Princess Uday Kunverba of Amleta (m. 1911 - 1951; his death) Princess Padmini Kunverba of Panna (m. 1917 - 1951; his death) Ella Atherton (m. 1940 - 1951; his death)
With Uday Kunverba: Crown Prince Rajendrasinhji Prince Raghunathsinhji Princess Kunverba Kusum, Crown Princess of Chhota-Udaipur Prince Pramodsinhji With Padmini Kunverba: Mohini, Crown Princess of Morvi Prince Vijaysinhji Prince Indrajeetsinhji Princess Chandra Prabha Kumari With Ella Devi: Prince Rajsingh Princess Premila Devi
Vijaysinhji Chhatrasinhji (30 January 1890 - 29 April 1951) was the last Maharaja of the Rajpipla State, who ruled from 1915 to 1948. He was also a successful race horse owner, a socialite and an accomplished horseman and a polo player.[1] He played a key role in the negotiations leading to the integration of several Princely state’s into the Indian Union.[2][3] Some articles refer to him as Vijayasinhji instead of Vijaysinhji.[4]
Born into an elite Gohil dynasty, he was the son of the ruler of Rajpipla State, Chhatrasinhji Gambhirsinhji (1862-1915), via his first wife, Princess Wankanerwala Maharani Shri Phool Kunverba Sahiba.[5] He was born in Chhatra Vilas Palace, Nandod. His father governed the 4,000 square kilometres (1,500sqmi) kingdom from 1897 to 1915.[3][6] As Crown prince, he was educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot, and subsequently became a member of the Imperial Cadet Corps in Dehradun.[7][8]
Rajkumar College, Rajkot, Kathiawar. 1871. Illustrated London News
A keen equestrian enthusiast from a very young age, he was an accomplished rider who won his first horse race at the age of eight. Years later he would become the owner of one of the most notable horse stables in both India and England .[9]
As his father's designated heir, he was expected to continue driving modernization within Rajpipla and maintain cordial relations with the Rewa Kantha Agency, and retain the kingdoms First-Class status within the Rewakantha Princely states of Gujarat. In 1911 he was a key participant of the Delhi Durbar, a lavish celebration to commemorate the reign of George V, Emperor of India.
Bombay Presidency map (1908): Rajpipla State in yellow in the upper section in vicinity of the Narmada River
During the World War I, the State of Rajpipla supported the dispatch of numerous recruits to the British Raj in preparation for war service. In recognition of this services to the British Raj during the war period, he was awarded the honorary rank of captain in the British Army. This was reported in The London Gazette in October 1919.[10]
He became the 36th and last ruler of Rajpipla with full ruling powers on 10 December 1915 following the death of his father three months prior, and his elaborate investiture in Old Rajpipla. His Princely state was nominally sovereign, in that it was not directly governed by the British, but rather by him as a ruler under a form of indirect rule,[11] subject to a subsidiary alliance and the suzerainty or paramountcy of the British crown.[12]
Throughout the next decade he enacted a series of administrative reforms, modernising his state, and invested heavily in various public health and infrastructure projects in India, such as a power plant, an aqueduct for drinking water and for irrigation throughout his territories, as well as the first roads and rail links.[13] Under his rule, free primary and affordable secondary education were introduced, as well as a civil and criminal court and a pension system for public administrators.[14]
Records of his trip to France in 1920 were kept by the India Office Records under “Proceedings and Consultations”, detailing his political associations. These papers are now held by the UK National Archives.[15]
He achieved success on the racecourse, winning the first Indian Derby, then known as the Country Bred Derby with Tipster in 1919.
He was anointed the hereditary title of Maharaja, entitling him to a permanent salute of 13-guns from 1 January 1921 onwards. Rajpipla was now a Salute state.
In 1922 he embarked on a 15-day tour of the United States to study their financial system.[16] He was accompanied by his uncle, prime minister and head of the army. He was notable for being the only Indian maharaja to meet President Warren G. Harding in Washington D.C.[17]
Maharajah Vijaysinhji Chhatrasinhji during his visit to Washington D.C.
