HISTORY

BRITISH PERIOD

 1818-1947.

Meanwhile the last great Maratha alliance against the English was completed. On the 5th November 1817, the Peshwa declared war against the British. [ The Pendhari war was only a grand British plan for extinguishing all vestiges of the Maratha power and establishing unquestioned British supremacy throughout India.—Sardesai, o. c. Ill, 483.] Twenty days later the Nagpur chief followed his example. After Yeshwantrao Holkar's death his young and beautiful wife, Tulshibal possessing more than common ability for public affairs, assumed power in the name of Malharrao, a son of Yeshwantrao from another wife, then four years old and managed with considerable ability the concerns of the Holkar State with the help of Ganpatrao and his associate Tatya Jog. Her greatest difficulty arose from want of funds, without which she could not maintain the army and without the army she could not govern. Daulatrao Sindia, too, pounded upon the undefended possessions of the Holkar with great vehemence. [ Daulatrao Sindia even made an attempt on the lives of Tulshibai and Malharrao.—Sardesai, o. c. Ill, 483.] In the midst of such unbearable situation, urgent calls arrived from the Peshwa at Poona for her forces to join in an anti-British drive. Malcolm gave her terms but real power had now passed from her hands into those of the Pathan leaders who controlled the soldiery, particularly Roshan Beg, who was at the head of the disciplined regiments and Ramdin who commanded the Maratha horse then considered the iinest in India. They resolved to help Peshwa with an army of 26,000 men. The military chiefs believed that Tulshibai and her advisers were willing to sell them to the British [The desertion of Amirkhan proved symbolic.]and determined to baffle her design.

On the evening of the 19th December 1817, they seized the Regent and the Minister. At daybreak on 20th, Tulshibai was beheaded, on the banks of the Sipra river at Mahidpur (about 30 miles north of Ujjain) and the insurgent general began their southward march.

They were met, immediately, by Sir John Malcolm and Sir Thomas Hislop and were defeated on 21st December 1817. By the treaty of Mandsaur on 6th January 1818, made after this defeat, all the Holkar territory south of the Satpudas, including the entire province of Khandesh, was ceded to the British.

Meanwhile the Peshwa was defeated at Kirkee (5th November 1817) and again at Ashta (19th February 1818). He was joined by his faithful friend Trimbakji with his bands of marauding troops, in his flight. Despairing of aid either from Nagpur or Sindia, the Peshwa retired, after the action fought on 17th April near Shivni, between Mahur and Umarkhed, against Col. Adams, to save his life and with only a scanty following, towards Northern India. He crossed the Tapi on 5th May, hoping to find shelter at Ashirgad then in Sindia's possession. The keeper of the fort Yeshwantrao Lad had indeed received secret orders from his master to admit the Peshwa and offer him safety. [ Sardesai, o. c. Ill, 495.] But large parties of British forces poured upon the spot from different directions and Lad found himself unable to extend any help to Bajirao. On 31st May, Malcolm escorted by 300 men moved to a village named Kheri where the Peshwa had arrived with about 2,000 horse, 800 infantry and two guns. On 1st June, Malcolm went to the Peshwa's camp and fixing up some of the terms of the treaty, insisted that Bajirao must go to the British camp within 24 hours. In addition Malcolm demanded the surrender of his minister Trimbakji Dengle. The Peshwa urged that it was not in his power to apprehend Dengle, as the latter commanded a strong; force. [. The Peshwa repudiated his minister and informed Malcolm that, the British might deal with him as they liked.] By 10 o'clock, on the morning of 3rd June 1818, the Peshwa. surrendered himself. [ BajirSo's military following was disbanded when he crossed the Na;mada on 12th June 1818. He proceeded to the North with a retinue of 6oo horsemen and 200 footmen with Ramchandrapant Subhedar and Baloba Salkade and other dependents. Lt. Low was permitted to accompany Bajirao at his request.— Sardesai, o. c. Ill, 500; Malcolm Political History of India, I, 521; II Appendix V., p. ccxv.]

CONQUEST OF KHANDESH.

Sir Thomas Hislop, to whom fell the duty of bringing to order the bands of Arabs and other mercenaries entered Khandesh from Sindva and passed unopposed to Thalner in February 1818. But the capture of Thalner [ A fort which commands a ford over the Tapi River, situated on the north bank, 83 miles west from Burhanpur. By Abul Fazl it is noticed as the capital of Adilshah, A. D. 1406. After the dissolution of the Moghul empire it came early into the possession of the Marathas, and was one of the cessions made by the Holkar family, at the Treaty of Mundenor.—Hamilton, Description of Hindoslan, II, 101. One side of Talneir fort rises out of the Taptee and the three other sides are surrounded by a hollow way, varying in width from one hundred to one hundred and fifty yards. The walls rise to the height of about sixty feet above this hollow and the interior of the fort has the same elevation. The only entrance is on the eastern side, and secured by five successive gates, communicating by intricate traverses, whose enclosures gradually rise to the height of the main wall. A winding ramp, interspersed in some places with steps, ascends through the gates to the terre-pleine of the rampart. Great native ingenuity had been exercised to render this part as strong as possible, apparently tinder the idea that the profile of the rest rendered it secure, notwithstanding the absence of a ditch. The ground immediately surrounding the hollow way, is cut by deep ravines, which run into it.- rifacker, Memoirs on Maratha War, I, 229.] proved one of the bloodiest incidents in the conquest of Khandesh.

"A sick officer in a palanquin was passing alone towards the new ground but was obliged to turn back by a fire of match-locks directed at him from the walls of the place." At the same time, a gun opened with round shot on the head of the baggage enter ing the plain, and obliged it, likewise, to fall back. The unexpect ed occurrence of this hostile demonstration on the part of Thalner was announced to Sir Thomas Hislop by a spy.[ It never was apprehended that this insulatect place would be resisting in as much as, Sindva, a place with much greater name for strength, had immediately surrendered on the production of Holkar's note—Blacker, Memoirs on Maratha War, I, 228] A summons was sent to the commandant and a close reconnaissance was made. The party descended into the ravines surrounding the fort and then ascended into the town, driving out a small party of the Marathas. As it was ascertained that the enemy had no guns on the western face, where there was water and comparatively clear ground on the river bank, General Hislop resolved to encamp there, and attack the place from the northeast angle. With this object two five-and-a-half-inch howitzers with ten six-pounders, which were the only guns in the camp, were moved down the beds of the ravines. They were carried to positions in the town, where the houses gave tolerable cover to batteries which opened within 250 and 300 yards of the north-east angle of the fort. In a few hours, during which, by the well-aimed fire of match-locks from the walls, several casualties had occurred, the Marathas were nearly silenced; but no progress had been made in reducing the garrisons, who, it was thought would surrender as soon as any serious demonstration was made against them. Further examination of the place showed that the outer gate was in a ruinous state and promised cover in the traverses, while a commanding position immeditely opposite to it overlooked the nearest defences.[ Such, in the present instance, was the injudiciousness of having the outer nails lower than those within.—Blacker, o. c. I, 230.] For these reasons it was determined to attack the gates. Two guns were opened on the traverses, with considerable effect, while two others were, by a detour, brought to a position whence, with the view of blowing it open, they might easily be run up to the gate. At the same time a storming party, consisting of the flank companies of His Majesty's Royal Scots and of the Madras European Regiment, under Major Gordon of the former corps, was brought down to the same place. Indifferent as the Marathas had hitherto been, the preparation against the gate did not fail to alarm them, and they sent out to demand terms to capitulation. In reply they were told that unconditional surrender alone would be accepted; and they were invited to avail themselves of this offer before the assault of the gates should commence. [ Blacker, o. c. I, 230.]

