How Gwalior’s Scindia dynasty fought caste discrimination before India’s Independence

More than two years before India's Independence, Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia issued a 1945 declaration recognising equal access to public facilities, schools and state-managed temples for Dalits in Gwalior. Historical accounts from the Scindia Research Centre describe the princely state's efforts to expand tribal education, provide free hostels and introduce measures against caste discrimination.

Long before India adopted its Constitution, the princely state of Gwalior introduced measures against caste discrimination. A 1945 order issued by Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia recognised the rights of Dalits to access public facilities, educational institutions and temples. The administration introduced provisions to punish those who obstructed these rights.

India’s struggle for social equality began long before Independence in 1947. Across the country, social reformers and some princely states introduced measures to challenge caste discrimination and improve access to education. Among them was the Scindia-ruled princely state of Gwalior, which issued an order recognising the rights of Dalits more than two years before India became independent.

According to historical information shared by the Scindia Research Centre, Maharaja Jiwajirao Madhavrao Scindia issued a declaration on May 4, 1945, granting Dalits access to temples, schools, public wells and other facilities. The order acknowledged that communities then described as “untouchables” or “Harijans” were entitled to the same basic civic rights as other residents of the state. A 1961 Census of India village study independently records the proclamation and its provisions.

Gwalior Government Gazette 1945

What did the Scindia government’s 1945 order say?

During the........

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