Europe diaries: The legacy of Chhatrapati Rajaram
He was a unique king, the first princely ruler in colonial India to sail to foreign shores by breaching rigid and obscurantist norms against crossing the seas, which according to orthodox Hindu customs could result in loss of caste. Like his life and his short but significant reign that saw the launch of initiatives to take education to the unlettered masses, the death of Chhatrapati Rajaram would also be distinctive.When he suddenly succumbed to an illness at the age of 20 at Florence in Italy, he was cremated according to Hindu rites and an exemption was made by the Catholic Church, which otherwise frowned on cremations. His memorial stands in the erstwhile capital of Italy even today.advertisementBorn as Nagojirao in the Patankar family, Rajaram had been adopted as his heir at the age of 16 in 1866 by Chhatrapati Shivaji III aka Babasaheb Maharaj, the ruler of Kolhapur. The rulers of the Kolhapur state were the descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Nagojirao was the son of Babasaheb Maharaj's sister Aaubai. The British appointed Captain Edward West of the Bombay Staff Corps and the assistant to Colonel G.S.A. Andersen, the political agent of Kolhapur and Southern Maratha Country, as his guide. Jamsedjee Nowrojee Unwalla, a graduate of the University of Bombay, was appointed as the Chhatrapati's tutor.While gaining education and expertise in statecraft himself, Rajaram Maharaj was eager to ensure that modern education percolated to the masses. He hence launched the Kolhapur high school in 1870. It would be renamed as the 'Rajaram high school' after his demise.advertisementAfter the Duke of Edinburgh came to Bombay in 1870, the Maharaja was inspired to visit England. 'He had long before expressed a wish to see that country, and at first there were those that fancied this to be a mere sentiment which he did not wish really to act upon, for the obstacles a Hindoo has to overcome, and the prejudices he has to encounter, before going on such a journey are very great. He resolutely however faced all difficulties, and when the step was sanctioned by the Bombay Government sailed from Bombay,' says the introduction to the diary penned by Captain West.Rajaram Maharaj was accompanied by West, his Parsi tutor Unwalla and 11 attendants as he sailed abroad in June 1870. Till November 1870, Chhatrapati Rajaram toured many countries in Europe and met the nobility, including Queen Victoria. He also met the British statesman and prime minister William Ewart Gladstone, the Indian nationalist leader Dadabhai Naoroji and the vice-chancellor of the Oxford University.Chhatrapati Rajaram also visited the Royal Geographical Society, British Parliament, India Office, Bank of England, post office, textile mills, museums and palaces. He studied the finer details of these institutions and also took classes in dance and participated in sports. The Maharaja also spoke in English in public engagements. More crucially, he penned down his experiences and observations in his diary.advertisementChhatrapati Rajaram wanted to implement these ideas in his princely state. However, he was assailed by the biting cold in Europe and while he was staying in a hotel at Florence in Italy, the king passed away suddenly of an illness in November 1870.His retinue insisted on a funeral ceremony as per Hindu customs. However, there was a hitch. The Catholic church frowned on cremations and the local city government had banned the practice. Finally, the cremation was performed at the confluence of the Arno and Mugnone after midnight and a number of local residents had turned up ignoring the severe cold. Later, the British government built a memorial—Monumento all'Indiano, or Monument to the Indian, at the site in the form of a 'chhatri' or dome, which houses the bust of the prince, who is depicted wearing a Maratha-style turban. In 1911, Chhatrapati Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, who was his successor, visited the memorial.Chhatrapati Rajaram's diary was, however, published in 1872 as 'Diary of the late Rajah of Kolhapoor, during his visit to Europe in 1870'. Edited by Captain West, it was published in English. The diary contains the prince's observations about Europe, its institutions and technological innovations. His curiosity about western society and its institutions is obvious in the notings.advertisementFor instance, at the Christ's college, he notes with admiration his visit to the library, 'which is one of the largest in the world'. 'This library is full of books and old manuscripts of several famous men. The gallery is full of the pictures of English sovereigns and statesmen,' he writes. When he was shown the telegraphic communication system between England and India and America, which had been completed, the king notes being 'struck at seeing that the Prince of Wales received the answer to his telegram from the Viceroy of India in five minutes'.It also shows that Chhatrapati Rajaram was keen to understand the political and administrative systems in Europe, the educational system and industries in these countries, and the co-relation of these institutions with the development of European states.The diary has now been translated into Marathi by Raghunath Kadakane, head of the department of English at the Rajaram College in Kolhapur. The book has been published by the Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and was launched on April 15.advertisementThe book was launched in the presence of Shahu Chhatrapati, the titular head of Kolhapur and Lok Sabha MP from Kolhapur; Shivaji University vice-chancellor D.T. Shirke, former NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) chairman Y.S.P. Thorat; former Maharashtra minister Vikramsinh Patankar; Bal Patankar, descendant of the Patankar family; and historian and author Jaisingrao Pawar.Kadakane notes that as a king who trusted a Christian guide, a Parsi tutor, a Muslim doctor, and wanted to forge his personality and the course of his future state, Chhatrapati Rajaram could be described as a 'liberal Hindu king.' He added that despite this, his life and work had been neglected. Referring to the memorial at Florence, Kadakane said that this was important as it revealed how 'a ruler aged just 20 years from a small princely state in a huge country which was in colonial bondage had visited the country of the colonial overlords and secured love and honour from them'.Subscribe to India Today Magazine
