Madansinhji

H.H. Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Sri Madansinhji Vijayaraji Sawai Bahadur (12 October 1909 - 21 June 1991 ) was last official ruler of Princely State of Cutch.^[1][2][3]

He was called and named as Yuvraj Sahib Meghraji and was married HH Maharani Rajendra Kunverba, daughter of Lt.-Col. HH Umdae Rajhae Buland Makan Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Sir Madan Singh Bahadur of Kishangarh in 1930, and had issues.^[4][5]

He was left to administer the state, whenever, his father Maharao Sri Vijayaraji Khengarji was away. In 1947, upon independence of India, it was he who upon wishes, instruction & on behalf of his father Maharao Shri Vijayraji ( who was away for medical treatment at London), signed the Instrument of Accession of Kutch, on 16 August, 1947, on his behalf, as Heir Apparent for Princely State of Kutch.^[6]

He was President of Cutch State Council form 1943-1948. He acceded the throne, upon death of his father of 26 January 1948 under the new name and style of Madansinji and ruled for a short period of till 4 May 1948, when the administration of Princely State was completely merged in to Union of India.^[6][2][3]

H.H. Madan Sinhji belonged to a new breed of Royalty, who placed their education, contacts and skills at the disposal of the new India.^[2]As the last ruler of Kutch, he was very close to Jawaharlal Nehru. He joined Indian Foreign Service in 1953, served as Hon Minister-Counselor at London 1953-1956, Ambassador to Norway 1957-1960, and Chile 1960-1961.^[2] In 1962 his brother Shri Himmatsinhji became the member of the Lok Sabha representing the Kutch community.^[7]

On 1st January, 1977, Maharao Madansinhji, the last ruler of Kutch founded “Maharao of Kutch Aina Mahal Trust”. Madansinhji Museum was made under this trust. This museum has two parts. One part is the Kala Atari Picture Gallery and another part is a marvelous old palace called Aina Mahal.^[8]

He died on 21 June 1991 in London and his eldest son Pragmalji III was named as his successor, scion and Maharaja of Jadeja ruler of Kutch.^[2] There were some disputes leading to court case, which started during his life-time and continued after his death towards his Estate worth millions.^[9]

Titles

^[2]

• 1942-1948: Maharajkumar Shri Meghraji, Yuvraj Sahib of Cutch
• 1948-1991: Colonel H.H. Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Shri Madansinhji Vijayraji Sawai Bahadur, Maharao of Cutch.
• Honorable Colonel, Cutch State Infantry, 1948-1949.

Honours

• King George VI Coronation Medal, 1937^[2]

References

1. ^ Jadeja Rulers of Kutch - Lineage
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} Cutch
3. ^ ^{a b} Kutch
4. ^ WEDDING OF MAHARAJ KUMAR SHRI MEGHRAJJI SHAEB OF KUTCH
5. ^ [1]
6. ^ ^{a b} [2] NTERNATIONAL LAW REPORTS VOLUME 50
7. ^ [3]
8. ^ Museums of Kutch
9. ^ The erstwhile ruler said in his will that Prithvirajsinhji would not get anything from his riches if he did not withdraw a court case filed by him in 1980 over the division of property. Kutch ruler's son cannot claim father's riches: Court.