Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Maharaja of Nawanagar from 1933–1948}}
{{Short description|Maharaja of Nawanagar from 1933–1948}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name        = Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji
| name        = Sir Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji, [[GCSI]], [[GCIE]]
| image        = Jam-Shri-Digvijaysinhji-Ranjitsinhji-Jadeja-Maharaja-Jam-Saheb-of-Nawanagar.jpg
| image        = Jam-Shri-Digvijaysinhji-Ranjitsinhji-Jadeja-Maharaja-Jam-Saheb-of-Nawanagar.jpg
| succession  = Maharaja Jam Sahib of '''Nawanagar State'''
| succession  = Maharaja Jam Sahib of '''Nawanagar State'''
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| predecessor  = [[Ranjitsinhji]]
| predecessor  = [[Ranjitsinhji]]
| successor    = ''Monarchy Abolished''
| successor    = ''Monarchy Abolished''
| succession1  = Jam Saheb of Nawanagar (Titular)
| succession1  = Jam Saheb of Nawanagar ([[Titular ruler]])
| reign1      = 1948–1966
| reign1      = 1948–1966
| predecessor1 = [[Ranjitsinhji]]
| predecessor1 = [[Ranjitsinhji]]
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| reg-type    =  
| reg-type    =  
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|df=yes|1895|09|18}}
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|df=yes|1895|09|18}}
| birth_place  = Sadodar, [[British Raj|British India]]
| birth_place  = [[Sadodar]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_date  = {{Death date and age|df=yes|1966|02|03|1895|09|18}}
| death_date  = {{Death date and age|df=yes|1966|02|03|1895|09|18}}
| death_place  = Bombay, [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_place  = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| burial_date  =  
| burial_date  =  
| burial_place =  
| burial_place =  
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|                year = 2019
|                year = 2019
|              source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28620.html CricInfo
|              source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28620.html CricInfo
|module            = {{Infobox officeholder
|embed            = yes
|office          = 4th [[Presidents of the Board of Control for Cricket in India|President of BCCI]]
|term_start      = 1937
|term_end        = 1938
|predecessor      = [[Hamidullah Khan|Sir Hamidullah Khan]]
|successor        = [[P. Subbarayan]]
}}
}}}}
}}}}
}}
}}


'''Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja''' {{post-nominals|country=GBR|GCSI|GCIE}} (18 September 1895 – 3 February 1966) was the Maharaja [[Jam Sahib]] of [[Nawanagar State|Nawanagar]] from 1933 to 1966, succeeding his uncle, the famed [[cricketer]] [[Ranjitsinhji]].
'''Sir Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja''' {{post-nominals|country=GBR|GCSI|GCIE}} (18 September 1895 – 3 February 1966) was the Maharaja [[Jam Sahib]] of [[Nawanagar State|Nawanagar]] from 1933 to 1966, succeeding his uncle, the famed [[cricketer]] [[Ranjitsinhji]].


==Early life and military career==
==Early life and military career==
Ranjitsinhji, a [[Yaduvanshi Rajput]], was born at Sadodar, [[Gujarat]] on 18 September 1895 during the [[British Raj]], nephew of the famed cricketer [[K.S. Ranjitsinhji]]. He was educated at The [[Rajkumar College, Rajkot|Rajkumar College]], [[Rajkot]], in [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]], then at [[Malvern College]] and [[University College London]].
Ranjitsinhji, a [[Yaduvanshi Rajput]], was born at Sadodar, [[Gujarat]] on 18 September 1895 during the [[British Raj]], nephew of the famed cricketer [[K.S. Ranjitsinhji]]. He was educated at The [[Rajkumar College, Rajkot|Rajkumar College]], [[Rajkot]], in [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]], then at [[Malvern College]] and [[University College London]].


