MAHARAJAH DEAD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 7

MAHARAJAH DEAD

GAEKWAR OF BARODA A NOTABLE CAREER LIBERAL AND ROYAL [By Telegraph—Prefa Association — Copyright) Received February 7, 6.5 p.m. BOMBAY, Feb. 6. The death lias occurred of the Gaekwar of Baroda. His Highness the Maharajah Gaekwar, Sir Sayaji Rao 111, was born in March, 1863 and succeeded to the throne in rather unusual circumstances The previous Gaekwar had tied men to elephants’ tails and ordered those who displeased him to be slain in the markets. He squandered the people’s money and when he finally attempted to poison the British Resident he was deposed. The new ruler had to be found in the ancient Gaekwar family and word had been received of a peasant named Kashi Rao who could prove that he was of the Gaekwar blood. The peasant and his four sons were ordered to appear before the police and the choice fell on the second eldest son, who became Gaekwar. He underwent a long period of training and at eighteen was his

own master, ruler over 2,500,000 people and a territory of 8160 square miles. His career as head of the State has been notable. He became famous for his liberalism and his friendship for the untouchables. He was international president of the World Fellow-

ship of Faiths, organised t o seek a spiritual solution of man’s problems. He made provision for all the more important kinds of higher education. He waged war against the caste system. He was active in promot i n g hygiene and agricultural im - provements.

He provided liberal education for women and wrote a book on “The Position of Women in Indian Life.” The diamond jubilee of his rule was celebrated three years ago. During the war he proved an active friend of Britain. He gave 500,000 rupees to the British Government fund f.’r aeroplanes, 500,000 rupees to the War Gift Fund, 470,000 rupees to several relief funds, and 12,000 rupees a month from January, I'l6, to the end of the war. He also gave 1,500,000 rupees for the purchase of motor trucks, and 154 horses and 13 tents, as well as subscribing to the Viceroy's Fund and the Thank-offering Fund in London. He received the G.C.S.I. and the G.C.I.E. and was an LL.D, of Benares Hindu University. He was twice married.