention their having gone to Rutlam: that, on the other
hand, if any one of them should venture or be so imprudent as to mention
Mehidpore, misfortune and ruin would be his lot. They proceeded with all the
haste they were capable of to Rutlam, hardly stopping, excepting a minute or
so at different places to smoke. He (deponent), Kallooa, and one of the sepoys,
Bholoo, fell behind the rest, being fatigued and unable to keep up with them,
and proceeded leisurely and rejoined the Bohrah and their fellow-attendants at
the Bohrah’s musjid of that town about the third pahar of the day. The next
morning, about two or three ghurrees before daybreak, they set out for Jowrah,
and arrived there the same day. At this distance of time he cannot be certain
that the words he mentions as having been used by the Bohrah and the stranger
on their parting after their ee meeting were actually the expressions that
passed between them on that occasion, but he is quite positive that in purport
they were the expressions then used.

Jowrah, 8th August 1827, Bhyroo, Mussalchec, examined :—

Is a mussalchee, or torch-bearer, in the service of the Nawab. One evening,
about two months ago, while in the performance of his usual duty, attending
the Nawab’s cook-room with his mussal, he was ordered to be prepared to
attend Sultan Alee Bohrah, the Sirkar’s Moonshee, about to proceed somewhere
from Jowrah. He was not then told, nor did he know, where the Bohrah was
going, but conjectured, as others about him also did, that he might be going to
meet Captain Borthwick, who was expected at Jowrah from Mehidpore. He
did not feel himself much disposed at the time to undergo the trouble and
fatigue of a night trip (for he was told the Bohrah was to set out immediately),
and therefore prevailed upon a friend to agree to go in his stead. When,
however, his friend presented himself to the Bohrah, the latter objected

 

* God willing, I shall do the business to-day or te-morrow (or in a day or two).

750 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

1 to his friend, saying that Bhyroo was ordered and must attend. This being
told to him he waited on the Bohrah, and, finding him ready to proceed, set out
with him. Besides himself, the following individuals proceeded in attendance

on the Bohrah on this occasion :—

Pumroo Ey |

Meetoo ao is ' Personal servants of the Bohrah.
Kallooa a oo)

Cheetur ... Syce attending the Bohrah’s horse.
Bholoo oe 1 :
Mokarim — _.. + Sepoys as a guard to the Bohrah.

Deendar Khan .

He (Bhyroo) with the above individuals in
e about three ghurrees after the night had set in, and

Jowrah for Mehidpor
proceeded by the road of Bahadarpore, Kojun Khera, Mundawul, and Dailcha.

After they had been a short while on their way, he asked the Bohrah where he
was going, who replied, to Mehidpore, which, as well as he can recollect, was the
first information he received of their destination. Kojun Khera, between three
and four koss from J owrah, was the first place they halted at, where they
stopped a few minutes until the Bohrah took some refreshment and the others
smoked. At Mundawul, about four or five koss further, they stopped a few
minutes. It being moonlight his mussal was not used before this, but the
moon having gone down, it was here lit. At Dailcha, about four or five koss
beyond Mundawul, they rested a few minut@&, and, resuming their journey,
reached the field of battle near to Mehidpore soon after daybreak ; his mussal
was, in consequence, extinguished, and, proceeding on without further delay, they
arrived at the river (Supra), where they stopped a short while to wash and
drink. Quitting the river they entered Mehidpore, and alighted at the Bohrah
musjid in the town: the Bohrah on the road having mentioned his intention
of taking up his quarters at the musjid, he (Bhyroo) requested when they
came to the river to be allowed to go to the house of some of his caste brethren ;
but this the Bohrah refused. Besides the Bohrah’s horse there was a tattoo,
which the Bohrah’s three servants rode by turns. From Dailcha, Pumroo rode
the tattoo, and arrived at the musjid along with the Bohrah. The other two
personal servants, Meetoo and Kallooa, being fatigued, fell behind after they

attendance on the Bohrah left

left Dailcha a short way, but came up to them at the musjid soon after they
had alighted. It was upwards of four ghurrees of the morning when they

eee eee

arrived. Soon after they had alighted the Bohrah sent Pumroo to call Ameer
Khan Bargeer. Pumroo accordingly went, and shortly returned with the Bar-
geer, on whose approach the Bohrah welcomed him by exclaiming “ Aceyo AmeerSa = sams

