^H
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i
THE PUNJAB CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION
Sirdar PARTAP SINGH, c. s. i.
OF KAPURTHALA
Member of the Imperial Legislative Council
AND
of the Legislative Council of the Punjab
The TRIBUNE PRESS LAHORE
1911
Hi
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THE PUNJAB CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION.
I.-
II.- III.-
IV.- V.-
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VII.-
VIII.-
IX.-
X.-
XI.-
XII.-
XIII.-
XIV.-
XV.-
XVI.-
XVII.-
XVIII.-
XIX.-
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CONTENTS.
-The idea developes into action ....
-Organisation of District Committees
-Revision of the " Punjab Chiefs and Families of -^ ote ........
-The Provincial Meeting
-Proceedings of the Provincial Meeting and General Secretary's Inaugural Address ....
-Proceedings continued
-Proceedings concluded ......
-Address to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor
-His Honour's Reply
-The Association welcomes the Viceroy -Some details of the Garden Party to His Excellence . -Association's "Welcome Address to the Viceroy -The Viceroy's Reply
-Farewell to H. E. Lord Minto -The Farewell Address to the Vic
■The Viceregal Reply
-Chief Activities
■Concluding Remarks
■Statutes of the Association
-List of the office bearers and members
No. of Pages.
11
12
13—14 15—16
17—24 25—28 29—34 35—40 41—46 47—48 49—50 51—54
DO OO
57—60 61—64
65—67 68—70 71—74 75—79
80-87
FOREWORD.
• » «lArf
More than five years ago while revolving in my mind the scheme of an Association of the Chief families and representatives of the aristocracy and old landed nobility of the Punjab, 1 little dreamt of the amount of whole -hearted and active support that it was destined to receive. At the outset I had no idea of the eventualities that have marked its career and the success which its activities have met with.
My object in giving an account of this nourishing institution is simply to introduce it to circles in which the aims and objects of the Punjab Chiefs' Association are less favoured, because they are mis- apprehended and to acquaint those who view it with a friendly eye more fully with those aims and objects.
It is gratifying to observe that the Association has been favour- ably commented upon by the press generally with the exception of a few selfish journals which entertain extreme views on matters politi- cal and communal.
I am not called upon to philosophize on the necessity of an aristo- cracy in society in the light of recent conceptions of social science or to make au attempt at refuting of those who advocate the destruction of it on the socialistic principle of forking out their penny and pocketing others' shillings. Their propaganda is well known, having been taken up in the continental and trans -Atlantic penny press.
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The Punjab Chiefs Association.
People who have no stake in a country and win their bread and notoriety by dipping their pen in the poison of undeserved calumny and vituperation, may certainly feel ill at ease at the sight of the old noble families girding up their loins to set their house in order and lend their support to the maintenance of law and order instead of patronizing the fell cult of anarchism and terrorism. To them I have nothing to say. To general public my word is to receive the institution in a proper spirit and to make proper use of it. Aristocracy will die a natural death when it will no longer be needed by society.
As in philosophy so in politics there are destructionists as well as constructionists. And it is the former that has been looked down and despised in every age. ^ on have amongst you an Aristocracy, Why not make what you can of it. We have critics sacrificing the graces who are in time and out of it apt to indugle in crying down an institution or individual that does not happen to follow the same line of ideas as thev do. We should have felt thankful, had thev been good enough to give us suggestions or counsel to guide us. We have been hopelessly disappointed and have only been greeted with the vulgar cry ' still the} conic.'
It is my opinion and I have no hesitation in giving it expression, that there is not an iota of truth in the allegation that the Punjab Chiefs' Association, or bodies of similar character, arc quasi-Government institutions inimical to popular interests. Most of us being landed proprietors and holders of hereditary Ja//irs and muafs have more interests than one which, broadly speaking, run counter to Govern- mental interests more or less. In fact, after the ruling princes it is we who lose or gain by the measures and policy of Government rather than the irresponsible journalist ruminating over them in his sanctum sanctorum or the politician in his debating club.
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The Punjab Chiefs Association.
The contents of this pamphlet are taken mainly from the records of our Association. They will show I hope its raison d'etre and the line of action that it has chosen. With these preparatory remarks I introduce you to an institution, which though of comparatively recent origin as regards its constitution, contains among its members some who represent families as old as the five rivers that give this land the name it bears, a name of which all are justly proud.
BIKEAM HALL, ) PAETAP SINGH,
Jullundur City ; • Dated 11th January 1911. ) of Kapurthala.
CHAPTER I.
THE IDEA DEVELOPS INTO ACTION.
The scheme of forming an Association of the Chiefs of the Punjab had occupied my mind for a long time. Before the beginning of the winter of 1900, I had made up my mind and wrote a long letter giving details as to the nature and scope of my scheme. It appeared in the Civil 8f Milt t cay Gazette in its issue of the 1st November 190G. The project was hailed by the public press. I soon got the letter printed separately and sent it to the gentlemen whom it directlv concerned. That letter ran as follow : —
AN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ARISTOCRACY.
Sir, — I propose in this letter to urge the necessity for the for- mation and organisation of a body of aristocracy and nobility in this province. With the view that opinions on the subject may be called for and the question discussed from all standpoints in the public- press, I beg to contribute the following views to your journal trusting you will find room for them.
The first question that presents itself is whether an aristocracy is a necessarv institution natural and unavoidable or whether is it better
that the modern age should do away with it altogether. It goes without savins: that the historical evolution of every aristocracv must have been in the formation of it originally out of a group of selected human beings, whose natural advantages were perpetuated. If Ave view the world from the standpoint of natural science and admit that the universal laws regulating the organic world are also the funda- mental and governing principles of human social life, then we cannot hesitate to acknowledge that the institution of an hereditary aristocracy is not only natural but in some respects even useful in a nation. Whatever philosophical speculation which does not take account of actual facts may have to say against the existence of a privileged elas<. it is absolutely certain that such a class is sure to arise wherever more than two human beings combine into a permanent union of interests.
From the start better organized and higher minded than the masses of the people, such a class will be obliged to practise and increase its strength and valour continually, as otherwise it could not resist the encroachments of the people. I>\ this means its supremacy over the people is maintained. The operation of natural laws leaves an aristocracy only the alternative of keeping up the advantage its members have gained over the rest, or of vanishing into obscurity. They must perform their duties as vanguard and standard- bearers in every particular. The aristocracy in the Punjab has always been recognised by Government as middlemen between the rulers and the ruled. In times of public unrest they have been Pound a- source of every possible assistance to Government and preservers of peace and order in their spheres of influence. While, in time of peace they are looked upon to influence and direct public opinion to the
The Punjab Chiefs' Association,
right path in hard cases of disquietude of the popular mind, and where law and gibbet failed to dissuade people from committing the heinous crimes that are cherished by barbarous customs.
There can, therefore, be no doubt that an aristocracy is not only a source of strength to the people at large but also to the Government of the land, and it is always recognised as such.
The next question is whether the present aristocracy perform their duties in every particular, and whether it is not a fact that their would-be rivals will discover that they have ceased to be the better race. I do not for a moment mean any offence, nor do I mean to disparage the good qualities of a few among the aristocracy, but 1 may be excused for remarking that it is far below the standard it is expected to occupy. The middle classes and the masses consider them to be dullards and dissipated imbeciles, and therefore do not reckon them as their leaders of thought and action. I mus' painfully acknowledge that there is a great deal of truth in this estimation of them.
The Ciovernment on the other hand takes solicitous care of the nobility and aristocracy witli a view to maintain their existence and leaves no stone unturned to ameliorate their condition and strive as best it can to preserve their distinct entity. The foundation of the Chiefs' College, the many courts of wards, the rank given in Durbars, the position allotted to them on all public functions, their nomination to Legislative Councils, the seeking of their co-operation in all matters of public importance, clearly prove the benign interest of our Government in them as a class. Yet the improvement is not satisfactory. Perhaps the establishment of the recently proposed Girls' School as a counterpart of the Aitchison College, may assist in giving a new and
8
The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
healthy complexion to their homes and show better results hereafter. My own idea is that while one should he thankful to Government for all it is doing for us, Ave must not lose sight of the principle that the improvement should begin from within more than from without.
I need hardly say that as a class the aristocracy cannot improve by the betterment of a few individual cases without the mutual aid and co-operation of it as a body and it is. therefore, necessary that the scattered members of the aristocracy and nobility in the Punjab should combine and unite in an effort for their amelioration which cannot fail to be of great utility in all times to the Government and the public at large.
It is a regrettable circumstance that in all movements in which the public is concerned and which emanate from the Government the aristocracy has more or less some share of co-operation, but in popular movements they are absolutely left in the background, for the obvious reasons that they are too weak internally to exercise any influence over the people generally. If the aristocracy were a strong body imbibing the light and leading of ths age they would \m capable of exercising healthy influence over the public. I am afraid if their present degeneracy continues and they do not wake to their sense of duty, they will be pushed off from their pedestals.
With such ideas in my mind, I beg to propose that an association be formed composed of members of junior blanches of riding families hereditary jagirdarb and big zemindars holding large ancestral estates. It may be said, bv the way, that Ruling Princes have sot their own spheres of action which are more than enough to keep them fully occupied. They, therefore, cannot well afford to condescend to work
The Punjab Chiefs Association. 9
for the welfare of the aristocracy in general, and are not expected to think it worth their while to meddle with the affairs of the British subjects.
The objects of such an association may be roughly enumerated as follows : —
1. To see that relations behveen Government and the people are as they ought to be. It Avill be one of their principal duties and efforts to get all misunderstandings and misconceptions effaced from the pnbiic mind, which mere ignorance may have created about an action or policy of the Government.
2. To discuss public enactments and suggest to the Government measures useful to the country. To take in confidence the middle classes and the masses, and represent their interests loyally to the paternal Government.
3. To improve social intercourse with the rnlers of the realm, which at present is far from satisfactory. That social intercourse conduces to mutual good feeling, self-respect and social elevation, and to the imbibing of those virtues and manly qualities which are the salient points of the English character, admits of no doubt. It will be acknowledged on all hands that a great deal is gained by remain- ing in touch with the ruling race than by keeping aloof. Our object must be to mix with the ruling race more freely, take part in their sports and pastime, in their manly games, and we may well hope that the ruling race will meet us half way.
4. To promote mutual intercourse, fraternize more sincerely and affectionately instead of the present cold ceremoniousness. Put aside petty jealousies and increase a healthy tone and esprit lie corpus as a class.
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10 77/6" Punjab Chiefs Association.
5. To educate their children to the highest standard, not for the purposes of Government or State employments only, but also for their own moral and mental betterment. To equip them for the higher duties of citizenship and the leadership of the people, and thus impart a healthy tone to public opinion for guidance and counsel.
(3. To look after their own interests in matters of emoluments, rank and social position and the better management of their estates in order to prevent deterioration and decay. And to request the Government that more facilities be given to the deserving youths of artistocracv in obtaining appointments in the army and political departments.
7. To regulate the expenditure of the ceremonials to reasonable limits and commensurate with their income-.
'$. To eradicate social evils by introducing reforms which individually they are unable to accomplish.
9. To approach the Government witli the request that in certain matters concerning the welfare of the estate and prestige of families under the care of the Court of Wards, the senior members of the aristocracy in the district be consulted by the Deputy Commissioner, and that due regard be paid to their sentiments and opinions.
In short, to organize them into a compact body and move in pari passu with the modern civilization, which the Government is ever ready to facilitate, and for which it always lends a helping hand.
1 have implicit confidence in the fact that, if the matters be taken in hand in proper time, a moral, economical and educated aristocracy will spring up and prove a source of strength to Government in times of need and of usefulness to the public at large, and at the same time serve the purpose of middlemen between the riders and the ruled.
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It is, I presume, the duty of every member of aristocracy to show by action that we have at least t -ire of serving our benign Govern- ment loyally and improving the condition of our class. If we show that such is our real desire, and that ire are forming into a bod? with the object of serving Government loyally and watching the interests of our own class, and the public at large, we may well hope to b the cordial support of Government and the patronage of our pre- I Lieutentant- Governor whom we can all claim as a friend of our province, if we are so fortunate as * secure it.
I. therefore, solicit the opinions I - 10 wish to co-work
with me in calling into existence an A-s,„iation of the nature ah
set forth.
PARTAP SINGH.
CHAPTER II.
Organisation of District Committees.
The proposal was welcomed by all concerned ; but for certain reason, which T need not here mention. T had to wait till about the middle of the next year before taking action.
I started with establishing District Committees in some of the districts. Ambala which contains a large number of hereditary Jagirdars and Ptaises was the first scene of action. In the scorching heat of May, 1007, I went to Ambala and held a district meeting. The meeting was attended by some 28 liaises and a District Cum- mittee was formed. Amritsar, Karnal, Multan and Lndhiana were sub- sequently visited, and at these places and a few other District Committees were formed. A long time was taken up by discussion of Statutes and other details relating to the constitution and line of action to be adopted by the Association. Draft rules were circulated in the province and opinions invited. I must acknowledge with heartfelt gratitude the fraternal spirit with which my brother chiefs responded to my call on each and every occasion. Our members went up to 100.
CHAPTER III.
Revision of the Punjab Chiefs and Families of Note.