By 1922 he was a highly popular socialite on an international level, as well as a racehorse owner. He spent his summers in England and then returned to India for the winter.[9] He established the Rajpipla State polo field and a gymkhana field. He was the owner, sponsor and Captain of the Rajpipla Polo Team. These facilities formed part of the Rajpipla Club, inaugurated by the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Lord Willingdon. He continued to invest heavily into the infrastructure and development of Rajpipla.[18]
Rajpipla Polo Team 1943 (from left). His son Maharajkumar Indrajeet Singhji. His son, Yuvraj Rajendra Singhji, Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji and his son, Maharajkumar Pramod Singhji
When not entertaining high society friends, such as the Aga Khan III and British aristocracy at his home in Old Windsor, Berkshire; a 27-roomed Victorian mansion purchased in 1922 and located on Church Road, he was active within the UK social season from April to August each year.[19] As a wealthy and influential IndianAnglophile, he had access to many of the British aristocracy, as well as the political elite. These records dating from 6 April 1922 to 9 October 1930 are held by the UK National Archives.[20]
The London Gazette reported on 26 August 1932 his honorary rank as major in the British Army.[27]
His most notable horse, trained by Marcus Marsh was Windsor Lad; with Charlie Smirke as jockey, were the 1934 winners of the Epsom Derby, in England.[28][29][30] King George V and Queen Mary, who watched the race along with other members of the Royal Family, invited him to the Royal Box and congratulated him on his victory. [31] Windsor Lad's, winning time of 2:34.0 equalled the race record set by Hyperion the previous year. He celebrated with a lavish party at the Savoy Hotel which featured a performing Indian elephant arrayed in his purple and cream racing colours.[9]
The British socialites referred to him as ‘Pip’, a name coined by his business associate, Martin H. Benson who acquired Windsor Lad during July 1934.[32] To the racecourse crowds he was affectionately known as ‘Mr. Pip’.[3]
In 1935, his heir-apparent attended the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich.[33] The mid-1930s were a time when the British Authorities were increasingly required to keep meticulous records on persons of interest. Of note, was the politically damaging affairs of his first cousin, Kumar Shri Himatsimhji over a 4-year period.[34][35] There was also his own visit to Continental Europe during 1939 that generated a high level of political interest.[36]
His domestic politics were increasingly fragile. The Praja Mandal, a part of the Indian independence movement had been growing stronger in his state since the 1920s. Their focus was to initially improve civil rights on the Indian subcontinent in areas subject to the rule of feudatory rulers, and sometimes also the British administration. This led to the Round Table Conferences. He had proven himself to be a respected ruler, having gone far beyond the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms. After the 1930s, the movement took on a strong socialist orientation. Even though he was politically and culturally allied to The Crown throughout his direct rule, he sensed the march of democracy, and endorsed some aspects of the nationalist movement in his own State in the 1940s. His days as a hereditary ruler were numbered following the Government of India Act 1935, since the nationalist movement had sought for future decolonization and Indian self-rule leading to the Instrument of Accession. As a feudatory ruler, he recognised the need to achieve a smooth and safe transition for his 200,000 subjects. He was also, as a ruler of a First-class state within the Western India States Agency highly influential, when communicating future sovereignty proposals within the region.
During the prelude to the Indian Independence Act 1947, his health was declining, with unscheduled health visits to England from 1945. Records of British Officials concerns were kept by the India Office. These are now held by the UK National Archives.[38]
He continued to support the democratisation of the Indian state and in 1948 provided 2,800,000 rupees to the new Indian government. He urged other Princely states to follow suit in the cause of a united nation at a meeting held at his Nepeansea Road residence in Mumbai. He signed the instrument of accession on 19 March 1948 and his kingdom joined the Union of India on 10 June 1948, putting an end to the 600-year history of the independent state of Rajpipla.[39] As a direct consequence, he ceased to be a ruler of an ancient Princely state.[3]
Indrajit-Padmini Mahal, one of his homes in India.
