The area of Khandesh became a British possession in 1818 following the defeat ofPeshwaBaji Rao II during theThird Anglo-Maratha War. The neighbouring Dang principalities were seen as separate states and conducted routine raids into the Khandesh territories. In 1825 theGaekwar ofBaroda sent a force of 10 000 men to subdue the Dangs but they were defeated, the Dang states only subjugated in 1839.[4] During the campaign, the Rajas of Vasurna, Chinchli Gaded and Gadvi had looted villages in Peint and Baglan.[5]
In 1842 parts of the Dang teak forests, surrounding 446 villages, were leased by the Government in Bombay, the lease extended in perpetuity and to the whole territory in 1862. Some time after 1842 the tribute demanded of the Dang states by the Desmukh of Mulher lead to heavy disturbances, which resulted in the British Government deducting the Desmukh's tribute from the sum paid to the Dang chiefs for leasing their forests.[6]
In 1880 the state had a yearly revenue of ca. 230 £ (2300 Rupees)[7]
The Rulers had the title of Raja[8] The Dang Chiefs held the power to settle criminal and civil disputes, including being able to issue fines, have witches sentenced to be burnt alive and other capital offenders being killed by being shot by arrows.[9]