Commissioned as second lieutenant in the British Army in 1919, Digvijaysinhji enjoyed a military career for over two decades.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Attached to the 125th Napier's Rifles (now 5th Battalion (Napier's), The Rajputana Rifles) in 1920, he served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, subsequently receiving a promotion to Lieutenant in 1921.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32967/pages/6355|title=London Gazette}}</ref> He then served with the Waziristan Field Force from 1922 to 1924; after a promotion to captain in 1929, he retired from the army in 1931.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33790/pages/350|title=London Gazette}}</ref> However, he would continue to receive honorary promotions in the Indian Army until 1947, ending with the rank of lieutenant-general.
Commissioned as second lieutenant in the British Army in 1919, Digvijaysinhji enjoyed a military career for over two decades.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} Attached to the 125th Napier's Rifles (now 5th Battalion (Napier's), The Rajputana Rifles) in 1920, he served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, subsequently receiving a promotion to Lieutenant in 1921.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32967/pages/6355|title=London Gazette}}</ref> He then served with the Waziristan Field Force from 1922 to 1924; after a promotion to captain in 1929, he retired from the army in 1931.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33790/pages/350|title=London Gazette}}</ref> However, he would continue to receive honorary promotions in the Indian Army until 1947, ending with the rank of lieutenant-general.


Two years later, Digvijaysinhji succeeded his uncle, who had adopted him as his heir. From 1939 until his demise, he was the longest serving President of Governing Council of The [[Rajkumar College, Rajkot|Rajkumar College]], [[Rajkot]].
Two years later, Digvijaysinhji succeeded his uncle, who had adopted him as his heir. From 1939 until his demise, he was the longest serving President of Governing Council of The [[Rajkumar College, Rajkot|Rajkumar College]], [[Rajkot]].


==Maharaja Jam Sahib==
==Maharaja Jam Sahib==
Upon the passing of his uncle, Digvijaysinhji became Maharaja Jam Sahib in 1933, continuing his uncle's policies of development and public service. [[Knighted]] in 1935, Sir Digvijaysinhji joined the [[Chamber of Princes]], leading it as president from 1937 to 1943. Upholding the cricketing tradition of his uncle, he served as President of the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] in 1937–1938 and was a member of several prominent sporting clubs. He had previously played a single [[first-class cricket|first-class]] match during the 1933–34 season, captaining [[Western India cricket team|Western India]] against the [[Marylebone Cricket Club|MCC]] during [[English cricket team in India in 1933–34|its tour of India and Ceylon]].<ref>[https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/38/38769/First-Class_Matches.html First-class matches played by Digvijaysinhji (1)] – CricketArchive. Retrieved 16 October 2014.</ref> He scored 0 and 6 in his two innings, in what was also the only first-class match played by his brother, [[Pratapsinhji]].<ref>[https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/14/14869.html Western India v Marylebone Cricket Club], Marylebone Cricket Club in India and Ceylon 1933/34 – CricketArchive. Retrieved 16 October 2014.</ref> During the Second World War, Sir Digvijaysinhji served on the [[Imperial War Cabinet]] and the National Defence Council, along with the [[Pacific War Council]].
Upon the passing of his uncle, Digvijaysinhji became Maharaja Jam Sahib in 1933, continuing his uncle's policies of development and public service. [[Knighted]] in 1935, Sir Digvijaysinhji joined the [[Chamber of Princes]], leading it as president from 1937 to 1943. Upholding the cricketing tradition of his uncle, he served as President of the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] in 1937–1938 and was a member of several prominent sporting clubs. He had previously played a single [[first-class cricket|first-class]] match during the 1933–34 season, captaining [[Western India cricket team|Western India]] against the [[Marylebone Cricket Club|MCC]] during [[English cricket team in India in 1933–34|its tour of India and Ceylon]].<ref>[https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/38/38769/First-Class_Matches.html First-class matches played by Digvijaysinhji (1)] – CricketArchive. Retrieved 16 October 2014.</ref> He scored 0 and 6 in his two innings, in what was also the only first-class match played by his brother, [[Pratapsinhji]].<ref>[https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/14/14869.html Western India v Marylebone Cricket Club], Marylebone Cricket Club in India and Ceylon 1933/34 – CricketArchive. Retrieved 16 October 2014.</ref> During the Second World War, Sir Digvijaysinhji served on the [[Imperial War Cabinet]] and the National Defence Council, along with the [[Pacific War Council]].