The evening was now advanced and the Marathas probably trusted to the approaching darkness for an opportunity of abandoning the place. To prevent this the guns and storming party were ordered to advance to the gate. This was done without loss. It was found that in consequence of its ruinous state there was a passage for single files between the wall and the gate frame; and no opposition being offered from within, the storming party, followed by the pioneers, entered, though tediously, without difficulty. After the passage of the storming party, endeavours were made to blow open the outer gate so that the guns might be advanced to the remainder. But before that was effected, the storming party had passed through the second gate without opposition. At the third it was met by the commandant, accompanied by a number of the Bunyans whom he had forced into the fort, on the previous evening.[ Blacker, o. c. I, 231; Hamilton, Description of Hindostan, II, 101] The commandant himself gave up to the Adjutant General, Lieutenant Colonel Conway.

Lieutenant Colonels Conway and Murray, with several others, had entered with the storming party and it was still doubtful whether resistance would ultimately be made, for at this time, there was none. They accordingly passed through the fourth gate, which as well as the second, appeared so much out of repair as to be incapable of being shut; but at the fifth or last gate they were stopped though the wicket was opened. The Arabs within insisted on terms. A hurried conversation about the terms of surrender now took place. It was probably little intelligible under the circumstances of noise and apprehension which attended it. Colonel Murray, in this state of uncertainty, concluding that there was an urgent necessity for establishing a footing such as would secure eventual success to the attack, should the enemy hold out, entered by the wicket with Major Gordon and three grenadiers, but refrained from drawing his sword, to show that he had no intention of breaking the parleys.[ Blacker, o. c. I, 231.] He expected to be followed by as many men as should be able to maintain themselves in a confined situation, but four or five persons only had got in, when the enemy, apprehending the consequences, attacked most furiously and in a moment laid them all dead, except Colonel Murray, who covered with wounds fell towards the wicket.[ Major Gordon and Captain MacGregor lost their lives, and Colonel MacGregor was wounded severely, as also Lieutenant MacGregor and Lieutenant Chauval.—Hamilton, o. c. II, 101.] Then they attempted to close the wicket but their efforts were rendered ineffectual, by a grenadier who thrust his musket into the aperture, while Lieutenant Colonel Mackintosh [This officer belonging to the commissariat, accompanied the storming party like a few other staff officers, without orders.—Blacker, o. c. I, 232 F. N.] and Captain MacCraith forced it open. In this state, it was held while the Captain with one hand was dragging Colonel Murray through it, and warding off blows with his sword in the other. A fire was now poured in through the wicket, which cleared the gateway sufficiently for the head of the storming party, under Major MacGregor of the Royals to enter; and the place was carried without further diffi culty, but at the expense of that officer's life.[ Two tombs, erected to the memory of the officers killed bear the following inscriptions: No. 1 "Here lie entombed the remains of Major R. MacGregor of H. M.'s Royal Scots, who fell in the assault and storming of this fort on the 27th February 1818". No. II: "Here lie entombed the remains of Major J. Gordon, of H. M's Royal Scots, who fell in the assault and storming of this fort on the 27th February 1818".] As soon as the supporting detachment could open the gate, many troops poured in. the garrison was shortly put to the sword, and the commandant was hanged on the same evening to a tree on the flag-staff tower. [ The Marathas lost about 250 killed, and the loss in British troops amounted to twenty-five.—Blacker, o. c. 232; Appendix L, p. 459; Hamilton, o. c. II, 101. ]

From Thalner. Sir Thomas Hislop marched on Betavad. A Brahman named Daji Gopal, with about 300 followers had held Betavad and driving out the Mamlatdar, levied contributions from the country round. On the surrender of Thalner, he left the fort and it was quietly taken by the British troops.[ Daji Gopal was one of Trimbakji Dtngle's retainers.] At Betavad the force divided, the commander-in-chief marching along the Bori and General Doveton keeping to the banks of the Girna.[ Blacker, Map accompanying the Memoirs, II, p. 7.] By the end of March 1818, except Sultanpur, Nandurbar, Adavad and Raver, all Holkar's possessions south of the Satpudas were held by the British. Nandurbar was taken possession of in June 1818 by a detachment under Major Jardine.[ Hamilton, Description of Hindostan, II, 101.]

Amalner fort, one of the chief posts in Khandesh, nominally held for the Peshwa by Madhavrao Raja Bahadur, was really in the hands of his Arab soldiers. On leaving the fort, in obedience to orders, he gave the garrison strict injunction to surrender it to no one, not even to the Peshwa. This order was strictly obeyed, for after the chief had succeeded in re-establishing himself in the good graces of his master, the garrison-refused to,admit him. They afterwards acknowledged him and he returned. But when he wished to hand over the place to the British authorities, they would not allow him. After many attempts to purchase their submission had failed, they were declared rebels. A force under Colonel Huskinsson, amounting to 1,000 European foot, 800 infantry and 250 irregular horse, had marched from Malegaon. Summoned to unconditional surrender the garrison at first refused. But finding all way of escape blocked,, after some delay they laid their arms outside of the fort, and advancing into the bed of the river were made prisoners. The exactions of this garrison and of their commandant Ali Jamadar were remembered long by the people in that area.[ Blacker, o. c. I, 399-401.] The grenadiers of the 67th regiment had captured Amalner,[ Tn T818, the fort was described as 200 feet square, surrounded on three sides by the town, and on the fourth washed by the river Bori. The wall on the riverside as well as the corner towers were lined with stone. The inside, filled nearly to the foot of the parapet, commanded the town, which was inclosed by an eight feet high wall, whose river face was likewise lined with stone. The three gates and the traverse thrown out to cover them were greatly out of repair. The place was of little importance as it was commanded by a hillock about 250 yards off, on the opposite bank of the river.—Blacker, o. c. I, 400.] on 30th November 1818. Next day Bahadur-pur,[ "This place, though it contained but a few Arabs, was of some importance, from its strength, and from its containing the residence of a chief of consequence and a manufactory of gunpowder".—Blacker, o. c. I, 400.] which, in most respects was the counterpart of Amalner surrendered, in the same manner to the irregular horse under Lieutenant Swanston, which were sent to demand its submission, and there was no further occasion for the force in its collected state, it was broken up. "The headquarters returned to Malegaon, for the occupation of Khandesh, in which were left, of Madras corps, the 1st battalion of the 2nd, the 2nd battalion of the 13th, and the battalion of the 14th regiments of native infantry, with the sappers and miners and some pioneers". [ Blacker, o. c. I, 401.]

Earlier in April of 1818, Chalisgaon and three other Peshwa territories were, in the British interests, taken by Mir Fast Ali, Jahagirdar of Anturgad and Songir, and the country around surrendered to lieutenant Rule. To the north-east, where large bodies of Arabs harassed the plain country, Mir Fast All, supported by a battalion of infantry, two field guns, and 500 horse, pressed forward and clearing the country, placed it under the charge of Lieutenant Hodges, the Assistant Political Agent. Driven from the east, the Arabs retired to the west and massed their troops in the neighbourhood of Sultanpur. To bring back the situation to order, Colonel MacGregor advanced on Sultanpur and Nandurbar, Major Innes moving from Galna to support him.

