60 Years Old Story of Sports Craze at Maharaja College Jaipur
Who hasn’t heard about the reputed Maharaja and Maharani Colleges of Jaipur? Almost every Jaipurite has heard of it once from his/her parents. During our parents’ time, these two were among the very rare colleges in the city (now you have hundreds of colleges).
Today, when Independence Day 2016 has just passed a few days ago, we share with you age old tales of the Maharaja College of Jaipur. Read ahead to know more about the college’s past and to know how Independence Day used to be celebrated in this college’s premises some 60 years ago!
In the Words of Prof. TN Bhatnagar
Prof. TN Bhatnagar is a retired professor and a student of Jaipur’s Maharaja College. Let’s hear him reveal some of the unheard tales of the college.
Prof. TN Bhatnagar told that he completed his MSc. Physics from Maharaja College during 1956-1958. During this time Maharaja College was quite good at sports activity and was often known for its sports events and activities. Also, its ground was the largest sports ground of the Jaipur city at one point of time. The ground was well managed and allowed students to pursue all 3 games together – hockey, football and cricket. In fact, there were times when 4 teams could be seen playing cricket matches at this ground at the same time.
Sports craze at Maharaja College
Maharaja College, which was often addressed as Government College, had around 5,000 students. Out of these 5,000 students, a majority were just too passionate towards sports. The craze for sports in Maharaja College was such that while 14 players were seen playing in the ground, 14 others would be seen waiting for their turn to play.
Teachers cricket match on Independence Day/Republic Day celebrations
During the celebration event of Independence Day or Republic Day, Maharaja College had a ritual of hoisting the tricolour, just like many colleges and universities do till date as well. But there was one unique thing about Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations here. What was it? Well, this college had a custom of organizing a teachers’ cricket match just after the flag was hoisted on these days. Teachers could be seen competing in teams in what seemed to be an entertaining cricket match for all students.
Colour badge for outstanding players
Maharaja College of Jaipur had a designated Sports Council, which had conveners for every sports played at the college. Any student who was good at some game or the other was given a colour badge. This badge represented that that particular student was an outstanding player of which particular game.
England’s MCC team played a match on the grounds of Maharaja College
England MCC team, more commonly addressed as Melbourne College Club team of England played a cricket match at Maharaja College’s ground in the year 1962. They played against Rajasthan Cricket team. The match included players like Hanumant Singh, who made a century and KN Roongta. England’s team liked the ground of Maharaja College and declared it to be better than many international pitches at that point of time.
So, here we unraveled some untold stories about Jaipur’s Maharaja College, its connection with sports, the sports ground here and their unique custom of Independence and Republic days’ celebrations.
