Haridas, ‘The Gladstone of India’ : Swami Ekatmananda

Swami Ekatmananda was a monk of Ramakrishna Order. This article has been taken from Prabuddha Bharata, Nov-Dec 1984.

To those who have read Swami Vivekananda’s biography and also his letters, the name of Haridas Viharidas Desai may not be unknown. From Swamiji’s ‘Epistles’ included in the Complete Works: Vol. 8, we learn that Swamiji wrote to Haridas Viharidas Desai thirteen letters, of which a few are very remarkable and proved prophetic. In the course of their close association for just three and a half years, Haridas Viharidas found in Swamiji a unique personality and teacher, Swamiji in turn loved and respected Haridas as a son does his father, the difference in their age being twenty-two and a half years. In most of these letters, Swamiji expresses with characteristic frankness, the warm affection, and high regard he had for his ‘Dear Diwanji Saheb’, as is evident from the following excerpts:

1. Mt. Girnar, March 1892: Very kind of you to send up a man enquiring about my health and comfort. But that is quite of a piece with your fatherly character. My heartfelt gratitude to you.

2. Bombay, August 22, 1892: …The world really is enriched by men, high-souled, noble- minded, and kind, like you: the rest are ‘only as axes which cut at the tree of youth of their mothers’, as the Sanskrit poet puts it.

It is impossible that I should ever forget your fatherly kindness and care of me, and what else can a poor fakir like me do in return to a mighty minister but pray that the Giver of all gifts may give you all that is desirable on earth and in the end—which may He postpone to a day long, long ahead—may take you in His shelter of bliss and happiness and purity infinite.

3. Khetri, 28th April, 1893: …what more shall I wish for you, my dear Diwanji Saheb, but that the Lord would be your all in all in your well-merited, well-applauded and universally respected latter end of a life which was ever holy, good, and devoted to the service of so many of the sons and daughters of the great Father of Mercies, Amen!

4. Khetri, May 1893: …Believe me that I love you and respect you like a father and that my gratitude towards you and your family is surely unbounded…my dear Diwanji Saheb, I am the same frolicsome, mischievous but, I assure you, innocent boy you found me at Junagadh, and my love for your noble self is the same or increased a hundredfold, because I have had a mental comparison between yourself and the Diwans of nearly all the States in Dakshin, and the Lord be my witness how my tongue was fluent in your praise (although I know that my powers are quite inadequate to estimate your noble qualities) in every Southern court…

5. Bombay, 22nd May, 1893: …I thoroughly believe that a good, unselfish and holy man like you, whose whole life has been devoted to doing good to others, has already reached this basis (comprising goodness and love) of firmness which the Lord Himself has styled as ‘rest upon Brahman’ in the Gita.

6. Chicago, 29th January, 1894: …You had been to see my poor mother and brothers. I am glad you did. But you have touched the only soft place in my heart…
You are one of the few noble natures who stand as rocks out of water in this sea of universal stagnation. Lord bless you for ever and ever.

7. Chicago, 20th June, 1894: ‘Your very kind note came today. I am so sorry that I could have caused pain to such a noble heart as yours with my rash and strong words. I bow down to your mild corrections. Thy son am I, teach me thus bowing’-Gita.

Diwanji, excuse my long letter, my noble friend, one of the few who really feel for me, have real kindness for me…May you and yours be blessed ever and ever, my noble, noble friend…I offer my eternal gratitude to you. My debt to you is immense, not only because you are my friend, but also because you have all your life served the Lord and your motherland so well.

8. Chicago, September, 1894: …Your kind note to G.W. Hale has been very gratifying, as I owed them that much…my best love, gratitude to you and all your brothers.

9. Chicago, November, 1894: …you-one of the few that have real sympathy for everything good, for everything great, one at least whom I know to be a man of true ring, nobility of nature, and a thorough sincerity of head and heart…

You bless me that I may have faith in my Guru, in my God, and in myself.

Now what was there in Haridas Viharidas that elicited from Swamiji such warm appreciation, genuine love and high regard for that elderly soul? Even assuming that Swamiji was trying to be humble, were those expressions mere hyperbole? We hope that the following brief account of Haridas will convince the reader of the real greatness of that statesman and of the fact that he eminently merited Swamiji’s warm but insightful sentiments.

Haridas Viharidas Desai, the eldest of five sons and one daughter of Viharidas Ajabhai Desai, locally known as Bhausaheb Desai of Nadiad was born on the 29th of July, 1840, in Nadiad (near Baroda), Gujarat. His father Viharidas was born after the Britishers had confiscated the Talukdari villages of Haridas’s grandfather Ajabhai depriving the family of the revenue rights, collectorship, and civil and criminal jurisdiction over Nadiad Taluka. The Desais had enjoyed those rights for several generations. All the same, as a descendent of the zamindar family, Viharidas was well off and also commanded respect. He was helpless about the injustice that had befallen him. However, adjusting himself to the new regime and situation, he ably preserved the prestige of the community; nay, he even enhanced it. And the British rulers were so much impressed by him that they made him a member of the Mewari Talukdari Settlement Commission appointed by the Governor of Bombay.