I was thinking of holding a Provincial Meeting of the Association when the Punjab Government undertook the task of revising the book known as " Punjab Chiefs." Government being aware of the exist- ence of the Association condescended to consult it in the matter of admitting new families to the status of Chiefs and including them among those whose history Sir Lepel Griffin and Col. Massy had given in the pages of " Punjab Chiefs and Families of Note." In June 1908 the Punjab Government wrote to the Commissioner of Jullundor on this subject. The following extracts from that letter are import- ant : —
" The Lieutenant-Governor would be much obliged if yon could see and talk to Sardar Partap Singh about the following matter.
2. " We are, as you are aware, bringing out a new edition of the Punjab Chiefs and Families of Note. In doing so we think of adding certain families to those included in the existing work, but the question whether these families should or should not be included is one open to opinion and the Lieutenant-Governor would be glad to obtain the advice of the Punjab Chiefs' Association on the subject. "
14 The Puniab Chiefs Association.
A Committee of six members of the Association was formed and sat on 25th July 1908, and considered every case that Mas referred to
them. It consisted of the following gentlemen : —
The Hon'ble Lieutenant Malik Umar Ilavat Khan Tiwana. c.i.e.
m
Khan Znlfiqar Ali Khan of Malerkotla, Khan Bahadur Faqir Sved Qamr-ud-Din, Sardar Bikram Singh, Khan Bahadur Makhduui Hassan Bakhsh Qureshi, and Partap Singh of Kupurthala.
The Committee prepared a report after their deliberations and submitted it to the Government. The following reply was received : —
From the Hon'ble Mr. E. D. Maclagau, CM., Chief Secretary to the Government of the Punjab, to the Hon'ble Sardar Partap Singh, Honoorary Secretary, Punjab Chiefs' Association, Jullundur, No. 1930, dated Sin, la. the L2th Angual L908.
" Sir, — I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 221, dated 3rd August 1908, reporting the proceeding of a Com- mittee of the Punjab Chiefs' Association to consider the claims of certain persons to be included in the " Punjab Chiefs and Families of
Note."
2. "I am to request that the thanks of Government maybe conveyed to the Committee for their labours and advice and for the expression of their sentiments. As regards the nam33 to ba included in the book the Government accepts unreservedly the Committee's recommendations and is much obliged to the Committee \'^v their help in enabling it to arrive at a decision in this matter."
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CHAPTER IV.
The Provincial Meeting.
Everything was ready to hold a large Provincial Meeting of the Association, and therefore, early in 1909, invitations were issued to all eligible persons who had already enrolled as members or consented to join it. Close upon hundred Chiefs gathered together at Lahore to celebrate the session of the Punjab Chiefs' Association and the pro- gramme extended over three days, i.e., the 23rd, 24th and ."25th February 1909. The proceedings were wound up by a Garden Party in the Shalemar Gardens to meet His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, to which a number of local gentlemen and officers of the Civil and Military was also invited.
His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor very graciously accepted to become the Patron of the Association, a deputation of whose members waited on His Honour with an address.
In giving an account of the proceedings of the provincial sessions of the Association I would like to give some extracts from the columns
16
The Put/ jab Chiefs Association.
of some Lahore papers than to give a narration in my own words. The extracts Avill he rather long for which I need not make any apology to the reader.
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 17
CHAPTER V.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE PROVINCIAL MEETING. (lateral Secretary 's Tnaitgural Address.
The Tribune of Lahore in its issue of 27th February 1909 gave the following account : — ■
ln
PUNJAB CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION.
Inaugural Meeting.
The Punjab Chiefs' Association founded by the Hon ble Sardar Partab Singh, C. S. L, met at the Chiefs' College, Lahore, on the :2:3rd February 1909. Between. 00 and 70 Raises attended, among those present were noticed the following : —
Raja Narinclur Chand, c.s i., of Nadaun, Raja Gajjan Singh of Nurpur, Raja Balbir Singh of Maukot, Raja Rani Pall, c.s.i., of Kutlehr, Nawab Fateh Ali Khan, c.i e., Nawab Khuda Bakhsh Khan, Zamindar, Dewan Narindar Nath, Sardar Bikrani Singh, Sardar Jiwan Singh, c.s i., Shahzadpur, Sardar Sundar Singh, Majithia, Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan, Kunjpuro, Baba Gurbakhsh Singh Bedi of Rawal- pindi, Sardar Din Muhammad Khan of Dera Ghazi Khan, Tikka Ram
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The Punjab Chiefs Association.
Narain Singh of Anandpur, Fakir Syed Qamar-ud-Din, k. b., c.i.e., Kanwar Charanjit Singh, Nawab Muhammad All Khan, Sardar Bahadur Harnam Singh, Raja Fateh Singh of Lahore, Shahzada Hamdam.
At 10-45 nearly all the Chiefs who had been requested to attend the meeting were assembled in the main hall of the Aitchison Chiefs' College. There were present 59 Chiefs and the proceedings commenc- ed at 1 1 exactly.
The Chairman, Nawab Fateh Ali Khan, c.i.e., in a short and interesting speech expressed the advantages which would accrue to the Chiefs generally if the Association was properly worked and earnestly conducted. He said that the aristocracy in the Province were under a heavy debt of gratitude to the Hon'ble Sardar Partap Singh, the originator of the scheme, who after years of unremitting labour and expense has achieved his remarkable result, He further said that it behoved the members of the Association to cherish and promote the interests of this organization.
The Hon. Secretary, the Hon'ble Sardar Partap Singh, then de- livered his inaugural address which in an eloquent and lucid style traced the history of the aristocracy of the Province and dealt with the whole question from the point of view of a statesman and scholar.
THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
The following is the address of welcome delivered by the Hon'ble Sardar Partap Singh, C.S.I., of Kapurthala : —
My Dear Friends, — The duty I have to perform on the present occasion is to receive you who have come on the inaugural ceremony of our Punjab Chiefs' Association. I beg to tender you a hearty and
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 19
sincere welcome. It would be at all times the highest pleasure and privilege to receive and welcome such distinguished guests who form the flower of Society.
I find round me a galaxy of nobles whose distinguished persons would have adorned the court of any Emperor, being representatives of those families whose ancestors were the architects of their own fortunes in the latter half of the 18th century. Although now only territorial magnates, their forefathers once enjoyed full sovereign powers like our present day ruling princes. I see in this assemblv representatives of the families with whom the British Government effected alliances and concluded treaties. There are among the members of our Association those who represent some of the foremost missals of the late Sikh period and also scions of families the members of which led the army of the Lion of the Punjab in many a sanguinary engagement or administered the provinces of Sindhia and other Mahratta Kings. Our Association also counts descendants of those who hailed from Sherman now in Russian territory and who heralded the invasion of the Durrani forces and Nadir's sweeping columns. And last but not the least there are present in this gathering and some on the rolls of this Association representatives of families who guarded the roads of communication and thus facilitated the advances of the column of the famous Nicholson in the dark days of Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, and withont whose co- operation it would not have been an easy task for the resourceful John Lawrence to maintain order in the Punjab, then a newly annexed
province.
In short, there are present in this meeting men whose ancestors were actively engaged in the field, for months, for the suppression of rebellion in the far off districts of Oudh and U. P. We also have
wm^^t^^m
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The Punjab Chiefs Association.
amongst us some chivalrous young men who have themselves clone brave and heroic deeds outside Indian frontier in the service of their Sovereign. In a word, I see assembled in this Hall the flower of Indian chivalry and aristocracy whose part in the past as well as the present history of the country has been very great and important, Gentlemen, this is the material that our Association is composed of, and such is the assembly that I have the honour on the present occasion to tender welcome and call upon you to formally organise the Punjab Chiefs' Association.
Let me now change the scene of self-glorification to real business. I have already in the preliminary letter addressed to you touched upon the political and social significance of aristocracy. I may be pardoned to say a few Avords again on this subject, The first matter to consider in this connection is whether an aristocracy is a necessary and a natural institution ? It goes without saying that the historical evolution of every aristocracy in the world must have been in its growth originally out of a group of selected human beings, whose natural advantages were per- petuated. If Ave view the world from the standpoint of natural science and admit that the universal laws regulating the organic world or also the fundamental and governing principles of human sociological life, Ave must assert that the institution of an hereditary aristocracy is not only normal and natural state of thing, but that in some respects is even useful for a nation ; let the word of speculative philosophy be what it may. Leaving other countries apart in India, Aristocracy has always existed. Says Sir LeAvis Tupper : —
" In the Mahratta country Jagirs Avere usually held in a perma- nent tenure and some of them have become petty States under the Protectorate."
Sir William Lee-Warner after drawing a parallel between the Roman and Indian aristocrarcy savs that " otli3r iivicbnte of feudalism can readily 1)3 traced in India."
Todd confirms the above view. He says : — •
" There is a martial system peculiar to Indian States, so extensive in its operation as to embrace eveiy object of society. This is so analogous to ancient feudal system of Europe, that I have not hesitated to hazard a comparison between them."
The British Government too adhered to the old practice. Instance the case of Sattara treaty of IS 19 by which the possession within the territories of the Raj were guaranteed by the British Government.
Gentlemen, the question now is whether it is not our highest duty to preserve an institution Avhose existence we venture to think is amply justified. Is it not worth our while to conserve its strength and by co-operation enhance its usefulness, or to allow it to vanish in oblivion. I need not dilate on this subject but I wish to state that the Aristocracy has always occupied the position of the middlemen between the rulers and the ruled, and have fully demonstrated itself to 1)3 the defenders of peace and order whenever the occasion has arisen. It would, I am afraid, tax your patience were I to enumerate the numberless instances of our aid to the British Government in times of difficulty. History of the Punjab abounds with' such instances. We are all of us now conscious of our present condition and let me hope awakened to our interests, There has not been any lack of sympathy for us in the minds of our well-wishers.
In 1850 the Government of India wrote as follows in its des- patch : — -
" The maintenance of a landed aristocracvin India, where it exists, is a subject of such importance that one may well afford to sacrifice
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to it some tiling of system which, while it has increased the independ- ence and protected the rights of the cultivators of the soil, has led to the exhaustion or decay of the old nobility."
Sir John Strachev, one of the most farsighted and sympathetic statesmen that ever came out to India in 1SS4 observed : —
" India is doubtless a country in which it would 1)3 more than ordinarily foolish to ignore the consideration due to families whose position and claims may have been recognised for centuries, and which in the eyes of the people still retain their titles to honour.
Sir Charles Aitchison, one of our ablest and most sympathetic Provincial Governors on occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of this very building under the roof of which we are to-day gathered, in his inaugural address said : —
" From the middle and lower ranks of native society is rising up year by year an ever-increasing number of candidates for honour in our educational institutions and for positions of responsibility under the Government, while those who are the hereditary leaders of the people are bsin0, elbowed out of the positions which they are naturally expected by their fellow countrymen to occnpv."
These few observations will suffice to show the degree of the solicitude on the part of the Government and its members in the matter of maintenance and betterment of our class whose represen- tatives I have to-day the honour to address.
Our interests have been neglected for want of combination and lack of united efforts to husband our resources and energies.
We feel bound, nevertheless, to acknowledge gratefully what the benign Government has been doing for us. The establishment of a well ecpiipped Chiefs' College at the capital of the province, the many Court of Wards, appointment to the list of hereditary Darbaris, enlist-
The Punjab Chiefs Association. 23
ment in the Imperial Cadet Corps, granting Honorary Commissions in His Majesty's Indian Army and last but not the least the desire to secure our co-operation in all matters of public importance — these are some of the gracious gifts to us. Notwithstanding all these favourable circumstances and encouragements there yet existed an imperative need of self-help.
These and other cognate circumstances suggested to me the idea of combining all hitherto scattered components of our class in an organised body with the object of making their existence more useful, their influence more effective and their condition better.
Actuated by these sentiments and keeping the political outlook in view and realizing the necessity of active co-operation with Govern- ment of a class of people whose interests are peremptorily, entwined with those of the Government, a little more than two years ago in 190C>, I opened the subject in public press, and also privately addressed vou gentlemen* to combine in an Association, corresponding with some in addition to personal conferences with most of you. The proposal was cheerfullv hailed by those directly concerned. Certain circum- stances, however, which it is not advisable to mention here, hampered the speedy progress of the movement. At last my theme began to show symptoms of realization and what was seemed by some a visionary's dream presented a fair prospect of taking a solid shape. The first meeting of the hereditary Reises in this connection was held at Amballa, one of the greatest aristocratic districts in the Punjab. Amritsar followed, next Karaal, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan followed suit with no less zeal and enthusiasm. I avail myself of this occasion to express my hearty thanks to the Reises of the said places, Who most cheerfully responded to the call.
24 The Punjab Chiefs Association
There is hardly any necessity for me to touch upon the con- stitution and other particulars regarding the status and peculiar features of the Association, draft rules and statutes of which you will presently consider. There is only one point which I. feel my duty in particular to impress upon you and bring home to individual member that the success of the Association can be insured and patronage of Government can be enjoyed only so long as Ave remain united, banishing all petty jealousies and retain a cosmopolitan character within our class as a Avhole, remain true to our traditions and be bound by our prescribed constitution.
I fervently hope that a very useful career is in store for us and am sure that there are great possibilities of our regaining the old standard of usefulness and influence.
Before concluding, it is my dutv to offer my humble thanks to the Government of our province for placing every possible facility in my way in organizing this Association.
I thank you, gentlemen, for the patience with which you have listened to me and thank you even so much for your responding in person to my humble call by coming up to join this inaugural meeting of the Punjab Chiefs1 Association.
