HILL STATES is a term by which the British designate several independent and feudatory kingdoms in the Himalayas. Nepal is the largest of these ; it is independent, but has treaties with British India.
Sirmur or Arahan.—In recognition of the ser vices rendered by raja Shamsher Purouss durina. the 1857 mutiny, he received a khillat of Rs. 5000, and a salute of 7 guns. The family is Rajput. Revenue of Sirmur, a lakh of rupees a year. The raja maintains a small force of drilled sepoys, inunbering 250 men. Population, 75,595. The raja pays no tribute, but is bound to render feudal service. Gross revenue, Rs. 2,10,000.
The Kahlur or Bilaspnr raja had estates on both sides of the Sutlej, but the sunnud given to raja Mooher Chand in 1315 confirmed to him the eastern portion only. The family is Rajput. In acknowledgment of his services during the mutinies of 1857, the raja received a dress of honour of Rs. 5000 value, and a salute of 7 guns. Revenue, Rs. 1,00,000 • population, 66,848.
The Hindur or Nalagarh chief belongs to a Rajput family. A sunnud was granted in 1815. Population, 60,000 ; revenue, Rs. 90,000.
Bashahr, a tributary state, gave Rs. 3945 as tribute. Bataan?, on the left bank of the Pabur, was transferred to Keonthal. The thakuri of Kotgurh and Kurnharsain were declared independ ent of Bashahr. The raja is of a Rajput family. Population (1872), 90,000 ; revenue, Rs. 70,000.
Keonthal.—After the Gurkha war, a portion of the territory of Keonthal was sold to the maharaja of Patiala. The chief claims a Rajput origin. He is bound to render feudal service. In 1858 the chief was created a raja, and received a dress of honour worth Rs. 1000 for his services during the mutinies. Revenue, Rs. 60,000, and popula tion (1875), 50,000.
The Baghal family is Rajput, Revenue, Rs. 60,000 ; population, 22,305.
Jubbul.—Originally this Rajput state was tribu tary to Sirmur, but after the Gurkha war it was made independent, and the rang received a sunnud from Lord Moira on 18th November 1815. Re venue, Rs. 30,000 ; population, 40,000 souls, The rana pays Rs. 2520 tribute, and is bound to render feudal service.
Bhajji pays tribute, Rs. 1440. Revenue, Rs. 23,000 ; population, 19,000.
Kumharsain state, formerly a feudatory of Bashahr, was declared independent at the Nepal war ; pays Rs. 2000 as tribute. Revenue, Rs.
10,000; population, 10,000. The family is Raj. put, of not very high pretensions.
The Mahar sunnud bears date the 3d September 1815, and confirms to rana Bhoop Singh and his heirs the hereditary possessions of his ancestors, subject to the performance of feudal service, and supplying a contingent of 40 begar, but subse quently commuted to a tributary payment of Rs. 1080. Revenue, Rs. 5000 ; population, 3990. The family is Rajput: Dhami.—This old Rajput state became independ ent of Kahlim'after the Gurkha war. The state Was bound to supply 40 began, 'but this Was com muted to a tribute of Rs. 720. Revenue, Rs. 8000 ; population (1875), 5500.
Baghat, a hill state, the chief of which acted unfriendly during the Nepal war. lie died with out issue on 1 lth July 1839. The state was treated as a lapse, and pensions to the extent of Rs. 1282 were assigned to the family. Gazetteer says population, 10,000 ; revenue, Es. 8000.
Balsan.—This state was originally a feudatory of Sirruur, but a separate sunnud was granted to it in September 1815. Its tribute payment is Rs. 1080. Its chief is of Rajput origin. Thakur Jograj was created a rani in 1858 for services rendered during the mutiny. Revenue, Rs. 6000; population, 4892.
Mailoq.—Tho sunnud of this Rajput state is dated 4th September 1815. The tribute is Es. 1450. Revenue, Rs. 9000 ; population, 1000.
Biju.—This petty state pays a tribute of Rs. 180. Revenue, Rs. 1000; population, 981.
Turoch.—Revenue, Rs. 6000 ; pop. 6000. It pays Rs. 280 in lieu of begar.
Knnhiar state pays Rs. 180 in lieu of begar. Revenue, Rs. 4000 ; population, 2500.
Mangal was an ancient dependency of Kahiur, but was declared independent on the expulsion of the Gurkha. Its tribute payment is Rs. 72. Re venue, Rs. 700 ; population, 917.
Darkuti.—This pretty chieftainship pays allegi ance to the British Government, and is exempted from all pecuniary liability. Revenue, Rs. 600 ; population, 700.
In 1847 transit duties were abolished through out these states. A yearly sum of Rs., 13,735 is paid in compensation by British India. To all the hill chiefs the right of adoption has been granted. Treaties, etc. p. 323.