Colonel Kumar Sri Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji II,, often known as Ranji or K. S. Ranjitsinhji, was an Indian cricketer who became ruler of the Indian princely state of Nawanagar from 1907 to 1933. The main part of his cricket career was from 1893 to 1904 when, as one of the greatest batsmen of his time, he played for Cambridge University, Sussex, London County and, in 15 Test matches, for England.
Ranjitsinhji
Ranjitsinhji caricatured by Spy for Vanity Fair, 1897
Ranjitsinhji c. 1900.
Ranjitsinhji c. 1905.
Nawanagar was an Indian princely state in the historical Halar region, located on the southern shores of the Gulf of Kutch. It was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput dynasty and became a part of newly formed India. Its capital city was Nawanagar city, now known as Jamnagar. It had an area of 3,791 square miles (9,820 km2) and a population estimated at 336,779 in 1901. Its rulers, who use the title of "Jam Saheb" are of the same clan as the Rao of Kutch. They were entitled to a 13-gun salute. The state flag was a rectangular red flag with a white elephant, near and facing the hoist. During the British, the state was part of the Kathiawar Agency, within the Gujarat Division of Bombay Presidency.
Navanagar, part of Bombay Presidency, 1909
Picture of Ranjitsinhji, celebrated cricketer and Maharaja of Nawanagar.