The Maharaja of Jaipur undertook a noteworthy journey in 1902 by transporting Ganga water to London. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II embarked on this expedition aboard the ship Olympia after receiving an invitation from King Edward VII to attend the coronation ceremony following the death of Queen Victoria. His decision was significantly influenced by deep-rooted religious beliefs, transforming a typical royal visit into a remarkable undertaking.

Visitors to the City Palace of Jaipur can observe a massive silver jar, recognised as the largest in the world by Guinness World Records. This impressive artefact, weighing around 345 kg and standing 5 feet 3 inches tall, has a circumference of nearly 15 feet, capable of holding approximately 4,200 litres of water. The colossal jar has been a part of the Palace for over a century and serves as a testament to the Maharaja’s unique journey.

Preparation for the Voyage

Upon receiving the royal invitation, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II chose to bring three life-sized silver urns to London, crafted from 14,000 silver coins over a period of three years by palace silversmiths, completed in 1894. The reason behind the creation of these urns remains unclear, but the Maharaja intended to use them during his lengthy sea voyage, which posed significant challenges.

Hindu beliefs at that time viewed crossing the ocean, referred to as kala pani, as potentially damaging to one’s caste and ritual purity. Consequently, the Maharaja’s priests and advisors endeavoured to reconcile these religious traditions with the expectations associated with his visit to England. After numerous deliberations, strict conditions were established for the journey, stipulating that no meat would be prepared on board and that he would consume only Ganga water throughout the journey.

In preparation for departure, the ship underwent purification rituals with Ganga water, while priests invoked blessings from Lord Varuna for a safe passage. Choosing a suitable vessel proved challenging, but they finally selected the Olympia, which had never been in contact with beef, thus meeting the Maharaja’s requirements.

Challenges and Arrival in England

The cost of chartering the Olympia for the complete journey, including a month-long stay in the UK, amounted to Rs 1.5 million, equivalent to approximately Rs 750 million today. Ultimately, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II travelled as the sole passenger aboard the ship, which departed from Bombay in 1902.

Life on the ship was structured, with various suites designated for different members of the entourage, including a luxurious suite for Gopalji, the family deity, and one for the Maharaja himself. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, exacerbated by a storm that struck while traversing the Red Sea. Amid the turbulence, the priests advised the Maharaja to release one of the silver urns into the sea to placate the unsettled waters.

Despite these difficulties, the Maharaja successfully completed his voyage and arrived in England, where he was met with astonishment upon presenting the sizable silver jars. Although invited, the Maharaja did not attend the coronation ceremony due to concerns over the consumption of beef in the vicinity. Instead, he prepared meals at his encampment, remaining compliant with his cultural practices.

Following his time in England, the Maharaja returned to India, leaving behind a legacy that interwove the complexities of faith and duty. The remnants of his journey, particularly one of the two silver jars, now stand in the City Palace, embodying the harmony between tradition and commitment that characterised his historic voyage.

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