After the fall of Malegaon, a body of troops was stationed at Songir, another at Parola and a third at Dharangaon. By the first of July 1818, except some isolated spots, the whole of Khan-desh was in the British hands.

On the 12th February 1819, as its commandant Jaswantrao Lad was believed to have given shelter to Appa Sahib, the ex-ruler of Nagpur and to the famous Pendhari chief Chitu, Sir John Malcolm's force, consisting of Horse Artillery, the Third Cavalry and the First battalion of Bombay Infantry marched against Ashirgad. He encamped within five thousand yards of the fort and remained there, till, being joined by the Bombay Brigade and the battering guns which had been left in the rear, he moved to a position north-west of the fort. About this time, Lieutenant-General Smith was engaged in closing the passes north of Ashirgad with a view to intercept the escape of fugitive Pendharis supposed to be concealed in the forests near the fort, if not within its walls. In the course of these operations he made a march of thirty-five miles and was on the point of taking Chitu prisoner, when his party dispersed, Appa Sahib likewise narrowly escaped.[ Blacker, o. c. I, 412-13.]

While trying to persuade Sir John Malcolm that he meant to surrender, it was known that Jaswantrao Lad was making active preparations for defence. Accordingly, as soon as reinforcements arrived from Jalna, Malegaon and Nagpur, an attack was planned. The forces set apart for the attack on the town were ordered to meet at midnight on the 17th March and to move a short time afterwards. The column of attack commanded by Colonel Eraser of the Royal Scots consisted of five companies of that regi ment, the flanked companies of His Majesty's 30th and 67th Foot, and of the Madras European Regiment, five companies of the First Battalion of the 12th Madras Native Infantry and a detail of sappers and miners. The reserve under Major Dalrymple of His Majesty's 30th was composed of the companies of that regiment not employed in the column of attack, one company of theKing's 67 th, one of the Madras European Regiment and ninecompanies of Native Infantry from the first Battalion of the 7th Regiment, the First Battalion of the 12th and the Second Battalion of the 17th, with detachments from the 2nd and 7th Madras Native Cavalry, and four Horse Artillery guns. [ The Khandesh force moved from Malegaon, 011 the 25th of February, towards Amalner and from thence detached the engineers' department, detail of sappers and miners and eight companies of His Majesty's 67th foot, with a company of pioneers, all of whom joined on the 9th March.—Blacker, o. c. I, 413.

When all the detachments had joined, the besieging army under General Doveton and Sir John Malcolm amounted to 20,000 men.—Hamilton, Description of Hindostan II. 102.]

The attacking column advanced along a stream bed running parallel to the works on the south side, till, arriving within a convenient distance of the town, they made a rush for the gate, and succeeded in gaining it. The reserve in the meantime in two parties, occupied points in the stream by which the column of attack had advanced, and in another stream that ran parallel to it sufficiently near to allow of their rendering support. Sir John Malcolm had been directed to distract the attention of the Marathas by operations on the northern side, and the duty was performed by a force composed of the 3rd Cavalry, the Second Battalion of the 6th Regiment, Madras Native Infantry and the First Battalion of the 14th, the First Battalion of the 8th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, six howitzers, and two Horse. Artillery guns. The town was carried very expeditiously and with small loss, [General staff, Major Macleod, Deputy Quarter-Master-General, wounded; H. M. Royal Scots, Lieutenant James Bland, wounded; one private killed; eleven privates wounded; one from Lascars or Dooley-bearers wounded—Blacker, o. c. I, Appendix Z, p. 476.] the troops finding immediate cover in the streets. In the course of the day a battery for six light howitzers was completed in the town and directed against the lower fort. On the night of the 19th March the Marathas made a sally upon one of the British posts which was considerably advanced, but were soon repulsed. In the course of the same night a battery of eight heavy guns was completed. On the 20th at daybreak, its fire opened, and by the evening had effected a formidable breach in the lower fort, besides inflicting serious injury on some of the upper works. On that evening the Marathas made another sally into the town and gained the main street. They were repulsed but success was accompanied by the loss of Colonel Fraser who fell in the act of rallying his men. On the morning of the 21st an accidental explosion in the rear of the breaching battery proved fatal to two native officers and about a hundred men. The disaster did not extend to the batteries, which continued firing with good effect. In the afternoon a mortar battery was completed, and some shells were thrown from it. For several clays little occurred except the erection, on the night of the 24th of another battery three hundred and fifty yards to the left of the breaching battery. Two other batteries were subsequently erected, one on the south side to breach the lower fort in a second place, the other designed to silence a large gun on the north-east bastion of the upper fort.[ Blacker o. c. I, pp. 415-21.] On the 29th two batteries were constructed for an attack on the east side of the fort. On the following morning the Marathas abandoned the lower fort, which was immediately occupied by the British troops. The batteries which had been solely directed against the lower fort were now disarmed, and the guns removed from the town into the place which their fire had reduced. In the situation which had been gained, the firing against the upper fort was speedily resumed from various batteries, aided by others below. This continued for several days, and so many shots had been fired that a deficiency began to be feared, and a reward was offered by the besiegers for bringing back to the camp the shot previously expended. This expedient stimulated the activity of the camp-followers and succeeded in producing an abundant supply. The operations of the siege were vigorously pursued till the 5th of April, when Jaswantrao Lad expressed a wish to negotiate.[ Blacker, o. c. I, 423.] Some intercourse took place, but the efforts of the besiegers so far from being slackened were increased. On the 8th Jaswantrao Lad repaired to General Doveton's headquarters to endeavour to procure terms, hut in vain, and on the morning of the 9th, a British party took possession of the upper fort, the garrison descending into the town and grounding their match-locks in a square of British troops formed for their reception.

The Marathas lost forty-three killed and ninety-five wounded and the British eleven European officers, four native officers, and ninety-live European and two hundred and thirteen native noncommissioned rank and file killed and wounded.[ Blacker, o. c. I, Appendix A A, p. 478.]

The fall of Ashirgad [Ibid, 428; Hamilton. Description of Hindostan, III, 102-103.]closed the Maratha campaign of 1818-1819. His Majesty's 67th Foot marched for Amalner. to join Colonel Huskinsson's force on the 12th April 1819.[ Yeshwantrao Lad was at last captured, but so impressed were the captors by his chivalry that they allowed him freedom to go home instead of putting him to death. He died in misc-ry in 1820. A large amount of secret correspondence of Daulatrao Sindia, Appasahib Bhonsle and others was discovered at Ashirgad, of which Malcolm made ample use in writing his memories—Sardesai, o. c. Ill, 508.] Except Sindva, Songir, Laling and others on important lines of communication, which were garrisoned by armed police, most of the hill forts were dismantled. The headquarters of the regular troops were fixed at Malegaon, and Captain Briggs as political agent took up his residence at the Central station of Dhulia.[ Sardesai, o. c. Ill, 509. For its central position and because it was on the highroad between Poona and Khandesh.]