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. a

Khan,” and taking him apart, they sat down together at a little distance and
entered into close conversation. He does not know how long the Bargeer
remained at this time with the Bohrah, for, overcome with fatigue and the want
of rest during the night, he (Bhyroo) laid himself down to sleep, and did not
awake until the third pahar of the day; neither does he know what other
visitors, if: any, came to the Bohrah during that time. There was one Bohrah
(an inhabitant of Mehidpore, he believes,) who came several times and talked
with the Jowrah Bohrah. He does not know the name of this Bohrah, but
thinks he could recognize his person were he to see him again. In the after-
noon the Bohrah again sent Pumroo to call Ameer Khan, who came, and, as
before, the Bohrah took him apart and held a long conversation with him. He
(Bhyroo) heard nothing that passed between them, for they sat at a distance
by themselves, and carried on their conversation with much apparent privacy.
The Bargeer at length took his leave, and when going away the Bohrah said
something, part only of which he heard, which was to the effect that he (the
Bohrah) was just about to leave Mehidpore ; it was, he thinks, about two ghurrees
before sunset, when Ameer Khan left the Bohrah, at which time they began to
get the Bohrah’s horse and the tattoo ready and to pack up their things in
order to start for Rutlam, which being done, they had little more than left the
musjid (a few paces, perhaps,) when a violent uproar was heard in the camp.
The Bohrah immediately called Pumroo, and, whispering in his ear, sent him off
in that direction; they afterwards continued their way until they arrived at
the ghat of the river (the Garree ghat), where they waited until Pumroo
rejoined them. On Pumroo’s coming up he whispered something to the
Bohrah, who afterwards turned to them and enjoined them all strictly never to
mention that they had been at Mehidpore, declaring that it would be the ruin
of any one of them who should do so, and desiring them, if questioned where
they had been, to say that they had only been at Rutlam. After this they
continued their journey to Rutlam by Bunbunna and Kachrode, and without
stopping beyond a few minutes at different places to smoke: that is, the attend-
ants, for the Bohrah did not smoke or take any refreshment, as he did on their
way to Mehidpore. ‘They reached within about four koss of Kachrode before
his mussal was required, there being until then sufficient moonlight. About
midway, between Kachrode and Rutlam, the day broke. His mussal being in

consequence no longer required, he fell behind the Bohrah and the other attend-.

ants, and, proceeding leisurely, arrived at Rutlam about the second pahar of
the day. Heimmrediately went to the house of a relation and got some refresh-
ment, and, having rested himself for a few hours, rejoined the Bohrah and others
who had taken up their quarters at the Bohrah musjid. ‘The afternoon had

et ert near

ee See52 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

He did not again separate from the party,

considerably advanced at this time.
usjid, and about two ghurrees before

but passed the night with them at the m
daybreak they again set out, and took their way for J owrah, which they
reached some time between noon and the third watch of the day. On their arrival
they heard that Captain Borthwick had arrived that morning. He did not
hear what the Bohrah said to Pumroo when he sent him away in the morning,

o him shortly afterwards return with Ameer Khan, whom he had
seen and knew to be a Bargeer in one of the Rissalahs, he

bub seem
frequently before
concluded that Pumroo had been sent to call him (the Bargeer). The only
weapon he (Ameer Khan) had at this time was a pistol. The second time that
he came in the afternoon he had in addition a sword. He. cannot positively
say that the Bohrah named Ameer Khan when Punnoo went and brought him
(Ameer Khan) in the afternoon ; but he (Bhyroo) remembers perfectly Pumroo
being sent away by the Bohrah at this time and returning, as in the morning,
with Ameer Khan. The only reason that he (Bhyroo) can conceive for the
Bohrah preferring him to his friend to accompany him to Mehidpore is that
he (Bhyroo) was in the habit of performing the office of barber to him (the
Bohrah). While they were stopping at the river, on going to Mehidpore, he
(Bhyroo) happened to mention that he had relations in the Rissalahs at Mehid-
pore, on which the Bohrah, as he has mentioned, forbade him going near any of
them. When the day broke and he put out his mussal between Kachrode
and Rutlam, he said to the Bohrah that he would come in leisurely, who told
him to do as he pleased, which he considered ag conveying permission to come
on at his leisure, and also to visit his friends at Rutlam if he chose to do so.

