The Feudatory State of Duttia (Datia)

Duttia (or Datia) was a princely state in the Bundelkhand Agency in Central India, currently a part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The first postage stamps of Duttia were issued during the time of Maharaja Lokendra Bhawani Singh (ruled 1857-1907).

The origins of Duttia state can be traced back to the 16th century. It was founded in 1626 by Bhagwan Rao, a Bundela Rajput chieftain. The Bundelas were a prominent Rajput clan in central India and played a significant role in shaping the region’s political landscape. Bhagwan Rao established Duttia as an independent principality, marking the beginning of its rule by the Bundela dynasty.

Relations with Neighbouring States and Mughals

In its early years, Duttia had a complex relationship with its neighbouring Bundelkhand states and the Mughal Empire. The rulers of Duttia often found themselves caught between the expanding Mughal influence and local feuds within the Bundelkhand region. Despite this, the Bundela rulers managed to maintain a degree of autonomy.

The Maratha Influence

By the 18th century, as Mughal power began to wane, the Marathas emerged as a dominant force in central India. Duttia, like many other states in Bundelkhand, came under the influence of the Marathas. During this period, the rulers of Duttia had to pay tribute to the Marathas, though they retained internal autonomy over their state.

The Bundela Rajputs of Datia were known for their martial prowess and took part in various regional conflicts, including alliances and disputes with other Bundela states like Orchha and Panna.

The British Era

In the early 19th century, the British East India Company began asserting its influence in central India. Datia became one of the princely states that allied with the British in exchange for protection against external threats, particularly from the Marathas and Pindaris (bands of mercenaries and raiders).

In 1818, Datia entered into a formal subsidiary alliance with the British under the terms of the Treaty of Bassein. This marked the beginning of Datia’s status as a princely state under British suzerainty. Under British rule, the state of Datia was given significant autonomy in internal matters, though the British controlled its external relations and defence.

Things went downhill during the reign of Maharaja Goving Singh, who got into trouble with the British soon after his accession in 1907. Court intrigues, political assassinations and othe scandals led the ruler to be exiled for many years while the British agent took control of the affairs. The King eventually returned in 1914 and most of his powers were restored, however, the state continued to face difficulties during his reign. 

Independence 

In 1948, Duttia merged with the Union of India and became a part of what is now the state of Madhya Pradesh. 

Stamps of Duttia

It is widely estimated that Duttia started issuing postal stamps in 1894, during the rule of Maharaja Lokendra Bhawani Singh (ruled 1857-1907). The central figure of a Duttia stamp was always Lord Ganesha. The stamps were typeset, imperforate and came without gum. They were hand-stamped with a circular stamp with the text DATIA STATE POSTAGE 1893 in Devanagari. The stamps were valid only if they came with this seal. The colours of both the stamps and the seal saw wide variations. 

A total of 40 different designs were issued, two of those having the text DATIA STATE POSTAGE. The names DATIA and DUTTIA were both used in the English spelling.

Some stamps of Duttia are prized among collectors. SG:IN-DT 2, for instance, has been known to be sold for thousands of dollars.