Rajpipla State, a perspective

 

The last two rulers of Rajpipla State. Maharana Chhatrasinhji (back, reign 1897-1915) and Maharaja Vijaysinhji (reign 1915-1948, titular head 1948-1951).

Agriculture and mineral resources of Rajpipla State as described in the book ‘Princes of India’ (1937)

 

Rajpipla is an essentially agricultural State. The cultivation of cotton on a large scale and improvement of its staple has brought prosperity to cultivators. Until about the year 1919 the cotton grown was of the inferior Goghari variety, the result being that the cultivators could not get an adequate return for their produce. In order to improve their lot His Highness, the present Maharaja (Vijaysinhji), introduced in the year 1919-20 legislation prohibiting people from sowing Goghari and other inferior varieties and making it obligatory on them to sow the long-stapled variety of cotton known as “1027 A.I.F’.

Every year the State through expert agencies selects the best seed of this kind and distributes it to the cultivators. The results and the consequent profits to the farmers are outstandingly marked. For whereas in the former years the Rajpipla cotton fetched prices 30 to 40 rupees per candy below Broach Cotton, it now fetches 50 to 80 rupees more than Broach and is in a class with and compares most favourably with the Navsari cotton which is the best grown Indian cotton.

Another great advantage to the cultivators is that whereas in the past they had to go 40 to 50 miles, and in many cases more, away from their houses into the British districts to sell their cotton, they have, through the introduction of this measure and the success it has achieved, found a ready market at their own doors, and there is such a great demand for the superior variety of cotton that it is readily sold out, even in these days of trade depression, to outside the merchants who flock there during the cotton season.

The popularity and success of this measure will be judged from the fact that the area under cotton cultivation, which was somewhere between sixty and seventy thousand acres before the year 1919, has increased by leaps and bounds, and is for the last six or seven years in the vicinity of 1,40,000 acres, and has remained at that figure even in the times of trade depression, which has affected cotton more than any other commodity.

This activity in cotton has had a most wholesome effect on trade and industry generally. Whereas before the introduction of long-stapled cotton there were only two ginning factories and no cotton press, there now exist eleven ginning factories and three cotton presses, all working at a considerable profit to their owners. Encouraged by these good results, the starting of a spinning and weaving mill in the State is being contemplated and there are offers from several companies to launch a project.

The country is not lacking in mineral resources. As already mentioned, the Cornelian or Agate Mines of the State are known from the time of Ptolemy. Early in the sixteenth century an Abyesinian merchant named Bawaghor is known to have established a cornelian factory at Limbodra. This Sidi merchant, while wandering from place to place on pilgrimage, did business in precious stones and, becoming skilled in agates, set up a factory at Limbodra where he prospered and died rich.

A shrine was raised in his honour on a hill close to the Cornelian mines, now well known as the Bawaghor Hills in the Ratanpur Forests of this State. A fair of very great importance is held there every year. Negotiation are in progress with some well-known firms to work the mines on a scientific basis. These have been handicapped, however, in the general trade depression and by the fact that cheap foreign articles made from artificial stones are abundant in the market. With improved economic conditions it is hoped to work this industry on modern and scientific lines and put it on a sound financial basis.

Marble of good quality is to be found in the Garudeshwar Taluka of this State. It is basically black in colour and takes very good polish. Marble in white and in grayish and greenish tints is occasionally found.

There is excellent building stone near Jhagadia, in the Kadia Dungar and Bardaria Hills. The stone is grayish white and rather on the hard side. It takes good polish and is suitable for carving.

The proper working of these quarries had been handicapped up till now by the difficulty of transport, but it is now being overcome by the construction of a light railway and it is hoped that this building stone will secure a good market.

Red and yellow ochre and fire and pottery clays are also found in abundance and recently a factory for pottery works and tiles has been established at Jhagadia. Cement stones and good lime stones and gypsum are also found in large quantity in the State.

Rulers of Rajpipla driving their cars when Governors of Bombay came calling in early 20th century

Maharana Chhatrasinhji of Rajpipla driving his
Wolseley 6 hp 1903-04 car,
with Governor of Bombay Lord Lamington seated beside in 1905.

Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla driving through a forest,
with Lady Willingdon seated beside and
Governor of Bombay Lord Willingdon at the back in 1917.

What well known authors wrote about Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla

Apart from being a progressive and sagacious ruler, Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla was a gracious host and one of the most famous racehorse owners of his time. Well known writers penned paeans about him which told many a tale about this multi-faceted personality.

Best-selling romantic novelist Barbara Cartland wrote in her classic memoir of the 1920s ‘We Danced All Night’ after the Maharaja had won the Irish Derby in 1926 when his horse Embargo took the honours:

“One very popular person at the Café de Paris and everywhere he went was the Maharajah of Rajpipla, who was always known as “Pip”. In England he was democratic, unassuming and increasingly merry, In India he was very much the dignified ruler over millions of his people who revered him.

Over here Pip won the Irish Derby and the Irish Two Thousand Guineas, and his Sunday afternoon parties at his house at Old Windsor were legendary.

In the East, Pip entertained in his enormous palace those who enjoyed big game hunting, like the Duke of Sutherland, polo players and anyone who wanted to gape at his state army, vast fleet of motor-cars and the royal ceremonial by which he was surrounded.”

The suave ruler’s friend Vivian Charles Buckley, authored ‘The Good Life: Between the Two World Wars with a Candid Camera’ and ‘Good times: At home and abroad between the wars’, besides his autobiography ‘Draw back the curtains’. He wrote an article entitled ‘Rajpipla At Home: Princely Hospitality of the Man Who Won the Derby’ in the Sunday Graphic and Sunday News six days after Maharaja Vijaysinhji’s colt Windsor Lad triumphed in the Epsom Derby of 1934:

"As a personal friend of the owner of Windsor Lad, the Derby winner, I can say none more deserved to win. He is the kindest, simplest and most hospitable person one could wish to meet.

Whether at Windsor, where he owns an old manor house and stays each year for the summer, or in his State in India with its 250,000 population over which he rules, or at his residence in Bombay, he always has a smiling welcome for his many friends.

When the Maharajah of Rajpipla says, 'Come out to India and stay with me,' he means it – not like many people who have a habit of issuing invitations which are not really meant. When I visited him in India it was characteristic that he should send a special railway carriage for my use, attached to the local train at the border station of Ankleshwar. It was magnificent looking, painted white and furnished as a sitting room, with a small kitchen adjoining in case the visitor should want anything to eat on the journey, although only a few hours to the picturesque capital town of Rajpipla.

An A.D.C. meets the train and escorts the visitor, in a car driven by one of the Palace chauffeurs in a smart uniform and turban, to the large white guest house. This is situated near the Palace and surrounded by tall palm trees. At night one can hear the call of wild beasts in the neighbouring jungle.

The Maharajah is always arranging things for the entertainment of his guests. Tiger shoots, tennis picnics, riding his polo ponies before breakfast, or viewing the up-to-date public buildings which are all painted grey - soft to the eyes in the brilliant sun. This kindly host is almost as fond of polo as racing, and every evening in India he either plays himself or watches a game from the terrace of his private gymkhana club with his relations, staff and guests. A military band plays by the side of the ground, and the sound of galloping hoofs may be heard till well after dusk - when the moon rises a golden crescent behind the goalposts."

This offered a delightful glimpse into the unforgettable era between the two world wars. Much changed thereafter, and indeed an entire lifestyle disappeared forever.

Glasgow Bulletin on the exciting moments after Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla’s Windsor Lad won the Epsom Derby 1934. Excerpt from Indra Vikram Singh’s book ‘A Maharaja’s Turf’

Windsor Lad’s £1,000,000 bill for bookies

250,000 Crowd See Hot Derby Favourite Well Beaten

As soon as Windsor Lad had flashed past the winning post, his owner, the Maharajah of Rajpipla, went forward to greet him. The Maharajah is a regular visitor to English racecourses, and when the crowd recognised him they set up an ear-splitting cheer. He was obviously thrilled at this typical British greeting, and he beamed with pleasure as he doffed his grey top hat. The Aga Khan sprinted forward to congratulate him, and he was soon surrounded by a host of friends and acquaintances.