Rutlam, 4th September 1827, Bholoo, Mewutee, in the service of the
Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan, examined :—

Bholoo corroborates in every particular the preceding statements of Meetoo,
khidmutgar, and Bhyroo, mussalchee, as far as relates to their leaving Jowrah
in attendance on the Bohrah, arrival at Mehidpore, the visits morning and
afternoon of the Bargeer, but that at the time he neither heard his name nor
knew that he was a Bargeer. He also corroborates what appears in their state-
ments regarding the tumult taking place when they were setting out for
Rutlam, the Bohrah sending Pumroo for intelligence and his enjoining the
party, after Pumroo’s rejoining them, to deny having been at Mehidpore, and
affirming that they had only been at Rutlam, and he adds that he was ordered
on this duty by the Jemadar of his party, Futty Alee, and that it was the mght
of the market day (Monday is the market day) when they left Jowrah.SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. O38
Ve

fiutlam, 6th September 18277, Mokarim, Mewutee, in the service of the
Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan, examined :-—

Mokarim corroborates the above statements of the Bohrah’s attendants,
excepting, at this distance of time, he cannot speak clearly and particularly to
the Bargeer’s visits to the Bohrah ; as there were several persons, Bohrahs, and
he thinks one or two Patans from the camp came to the musjid the day they
remained at Mehidpore. Further, he corroborates all that appears in these
statements, as also what has been declared by: Bholoo that he was ordered to
attend the Bohrah by the Jemadar of his party, Futty Alee, and that it was
the night of the market day when they set out from Jowrah.

Rutlam, 8th September 1827, Oheetur, Syce, in the service of the Nawab
Ghous Mahommed Khan, examined :—

Cheetur, syce, corroborates the depositions of the other attendants, except-
ing that, during their stay at Mehidpore, being outside of, and at a little
dist&nee from, the musjid in attendance on the horse, did not observe the
Bargeer’s visits to the Bohrah.

Rutlam, 7th September 1827, Punnoo, servant of Sultan Alee Bohrah,

examined :—

It is about three months ago, and, perhaps, a few days more, that his master,
Sultan Alee Bohrah, told him to get ready his things as he was going to
Mehidpore: this intimation was quite sudden and unexpected. At the same
time he (the Bohrah) ordered Meetoo, another servant, to go and bring him a
horse. Having according to his master’s orders got ready what was requisite
for the journey, he (Pumroo) left Jowrah about three or four ghurrees of the
night with the Bohrah, who, besides himself, was accompanied by the following

attendants :—
eee So } Personal servants of the Bohrah.
Kallooa (a boy) ee
Bhyroo sh ...  Mussalchee.
Bholoo Me e
Mokarim oe - t Sepoys.
Deendar Khan a
Cheetur, syce oe ... Attending the Bohrah’s horse.

After stopping a few minutes to rest and refresh themselves at different places on
the road they reached Mehidpore, he thinks, about five, or, perhaps, six, ghurrees
of the morning, and alighted at the Bohrah musjid, where, as his master had

 

eSo4 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

ntention, they took up their quarters. Having un-

previously mentioned his 1 7 ,
packed the few things of baggage which he had brought and put them in order,

