Sindia

Sindia, or SINDHU, the name by which the Mahratta Maharajahs of Gwalior are hereditarily designated. The fortunes of the family were founded by a humble peasant who was taken into the Peishwa's service early in the 18th century. His descendant, DAULUT RAO SINDHIA, who succeeded to the throne in 1794, aspired to make himself the head of the Mahratta Confederacy, and, having a fine army (mainly organised by Frenchmen), began, with his ally, the Bhonslah of Berar, offensive operations in 1802. He was defeated by Wellesley at Assaye and Argaum in 1803, and both Gobad and Gwalior were captured by Lake. Temporarily pacified, he showed sympathy with the Pindaris in 1817 and lost Assegahr in consequence. He died childless, as did his successor, JANAKJI, a nominee of the British Government. BAJORAT RAO SINDHIA, the present ruler, was a distant cousin of Janakji, and succeeded in 1843 as a boy of eight. Protected during his minority by the British, he has remained faithful ever since, though driven out by his rebellious troops during the Mutiny. He received the Prince of Wales in 1876, and has since visited England himself.