JEYPOOR, a considerable raj, or native state, of Rajpootana in Hindustan. This state, anciently called Amber, is about 150 miles in length, and 140 in breadth, having an area of 15,251 square miles. It is in general an extensive plain, though in the north and north-western parts are insulated peaks and clusters of hills here and there rising above the general level. The population is a collection of various races, of which the most numerous are the Minas, supposed to be the aboriginal possessors of the country. Next, and nearly equal in number, are the Jats, who are extensive holders of land, and the most industrious and skilful agriculturists. Brahmins are numerous, being in greater proportion to the rest of the population than in any other state of Rajpootana. Rajpoots, the ruling class, though inferior in number to the Minas and Jats, are conjectured to be still capable of mustering 30,000 men in arms. Of less important tribes the chief are the Banias, Dhakurs, and Gujurs. The aggregate population has been estimated at 1,494,598. The revenue of Jeypoor, independent of the possessions of feudal chiefs, is returned at L.458,395. Under a treaty concluded in 1818 the country became tributary to the East India Company. In 1842 a large arrear of tribute had accumulated, the whole of which was remitted, and the annual tribute thenceforward reduced to L.40,000 per annum. The corruption and intrigue introduced into the administration, rendered it necessary, in 1835, to move a British force into Jeypoor, for the purpose of redressing the wrongs and correcting the abuses which had brought the country to a state exhibiting an empty treasury, desolate palaces, a ferocious populace, and a rabble army. The measures of the British government speedily introduced a better state of things. The prince having been poisoned by his prime minister, a regency was appointed during the minority of the infant successor; financial reforms were
commenced, and an approximation made to something like the administration of justice. In 1851 the young chief completed his eighteenth year. He had been initiated into public business, and the British authorities, entertaining a favourable opinion of his general fitness for the duties of his station, he was allowed to assume the reins of government, and exhorted to continue the beneficent system of administration under which his dominions, during his minority, had attained so high a degree of prosperity. Jeypoor, the capital of the country, is distant 850 miles N.W. from Calcutta. Lat. 26. 56., Long. 75. 55.