Haridas was brought up in affluence but under strict discipline, starting his education in both Gujarati and Sanskrit at a private school run by one Pandya, a Brahmin priest. Later on, his father donated a building for a Gujarati school where Haridas got his early education. When he was eleven years old, he was sent to Ahmedabad for English education. The journey was on horseback and by cart. Subsequently called back to Nadiad, he was entrusted to private teachers for further studies in English.

In 1855, Haridas accompanied his two younger brothers to Ahmedabad to continue his studies. They were lodged in a house with good arrangements for board. In due course, this house became a meeting place for fellow-students, of whom some in later life held high Government posts and some others became noted literary men. After completing his studies at the school, Haridas took up law but didn’t take the examination. At the age of twenty, he married but lost his wife, and returned to Nadiad in 1861. Being pious-minded, he was disinclined to marry again. But pressed by his elders, he ultimately remarried. At this time, the Government opened an English School at Nadiad for which his father Viharidas donated a building.

At home, Haridas helped his father in the management of the family estate, occasionally meeting the British Collector and other officers. This equipped him with proficiency in the art of conversing in English and made him familiar with civil administration. Taking active part in the local politics, he got appointment as the Municipal Commissioner and a member of the Local Fund. The Assistant Collector of Kaira district, A.P. Percival, impressed by the general knowledge, dignified demeanour, intelligence and insight, honesty, sense of duty and justice, philosophical outlook and above all, the fund of common-sense shown by Haridas, became his good friend.

In the meantime, Haridas developed a great liking for horse-riding and playing chess and draughts. He also used to read a lot at home. Father Viharidas did not want his sons to be spoiled by leading an easy-going life like those of the wealthy people. He therefore planned to start a cheroot factory in Nadiad, adequate tobacco being available locally. In connection with this, Haridas was deputed to Madras, Tiruchirapalli and some other southern cities. But, as the tobacco was found unsuitable for the purpose, the plan was abandoned. Keeping one of his sons to assist him in his work, Viharidas wanted his eldest son Haridas to take up a Government job as it was deemed prestigious, although the salary would be a mere Rs. 50/-. Haridas, however, disliked the idea and desired to enrich his knowledge, both secular and spiritual. Yet the father’s wish triumphed, and Haridas found himself in Bombay with his old school-mate Manasukhram Tripathi, now a thriving businessman. The journey to Bombay had to be made partly by the road up to Daman, and thence partly by boat to Vasai (Bassein), and the rest of it by railway. It is said that while travelling by boat from Daman to Vasai, the boat was caught in a sudden storm but Haridas remained unruffled, chanting the name of God.

At Bombay, he came in contact with Gokulji Sampatram Zala and several other political personalities of Kathiawad. He learnt about the poor administration of Gondal State and that the Government was pressing the Thakor Saheb of Gondal to find an efficient manager for his State. Haridas was one of the candidates for the post interviewed by the Thakor Saheb. But after waiting for sometime, Haridas entered a share business along with his third brother Bechardas after obtaining the consent of his father. Unfortunately he failed in the enterprise, losing considerable money, and so quietly returned to Nadiad. Father Viharidas, in order to boost his son’s self-confidence, persuaded him to accept some Government job.

In the meantime, at Nadiad, a dispute arose between Viharidas and the peasants, who were the neighbours of the Desais’ family farm, over a manure dump. Fully confident of his sense of justice, the peasants wanted son Haridas to arbitrate in the matter. Father Viharidas agreed to the proposal having faith in his son’s judgement. Haridas, after a thorough study of the case, gave his decision in favour of the peasants. Viharidas was happy over his son’s cool-headedness and courage. The Joint Administrator of Bhavnagar, A. P. Percival, came to know of it all, and this episode was in his mind when he readily responded to Haridas’s letter some time later.

Pressed by his father to seek an honourable occupation, Haridas wrote to his friend A. P. Percival, who was then the Joint Commissioner of the Bhavnagar State. Percival immediately called Haridas to Bhavnagar and made him (in 1870) a Deputy Judge. This appointment was resented by the local administrative circle, but none raised his voice against it as it was ordered by an Englishman.

The following incident will show what a strict disciplinarian Haridas was. His youngest brother Gopaldas was staying with him at Bhavnagar and studying at the high school. Some pupils of the school had given a nickname to a teacher who was harsh towards them. The teacher, noting that Gopaldas was among those mischievous boys, went straight to the Officer’s Club where Haridas was playing billiards, and complained. Haridas called his brother, who was then some 15 years old, and gave him such violent cut with the billiard stick that it broke, and warned him that if he did not behave properly he would be packed off to Nadiad.

The first judgement given by Haridas in an important case so much impressed the officers of the administration that they began to respect him and regretted their earlier misapprehension.