Second and third Day's Proceedings. The last two days were occupied in discussing the Statutes and rules of the Association. On the 24th at 4-3Q the members waited on II. II. the Lieutenant-Governor and presented an address in a beautiful silver casket to which II. II. made suitable reply and accepted the Patronship of the Association. After the address and reply a photo- graph of the members with Lieutenant-Governor was taken and the members were entertained by 11. II. at the Government House at a garden party.
The Punjab Chiefs1 Association. 25
APPENDIX VI.
Proceeding continued. TheCivit and Military of 27th February, 1909 wrote
PUNJAB CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION.
INAUGURAL PROCEEDINGS.
A brilliant function — and one pregnant with significant possibilities for the future — came off in the grounds of Government House, Lahore, on Wednesday afternoon, when the newly established Punjab Chiefs' Association presented an address to their patron, the Lieutenant Governor.
A large number of noblemen from all parts of the province had come to Lahore for the occasion. On Tuesday and again on Wednesday they had met at the Chiefs' College to pass the rules and regulations relating to the working of the Associations and to elect
the president, the vice-presidents, the secretary and other office-bearers for the next two years. The Tumandars from the wilds and fastnesses of Dera Ghazi Khan, fine old Sikh Sardars, the territorial magnates of Manjha and Malwa, the scions of the Mussulman nobility and aristocracy from all parts of the province, representatives of some of the best and most ancient Rajput classes — men who trace their descent far into antiquity, and young men with the bluest of blood in their veins whom the Aitchison Chiefs' College has enabled to acquire and assimilate the learning and the culture of the West, composed the notable assembly whose picturesque dresses invested the occasion with its typically oriental aspect. There were not a few amongst this assembly in addressing whose fathers and grandfathers fifty years ago in a Durbar held in Lahore Lord Canning referred to them "as ^ whole race of brave and loyal men " — men who had rendered valuable assistance in retrieving the fortunes of the Empire in the dark days of the preceding year — (1S57).
The address presented on behalf of the Association was a document of considerable importance. The views it expressed were in consonance with the traditions of loyalty Avlnch characterise the aristocracy and nobility of this province.
In his reply Sir Louis Dane expressed his hearty appreciation of the efforts made by the natural leaders of the people to assert them-
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
27
selves and to take the place which is theirs by right as advisers of Government and as intermediaries and interpreters between the State and the masses of their fellow-countrvmen.
That the Punjab Chiefs' Association has a great future before it will not be denied by anyone who knows the Punjab and has some idea of the hold over the people possessed by men of noble birth and ancient lineage, Over 130 gentlemen have already joined the As- sociation and the number is daily on the increase.
Sir Louis Dane in his speech referred in appreciative terms to the good work done by the llon'ble Sirdar Partap Singh, c. s. i., in organising the Association. Worthv son of a worthy father, the late Kan war Bikrama Singh, c. s. i., who rendered highly meritorious services to Government, Sardar Partap Singh, a typical aristocrat and nobleman, is carrying on the loyal traditions of his family.
All the Chiefs were individually presented to Sir Louis Dane. The members of the Association and the Lieutenant-Governor were subsequently photographed in a group.
By this time began to arrive the Durban*, the Title-holders, the Fellows of the University and a select number of European officials, together with a selection of students from the Aitchison Chiefs' College who had been invited by the Lieutenant-Governor to be
28
The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
present at the party. The Police Band discoursed music and the guests dispersed after spending a pleasant hour and a half in congenial, friendly intercourse.
The Punjab Chiefs Association. 29
~1
APPENDIX VII.
Proceedings concluded. The same journal in giving a detailed report of the sitting wrote : —
PUNJAB CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION.
HOW AND WHY IT CAME INTO BEING.
(From a Correspondent).
The first sitting of the Punjab Chiefs' Association took place at Lahore on the 23rd February and two succeeding days in the main hall of the Aitchison Chiefs' College. The origin of the Association must be fresh in the memory of the public. The Hon'ble Sardar Partap Singh in November 1906 wrote a detailed letter in the Civil and Military Gazette in which he expressed his views for starting an association for the aristocracy and landed gentry in the Punjab. The zeal and perseverance with which the Sardar has since carried the movement safely past many rocks and shoals is deserving of credit.
The gathering was representative in its character and imposing in its appearance. Among those present were noticed Raja Narindar Chand, c.s.i., of Nadaun, Raja Gaggan Singh of Nnrpur, Raja Ram
30
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
Pall, c.s.l. , of Kutlehr, Raja Balbir Singh, Mankotia, Diwan Narindar Nath Bahadur, Nawab Fateh Ali Khan, c.i.e., Sardar Charanjit Singh of Jullundur, Nawab Khuda Bakhsh Khan Tiwana, Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Kazilbash, Fakir Qamr-ud-din, c.i.e., Sardar Jiwan Singh, c.s.i., Umballa, Sardar Din Muhammad Khan Tumandar, Laghri Chief, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sardar Bhagwant Singh Bhadauria, Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan of Kunjpura, Sardar Raghbir Singh Sindhanwalia, Sardar Sundar Singh Majithia, Makhdum Hussan Bakhsh Qureshi, Khan Bahadur, Tikka Ram Narain Singh of Anandpur, Shahzada Humdum.
The number of those present exceeded GO. The following gentle- men were appointed office bearers : —
Nawab Behram Khan, c.i.e., Chief of Mazari tribe — President. Raja Narindar Chand, c.s.i , of Nadaun,
Nawab Fateh Ali Khan, c.i.e., and Sardar Jiwan Singh c.s.i. of Shahzadpur, Vice-Presidents.
The -Ilon'ble Sardar Partap Singh, c.s.i., of Kapurthala, Honor- ary General Secretary.
Khan Zulfiqar Ali Khan of Malei'kotla, Honorary Assistant Secretary.
In the afternoon of the second day, the :24th, a deputation of the Association waited on the Lieutenant-Governor at Government House, Lahore. The members of the deputation were introduced by the Hon'ble Sardar Partap Singh, the" founder of tho Association, who presented an address on its behalf to Sir Lonis Dane contained in a beautiful silver casket, After his Honour's reply the members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association were entertained at a garden party at the Government House.
The proceedings of this sitting of the Association having bene brought to a satisfactory conclusion, Sardar Partap Singh and Sardar Duljit Singh, his brother, entertained the Lahore gentry and civil and military officers at a garden party at the Shalimar Garden to meet the Lieutenant-Governor, the Patron and Members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association.
The following are the names of the members who attended the Provincial Meeting and were present at the Garden Party given at the Government ll^use : — ■
KARNAL DISTRICT. Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan of Kunjpura. Sardar Shamsher Singh of Arnauli. Sardar Gurdit Singh of Shamgarh.
AMBALLA DISTRICT.
Sardar Jiwan Singh, Shahid, c.s.i., of Shahzadpur.
Sardar Jawahar Singh of Mustafabad,
Sardar Bahadur Harnam Singh of Kharar.
Sardar Narain Singh of Nanak Mazra.
Sardar Devinder Singh of Ghanauli.
Sardar Jodhhir Singh do.
Sardar Harinder Singh do.
Sardar Bhagwant Singh.of Bharaili.
Nawab Muhammad Ishaq^Khan^of Kotla Nihang.
Sardar Bahadur Partab Singh of Mianpur.
Sardar Randhir Singh of Bharatgath.
LUDHIANA DISTRICT,
Sardar Bhagwant Singh, Bhadauria. Shahzada Muhammad Ilumdum,
ii^rr -
12
The Tunjab Chiefs' Association.
Bhai Arjan Singh of Bagrian. Sardar Harnam Singh of Bheri. Sardar Mansa Singh of Lidran. Rai Inayat Khan of Raikot. Rai Wali Muhammad Khan of Raikot.
JULLUNDUR DISTRICT.
Sardar Dal jit Singh of Kapurthala. Sardar Charanjit Singh. Sardar Balwant Singh of Moran. Sardar Knldip Singh of Moknndpnr.
HOSHIARPUR DISTRICT.
Tikka Ram Narain Singh of Anandpur. Sardar Bakhtawar Singh of Kathgarh. Sardar Harnam Singh of Mnkerian.
KANGRA DISTRICT.
Raja Narinder Chand, c.s.i., of Nadaun.
Raja Ram Pall, c.s.i., of Kutlehr.
Raja Gaggan Singh of Nnrpnr.
Raja Balbir Singh, Mankotia.
Tikka Baldeo Singh of Gnler.
Rai Sahib Chandhri Nahla Singh of Indora.
Mian Rnghnath Singh of Reh.
AMRITSAR DISTRICT. Sardar Raghbir Singh, Sindhanwalia of Rajasansi, Hon'ble Sardar Sunder Singh, Majithia. Sardar Bahadur Arur Singh, Sarbarah, Darbar Sahib.
Sardar Gurbakhsh Singh, Gyani.
Sardar Joginder Singh, Rasulpuria of Aira Estate, Oudh.
Thakar Mahan Chand.
Sardar Bikram Singh.
Sardar Sunder Singh, Ramgarhia. Sardar Gulzar Singh of Kallian.
LAHORE DISTRICT. Nawab Eateh Ali Khan, Qizilbash, c.i.e. Raja Eateh Singh of Shekhnpnra. Diwan Narindra Nath, Diwan Bahadur. Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan, Khan Bahadur. Khan Bahadur Eaqir Syad Qamr-ud-din, c.i.e. Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Khan of Malerkotla. Diwan Som Nath, Madan. Diwan Krishn Kishore. Bhai Gurdit Singh. Khan Bahadur Sheikh Na'sir-ud-din. Bhai Manohar Lai, Bhai Dan Singh. Sardar Raza Ali Khan. Sardar Lyakat Hayat Khan.
RAWALPINDI DISTRICT Baba Gurbakhsh Singh Bedi.
SHAHPUR DISTRICT. Nawab Khuda Bakhsh Khan, Tiwana.
JHELUM DISTRICT. Sardar Hari Singh of Wahali.
34
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
MULTAN DISTRICT.
Khan Bahadur Makhdum Hassan Bakhsh, Qureshi.
Khan Bahadur Syad Hasan Bakhsh, Gurdezai.
Makhdum Sadr-ud-din Shah, Gilani.
Khan Bahadur Ahmad Yar Khan, Khakwani.
Khan Bahadur Sheikh Riaz Hussain, Qureshi.
Khan Bahadur Mehr Alia Yar Khan.
Pir Ghulam Rasul.
DERA GHAZI KHAN DISTRICT.
Sardar Din Muhammad Khan, Laghari.
The Punjab Chiefs Association. 35
CHAPTER VIII.
ADDRESS TO HIS HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
The following is the text of the address which the Punjab Chiefs' Association presented to its patron the Lieutenant-Governor.
To
H.H. SIR LOUIS WILLTAM DANE,
F.R.C.S., K.C.I.E., C.S I., I.C.S.,
Lieutenant-Governor, Punjab and its Dependencies.
Your Honour,
We, the members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association, have the honour to approach Your Honour with this humble address, which act is the first and the most pleasant function of this Association since its inception. The occasion is, moreover, of great significance, not only in the life of this infant Association, but in the history of the development of the Province under the administration of an enlightened Government, This first formal meeting of the scions of aristocratic families in the Province with the worthy representative of the King-
36
The Punjab Chiefs Association
Emperor is an event of great importance and invested with a great deal of solemnity, inasmuch, as the assembly, which demonstrates the blessings of peace and order, is rendered feasible only under the aegis of Paos-Britannica. which has dispelled lawlessness and anarchy from the soil so rampant in the period preceding it. Is it not a contrast with the record of so many sanguinary struggles between our ancestors which the history of our Province relates ? Could the wildest imagination in those days have pictured to itself the remotest possibility of a congregation of the descendants of those warriors engaged in mutual strife assembled now in a body with one mind to demonstrate their gratitude and appreciate the solid and invaluable benefits of civilization and peace conferred on them by an alien human race from the Par West.
The aims and objects of our Association are already known to Your Honour as well as to the public, and need not b3 detailed on the present occasion. We deem it, however, advisable to emphasize the peaceful mission which is the guiding and ruling principle of its members ; and let us hope the spirit which permeates our Association will affect the atmosphere around us in the ratio of increase of our influence as time rolls on. We are not unmindful of the responsible, serious and delicate role which we feel called upon to play. But, we hope the immensity of our task will not make us recoil from it. Now or never must Ave prove that we are worthy of our brilliant part. The honour of our families, the glorious traditions associated with the names of our ancestors, encourage us to grapple with seeminglv insurmountable difficulties in our path by putting forth all that is best in us. Whatever ill-advised insinuators may say we are unshakable in our conviction that the sacred cause of the country and the interests of
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 37
Government are inseparably interwoven, and that service of one is the service of the other. Time only will show how far instead of mere eloquent words of loyalty, which is a fashion with some, we shall prove solid loyalty by deeds.
We cannot allow this occasion to pass without making some observations on the present state of political affairs in the country. We view with horror and indignation the dastardly and diabolic deeds of a class of people who have taken into their heads to substitute anarchism with its concomitants for a settled Government and constituted authority. It is gratifying, however, to note that even among the agitators there is a good proportion of sensible men who heartily condemn such acts of violence. Tor ourselves, we beg to assure the Government that our united efforts will be joined with those of Government in uprooting this poisonous plant which is wholly extraneous to the soil.