His honorary noble titles were retained and he set about making his home in Old Windsor, set in 3,000 acres (1,200ha), his primary residence,[3] where he died on 29 April 1951.[40] In accordance with Hindu tradition of his faith, his body was returned to his homeland and was subsequently cremated in Rampura, on the banks of the Narmada River.[3] Despite Indian independence, his vestiges as a Maharaja and honorary knighthood entitled him to a 13 gun salute.
Personal life
He was a keen sportsman, with an avid interest in Cricket. He followed his father's footsteps with his passion for Motor vehicles. He had a stable of luxury vehicles consisting of twelve Rolls-Royces; from the 1913 Silver Ghost to the 1937 Phantom III.[41]
He was able to marry multiple times in accordance with his cultural heritage. His final wife was the Scottish actress, socialite and model, Ella Atherton, who when they were introduced, was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the British Isles.[42][43] His new companion retired from her profession, and by 1933 frequently accompanied him to society events.[44]
A charismatic and likable personality widely known in a Royal circles in England, and a desired guest, London aristocrats craved tales from far away lands and he met their expectations. His entourage on occasions included an elephant. Buckingham Palace afforded him much respect. His win at Epsom in 1934 served to enhance his status, and he was invited to the Coronation of George VI and Elizabeth in 1937.[45]
By 1938, his new companion was now a successful horse breeder. Although they had yet to marry, she was already Ella A, of Rajpipla. She clearly welcomed his sponsorship and it cemented their relationship.[46] As his unofficial consort hosting visiting dignitaries, she accompanied him on events overseas, such as the 1939 New York World's Fair.[47]
During the 1930s his time spent in England increased. However, as a popular ruler, his annual visits to Rajpipla, extended over 5–6 months annually. A cherished pastime was to impress his visiting dignitaries with tales of his tiger hunting, in what is now the Satpura Tiger Reserve.[48][49]
He eventually married Atherton, his long time companion at a ceremony on Devchhatra (Devastra) Hill an ancient fort in Rajpipla, on 5 January 1940. This location was significant to him, since it was where his ancient Gohil Rajput dynasty began its 600-year in 1340. This area is now incorporated within the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Atherton took the Hindu name of Maharini Ella Devi Sahiba. Eight months later, his son “Pippy”, Prince Rajsingh was born in 1940.[50] A term of endearment had been inherited.
Prior to Indian independence, it was necessary for him to prove his marital status to the British authorities. These records dating from 1945 to 1946 are held by the UK National Archives.[51][52]
After ceasing to be a ruler of a Princely state, he retained his titles at an honorary level from 1948, until his untimely death just three years later after a number of years of declining health.[53] His personal wealth allowed him to continue to engage within European high society circles, attending racing days at Ascot and Epsom, and seasonal social events, including the summer circuit of charity events and gala evenings in the South of France; his last wife was photographed by paparazzi attending a gala evening at a casino in Deauville, France.[54] He also travelled to the United States.
His daughter, Princess Premila of Rajpipla was born in 1949,[55][56] and was subsequently educated at Heathfield School, Ascot. In her mothers footsteps she became a British fashion model, a businesswoman and a socialite.[57][58]
Legacy
After his death in 1951, his widow, Ella Devi of Rajpipla continued his legacy as a quality breeder of racing horses.[59][60]
A bronze statue on horseback in his honour has adorned the main square of Rajpipla since 1952. It was crafted by G. K. Mhatre (1879-1947), a pioneering sculptor of Pre-Independence India who attended Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art.[3] Known as the Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) circle, it remains a prominent landmark of the city. The square was restored with new railings in 2017, giving the statue greater prominence.[61]
A silver statue about two feet long was crafted by Mappin & Webb, of London.