At this time, on account of the maintenance of a body of horse, Sindia owed the British a considerable sum. To clear off the debt and meet future charges, it was arranged (1820) that Pachora, [Thirty-five miles south-east of Dhulia, on the railway line.] Yaval, [Yaval was about 1788 granted to Rao Dhar Nimbalkar by Sindia. By the payment of Rs. 3,50,000 to Kashirao Hojkar, the Nimbalkars obtained possession of neighbouring districts of Raver, Thalner and Umbar and extended their territories four miles round. Yaval stands twelve miles west of Savda and nine north-west of Bhusawal.] Chopda[ Hamilton describes it as a town belonging to Holkar—Description of Hindostan, II. 101. In 1820, however, when it was handed over by Sindia, it was the bead of a sub-division, surrounded by country much covered with forest. In 1837, it was restored to Sindia and in 1844 again received by the British.] and twelve villages in Lohara should be made over to the British. Suryajirao Nimbalkar, son of Rao Dhar Nimbalkar, entertained large bodies of troops known as Karnatak Shibandis, which he lent to neighbouring proprietors. In 1821, when in the possession of Suryajirao Nimbalkar, Yaval was handed over to the British Government. For some time Yaval was the cause of considerable uneasiness and difficulty, as in the hope of recovering it, Suryajirao Nimbalkar actively aided the Bhils and Pendharis in their raids and efforts to cause disturbance.[ In 1837 Yaval was restored to Sindia, with whom it remained till 1843, when it was received back by the British Government.] Immediately after the acquisition of Khandesh (1818), a detachment under Captain Briggs was stationed at Kukarmunda petty division.[ Eight miles south-west of Taloda.]

The Bhil Disorders 1818-1843.

Active measures were taken (1818) to put a stop to the irruption of the Bhils. [ Khobarekar, Ingraji Sattevirudha Maharashtrantil Sashastra Uthava (Marathi) (1818-1860) 17. Chaudhuri, Civil Disturbances during the British rule in India (1765-1857), 158. "Anarchv and lawless oppression had reached a fearful height and murder and rapine stalked openlv and unrestrainedly through the land. Fifty notorious leaders infested this once flourishing "Garden of the West", and their every command was implicitly obeyed by upwards of five thousand ruthless followers whose sole occupation was pillage and robbery, whose delight, alone consisted in the murderous for/iy and whose subsistence depended entirely on the fruits of their unlawful spoil"—Capt. D. C. Graham. A brief historical sketch of the Bheel Tribes inhabiting the province of Khandesh (1843), 4-] Captain Briggs hunted out several of their leaders. [ "Register of the disposal of the most formidable of the Bheel leaders". Graham gives on page 22, the details of 48 Bheel chiefs.] Troops were posted along the passes of the hills to check their movements and to cut off their supplies.[ "Memorandum regarding the past and present state of the Force employed for the protection of Chalisgaon, Bhurgaon and Jamner Talukas—Southern Agency"—Graham, o. c. 23.] These military measures together with a policy of forbearance adopted by Elphinstone, providing liberal provision for pensions and allowances for Bhil watchmen on the resumption of the police duties which were formerly discharged by them, were calculated to render the country free of this "species of invasion". Experience had shown that in dealing with these refractory tribes the most effective policy would be to govern them through their native chiefs which would attach them in the interest of the Government. This attitude was undoubtedly much favoured by Elphinstone and the scheme of raising a Bhil Militia was also an expedient course taken to make the Bhils conform to the British system. Nadir Singh, a Bhil chief of great notoriety was apprehended through the influence of his associates.

In 1818, Goomania, the Aranuddy Naik, Feghy Khan, Jawa Wassawa, the Boodawal Rana, Dewji Naik, Ramjee and Oochit, Rhylia and Cundoo received pensions from the British government. Goomania though accepted the terms, never personally visited the Political Agent. Gunga Naik having attacked a detachment of Regulars, at Chopda was killed in the fight. At the same time, an attempt to employ the Turvee Bhils as a Police corps failed. The British detachments marched against Kanai Turvee Bhils. Dusrut sacked and destroyed a village. Malharji Deshmukh, too. attacked Soorungana. The Aranuddy Naiks returned their pensions and the money they had received from the British declaring that they would collect for themselves. The Thalner Pargana was plundered by the hill Bhils, whereupon Major McBean burned Kama's huts. But the ravages continued and Colonel Jardine's force had to move against them.

In 1819, the Bhils broke out in a general insurrection on all sides; the leaders holding out the different outposts of the hill area and sending out marauding parties to ravage the plains. Several detachments were employed against the rebels. Some of the outposts which provided access to their mountain strongholds were captured, but fresh leaders appeared to defend these key positions, and the jungle-war continued. Proclamations of amnesty were unheeded, not one of the tribes repaired to take advantage of the offer. [Chaudhuri, o. c. 158. "Chumar Wulvej and 50 of his clan were killed by the Gaikwad Bhils and Koor Wussawa tendered his submission. Laxman Parvee vvas taken and pardoned. Boorhan Khan and Meer Khan received pensions"— Graham, o. c. 15-16.] Expeditions were sent against many leaders but the whole district was in utter chaos and even the village police aided the plunderers. Chil Naik was apprehended and hanged.

In 1820, Dusrut commenced the usual process of indiscriminate devastation and was joined by the famous Pendhari Sheikh Dulla, but Major Morin imposed considerable restraint on their excesses by occupying posts for hundred miles which forced the southern hill Bhils to surrender. [ "Oochit cut down a Patel. Jundhoola, Jukria and Mohun with 1,200 followers surrendered to Major Morin. Hindhva road was impassable. Nowapoor was attacked. Palaji Deshmukh was taken and executed. Koor Wussawa of Sackbassy, ravaged Nowapoor and Kokarmoonda with 400 followers—Soormull escaped"—Graham, o. c. 16.]

In 1821, there was no decrease in gang robbery. Military operations continued without success. The disturbances caused in the villages round Parola [ In the Amajner Sub-division, twenty miles east of Dhulia, Paroja was one of the largest and most prosperous towns in Khandesh with many weavers and a considerable trade.]and an attempt to assassinate Captain Briggs, brought on Lala Bhau Jhansikar, the proprietor, the wrath of the British Government and though allowed to keep his estate, he was forced to give up his fort.

In 1822, a fresh incursion of the Bhils under the famous leader Hiria threw the country into a state of complete lawlessness. Anarchy and oppression reached a fearful height, gangs of Bhils scoured the country plundering in every direction, and the mam-latdars reported extreme alarm of the people.[ "The Burgaon and Errondole districts were infested with three large gangs, under the control of the famous fleet Heeria; Saiboo came in and was entertained to preserve the peace of the Chalisgaon district". Graham, o. c. 17.] Colonel Robinson who took the held in April 1823, obtained some success in scattering the rebels and destroying their settlements.[ "Chaudhuri, o. c. 158, Khobarekar, o. c. 18. "The Political Agent left Khandesh in 1823. During his administration, continued settlements had been made only to be broken and force employed, by which for a time submission was obtained; wnen the collector took charge, Nahals in Satpooras, Ankoos in Saatmullas and Heeria in the districts of Burgaon and Errondole were plundering. Russoola was seized and Poonia was killed—Graham, o. c. 17.] Then for two years, fierce retribution followed, the Bhils were caught and killed and many of them were also subjected to severe punishment. But though many were caught and killed, fresh leaders were never wanting, their scattered followers again drew together, and quiet and order were as far off as ever.[ "Sahib Khan joined the insurgents. Anund was apprehended. Goomany refused to deliver up delinquents traced to his huttie. Roop and Yeshwant, his brother, seized. Goomany taken and transported. Large detachments under Major Deschamp moved on. Mamlatdars reported extreme alarm of the people. Military force penetrated into the hills"—Graham, o. c. 17.]

