The Madras Famine

A family during the Great Madras famine in India, 1876.

The Great Famine of 1876–78, also known as the Madras famine of 1877, covered a major part of south India and took an estimated 5.5 million lives. The famine ultimately covered an area of 670,000 square kilometers (257,000 sq mi) and caused distress to a population totaling 58,500,000. The death toll from this famine is estimated to be in the range of 5.5 million people.

A Pahari Raja

Raja DURGA SINGH, Raja of Baghat 1911/1977.

Born 12th September 1901, succeeded to the throne on 30th December 1911, formally installed on 23rd May 1913, and granted full ruling powers in September 1922.

Educated at Aitchison Chief's College, Lahore, C.I.E. [cr.1939], elected Member of the Chamber of Princes in 1933, granted the hereditary title of Raja on 4th June 1928.

Married 28th November 1917, Raj Kumari Sashi Prabha Kumari, born 1905, died April 1947, daughter of HH Raja Kirti Shah of Tehri Garhwal, and his wife, HH Rani Nepaliya,
and had issue, a daughter.

He died 30th March 1977

An Old Promissory Note

Baghat State revenue stamps 1934