Shortly thereafter, Haridas was entrusted with making an inquiry into the dealings of several contractors and junior officers with regard to some monopolies granted to the contractors prior to the setting up of the administration. Percival had confidence in his sense of duty, efficiency and honesty. As Haridas started his work in right earnest, the contractors and the junior officers involved in the case took fright. They approached the influential and superior administrator Gaurishankar Oza and complained about the detailed and strict way the inquiry was being carried out. Oza forthrightly told them that Haridas was an upright judge and that they should face the consequence of his correct findings. After completing the inquiry to his satisfaction, Haridas, in his report submitted to Percival, gave all the particulars of the age-old debts to be recovered from several persons, and opined that since some officers and prominent persons were involved in the affair, smooth recovery of the money could not be expected without upsetting the administration in the process. And so he recommended that whatever the defaulting debtors willingly paid might be accepted. Percival greatly appreciated the advice which was soon implemented. Oza, who had been somewhat doubtful about the ability of Haridas was touched by his capability, honesty and magnanimity. Incidentally, Oza later on become a sannyasin (mendicant monk) and, on the eve of taking his vow of renunciation, wrote to Haridas a fine letter praising his rare qualities of head and heart, and conveying his best wishes to him and his entire family.

Haridas served the Bhavnagar State for over five years (1870-1876), and was Assistant Judge when he left Bhavnagar to take up the administratorship of Wadhwan State.

The prince of Wadhwan, Dajirajji, was a minor when his father, Maharaja Raisinghji, died. The State Manager Naranji Durlabhji had a few days earlier resigned his post. The Governor of Bombay on the advice of Col. Burton, the Political Agent, appointed Haridas the Administrator in 1876. At that time the economic condition of the State was far from satisfactory, but through intelligent and efficient handling of the situation, in spite of undertaking some essential projects like construction of roads and bridges, Haridas saved a sum of rupees five lakhs which he faithfully handed over to the ruler. Travelling with Haridas all over India, Dajirajji gained administrative experience. Haridas reformed the judiciary and revenue departments, and this was specially mentioned by Col. Burton, the Political Agent, at Dajirajji’s investiture Darbar. The Times of India, Bombay dated July 15, 1882, reported:

…At the Darbar, Major Nutt read the following address from Col. Burton, the Political Agent:

‘…The administration has, as I think you will cheerfully own, been a success. The State Kharbhari (Administrator) Mr. Haridas Viharidas has discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of myself and my predecessor Mr. (later Sir) James B. Peile. He has fostered the revenues, behaved with judicious liberality as regards public works, has encouraged agricultural improvements, and has now handed you over the State in a prosperous condition and with a well-filled treasury. The administration of justice has been improved…’

The Thakore Saheb Dajirajji said:

…There rises in my heart a sense of deep obligation I am under to those whose care and abilities have so long watched over the welfare of myself and my state… I take this opportunity of expressing my own high opinion of the merits of Mr. Haridas Viharidas, who has for so many years managed Wadhwan during my minority.

An interesting thing happened a little while before the marriage of Prince Dajirajji. A big pandal erected and decorated for the joyous occasion under the personal supervision of Haridas, underwent alterations as ordered by Dajirajji on the advice of a confidant. Haridas on hearing and seeing the changes, got them reverted to the earlier design. This was only to establish a precedent and impress on the ruler that when a job was entrusted to a responsible officer, the latter should be consulted prior to ordering anything related to it. The Raja appreciated the standpoint of Haridas and learnt a lesson.

About a couple of years later, when Haridas took up as Diwan of Junagadh, Maharaja Dajirajji wrote to him:

I am glad to hear about your appointment as Diwan of Junagadh, I can say that the Nawab Saheb was right in offering you that post. We here are all happy indeed. Truth and honesty alone bring real success in life. You have both and so the success too. Whoever has them will be likewise. You have proved that saying which is, you may remember, on one of the shields of the Mandva Kacheri room in Wadhwan.

After the marriage and investiture of the Maharaja at Wadhwan in 1882, the Government transferred Haridas to Wankaner as Administrator, where too the Rajasaheb was a minor. There also, he put the administration in proper gear, constructed a library, public buildings and schools, and appointed capable officers to responsible posts. He served at Wankaner for not even one year but within that short period endeared himself to the ruler as well as the general public. When Haridas subsequently shifted to Idar State, a main road in Wankaner was named ‘Haridas Road’.

The Maharaja of Idar, Kesari Singhji, who had completed his studies and ascended the throne, was looking for a good Diwan. He wrote to Haridas: ‘Idar is a first class State and is near your native place. Instead, therefore, of taking someone else as Diwan for it, I choose you for the post, and will be happy if you would come over.’ He also wrote to Col. Wodhouse, the Political Agent, in this connection. Soon Haridas got a letter from Col. C. Wodhouse saying.

…The Maharaja is a very well-meaning soul and has much common-sense. Considerably more mature than men of his age, and quite steady, I should think that he is an agreeable Ruler to serve under. Of the two, Wankaner and Idar, the latter is definitely a better field and the position of Diwan is far superior to Administratorship. Moreover, Kesarisinghji is the seniormost of the Kathiawar Chiefs and I believe you will do very well at Idar. In fact, the responsibility being considerable and the work hard in this State, when the Maharaja first mentioned your name, I concurred readily with his suggestion. So, if you and the Maharaja mutually agree, I shall be very happy to welcome you on the way. Please reply soon.

