Guicowar

Guicowar (Gaikwar or Gáekwár), the designation of a powerful Mahratra prince, ruler of the state of Baroda (q.v.) in Gujarat. Piláji, who became Guicowar in 1721, by predatory excursions gradually acquired authority over Gujarat; and his son Damáji ultimately threw off his allegiance to the Peishwa. Malhar Rao, installed in 1871, was in 1873 accused of attempting to poison the British Resident, tried, and deposed. See BARODA.