Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II carried thousands of litres of Ganga water to London in 1902, turning a royal journey to King Edward VII’s coronation into an extraordinary expression of religious faith.
The water travelled in enormous silver vessels known as Gangajalis, which are now preserved at Jaipur’s City Palace and remain among its most recognizable historical objects.
Watch the reel: See how Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II reportedly carried thousands of litres of Ganga water to London in 1902 aboard a specially arranged royal voyage.
Why the Jaipur Maharaja carried Ganga water to London
At the time, crossing the sea—often described as crossing the kala pani—was viewed by many orthodox Hindus as a potential threat to caste status and ritual purity.
The Maharaja’s priests and advisers reportedly established strict conditions for the voyage. His food would follow religious requirements, sacred idols and priests would accompany him, and he would drink and use Ganga water throughout the journey.
Historical accounts also describe cows travelling with the royal entourage aboard the steamship Olympia. The ship was reportedly prepared and purified before it departed from Bombay for England.
Giant silver Gangajalis made for a royal voyage
Three large urns were reportedly produced from approximately 14,000 melted silver coins. Each vessel was designed on a monumental scale, weighing about 345 kilograms and standing approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall.
The original account contains different estimates for the total amount of Ganga water transported, ranging from about 8,000 litres to more than 12,000 litres. Until archival documentation confirms the precise quantity, “thousands of litres” is the most reliable description.
The voyage reportedly cost approximately ₹1.5 million in 1902, reflecting the scale of the chartered ship, royal entourage and religious arrangements.
After reaching England, the Maharaja attended events connected with the coronation visit while maintaining his own dietary and ritual practices.
More than a century later, the surviving silver Gangajalis remain at Jaipur’s City Palace. They preserve the story of a ruler who accepted an overseas royal invitation while attempting to carry his religious traditions across the sea.
