VACANT INDIAN THRONE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21458, 4 April 1933, Page 9

VACANT INDIAN THRONE

RANJITSINHJI'S DEATH QUESTION OF SUCCESSOR DULEEPSINHJI NOT IN LINE By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Received April 3, 5.5 p.m.) CALCUTTA, April 2 Prince Ranjitsinhji died early this morning at the Residency in Jamnagar, the capital of Nawanagar, after a short illness. Last year lie was Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes, and represented the Princes at the first two Indian Round Tablo Conferences in London. On his return to India he took a definite stand against the federation of the native States with British India. By education, culture and character he occupied a unique position in India and England, where he had a large circle of friends. The question of his successor, unless someone has already been nominated by the late Jam Sahib, will cause a difficulty, as he was a bachelor. There is no heir in direct line, but it was generally believed that Prince K. S. Duleepsinhji, also a famous cricketer, who was the late ruler's favourite nephew, would succeed to the throne of Nawanagar. However, Prince Duleepsinhji, while ho deplores " llanji's " death says he does not know who will rule, but " certainly it will not bo mo as I am not in the line of succession." The Government of India is closely guarding the secret of who is the heir. Dewan Merwanji, a former Prime Minister of Nawanagar, says " Ranji " nominated his heir from among his nephews, and the Government approved his choice. Prince Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji is a nephew of the late Prince Ranjitsinhji, Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar. Ho lias played cricket in England for Cheltenham, Cambridge University and Sussex. Ho was born on June 13, 1905. He was chosen for the English touring team now in Auckland, but was not able to come.