his master called him and told him in a whisper to go to the lines of the ‘se
Paga (8rd Rissalal) and call Ameer Khan Bargeer. He (Pumroo) according-
ly went to the lines, and, going up to a syce whom he happened ve see at the
time, asked where Ameer Khan was to be found. The syce pointed Ameer
Khan out, who was at the time standing alone alongside of one of the horses.
He (Pumroo) went up to him and said that Moulvie Sultan Alee had just
arrived from Jowrah and wished to speak to him. On delivering this (the
Bohrah’s) message he (Pumroo) returned, and was accompanied by Be, Khan.
On arriving at the musjid his master took Ameer Khan to a private corner,
and remained for some time in close conversation with him. He had no con-
versation with the Bargeer on his return to the musjid, excepting that, when he
delivered the Bohrah’s message, he (the Bargeer) merely asked when the
Moulvie had arrived. The Bargeer having taken his leave left the musjid.
In the afternoon his master again ordered him to go and call Ameer Khan he
accordingly went, and met him on the skirts of the town coming from the lines,
and on telling him that the Moulvie (the Bohrah) called him, he (Ameer Khan)
merely said, “I am coming,” and accordingly came along with him to the
musjid. The Bohrah and he (Ameer Khan), as in the morning, went apart
and continued for a considerable time in close conversation, and it was late in
the afternoon before Ameer Khan went away. He (Pumroo) has no knowledge
whatever of what passed in the morning or at this second meeting between his
master and Ameer Khan. They sat quite apart both times from him and his
fellow-attendants, and conducted their conversation in so low a tone of voice
that he did not hear what was said. When Ameer Khan was taking leave of
his master in the afternoon, the latter said in words to the following effect :—
“Tskamse ghafil na hoee’yo, juld kurna;”* to which Ameer Khan replied,
“Insha-alleh talla, juld kuroonga.”’ + At this distance of time he (Pumroo)
cannot say that these were the exact words used, but he is quite certain that
they express in purport what passed between the Bohrah and Ameer Khan
when they separated at this time. The Bohrah also said he was about to start
from Mehidpore. After Ameer Khan went away they began to prepare for their
departure for Rutlam, and, being all ready, had just set out, when, almost at the
same moment, a loud noise and uproar was heard in the direction of the camp,
upon which the Bohrah called him near to him, and in a whisper ordered him

 

* Pray be not remiss in this business, but accomplish it quickly.

+ God willing, I shall perform it quickly.a, a ae

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 55

to go and see what had taken place: “juld jao our khubber lao” were, as well
as he (Pumroo) remembers, the words which the Bohrah whispered to him. He
also said, in the same low tone of voice, that he would wait on the bank of the
river until he (Pumroo) returned. As he had been ordered, he went in the
direction of the noise, and when he had got outside of the town on the road to
the lines of the Pultun, he met some people, of whom he asked the cause of the
uproar; they told him that the Commandant, Kurreem Yar Khan, had been
wounded, and that the person who had wounded him had been killed. On
hearing this he immediately returned, and found the Bohrah waiting for him at
the river, to whom he communicated what he had heard. He (the Bohrah) made
no remark upon receiving this information, but, turning to the party, enjoined
them all in the strictest manner never even to hint that they had visited
Mehidpore, but only to mention Rutlam, saying that the severest punishment
would be inflicted upon any one who should not attend to this injunction.

After this they resumed the journey to Rutlam, and arrived there early
in the forenoon. Some of the party being unable to keep up fell behind, but
came up three or four ghurrees afterwards: they put up at the Bohrah musjid,

and the next morning, some time before daybreak, they set out on their return
to Jowrah, where they arrived a little after noon.

He affirms in the most solemn manner that the Bohrah never confided to
him the object of his visit to Mehidpore, but that, when he enjoined them all
to keep their visit to Mehidpore in inviolable secrecy, this circumstance, joined
to others that transpired during that day, brought it unavoidably to his convic-
tion that the visit was connected with the attempt which had been made to
assassinate Kurreem Yar Khan. As the Bohrah, on hearing the uproar in
camp, desired him in a whisper to go and ascertain what had taken place, he in
a similar manner communicated to him the result of his enquiries as above
mentioned.

=

Rutlam, 12th September 1827, confession of Sultan Alee Bohra (written
in his own hand).