Haridas took over as Diwan of Idar towards the end of 1882 on a monthly salary of Rs. 800/-. He remained there for about a year, and during this short duration reduced appreciably the State’s debts, got two new villages established, reduced the exorbitant land revenues, brought fallow areas under cultivation, reorganized the police and the army, opened new schools and greatly improved the hospital. The Maharaja was extremely pleased and decided to increase his remuneration and also give him one village in appreciation of the reforms. At such a fine time of immense popularity, the British Government wanted Haridas to join Junagadh as Diwan. Learning about that proposal, Kesarisinghji wrote a beautiful letter to him dated 7th September 1883:

Dear Rao Saheb Haridas Viharidas,

While studying at the Rajkot College, I had heard about your many commendable qualities and subsequently had the joy of meeting you. Later when the Government decided to terminate the rule of the Administrator, I wanted an efficient and honest Diwan, and it occurred to me that you will be the fittest person. Col. Wodhouse supported me in my choice and I felt myself lucky. In the number of States in the Bombay Province, several of the Managers or Diwans are known to be greedy, self-centred at the cost of the State, conceited and hot-tempered, and wanting in general knowledge and common sense. The reputation of a State depends on the ethical and moral life of its Diwan. A good minister is loved and respected both by the Ruler and the ruled. And among such, you stand first in my esteem. It is only thirteen months since you came here as Diwan and you have made many improvements remarkably. You are to leave soon and take charge at Junagadh. I am proud that the Government has already recognized your rare qualities. I hope the new Diwan to come here, Nathabhai Dajibhai, will ably fill in the gap to occur on your departure. I also hope that all the other officers too will take you as their ideal and work with zeal. Mr. Haridas, I pray to God that you may earn more reputation in your new assignment and ever be a man of victory.

Now in Junagadh there was the Moyo Tribe which held itself to be independent and therefore refused to pay the land revenue. Pressure was brought upon it but it remained recalcitrant. Diwan Salemahomed Jamadar and his Naib (deputy) Bapalal sent a special police force to subdue the Moyos in which process nearly a hundred of the tribe died. Taking note of this unfortunate incident, the British Political Agent sent Nawab Bahadurkhanji, the Ruler of Junagadh a letter of reprimand, and the Diwan and his deputy were relieved of their posts. Hence the Nawab Saheb was in search of a good and wise Diwan for Junagadh State. Manasukhram Tripathi, a friend of both Haridas and the Nawab Saheb, suggested the former’s name for the purpose. The Nawab cheerfully welcomed the proposal and subsequently ordered the appointment. About the end of September, 1883, Haridas took charge as Diwan of Junagadh. Soon realizing that Baudinbhai, a maternal uncle of the Nawab Saheb, had a great hold on him and influenced him, Haridas settled a working arrangement with Baudinbhai thus: ‘While Baudinbhai should mind the personal income of the Nawab Saheb and the State Treasury, the responsibility of administration and judiciary dealing with the public would wholly rest on Haridas.’ This understanding lasted as long as Haridas held office, to the credit of both. Haridas made an expedient compromise with the Moyos, granting them their rightful claims and giving them a document enumerating several concessions and rights.

In the meantime another Tribe in the State, the militant and rude Makarana, raised its head and aggressively started raiding and looting the villages. The officer in charge of ‘Operation Makaranas’, Police Superintendent Jamadar Suleman, was a favourite of Baudinbhai. Some thoughtless persons circulated rumours, and also sent messages to the Political Agent, that ‘Operation Makaranas’ proved a failure as the Police Superintendent, the Vazir Baudinbhai and the task force were all of the same community as were the Makaranas and that the Diwan was a weak person. Nevertheless, Haridas, who valued law and order most, took personal risk and arrested the criminals. The Nawab was much pleased and announced a reward of rupees one lakh to be presented to Haridas, but the latter protested saying that he only did his duty and would humbly accept just the interest of the prize money, and even this must be deducted from his pay. But the political department remained prejudiced through earlier hearsay which had been followed by a damaging report. It proposed to post at Junagadh a special representative of the Political Agent. Learning of this development, the Nawab Saheb wrote to the Political Agent assuring that Haridas had done a wonderful job and that for his admirable achievement he had not taken the reward but accepted only the interest on it and that the interest amount too was deducted from his pay. He added that Haridas had assented to the award merely to gratify the Ruler and so, greed must not be imputed to him. This fully satisfied the Political Agent, and the proposal to appoint a special representative was dropped. The matter was reported in the Indian Spectator as follows:

