The Modern period history of Yadavas ( modern Jadons ) of Karauli State--

The Modern period History of Yadavas (modern Jadons ) of Karauli State --

Karauli Jadon Rajputs exists , for Tod only details their remote genealogy , although being one of the principal existing divisions of the Lunar race , and as claiming to be the direct descendants of Yadukul shiromani  Shri Krishna , the god and hero of Braj or Mathura .
This State is situated to the east of Jaipur. It has the principa lity of Bharatpur on the north, Dholpur on the east, and the river Chambal on the south. Its area is 1,870 square miles, and its popula tion 124,000 souls. The revenue from all sources is Rs. 5,00,000. The army of the State consists of 400 cavalry, 3,200 infantry, 40 guns, and 40 artillerymen.

Maharaja Harbaksh Pal--

The history of this principality presents very little of importance previous to its connection with the British Government. Like all other Rajput States it had succumbed to the Mughals at an early date. Mahratta supremacy succeeded that of the Mughals. In the beginning ledging the suzerainty of the Peishwa, and paying him an annual tribute of 25,000 Rupees. By the treaty of Puna, the Peishwa ceded his rights to all lands he held north of the Narbadda to the His connec English; Karauli consequently came into their hands. Ation with treaty was concluded with Raja Harbaksh Pal by which he the English acknowledged the supremacy of the British Government, and agreed to furnish troops according to his means when required. On the other hand he was gauranteed in his possessions, and the tribute pay able by him to the Mahrattas was remitted, but the Raja wished for more. He desired the possession of some districts wrested from him by Sindhia, and requested the British Government that they should be restored to him. This was refused. The Raja highly resented the refusal, and shewed his ill feeling by joining an insurrection against the Chief of Bharatpur, who had been taken under British protection. He, however, subsequently made humble professions of submission, and was pardoned.

Maharaja Pratap Pal--

Harbaksh Pal died without issue in 1838, and was succeeded by Pratap Pal. Pratap Pal a near relation. During the reign of this prince, Karauli presented a scene of disorder and tumult. The exchequer was quite empty, and the Raja attempted to replanish it by heavy exactions from his subjects. The violence and oppression with which these exactions were carried on served to make the people his enemies, and they rose in a body against him. Four times was a British officer deputed to Karauli to settle this state of affairs, but with very little success. In the midst of these disturbances Pratap died in 1848. As he left no children,

Maharaja Narsingh Pal--

Narsingh Pal, a minor relative was adopted by the family as his successor. The British Government at first withheld its recognition of the adoption. The State was in debt to the Government to the amount of 1,54,312 Rupees which was payable by instalments, but up to this time not a single instalment had been paid. The British Government therefore insisted in the payment of the first instalment before they would recognise the adoption. After much difficulty the sum was procured, and as the troubles in Karauli had increased, Government" deemed it expedient to recognise the succession of Narsingh Pal, warning him that payment of the debt would be exacted. At the same time an agent was deputed to Karauli with instructions to exercise the direct management of affairs" during the minority of the Chief.

Bharat Pal--

Narsingh Pal died in 1852. Before his death he had adopted Bharat Pal, a distant kinsman as his successor. The adoption was recognised by the Home Government. But as it was afterwards found on enquiry,
that the adoption of Bharat Pal was informal owing to the minority of the late Chief, and the omission of certain necessary ceremonies and as Madan Pal a nearer relation was accepted by the Ranis, by nine of the most influential Thakurs, by three-fourths of the lesser fendal Chiefs of the State, and by the general feeling of the country, the recognition of Madan Pal. the former was cancelled .

Maharaja Madanpal --

Madan Pal was recognised as successor to the State (1854). The direct interference of the Political Agent was withdrawn, and the agency abolished in 1855. Assists the During the Sepoy Mutiny Maharaja Madan Pal assisted the English during British Government to the best of his power. As a reward Mutiny. Government remitted his debt, conferred on him a dress of honor, and raised his salute for life only from 15 to 17 guns. But though the amount due to the British Government was remitted, the pecuniary embarrassment of the Maharaja did not cease. In 1859, an Agent was sent to Karauli to assist the Maharaja in the adjustment of his debts, with instructions to advise as a friend and not to act as an "authoritative controller of affairs." He was withdrawn in 1861. Maharaja Madan Pal was also created a Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. He died in 1869, and his nephew Rao Lacchman Pal of Hadouti was selected as his successor, but he died before his installation and Jai Singh Pal "a descendant of Karath Pal second son of Maharaja Dharm Pal, the common ancestor of the family .

Maharaja Jai Singh Pal ---

Jaisingh Pal was chosen by the influential Thakurs, and confirmed by the British Government. In May 1874, Maharaja Jai Singh Pal visited Agra, and in March following was present at Delhi to take part with other Rajput Chiefs in paying and receiving friendly visits from the Governor General. He returned to Karauli pleased with his reception, and much impressed with the many new sights and experiences. He died in December 1875, and was succeeded by Arjun Pal.

Maharaja Arjun Pal---

Arjun Pal Rao of Hadouti. His Highness Maharaja Arjun Pal was present at the Imperial Assemblage, held at Delhi on the 1st January 1877, on account of the assumption of the title, "Empress of India" by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. His Highness has judicial powers of life and death and is entitled to a Salute. salute of 17 guns.

References---

1-Trives and Castes of the North;Western Provinces and Qudh by W.Crooke .C.A.Vol.III.,pp.38-39.
2-Imperial Gazetteer of India  ,V.15 ,p.26 .
3-Jaisalmer Khyat ;Archaeological Survey of India ,Vol .20 ,38
4-Archacological Survey of India Vol.20 ,p.3.
5-Gazetteer of the Karauli State by Captain Percy Powlett.1874 ,part I ,p.3.
6-ibid .,Vol.V(1957 ),p.120.
7-Cunningham , Report of A tour in eastern Rajputana in 1882-83.pp.6-7.
8-Rajasthan district gazetteers-Sawaimadhopur by (Miss) Savitrigupta Govt of Raj.p.35.
9-Archaeological Survey of India , calcutta ,Govt.Press.(1885) ,Vol.20 .p.9.
10-Sharma ,Dasharath ,Early Chauhan  Dynasties ,Delhi (1959 ), p.105 ,fn .22.
11-Elliot&Dowson ,Vol.V, p.98;Jagdish Singh Gahlot ,History of Rajputana ,1937 ,pp.601-2.
12-Karauli Khayat ,p.and Karauli pothi ,
13-Office of the Tahsildar ,Karauli.
14-A gazetteer of eastern Rajputana comprising the native States of Bharatpur ,Dholpur and Karauli bybH.E.Darke-Bockman ,1905.p.298.
15-Rajasthan District Gazetteers-Sawai Madhopur ,places of interest , chapter XIX  .pp .532-33.
16-Sherring ,M.A.,The Tribes and Castes of Rajasthan together with description of the sacred and celebrated places of Historical value in Rajasthan.Chapter I.The Rajput Tribes.p.14-15.
18-Chief and Leading families in Rajputana by C.S Bayley ,Jadon States-Karauli ,p.69.

Author-Dr Dhirendra Singh Jadaun
Village-Larhota near Sasni
District-Hatharas ,U.P.
Associate Prof in Agricultre ( Soil Sci)
Sahid Captain Ripudaman Singh Govt.College , Sawaimadhopur ,Raj.
322001.