==Polish refugees==
==Polish refugees==
[[File:HH The Jam Sahib Of Nawanagar visits HMS Nelson Sep 1942.jpg|thumb|right|<center>Taking the salute on visiting [[HMS Nelson (28)|HMS ''Nelson'']] in Scotland, September 1942</center>]]
 
[[File:HH The Jam Sahib Of Nawanagar visits HMS Nelson Sep 1942.jpg|thumb|right|{{center|Taking the salute on visiting [[HMS Nelson (28)|HMS ''Nelson'']] in Scotland, September 1942}}]]
 
[[File:Maharaja with kids and women from Poland.jpg|thumb|Maharaja with children on Christmas Eve]]
[[File:Maharaja with kids and women from Poland.jpg|thumb|Maharaja with children on Christmas Eve]]
[[File:Skwer Dobrego Maharadży w Warszawie.JPG|thumb|upright|"Good Maharaja's Square" in Warsaw, Poland, was named after Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji in recognition of his help to Polish refugees during World War II]]
[[File:Skwer Dobrego Maharadży w Warszawie.JPG|thumb|upright|"Good Maharaja's Square" in Warsaw, Poland, was named after Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji in recognition of his help to Polish refugees during World War II]]
[[File:Pomnik_dobrego_maharadży_polski.jpg|thumb|Memorial in Warsaw]]
[[File:Pomnik_dobrego_maharadży_polski.jpg|thumb|Memorial in Warsaw]]
In 1942 he established the Polish Children's Camp in [[Jamnagar]]-Balachadi for [[Displaced person|refugee]] Polish children who were brought out of the [[Soviet Union|USSR]] during [[World War II]].  It existed until 1945, when it was closed and the children were transferred to Valivade, a quarter of the city of [[Kolhapur]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kresy-siberia.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=47057|title=Refugee camps in India, Jamnagar-Balachadi|access-date=8 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713170807/http://kresy-siberia.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=47057|archive-date=13 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120910203530/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-09-17/ahmedabad/27825350_1_maharaja-camps-jamnagar Anuradha Bhattacharya, ''History of Polish refugees in India between 1942–48''] [in] Polish love story in Gujarat, The Times of India, 17 September 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?268578 Little Warsaw Of Kathiawar] ''Outlook'', 20 December 2010.</ref> The camp site today is part of 300 acre campus of the [[Sainik School, Balachadi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?268579|title=History: humanism Balachadians To Their Core Nawanagar saved their lives. The Poles show they have not forgotten.|date=20 December 2010|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref>
 
[[The Jamsaheb Digvijay Singh Jadeja School|The Jamsaheb Digvijaysinh Jadeja School]] in [[Warsaw]] was established to honour this legacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/a-maharaja-in-warsaw/article12980412.ece|title=A Maharaja in Warsaw|author=Jayaraj Manepalli|work=The Hindu|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> In 2016, 50 years after Jam Saheb's death, Poland's Parliament unanimously adopted a special resolution honouring Jam Saheb Digvijay Sinhji for his aid to Polish children refugees during World War II.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://orka.sejm.gov.pl/opinie8.nsf/nazwa/235_u/$file/235_u.pdf|title=Uchwała Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej w sprawie uczczenia pamięci Dobrego Maharadży|access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theindiandiaspora.com/news-details/diaspora-news/primary-news/good-maharaja-of-jamnagar-remembered-in-polish-parliament.htm|title='Good Maharaja' of Jamnagar remembered in Polish parliament|author=Surender Bhutani|work=theindiandiaspora|access-date=14 March 2016}}</ref>
In 1942, he established the Polish Children's Camp in [[Jamnagar]]-Balachadi for [[Displaced person|refugee]] Polish children who were brought out of the [[Soviet Union|USSR]] during [[World War II]].   
 
