Letter from Colonel John Allen Wright, Political Agent, Haraoti to Lewis Pelly, Agent to the Governor-General at Rajputana

Content

Letter regarding Wright's meeting with the Sirdars Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. at Mewar in which they presented urgent requests regarding the death of Maharana Shumbhu Singh:

• An appropriate outlay in funeral rites and alms and an increase in the money to be given to certain individuals; Colonel Wright responded that money for alms had already been set aside and the individuals in question had already received 3 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. each and that sum would not be increased. He also requested to see detailed accounts of all moneys paid in relation to rites and alms;
• The late Maharana's mothers belief that her son was murdered through witchcraft and her wish to see those she believed responsible brought to justice. Colonel Wright responded that the original letter containing the accusation of witchcraft had been proved by the Colonel to be a forgery and had been corroborated by Baidha Rao and that the British Government viewed accusations of witchcraft dimly and would put them down with a 'strong hand'.

The letter concludes with a discussion of the power that the Maharaja's mother formerly had and difficulties in attempting to continue to be involved in administrative affairs.

Extent and format

5 folios

It is part of

'Demi-officials on Meywar affairs after death of Maharana Shunbao Singh'

36 images

Ref: Mss Eur F126/75

Physical characteristics

Conservation: The letter had previously been tied together with a piece of string which has been removed for conservation reasons.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Letter

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

Mss Eur F126/75, ff 2-6

History of this record

Date(s)

14 Oct 1874 (CE, Gregorian)

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Letter from Colonel John Allen Wright, Political Agent, Haraoti to Lewis Pelly, Agent to the Governor-General at Rajputana, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, Mss Eur F126/75, ff 2-6, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023694719.0x000001> [accessed 29 August 2024]

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