It is true that no one can stem the tide of human progress in the world, but the doctrine of evolution has proved beyond a shadow of doubt that prosperity can only be achieved by cultivation of the arts of peace. A civilized Government like the British cannot be, and has not been, apathetic to legitimate aspirations of the subject, — aspirations which the liberal education it has bestowed has produced and which it has fostered villi a paternal care. A review of past events and a correct estimate of changes from time to time inaugurated by the Government will convince the most critical minds that the Government has not been remiss in steadily and gradually meeting with the legitimate and reasonable wishes of the aspirants. The Reform Scheme has been hailed with a [grateful welcome by the most fastidious of Indian publicists, and we hope that as a body of
38
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
laiidliolding members and as a class having special interests and position, as we are, our body will be graciously accorded the privilege of nominating some of us as members ol the Councils in near future. It is impossible to overestimate the boon which the Reform Scheme will confer on the people. We view it as marking a dawn of the advent of an epoch fraught with beneficence throughout, and let us hope Ave shall prove worthy of the privileges to be conferred.
Speaking of ourselves in another phase, it is one of the objects of the Association to promote social intercourse between the ruling race and Indians We assure Your Honour that our efforts in this direction will bring the rulers in immediat3 and constant contact with the ruled, and it is to be hoped that great benefits will flow from a better mutual understanding and a freer reciprocity of hospitality.
After the above observations, we now come to the vitally im- portant aspect of our Association, viz., the elevation and regeneration of our fast decaying class. We are paying the penalty of our lethargy, and had we not awakened to our interests by organising the present Association, the inevitable result would have followed, and we would have irretrievably gone to the wall if not wiped out of existence ere long. A consciousness of our present condition has aroused in us a desire to ameliorate it. A promising vista was open before our eyes, a glorious prospect presented itself to our vision and we availed ourselves of the opportunities. We are sensible of the mighty change wrought in the body politic of India by an intellectual ferment which has almost revolutionized the old order of things. A cla^s has been called into existence by a liberal university education, who compete and dispute with the old gentry the privileges
The Punjab thief* Association. 39
won by the sword by our ancestors, which are daily being wrenched and wrested from our hands. It is with a sense of shame that we acknowledge we are at present unequally poised in the struggle owing to our backwardness in a variety of ways. We do not lay the blame at the door of the Government. We have to thank ourselves for our indolence in the battle of life. Where cleverness deals with incapacity energy pitted against quiescence, activity against languor, vitality against slumber, the consequence cannot but be startling.
We must here put in a word of grateful acknowledgment and thankful expression for the earnest solicitude and paternal care that Government has always shown in maintaining and keeping from decay the nobility and landed gentry in the Province, and has from time to time shown active sympathy and extended a helping hand in their preservation and betterment.
It is with a view, therefore, to set our home in order that the aristocracy and the gentry have risen to the occasion to ameliorate their condition, by education in all lines to assume the proper functions which, had they been vigilant enough, would not have fallen into disuse, to co-operate with the Government in maintaining law and order, to encourage and promote social intercourse and good feeling between the rulers and the ruled, and let us hope that Providence will crown our future useful career with success.
All we desire in the shape of our advancement is achievable by our own efforts and with the benevolent support of our benign Government. We now very respectfully crave that Your Honour may be pleased to honour us by consenting to become the Patron of our Association, which boon we shall always deem invaluable and shall ever feel grateful.
40 The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
AVe all thank Your Honour most heartily for the interest you have evinced in our behalf for the solicitude with which Your Honour views our endeavours, and we hope, with your fostering care and guidance, we shall be able to benefit ourselves, serve the country and the Government
The Punjab Chiefs Association. 41
CHAPTER IX.
HIS HONOUR'S REPLY.
His Honour replied as follows : —
Gentlemen of the Punjab Chiefs' Association, It is always a great pleasure to meet the Chiefs and landed gentlemen of the Punjab but I count myself most fortunate in that I am the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab to receive you all here to-day as an associated body with definite aims and aspirations.
You refer to your loyalty. That the Punjab Chiefs have always been loyal goes without saying, and I can assure you that the British Government has thoroughly appreciated that loyalty and the effect that the loyalty of the Chiefs and leading men must have before the peoples of the Punjab. AVe have felt that while we had the Chiefs with us we could count upon the races from whom we drew some of our best soldiers and workers in all spheres af public utility.
You recognise that Government has done what it could in the past to preserve your families and your status and express your gratitude for what has been done. It is true that we have done our best. AYe have provided mainly at the expense of Government a splendid school
42
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
for your boys in the Aitcliison College, and I trust that it -will be one of the chief aims of your Association to do what you can to further the interests of that College and to increase its sphere of usefulness. AVith the assistance of the generous gift of the Phulkian States in honour of the visit of H.R.H. the Princess of Wales and other sub- scriptions a school for the daughters of the higher classes in the Punjab has been started, and I confidently look to your association, to support the Victoria May School which ought to be as valuable to you in years *o come as the Aitcliison College. Some of your young men have gained positions in the Imperial Cadet Corps, and one of the 'dreams that I cherish most dearly is a desire to see that Cadet Corps develope into a channel whereby the sons of the Chiefs and Nobles of India may win their way to a career suited to their genius and worthy of their past history, whether in the military line or in the general work of the country after receiving a full training in the excellent school of military discipline. Your Association can help us in this also. Then Govern- ment has ever been ready when its finances admitted of this to assist an old family financially. It has been very tender about enforcing the conditions for reductions of assignments and has always tried to deal liberally in such matters, The Court of Wards under the Financial Commissioner has been the salvation of many an old family, and you all owe a debt of gratitude to the able and sympathetic men who have laboured to make the administration of Wards Estates so effective. Amongst these I would specially mention my freind Sir James Wilson, who has done so much in this and in other ways for the landowners of the Punjab. He is now going for a short but well-earned rest, and I am sure that you will join me in wishing him a pleasant voyage, a happy stay in the home land and a sjieedy return to us in India.
Thus, gentlemen, has the Government of India, striven to main- tain your position, rights and privileges, and you may count confidently in the future on the support of that Government and of all its officers for any efforts that you may yourselves make to improve your position and to open out for yourselves careers of greater and more widespread utility that has been possible for you in the past. It has been said that an Englishman loves a Lord. It is a true saying in the sense that democratic as our Institutions are the bulk of us have an inherent regard and respect for old families which have been handed down from the earliest days of the origin of our race, whether we be Celts or Teutons. The feeling naturally leads us to take a special interest in the old families of the Punjab with whom we are in the strongest sympathy, and so long as men of those families try to do something worthy of their history and of their descent so long will they find ready helpers and well wishers amongst us. We, therefore, warmly welcome this movement of "self-help on your part.
Now the objects at which your Association aims are those which have no doubt animated you all as individuals in the past, the amelioration and the education of your class, co-operation with Govern- ment in the maintenance of law and order and the encouragement and promotion of social intercourse and good feeling between all classes. These are noble aspirations and must meet with the fullest sympathy of us all.
It may be said, why make any changes and why should not these aims be furthered by private endeavour as in the past ? I admit at once that unnecessary change is undesirabe and I fully agree that private endeavour on these lines as heretofore is most desirable and even essential. At the same time I can quite understand why
44
The Piot jab Chiefs Association.
you have thought it necessary to supplement and assist private endeavour by collective effort and action. There is great truth in the adage " United you stand : divided you fall," and the application of many minds to the solution of difficult social and economic problems makes in the long run for a more correct solution. There are many ways in which your Association can be of great service to yourselves, to the province and to Government. Obviously it will place you in a better position to encourge friendly and social relations amongst yourselves and between yourselves and other classes and I personally attach the greatest importance to such relations which clear away misconceptions and furnish a broad and sound basis for sympthetic and common action in our common cause — the good of the Punjab and its peoples. I wish you all success in this branch of your work. Then there are matters in which consultation and joint action cannot fail to be of much help to yourselves and Government. You are as landowners deeply interested in revenue and agricultural questions and all matters affecting the prosperity of the landwning and cultivating classes. Your well considered and collective advice will be of gerat value to Government in dealing with such questions, and incidentally you will be able to protect your own interests far more effectively than you can at present by individual action. So, too, in the matters affecting the education of the young members of your families and of the land holding classes generally your Association will be able to speak authoritatively and its opinion will be entitled to the greatest weight.
It is however on the political side that your joint action may be most useful. You refer to the reforms which are at present engrossing the attention of us all. I am glad to see that you welcome these
reforms and this welcome coming from so conservative a body of men as the Punjab Chiefs is especially gratifying. When the reforms come into full work your Association will be of the greatest value in assisting Government in adopting its policy to meet the requirements of your order. You ash that in the near future you may be allowed to nominate some of your body as members of the Councils. On this I can only say that the grant of such a privilege must depend largely on the growth and vitality of your Association. If it does grow and forms a truly representative society of the Punjab Chiefs, as I believe that it will, I can not suppose that its claims to a voice in the selection of the members of that class in the Legislative Council will be overlooked.
I wish you all success and accept with much pleasure the honour which yon have done me in asking me to be your Patron, and I can assure you that I will do all that I can in reason to assist you in makino- your Association a credit to the province and one worthy of the interests of the great and important class which it claims to represent.
Finally, it is my pleasant duty to voice what I am sure is the feeling of yon all in thanking your Secretary, Sirdar Partap Singh, for the part which he has played in bringing about the happy results which your presence here to-day commemorates. It was no easy matter to get together so many men with so many apparently con- flicting interests. That he has succeeded shows how his heart was in the work and proves that he possesses the qualities of ability, industry and tact which are essential in carrying through a public movement of this character. These qualities should enable him to
46
The Puniab Chiefs' Association.
carry on the work for the future with the same success as he has achieved in the past.
With Nawab Bahrain Khan, the leader of the Baluchis, as your President, with Raja Narinder Chand of Nadaun, a hill Rajput of the Rajputs, Nawab Patch Ali Khan Kazilbash, a leading representative of the strong western Muhammadan influence in the Province and him- self a prominent landowner and citizen of Lahore, and Sirdar Jiwan Singh to represent the great Sikh community which has made the Punjab famous, as your Vice-Presidents, and with Sirdar Partap Singh as Secretary. I can confidently predict a career of wise and well-consider- ed utility for your Association to which I wish God-speed.
CHAPTER X
THE ASSOCIATION WELCOMES THE VICEROY TO THE
PUNJAB.
His Excellency Lord Minto, the Viceroy and Governor- General of India, visited the Capital of the Punjab in the end of spring 1909g His Excellency was entertained by the Association at a Garden Party at the Shalamar Gardens on the 2nd April 1909, to which a large number of Indian and Europeon ladies and gentlemen was invited.
In connection with this function the Lahore Tribune wrote : —
" The Garden Party at Shalamar Gardens on Friday, the 2nd April afternoon, in connection with the address of the Punjab Chiefs' Association was one of the most pleasant functions in connection with His Excellency the Viceroy's visit to Lahore. The gardens were adorned in a tasteful style, the rich foliage of nature being beautifully set off by decorations of art, while hundreds of fountains threw cooling sprays. Their Excellencies and staff accompanied by the Lieutenant- Governor and staff were received by the President and members of the Association at the entrance, and were conducted to the Reception Hall, the Dogra band playing National Anthem. The address was read by
48
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
Sardar Partap Singh, c.s.i. General Secretary of the Association, and was presented in an exquisite silver casket to the Viceroy by the President, Nawab Bahrain Khan, c.i.e., His Excellency then presented Faqir Syed Qanir-ud-Din with the insignia of C.I.E. and Kaisar-i-Hind to Sardar Raza Ali Khan."
CHAPTER XI.
SOME DETAILS OF THE GARDEN PARTY TO HIS
EXCELLENCY.
Address from the Punjab Chiefs' Association.
One of the pleasantest and most sociable functions that the Viceroy has attendend took place at Shalimar Gardens on Friday after- noon, when His Excellency received an address from the Punjab Chiefs' Association to which he replied with a most encouraging speech — one that will make history as far at any rate as the nobility of the Punjab is concerned. There was a very large number of guests present, both European and Indian, and all were delighted with the kindly hospitality of their genial hosts. The gardens were adorned in a beautiful style. Hundreds of fountains threw graceful sprays into the air, and the musical tinkling of the falling water was refreshing in the extreme. The decorations of the beautiful hall which at the end of the upper terrace overlooks the lower were delicious. The colours were few and simple. The overspanning arches were adorned with cloths of light blue and white of delicate texture which gave one a pleasing sensation of coolness, while rich rugs were placed around the throne on which Lord Minto took his seat. In another part of the gardens shamianas had been erected where tea and other refreshments were partaken of. Two bands were in attendance, the South Lancashire Regiment's and the 38th Dogras.'
50
The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
His Excellency, Lady Minto and staff, accompanied by the Lieutenant-Governor and staff, were received at the entrance by the President of the Association, Nawab Bahrain Khan, and the leading members of the Association.
They were then conducted down the long walk leading to the reception hall. Halfway the procession came to a halt and His Excel- lency stood at the salute while the Dogras band played the National Anthem. Lord Minto then passed down a row of the remaining members of the Association to whom he bowed in acknowledgment of their salutations. Lord Minto then took his seat in the reception hall, and the Chiefs' Association address was read bv Sardar Partab Sinerh C.S.T., General Secretary of the Association. This was enclosed in a beautiful silver casket, a handsome specimen of Delhi work, and handed to the Viceroy by the President. Lord Minto then made his reply.
