RAS question
Against the pressure of Pindaris, Maratha raids and noble conspiracies, Bundi signed a treaty with the Company on 10 February 1818. Under which ruler did this occur?
Correct answer: (A) Rao Raja Visan Singh.
Bundi signed the 10 February 1818 treaty with the Company during the reign of Rao Raja Visan Singh.
Explanation
Bundi concluded a treaty with the British East India Company on 10 February 1818 during the reign of Rao Raja Visan Singh. The state faced pressure from Pindaris and Maratha raids, as well as conspiracies by nobles. Under the treaty, Bundi promised to pay Rs 80,000 annually as tribute. The treaty date, ruler and tribute term distinguish it from Bikaner, Kishangarh and Jaipur's treaty entries of 1818.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Maharaja Surat Singh is associated with Bikaner's treaty of 21 March 1818, not Bundi's treaty of 10 February 1818.
- (C) Kalyan Singh is associated with Kishangarh's treaty of 7 April 1818, not Bundi's treaty.
- (D) Maharaja Jagat Singh is associated with Jaipur's treaty of 15 April 1818, not Bundi's treaty.
Concept
The treaties of 1817-1818 between Rajputana states and the British Company are distinguished by their chronology, rulers, political pressures and tribute terms. RAS questions revisit this theme because these details help distinguish otherwise similar treaty entries.