In 1825, the situation further' deteriorated. These aboriginals were now used as tools in the hands of the interested political leaders. Shivram, a blacksmith, produced forged papers from the Rajah of Satara. He enticed the Baglan Bhils to rise up in an insurrection. The marauders, a party of 800 men, attacked and plundered Antapur and carried off the spoil to the hill fort of Milair (Murlimhar), but shortly after Lieutenant Outram surprised and dispersed the insurgents, and recovered a great part of the plunder. Later on, Shivram and his followers were successfully encountered, most of whom received pardon and returned to ploughs.[ Raising threatened the purganas of Kanapoor and Pemplee—on Sewram's surrender necessary arrangements were made by Mr. Graham, the 2nd Assistant Collector. The country still continued in a very disturbed state and crime did not decrease. Dharia Naik was seized. Rore Naik, Sutwa, Krishna and Bayjec were settled. Dadma was seized Village Patils were discovered to be in league with the Bhils. Pandoo was apprehended—Graham, o. c. 18.] Other leaders like Pendya, Bundee, Sutwa committed depredations.

As force had failed, Mr. Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, determined to try gentler measures. In 1825, orders were given that fresh efforts should be made to encourage the wild tribes to settle as husbandmen and to enlist and form a Bhil Corps. With these objects Khandesh was divided into three Bhil Agencies, which were apportioned to as many officers, who were expected to reside within the limits of their respective districts. The one in the north-west included Nandurbar, Sultanpur, Pimpalner, and the Dangs; a second, in the north-east, with Chopda, Yaval, Savda. Erandol, Amalner and.Nashirhad; and the third in the south included Jamner, Bhadgaon, Chalisgaon, and the districts near the Satmala range. To the officer in charge of the second Agency, the duty was likewise entrusted of raising a Bhil Corps under active Native and Non-Commissioned Officers.[Graham, o. c. part II, 7.] At Dharangaon, Lieutenant, afterwards Sir James, Outram busied himself, from 1825 to 1830, in raising the Bhil Corps.

The duties of the agents were heavy and varied. Gangs still in revolt had to be reduced and order kept, offenders punished or committed for trial, disputes settled and complaints redressed and pensions paid and the people led to settle to steady work. As far as possible registers of the different tribes were kept, the chiefs were won by rewards and pensions, their hereditary claims to guard the passes were carefully respected, and the tillage was fostered by grants of land, seed, and cattle. The Bhil Corps was very hard to start. Their shyness, restlessness and suspicions hindered the Bhils from enlisting. But Lieutenant Outram's skill and daring as a tiger-hunter, his freehanded kindness, and his fearless trust in his followers won the Bhils' hearts. Nine men joined him as a bodyguard and on the conclusion of the monsoon, he left the Headquarters of Dharangaon at the head of sixty men. During the rest of the season, fresh recruits joined and at its close, when they entered Malegaon Cantonment, the troops welcomed the Bhils as fellow-soldiers. Men of the highest caste visited the wild recruits and gave them betel-nuts. The success of the corps wasassured. [ Graham, o. c. 8. The troops who did this good service were the XXIII Regiment, Bombay Native Infantry—Ibid.]

In 1826, a gang plundered Burgaon. The Sindvaghat was shut by Dhursing and Soobhania returned from transportation. Sul-tanpur was plundered. Detachments were sent against Deochand and thirty of his followers were killed in Sultanpur but Soobhania repulsed the party of regulars sent against him. He was seized by Rania Naik and was sent to Dhulia where he died in the jail. The system of reformation continued and,upwards of 300 ploughs were established. Pendya was apprehended, and Bowajee was murdered. Bodwad was' disturbed by large gangs. Two notorious Bhils were seized by the reformed Bhils. The Bhil levy amounted to 200 recruits who were inspected by the Collector.[ Graham, o. c. 18.] In 1827, a gang formed under Khundoo and Mahadev, near Sindva, attacked the village of Boorwaree but Lieutenant Outram with a detachment of the Bhil Corps surprised them after a night's march and the gang was completely dispersed with the loss of one of its leaders and several of the followers[ Ibid, 19. A Jamadar and 7 of the corps were wounded on this occasion.] killed. Recruits came in and when inspected by the Brigadier, the corps was found highly efficient. This strength was raised from 400 to 600 and afterwards to 690. The Agent reported that the colonies were increasing and that he was successful in settling many of the predatory Bhils on the East frontier of Jamner, who were reckoned as the wildest of the tribes.[ While in the north-east Lieutenant Outram was raising the Bhil Crops in the south Major Evans and Lieutenant Graham were bringing the Satmala Bhils to form settlements and engage in tillage, and Captain Rigby was quieting the wilder western chiefs.]

Meanwhile the Bhils continued to settle in the plains; the south colonies prospered and many of the wild Bhils in the east of Jamner took to agriculture. The Kukarmunda Bhil Agency was abolished in 1827, and the control of the predatory Bhils was made over to the Second Assistant Collector, then placed in charge of the western districts.

The Bhil tribes were now reclaimed. The Collector in 1828 reported that, for the first time in twenty years, the district had enjoyed repose for six months. The Bhil Corps was employed throughout the district, in pursuing marauders and in escorting prisoners and treasures.

In 1830, all the available force of the Bhil Corps and the Auxiliary Horse, together with a strong detachment of regular Troops marched on Dahgs and subdued the chiefs. However, great sickness prevailed among the troops after their return from the Dangs. In 1831, the Tadvi Bhils of Adavad were plundering in the north-east. A detachment of the Bhil Corps under Lieutenant Outram marched to Yaval and 469 of the rioters were apprehended and 158 were sentenced hy the criminal court Judge. Major Dvans reported the increasing prosperity and reformation of his colonies and the total success which had crowned his arduous labours. 641 Bhils' were at the plough and 6,018 acres (8,024 bigkas) were under tillage. [ Graham, o. c. 20]

In 1832, the district remained quiet. The Bhil Corps was entrusted with one of the district treasuries and Major Ovans reported that 113 Bhil villages were re-established in Chalisgaon, Bhadgaon, and Jamner. In 1837, at the request of the Gwalior Resident, the districts of Yaval, Chopda, Pachora and twelve villages of Lohare, were restored to Sindia. This greatly added to the difficulties of keeping order and the crime suddenly increased and the Bhils gave much trouble. These disturbances were soon repressed, and in 1839 the Bhil Corps had become so efficient, that the Regiment of the line was withdrawn from Khandeslr.[ Ibid.]

