‘Raj era’ Percussion Pistol

This Heavily repaired percussion pistol dates from the around 1840. Originally a flintlock, it was likely converted amount 1830-1840. It has numerous repairs to the handle, which is is splinted in several locations, and also contains a small compartment for percussion caps. The mechanism works well, holding at both full and half cock.

The inscription on the barrel is: raj jhalawar teh jhalrapatan no.75'. The Raj was the ruler or governor or state of Jhalawar. Within this state is a subdivision called Jhalrapatan. The state is near the district of Kota a famous arms manufacturing site.

In 1838 A.D., English rulers separated Jhalawar state from Kota state and gave it to Jhala Madan Singh, the grandson of Jhala Zalim Singh. He developed his administration services to develop the state of Jhalawar. He resided in Jhalara Patan for a long time and started to build the Garh Palace (1840 - 1845 A.D). He was the first ruler of Jhalawar state and made a significant contribution in the history of Jhalawar. Jhala Madan Singh ruled Jhalawar from 1838 to 1845. After his death, Jhala Prithvi Singh became the ruler of Jhalawar and ruled for around 30 years.