In a historic gesture that rekindles the legacy of humanity and transnational compassion, Israel has unveiled a statue of Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, widely remembered as the “Good Maharaja.” The ceremony, held at Moshav Nevatim in southern Israel, honors the Indian princely ruler who saved over 1,000 Polish children during World War II — an act of compassion that continues to resonate 80 years later.
Who Was Maharaja Digvijaysinhji?
Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji (often affectionately referred to as Jam Saheb of Nawanagar) was the ruler of the princely state of Nawanagar (present-day Jamnagar, Gujarat). He ascended the throne in 1933 and ruled until 1947, distinguishing himself not only as a leader but as a humanitarian who went beyond political boundaries to uphold human dignity.
Rescue of Polish Children
During World War II, as Nazi Germany and Soviet forces ravaged Poland, thousands of Polish civilians — including children — were forced into exile. In 1942, Jam Saheb opened his state’s borders to provide refuge for Polish children who had been displaced from Soviet labor camps.
The Maharaja arranged for temporary shelters in Balachadi, near Jamnagar.
Over 1,000 Polish children were saved and rehabilitated.
He personally oversaw their education, health, and cultural integration.
Jam Saheb famously told his guests: “Don’t consider yourselves orphans. You are now children of my country.
This gesture earned him the title “The Good Maharaja.”
Israel’s Tribute
On November 11–12, 2025, a statue of Maharaja Digvijaysinhji was unveiled in Moshav Nevatim, Israel — a community with a historic Jewish-Indian connection. The event was supported by the Indian Jewish Heritage Center and the Cochin Jews Heritage Center.
The ceremony highlighted India’s role in sheltering persecuted groups during global crises.
Key speakers included Israeli dignitaries, Indian diplomats, and descendants of rescued families.
The statue symbolizes India’s forgotten humanitarian chapter during WWII and strengthens bilateral goodwill between India and Israel.
Poland’s Tribute: Good Maharaja Square
The Maharaja’s legacy is not only honored in Israel. In Warsaw, Poland, a prominent area has been named “Good Maharaja Square” (Skwer Dobrego Maharadży) to honor his contribution during the war.This space stands as a daily tribute, reminding Poles and visitors of the global solidarity extended by India during their darkest hour.
Polish history textbooks and official commemorations often mention the Maharaja, and a Polish documentary titled “A Little Poland in India” further documents the story of the children in Balachadi.
Why This Matters Today
Humanitarian Diplomacy: The story illustrates how India served as a safe haven during a global crisis, reinforcing its soft-power identity.
Historical Memory: India’s role in rescuing WWII refugees is often overlooked in mainstream narratives dominated by European and American contexts.
Modern Geopolitics: The statue strengthens India-Israel cultural diplomacy at a time of increasing strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The News Drill: Commitment to Historical Truth
This story aligns with The News Drill’s mission to counter oversimplified narratives and highlight India’s rich legacy beyond headlines and political cycles. Revisiting Maharaja Digvijaysinhji’s contribution is crucial in understanding India’s historical engagement with global crises.
At a time when the world grapples with displacement and conflict, the story of the “Good Maharaja” reminds us that humanity transcends borders. The legacy of Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja deserves a permanent place in India’s national memory — as a symbol of compassion, courage, and shared history.
