The Untold Story of Maharaja Hanwant Singh: Love, Royalty, and Jodhpur’s Palace

-Nisha Jha

This story is about a king of jodhpur named “Maharaja Hanwant singh”, his first wife “Krishna kumari” and his second wife “Zubeida Begum”.

MAHARAJA HANWANT SINGH

“Hanwant singh” born on (16 June,1923) was the Maharaja of Jodhpur, carrying his father “Umaid singh” legacy as ruler of the princely state of Marwar in September 1947 amid India’s transition to Independence. He was also the last ruling king of Jodhpur.

A skilled polo player and licensed pilot, Hanwant singh’s life ended tragically in a plane crash near Jodhpur airport, which he was piloting and his death is still mysterious to everyone that it was just “an accident or conspiracy” which nobody knows. He was married in his very young age to Princess “ Krishna kumari”  and later on he fell in love with an actress whose name was “ Zubeida begum”. He has 4 kids from his both Marriage. His brief reign involved critical negotiation over the state’s future, ultimately leading to its accession to the union of India in 1947 and integration into Rajasthan in 1949, despite initial consideration of Independence or alignment with Pakistan offered by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Maharaja’s political legacy stands a glorious chapter in post- Independence history of India- His legacy is also deep rooted in Heart of Jodhpur as a bold attempt to navigate a new democratic order on his own terms. As the last ruling Maharaja of Jodhpur, he also witnessed the rapid erosion of Rajput social, political and economical lose under Jawahar Lal Nehru’s policies, which targeted Royal families. Hanwant singh emerged as a reform minded royal who embraced his democratic struggle and also fought his first electoral challenge to Nehru’s Brahimn – Baniya raj. In election campaign his powerful slogan was – “Mai Thansu Dur Nahi”. In the 1952, Hanwant singhji’s achieved stunning success in general election for his independent political movement. But unfortunately, on 26 January, 1952, Hanwant Singhji died in a tragic plan crash.

MAHARANI KRISHNA KUMARI

Princess Krishna kumari was born on 10 February 1926 in the princely state of Dhrangadhra, Gujrat. She was a princess of Dhrangadhra and later on she became Maharani of Jodhpur after marrying Maharaja Hanwant singh. She got married in very early age and has 3 children (son – Gaj singh and two daughters – Sailesh kumari and Chandresh kumari). She even took care of her step son “Hukum Singh Rathore” (Tutu Bana) like his own mother. She was the last Maharani of Marwar – Jodhpur as the spouse of Maharaja Hanwant singhji’s.

She was also member of parliament, Lok sabha in 1971 – 1977. Her legacy was no less than Maharaj Hanwant singh, infact she always supported Maharaja’s political career and had been a very powerful personality. Her slogan in Election was – “Samay Badala par Rishta Nahi”. She has valuable contribution towards social and religious welfare issues, girl education and women empowerment. There is also a school established in her name, which was founded on 20 July, 1992, by his highness Maharaja Gaj Singh in Jodhpur.

During her reign as the Queen, the political war was at its peak, Democracy was entering the system and it was very hard to detect backstabber, so it was not easy for the Maharani to take the charge of Jodhpur but however, she emerged as a powerful figure despite facing so much challenges, carrying forward the cherished dream of her husband by standing tall in politics. Maharani’s life story is a tale of love, courage and sacrifice. She was epitome of grace and kindness. On 3 July, 2018, Beloved Queen had left this world behind leaving her great legacy.

ZUBEIDA BEGUM

Zubeida begum was born in 1926 in Bombay (now Mumbai), often known was Zubeidaa. She was an Indian actress who is mainly known for her relationship with Hanwant singh of Marwar, Maharaja of Jodhpur. The story of Zubeida is one of rebellion, tragedy and royalty.

She had dream of becoming a super star, and for a moment she was: one of the early faces of Indian cinema. But his father “Kashimbhai Mehta” did not like his acting career so she had to left her Dream career and got married but later on she had divorce with her first husband. After some years, she fell in love with Maharaja Hanwant Singh, outside her faith and married into royal family. Due to this, her world changed forever.

 From the sets of Bombay to the palaces of Jodhpur, Zubeida’s life was a blend of glamour, unanswered questions and heartbreak. She also converted to Hinduism to prove her commitment taking name as “vidya rani” because royal palace had taken plenty of time to accept their second Maharani.

“Zubeida” serves as a cautionary tale about the struggle of women in male dominated world and the importance of freedom.

She had deep love for Hanwant singh, there relationship was passionate but short – lived. Her joy had no bounds when in, 1951, she gave birth to their son, prince Hukum Singh, who was later known as (Tutu). In 1952, due to plane crash Zubieda and Hanwant singh both died in tragedy, leaving their bequest behind. Zubeida’s story was depicted in the Film “Zubiedaa” which was written by his own son (from her first marriage), journalist and film – maker “Khalid Mohammed”. The film was directed by Shyam Bengal.

“They all faced a lot of difficulties in their life and all three had different kind of relationship with each other, which should be respected by everyone because they all three had tragic stories in their life”.