Contribution of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner Towards the Foundation of Chamber of Princes

Abstract

After the revolt of 1857 there was a change in the policy of British government towards princely states. Because the princely states not only sided with the British government of India during the revolt of 1857 they helped the British government of India by supplying their troops in order to suppress the revolt. Lord Cunning openly remarked that the princes helped us as break waters in the storm. Now there will be no territorial extension and their rights and dignities would be respected in relation to the British crown. In pursuance of this policy it was Lord Lytton who first thought of the possibilities of utilising the princes as a strong bulwark against the demands of the British India .It was the Delhi Durbar of 1911 which aroused the feeling of unity in their minds. They wanted the conferences of the princes should be convened from time to time to discuss the matters affecting them vis-à-vis the government of India. Various princes went on repeating the suggestions and expressed freely themselves on the scheme. The important minute presented by the Maharaja of Bikaner to lord Hardinge marked the real origin of the Chamber of princes.

Keywords: Princely states, British government of India, revolt of 1857, Delhi durbar, bulwark,