A pleasant function afterward took place immediately. His Excellency presented the aged Fakir Sayid Kamar-ud-Din with the insignia of CLE., making at the same time a few congratulatory remarks. The Fakir had to be supported in a standing posture to receive the honour ; he is of great age, and although a healthy looking old gentleman is necessarily very feeble. Afterwards the Kaiser-i- Hind was presented to Sardar Raziallah Khan Qazilbash.
The guests then partook of tea, and later, after the Viceroy and Lieutenant-Governor and their respective parties had left, the gathering dispersed. There were some hundreds of guest, but thanks to the excellent police arrangements there was never any trouble in securino- the conveyances waiting outside.
CHAPTER XII.
ASSOCIATION'S WELCOME ADDRESS TO THE VICEROY. The following is the text of the address : —
We, the members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association, are gathered here this evening to present Your Excellency with an address of welcome to the Capital of our Province, and Your Excellency's accept- ance of the same at once honours and exalts us.
It is a fortunate chance that Your Excellency's visit to the Punjab happens within a few week of the birth of our Association, thus not only bringing about a most auspicious circumstance, but enabling us to make known to Your Excellency the aspirations which have led to its formation, and which we hope will meet with Your Excellency's approval.
Your Excellency may have read in the newspapers an account of the formation of our As'aociation. We need not here dilate on the programme we have planned for ourselves. Suffice it to say that we have deeply felt the necessity of making audible the voice of a class which has felt its responsibility towards the Government and the
52 The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
masses. A voice hitherto discordant will now be heard in chorus and perfect union.
Most of us have watched Your Excellency's masterly steering of the ship of the State through troubled waters for the last two years,- and our hearts have been gladdened by the strength and wisdom which have shown the presence of an iron hand under the velvet glove whose grip is not meant to strangle freedom but has been able to paralyse crime and to dispel all lawlessness and disorder from the land.
We assure Your Excellency that no class is more vitally interested in the maintenance of peace and order than ours, and we stand ready to help the Government with whatever humble resources we have at our command. We would fain have refrained from alluding to these topics and confined ourselves to more agreeable subjects, but the times require it. We feel it our bounden duty to emphasize that peace and order are our watchwords and that it shall be our supreme duty to vindicate and maintain them.
Your Excellency's noble persistence in recommending in the midst of untoward political circumstances sufficient to cast lesser minds into despair measures which will more and more associate the people in the work of Government are proofs of a liberal mind and a generous heart in which the spirit of a farseeing statesmanship is at work ; and we trust that when Your Excellency's proposed reform measures which have been so enthusiastically taken up by Lord Morley have become an accomplished fact they will belie the pessimistic forecasts which certain people whom nothing can reconcile are making.
We must also avail ourselves of this opportunity to express one grateful feelings to Lady Minto for evincing such a tender solicitude
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 53
for the welfare and uplifting of Indian Womanhood. It is true that the task of approaching purdah ladies is fraught with many impedi- ments, but her ladyship's remarkable tact combined with her courtesy has won her the love and respect of all with whom she has come in contact. We wish her ladyship all success in this noble work. Her ladyship has by her presidency of the Lady Dufferin Fund considerably increased its scope and its usefulness. To the pilotage of that bene- ficent work she has added another instituttion, namely, the Nursing Association, which will ever be the mark of her love of alleviating human suffering.
Your Excellency, as we have said before, is aware of the aims and objects of our Association, and we, therefore, deem it superfluous to give a detailed description of the reasons which prompted us to launch it into active life. Briefly put we were actuated by an ardent desire to put our house in order and effect such charges in it as are rendered indispensable by its environment.
We cannot help mentioning to Your Excellency how our Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Louis William Dane, has encouraged us in our work of organisation ; which but for His Honour's encouragement would have ended in failure, and how he has warmly sympathised with our aspirations which under his auspices we feel confident are bound to be realised.
In the end we must express our gratitude to Your Excellency and your worthy Consort for the honour done to us this evening by Your Excellency's gracing our garden party with your presence.
The following members of the Association waited on His Excellency with the Address : —
54
The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
Nawab Bahrain Khan, c.i.e., Mazari Chief, President of the Association, Raja Narinder Chand, c.s.i., Chief of Nadaun, Vice- President, Nawab Pateh Ali Khan, Qazilbash, c.i.e., Arice-President, Lieutenant the Hon'ble Malik Umar Havat Khan, Tiwana, c.i.e., Nawab Khuda Bakhsh Khan, Tiwana, Shahzada Muhammad Hamdam, Bedi Sujan Singh of Una, Rai Sahib Chaudhri Malha Singh, Kangra, Mian Rughnath Singha, Kangra, Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan, Chief of Kunjpura, Sardar Arjan Singh of Mukerian, Sardar Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala, Sardar Daljit Singh of Kapurthala, Sardar Bahadur Harnam Singh, of Ambala, Sardar Jawahar Singh of Mustafabacl, Bhai Manohar Lai of Lahore, Sardar Hari Singh of Wahali, Khan Bahadur Makhdum Hassan Bakhsh, Qureshi, of Multan, Khan Bahadur Mehr Alia Yar Khan, Khan Baha- dur Sheikh Riaz Hussain, of Multan, Sardar Harnam Singh of Hoshiar- pur, Sardar Arjan Singh, of Hoshiarpur, Sardar Din Muhammad Khan, Laghari Chief, of Dera Ghazi Khan, Sardar Mir Muhammad Khan, Laghari, of Hera Ghazi Khan, Sardar Raghbir Singh, Sindhanwalia of Rajasansi, Sardar Muhammad Aslam Ilayat Khan of Wah, Rai Wali Muhammad Khan of Raikot, Khan Bahadur Faqir Syed Qamr-ud-Din, c.i.e., Bhai Gurdit Singh, Lahore, Bhai Dan Singh of Lahore, Thakur Maha Chand of Amritsar, Sardar Bikram Singh of Amritsar, Rai Bhawani Singh of Gurdaspur, Diwan Rajkumar, Darhiwala of Lahore, Diwan Som Nath, of Lahore, Diwan Krishen Kishore of Lahore, Sardar Mansa Singh, Ludhiana, Sardar Sunder Singh, of Ramgarhia, Sardar Arur Singh, Sarbarah, Darbar Sahib of Amritsar, Makhdum Sadr-ud-Din Shah, Gilani, Multan, Pir Gulam Rasul Shah of Multan, Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan, Qizilbash, Sardar Raza Ali Khan, Qazilbash, Hon'ble Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Khan, Hon'ble Assistant General Secretary, the Hon'ble General Secretary.
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
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CHAPTER XIII.
The Viceroy's reply to Punjab Chiefs, Association.
The Viceroy then replied : —
" Gentlemen, — I warmly thank yon for the welcome yon have extended in your address to Lady Minto and myself, but I have also to thank yon for your hospitality as our hosts in the midst of surround- ings full of charm and historical interest. You could have chosen no more beautiful place for to-day's ceremony than the Shalimar Gardens, an ideal spot for a gathering such as this, inaugurated by the Chiefs of the Punjab.
" Your Association is I know still in its infancy ; it is not yet a year old. But youthful as it is I can assure you I have watched its growth with deep interest, for it has come into existence at a time when there is much need for the fulfilment of the objects it aims at, and for which the future promises many useful opportunities. Your President is Nawab Bahrain Khan, whilst I know how much Sardar Partab Singh of Jullundur has done to inaugurate your organisation and to ensure its success. I am also aware that Sir Louis Dane takes a keen intererst in your progress. So that I feel that the infant As- sociation has begun its life in careful hands and under good tutelage.
" At the present moment, especially when the air has been so full of political discussion, together with anxieties as to the peaceful ad- ministration of the country, it is very encouraging to recognise in your Association a common effort on the part of those, who are natural leaders
56
The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
of the people of this Province, and who have the greatest stake in it prosperity, to unite together in the representation of interests which not only affect themselves but the population amongst whom they live. You are the great landowners of the Province and the hereditary leaders as representatives of the people : you know their daily life and their daily wants, and it is to you that the Government of India must look for information and for guidance.
" I am glad that the Sardars have united in one common cause ; that they have manfully determined to make their voice heard in support of the Government whose first duty must be the maintenance of law and order, which alone can ensure the success of the reforms they have been so anxious to introduce. Gentlemen, I heartily wel- come the assurance you have to-day given me of your combined assist- ance, and I know full well that the Government of India will have no more willing and sufficient co-adjutors in their task of furthering the highest interests of the people than the nobles and gentlemen of the Punjab.
" Lady Minto asks me to thank you, gentlemen, for the many kind words you have so gracefully addressed to her, and to tell you that it is very encouraging to her to hear from you that her sympathies for Indian womanhood and the work in which she is so much interest- ed have been appreciated. Lady Minto and I will carry away with us very happy recollections of your reception to us in the Shalimar Gardens, and, gentlemen, I must assure you that it has been very gratifying to me to find myself surrounded by so many representatives of some of the finest soldierly races in the Empire, many of them descendants of men who have over and over again proved themselves sturdy fighters and gallant gentlemen on many a hard-fought field."
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 57
CHAPTER XIV.
FAREWELL TO H. E. LORD MINTO.
The members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association presented their farewell address to His Excellency the Viceroy on the evening of the 3rd of November last at the Ambala Cantonment railway station, where the Viceregal special was stopped for a short time to enable the Punjab Chiefs to wait on 1 Lis Excellency and present their address. The Lieutenant- Governer of the Punjab arrived by the special train from Patiala at 5-30, bringing with him a large number of members of the Association who had gone to Patiala for the installation festivities. The Viceregal train steamed into the station at 0 p. m., and on alighting from the train His Excellency was received by His Honour the Lieute- nent- Governer, Patron of the Association, the Hon'ble Nawab Bahrain Khan, CLE., and the members of the Association, who were presented by the Honorary Secretary of the Association. Their Excellencies were then led to silver chairs. On the platform there were also present General Sir James AVilcocks, Commanding the Northern Army ; Major- General Sir A. Martin, (whom His Excellency invested with a K.C.B. immediately before the presentation of the address) ; Colonel Davies,
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The Punjab Chiefs Association.
Commissioner of Jullundur ; Colonel Dallas, Commissioner of Delhi, the Hon. Mr. Eenton, Chief Secretary, Punjab Government, Major Bayley, Private Secretary to H. H. the Lieutenent-Governor, Major- General Pilcher, Commanding the Sirhind Brigade, and several other military Officers ; Mr. Sykes, Deputy Commissioner, Ambala District ; Major H. Dennys, Depnty Inspector- General of Police, Eastern Range ; Mr. Goldney, Superintendent of Police and others with a sprinkling of ladies. The silver casket in which the address was presented to His Excellency by Nawab Bahrain Khan was of beaten silver mounted on a small base of ebony. On the lid of the casket was the Punjab shield in enamel with an inscription on one side of the Box. The address was read by the Hon. General Secretary.
The following members formed the Deputation : —
Hon'ble Nawab Bahrain Khan Mazari, CLE., President, Raja Narinder Chand, C. S. I., of Nadaun, Nawab Eateh Ali Khan, C. T. E., Lahore, Sardar Jiwan Singh, Shahid, C.S.I., Vice-Presidents; Raja Eateh Singh of Shekhupura, Hon'ble Lieutenent Malik Ulnar Hyzat Khan Tiwana, C. I. E., Hon'ble Malik Mubariz Khan Tiwana, Hon'ble Sardar Sunder Singh Majithia, Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan of Kunjpura, Sardar Dal jit Singh of Kapurthala, Sardar Charanjit Singh, Khan Bahadur Mukhdum Hussan Buksh Qureshi of Multaii, Khan Bahadur Syed Hussan Bakhsh Gurdezi, Khan Abdul Qadir Khan Baddozai, Sardar Jawahar Singh of Mustafabad, Sardar Kuldip Singh of Mokundpur, Khan Bahadur Sheikh Riaz Husain Qureshi of Multan, Khan Bahadur Mehr Allah Yar Khan of Multan, Mukhdum Sudruddin Shah Gilani, of Multan, Sardar Drehan Khan Dreshak, Sardar Gulam Hussain Khan, LuriLund, Sardar Jallab Khan, Gurchani, C. I. E., Sardar Jamal Khan,
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 59
Laghari and Sardar Muhanimed Massu Khan, Tibbi Lundan, of Dera Ghazi Khan. Rai Wali Mohammed Khan of Raikot, Sardar Gurdit Singh of Shamgarh, Sardar Bahadur Partap Singh of Mianpur, Nawab Khuda Bakhsh Khan Tiwana of Shahpur, Rai Bahadur Sardar Amrik Singh of Gujranwala, Sardar Jwala Sahai of Amritsar, Rana Basant Singh and Kanwar Gubardhan Singh of Bhibat, Sardar Bhagwant Singh, Bhadau- ria, Bhai Arjan Singh of Bagrian, Diwari Daya Kishen, Kaul C. I. E., of Lahore, Bhai Dan Singh and Bhai Manohar Lai of Lahore, Sardar Bikram Singh, Sardar Bahadur Arur Singh, Sardar Sunder Singh Ram- garhia and Sardar Gulzar Singh of Amritsar, Diwan Krishen Kishore of Lahore, Sardar Mian Anrodh Singh and Sardar Jodhbir Singh of Ambala, Tikka Sodhi Ram Narain Singh of Anandpur, Sardar Bahadur Harnam Singh of Kharar, Sardar Mansa Singh of Lidran, Sardar Hari Singh of Wahali, Jhelum, Hon'ble Sardar Partap Singh of Kapurthala, C S.I., Honorary General Secretary and Honb'le Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Khan of Malerkotla, Assistant Honorary General Secretary.