Rao Bahadur Haridas Viharidas Desai took over charge of the Junagarh administration at a very critical time, soon after the Moyo massacre. Even in such circumstances, he joined as Diwan without any condition whatever—which showed that he wanted himself as well as his employers to be free for future action. This is something like the principle of free trade in the administration of Native States, which deserves special mention. The new Diwan went to work with zeal and fidelity that won the approbation of the authorities, and on a suitable occasion Mr. Haridas was offered a lakh of rupees in recognition of his valuable services. Such rewards, we understand, are infrequently given by Native Princes to deserving officers in some cases. Mr. Haridas had earned his prize better than most men of his class, but with rare magnanimity he respectfully declined the offer saying that his pay was liberal enough. The Nawab Saheb and the Vazir Bahaudin, however, were bent upon keeping up the tradition of the State. In a recent ‘firman’ His Highness explained that this particular form of appreciation was necessary for the encouragement of the other employees of the State, and that Mr. Haridas must accept at least the interest on the bonus offered to him during his life, if he had scruples about accepting a lakh of rupees in lump. This, too, the faithful Diwan appears to have hesitated to do, repeating the explanation that he was being liberally paid for his work. The State authorities at this stage threatened to take the matter out of his hand, when he agreed to a further compromise, namely, that the bonus should be invested in four percent loan, and that the interest thereon should be paid to him as pension after his retirement, and that, in the meantime, he should regularly pay a sort of pension contribution to the State from his salary. Herein Mr. Haridas has set an excellent example to his brother officers. Considering the merits of the case, it is hard to decide which to admire more, the honesty of the Diwan or the liberality of his employer.(Report in Indian Spectator, July 21, 1889.)

However, Haridas, much perturbed over the tarnishing of his fair name by unscrupulous persons through false reports and the baseless suspicions created in the Political Agent, tendered his resignation to Nawab Bahadurkhanji. The Nawab, totally aware of the happenings and the great part played by Diwan Haridas in the Moyo and Makarana uprisings, replied:

‘I will not leave you even if I lose my kingdom. I am a soldier and have a gun; I can easily earn my living. But I will not submit to such threats from the Political Agent.’

Finally Haridas relented and withdrew his resignation. With the aid of his friend Manasukhram S. Tripathi he explained to the Political Secretary to the Governor of Bombay that the State of Junagadh was surrounded by a number of tiny states and the perpetrators of crimes took advantage of the different jurisdictions, and he suggested the appointment of a British Police Officer with special power to deal with the troublesome characters in order to solve once for all the recurring problem. The suggestion was accepted by the Political Secretary Sir William Woodburn. One Major Humphry was accordingly put in charge of law and order and this brought about the desired effect. Peace was established and the people were happy. Major Humphry reported to the Government that the State of Junagadh had attained absolute normalcy, thanks to the co-operation and efficiency of the police.

But, during the period of the turmoil and concerted police control, the vile Makaranas planned and tried to murder. Diwan Haridas who had, however, anticipated this move and was on his guard. Conscientious and duty bound, Haridas did not attend his daughter’s marriage at Nadiad. On the day before the marriage, he wanted to go to the famous temple at the Taleti (foot) of Mount Girnar. As the horse carriage in which he was travelling was about to cross the bridge beyond the Kalwa gate of the fort of Junagadh, the Makaranas attacked him. But he managed to escape with just a blow on his pagri (turban). A mischievous brute of the tribe sent a telegram to Nadiad to the effect that Haridas had been killed. The younger brother of Haridas received it just a few hours before the solemn marriage ceremony. Without believing its contents and suspecting foul play, he wired to Haridas at Junagadh and learnt the truth. The marriage went off happily. Subsequently ‘The Sind Gazette’ reported on 29.3.1887:

Yesterday afternoon, at about 4 o’clock a most notorious Makarana outlaw named Kadurbux Noor Mahomed, for whose capture the Junagadh State had offered a reward of Rs. 3,000/-, dead or alive, was arrested near the Municipal naka, Bagdali Lines. Kadurbux is a man of powerful build and of a sinister cast of countenance. The Karachee police are to be congratulated on effecting this important capture.

Of the many atrocities perpetrated by the Makaranas on the villagers in Junagadh State the most outrageous was the cutting off of the noses of several farmers and merchants. This horrible crime greatly grieved the tender-hearted Haridas, resulting in his earnest persuasion of Dr. Tribhuvandas to try if he could surgically graft noses. Incidentally, the doctor had helped Haridas in conducting the raffle for raising fund for the construction of steps up Mt. Girnar and also in the actual construction work. Dr. Tribhuvandas accordingly tried several times and finally succeeded in 1890. This type of surgery came to be known in later years as plastic surgery. The doctor, it would appear, was one of the pioneers in this field in India.

In 1888, a special Darbar was held for sanctioning the interest on rupees one lakh, together with a ‘khilat’ (special gift) of Rs. 5,000/- to Diwan Haridas. The Nawab Saheb’s citation, read by his personal secretary Amarji, stated:

Haridas has served this State with efficiency, honesty, foresightedness and vast experience. We want to reward him one lakh of rupees in recognition of his services. But he declines to accept the amount showing valid reasons and high sentiments which are really commendable. It is therefore, hereby decided that the amount be invested in 4 per cent per annum interest giving Government Loan and the interest be given to him during the tenure of office in the State and later as pension for life after his retirement.