It existed until 1945, when it was closed and the children were transferred to Valivade, a quarter of the city of [[Kolhapur]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kresy-siberia.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=47057|title=Refugee camps in India, Jamnagar-Balachadi|access-date=8 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713170807/http://kresy-siberia.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=47057|archive-date=13 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120910203530/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-09-17/ahmedabad/27825350_1_maharaja-camps-jamnagar Anuradha Bhattacharya, ''History of Polish refugees in India between 1942–48''] [in] Polish love story in Gujarat, The Times of India, 17 September 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?268578 Little Warsaw Of Kathiawar] ''Outlook'', 20 December 2010.</ref> The camp site today is part of 300 acre campus of the [[Sainik School, Balachadi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?268579|title=History: humanism Balachadians To Their Core Nawanagar saved their lives. The Poles show they have not forgotten.|date=20 December 2010|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref>
[[The Jamsaheb Digvijay Singh Jadeja School|The Jamsaheb Digvijaysinh Jadeja School]] in [[Warsaw]] was established to honour this legacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/a-maharaja-in-warsaw/article12980412.ece|title=A Maharaja in Warsaw|author=Jayaraj Manepalli|work=The Hindu|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> In 2016, 50 years after Jam Saheb's death, Poland's Parliament unanimously adopted a special resolution honouring Jam Saheb Digvijay Sinhji for his aid to Polish children refugees during World War II.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://orka.sejm.gov.pl/opinie8.nsf/nazwa/235_u/$file/235_u.pdf|title=Uchwała Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej w sprawie uczczenia pamięci Dobrego Maharadży|access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theindiandiaspora.com/news-details/diaspora-news/primary-news/good-maharaja-of-jamnagar-remembered-in-polish-parliament.htm|title='Good Maharaja' of Jamnagar remembered in Polish parliament|author=Surender Bhutani|work=theindiandiaspora|access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref>


A documentary titled "Little Poland in India" was made in collaboration of both Indian and Polish governments to honour the efforts of Maharaja Jam Sahib<ref>{{Citation|last=AakaarFilms|title=A Little Poland in India (English) - The Complete Documentary|date=2015-11-22|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIPq-8RZxxM|access-date=2018-05-24}}</ref> and [[Kira Banasinska]], who led the movement in India to rehabilitate Polish refugees.<ref name="Tribune-30Jun19">{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/spectrum/slice-of-india-in-london/794763.html|title=Slice of India in London|date=30 June 2019|work=The Tribune|location=Chandigarh}}</ref>  
A documentary titled "Little Poland in India" was made in collaboration of both Indian and Polish governments to honour the efforts of Maharaja Jam Sahib<ref>{{Citation|last=AakaarFilms|title=A Little Poland in India (English) - The Complete Documentary|date=2015-11-22|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIPq-8RZxxM|access-date=2018-05-24}}</ref> and [[Kira Banasinska]], who led the movement in India to rehabilitate Polish refugees.<ref name="Tribune-30Jun19">{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/spectrum/slice-of-india-in-london/794763.html|title=Slice of India in London|date=30 June 2019|work=The Tribune|location=Chandigarh}}</ref>  
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==Representative at international organisations==
==Representative at international organisations==
Divijaysinhji represented India as a delegate at the first session of the [[League of Nations]] in 1920.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiana.edu/~league/1thordinaryassemb.htm|title=First Ordinary Session of the Assembly|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> He was also the Deputy Leader of the Indian delegation to the UN, and chaired both the UN Administration Tribunal and the UN Negotiating Committee on Korean Rehabilitation following the [[Korean War]].
 
Divijaysinhji represented India as a delegate at the first session of the [[League of Nations]] in 1920.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiana.edu/~league/1thordinaryassemb.htm|title=First Ordinary Session of the Assembly|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> He was also the Deputy Leader of the Indian delegation to the UN, and chaired both the UN Administration Tribunal and the UN Negotiating Committee on Korean Rehabilitation following the [[Korean War]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
On 7 March 1935 at [[Sirohi]], Sir Digvijaysinhji married Maharajkumari Baiji Raj Shri Kanchan Kunverba Sahiba (1910–1994), second daughter of Maharajadhiraj Maharao Sri Sir Sarup Ram Singhji Bahadur, the Maharao of [[Sirohi]]. She took the name of Her Highness Deoriji Maharani Shri Gulab Kunverba Sahiba, and the couple had one son and three daughters.
On 7 March 1935 at [[Sirohi]], Sir Digvijaysinhji married Maharajkumari Baiji Raj Shri Kanchan Kunverba Sahiba (1910–1994), second daughter of Maharajadhiraj Maharao Sri Sir Sarup Ram Singhji Bahadur, the Maharao of [[Sirohi]]. She took the name of Her Highness Deoriji Maharani Shri Gulab Kunverba Sahiba, and the couple had one son and three daughters.


