The Maharaja attained majority and assumed the administration of his dominions in 1853 A.D. Dinkar Rao (afterwards Rao Raja Sir Dinkar Rao Mushir-i-Khas Bahadur K.C.S.I.,), one of the ablest of Indian statesmen, became the Maharaja's prime minister. During the Mutiny, the Maharaja remained true to the British Government, and rendered
very valuable assistance. His loyalty was recognised in 1860 A.D. by the Paramount Power, by a restoration of lands yielding a revenue of three lacs of Rupees, a permission to increase his army, and a sanad guaranteeing adoption. He was created a G.C.S.I, in 1861 A.D., a G.C.B. and C.I.E. and subsequently made a Counsellor of the Empress. Jayaji Rao possessed all the traits of a soldier-prince, being frank, genial, and rigorously impartial. He died in 1886 A.D. and was succeeded by his son, Madhao Rao, who was installed on the gadi by Sir Lepel Griffin K.C.S.I., the then Agent to the Governor-General in Central India. After a careful education and training in administrative work, the young Maharaja was invested with full ruling powers in 1894 A.D. MaHaraja Madhao Rao's zeal to bring the administrative machinery of the State to a high degree of efficiency and promote the welfare of his subjects, has been publicly eulogised in high terms of praise by H. E. Lord Curzon, ex- Viceroy and Governor-GeneraL of India. The Maharaja inherits the military instincts of his father, and has kept his army up to a standard of efficiency, which has been testified to by veteran soldiers like Sir George White and Sir Plowden Palmer.
Maharaja Madhao Rao's earnestness to render all possible help to the Paramount Power has been evinced on several occasions, arid it has been appreciated in most gratifying terms, both here as well as in England.
The Gwalior State contains numerous ancient remains of historic interest round Bhilsa and Udayagiri, and of Budhist Vihars at Bagh. Remains of medieval Hindu and Jain architecture, as also ruins of Mahommedan architecture, are found in several places.
The total area of the State is 25,000 square miles formed of several detached portions. Its population is 29,33,000 with a revenue of 150 lacs of Rupees excluding about 10 lacs- assigned in jahagirs subordinate to the State.
The full name of the present Ruler of Gwalior is Major-General His Highness Maharaja Sir Madhao Rao Sindhia, Alijah Bahadur, G.C.S.I., G.C.V.O., A.D.C., L.L.D. He is entitled to a salute of 19 guns.