In 1840, Pratapsing, Rajah of Amli, from southern Dangs, throwing oil his allegiance, allowed his followers to plunder the villages in the British territory and refused to obey the summons of the Magistrate. The Bhil Agent with a small party of the corps and horse, after a forced march of sixty miles, surprised his principal location and seized his family, flocks and arms. Next year (1841) a large party of Ahmadnagar Bhils plundered the Government treasury at Pimpalner which had been left without adequate means of defence. The Bhil Corps pursued the marauders and secured a portion of the plunder. During the same year, Bham-nia Naik broke into rebellion and attacked a village in Sultanpur. He was met by the Bhil Agent on the hanks of the Narmada and was shot and his followers seized, and brought to Dhulia. Next year (1842), the Tadvi Bhils, plundering Savda and Yaval under their leaders Beekarai and Bangchund were defeated, and Beeka-rai was seized and Bangchund killed.[ Graham, o. c. 21.] Whatever success was achieved was due to the humanising influence of Lieutenant Outram, the "Baird of India".[ "Leaving unattended for weeks together amongst their 'Hutties' by the fearless and manly confidence which he evinced on their honour and good faith by so unhesitatingly entrusting his life to their keeping, he succeeded in inspiring them with a conviction that the British Government was sincere in its profession". Graham, o. c. 8; Chaudhuri, o. c. 159.] The Bhils were gradually weaned away from their predatory propensities, and incorporated into the British system by bounty and patronage. [ The total amount advanced by Government to establish the colonies was Ks. 85,348. Of this sum Rs. 44,137 had been recovered; Rs. 16,960 were still outstanding, of which one-half might be recovered and thus total deficit would amount to Rs. 32,500—Graham, Statement of advances and balances due by the British colonies" in the Chalisgaon, Bhadgaon, and Jamner, under the Kunhur Agency. (The Bhil Tribes of Khandesh), p. 24.]

In accordance with the treaty of Gwalior, in April 1844, Yaval, Chopda, Pachora and Lohare were again made over to the British. Lalji Sakharam alias Lala Bhau who was the Mamlatdar of Yaval refused to surrender the Yaval fort and made prepara tions to defend the fort with his clerks and three hundred troops. This compelled the Collector, Mr. Bell, who had advanced to take charge of the district, to retire. Mr. Bell, thereupon summoned troops from Ashlrgad and Malegaon and the Bhil Corps under Captain Morris. The troops arrived and encamped at Sakli and Bhalod on both sides of Yaval, and Lalji Sakharam in conse quence of a message from Sindia's officer at Burhanpur, delivered up the fort in April 1844. Lohare and Pachora also resisted in the same way. The Rajput Patil of the village of Varkheda shut himself in his fort and refused to yield. Force had to be used, and a detachment of the line and a couple of nine-pounder guns, with the Bhil Corps under Captain Morris, were sent against him. After a long and obstinate resistance, in which the attacking force lost sixteen killed and wounded, and the Mansaram Patil was shot dead and his only son mortally wounded, the fort was captured and dismantled. In 1845, the Western Bhil Agency was restored and a house for the use of the Western Bhil Agent was built at Nandurbar. In 1846, the chief of Chikhli, Kuvar Jiva Vasava, disliking the Bhil Agent's interference, took to the woods, and as he refused to listen to offers of pardon, detachments were sent against him.[ Malegaon Brigade, the Poona Irregular Horse and the Bhil Corps.] Though surprised he made a fierce resistance and was not captured without bloodshed. He was sentenced to ten years' rigorous imprisonment. His son Ramsing was, with his cousin Sonji, sent to Poona for studies.[ For sometime both boys did well. But as they grew up, they gave Major Candy, the Principal of the College much trouble, and finally running away, were not found for several months. When he came of age and was entrusted with the management of his estate, Ramsing's conduct was far from steady. Known to share in gang robberies and suspected of murdering bis wife, he was (1872) seized and deported, and the management of his estate was assumed by Govern ment.] In 1849, Burhanpur was the scene of a desperate and sanguinary affray between Muslims and Hindus.[ Sir George Clerk in his minute of 28th April 1848, stated: "It is now thirty years since wc acquired the Government of the Deccan and Khandesh, with much of the country we rule over Gujarat. But it is quite clear from records before me that crime has not decreased, that we are affording no increased protection to our subjects"—Chaudhuri, o. c. 207 c/f pp. (Lords), 1852-53, Vol. XII, paper 162; minute by Right Hon. Lord Falkland, dated February 28, 1850, p. 40 and p. 24.]

Survey Riot l852.

THE SURVEY RIOT (1852): The order of the Revenue Commissioner in 1849 that the landlholders should provide stone boundary marks of their lands, met with a strong opposition. In 1852, the cultivators of Savda, Raver and Chopda in Khandesh made strong demonstrations, when a revenue survey party led by Davidson was about to begin their work there.[ Chaudhuri, o. c. 171. Davidson, the officer in charge of the survey, had arrived with his party and pitched his tents at Yava,] The demonstrators pleaded that neither stone nor labourers could be found to put the boundary marks. On intimation from Davidson, other civil and military officers arrived to help him, but on ascertaining the strength of the demonstration, it was decided to stop the survey operations for the time being. [ Two or three thousand men gathered and surrounded the tents of Davidson.]

After a few days Davidson moved his camp to Rangaon. a little village on the Tapi about five miles from Savda to resume his operations when he was joined by, other officers of the party.[ The crowd had threatened to pull down the tents of the survey officers who did not at once leave. Davidson had sent an express to the Collector at Dhulia, and to Major iMorris, the Commanding Officer of the Bhil Corps at Dharangaon. The Collector, Mr. Elphinstone deputed his first and second assistants, Mr. Havclock and Mr. Boswell, to Yaval, and Major Morris accompanied them with a detachment of the Bhil Corps and the Poona Horse. Mr. Havelock told the people that the survey operations would be stopped till a statement of the circumstances could be made to Government. On this the people dispersed, and shortly afterwards Mr. Havelock, Major Morris, Mr. Boswell and the survey party retired across the Tapl. The survey officers encamped near Boraval on the Tapl and the other officers returned to headquarters. After a few davs Mr. Davidson resolved to move his camp to Rangaon. Chaudhuri, o. c. 172.] But rinding that Mr. Bell, the Civil Engineer was at Savda, he joined him with the survey officers, Mr. Waddington and Mr. Baker.

