MAHARAJAH’S WEIGHT IN GOLD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 3

MAHARAJAH’S WEIGHT IN GOLD.

The most interesting ceremony of the celebrations in Gondal in connection with the jubilee of the Maharajah, Shri Sir Bhagvatsinhji, states the Bombay correspondent of the London Times, was the weighing of the Maharajah against gold. This is a very ancient ceremony in India, but there are few instances in modern times. Tradition tells of the early Hindu • Kings being balanced against gold, and the Moghul Emperors carried on the custom. The gold was usually supplied by the person being weighed and distributed in charity. On this occasion it was subscribed by the people of Gondal State to mark their devotion and loyalty to the ruler, who has done much to advance their status, and the gold will be used to advance works of public utility. The Maharajah ascended the high altar on which the balances were mounted, and after these had been purified by Vedic “mantras” chanted by the Brahmin priests, he took his seat in one of the scales. The amount of gold necessary to balance the Maharajah was worth one and three-quarter lakhs (£13,125). In addition to the weighing ceremony, there were processions, a banquet. a garden party, fireworks, and, notably, an address by the women of Gondal congratulating His Highness on the great progress female education has made during the 50 years of his reign.