Scindia Research Centre
The Scindia Research Centre operates as an autonomous institution under the esteemed patronage of H. H. Maharani Priyadarshini Raje Scindia. It is committed to conducting research that enhances high-quality scholarship in the fields of history, culture, polity, and philosophy, with a particular emphasis on the Marathas and Scindias of Gwalior. The research produced by the centre has been featured in notable Indian and international journals, magazines, and various other publications, available in both print and online formats. The centre organises the Scindia Series Lectures and has collaborated in the past with distinguished think tanks such as the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, National Maritime Foundation, Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies, Vivekananda International Foundation, and the embassies of several nations to facilitate these lectures. Additionally, it maintains a robust social media presence and has conducted training workshops for both professionals and students. The Centre also offers consultation services to various institutions and currently serves as the custodian of the Scindia archives, with its office located in the Jai Vilas Palace, which was constructed in 1874. Mr. Arunansh B. Goswami, a historian and lawyer, leads this think tank.
SHRIMANT SHAHEED DATTAJI SCINDIA MARTYRDOM DAY
The martyrdom day of Shrimant Dattaji Scindia, the defender of Punjab and Delhi, was observed on January 10 at Jai Vilas Mahal. Dattaji Scindia was a nationalist warrior and a swordsman of the Maratha Empire. Of all the brave Maratha chieftains, Dattaji Scindia was given the responsibility of liberating Ayodhya, Kashi and Prayag by Peshwa Balaji Bajirao and establishing the authority of Mahadji Scindia there. He was appointed as the protector of Punjab and Delhi, for a long time he was posted as the administrator of Lahore and established good governance in the area from Lahore to Attock in present day Pakistan. Dattaji Scindia's military prowess was remarkable, he defeated the Marwar Raj in Jodhpur, the Afghans at Sirhind in Punjab and the Nizam of Hyderabad at Sindkhed. Saying “If I live I will fight more” Dattaji attained martyrdom by the spear of Najib-ud-Daulah’s commander Shah Qutub Khan at Buradi Ghat while defending Delhi. From Veer Savarkar to freedom fighter Vasudev Govind Phadke, many were influenced by Dattaji Scindia.
SCINDIA SHAURYA DIWAS
From 13 January to 15 January Jai Vilas Palace Gwalior, through it’s think tank Shindeshahi Centre For Historic Preservation organised events to commemorate the victory of Mahadji Scindia over the British at Wadgaon on 13 January that halted the British March to supremacy in Indian polity, Panipat Shaurya Diwas on 14 January in memory of 16 Scindia martyrs who attained martyrdom while attempting to protect India from Shah of Afghanistan Ahmad Shah Abdali and Indian Army Day on 15 January.
CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ JEEVANOTSAV
A talk was organised on Hindavi Swarajya that Chhatrapati Shivaji was so passionate about, that became an inspiration to makers of modern India, taking various forms from Swarajya to Hind Swaraj to Purna Swaraj and so on. The journey of Hindavi Swarajya has been a long one it attained substantial success when India became independent but it continues even today what the rise of Maharashtra dharma taught will only be fulfilled when we create a society where the poor feels that he/she also has an opportunity for self growth and if it doesn’t so happen due to difficulties then the state is there to support him that is the Swaraj Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj dreamt of, and Rajarshi Mahadji Scindia worked for.
Inauguration of “ Gatha Swaraj Ki” Maratha Gallery by Honourable Home Minister of India Shri Amit Shah
The Scindia Research Centre under the able leadership of our patron Mrs. Priyadarshini Raje Scindia had a desideration to fulfil the dream of the first Rajpramukh of Madhya Bharat, Jiwajirao Scindia, that was to promote and propagate the values and sacrifices of Marathas manifested by the creation of pan-Indian Hindavi Swarajya specially when we are celebrating Azadi@75. This we did by establishing the first large scale palace based Maratha gallery in North India, successfully on 16 October 2023, and to be a part of this iconic moment were present, the chief guest Honourable Home Minister of Republic of India Shri Amit Shah, Honourable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Honourable Minister of Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar other ministers and dignitaries who inaugurated this gallery Christened as “Gatha Swaraj Ki” on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Our chief guest who inaugurated the gallery, visionary leader Mr. Amit Shah wrote in the visitor’s book. ``I feel great pride having seen the depiction of Scindia Empire built by the descendants of the valiant Maratha warrior Shri Mahadji Scindia, and having seen the museum of Hindavi Swarajya spread from Attock to Cuttak, Marathas and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the center of Scindia power. Mahadji Scindia re-established the Hindavi Swaraj which had ended in the battle of Panipat, this heroic saga of his will continue to give the message of 'Swaraj' and 'Swadharma' for centuries. Thank you`` .
