Bagelkhand Agency was a collection of princely states of India during the rule of British Empire in India. The agency, named after the Bagelkhand region, was founded in March 1871. Prior to this, the Bagelkhand region was under the administration of the Bundelkhand Agency, as it was historically and geographically connected to the region. From 1871 to 1933, Bagelkhand agency was under the political superintendence of the agent of Governor General of India, for Central India and under the direct jurisdiction of a Resident of British India, who was the superintendent of the princely state of Rewa as well, residing at Rewa or Satna. The Bagelkhand Agency comprised of the princely state of Rewa state 11 smaller princely states and estates. The significant states in this region were Sohawal, Uuchahara or Nagod and Maihar. The other prominent princely states were Patharkachhar or Baraundha, Kothi, Jaso and Kalinjar Chaubes, which consisted of 4 princely states of Pahra and Bhaisaunda, Taraon, Kamta Rajaula and Paldeo.
The Bagelkhand Agency covered a total area of 37,100 sq km and the population of the region was 1,555,024 in the year 1901. Due to severe famines in the territory over the earlier decade, the population was decreased by 11%. During the period 1895 to 1897, rainfall was very scarce which resulted in famine in the year 1897. Later in 1899- 1900, Bundelkhand Agency was affected by drought in some regions.
History of Bagelkhand Agency
In the year 1931, the 11 minor princely states were reassigned to Bundelkhand Agency and the agency was dissolved in 1933, and the princely state of Rewa came under the authority and administration of the Indore Residency. After the withdrawal of the British government of India in 1947, the Indian princely states, which formed the Baghelkhand Agency, were amalgamated with Rewa state to create the state of Vindhya Pradesh. Later on 1st November 1956, this was merged into the modern state of Madhya Pradesh.
Princely States of Bagelkhand Agency
The Bagelkhand Agency, which was the easternmost part of the Central India Agency, was founded in the year 1871, after it was split up from the Bundelkhand Agency. In the year 1900, the region consisted of 12 princely states of India, which were Rewa, the largest princely state in Bagelkhand; Bhaisaunda; Pahra; Taraon; Kamta Rajaula; Paldeo; Baraundha; Kothi; Jaso; Sohawal; Nagode and Maihar. In the year 1931, all the princly staes, except Rewa, were reassigned to Bundelkhand agency. Later Rewa was transferred back to Indore Residency in 1933.