It is sufficient to advert generally to the disputes between Jehangeer
Khan and Kurreem Yar Khan, which are too well known to require particular
notice. They gave Jehangeer Khan so much uneasiness, that he was engaged
night and day in devising means to effect the disgrace and ruin of Kurreem
Yar Khan. On the return of Captain Borthwick from Hindostan, when he
was deprived of the power of enlisting and discharging the men of the
Battalion, entertaining Mootsuddies, &c., his chagrin was excessive, and in his

 

pak ASN EN56 SUCCESSION TO MATIOMMEDAN STATES.

yexation he told me that all his plans for the destruction of Kurreem Yar

Khan had failed ; that though he had instigated the Soubadars of the Battalion

acainst him, who had promised to complain in a body of his treating them with

tyranny and oppression to the Resident or to Captain Pasley when he came to
Jowrah, yet nothing had been done; on the contrary, the cause of Kurreem ten
Khan was daily gaining strength. On this account Jehangeer Khan said
he was never at ease, and could not enjoy either his food, drink, or sleep ; that
his vexation of mind would never cease while Kurreem Yar Khan existed : but
he expected to get rid of his troubles through the aseistanee of Ameer Khan
Bargeer, provided he failed not in his promise. I enquired what purpose he —
in view; he informed me the Bargeer had engaged, in the hope of a pecuniary
reward and future protection, to assassinate Kurreem Yar Khan by stratagem.
I observed that whatever counsel he adopted was no doubt prudent, but still
the plan proposed involved much danger, and that due care should be taken
that the Bargeer did not fail in his engagement, and that the secret did not
become divulged. I therefore recommended that the opinion of the Begum
should be taken on the subject, which was accordingly done, and, on representing
the particulars to her, I found that she was even more ardent in the scheme
than Jehangeer Khan. My dependent situation made any objection on my
part improper, and I only requested, if such was the counsel to be followed, that
the Bargeer might be sent for and enjoined to exercise the utmost caution
in executing his designs that the secret might not be divulged. It was
accordingly determined on to send for the Bargeer, when, one afternoon, Jehan-
geer Khan called me and said that Deedar Buksh, Chobdar, had stated to him
among other matters that Captain Borthwick was displeased at my remaining
at Jowrah. On my requesting to be discharged, as that was the case, Jehangeer
Khan replied that he would be an object of ridicule and contempt among men
if he discharged me under such circumstances ; and the Begum had suggested
that I should take leave under the pretence of having been sent for by my
spiritual instructor, the Moola of Surat. On this I proposed going to Rutlam,
whence I could send a hired hurkarah to the Moola. This being settled,
I got up and took leave of Jehangeer Khan with the intention of hastening
my preparations for the journey to Rutlam, and had reached the outside of the
new enclosure, when he again called me and requested that I would take a little
trouble upon myself on his account and in person urge the Bargeer to be quick
in fulfilling his promise, and to take such precaution as would preclude detec-
tion. Thatit was, therefore, necessary that I should, in the first instance, proceed
secretly to him at Mehidpore and urge the execution of the project, as sending
for the Bargeer to Jowrah without some apparent reason was not advisable.PS a ee a : an
ae eR SAS Sen eer ee eee

 

