Lakhdhirji Waghji

Lakhdhirji Waghji (26 December 18764 May 1957) was Maharaja of Morvi from 11 June 1922 until his abdication in 1948.

Early life, family, and education He was born on 26 December 1876 to Waghji II Rawaji and his wife Bajirajba Kunverba. He was educated privately in India and England. He married three times: first, in 1898, to Nand Kunverba, daughter of Gambhirsinhji Varisalji, the ruler of Rajpipla; second, in the same year, to Suraj Kunverba, daughter of Mansinhji Prithvirajji, the ruler of Baria; and third, in 1908, to Kesar Kunverba, daughter of Sarvaiya Bawaji Ranaji, the talukdar of Ranigam and Datha. His first wife died in 1915, and his second in 1945. He personally examined the details of every department of the state administration. In 1924, he converted the narrow-gauge railway line between Wankaner and Morvi to metre gauge, and in 1926, he oversaw the construction of a branch line from Than to Chotila. The latter provided twelve scholarships with a combined monthly value of Rs. 250 for students pursuing academic and technical studies, on the condition that recipients would serve Morvi after completing their education. In 1926, he was granted the hereditary title of Maharaja by the Government of India. .

Abdication He abdicated as ruler of Morvi on 21 January 1948. He was succeeded by his son Mahendrasinhji.

Honours He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India on 1 January 1930. He was later appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire on 8 June 1939. On 21 January 1942, Banaras Hindu University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at its Special Silver Jubilee Convocation. The degree was awarded in absentia.