* A very pleasant social function followed the presentation of the address and the Viceroy's reply to it when Their Excellencies, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governer, Major-General Pilcher, Mr. Sykes, all the European officers and ladies and all the members of the Associa- tion were the guests of the Hon. Sardar Partab Singh at tea. Light refreshments were served in the refreshment room which had been placed at the Sardar's disposal by the Hon. Mr. Burt, Manager, North-Western Railway. At 7 p. m. the Viceregal train steamed out of the station after Their Excellencies had wished good-bye to their host and everybody present. The station was prettily decorated with
* Taken from the report of the special correspondent of the Civil & Military Gazette of Lahore.
GO
The Punjab Chief* Association.
palms, flowers and hunting, and a British guard-of -honour with band and colours was drawn upon the platform, and was inspected by His Excellency immediately after lie had alighted from the train. The Viceregal train left to the strains of " Auld Lang Syne," and three cheers for Their Excellencies Lord and Ladv Minto.
CHAPTER XV.
THE FAKE WELL ADDKESS TO THE VICEEOY.
" May it please Your Excellency, — It is at once a pleasing and a painful duty which brings us, the members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association, in Your Excellency's august presence to-day. Our traditions teach us to regard the Ruler as an object of love and veneration and to do homage to him is in our estimation a religions duty and its performance fraught with pleasure. But when we are reminded that Your Excellency will soon be leaving the shores of this land, over which Your Excellency has ruled so wisely and sympatheti- cally, and that we are here to-day to bid Yrour Evcellencies farewell, we cannot but feel the pang which parting brings.
It is natural that on the eve of a Viceroy's relinquishment of the reins of Government the chief events connected with his rule should come prominently to mind as they determine the immediate prosperity and future destiny of the people and while passing in review before the mind's eye they move one to gratitude, inducing greater loyalty and more fervid devotion. It has to be admitted, though with profound regret, that when Yrour Excellency assumed the reins of Government
62
The Punjab Chiefs Association. .
five years ago, the relations between the rulers and the ruled were far from being happy. It required a strong hand and a sympathetic heart to deal with the situation. Your Excellency's broad-minded sympathy,
your soliciltude for the welfare of the people, your attitude towards their lawful aspirations coupled with firmness in the suppression of anarchy, violence and sedition, have brought the bark of State safely through storm and stress to a haven of peace.
" The expansion of the Gouncils and the grant of representation on them, the credit of the inception and initiation of which scheme belong mainly to Your Excellency, have to the mass of seekers after reform brought the assurance that the benign Government is not deaf to their cry, provided their demands be just and compatible with the welfare of the country. The noble words with which Your Excellency welcomed the members of the newly constituted Imperial Legislative Council, outlining a new policy and a new line of action for the Government of India, will bear repetition. Your Excellency said : ' We have had to recognise that British rule must again be re -adapted to novel conditions — far more novel than any with which our pre- decessors had to deal, in that political forces unknown to them have come into existence in India, which it is no longer possible for British administrators to ignore.' These were words of promise, and the candour and strength Avhich characterise them, raised hopes and expectations that doubts and misgivings will soon be dispelled. The parental interest which Your Excellency evinced in subsequently watch- ing over the growth of the reformed Councils and the attitude of conciliation and sympathy assumed by you have fulfilled those expecta- tions. India further realised those hopes when Your Excellency appointed the Maharaja of Bobbili to the Executive Council of the
The Pmijab Chiefs Association. 03
Southern Presidency. Your Excellency made it apparent to the Association that the class of people who have the greatest stake in the country and who can whole-heartedly exert all the influence of their birth and position towards the maintenance of law and order, is not ignored.
" The appointment of the Hon. Mr. S. P. Sinha at the head of the Legal Department of the Government of India brought home to all the impartiality with which merit and worth were recognized by Your Excellency's Government. It is no less a matter of grati- fication to the Indians that the highest tribunal in the Empire has an Indian, the Right Hon. Mr. Amir Ali, and the India Council has amongst its members Messrs. K. G. Gupta and Abbas Ali Beg. Both these appointments are really an amplification of the Reform Scheme so nobly conceived and so generously executed by Your Excellency.
" That nothing which concerned the material welfare of the country escaped Your Excellency's vigilant eye and that Your Excellency has, with fostering care and solicitude, watched over the interests of all is amply proved by the measures adopted by you for fighting the plague and pestilence, for rendering succour and help to the destitute and needy during times of famine and scarcity, for improving the agricultural resources of the country by the outlay of an immense amount of money on irrigation projects, for the resuscitation of the industries and trades of the country by means of holding Provincial Exhibitions, and for the dissemination of more useful and practical training by making larger grants towards education, and establishing scholarships for the prosecution of studies in foreign countries.
" The people of India have found in Her Excellency Lady Minto's sojourn in India evidences of a tender and affectionate heart which
G4 The Punjab Chiefs Association.
goes out to all humanity like that of a loving mother. Her Excellency's solicitude for the betterment and elevation of the gentler sex in India, her gracious consideration in receiving and returning visits of Indian ladies and receiving them at purdah parties, her efforts towards alleviating the sorrows aud sufferings of humanity by taking a keen interest in the working of the Ladv Dufferin Fund and establishing the Nursing Association, are womanly virtues which have given Her Excellency an abiding place in the hearts of all India.
" The memory of Your Excellencies will thus be cherished bv all Indians with feelings of profound reverence and affection for genera- tions and will serve to imbue their hearts with sentiments of fervent loyalty and devotion to the King-Emperor whom you represent. We now wish Your Excellencies good-bye, and beg to assure you that our prayer for Your Excellencies' long life and prosperity and the enjoy- ment of the choicest blessings of God Almighty will follow you over the seas to your home. We hope and trust that you will kindly bear in mind the Association which took its birth during Your Yicerovaltv and which represents the most devoted servants of the Crown. A Ye beg of you that when you reach England and are received in audience by the King-Emperor you will graciously convey to His Imperial Majesty, with our dutiful homage, the assurance that not only have the sentiments expressed by him on his return to England from India infused in our hearts the earnest desire to be able, by the grace of God, to serve him faithfully and loyally to the ends of our lives, but that by reason of our descent of which we are justly proud, the pre- servation of our status and protection of our rights and interest by his Government, Ave consider it our bounden duty to be deeply loyal and to pray unceasingly for the stability of his throne and his long life.
" We again most humbly wish your Excellencies God-speed."
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 65
CHAPTER XVI.
THE VICEROY'S REPLY.
His Excellency replied as follows : —
" Gentlemen, — I really cannot thank you sufficiently for your address, and for the more than kind appreciation you express of the services I have endeavoured to render to India during the last few years. You have come to say good-bye to me, and I assure you nothing could have done more to soften the pang of my farewell to you than the knowledge that you recognise my friendship towards yourselves and your people. The last time I received an address from your Association was in the Shalimar Gardens at Lahore on the 2nd of April, 1909. Your Association had then been in existence only a few weeks. On that occasion you told me of the necessity of making audible the views of a class which has felt its responsibilities towards the Government and the masses. You assured me that it was ' vitally interested in the maintenance of peace and order, ' and that it ' stands ready to help the Government ;' that it was also ' actuated by an ardent desire to put its house in order and effect such changes in it as are rendered indispensable by its environment.' I told your deputation in
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The Punjab Chiefs Association.
reply that though the Association was then in its infancy, I should watch its growth with deep interest ; that it had come into existence at a most opportune moment, when the air was full of political dis- cussion, and when it was very encouraging to find the natural leaders of the peoples and those who had the greatest stake in the country showing a united front in the representation of interests affecting them- selves, as well as those of the population amongst whom they lived as hereditary leaders for guidance and support in the maintenance of * law and order.' The address you have presented to me to-day shows that during the last year and a half your Association has faithfully fulfilled its objects and has firmly supported the Government in the critical times through which we have passed.
" It is very encouraging, too, to hear your appreciation of the reform schemes as a recognition of lawful aspirations, whilst lending every assistance in your power towards the suppression of anarchy, violence and sedition. I hope that the enlarged Councils will give further opportunities for the expression of opinions on public affairs by those who have the greatest stake in their country, and who can do so much to contribute towards its good government. You, gentlemen, are the representatives of the manly and loyal races of the Punjab. Upon your strength the Government of India feels that it can rely. It is to your good sense and knowledge of the every-day requirements of your countrymen that they must largely look for assistance. You have alluded, gentlemen, to Lady Minto's solicitude for the betterment and elevation of the women of India, to her hos- pitality to purdah ladies, and to her interest in Lady Dufferin's Fund and the Nursing Association. I thank you on Lady Minto's behalf for all you have said, and I know that though Ave are leaving India
i
The Punjab Chiefs Association. 67
she will never lose sight of the urgent necessities and the great possi- bilities of the work she has done her best to encourage. I again sincerely thank you, gentlemen, for your address. I will make it my duty on my return to England to convey to the King-Emperor, not only your dutiful homage, but the assurance of the loyal services you are rendering to the British administration, and I shall carry away with me very warm recollections of our meeting this evening, and of the farewell tendered to me by my friends of the Punjab."
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The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
CHAPTER XVII.
CHIEF ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION.
The following extract from the agenda of a meeting of the Association will throw some light on some of the objects on which the Association proposes to concentrate its energies as well as the attitude it has taken up as regards the present day questions : —
1. To put on record the deep sense of gratitude for the gracious and kind expressions used with respect to the Association, its Members and the Punjab aristocracy in general, by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor and His Excellency the Viceroy in reply to our address.
2. To place on record an expression of approval of the policy of firmness to preserve law and order in the land and to extirpate lawlessness and anarchism.
3. To publish such literature in Vernacular as may neutralize the poisonous effects of the dangerous publications which are being circulated and sold by a certain class of people and the press and also to protect the minds of the people generally and students in particular.
4. With a view to securing the object expressed in No. 3 to conduct a periodical.
TIi e Punjab Chiefs' Association, 69
5. To request Government that it may grant lands in the new canal colonies on easy and specially favourable terms to the members of old notable families not now in sound financial condition.
A Sub-Committee has been appointed to work out the objects specified in Resolutions 3 and 4 and every thing is in readiness to make a start in those directions.
What we propose doing is to watch over the education among our sons, introduce a system of settlement of certain civil disputes by panchayats instead of going to law, to have mixed public parties which bring Europeans and Indians in close social contact and conduce to promote feelings among the two communities, and last but not the least to find out means of chastening and moderating the views and utterances of the vernacular press and to protect the mind of the rising generation from being contaminated by the political ravings of the insane extremist.
Volume I of the newly revised official publication of the book " Punjab Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab" has in its pre- face the acknowledgment of the service rendered by the Association in the following words : —
" In the difficult task of deciding which of those applicants (who applied for the inclusion in the new edition) to admit, Govern- ment has been materially assisted by a strong and representative committee of the Punjab Chiefs' Association, to which the Hon'ble Sirdar Partap Singh, c.s.i., of Jullundur, acted as Secretary. To him, and to the other members of the Committee, the thanks of Government are due."
Prom the tone of our addresses presented to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab and His Excellency the Viceroy
70 The Tun jab Chiefs Association.
and Governor- General of India and from the deeds done quietly and firmly in behalf of the public welfare our Association has fortunately acquired a position which not only we but the whole country should be proud of.
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 71
CHAPTER XVIII.
CONCLUDING KEMAEKS.
That this Association has been subjected to criticism often of an unkind and even virulent description need not surprise us. The aspirations cast on the Association and the attempts that are made at holding it up to ridicule are acknowledgments on the part of the press of the fact that the Association is not a thing which may be ignored and treated with contempt. There is not a party in the world that would not like to add to its numbers and the Indian Press is no ex- ception. When suasion and argument fail to win people over, scath- ing criticism is generally resorted to in the belief that rather than stand the fire of abuse people will desert their guns and by desertion secure protection against calumny.
Such tactics are not new, and while their antiquity denudes them of the charm of novelty it confers upon them the sanction and authority of usage and precedent.
Let not such criticism, however, lead us to the conclusion that the Association as a body or the individuals that compose it are looked upon with the least suspicion or misgiving by the public or even by
72 The Punjab L/iiefs' Association.
those that indulge in old fashioned pleasantries at our expense for the entertainment of their constituents. Knowing the sources from which these criticisms well up we need not seriously consider [them. These criticisms are a trick of — a trade -a paving commodity.
AVe have defined our position. Our position is that we are vassals of the crown and, as representatives, servants of the public. This is a position that both the public and the Government recognize. Tangible facts are more convincing argument than the most abstruse reasoning and a few are enumerated here in order to bring home to all the truth of the assertion that the Association in spite of being adverselv criticised bv some sections is regarded as a bodv worthv of respect composed of gentlemen who command esteem and confidence.
During the Viceregal visit to Lahore in the spring of 1909, three deputations waited on His Excellency with addresses of welcome. They represented respectively the Muhammadans, the Hindus and the Sikhs of the Province and included the leading members of those important communities. At the head of each deputation there was a Chief belong- ing to the Punjab Chiefs' Association. The deputation of the Punjab Muslims was lead by Nawah Fateh Ali Khan, one of our Vice- Presidents ; that of the Hindus had Thakur Maha Chand at its head and Sardar Daljit Singh was the spokesman of the Sikh deputation.
The Association then has every reason to believe that the remarks levelled against it are not indicating of its having lost the confidence or esteem of the public.
