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Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 22, p. 24.

24 SAMTJIAR STATE ductivity. Geologically, the State consists of Bundelkhand gneiss and allied rocks, in great part concealed by alluvium. The climate is generally temperate, though hotter than that of Malwa. The rainfall, as shown by a ten years' record, averages 30 inches. On the death of Maharaja Ram Chandra of DAT1A in 1733, a dispute arose regarding the succession to that State. In his contest with rival claimants Indrajit, who succeeded, had been assisted by various petty chiefs, among whom was Naune Sah Gujar, a son of a man in the service of the Datia State. On his accession to power Indrajit rewarded Naune Sah's son, Madan Singh, with the title of Rajdhar and the governorship of Samthar fort, a jdgir of five villages being later on granted to his son Devi Singh. The latter was succeeded by his son Ranjit Singh. During the disturbances caused by the Maratha inva- sion, Ranjit Singh became independent and received the title of Raja from the Marathas. On the establishment of the British supremacy, he requested to be taken under protection, and a treaty was concluded in 1817, confirming him in possession of the territory he then held. In 1827 Ranjit Singh died and was succeeded by his son Hindupat, who, however, became of unsound mind, the administration being entrusted to his Ran!. In 1862 an adoption sanad was granted to the chief, the obligation to pay succession dues being remitted (1877) in the case of a direct successor. In 1864 the eldest son Chhatar Singh asserted his claim to rule the State, which was recognized by Govern- ment, the pargana of Amargarh (Amra) being assigned for the main- tenance of the ex-chief, his Ran!, and a younger son, Arjun Singh (alias Al! Bahadur). In 1883 this arrangement was changed, a cash allowance being given in lieu of the pargana. Hindupat died in 18go ; and Government, in consideration of the length of time Chhatar Singh had been actual ruler, decided that no formal recognition of his succession was needed. Chhatar Singh was a good administrator and improved the condition of the State considerably. During his rule a salt con- vention was made with the British Government (1879), by which the State received Rs. 1,459 as compensation for dues formerly levied; and land was ceded for the Betwa Canal (1882) and for a railway (1884). In 1877 Chhatar Singh received the title of Maharaja as a personal distinction. He died in 1896, and was succeeded by his son Bir Singh Deo, the present ruler, who received the title of Maha- raja as a personal distinction in 1898. The chief bears the hereditary titles of His Highness and Raja, and receives a salute of r r guns. The population of the State has been: (1881) 38,633, (18gi) 40,541, and (1901) 33,472. It decreased by 17 per cent. during the last decade, owing to famine. Hindus number 31,211, or 93 per cent., and Musalmans 2,229, or 7 per cent. The density in 1991 was 188 persons per square mile. The principal castes are Chamars, 4,300,