GAEKWAR, gh'kwiir ( Marath i, herdsman ) , or GUIKOWAR., gela5-witr. The designation of the Mahratta ruler of Baroda (q.v.), one of the native States in India. The Gaekwar originally was an officer in the' establishment of the rajahs of Satara, who were nominally the supreme rulers of the Mabrattas (q.v.). The Gaekwar finally became hereditary second in command of the Mahratta. armies. Pelaji, who became Gaek war in 1721, by predatory excursions, gradually acquired authority over Gujarat, and his son, Damaji, who succeeded in 1732, still further extended the bounds of his ample dominions. The latter threw off his allegiance to the Peish wa (q.v.) ; but, being taken prisoner by treach ery, was compelled to yield one-half of his do minions and do homage for the other half. Annund Rao, who ascended the throne in 1800, was the first prince of the line who had inter course with the British. The the Gaek
war being contested by an illegitimate brother, Annund Rao secured the aid of the British Gov ernment at Bombay, and agreed by treaty, March 15, 1802, to receive a British subsidiary force. Suaji Rao, who became Gaekwar in 1819, was frequently on hostile terms with the British Government, and in 1838 part of his State was sequestrated. In 1840 he made his submission, and, among other concessions, abolished suttee. His successor, Mulhar Rao, inherited the family vices, and in 1873 a commission inquired into his conduct. He was subsequently accused of attempting to poison the British Resident, and tried before a commission, which disagreed about his guilt; but he was deposed on account of his general misrule, and Gopal Rao, a prince of the Khandesh line, was appointed his successor.