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. o

7
In short, I vos to Mehidpore, according to orders, with the utmost expedition,
and on my arrival UNS: ‘ sent Pumroo, one of my khidmutgars, for the Bargeer,
and having taken him into a corner of the musjid (the Bohrah musjid), where
{ had taken up my quarters, I required him to perform the promise he had
made to Jehangeer Khan, enjoining him at the same time to use the atures:
caution. He replied, that, owing to so much caution being necessary and his
not having had a favourable opportunity, he had not ventured on the act; but,
God willing, that day or the next, he would execute his purpose, for he had
feigned a quarrel with Kurreem Yar Khan about a woman, and had given it out
that high words were daily passing between them on the subject. The object
of this, he said, you will perceive. In furtherance of it he had, he added,
prepared different persons to give evidence that Kurreem Yar Khan was op-
posing him on account of a woman, that he had applied gross and insulting
language to him on her account, and that he had declared that he would,
therefore, take Kurreem Yar Khan’s life. Thus, he said, he was concerting the
destruction of Kurreem Yar Khan in such a way that no person would ever
even suspect the real motive that had incited him to effect it: on saying this
he left me. Before my departure from Mehidpore I sent for him again,
and gave him my last injunctions for the execution of the projected purpose
consistent with the utmost circumspection and care. Shortly afterwards, to-
wards evening, I set out for Rutlam, and had rode only a short distance when
I heard a great noise and tumult, on hearing which it immediately occurred
to me that Ameer Khan had made the attempt, for he had appeared very
eager and determined when he left me a short time before. I therefore sent
Punnoo, khidmutgar, to learn the particulars, who brought back accounts that
Ameer Khan had discharged a pistol at Kurreem Yar Khan, and that the
attendants of the latter had killed him. On hearing this I enjoined every one
in company with me to deny having been at Mehidpore and to say that they
had only gone to Rutlam. I then proceeded to Rutlam with the utmost haste,
and, after dispatching a hurkarah to Surat, returned to Jowrah and presented
myself before Jehangeer Khan about mid-day. Before I said anything on the
subject, Jehangeer Khan observed that Ameer Khan was killed, and that he
learnt from the letters of Mahommed Nyme Khan and others that the encoun-
ter between Ameer Khan and Kurreem Yar Khan had arisen from a quarrel
about a woman; and he added that such a report will have the effect of throw-
ing the whole blame upon Kurreem Yar Khan, and he and the Begum were of
opinion that the circulation of this account of the affair would lead to the
dismissal of Kurreem Yar Khan from his situation; but when a month and _
more had passed, and matters appeared to be taking an entirely opposite course
858 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

Begum (observing to me that ag all exertions

to what they had expected, the
ortive) ordered me to write a letter to

hitherto made were likely to prove ab |
Captain Borthwick, stating among other matters that declining to inflict

punishment on those who were guilty of gross calumny was contrary to the
usage of Hnglish gentlemen. The order I accordingly complied with.

(Sd.) W. BortHWwIcK,
Local Poltl. Agent.

 

From Goran Swinton, Eseq., Secretary to Government, in the Political
Department, to the Resident at Indore,—dated Fort Wilham, the 14th

December 1827.

I au directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 16th ultimo,
reporting on the state of affairs in the Jowrah jagheer, and the measures
you found it necessary to adopt towards the administration.

9 Under the circumstances stated by you, the Governor -General in
Council thinks that you were quite justified in depriving the Begum and Jehangeer
Khan of the administration of the affairs of the jagheer, and His Lordship
is pleased accordingly to approve and confirm the whole of your proceedings
and arrangements now reported, which appear to have been concurred in also

by the Government of Holkar.

 

Extract from a despatch from the Hon’ble the Court of Directors for Affairs
of the Hon’ble the United Company of Merchants of England trading to
the East Indies, in the Political Department,—dated the 27th July 1826.

Paragraph 93.—The last case to which we shall have occasion to solicit

the attention of your Hon’ble Court, under the

Political, 1925, Department, Con- head of Indore, is that of the Succession to the
sultations, 24th November, Nos, 12 a : : i

to 14, Jowrah Jagheer, discussed in the papers cited in

the margin.

94. The Nawab Ghuffoor Khan died in the month of September, leaving
his infant son, Ghous Mahommed Khan, by his second Begum, as his heir and
successor. There were three parties in the family who claimed the management
of affairs on the hereditary jagheer or Jaidad during the Nawab’s minority,
viz., the brothers of the deceased, his eldest Begum, by whom he had a daughterSUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 59

married to Jehangeer Khan, and the younger Begum, mother of Ghous Mahom-
med, supported by her father and relatives. Ghuffoor Khan had made no declara-
tion or demonstration in favour of any one of these parties, but seemed only
solicitous about the succession and security of his infant son, and to place his

reliance for the accomplishment of these objects on the support and interference
of the British Authorities.

95. Under the above circumstances, the Resident at Indore instructed
Captain Borthwick to nominate the elder Begum, who is generally respected for
her good sense, qualities, and birth, to the guardianship of the young Nawab and
the management of his affairs and interests during his minority, giving it, how-
ever, to be distinctly understood as a necessary measure of precaution that the
pretension of her daughter and children by Jehangeer Khan could never be
allowed to come into competition with those of the male relations of Ghuffoor
Khan. This selection appeared to be satisfactory to all parties (Holkar’s
Government included), excepting that the brothers professed a dread of the
influence of Jehangeer Khan over the Begum, and protested against his being
allowed to take any share in the executive management.

