Summary
Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur, who reigned from 1918 to 1947, is renowned for his pioneering role in aviation in India. As the first Indian prince to earn a Level ‘A’ Flying Licence, Singh’s achievements marked a significant development in the aviation sector of his princely state. Rising to prominence at the age of fifteen, he embraced flying and established a comprehensive aviation infrastructure in Jodhpur. His efforts included the construction of advanced aerodromes and the formation of a flying club, positioning Jodhpur as a crucial hub on international air routes connecting Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Key Points
– Maharaja Umaid Singh (1903-1947) was the 37th Maharaja of Jodhpur and an early enthusiast of aviation.
– He became the first Indian prince to obtain a Level ‘A’ Flying Licence and graduated from the Royal Air Force Academy at Cranwell.
– Singh formally assumed control of Jodhpur in 1923, and within a year, he established a Flying Department to foster aviation.
– The construction of Jodhpur’s aerodrome began in 1924 and was completed in 1931, costing 136,830 rupees, with an additional satellite aerodrome built at Utterlai.
– By 1931, fifteen landing grounds were established across Jodhpur’s territories, enhancing the state’s aviation infrastructure.
– In 1931, he founded the Jodhpur Flying Club and utilized a specially modified Percival Gull VT-AGV monoplane for flying.
– The aerodrome played a strategic role in early commercial air routes between Europe and Southeast Asia and Australia.