As regards the Government under whose a?gis the Association exists and to whose countenance and support the Association is indebted for being what it is there are certain public pronouncements which carry conviction to the world at large, and hope and encouragement to the members of the Association as to its usefulness and its future.
The Punjab Chiefs Association 73
Commenting on the reply of His Excellency Lord Minto a Lahore daily wrote : —
%J
The Punjab Chiefs' Association came in for some well deserved compliments from His Excellency the Viceroy on Friday afternoon. His Excellency, it will be seen from the account elsewhere given, remarked that he watched the growth of the Association with great interest — " You are " said His Excellency, " the great landowners of the Province and the hereditary leaders. As representatives of the people, you know their daily life and their daily wants and it is to you that the Government of India must look for information and for guidance."
The London Times giving an account of our inaugural meeting wrote : —
" More than a hundred chiefs and hereditary nobles of ancient family in the Punjab have formed a political association, the object of which is to support the British Government and defend the immemorial supremacy of the aristocracy against the disintegrating forces of unrest ".
Sir Lewis Tupper, the veteran Punjab Civilian, writing on "Indian Reforms ' in the pages of the "British Empire Review" referred to our organization in the following words : —
" I am glad to see that in the Province where I rendered all but six years of my service a pronouncement has been made by a class which appears to me far more important politically than the section of the literates just described. If we give the ruling chiefs and the hereditary leaders of local groups occasion to despise our folly and curse our rule, there will be risk compared with which the trouble
74 The Punjab Chiefs Association.
arising out of bomb "outrages and recent political assassinations is quite insignificant.
Written, as this account is, for circulation amongst our own members it might have been closed without another word. It is not the conventions of book-writing which compel me to acid the few lines which follow, but the desire to imbue all alike with a sense of the duty, which our dual relations enjoin upon us.
To the Government we are bound by ties of devotion and loyalty as to it we owe the continuance and upholding of our class. To the public who repose confidence in us we owe it that we shall, whenever occasion arise, espouse their cause and make their wants known to those whom our position renders accessible.
We shall from time to time have to perform the function of intermediaries and intercessors and it is to be hoped fervently that we shall be granted by God the discernment and wisdom which alone can make our existence useful.
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CHAPTER XIX.
STATUTES OF THE PUNJAB CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION
I. Title.
I. The Association shall be called the " Punjab Chiefs' Association/'
II. Objects of the Association. 2. Objects. — The objects of the Association are : —
(a) To promote good feeling between the rulers and the ruled,
and good understanding among all classes of the com- munity.
(b) To assist the Government in the administration of the
country by all available means.
(c) To discuss public enactments from +ime to time and
suggest to the Government measures useful to the country in general and to the aristocracy of the province in particular.
(d) /To promote such social intercourse and good feeling
between members of the Association as would create a healthy tone and esprit de corps among them.
76 The Punjab Chiefs Association.
(<?) To look after the general interests of their class in the Punjab.
if) To adopt such measures as may be calculated to raise the position and status and further the interests of the members individually and collectively,
0) To devise means for the sound and suitable education of the aristocracy in the province.
TIL — Constitution.
3. Constitution.— The Association shall have a President, three Vice-Presidents, an Honorary General Secretary and an Honorary or paid Assistant Secretary. The office bearers Anil hold office for two years. Permanent rules concerning their appointment will be laid clown after the expiry of the present term of two years.
IV. — Members.
4. 3Iembership.— A.' (1) All hereditary Parbaries and heads and members of families holding Jagirs whose names or whose predecessors' names are mentioned in " Punjab Chiefs" published by authority of the Punjab Government shall be eligible for membership. (2) Mem- bers of the junior branches of Ruling Families are also eligible if they are permanently resident in British territory. (3) Other members of such families who do not come within the above categories but who may be elected according to the rules hereinafter mentioned shall also be eligible for membership.
B. A new member under (3) shall be proposed and seconded at meeting of the Council, and after securing a majority of votes shall be declared elected provided he has signed an application form counter- signed by two existing members of the Association.
C. Every member shall have to pay Rs. 50 as admission fee and Rs. 60 as annual fee and shall have to undertake to pay such other subscriptions which may be hereafter fixed, and abide by such rules and bye-laws as the Association may prescribe from time to time.
5. Expulsion. — Any member of the Association who has by his conduct and public behaviour rendered himself unfit to continue as a member of the Association, shall be liable to be expelled. He will first be called upon at a meeting to clear his conduct and his name shall be removed from the rolls of members by f- votes of the members present at the next meeting if he fails to exonerate himself.
V. — Meetings of the Association.
6. General Meeting. — General meeting of the Association shall be called by the General Secretary three times a year, a notice of which shall be given to all members a month before the date fixed, and that of an extraordinary will be issued 10 clays before. Ex- traordinary and emergent meetings will be called by the General Secretary with the consent of the President or a Vice-President resident at head-quarters.
7. Every member shall be bound to attend at least one meeting in a year.
8. Accounts and Budget. — Accounts of the outgoing years will be rendered and budget for the forthcoming year will be presented every year in the month of March.
9. Quorum. — Twelve will be the quorum of a meeting.
10. Sub-Committees, etc. — The Association shall have power to appoint a Sub-Committee to report on or consider any particular
78 The Punjab Chiefs Association.
matters, and also to nominate or appoint from among the members some to form a deputation for any special object or to memorialize the Government on important matters within the objects of the Association.
VI. — General,
11. All the matters considered to promote or accomplish the aims and objects of the Association shall first have to be discussed and adopted at a general meeting.
12. Head- Quarters. — The head-quaters of the Association shall be at Lahore. The office of the Association shall be where the General Secretary resides until the Association gets its own building. Place of the meetings of the Association shall be at its he ad -quarters.
13. Suggestions bg Members. — Any member of the Association shall be entitled to make any suggestions in writing to the Association through the General Secretary, which must reach him in time to be included in the Agenda.
14. No matter other than those in the agenda shall be brought before a meeting. — No matter other than those on the agenda shall be brought before a meeting. The said agenda shall be sent to the members as early as possible before the date and time of the meeting.
15. Chairman. — The President and in his absence a Vice-Pre- sident and in the absence of a Vice-President a member, elected by other members present, shall preside over the sittings of a meeting.
16. Casting vote. — The Chairman shall have a casting vote.
17. General procedure. — General procedure practised to conduct public meetings shall be observed at all meetings of Association.
Tit e Punjab Chiefs' Association. 79
18. Rules to be made by the Association. — The Association may from time to time make such rules and bye -laws consistent with the spirit of the objects of the Association, regarding the conduct of the business of the Association as may be deemed advisable.
19. Rules to be amended by the Association. — The Association may from time to time modify, amend, or repeal any of the rules and bye -laws made by it by a § majority.
20. Custody of the property. — The property at present owned by the Association or hereafter acquired shall vest in the Association as a body corporate, and shall remain in the custody of the General Secretary who will have power to sign cheques or documents on be- half of the Association. The General Secretary will have power to get the Association registered as a joint stock concern," under the law applying to such bodies.
21. Secretary the representative of the Association. — The Secretary shall represent the Association in suits by or for the Association.
CHAPTER XX.
LIST OF OFFICE BEAREES AND MEMBEES OF THE ASSOCIATION.
Patron.
His Honour Sir William Louis Dane, k.c.i.e., c.s.i , Lieutenant- Governor of the Punjab and its Dependencies,
First Term.
President. The Hon'ble Nawab Bahrain Khan, c.i.e., Mazari Chief, member of the Punjab Legislative Council.
Vice-Presiden ts. Raja Narinder Chand, c.s.i., of Nadaun.
Nawab Fateh Ali Khan Qizilbash, c.i.e., of Lahore.
Sardar Jiwan Singh, Shahid, c.s.i., of Shahzadpur.
Honorary General Secretary, The Hon'ble Sirdar Partap Singh, c.s.i., of Kuparthala, Additional Member of the Imperial Legislative Council and a member of the Legislative Council, Punjab,
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 81
Assistant Hony. General Secretary, The Hon'ble Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Klian of Malerkotla, Additional Member of the Imperial Legislative Council.
Members.
KARNAL DISTRICT.
Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan of Kunjpura. Sardar Shamsher Singh of Arnauli. Nawab Rustam Ali Khan, Mandal. Sardar Sheo Narain Singh, Shahabad. Sardar Ujjal Singh, Dhanaura, Sardar Jwala Singh, Jharauli. Sardar Gurdit Singh, Shamgarh. Nawabzada Umardaraz Ali Khan, Mandal. Sardar Fateh Singh, Goda.
AMBALLA DISTRICT.
Sardar Jiwan Singh Shahid, c.s.i., of Shahzadpur. Sardar Devinder Singh, Ghanauli. Sardar Jawahar Singh, Mustafabad. Sardar Bahadur Partap Singh, Mianpur. Sardar Bahadur Alum Jan, Kotla Nihang. Sardar Mian Anrodh Singh, Ramgarh. Sardar Bhagwant Singh, Bharaili. Sardar Bahadur Harnam Singh, Kharar. Rana Basant Singh, Bhibat. Kanwar Gobardhan Singh, Bhibat. Sardar Bichittar Singh, Sardaheri. Sardar Shib Narain Singh, Ghanauli.
82 The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
Sarclar Randhir Singh, Bharatgarh. Sarclar Harindar Singh, Ghanauli. Sarclar Juclhbir Singh Ghanauli. Sarclar Bhola Singh, Kandhulan. Sarclar Narain Singh, Nanak Mazra, Sardar Jagpat Singh, Saidpura. Sardar Ram Singh, Dhen. Sarclar Bakhtawar Singh, Dhen. Sarclar Shamsher Singh, Dukhri. Sardar Ganga Singh, Sill. Sardar Partab Singh Sill. Sardar Kazura Singh, Saclhaura. Sardar Narayan Singh, Saclhaura. Sarclar Maha Singh, Sadhaura.
LUDHIANA DISTRICT.
Sardar Bhagwant Singh, Bhadauria. Sardar Baclan Singh, c.s.i., of Malaud. Shahzacla Muhammad Hamdam, Saddozai« Bhai Arjan Singh of Bagrian. Sardar Raghbir Singh, of Lidran. Rai Wali Muhammad Khan of Raikot. Sarclar Harnam Singh of Bheri. Rai Inayat Khan of Raikot. Sardar Sunder Singh of Pakkoki. Sardar Mansa Singh of Lidran.
JULLUNDUR DISTRICT. Hon'ble Sarclar Partap Singh, c.s.i., of Kapurthala. Sardar Charnjit of Kapurthala.
Sardar Daljit Singh of Kapurthala. Sardar Balwant Singh of Moran. Sardar Knldip Singh of Nakundpur.
HOSHIARPUR DISTRICT.
Raja Raglumath Singh of Jaswan.
Tikka Sodhi Ram Narain Singh of Anandpnr.
Bedi Snjan Singh of Una.
Mian Uclham Singh of Pirthipur.
Sardar Bakhtawar Singh of Kathgarh.
Rana Lehna Singh of Manawal.
Sardar Harnam Singh of Mukerian.
Rai Hira Chand of Bhihanr.
Sodhi Narindar Singh of Anandpnr.
Sardar Arjan Singh of Mukerian.
KANGRA DISTRICT.
Major Raja Jai Chand, c.i.e., of Lambagraon.
Raja Narinder Chand, c.s.i., of Nadaun.
Raja Gaggan Singh of Nurpur.
Tikka Baldeo Singh of Guler.
Tikka Rajinder Pal of Kutlehr.
Rai Megh Singh of Kullu.
Raja Attar Singh of Tilokpur.
Raja Balbir Singh, Mankotia.
Mian Amar Singh, Finance Minister, Keonthal State.
Rai Sahib Barar Pal of Bir.
Rai Sahib Chauclhari Malha Singh of Indora.
Mian Devi Chand of Bijapur.
Mian Rughnath Singh of Reh.
Mian Amir Singh of Tilokpnr.
Mian Jagrnp Chanel of Lambagraon.
LAHORE DISTRICT.
Raja Fateh Singh of Sheklmpnra.
Nawab Fateh Ali Khan Qazilbash, c.i.e.
Diwan Bahadur Diwan Narindra Nath, m.a., Deputy Com- missioner.
Khan Sahib Faqir Syad Zaffar-ud-Din, Deputy Supdt,, Police.
Diwan Krishn Kishore, Darhiwala.
Hon'ble Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Khan of Malerkotla, Chief Minister, Patiala State.
Diwan Som Nath Madan, B. Sc, Extra Assistant Commissioner.
Khan Bahrdur Sheikh Nasir-ud-Din, District Judge.
Faqir Syed Jalal-ud-Din, Extra Assistant Commissioner.
Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Qazilbash, Khan Bahadur.
Bhai Manohar Lai.
Bhai Dan Singh.
Diwan Daya Kishen Kaul, b. a., c. i. e., Chief Minister, Alwar
State.
Sardar Raza Ali Khan Qazilbash, k. h.
Faqir Syad Iftikhar-ud-Din, c.i.e., Settlement Officer.
Diwan Harnam Dass.
Diwan Radha Nath.
AMRITSAR DISTRICT.
Sardar Raghbir Singh, Sindhanwalia of Rajasansi. Hon'ble Sardar Sundar Singh Majithia, Sardar Bahadur, Member, Punjab Legislative Council.
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 85
Sardar Gulzar Singh of Kallian.
Sardar Sundar Singh Ramgarhia.
