Maharaja Hanwant Singh
Maharaja Hanwant Singh Ji (1923–1952) was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jodhpur (Marwar) before its integration into the Indian Union. Known for his deep connection with his people and charismatic leadership, he played a notable role in early post-independence Indian politics.
Political Ambitions and Conflict with Congress
In the lead-up to India’s first general elections in 1952, Hanwant Singh sought a strong political role in the newly formed Republic. Desiring Congress Party tickets for nearly half the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) seats in his former kingdom, he found himself at odds with the party leadership—especially Jai Narain Vyas, then interim Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Vyas, aiming to expand his rural base, chose instead to ally with the Marwar Kisan Sabha, promising them half the seats and effectively sidelining the Maharaja.
Despite being advised not to contest the elections—Vyas reportedly warned him not to “humiliate” himself—Hanwant Singh remained unfazed and confident, replying, "If I were to put a stone up against you, the stone would win."
The Election Campaign
Hanwant Singh formed his own political party, consisting of a coalition of independent candidates. Most of his nominees were Rathores, selected for their youth, dynamism, and local popularity. The party’s symbol was the camel, and his campaign slogan, “Main Thansu Door Nahin” (“I am not far from you”), resonated deeply with the people of Marwar. Rather than operating from his palace, he ran his campaign from Mehrangarh Fort, reinforcing his grassroots image.
A compelling speaker, he rejected the concept of the privy purse, proclaiming: “I have no use for privy purses. I have you, my people. Raise your hands, my privy purse!”
Electoral Success and Tragedy
Hanwant Singh contested two SLA seats—urban Jodhpur and rural Jalore—to showcase his broad appeal. He also fielded candidates for 35 assembly and 4 parliamentary seats in the former Marwar region.
The results strongly favored him:
- In Jodhpur, he defeated Jai Narain Vyas by a landslide (62.2% vs. 17.2%).
- In Jalore, Vyas was again defeated by Madho Singh, a young Champawat Thakur.
- All four parliamentary seats were won, including the Jodhpur seat by Hanwant Singh himself.
- His uncle Maharaj Ajit Singh defeated veteran Congress leader Gokulbhai Bhatta in Pali.
- Of 35 SLA seats, his party won 31.
However, tragedy struck before the results were officially announced. On 26 January 1952, while flying between constituencies to monitor the vote counting, Hanwant Singh’s private aircraft crashed in southern Marwar, killing him instantly. He was only 29 years old.
Aftermath
The news of his death sent shockwaves through Marwar. Public grief turned to anger, with widespread accusations of sabotage. Massive protests erupted in Jodhpur. Jai Narain Vyas, fearing for his safety, took refuge in Umaid Bhawan Palace ironically the home of his political rival. The palace was besieged by angry supporters demanding justice.
It was Rao Raja Narpat Singh, a royal loyalist and one-time critic of Congress, who ultimately helped Vyas escape the palace in a heavily curtained Zenana Cadillac.
Despite the humiliating defeats and public anger, Vyas later re-entered politics, winning a by-election from Kishangarh and returning as Chief Minister of Rajasthan, marking an early sign of the unpredictable trajectory of post-independence Indian politics.
Legacy
Maharaja Hanwant Singh remains a revered figure in Marwar’s modern history. His campaign, electoral success, and tragic death are seen as a poignant chapter in India’s transition from princely states to democratic governance.