His son, Prince Rajsingh “Pippy”, educated at Westminster School, pursued a career in journalism. Having been introduced to the turf by his father at a very young age, he inherited a passion for horse racing.[62]
His 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II has survived and forms part of the Arvind Singh Mewar’s royal cars collection at Udaipur, and was featured in Octopussy, a 1983 British spy film and the thirteenth in the James Bond series. His prized vehicle has also featured in The Jewel in the Crown, a 1984 British television serial about the final days of the British Raj during and after World War II, in the fourth episode, titled "Incidents at a Wedding".
His former residence in Mumbai, Palm Beach on Old Nepeansea Road is now a Consulate General of a foreign nation.
Success at Epsom and his pivotal moments as a horse breeder were published by his grandson Indra Vikram Singh in 2011.[63]
Maharaja is an Indian princely title of Sanskrit origin. In modern India and medieval northern India, the title was equivalent to a prince. However in late ancient India and medieval south India, the title denoted a king.
The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India is an order of chivalry founded by Queen Victoria in 1861. The Order includes members of three classes:
Knight Grand Commander (GCSI)
Knight Commander (KCSI)
Companion (CSI)
The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire is an order of chivalry founded by Queen Victoria on 1 January 1878. The Order includes members of three classes:
Knight Grand Commander (GCIE)
Knight Commander (KCIE)
Companion (CIE)
Rajpramukh was an administrative title in India which existed from India's independence in 1947 until 1956. Rajpramukhs were the appointed governors of certain Indian provinces and states.
Nawanagar was an Indian princely state in the historical Halar region, located on the southern shores of the Gulf of Kutch. It was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput dynasty and became a part of newly formed India. Its capital city was Nawanagar city, now known as Jamnagar. It had an area of 3,791 square miles (9,820 km2) and a population estimated at 336,779 in 1901. Its rulers, who use the title of "Jam Saheb" are of the same clan as the Rao of Kutch. They were entitled to a 13-gun salute. The state flag was a rectangular red flag with a white elephant, near and facing the hoist. During the British, the state was part of the Kathiawar Agency, within the Gujarat Division of Bombay Presidency.
Rewa Kantha was a political agency of British India, managing the relations of the British government's Bombay Presidency with a collection of princely states. It stretched for about 150 miles between the plain of Gujarat and the hills of Malwa, from the Tapti River to the Mahi River crossing the Rewa River, from which it takes its name.
Lieutenant-Colonel Maharaja Rana Shri Sir Natwarsinhji Bhavsinhji Sahib Bahadur, KCSI was the last Maharaja of Porbandar belonging to Jethwa dynasty, who ascended the throne of princely state of Porbandar on 10 December 1908 and ruled until his state was merged into India on 15 February 1948.
Bahram (1932–1956) was an Irish-bred, English-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. He was undefeated in nine races in a career that lasted from July 1934 until September 1935. He was one of the most impressive horses and was named "Horse of the century" and The leading British two-year-old of 1934. He went on to take the Triple Crown in 1935 by winning the 2000 Guineas Stakes, Epsom Derby, and St. Leger Stakes. He was retired to stud at the end of the year. After a promising start to his stud career in Britain, he was exported to the United States, where he had moderate success before being exported again to Argentina.
Marcus Maskell Marsh (1904–1983) was an English racehorse trainer. He was the son of the trainer Richard Marsh. His British Classic wins included The Derby and St. Leger with Tulyar (1952) and Windsor Lad (1934) as well as the 2,000 Guineas with Palestine (1950). He was British flat racing Champion Trainer in 1952.
HH Shri Shaktimant Jhaladhipati Mahamandleshwar Maharana Sriraj Maharaja Sir Shri Mayurdwajsinhji Meghrajsinhji III Ghanshyam Sinhji Bahadur, KCIE, FRAS, FRAI, FRHistS was the last ruling Maharaja of Dhrangadhra-Halvad. He was an academic, politician, member of several distinguished academic bodies, and one of the last surviving rulers of the former princely states of the British Raj. He was also the last surviving knight of the Order of the Indian Empire and the last of either of the chivalric orders of the British Indian Empire.
