Makrai

Link of previous parts

Part 1
Ghogra Ghat on Tapti River and Makrai Fort Drive thru Jungle

Part 2

Camping on the River Bank of Tapti #


Part 3
Drive thru Satpura Melghat Tiger Corridor


History of Makrai

According to legend Makrai princely state was established in 1663 century by Gond Raja Karkat Rai who hailed from a family that owned land in Harda tehsil. In the 18th century the Scindia and the Peshwa warriors took over the forested areas of Kalibhit and Charwa from Makrai. In December 1890 the British government took over Makrai State under the doctrine of lapse owing to bad administration. Power was restored to the native ruler in 1893 under the condition that he appoint a Diwan (Minister) duly approved by the British Head Commissioner.


Makrai State was under the administrative authority of the Central India Agency until 1933, when it was transferred to the Bhopal Agency subdivision of the Central India Agency in 1933 from the Central Provinces and Berar.

After Indian independence in 1947, the rulers of Makrai acceded to the Union of India on 1 February 1948. The principality was incorporated into the state of Madhya Pradesh, which in turn was created from the territories under the former Central Provinces and Berar.

As of 2012, the titular Maharaja of Makrai is Raja Ajay Shah, born on 21 January 1956, married on 20 May 1986 and crowned on 21 December 1987.

Rulers



With the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India, the Government of India abolished official recognition for all titles, classes and privy purses for heads of former princely states. However, many royal households continue succession and generally have limited social influence on their former subjects. The former Kings and Princes do not wield any legislative or jurisdictional power unless elected through general democratic representation. For Makrai, the ceremonial present ruler is Raja Sahib Ajay Kumar Shah, Raja of Makra