Section 2. Interpretation

(1) In this Act, unless the subject or context otherwise requires,- (1) the expression "Covenanting State" shall mean and include any of the former Indian States of Alwar, Banswara, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kishangarh, Kotah, Mewar, Partabgarh, Shahpura, Sirohi and Tonk; (2) the expression "former Matsya State" shall mean the United State of Matsya established by the Covenant entered into by the Rulers of the Convenanting States of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli; (3) the expression "former Rajasthan State" shall mean the United State of Rajasthan established by the Covenant entered into by the Rulers of the Convenanting States of Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Kotah, Mewar, Partabgarh, Shahpura and Tonk; (4) the expression "Rajasthan" when used otherwise than in the expressions former Rajasthan State and Rajasthan Law, shall mean the State of Rajasthan comprising the territories specified for the time being in Part B of the First Schedule to the Constitution of India; and (5) the expression "Rajasthan Law" shall mean and include- (a) as respects the period on and after the seventh day of April, 1949, an Ordinance or Act made and promulgated by the Rajpramukh of Rajasthan, and (b) as respects the period prior to the said day,- (i) an Ordinance made and promulgated by the Raj pramukh of the former Rajasthan State or of the former Matsya State, and (ii) any Act, enactment, Ordinance, regulations, rule, order, resolution, notification or bye-law made by the Ruler or a competent Legislature or other competent authority or officer of a Covenanting State: Provided that such Act, enactment, Ordinance, regulation, rule, order, resolution, notification or bye-law is in force and has not been expressly repealed on the date on which this Act comes into force. (2) The provisions of the General Clauses Act, 1897 of the Central Legislature shall mutatis mutandis apply, so far as may be, for the interpretation of this Act as it applies for the interpretation of a Central Act.