NOTE ON 



THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 

 OF OKHAMANDAL, 



DEW AN BAHADUR V. M. SAMARTH, B.A., 



Sar Subha of Baroda State. 1 



1. The administration of Okhamandal Taluka is beset with many exceptional 

 difficulties ; the district is situated far distant from the central Government 

 at Baroda ; it is not easily accessible at certain seasons ; a portion of its popu- 

 lation is of a turbulent character and is responsible for the introduction of dual 

 control in matters administrative ; finally, the seasons are uncertain and the soil 

 is not fertile. Financially, the Taluka is a heavy drain on the general revenues of 

 the State. 



2. But there is another and more cheerful way of looking at this distant 

 possession of His Highness the Maharaja Gaekwar. It is a place sacred in the 

 eyes of all devout Hindoos and the thousands of pilgrims who visit it from all 

 parts of India are able to attest the power and glory and beneficence of the Hindoo 

 Dharma Raj. And there is yet another way of looking at it ; the very difficulties 

 of the administration are most certainly its opportunities. Here is afforded to the 

 student of Indian politics an object lesson of British and Indian officials co-operating 

 more closely and on more equal terms than elsewhere, in the daily duties of governing 



1 This note was written by Mr. Samarth several years prior to my deputation to Okhamandal to 

 enquire into the marine resources of that district. It typifies that spirit of progress which pervades 

 the administration of Baroda under the wise and energetic rule of His Highness the present Maharaja 

 Gaekwar. I am specially pleased to insert it in this report as it throws an interesting light upon the 

 present condition and prospects of the people of a district once notorious for lawlessness and piracy, 

 and which lias been a source of trouble alike to the Governments of India and Baroda for ninny 

 generations. J. H. 



K 