==Death==
==Death==
After a reign of 33 years, Sir Digvijaysinhji died in Bombay on 3 February 1966, aged 70. He was succeeded by his only son, [[Shatrusalyasinhji]], who was a [[first-class cricket]]er for [[Saurashtra cricket team|Saurashtra]].
After a reign of 33 years, Sir Digvijaysinhji died in Bombay on 3 February 1966, aged 70. He was succeeded by his only son, [[Shatrusalyasinhji]], who was a [[first-class cricket]]er for [[Saurashtra cricket team|Saurashtra]].


==Honours==
==Honours==
<center>
 
<div class="center">
(ribbon bar, as it would look today)
(ribbon bar, as it would look today)


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[[File:War Medal 39-45 BAR.svg|100px]]
[[File:War Medal 39-45 BAR.svg|100px]]


[[File:GeorgeVSilverJubileum-ribbon.png|100px]]
[[File:King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg|100px]]
[[File:GeorgeVICoronationRibbon.png|100px]]
[[File:GeorgeVICoronationRibbon.png|100px]]
[[File:Indian Independence medal 1947.svg|100px]]
[[File:Indian Independence medal 1947.svg|100px]]
[[File:POL Order Zaslugi RP kl3 BAR.png|100px|3rd class]]
[[File:POL Order Zaslugi RP kl3 BAR.png|100px|3rd class]]


</center>
</div>


*[[India General Service Medal (1909)|India General Service Medal]] w/ Wazirstan Clasp-1924
*[[India General Service Medal (1909)|India General Service Medal]] w/ Wazirstan Clasp-1924
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==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The upcoming [[India|Indo]]-[[Polish language|Polish]] [[war epic]] film [[The Good Maharaja|The Good Maharaja (2022)]] is going to depict Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja.
The upcoming [[India|Indo]]-[[Polish language|Polish]] [[war epic]] film [[The Good Maharaja|The Good Maharaja (2022)]] is going to depict Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja.


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[India–Poland relations]]
* [[India–Poland relations]]


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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji}}
{{Commons category|Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji}}
*[http://culture.pl/en/article/the-maharaja-who-saved-hundreds-of-polish-orphans The Maharaja Who Saved Hundreds of Polish Orphans]
*[http://culture.pl/en/article/the-maharaja-who-saved-hundreds-of-polish-orphans The Maharaja Who Saved Hundreds of Polish Orphans]
*[https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-full-story-of-Polish-people-who-sought-refuge-during-World-War-II-in-Gujarat-provided-by-Maharaja-Digvijaysinhji-Jadeja The Good Maharaja: The Ambassador to rescue of Polish children]
*[https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-full-story-of-Polish-people-who-sought-refuge-during-World-War-II-in-Gujarat-provided-by-Maharaja-Digvijaysinhji-Jadeja The Good Maharaja: The Ambassador to rescue of Polish children]
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|title=[[Jam Saheb]] of [[Nawanagar State|Nawanagar]]
|title=[[Jam Saheb]] of [[Nawanagar State|Nawanagar]]
|years=1933–1948
|years=1933–1948
|after=Merged with [[India]]
|after=Merged with [[Dominion of India]]
}}
}}
{{S-end}}
{{S-end}}
{{Presidents of BCCI}}
{{Presidents of BCCI}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:Maharajas of Nawanagar]]
[[Category:Maharajas of Nawanagar]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Gujarat]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Gujarat]]
[[Category:Indian knights]]
[[Category:Indian royalty]]
[[Category:Indian royalty]]
[[Category:Knights Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]]
[[Category:Knights Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]]