“Give me five minutes,” pleaded the Maharaja when interviewed by a reporter. “I can’t collect my thoughts.” And his actions were true to his words. His slightly grey hair was ruffled with excitement. He waved his hands as he expostulated, his features twitching in a nervous smile.

A polite message was then whispered in the ear of the joyful owner. “The King has sent for you,” he was told. The Maharaja turned in a daze, still carrying his hat in his hand, and walked away up the stairs. 

The Maharaja of Rajpipla rules a State of 1600 square miles in the Bombay Presidency. He spends a great deal of his time in this country, and resides at The Manor, Old Windsor in Berkshire, hence the name, Windsor Lad, for the best horse he has ever owned. His chief recreations are polo and racing.

(Author Indra Vikram Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla, can be contacted on email singh_iv@hotmail.com. Follow Indra Vikram Singh on Twitter @IVRajpipla).

A Maharaja’s Turf

ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3

Published in India by Sporting Links

Fully Illustrated

Hardcover 8.75 x 11.5 x 0.6 inches (landscape)

140 Pages

MRP Rupees 1995

Indra Vikram Singh’s latest books published by Sporting Links:

A Maharaja’s Turf  ISBN 978-81-901668-3-6

The Big Book of World Cup Cricket  ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3

Don’s Century  ISBN 978-81-901668-5-0

Crowning Glory  ISBN 978-81-901668-6-7

Distributed in India by:  Variety Book Depot, AVG Bhawan, M-3, Middle Circle, Connaught Circus, New Delhi-110 001, India. Tel. + 91 11 23417175, 23412567, Email varietybookdepot@gmail.com.

Princely Hospitality of Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla

Born in 1890, Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla ascended the gadi of the 4,000 square kilometres Rajpipla State in 1915. During his nearly 33 years of reign until merger of the State with the Union of India in 1948, Maharaja Vijaysinhji was not only a sagacious and benevolent ruler who carried out several reforms and development works, but also a man of great taste and a gracious host.

In his magnificent palaces and guest houses in Rajpipla, his seaside mansion on Nepeansea Road in Bombay, his valley-view house in Mussoorie, and his riverside Victorian manor at Old Windsor in England, the Maharaja would often host memorable parties with every little detail attended to. His kitchen had chefs for different cuisines, Indian, Continental and Chinese, and even some who specialised in non-vegetarian dishes. They would surprise guests with exotic menus.

The Maharaja would host royalty and aristocracy from India, UK and Europe; viceroys and governors; racehorse owners, trainers and jockeys; and celebrities of various hues. Among his many close friends were Aga Khan III Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah, Maharaja Man Singh of Jaipur and the author of the James Bond series Ian Fleming.  

Being such a generous host and connoisseur of food, Maharaja Vijaysinhji was fond of cooking and devising his own delicious recipes. His most famous recipe is the Rajpipla Chicken which has been a favourite of family members and friends for nearly a hundred years. While on picnics or out camping, the Maharaja would invariably get down to preparing a dish or two. I had a film from the early 1930s where one could see him cooking in a jungle camp, dressed in khaki shirt and trouser, smiling at the camera, enjoying stirring the huge pot. 

After Maharaja Vijaysinhji’s horse Windsor Lad won the Epsom Derby of England in 1934 (still the only Indian owner to win this coveted race in its history going back to 1870), his friend V.C. Buckley wrote in the Sunday Graphic and Sunday News: “He is the kindest, simplest and most hospitable person one could wish to meet. When the Maharajah of Rajpipla says, Come out to India and stay with me,’ he means it – not like many people who have a habit of issuing invitations which are not really meant. The Maharajah often comes to have meals at the guest house, and once or twice during a visitor’s stay will invite him to dine at the Palace. On these occasions the host wears white jodhpur breeches and a brocade coat buttoned up to the neck and reaching below the knees. In England, which he loves to visit, he only dons such clothes on State occasions, preferring for everyday wear, a well-cut lounge suit with usually a red carnation in his button-hole. At his Windsor house he entertains informally, partaking in a game of tennis or croquet, or a run in the motor-launch on the Thames, which flows beside the grounds. The long dining-table is adorned with racing trophies, and on Saturdays and Sundays one may be sure to find at least twenty people seated around it, as I did only last Sunday.”

Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla was indeed a most charming person to meet, always delighting his guests, and quick to cook a delectable dish at the first opportunity, a very popular figure in India and abroad for much of the first half of the 20th century.

The status of Rajpipla among Indian princely states

The Princely State of Rajpipla

Rajpipla was a prominent princely state prior to the independence of India, and merger of princely states with the Union of India.

Of a total of 536 ruling princely states in undivided India, there were 120 salute states with uneven numbered gun-salutes ranging from 9 to 21, and 416 non-salute states.

Rajpipla was a 13-gun salute state. There were only 57 princely states with gun-salute of 13-guns and above.

Rajpipla State had an area of about 4,000 square kilometres. Only 46 princely states in India had an area of 4,000 square kilometres or more.

Rajpipla was among the top four princely states in the Bombay Presidency, the others being Kolhapur, Idar and Khairpur (now in Sindh, Pakistan), out of a total of 152 salute and non-salute states.

Rajpipla was the largest and only first-class princely state in the Rewakantha Agency, comprising 61 states.

Rajpipla was the second-largest after Baroda among Gujarat states (excluding Kathiawad).

Based on the above facts, Rajpipla ranked among the top 10 percent of the ruling princely states in undivided India.

The Gohil Rajput Clan

The ancient Gohil Rajput clan, to which the Rajpipla royal family belongs, is one of the oldest and most respected in India. It traces its origin to the 6^th century AD and beyond, and it ruled over north Gujarat, Mewar, Marwar, and Gohilwar in present-day south Saurashtra, before holding sway over Rajpipla for 600 years from the mid-14^th century till merger in 1948. The Sisodias emananted from the Gohils, and in turn the Bhonsles and Ranas of Nepal sprung from the Sisodias. Only five original Gohil Rajput royal families remain, those of the erstwhile princely states of Bhavnagar, Rajpipla, Palitana, Lathi and Vala (Vallibhipur), all in present-day Gujarat.

The last Rolls-Royce bought by Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla, the fabulous Phantom III 1937

The twelfth and last Rolls-Royce bought by Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla was a fabulous Phantom III 1937. The 3BU 198 Phantom III chassis came off test on 25^th February 1937, fitted with engine no. X18E, and with steering first at the high C rake but changed during construction to the middle E rake. It went to Windovers Limited on 1^st March 1937, where they built a sedanca de ville, to design no. 4986 and body number 6456. The car had false landau irons, and two spare wheels, one to each side. Unusually for a car for use in the UK, it was fitted with Marchal headlamps. A radio and ‘Philco Rola’ loud speakers were installed in keeping with advancement in technology. It was painted Embassy Black, completed on 29^th April 1937 and delivered to the Maharaja at his Old Windsor estate on 3^rd May with UK registration DXP 989. It looks remarkably similar to his Phantom II 1934 181 RY but, of course, with different engines and other features.

The Maharaja used the car in the UK. The Second World War came two years later. The romantic era of the 1920s and 1930s was over. Things were never the same again after the war. Rajpipla State was merged with the Union of India in April 1948. Maharaja Vijaysinhji passed away at Old Windsor in 1951.

In 1956 the car passed on to John Blackwood of the large British engineering company Blackwood Hodge; in 1961 it went to C. Campleman, still with its original hydraulic tappets, and in 1962 was acquired by A.J.H. King in Kent with under 60,000 miles on the meter. The car then passed into the hands of a member of the Swedish royal family and apparently still retains one of the royal family's car badges, as well as a window sticker. It then came into the ownership of a celebrated collector and enthusiast, Hans Thulin. In the late 1980s it went to Germany where the collector carried out a great deal of detailed restoration work to the highest standards.