For carrying out his wish Nawab issued a Huzur Order (No. 26) thus:

Chief Diwanji Azam Haridas Viharidas joined the service of this State without any pre-condition when it was engaged in quelling the Moyos and in such other serious difficulties. Our desire to honour him with a Prize money of rupees one lakh met with a polite decline for reasons which bespeak his principles and do him credit. But in our tradition to record faithful service to the State and as a measure of encouragement as also to acknowledge a good example to others, we order that every year Rs. 4,000/- by way of interest at 4 per cent per annum on Rs. One lakh Government Loan be given till his life time, be he in service or in retirement, to Mosuf Chief Diwanji Azam Haridas Viharidas and that the first such payment shall be from the 1st September 1884. (Incidentally, after the demise of Haridas in June 1895, Nawab Rasulkhanji, successor to Nawab Bahadurkhanji, got the Loan reverted to the State and ordered a permanent annual pension of Rs. 2,400/- to the heirs of the deceased. Ultimately, after the Indian Independence, this concession was terminated.)

A year later, the ruler of Junagadh Nawab Bahadurkhanji expired without a male offspring. Conforming to the convention that another ruler had to be installed before the body of the dead ruler was removed for burial, Diwan Haridas quickly summoned Rasulkhanji, the immediate younger brother of the dead Nawab and officially enthroned him, although the latter was indifferent to taking the high position and far from being keen on becoming the new Ruler. In fact, Rasulkhanji feared that for his sake the good and devout Diwan Haridas might have to encounter vehemence and incur the displeasure of vested interests. Strangely enough, the name of Rasulkhanji was not found in the list of the royal family, and some short-sighted people including Vazir Baudinbhai wanted Adalkhanji, the other younger brother of late Bahadurkhanji to ascend the Throne. Accordingly, Adalkhanji claimed the seat of the Ruler, supported by the royal family and influential officers of the administration. Their argument was that Adalkhanji had received college education and had travelled all over India and so was well equipped to rule the State. But Diwan Haridas stood firm and defended his action, declaring that Rasulkhanji being the elder brother of the two surviving brothers, it was but meet that he ascended the throne. He further said that if they all failed to agree with him, he would resign as he would on no account be a party to injustice.

In the meantime, before the approval of the coronation of Rasulkhanji could be obtained from the British Government, one Mohamadkhanji claiming himself a step-brother of Bahadurkhanji, the late Ruler, made known his aspiration to succeed him. Observing this confusion, the British Government withheld the recognition of Rasulkhanji as the new Chief of the State, advised Haridas to run the administration on its behalf and then commenced investigation into the claim. Haridas proved to the hilt the justification of his action. Finally, six months later, Rasulkhanji emerged triumphant and soon his investiture was held. Haridas continued as Diwan. Vazir Baudinbhai realized his folly and became happy, for Rasulkhanji too was his nephew.

There arose a quarrel between Junagadh and the adjacent state of Mangrol over a few villages and a boundary. The case was before Col. Hunter. Haridas argued for Junagadh while Barrister Sitaram Pandit, father-in-law of Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit, (Sister of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru) spoke for Mangrol. Haridas won the case to be sure.

In the share-crop system of revenue, the farmers could not remove their quota of produce from the fields until the revenue officer turned up and assessed the share of each. This custom proved harassing to the poor peasants. Haridas diligently did away with the scope for corruption by separating the judiciary from the executive.

In 1888, Haridas’s wife expressed her cherished desire to make a pilgrimage to the top of Mount Girnar (Mt. Girnar is a place of pilgrimage, sacred to Jainas, Buddhists and Hindus because of its association with the traditions of all the three religions. The highest of the hills is known as Gorakhnath.) along with him for the simple reason that God had saved Haridas from the attempt made on his life by Kadurbux, the Makarana leader. So the couple started on the journey and on the way, while passing through Palthar Chati, where lived a venerable sadhu, they bowed to him reverently. The holy man affectionately beckoned to them, blessed the couple and told them to ask for a boon. Haridas said that he had no favour to seek and that he led a good life which was enough satisfaction to him. But his wife put forward that while they had three daughters and all were married, she longed for a male child. Thereupon the sadhu gave her two rudraksha beads and instructed them that the two beads should be safely kept and not lost. He also prophesied that two sons would be born to her and they were to be named Sadhu and Sant. Before the husband and wife resumed their journey, the holy man also foretold that Haridas would live only till about his 55th year.

A year later, in 1889, a son was born to the Haridases and another in 1892. Though at birth the babes were named Sadhuram and Santdas respectively, they were subsequently renamed in the family tradition as Prabhudas and Paramanandadas. The two infants were breastfed occasionally by their elder sisters.

In order to find money to build the 12,000 steps up Mount Gimar, Haridas conducted a lottery and got nearly three lakh rupees. After the construction of the steps, the balance amount was deposited with the shroff (banker), and a committee was entrusted with the task of maintaining the steps with the interest on the deposit. He also got built at his own cost a bridge connecting the approach road from Junagadh to Mt. Girnar, the sacred Damodar Kund and a temple for St. Narsi Mehta. These facts, incidentally, are inscribed on the marble plaques fixed on either side at the foot of the flight of steps to the mountain and on the parapet of the bridge. It must also be said to the credit of Diwan Haridas that a railway line was laid between Jetalsar and Junagadh, and several structures of public utility such as veterinary and general hospitals, dispensaries, and schools and colleges came into being. Moreover, he was instrumental in building the Uparkot Water Works and the starting of agricultural farms.