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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
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India.com
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Time of India
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- Time of India
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Therefore, the idea or belief is that every Tuesday during the Hindu month of Jyeshtha is a day when one must worship Lord Hanuman in order to receive countless blessings. Devotees do a variety of activities to strengthen their relationship with the Lord, such as going to Hanuman temples, reading the Hanuman Chalisa, doing the Sundarkand paath, and giving to charities. Is the last Bada Mangal powerful? The final Bada Mangal is regarded as strong. Since it is thought that Lord Hanuman is near Earth on this day, this is the day when one can profit from the beneficial flow of his energy. People think that Lord Hanuman returns to his meditative state after this day. Therefore, tomorrow is the ideal opportunity to commune with the Lord. In addition to visiting temples, reciting mantras, and keeping fast, devotees might make offerings to the Lord in order to maximize this day. Coconut, bananas, boondi, and motichoor laddoo are all good choices. Rituals of Bada Mangal 1. Present Chola with sindoor (vermilion) and chameli (jasmine) oil to Lord Hanuman's idol on the final Bada Mangal. Throughout the offering, a light with pure ghee should be kept burning. 2. Offer Lord Hanuman chickpeas and jaggery after reciting the Hanuman Chalisa at least eleven times. This may bring luck. 3. One simple and efficient method to appease Lord Hanuman is to recite Hanuman chants on Bada Mangal. 4. Present Lord Hanuman with churma, a delicious delicacy prepared with pure ghee. This item is well-liked. You can also provide bananas. 5. At a temple dedicated to Hanuman, raise a crimson flag. 6. Present the idol of Lord Hanuman with a sacred thread (janeu). 7. Present Lord Hanuman with a kewda (screwpine) scent. 8. Present Lord Hanuman with sweet paan, which is betel leaf devoid of tobacco or areca nut. 9. At a temple dedicated to Hanuman, recite the Sunderkand. 10. At a Hanuman temple, light a four-wicked candle with mustard oil. Significance of Bada Mangal Bada Mangal, also known as Budhwa Mangal, holds deep spiritual significance in North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength, devotion, and protection. Celebrated on the Tuesdays (Mangalvar) of the Hindu month Jyeshtha, Bada Mangal is believed to be the period when Lord Hanuman is most active in blessing his devotees. Here's why Bada Mangal is significant: Divine Blessings: Devotees believe that praying on Bada Mangal brings Lord Hanuman's blessings for courage, success, and the removal of obstacles. Fulfilling Wishes: It is said that wishes made with a pure heart on this day are fulfilled. Charity and Service: Acts of charity like feeding the poor, offering water, and serving in temples are considered highly auspicious. Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting, chanting Hanuman Chalisa, and visiting temples help in spiritual purification and mental peace. Community Celebration: Massive bhandaras (free food distribution) are organized, creating a sense of unity and shared devotion. Bada Mangal wishes May Lord Hanuman bless you with strength, wisdom, and courage on this sacred Bada Mangal. Wishing you peace, prosperity, and divine blessings this Bada Mangal. On the auspicious occasion of Bada Mangal, may your life be filled with positivity and devotion. May Hanumanji protect you and your family from all evils of this Bada Mangal. Let this Bada Mangal bring happiness and success into your life. Jai Bajrangbali. May your prayers be answered on this special day of Bada Mangal. Wishing you good health, happiness, and spiritual growth on Bada Mangal. May Lord Hanuman bless your path with clarity and courage. Happy Bada Mangal. On this Bada Mangal, surrender your worries to Hanumanji and embrace inner peace. Let the light of Bada Mangal guide you towards righteousness and wisdom. Wishing you divine strength and peace on this holy Bada Mangal. May your heart be filled with devotion and your soul with strength this Bada Mangal. Sending prayers for your well-being and success on Bada Mangal. May you rise above every challenge with Lord Hanuman's blessings this Bada Mangal. Wishing you a spiritually fulfilling and peaceful Bada Mangal. Let faith in Lord Hanuman lead you to joy and contentment in this Bada Mangal. May Bada Mangal remove obstacles and open doors to new opportunities. Celebrate this Bada Mangal with a heart full of faith and gratitude. May the grace of Hanumanji bring harmony and courage into your life. Trust in the divine and walk fearlessly. Wishing you a blessed Bada Mangal. May this Bada Mangal ignite the light of devotion in your soul. A blessed Bada Mangal to you and your loved ones. May every Bada Mangal bring you closer to spiritual peace. On this sacred day, may Lord Hanuman bless you with unwavering strength. Keep your heart pure and your faith strong. Happy Bada Mangal. Wishing you endless blessings and divine protection this Bada Mangal. Let this Bada Mangal fill your life with hope and courage. Offer your prayers with a sincere heart and witness divine miracles. May you be guided and guarded by Hanumanji's strength this Bada Mangal. On Bada Mangal, may your devotion be rewarded with happiness and success. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