Bhai Gnrbahhsh Singh, Gyani, b.a., Barrister-at-Law.
Sardar Arur Singh, Sardar Bahadur, Naushahria, Sarbarah of Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple).
Sardar Joginder Singh of Rasulpur and Aira Estate, Ondh, Minister, Patiala State.
Sardar Sant Singh of Rasulpur.
Thakur Maha Chand.
Sardar Bikram Singh, m.a.
Sardar Jawala Sahai, District Judge.
Sardar Bija Singh, Majithia.
Sardar Bishan Singh, Majithia.
Sardar Nihal Singh of Kot Syed Muhammad.
Sardar Sant Singh of Manawala.
Sardar Chain Singh of Hirapur.
Sardar Gurdit Singh, Tija.
Sardar Sant Singh of Rasulpur.
Sardar Chanda Singh of Attari.
Sardar Harnam Singh, Aimawala.
Sardar Thakur Singh, Bhangi.
Sardar Jawahar Singh, Sidhu.
Sardar Har Bakhsh Singh.
Sardar Hakim Singh.
Sardar Mahtab Singh.
GURDASPUR DISTRICT.
Thakur Harkishan Singh, of Kishankot. Rai Bhawani Singh, m.a., of Batala.
86 The Punjab Chiefs' Association.
MONTGOMERY DISTRICT.
Bhai Uttam Singh, Bedi of Basirpur.
GUJRANWALA DISTRICT.
Rai Baliadur Diwan Amar Nath, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir.
Rai Bahadur Sardar Amrik Singh.
RAWALPINDI DISTRICT.
Baba Gurbakhsh Singh, Bedi, of Kallar.
Sardar Muhammad Aslam Hayat Khan of Wah, Extra Assistant Commissioner.
SHAHPUR DISTRICT.
Hon'ble Lieutenant Malik Ulnar Hayat Khan Tiwana, c.i.e., Member of Imperial Legislative Council.
Hon'ble Malik Mubariz Khan of Jahanabad, Member, Punjab
Legislative Council.
Nawab Khuda Bakhsh Khan, Tiwana, District Judge.
JHELUM DISTRICT. Sardar Hari Singh, Wahali.
MULTAN DISTRICT.
Khan Bahadur Makhdum Hassan Bakhsh Qureshi.
Khan Bahadur Syacl Hassan Bakhsh, Gurdezi.
Makhdum Sadr-ud-din Shah, Gilani.
Khan Bahadur Sheikh Riaz Hussain Qureshi.
Peer Ghulam Rasul Shah.
Khan Bahadur Ahmadyar Khan Khakwani,
Khan Abdul Qadir Khan, Baddozai.
Mukhdum Sheikh Muhammad Raju,
Khan Bahadur Mehr Allayar Khan, Political Assistant.
DERA GHAZI KHAN DISTRICT. Hon'ble Nawab Bahrain Khan, Mazari Chief, c.i.e. Sardar Jamal Khali, Laghari of Choi. Sardar Din Muhammad Khan, Laghari, Chief of Choi. Sardar Dost Muhammad Khan, Rojhan. Khan Bahadur Sardar Drehan Khan, Dreshuk, Chief of Asni. Sardar Jullab Khan, Garchani, c.i e , of Lalgarh. Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan, Suri Lund, of Lundan. Sardar Muhammad Massu Khan, Tibbi Lund, Lundan, Sardar Mir Muhammad Khan, Laghari, Choi.
The Punjab Chiefs' Association. 89
SUPPLEMENT.
f *-i *^ * %m
H. E. LORD HARDIXGE OF PENSHURST IX LAHORE.
On the evening of 4tli April 1911 a Garden Party was given by tlie Associtioan in honour of His Excellency's visit to the Capital of the Punjab where an Address of welcome was presented to the Viceroy.
The Tribune wrote : —
The last but not the least notable function in connection with the Viceregal visit to Lahore was the garden part) given to their Excellencies the Viceroy and Lady Hardinge by the Punjab Chiefs' Association in the Shalamar Garden. Lahore, on Tuesdav evening last. The Shalamar Garden which is a relic in Lahore of Emperor Shahjahan's architectural triumphs looked extremely beautiful in the mild April afternoon with all the fountains in play and the artificial waterfall at work. The Central Baradari was beautifully draped in pale blue and white hanging-. The garden part\rwas very largely attended. Beside> the gentry, the nobility, Civil and Military Officers, and European and Indian ladies, there were present His Highness the Raja of Kapurthala, the Tikka Sahib of Kapurthala with his two younger brothers, the Raja of Faridkot with his younger brother, the Raja of Chamba, the Raja of Poonch and their staffs. Their Highnesses the Maharaja of
!MI
The Punjab Chiefs Asxociatio/t.
Patiala, the Raja of Nablia and the Raja of Jhincl did not attend the party as they are in mourning owing to the death of the Maharaja Rana of Dholpur. The Patiala and Kapnrthala bands were in attend- ance and the paths on either side of the Canal from the gate to the Baradari was lined by troops of Patiala and Kapnrthala Jugatjit Infantry. Their Excellencies the Viceroy and Lady Hardinge accom- panied by His Honour the Lieutenant- Governor and Lady Dane arrived at 5-30 p.m., and were received at the gate by Nawab Fateh Ali Khan Qazilbash, President of the Chiefs' Association and the Hon'ble Sardar Sunder Singh Majithia, the Hon'ble Nawab Behram Khan and Raja Narinder Chander, c.s.i., of Nadaun. The members of the deputation who numbered about 70 were then introduced to His Excellency by the Hon'ble Sardar Partab Singh, General Secretary of the Association. The following are the names of some of the members of the Deputation : —
Nawab Eateh Ali Khan Qazilbash, Raja Narinder Chandar, c.s.i., the Hon'ble Sardar Sunder Singh Majithia, Raja Eateh Singh of Shaikhupura, Colonel Raja Jai Chand, Diwan Bahadur Dewan Narendar Nath, Raja Gaggan Singh of Nurpur, Tikka Rajindar Pall, the Hon'ble Nawab Behram Khan, Sardar Jiwan Singh, c.s.i., of Shahzadpur, Sardar Jallal Khan, Raja Ikram Ulla Khan, Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan of Kunjpura, Sardar Charanjit Singh of Kapnrthala^ Sardar Bhagwant Singh Bhadauria, Bhai Arjun Singh of Bagrian, Baba Gurbukhsh Singh Bedi, Baba . Autar Singh Bedi, Tikka Ram Narain Singh of Anandpur, Bedi Sujan Singh, Mian Anrodh Singh of Ramgarh, the Hon'ble Malik Mubariz Khan, the Hon'ble Malik Umar Hyat Khan Tiwana, Eaqir Syed Iftikhar-ud-din, Mukhdum Hassan Bakhsh Kuereshi, Khan Bahadur, Rai Bahadur Sardar Amrik Singh,
The Punjab Chiefs Association. '" 91
Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Gyani, Sardar Sundar Singh Rmigarhia, Sardar Bikram Singh, Bhai Manohar Lai, Diwan Radha Nath, Bhai Dan Singh, Diwan Daya Kishen Kaul, The Hon'ble Nawab Zulliqar Ali Khan, Dewan Hamam Das, Sardar Gnlzar Singh, Sardar Badan Singh, Makhdnm Sardar-ud-Din, Shahzada Hamadan, Sardar Jawala Salmi, Rai Bahadur Amar Singh, Dewan Kishen Kishore, Thakur Harkishen Singh, Thakur Mahan Chand and Hon'ble Sardar Partab Singh, c.i.e., of Kapurthala.
The " Civil & Military " Gazette wrote :—
On Tuesday afternoon the members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association invited a large number of European and Indian guests to meet Their Excellencies the Viceroy and Lady Hardinge in the charm- ing gardens at Shalimar. A pleasant cool breeze tempered the warmth of the sun, and the beautiful gardens, refreshed by the recent rain, were looking their best, They presented a wonderful scene of glowing colour. On either side of the straight watercourse leading from the entrance gate to the Baradari were lines of palms and flowering plants and the fountains sparkled bravely in the sunlight. Stalwart soldiers of the Patiala and Kapurthala Imperial Service Troops stood sentinel along the flagged pathways, the former brilliant in their scarlet uni- form and the latter very smart and soldier-like in spotless blue and silver. The Kapurthala State band played throughout the afternoon alternately with the Patiala pipers, and the music contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the guests. His Excellency the Viceroy compliment- ed H. II. of Kapurthala on the excellence of his band. The spacious Baradari was draped in pale blue and white, its floor spread with cloth of gold, the decorations having been carried out under the personal supervision of the Hon. Sardar Partap Singh, Hon. Secretary. All
92 The Punjab Chiefs* Association.
the state chairs, rtasnads, and gold embroidered carpets, &c, were lent for the occasion by their Highnesses .the Maharaja of Patiala and the Raja of Kapurthala.1? Shortly after 4-30 the guests began to arrive, and by the time His Excellency's motor reached the entrance several hundred Europeans and Indians were waiting to welcome him. Their Excellencies," who Mere accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor and Ladv Dane, with .Miss Sandford, the Misses Dane, Miss Bavlev, and the Personal Staffs, of the Viceroy and the Lieutenant Governor, were met at the gateway by Nawab Eateh Ali Khan, CLE., President of the Association, Nawab Bahrain Khan Mazari, CLE., Raja Narindar Chand,?rC.S.L, of Nadaun, the Hon, Sirdar Bahadur Sirdar Sundar Singh, Majithia, and Hon. Sirdar Partap Singh, C.S.I., of Kapurthala (founder and honoraray secretary of the Association), and conducted to the Baradari, where several of the Chiefs' were introduced. Amongst the members of the Association present were : The Raja of Kutlehr, CS.L, Colonel Raja Jai Chanel of Lumbagraon, Sirdar Bndhan Singh, C.S.I. , of Malaudh, Sirdar Jiwan Singh, CS.L. Shahid. of Shazadpur, the Hon. Malik Mubarriz Khan, Tiwana, Khan Bahadur Makhdum Hassan Bakhsh, Multan, the Hon. Lieutenant Malik Umar Hyat Khan, CLE., Tiwana, and Sardar Duljit Singh, of Kapurthala. The mem- bers of the Association then gathered in front of the Viceroy and Lady Hardingeand the Hon. Sirdar Partap Singh of Kapurthala, Hon. Secretary of the Association, read the following address : —
The Chiefs' address. The address presented to His Excellency the Viceroy was ns follows : —
" May it please Your Excellency, — We the members of the Punjab Chiefs' Association beg to approach Your Excellency with this
address of welcome to the capital of the Punjab. We may be per- mitted to state at the outset that Your Excellency is all the roore welcome on account of Your Excellency's hereditary associations with this Land of the Five Rivers. Hereditary associations appeal with special force to oriental minds, particularly to those of aristocratic classes. Amidst us Your Excellency Mill not fail to notice descendants of some of the members composing the Lahore darbar of the .Sikh Government, with which Yrour Excellency's august grandfather, over three score years ago, concluded the Lahore Treaty, the terms of which we have always regarded as most lenient and considerate.
''We are now in an age when the seeds of peace and reform sown by Your Excellency's grandfather are bearing fruit. How delighted Ave feel in greeting so distinguished a successor as Your Excellency of those British statesmen who have, from time to time, conferred the blessings of peace on the people of this vast continent, We are daily observing the fulfilment of the line of policy foreshadowed in Your Excellency's golden words uttered in England on the eve of your departure for India to fill the exalted position of the representative of the Crown. India of the day, however, is not India of 30 years back. Western education and contact with Western civilization have called into existence public spirit and public opinion, a necessary result of the education imparted to the people. It ought to be the province of the aristocracy to guide public opinion in such a manner that all public measures may receive the fullest measure of independent criticism, but not the criticism which is prompted by malice and has for its aim the fostering of disloyalty. It shouldbe our duty in future, as indeed it has been hitherto during the short period of the existence of our association, to help in the constructive work of improving the
94
The Punjab Chiefs Association.
administration and removing obstacles in the way of its smooth working. We trust that in matters of administration we shall be able to co-operate in furthering the policy of Government.
" It is a matter of no small consolation to us to witness the extinction and extirpation of sedition and the anarchist propaganda which have been promoted in some parts of India by mischievous peoples who are enemies of peace and order, and Ave are confident that ere -long those atrocious misdeeds will be nothing more than matter for history. Law, order and propriety will reign supreme with pefect serenity in the restored atmosphere. It is no flattery to say that Your Excellency's masterly grasp of the situation in the country, and the sound judg- ment and wise tact employed by Your Excellency in its administration, will be recorded by future historians in the most glowing terms. The golden words of advice given to the deputation of the Allahabad Con- gress, the encouragement given toAvards bringing about better feelings of amity betAveen Hindus and Mahomedans, avIio unfortunately quarrel over trifles, the fruition of the Legislative reform scheme inaugurated by Lord Minto, and Similar actions of Your Excellency, Ave mav safelv assert, have so inspired the peoples with implicit confidence in Your Excellency's goodwill towards the people that eAen the most hostile critics and unscrupulous maligners are being disarmed, and, it is to be hoped, are now realising their mistakes.
k- Speaking of ourselves, it is to be remarked that ours is an association of recent growth, and consequently our organization needs much improvement in order to be more effective and useful for the achievement of the objects for which it is constituted. We have, hoAvever, made a humble beginning to ameliorate our condition and improve our capacity for public good, and without vain pedantry, Ave
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