Book Chapter

HISTORY OF EUROPE: CHAPTER I

1783

Overview

Retrospective view of affairs in India (pg. 2). Benares (pg. 2-3). Transactions which led to the dependance of that country on the East India company (pg. 3). The Rajah Bulwant Sing, having taken a decided part in their favour, in the war against his paramount lord, Sujah Ul Dowlah, his territories are secured to him by the treaty of Illahabad (pg. 3-5). Investiture of Cheit Sing, upon the death of his father Bulwant, and a new treaty concluded in favour of the family by Major Harper (pg. 5-6). A third treaty, in confirmation of the two former, concluded by Mr. Hastings, who is himself a party to it, and renders the company guarantees of the Rajah's possessions (pg. 6). Upon the death of Sujah Ul Dowlah, the Nabob vizier, the sovereignty of Benares is transferred by his successor to the company (pg. 6). Extraordinary subsidies demanded and levied from the Rajah, Cheit Sing, on occasion of the war with France, lay the foundation of those differences which took place between him and the government of Calcutta (pg. 6-7). A supply of 2,000 cavalry demanded from the Rajah (pg. 7-9). Charges of disaffection and contumacy laid against him (pg. 9). Governor general's progress from Calcutta, to settle the affairs of Benares, and other countries (pg. 9-12). Proceeds up the Ganges to Buxar, where he is met by the Rajah, with a great attendance and number of boats (pg. 12). Different accounts of the conference on the water (pg. 12-13). Rajah's visit at Benares forbidden (pg. 13-16). Rajah taken into custody: rescued, and the sepoys, with their officers, massacred (pg. 16-20). He flies first to Ramnagur, and from thence retires in the night to the fortress of Lutteespoor (pg. 20). Oussaun Sing appointed by the governor general to administer the affairs of the country in the place of the Rajah (pg. 20-21). Ramjiewaun garrisons Ramnagur for the Rajah (pg. 21). Scheme for the reducton of the place frustrated by the rashness of Capt. Mayassre; who is killed in an ill-judged attack, and the party repulsed with great loss (pg. 21-22). Country immediately in arms (pg. 22). Design of attacking the governor general in his quarters obliges him to retire by night to Chunar (pg. 22-25). Repeated proposals made by the Rajah for an accommodation, produce no effect (pg. 25). Embarrassment occasioned by the Nabob vizier's visit (pg. 25-26). The commotion in Benares spreads the flame in the adjoining countries (pg. 26-28). Cheit Sing's manifesto (pg. 28-29). Attack on the Rajah's camp at Pateetah (pg. 29). Great reinforcements arrive at Chunar (pg. 29-33). Bundoo Cawn, a native, proposes the means, by which the Rajah's forces might, without much difficulty, be dispossessed of their strong-holds (pg. 33-34). The scheme adopted by Major Popham; who privately dispatches Major Crabbe, with a strong detachment, to penetrate the mountains, under the guidance of Bundoo Cawn, and attack the enemy in the rear, while he engages them in front (pg. 34-35). The design succeeds; Major Crabbe carries the strong pass of Suckroot; the enemy abandon the fortress of Lutteespoor; the Rajah flies to Bidjeygur, and all his forces disperse (pg. 35-36). Country immediately resumes its usual tranquillity (pg. 36). Governor general returns to Benares; settles the government; appoints a new Rajah; and increases the revenue (pg. 36-37). Disturbances in the neighbouring countries quelled (pg. 37). Treaty of peace and alliance happily concluded with Madajee Scindia by Colonel Muir (pg. 37). The Rajah, Cheit Sing, totally abandons his country (pg. 37-38). Strong fortress of Bidjeygur taken, upon conditions, by Major Popham (pg. 38). Great treasure found, and spoil made by the army (pg. 38-39).

• Subject: Asoph, ul Dowlah / Barnet, Jacob / Blair, capt / Blair, col / Burrell, lieut / Camac, col. Jacob / Cheit Sing / Clive, Rob. Lord / Crabbe, l. col. J. W / Cumming col. sir J / Doorgbijey Sing / Doxat, capt / East Indies, The / Fallon, lieut / Great Britain / Hannay, l. col. Alex / Harper, col / Hastings, Warren / Hyder Ali / Lucas, maj. Rich / Mayaffre, capt / Morgan, col / Polhill, lieut / Saadut Ali khan / Sujah Dowlah / Sujan Sing