The 570 descendants of the Nawabs of Tonk in Rajasthan have reason to smile. The state government has given them a big raise in their monthly family allowances, increasing the amount from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 per month. “The amount is immaterial here, it is a matter of pride for us as it connects us to our heritage,” said Aslam Ali Khan, 70,a descendant of the Tonk royals.
“It (the government order) comes after a protracted legal battle and campaign,” said Mr Khan, also patron of the Anjuman Society Khandaan-e-Ameeria, which represents the descendants. “Now each and every descendant will get Rs 1,000 as family allowance monthly,” said Mr Khan.
According to the descendants, the family allowance (khandani bhatta) was introduced by the then nawabs in 1944.
The state of Rajasthan was formed by the merger of 19 Princely States. The increase in the amount comes after a legal battle against the government that started in 1979, when the then state government increased the monthly allowance from Rs 2 to Rs 40 per recipient. But the authorities reverted to the earlier amount in 1987.
The Anjuman challenged the government move in the Jaipur high court which ruled in 2006 that the allowance should be Rs 100 per month. The state appealed before the Supreme Court but the apex court rejected the appeal in 2009.
“There are people among the former royals who work as labourers. This amount will not only give them honour but also help them earn a livelihood,” Mr Khan said.