Good news for friends of Kota all around the world: The book 'The Life and Times of Maharao Umed Singh II of Kotah' was released on Saturday, 12^th September, 2026 by the Royal Family of Kotah and Chief Guest Vikram Sampath, renowned Indian author (2^nd from left in this photograph).

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The book launch took place in the Darbar Hall of Umed Bhawan Palace Kotah built for the young Maharao in 1902. Maharao Umed Singh II ruled Kotah from 1889 - 1940 and his legacy shaped the Hadoti Region and continues to inspire.

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The book was originally published in Hindi in 1983 by its author Dr. Jagat Narayan. This English translation by the late Udai Singh Rathor (founder member of KHS and forrmer Vice-President) faithfully follows the original but has some explanatory footnotes by the late Maharao Brijraj Singh,  the grandson of Maharao Umed  Singh II.

(Translator Udai Singh Rathor)

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KHS played a key role in producing this English edition and is proud to have had a chance to honour the memory of such an exemplary ruler. "On the shoulders of such people", to paraphrase Vikram Sampath, "India was able to step forward into Independence as administrative structures were in place and moral values established."

The book is available at the City Palace (Kotah Garh) shop and on Amazon for Rs. 1199.