96. Mr. Wellesley proceeded to observe that the British Government, as
guarantee to the settlement of the jagheer of Ghuffoor Khan and his heirs,
and as the paramount State, was undoubtedly the just and proper arbiter of the
requisite arrangement in this case, and had been so considered by all parties ; but
adverting to the circumstance of Ghuffoor Khan being nominally a jagheerdar
of Holkar, it appeared suitable that the Maharajah should take a part in the
act of investiture on the occasion of the succession, and that the ceremony
should be delayed until our pleasure should have been ascertained and the
Resident was prepared to confer the proper khilluts on our part, which was
readily agreed to by Holkar’s Government. In the course of their communica-
tions on the subject, the Ministers gave a hint that it was customary on such occa-
sions for the act of investiture by the immediate Sovereign to be preceded by
the tender of a suitable nuzzurana or gratuity from the new jagheerdar, and
that they trusted it would be observed on the present occasion. Mr. Wellesley
was not disposed to deny the universality of the practice, and thought the only
question likely to arise would be as to the amount. A large sum, he thought,
would be expected, as Ghuffoor Khan, by his prudent and judicious manage-
ment, had left his affairs in the most flourishing state, and had greatly aug-
mented the produce of his jagheer. _

97. The above arrangements, adopted under Mr. Wellesley’s orders, ap-
peared to us to be generally judicious and well conceived ; but we entertained60 SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

some doubts of the expediency of nominating a secluded female to the office

of guardian and manager, and we considered further enquiry to Be necessary
regarding the eventual right to succession in case of the infant’s death eo
any definitive judgment could be pronounced on the claims and pretensions of
the various contending parties.

98. We observed, moreover, that the Nawab of Jowrah, &c., being a
jagheerdar and feudatory of the Holkar State, the Maharajah is entitled to
take the lead in the arrangements for the formation of an administration on
the succession of a minor Chief, and that the interference of the British Go=
vernment should be limited to seeing justice done and confirming such measures
as appeared to be equitable and generally satisfactory. We desired that this
principle should be kept in view and acted upon as far as practicable in the
sbeps which remained to be taken, and, therefore, that the young Nawab and the
formal appointment of the guardian and manager should issue from the
Maharajah, and that the khilluts subsequently granted by the Resident should
be of a conformatory nature, expressive of the sanction and concurrence of the
British Government in its capacity of guarantee. We stated that we could
have no objection to the Government of Holkar requiring from the new jagheer-
dar such fee or nuzzurana on the occasion as was customary and proper,
either according to the particular usage of that State, or to Native customs
and feelings generally ; and we authorized the Resident to represent, if necessary,
to the Jowrah Administration the propriety of their complying with any
reasonable demand on the above account.

Extract from a despatch to the Hon’ble the Court of Directors for Affairs of the
Hon’ble the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the
East Indies (Political Department), dated the 29th February 1828,
paragraphs 98 to 101. 3

98. In paragraphs 93 to 99 of our general letter, dated 27th July 1826,
we brought to the notice of your Hon’ble Court the case of the succession
to the Jowrah jagheer on the demise of the Nawab Ghuffoor Khan, and we
stated some points in which we had expressed doubts, and called for further
information before we expressed any final opinion on Mr. Wellesley’s proceed-
ings in the matter. We have now to request your attention to the Resident’s

oe tae Ge Win a bs despatch recorded as per margin, in which
Pe "Mr. Wellesley explains at length the rea-

sons which induced him to consider it expedient and justifiable for the BritishSa Re

SS A TEN ec PO ST TRE NE rg

SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES. 61

Government to take the lead in framing arrangements for the administration
of the hereditary jagheer on the succession of the minor N awab, as well as
in the investiture, instead of leaving to Holkar the adoption of the necessary
measures, subject to the sanction and confirmation of the British Government,
and states also several considerations in justification of the appointment
of the elder Begum of the deceased jagheerdar to be the guardian and manager.
In the same despatch the Resident discusses fully the question both of the
right of the young Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan to the exclusive inheritance
of the jagheer, without the admission of the widows and daughter to a share,
as also of the individual entitled to be considered the heir presumptive to the
estate; and solicits express instructions as to whether he would be expected to
take an account from the Begum of the receipts and disbursements in her man-
agement of the jagheer during the minority of the Chief, or whether she should
be left to expend the revenues entirely according to her own discretion.

