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How a Jodhpur Maharaja Built an Aviation Empire in 1930s

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.

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