Revision as of 22:51, 7 December 2022


Sir Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji, GCSI, GCIE
Jam-Shri-Digvijaysinhji-Ranjitsinhji-Jadeja-Maharaja-Jam-Saheb-of-Nawanagar.jpg
Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar State
Reign1933–1948
PredecessorRanjitsinhji
SuccessorMonarchy Abolished
Jam Saheb of Nawanagar (Titular ruler)
Reign1948–1966
PredecessorRanjitsinhji
SuccessorShatrusalyasinhji
Born(1895-09-18)18 September 1895
Sadodar, British India
Died3 February 1966(1966-02-03) (aged 70)
Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Spouse
Maharajkumari Baiji Raj Shri Kanchan Kunverba Sahiba
​
(
m. 1923)
Issue
Names
Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja
HouseNawanagar
Military career
Service/branch British Indian Army
Years of service1919–1947
Cricket information
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm
RoleBatsman
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1933–1934Western India
Career statistics
Competition First-class
Matches 1
Runs scored 6
Batting average 3.00
100s/50s 0/0
Top score 6
Catches/stumpings 0/–
Source: CricInfo, 8 June 2019
4th President of BCCI
In office
1937–1938
Preceded bySir Hamidullah Khan
Succeeded byP. Subbarayan

Sir Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja GCSI GCIE (18 September 1895 – 3 February 1966) was the Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar from 1933 to 1966, succeeding his uncle, the famed cricketer Ranjitsinhji.

Early life and military career

Ranjitsinhji, a Yaduvanshi Rajput, was born at Sadodar, Gujarat on 18 September 1895 during the British Raj, nephew of the famed cricketer K.S. Ranjitsinhji. He was educated at The Rajkumar College, Rajkot, in Saurashtra, then at Malvern College and University College London.

Commissioned as second lieutenant in the British Army in 1919, Digvijaysinhji enjoyed a military career for over two decades.[citation needed] Attached to the 125th Napier's Rifles (now 5th Battalion (Napier's), The Rajputana Rifles) in 1920, he served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, subsequently receiving a promotion to Lieutenant in 1921.[1] He then served with the Waziristan Field Force from 1922 to 1924; after a promotion to captain in 1929, he retired from the army in 1931.[2] However, he would continue to receive honorary promotions in the Indian Army until 1947, ending with the rank of lieutenant-general.

Two years later, Digvijaysinhji succeeded his uncle, who had adopted him as his heir. From 1939 until his demise, he was the longest serving President of Governing Council of The Rajkumar College, Rajkot.

Maharaja Jam Sahib

Upon the passing of his uncle, Digvijaysinhji became Maharaja Jam Sahib in 1933, continuing his uncle's policies of development and public service. Knighted in 1935, Sir Digvijaysinhji joined the Chamber of Princes, leading it as president from 1937 to 1943. Upholding the cricketing tradition of his uncle, he served as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 1937–1938 and was a member of several prominent sporting clubs. He had previously played a single first-class match during the 1933–34 season, captaining Western India against the MCC during its tour of India and Ceylon.[3] He scored 0 and 6 in his two innings, in what was also the only first-class match played by his brother, Pratapsinhji.[4] During the Second World War, Sir Digvijaysinhji served on the Imperial War Cabinet and the National Defence Council, along with the Pacific War Council.

Polish refugees

Taking the salute on visiting HMS Nelson in Scotland, September 1942
Maharaja with children on Christmas Eve
"Good Maharaja's Square" in Warsaw, Poland, was named after Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji in recognition of his help to Polish refugees during World War II
Memorial in Warsaw

In 1942, he established the Polish Children's Camp in Jamnagar-Balachadi for refugee Polish children who were brought out of the USSR during World War II.

