MAHARAJAS WITH ΝΟ KINGDOMS

The powers of the Rajput kings of princely states in Rajasthan, of course, don’t exist post-Independence. However, the titular rulers of Rajasthan ensure that erstwhile traditions of the royals continue and that their coronation ceremonies still take place. MARWAR reports.

- Prakash Bhandari

Much before the formation of Rajasthan state in 1949, the erstwhile Rajputana was ruled by the various Maharajas. Post-Independence, the princely states were merged with the Indian Union and the rulers of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Alwar, and Khetri forfeited their kingdoms. Under the Indian Independence Act of 1947, they lost their powers to rule their states but were allowed to use the title of Maharaja. They had to survive on the privileges and annual privy purse (just one-fourth of the revenue earned) that clearly, wasn’t enough to maintain their status as Maharajas.

The Maharajas were subjected to another blow when the concept of rulership with privy purses was abolished with the 27th Amendment Act in 1971. As per the orders of the government, these Maharajas ceased to be recognised as rulers and this led to the discontinuance of their privileges. This resulted in two categories of rulers—the first enjoyed the privy purse after the state's merger in the Indian Union and entitled them to the use of Maharaja, Maharana, Maharao and Raja; the second category rulers were stripped of the privileges and ceased to be called Maharajas. They became titular Maharajas with no rulership privileges. Titular is a formal title without real authority, which means having the position but not the responsibilities or powers that go with it.