This splendid automobile is now believed to be in remarkable condition, with excellent chromed brightwork including an original 'spirit of ecstasy' mascot. The luxurious interior has also been expertly restored in light brown leather with superb highly-polished wood cappings, including a cocktail cabinet fitted to the central division. It was last auctioned at Coys, London in December 2013.

A snapshot of Rajpipla State

A first-class princely state, the largest in the Rewa Kantha Agency of the Bombay Presidency, at the time of merger with the Union of India in 1948, Rajpipla was ruled by the Gohil Rajput dynasty for 600 years. Around 1340, Kumar Shri Samarsinhji Mokhdaji, second son of Thakur Mokhdaji Ranoji Gohil (reign 1309-1347) of Ghogha, in present-day Gohilwar in south Saurashtra, was adopted by his maternal grandfather Rao Chokrana, a Parmar Rajput prince of Ujjain (Malwa), who was ruling in Rajpipla at the time. Chokrana Parmar’s daughter was the younger queen of Mokhdaji Gohil. When Chokrana died without a male heir, Samarsinhji succeded to the gadi of Rajpipla at Junaraj (Old Rajpipla) Fort deep in the forests of the Satpura hills, and assumed the name Arjunsinhji. The rule of the principality of Rajpipla thereby passed on to the Gohil Rajput clan. Mokhdaji’s first son Dungarsinhji by his elder queen succeeded him to the gadi of Ghogha (later Bhavnagar) with its capital at Pirambet island in the Gulf of Cambay.

The 13-gun salute Rajpipla State was situated largely between the rivers Narmada and Tapti. Spanning an area of about 4,000 square kilometres, of which 1550 square kilometres were forests, the rest being fertile agricultural plains and river valleys, Rajpipla grew to be one of the most prosperous princely states in Gujarat, second only to Baroda. It was also known for its cornelian and agate mines, and the famous Cup of Ptolemy is reputed to have come from the mines at Limbodra in Rajpipla State. Its capital town of Rajpipla (Nandod or New Rajpipla) is now headquarters of Narmada district.

My few days in Vadia Palace, by Dhiru Mistry. Tribute to Maharajkumar Indrajitsinhji (Indrajeet Singhji) of Rajpipla

I received a letter from Sureshwarsinh in 1963-64 asking me to come to Rajpipla, and assuring me that the days spent there would be remembered by me all my life. Yes, now I can definitely say that the days I stayed in Rajpipla have been treasured in my mind. Even today I enjoy remembering those days which I spent with Maharajkumar Indrajitsinhji (Billy Dada) in the famous 'Indrajit-Padmini Mahal', also known as Vadia Palace.

Of course, there was also Sureshwarsinh and the Parsi gentleman Soli there. I know royals from very close quarters but Maharajkumar was different. A great soul, calm and quiet. During my stay I never heard him speak ill of anyone. In the evening, drinks would be served and Lajar, the chef, would serve us the most delicious meals. Maharaj would retire in his bedroom while the three of us would sleep on the terrace.

Sometimes Maharajkumar would show us some of his shikar (hunting) films. His elder sister Princess Mohinikuvarba would also join us. Afterwards she would go to her newly-built house 'Ambika Villa' opposite Vadia Palace.

One evening I told Maharajkumar, "Maharaj, on your way back to Dehradun, please visit my house in Baroda (now Vadodara)." "Yes, I will come," promised Billy Dada.

I knew Billy Dada's programme, so I headed to the Baroda railway station and went to see him in the retiring room. Dada had gone for a bath, but Soli was there. I told Soli, "Please request Dada to come to my house which is nearby." Soli said, "Its almost 10 in the night and Dada is tired, so it may not be possible to come to your place".

Meanwhile Maharaj came from the bathroom. I reminded him of his promise and the great man said, "Soli, I have promised him and we must go".

Both of them came to my house, and my mother welcomed them with milk. I have treasured this meeting in my heart.

But after few days I heard the most shocking news that the great man had passed away in his farmhouse. Even after 50 years I remember this noble soul.

Dhiru Mistry