It was at this time in early 1892 that Swami Vivekananda, then a wandering monk, came into Haridas’s life.

After a short stay at Limbdi, the Swami left for Junagadh with letters of introduction from the Thakore Saheb to his friends there and elsewhere…At Junagadh he was the guest of Haridas Viharidas Desai, the Diwan of the State, who was so charmed with his company that every evening he, with all the State officials, used to meet the Swami and converse with him until late at night. (The Life of Swami Vivekananda By His Eastern and Western Disciples (Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama, 1979) Vol. 1, p. 290. Henceforward cited as Life.) Girnar, about two miles from Junagadh, is a place of pilgrimage (the mount is about 3,600 ft high)…; his pilgrimage to the place brought on a yearning to be absorbed in spiritual practices; for he soon sought out a solitary cave, where he practised meditation for a few days. While he was there, the Diwan took all possible care of him. This is known from the letter the Swami wrote to him from M. Girnar: ‘Very kind of you to send up a man inquiring about my health and comfort. But that’s quite of a piece with your fatherly character. I am all right here. Your kindness has left nothing more to be desired here. I hope soon to see you in a few days. I don’t require any conveyance while going down. Descent is very bad, and the ascent is the worst part of the job, that’s the same in everything in the world. My heartfelt gratitude to you.’ (Life, Pp. 291-292 ) This place (Junagadh) seems to have been a centre from which he (Swamiji) made a number of side trips through Kathiawad and to Kutch. (Life, p. 294) It appears from the Swami’s letter of April 26, 1892, written from Baroda to Diwan Haridas Viharidas Desai, that his first stop after Palitana was Nadiad, where he stayed at the Diwanji’s house. He wrote: ‘I had not the least difficulty in reaching your house from the station of Nadiad. And your brothers, they are what they should be, your brothers. May the Lord shower his choicest blessings on your family. I have never found such a glorious one in all my travels…I am going off this evening to Bombay…More from Bombay.’ (Life, p. 300)

During Swami Vivekananda’s long stay at Junagadh with breaks now and then, Haridas had obviously apprised him of his State’s problems created by the British Political Agent. Hence Swamiji wrote to the Diwan from Poona on the 15th June, 1892:

‘It is a long time since I heard from you…Perhaps by this time every hitch has been removed from your way in Junagadh; at least I hope so. I am very anxious to know about your health, especially that sprain, you know…I hope you would gratify me by a speedy reply. With my sincerest respects and gratitude and prayers for you and yours…’

The difficulties were somehow straightened through the integrity and fortitude of Haridas. When his youngest brother Gopaldas, then Assistant Revenue Commissioner in Bhavnagar, sought his approval for having a horse-carriage, Haridas chided him saying that the former’s emoluments did not justify such a luxury. He once told his younger brother Gopaldas who was then in Bhavnagar State as Revenue Commissioner that politics was based mostly on untruth whereas the key to his own success was strict adherence to truth.

He now really yearned for complete rest after nearly a decade of hard work in Junagadh and wanted to retire. The ruler Nawab Rasulkhanji reluctantly granted him leave for a year.

Haridas studied Advaita Vedanta seriously and also would visit temples religiously. Questioned how he could nurture two different types of spiritual practice, he would persuasively reply that in order to instil in the younger generation genuine faith in God and effectively suggest to them to take regularly to religious exercise for realizing Him, he set an example. And would add that one should not go in for abstruse philosophy without faith in and devotion to God; otherwise one would get confused, turn a sceptic and ruin oneself.

At the end of Haridas’s leave, Nawab RasuIkhanji wanted him to rejoin the State service. But Haridas did not relent for his own reasons. Consequently he was given another year of furlough. Taking advantage of it, the British Government in its appointment of the Royal Commission on Opium included Haridas Viharidas as one of its members, the only other Indian member being the Maharaja of Darbhanga. It was chaired by Lord Brassey.

From the next few letters of Swamiji written to Haridas from different places on different dates, prior to his Westward voyage, it is clear that he kept in touch with the Diwan and the latter too was deeply interested amidst his responsibilities of the State, in Swamiji and his dynamic mission. Close association with Swamiji generated in Haridas a sort of distaste for mundane matters.

In Swamiji’s letter to him written a little over a week before he set sail for the U.S.A., dated 22nd May, 1893, we see Swamiji encouraging Haridas in his spiritual pursuit.

Often and often, we see that the very best of men even are troubled and visited with tribulations in this world; it may be inexplicable; but it is also the experience of my life that the heart and core of everything here is good, that whatever may be the surface waves, deep down and underlying everything, there is an infinite basis of goodness and love; and so long as we do not reach that basis, we are troubled; but having reached that zone of calmness, let winds howl and tempests rage. The house which is built on a rock of ages cannot shake…

May the blows you have received draw you closer to that Being who is only one to be loved here and hereafter, so that you may realise Him in everything past, present, and future, and find everything present or lost in Him and Him alone. Amen!

