Letter from the undersigned Sirdars, etc. of the Baroda Sate to Philip Sandys Melvill, Agent to the Governor-General of India, Baroda [‎24r] (15/18)

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the Darakdars. Lastly, the interests of the State as well as of those who are
connected with it, are secured by the safe preservation of the State records and
accounts, and it is not an exaggeration to say that such records, &c. are more
valuable than even the State jewels. We have particularly dwelt on this point,
because the interests of all of us are intimately connected with the State records.
Again, the Darakdars were allowed to employ such men in their respective estab
lishments as might serve their own purposes, and consequently harmony used
to prevail in every establishment. The effect of the new change, however, is
that the new kamdars work independently of the hereditary kamdars, while the
plan is highly expensive to the State.
19. With respect to clause 11, para. 10, we beg to state that the duty of
preserving public peace and order in the State has ever been entrusted to us.
Whenever any necessity arose for making additions to the military force, such
additions took place in our own establishments (Icdrkhdnds), and our allowances
were proportionately increased. This system is now changed, and a new Police
force has been organized. This organization is the immediate cause of the
diminution that has been made in our ancient and hereditary rights, and of the
movement that is set on foot for reducing our establishments. A large and
unnecessary expenditure is incurred in maintaining the new force, which scarcely
performs its duty with half the success which used to attend our arms. When
such is the case, we can comprehend no other motive on the part of the present
Ministry in introducing the change than to lower our dignity and respect. Those
men who are dismissed from our service on account of reduction in our allow
ances get no employment, and new men are admitted into Government service.
When a system like this has been introduced at the sacrifice of our rights, &c.,
we cannot see how and when the assurances conveyed from time to time by Her
Most Gracious Majesty the Empress of India and by Her Majesty's various
representatives to continue the time-honoured customs and usages of this State,
will be carried out.
20. With respect to the allowances for devasthana dharmadas (religious
and charitable purposes), we beg to state that the practice is one to which the
religious sentiments of the subjects of this State have long been accustomed, and
that consequently any interference with it is calculated to offend the most delicate
feelings of the human mind. The British rulers of India, being most probably
influenced by this consideration, have up to the present day continued in their
territories similar allowances which were granted by their predecessors. Now,
when the allowances in question of this State are such as were granted by the
preceding Gaekwars, and when it is vouchsafed that the administration of this
State shall be conducted in strict accordance with its particular customs and
usages, we submit for your Honour's consideration whether the reduction that has
been made in the said allowances is justifiable on any reasonable ground. In
this State many of such allowances are attached to those temples and seats of
charity which are consecrated to the respective religions of the Hindus and