It existed until 1945, when it was closed and the children were transferred to Valivade, a quarter of the city of Kolhapur.[5][6][7] The camp site today is part of 300 acre campus of the Sainik School, Balachadi.[8] The Jamsaheb Digvijaysinh Jadeja School in Warsaw was established to honour this legacy.[9] In 2016, 50 years after Jam Saheb's death, Poland's Parliament unanimously adopted a special resolution honouring Jam Saheb Digvijay Sinhji for his aid to Polish children refugees during World War II.[10][11]

A documentary titled "Little Poland in India" was made in collaboration of both Indian and Polish governments to honour the efforts of Maharaja Jam Sahib[12] and Kira Banasinska, who led the movement in India to rehabilitate Polish refugees.[13] After independence of India, he signed the Instrument of Accession to the Dominion of India on 15 August 1947. He merged Nawanagar into the United State of Kathiawar the following year, serving as its Rajpramukh until the Government of India abolished the post in 1956.

Representative at international organisations

Divijaysinhji represented India as a delegate at the first session of the League of Nations in 1920.[14] He was also the Deputy Leader of the Indian delegation to the UN, and chaired both the UN Administration Tribunal and the UN Negotiating Committee on Korean Rehabilitation following the Korean War.

Personal life

On 7 March 1935 at Sirohi, Sir Digvijaysinhji married Maharajkumari Baiji Raj Shri Kanchan Kunverba Sahiba (1910–1994), second daughter of Maharajadhiraj Maharao Sri Sir Sarup Ram Singhji Bahadur, the Maharao of Sirohi. She took the name of Her Highness Deoriji Maharani Shri Gulab Kunverba Sahiba, and the couple had one son and three daughters.

Death

After a reign of 33 years, Sir Digvijaysinhji died in Bombay on 3 February 1966, aged 70. He was succeeded by his only son, Shatrusalyasinhji, who was a first-class cricketer for Saurashtra.

Honours

(ribbon bar, as it would look today)

1000px ribbon bar of the Order of Maria Anna.svg Order of the Indian Empire Ribbon.svg India General Service Medal 1909 BAR.svg India Service Medal BAR.svg

39-45 Star BAR.svg Africa Star BAR.svg Pacific Star BAR.svg War Medal 39-45 BAR.svg

King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg GeorgeVICoronationRibbon.png Indian Independence medal 1947.svg 3rd class

In popular culture

The upcoming Indo-Polish war epic film The Good Maharaja (2022) is going to depict Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "London Gazette".
  2. ↑ "London Gazette".
  3. ↑ First-class matches played by Digvijaysinhji (1) – CricketArchive. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
  4. ↑ Western India v Marylebone Cricket Club, Marylebone Cricket Club in India and Ceylon 1933/34 – CricketArchive. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
  5. ↑ "Refugee camps in India, Jamnagar-Balachadi". Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 8 June 2010.
  6. ↑ Anuradha Bhattacharya, History of Polish refugees in India between 1942–48 [in] Polish love story in Gujarat, The Times of India, 17 September 2006
  7. ↑ Little Warsaw Of Kathiawar Outlook, 20 December 2010.
  8. ↑ "History: humanism Balachadians To Their Core Nawanagar saved their lives. The Poles show they have not forgotten". Outlook. 20 December 2010.
  9. ↑ Jayaraj Manepalli. "A Maharaja in Warsaw". The Hindu. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  10. ↑ "Uchwała Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej w sprawie uczczenia pamięci Dobrego Maharadży" (PDF). Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  11. ↑ Surender Bhutani. "'Good Maharaja' of Jamnagar remembered in Polish parliament". theindiandiaspora. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  12. ↑ AakaarFilms (22 November 2015), A Little Poland in India (English) - The Complete Documentary, retrieved 24 May 2018
  13. ↑ "Slice of India in London". The Tribune. Chandigarh. 30 June 2019.
  14. ↑ "First Ordinary Session of the Assembly". Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  15. ↑ Iwanek, Krzysztof (1 February 2012). "Maharadża odznaczony, nadanie imienia skwerowi na dobrej drodze!" (in polski). Archived from the original on 15 May 2013.

External links

Preceded by
Jam Saheb Shri Ranjitsinhji 		Jam Saheb of Nawanagar
1933–1948 		Succeeded by
Merged with Dominion of India
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