This became the occasion for a tremendous upheaval. Savda peasantry began to assemble in hundreds, "in less than an hour a mob surrounded the tents, and seized the tent ropes, shouting 'Din'! 'Din'! and 'No Survey'.[ The cultivators had sent a deputation to the Survey Officers' tents, demanding a written assurance that the survey should be abandoned. This the survey officers refused to give.] So violent did they become that the European officers fled away in panic, the Mamlatdar and the Mahalkari who tried to pacify the mob were assaulted.[ Chaudhuri, o. c. 172. The mamlatdar was severely hurt and the mahalkari saved himself only by flight.] On getting the news of the disturbance, Mansfield, the Collector, who had succeeded Mr. Elphinstonc at Dharangaon, called in the aid of Major Morris and the Bhil Corps from Dharangaon. Mansfield had issued a proclamation declaring that the orders of the Government must be obeyed, but the Government was practically boycotted by the people. The people of Erandol refused to lend their carts for public and military services, Mamlatdar's messengers were intercepted, and a Subhedar-Major was kept confined at Erandol[ The Subhedar-Major was despatched to Erandol with fifty men of the Bhil Corps and thirty horse, but the people assembled to the number of several thousands, shut the gates, surrounded the party, and refused to let them leave the town. The news of this riot reached Dharangaon at 10 a.m.]. Major Morris with 300 men of the 11th and 16th regiments of Native Infantry and two companies of Bhil Corps fell upon the insurgents at Erandol.[ Chaudhuri, o. c. 172. Fifty men of the Poona Horse also accompanied this force. The Collector, too, accompanied the force.] The occupation of the place was effected after the gates of the town were broken through and precautionary measures were taken by keeping in custody the landed gentry, the Deshmukhs, Deshpandes and Patils. Though Erandol was recovered, Savda and Faizpur remained strong centres of disaffection. There the rebels had set up a government of their own in supersession of the existing one.[ The orders of the mamlatdar and other government servants were set at defiance. They refused to pay their revenue and the leaders formed themselves into a committee.] A Committee called Panchayat conducted the local administration, collected the revenues and punished the offenders. On 15th December, 1852, Major Morris was joined by Captain Wingate and the Collector and on the 16th, they reached Faizpur an hour before day-break. The Bhil Corps surprised the rebels by surrounding the town and the gates were guarded by the men of the line. The ringleaders were seized simultaneously, a force moved to Savda, where the persons who had made themselves most conspicuous were apprehended, and later on a proclamation was issued commanding the cultivators to return to their homes. As resistance was impossible, the peasants submitted. Two days after, Mr. Mansfield held a Darbar at Savda in which he explained the object of the survey in relation to agricultural conditions which was generally understood.[ This incident, however insignificant, showed how little was needed to bring the government into disrepute and danger. The deep-seated discontent of the masses lay dormant, ready to gush out in an upheaval at the slightest provocation. Resistance to survey was obviously a resistance to the imposition of the revenue system and more particularly to assessment. The survey riot was only an indication of the dread of the peasantry at the burden of assessment which would follow as a sequel to survey and measurement of land—Chaudhuri, o. c. 172]

The Revolt 1857.

The Revolt of 1857: Kajarsing or Kajising, who on several octa- sions had been treated kindly by Mr. Mansfield the Collector, went into rebellion. Kajising. the Naik of the Bhils, had been in the service of the British from 1831 to 1851, with a good record to his credit. He was in charge of the police force, stationed to guard the forty-miles road from Sindva to Sirpur. So vigilant has been his watch that not a single theft or murder was recorded on the road, during these twenty years. To add, he had loyally served Major Graham, Major Morris, Captain Rose and Major Keir in tracing and bringing to terms some of the notorious Bhils from the locality. However, in 1851, one Bhil, found in the act of crime was severely beaten by him, with the effect that the Bhil criminal died. Kajarsing could not escape the murder charge and was confined for ten years. When he was released in 1855, in spite of the strong recommendations from Captain Rose and others, he could not find any gainful occupation. When in May of 1857, it was sufficiently known that the Bhils would not be silent spectators to the events in the north, Kajarsing was given the charge of the pass in June 1857.[ Khobarekar, o. c. 61.]

Kajarsing in the meanwhile had been watching with keen interest the events in the North and Central India; and had judged that success, perhaps, would not be in favour of the British, this time. He decided to rely on his own, age-long, means of livelihood. The headquarters of the Mutineers instructed Kajarsing, Bhima and Mawasia Naik to rise in rebellion. Kajarsing labouring under some imaginary grievance, [ Kajarsing was insulted by Captain Birch and his risaldar.] went into rebellion, plundered villages below the hills, and shut the Sindva pass. His ranks were filled by the mutineers, as well as by the disbanded soldiery from Holkar's army. A large amount of treasure, on its way from Indore to Bombay, fell into his hands. In September 1847, Bhima Naik attacked lieutenant Kennedy and warned the police officers of Khandesh. Bhima Naik even posed as the representative of the Delhi Emperor The Government declared a prize of Rs. 1,000 for his arrest. But on the night of 29th October 1857. Bhima Naik, Kajarsing and other Bhil Chiefs, leading 1,500 Bhils, attacked and plundered Shlrpur. Captain Birch pursued them for fifty-six miles without any tangible effect. On 1st November, Kajarsing and Bhima plundered two villages, six miles from the British district headquarters. At the same time Khala Naik plundered another village in Sultanpur taluka. Information was forwarded to the Bombay Government that a big assemblage of Bhils in Patoda taluka shortly to be joined by 400 Bhils, from Sinnar, would start their plundering activities, at any time. The Collector pleaded strong measures against the Bhils.

By 17th November 1857, the Bhil force under Kajarsing and Bhima had risen to 1,500 and after plundering the great treasures worth seven lakhs of rupees, in the Sindva ghat, the Bhils came down and attacked villages in the Sultanpur area. Bhagoji Naik, too, with his followers started supporting Kajarsing and Bhima Naik. The Arab mercenaries, disbanded from the Dhar army, joined Kajarsing.[ These were 2,000 in number.] It was known, by April 1850, that the provisions for this band of Bhils were supported by Rajah of Barwani.

Major Evans had tried to win over Bhima Naik and Mawasia by negotiations but with no effect. Kajarsing, Daulatsing and Kalu Baba organised formidable defence against Major Evans. The British officers were wounded and one Indian officer died in the action that followed. The Bhils lost 65 men and had 170 wounded. This action was fought at Ambapani on 11th April 1858. Four hundred Bhil women, who had been earlier successfully helping their men against the British, were arrested. "The Drum Trials" passed capital punishment on 57 Bhils.

This was resented much by the Bhils from Ahmadnagar. Bhagoji Naik, in 1859, made a bold raid into Chalisgaon. He was surprised by a body of the Ahmadnagar police under Sir Frank Souter. The skirmishes continued throughout this year at Sirpur, Sultanpur, Pachora, and Yaval. [ Khobarekar, o. c. 63-64.]

During these troubles considerable alarm was felt by the approach, to the very borders of Khandesh, of the troops under Tatya Tope. On the 3rd November 1858, news came that Tatya had crossed the Narmada and was marching on Khandesh. Troops were at once moved into the district, and a regiment of Native Infantry, with detachments of the 18th Royal Irish and of Artillery supported by the Poona Irregular Horse, protected Ashirgad [ Captain Birch held Ashirgad during the revolt of 1857-58, with a party of the Bhil Corps.] and Burhanpur,[ In June 1857, Captain Birch, with 100 men of the Bhil Corps had marched on Burhanpur and disarmed a mutinous detachment of Sindia's contingent.] while a wing of the 23rd Native Infantry and a detachment of European Artillery and Infantry, with a squadron of Dragoons, held the area round Ajintha. The Bhil Corps and a strong body of Poona Horse were stationed at Bodvad. The intelligence proved true, and Tatya Tope with his forces passed within thirty miles of Burhanpur, marching west. Great alarm was felt for the safety of Khandesh and troops were rapidly marching on Chopda, as it was expected that Tatya would attempt to enter by the Dhaulibari pass. On the 23rd Tatya plundered Kargund,[ A village, 30 miles from Sindva.] and on the following day, robbed the post and destroyed the telegraph wire on the Agra road. Sir Hugh Rose[ Lord Strathnairn.] arrived at Shirpur on the same day to take the command of the forces of Khandesh. News next came that the revolters planned a retreat northwards, and Sir Hugh resolved at once to press on their rear with all his available force.[ Mr. Mansfield, the Collector, objected to his district being left exposed, but as there could no longer be any doubt that the revolters intendctd to re-cross the Narmada and make for Malvva, Ujjain or Gujarat, Sir Hugh started through,. the Sindva pass,] Finding that Brigadier Parke had already gained on the revolters from the north and turned them west, troops were hurried to Shahada, and the force at Dhulia was strengthened by the Ahmadnagar Flying Column. [ But the revolters contrived to force their way through Bhavni and reached Chota Udepur, where on the 18th December, they were overtaken by Brigadier Parke and routed.] After 18th December, it was feared that the revolters would re-cross the Narmada and attempt to enter Khandesh through Akrani. Troops were sent to Sultanpur and Taloda, but the alarm subsided. Before the end of the year the need for further military dispositions in Khandesh had ceased.

