Founded in 1868–1870 by the princes and chiefs of Kathiawar (now Saurashtra, Gujarat), Rajkumar College was specifically established to educate their sons—grooming them into refined leaders and administrators rajkumarcollege.com+14rkcrajkot.com+14Gujarat Tourism+14. Over the decades, it has become one of India’s foremost “Chiefs’ Colleges”, alongside institutions like Mayo College in Ajmer.
👑 Royal Alumni: Profiles & Contributions
Maharaja Bhavsinhji II (Bhavnagar)
Educated at RKC, he later ruled Bhavnagar (1896–1919). A scholar and patron, he was instrumental in the institution’s development and authored works on music and traditional medicine. His father also studied at the college The Asian School+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1Native Planet+1.
Prince—Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji (Nawanagar)
Though primarily known for his cricketing prowess and as the namesake for the Ranji Trophy, Ranjitsinhji was educated at Rajkumar College among young royals of Kathiawar Instagram+14Wikipedia+14rkcrajkot.com+14.
Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji (Nawanagar)
Nephew of Ranjitsinhji, Duleepsinhji also attended RKC before moving to England for studies, and became a celebrated Test cricketer for England. Post-cricket, he served as India’s High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand The Indian Express+2Wikipedia+2Native Planet+2.
Madhavrao Hariharrao Patwardhan (Miraj Junior)
Studied at RKC before ascending as the 5th Raja of Miraj Junior (1899–1950), later signing accession to the Indian Union rkcrajkot.com+12Wikipedia+12Facebook+12.
Maharajadhiraj Madansinhji (Kutch)
Educated at RKC as heir apparent of Kutch, he signed the Instrument of Accession for Kutch in 1947, later briefly ruling in 1948 Wikipedia.
Captain Maharana Raj Shri Pratapsinhji Sahib (Wankaner)
Received his education at RKC, then went to England (Cheltenham College, Cambridge). Later served in Wankaner state administration, chaired RKC’s governing body, and was a founding member of the Cricket Club of India Wikipedia.
Raol Shree Dharmakumarsinhji (Bhavnagar)
Royal alumnus who became a noted ornithologist, environmentalist, and photographer. His contributions to wildlife studies, especially of species in Kathiawar, are well regarded Wikipedia.
📘 Historical Legacy & Influence
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The first principal, Chester Macnaghten, laid the educational foundations, mentoring over 170 royals during his tenure. A commemorative work, Forty Years of the Rajkumar College, documents this early era, compiled by Maharaja Bhavsinhji of Bhavnagar rajkumarcollege.com+14Artisera+14Wikipedia+14.
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Today, RKC maintains a strong alumni network known as the Old RkCians Association (ORA), with over 5,000 members globally. The ORA fosters lifelong connections and mentorship among former students, continuing the college’s legacy Facebook+4orarajkot.com+4rkcrajkot.com+4.
🔎 In Summary
Rajkumar College, Rajkot stands as a prestigious institution originally created to educate princes and noble heirs of Kathiawar. Several of its alumni went on to become Maharajas, diplomats, cricket legends, environmentalists, and state leaders. Through institutions like RKC, British-era visionaries sought to prepare princely youth for modern leadership while preserving their cultural heritage.
