A Revised and Enlarged Account of the Bobbili Zemindari/Chapter 11/1903
1903.
The Delhi Coronation Durbar.
Being invited by the Madras Government, the Maharajah accompanied by his son, the Kumar Rajah, left Bobbili on the 17th December, spent a few days at Calcutta as the guests of the Maharajah Joteendranath Tagore, K.C.I.E., and reached Delhi on the 25th. His camp was pitched between the Jeypore and Venkatagiri camps, on the grounds of the Madras Provincial camp. He attended the Coronation Durbar and was seated in the second row in the block allotted to the Governor, officials, non-officials, ruling chiefs, guests and spectators from the Madras Presidency.
On the next day at the Reception given to the minor chiefs and other native gentlemen the Maharajah was introduced by Lord Ampthill to H. E. the Viceroy and H. R. H. the Duke of Connaught. The latter was kind enough to speak to the Maharajah as he had already known him before. The Maharajah could not attend the Investiture ceremony on account of indisposition. But he went one day to the Durbar Pavilion to see the Assault-at-arms and also attended the Review of Retainers of Native Chiefs.
He left Delhi on the 8th January, spent a day at Puri and returned to Bobbili on the 11th of that month.
In connection with the letter of congratulation on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty the King Emperor which was signed by all the Representatives who were present at the Coronation, the Maharajah received the following reply:—
No. 560.
Home Department.
Public.
Calcutta, the 25th February, 1903.
"Sir,
"I am directed to say that the Government of India have received intimation from the Secretary of State that a letter of congratulation has been received from the gentlemen who represented the Provinces and the Presidency Cities of India on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty the King, Emperor of India, and that instructions have been received under the authority of His Majesty to acknowledge the letter, which has been graciously received by His Majesty.
"2. I am accordingly to express the sincere thanks of the Government of India for the expression of loyalty and congratulation conveyed in the letter on behalf of yourself and the people of India whom you represented at the Coronation of His Majesty in England.
- I have the honour to be,
- Sir,
- Your most obedient servant,
(Signed) R. NATHAN,
Offg. Deputy Secy.
to the Govt, of India"
The Maharajah wrote and published his Diary in Europe, 1902, together with an account of the Delhi Durbar dedicating it to H. E. Lord Ampthill, G.C.I.E.
He presented Rs.2,000 to the Madras University for a Gold Medal to be awarded annually to the candidate who passes the highest in the First Class in Telugu Literature.
He purchased Dontamuru and Rayavaram, two villages in the Godaveri District, for Rs.5, 44,328, and a portion of Arempudi Estate for Rs.41,300 and some minor Inams for Rs.5,815.
He exchanged visits with the Maharajah of Mysore and the Rajah of Cochin at Madras.