Bikaner State was the Princely State in the north-western most part of the Rajputana province of imperial British India from 1465 to 1947. The founder of the state Rao Bika was a younger son of Rao Jodha ruler of and founder of the city of Jodhpur in Marwar. Rao Bika chose to establish his own kingdom instead of inheriting his father's. Bika defeated the Jat clans of Jangladesh which today refers to the north and north-western Rajasthan along with his uncle Rao Kandhal and his adviser Vikramji Rajpurohit and founded his own kingdom. Its capital was the city of Bikaner.
Raj Ratna was a title of high honour, a civilian award, which was prevalent in the princely states of India during the British Raj.
Saurashtra State, formally known as United State of Kathiawar and later United State of Saurashtra, was a State of India that existed between 1948 and 1956, on Saurashtra alias Kathiawar peninsula, with Rajkot as its capital,
Windsor Lad (1931–1943) was an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. As a three-year-old in 1934, he won both The Derby and the St Leger in record time. In 1935, he won the Coronation Cup and the Eclipse Stakes before his career was ended by injury.
Charles James William Smirke (1906–1993), was a British flat-race jockey. In a career that lasted from 1920 until 1959, he rode the winners of eleven British Classic Races. As a rider, he was known for his skill, strength and tactical intelligence, together with his self-confident and outspoken personality. Although he never won the Championship, he was regarded as one of the best jockeys of his era. The Racing Post ranked him as the fifth greatest jockey of the 20th Century and the greatest never to have been champion.
The Imperial Cadet Corps (1901–1917) was a cadet corps or military school founded exclusively to give officer training to the princes and gentlemen of British India. It was founded in November 1901 under the direct surveillance of Lord Curzon at Meerut and Dehradun. Major D. H. Cameroon was made its first commandant and Maharaja Pratap Singh of Idar was made its Honorary Commandant. The youths between 17 and 20 years were selected and admitted as Imperial Cadets; their education was to be at any one of the Chief's college at Rajkot, Indore, Lahore, Ajmer or Raipur. The selected cadets had to join the corps at Meerut or Dehradun. Though the ICC failed in course of time and was closed in 1917, it nevertheless established the precedent for the officer training of Indians in India, which resulted in the founding of the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun in 1932.
The Chhota Udaipur State or 'Princely State of Chhota Udaipur', was a princely state with its capital in Chhota Udaipur during the era of British India. The last ruler of Chhota Udaipur State signed the accession to join the Indian Union in 1948. Chhota Udaipur shares a history with Devgadh Baria and Rajpipla as one of the three princely states of eastern Gujarat.
Easton was a French-bred Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. After winning two minor races in France he made an immediate impact on his British debut when finishing second to Colombo in the 2000 Guineas. He was then bought by Lord Woolavington and transferred permanently to England. He finished second to Windsor Lad in a very strong renewal of The Derby and third in the Grand Prix de Paris before winning the Grand International d'Ostend in Belgium and the Select Stakes at Newmarket. In the following year he won highly-competitive races at Lingfield and Newmarket before being beaten in a rematch with Windsor Lad for the Coronation Cup. He was retired from racing after winning the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. He made little impact as a breeding stallion in Europe but sired some good winners in the United States.
Martin Benson (1879–1972) was the co-founder of Douglas Stewart, one of the largest bookmakers in London, and also the owner of Beech House Stud, a Thoroughbred racehorse breeding farm located on Cheveley Road near Newmarket, Suffolk.
Ella Atherton was a Scottish-born actress, fashion model, horse breeder, and Socialite, who married an Indian maharaja, Vijayasinhji Chhatrasinhji in 1940. After marriage, she was also known as Ila Devi Rajpipla; Maharani Ella Devi of Rajpipla or H.H. Maharani Ella Devi Sahiba.
Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 26, Atlas 1931 edition, "Bombay, p.38-39 covering Rajpipla
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