Mss Eur F126/78-95

Papers, reports, correspondence, memorandums, notes and proclamations relating to events in Baroda 1873 to 1875 and Sir Lewis Pelly's appointment there as Special Commissioner.

The events in question revolved around allegations of the maladministration of the Baroda State by Malhar Rao, Gaekwar of Baroda and his ministers, which led to the establishment of the Baroda Enquiry Commission to look into whether any criminal charges should be brought and what steps should be taken to restore administrative and financial stability in Baroda.

Subsequent to the establishment of the Commission an attempt was made to poison the Resident at Baroda, Colonel Robert Phayre, and the series also contains records of Colonel Phayre's investigations into the attempt; the allegations that the Gaekwar of Baroda had instigated the attempt; and the later investigation by the Commissioner of Police at Bombay, Frank Henry Souter under the direction of Sir Lewis Pelly which led to the formation of a second Commission to enquire into both the charge of attempted murder and the charges of maladministration from the first Commission.

Some later papers relate to the conclusion of the Commission; the decision to depose Malhar Rao as Gaekwar; the question of succession to the Gadi (throne) of Baroda; and the ongoing reforms of the finances and administration in Baroda State.