99. Our instructions to the Resident, in reply, are recorded as per
Poltl., 1826, Department, Cons.,9th margin. We informed Mr. Wellesley that
June, No. 39. his despatch had been perused with much
interest, and was considered to afford a clear and able exposition of the views
and motives by which he was influenced in his proceedings under discussion,
and which appeared to have been attended with complete success. We admitted
it to be probable that a satisfactory result would not have been produced if the
Government of Holkar had been allowed to take the lead in framing arrange-
ments for the succession to, and management of, the jagheer upon Ghuffoor
Khan’s demise; but nevertheless we adhered to the opinion that the view of
that subject taken in our previous instructions was well founded, and could not
be altogether departed from consistently with a just regard to the rights
reserved to the Maharajah by the Treaty of 1818.

100. We then observed that, adverting to the condition on which the
jagheer is held, viz., that of maintaining a contingent of troops for the public
service, the Resident’s argument against the eventual subdivision of the tenure
must be considered perfectly just and conclusive. The reasons also advanced
by him against admitting any pretensions on the part of the son, Jehangeer
Khan, to the future succession appeared to us satisfactory, and we expressed
our concurrence in Mr. Wellesley’s opinion that the relations of Ghuffoor
‘Khan in the male line have the preferable title to be regarded a heirs pre-
sumptive. Of these it appeared that the election ought to fall either upon
Abdool Hukeem Khan, the eldest brother of the deceased, or areas Khan,
his son. Asa question of law, we observed that we should one the fave
entitled to succeed before the son, and if the sense of the family should also bean

62° SUCCESSION TO MAHOMMEDAN STATES.

in favour, he ought to have the preference. On the other hand, a there were
any established precedent in support of the son’s prior claims, we directed that
it should be reported for our further consideration.
101. The explanation afforded by the Resident satisfied us that, under all
Poltl., 1826, Department, Cons,, 9th circumstances, the Begum was ane fittest
June, No. 39. person for the office of guardian and
manager during the infancy of the Nawab Ghous Mahommed Khan. We
authorized Mr. Wellesley to require that she should keep a regular account of
receipts and disbursements to be open for his occasional inspection, and to
exercise such a general supervision as might serve to check gross mismanage-
ment and misappropriation of the revenue of the infant jagheerdar.

 

Extract from a letter from the Hon’ble the Court of Directors, to the Go-
vernor General at Fort William in Bengal (Political Department) ,—
dated London, the 1st April 1829.

Paragraph 57.—We consider Mr. Wellesley to have completely removed,

Nor 62 608 des af the Nawen © his explanatory letter of 2" March
Ghuffoor Khan of Jowrah, arrange- 1826, all well-grounded doubts which could
ae eee oa ae exist with respect to the propriety of the
son and successor, Ghous Mahommed arrangements made by him on the de-
= cease of Ghuffoor Khan. The only point
on which your scruples are still unsatisfied, is our right to originate an
arrangement in concurrence with Holkar’s Government, instead of allowing
that power to adopt one without our interference. But it seems to us that
in a case of this nature, which is extremely different from a question of
interference in the internal administration of a State, we, as the guaranteeing
power, are as much entitled to a voice in the selection of a manager as Holkar,
who is only the nominal sovereign. There is nothing in the Treaty with
Holkar to exclude us from this privilege; it has not, in fact, been disputed,
and the inveterate enmity of Holkar’s Government towards Ghuffoor Khan
and his family,—an enmity incurred by the very circumstances in his conduct
which gave him a claim to our protection,—renders this an occasion on which

the right, if it existed, could not with propriety have been waived.

 

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