The proprietors of Parola[ Twenty-four miles east of Dhulia.] were found to be disloyal and their estate was confiscated in 1857. In 1859, the town and fort of Parola, which belonged to a member of the Jhansi family, were confiscated by the Government and the fort was dismantled.

Since 1859, the peace of the district has been unbroken. In 1860-61, Burhanpur was ceded to the British by Sindia and has since formed part of the district of Nimar in the Central Provinces. The other important changes had been, in return for the cession of territory near Jhansi in Central India, the acquisition, in 1860, of the Erandol petty division.[ Along with the Varangaon petty-division, Varangaon was, earlier, handed over to the British by Sindia in 1861.]

In 1862, Laling fort is mentioned as strongly situated, but with very few defences left. Sometime before 1862, Sindva fort[ Twenty mites north of Thalner.] was restored to Holkar on condition of his building a bridge over the Gohi river. Under the British, the position of Jalgaon, on the highroad from Ashirgad to Bombay, and its central situation among the local markets of Neri, Jamthi, Savda, Faizpur, Dharan-gaon and Erandol, attracted traders and weavers, and before 1860, it could boast of more than 400 handlooms. In 1860, when the railway was opened, it remained for sometime the terminus and rapidly increased in importance. During the American war (1862-1865) Jalgaon became the great cotton market of Khandesh. At the close of the American war, Jalgaon suffered severely. But during 1877 and 1878 new cotton presses and a large steam spinning and weaving mill were opened. The Bombay Bank also had started a branch, on account of the busy season.

Floods.

In 1872, on Sunday, the 15th September, the talukas bordering on the Girna and the Panjhra, suffered from a severe flood. At Dhulia, on the Panjhra, the rain began to fall steadily about noon on Friday, the 13th, and continued heavily the whole of Saturday and the greater part of Sunday. Before Sunday morning, the river had a very high flood, sweeping over the Agra Road bridge, carrying away the solid stone parapet and the whole of the roadway, and in Dhulia destroying 500 houses chiefly in the division of the town known as Briggs Petri.[A rest-house close to the bridge, built at a cost of Rs. i.ooo, was entirely destroyed, and another was much damaged. The village of Devpur on the other side of the river entirely disappeared, and one man, a Gosavi, was drowned. A telegraph post near the bank of the river on the Dhulia side, was washed away and communication stopped. At seven in the morning the flood was at its highest, standing about forty-five feet above the level of the river bed. About three hours later, it began to fall and by noon most of the water in the town had subsided.] On the Girna, rain began about midnight of the 13th (Friday) and continued till eleven on the night of the 14th, when a violent hurricane set in. About 11 o'clock, on the morning of the 15th, the Girna began to overflow, and the flood increased till, about half-past nine that night, the water was ten feet higher than it had ever been known to rise. Of 152 villages damaged by the flood, fifty-six were altogether destroyed. Of the total number, fifty were on the Panjhra, thirty-two of then in Dhulia, six in Girna, forty of them in Pachora, thirty-six in Erandol, and twenty-six in Chajisgaon.[ A vast amount of property both movable and immovable was lost. Numbers of dams, bandharas, and water channels, and several large ponds, watering thousands of fields, were either completely destroyed or badly damaged. Exclusive of damage to soil, trees, crops and public works, the flood was calculated to have caused a loss of more than Rs. 16,00,000. Besides Bhils and other forest tribes, 5,493 families were left destitute.] For the first five or six days, the destitute families were supported by private charity, receiving some help in the shape of grain from the balance of Khandesh rice fund.[ The earlier three floods of 1822, 1829 and 1837 had affected west Khandesh more and Relief Fund had been organised. The present grant (1872) to East Khandesh was from what remained of a former grant by the late Mr. Rustamji Jamsetji Jijibhai, of Bombay, for the relief of famine.] But this supported only those in and around Dhulia. As reports of distress began to come in from different parts of the district, a public meeting was held at Dhulia, and a relief fund committee formed.[ Government placed at the Collector's disposal Rs. 20,000, Rs. 5,000 to be distributed free and Rs. 15,000 to which a further sum of Rs. 1,00,000 was afterwards added, to be given in advances or takavi. Private subscriptions amounted to as much as Rs. 35,435. Of this sum Rs. 34,895 were distributed among 1,492 families and Rs. 600 were spent in charity by the Collector and Rs. 69,739 were advanced to 1,164 persons.]

On the 6th July 1875, a sudden local rainfall so swelled the Arunavati, a tributary of the Tapi, that it flooded the town of Shirpur, the water in places standing six feet deep, damaging fifty-two houses and destroying property of the estimated value of Rs. 32,000. On the 5th September 1876, the back water from a heavy flood in the Tapi overflowed its tributaries, the Girna, the Anjani, and the Arunavati causing much damage to crops.

Still population was steadily increasing, and with the rise of prices of produce (1856)the introduction of a lighter and more even assessment (1860-1866) and the opening of the railway (1863), large numbers came to Khandesh, Compared with those of 1852 the census reports for 1872, showed a total of 1,028,642 souls for the whole of Khandesh, or an increase in twenty years of nearly fifty per cent. The east and central parts were populous, but the south was thinly peopled. Khandesh was one of the thinnest peopled parts of the Bombay Presidency.

Education.

Under the Director of Public Instruction and the Educational  Inspector, North-eastern division, the schooling of the district was conducted by local staff. Before the opening of Government schools, every large village had a private school taught by a Brahman. Not being able to compete with the Government schools, these private institutions were confined to small villages which had no Government school. The first Government verna-cular school was, opened in the city of Dhulia in 1826 and the second was opened in 1843 at Erandol. Three years later, in 1846 a vernacular school was opened at Jamner. The first English school was opened at Dhulia in 1853. In 1864 the first girls' school was opened at Dhulia.

Newspapers.

Two lithographed weekly MarathI newspapers, the Khandesh Vaibhdv or Khandesh Glory, and the Arydvarta or Land of the Aryas, were published in Dhulia. The Jalgaon Samachdr or Jalgaon News was later on started at Jajgaon. Besides, the Dhulia Native General Library, [ Established in 1863. The Dhulia Library was built in 1871 at the joint expense of the Municipality and Seth Hanmantram Shevakdas, a wealthy banker.] there had been reading rooms at Bhadgaon, Bhusaval, Erandol, Jamner, Parola and Raver. This led to progress in all spheres. Today (1960), there are two Arts and Science Colleges with 1,717 pupils; 62 secondary schools (recognised by Government) with 20,427 pupils; 1,330 Primary Educational Institutions (recognised by Government) with 2,06,554 pupils, with other institutions numbering 1,123 with 19,107 pupils, the total being 2,517 educational institutions with 2,47,805 pupils.[ Year of reference: 1957-58—Handbook of Basic Statistics of Maharashtra State, 1960.]

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