After Swami Vivekananda burst forth as the triumphant hero of Chicago Parliament of Religions he wrote to Haridas a fine letter, dated 15th November, 1893.

During November-December 1893, in connection with the work of the Opium Commission, Haridas went to Calcutta and taking the opportunity, met Swami Vivekananda’s mother and brothers, as we learn from Swamiji’s touching letter to him from Chicago, dated 29th January, 1894: “You had been to see my poor mother and brothers…”

And in this next letter to Haridas, again from Chicago, dated 20th June, 1894, Swamiji gives Haridas his plan of work for the regeneration of India and Hinduism.

The Diwan had the satisfaction that he had done his best to the State with regard to a number of things. As Diwan he was in the midst of politics but never belonged to it. By the time the work of the Commission ended, Junagadh was again confronted with some problems. At the Nawab’s passionate insistence on rejoining the State, Haridas willy-niIly agreed but, after a few months, handed over charge to the new Diwan Chunilal Sarabhai and retired for good. The Nawab then offered Haridas five villages as a hereditary endowment for his selfless service to the State. Haridas who disapproved of the feudal system remarked humorously that while he had managed as many as 900 villages, the proposal of the Ruler that he should handle just five appeared ironical. He added that he had minor sons, and later on it would be difficult to look after the property from Nadiad, a distance of over 300 miles. At this, Nawab Rasulkhanji, with the knowledge and consent of Haridas credited to Junagadh State Treasury rupees one lakh and advised the administration that the interest thereon be given to the executor’s two sons. Here it may be mentioned that when, fifteen years after his death, the then State Administrator of Junagadh instituted an enquiry into the financial management of the State during his Diwanship, nothing irregular or incriminating, despite thorough scrutiny, was detected and the interest on the Trust amount was continued to be given to his sons. Indeed, Haridas emerged unsullied out of the ‘fire-test’. (agni-pariksha) even after his death!

Now some vested interests in America raised all sorts of scandalous charges against the character and conduct of Swami Vivekananda. But, although he

…scorned to defend himself publicly, he felt that an explanation was due from him to the intimate friends in America who had so generously and trustingly helped and supported him these many months. Indeed, if he did not give them some assurance, his silence could be construed as a tacit admission of fraudulence, and it would be impossible for him to remain in America…To Professor John Henry Wright, who had made possible his appearance at the Parliament of Religions by vouching for his fitness to be a delegate, the Swami sent every scrap of favourable Indian testimony that he could gather…In May he wrote from his hotel in Boston to the Professor: “…If you like, I would send you over from Chicago some letters from Indian Princes and ministers – one of these ministers was one of the Commissioners of the late Opium Commission that sat under Royal Commission in India (meaning Diwan Haridas Viharidas). If you like, I will have them write to you to convince you of my not being a cheat…”

..He had written on April 26 to Isabelle McKindley,… “the mail you sent yesterday from India was really…good news after a long interval.” There is a beautiful letter from Diwanji (Haridas Viharidas Desai, the Diwan of Junagadh and Opium Commissioner whom Swamiji had mentioned to Prof. Wright.) …As far as we know, the letter the Swami sent to Professor Wright from the Diwanji of Junagadh is no longer extant. But it was to this latter noble friend that the Swami now poured out the despair of his heart… (Life,’ Pp. 487-489 )

in his letter to him dated June 20, 1894. It was perhaps in response to this letter that the Diwanji Haridas Viharidas Desai wrote to Mr. G.W. Hale in staunch defence of his beloved Swami Vivekananda. His letter, which was dated August 2, 1894, has come to light recently. He wrote:

“Sir, I hope you will excuse my troubling you with this letter. I learn with regret that some people have given out in America that Swami Shri Vivekanandaji is not what he appears to be in public there. Allow me to tell you as a friend of his that the Swami is known to me for some years. I respect and revere him very much. He is sincere to the avocation he has disinterestedly taken up for the good of the people at large. He has given up his family and social connections since about 12 years and has devoted himself entirely to the good of his own soul and that of others. He went to Chicago only with the avowed object of enlightening the American nation with the true religion of the Hindus, the knowledge of which he has acquired so much as to win the admiration of those who are in a position to appreciate it. He is a true friend of the Hindus and a staunch advocate of their religion. I saw his house, mother and brothers in Calcutta where I was in November and December last, to serve as a member of the Royal Commission on Opium. He does not keep any connection with his relations etc. because he has long renounced the worldly connections and become a sannyasi. I send you by Book-Post a small pamphlet, the perusal of which will introduce my humble self to you. You are welcome to make use of this letter in any way you think proper for the sake of truth and fair play…”

“Your kind notes to G.W. Hale has been very gratifying,” Swamiji was to write in September to the Diwanji, “as I owed them that much.” (Life, Pp. 487-489)

In November-December 1894, one more inspiring letter, apparently the last to him, dated Chicago, November (?), 1894 reached Haridas from Swami Vivekananda.

When Haridas returned to his native home after retirement, Nadiad gave him a grand civic reception. He then got all the joint-family properties including those purchased with his own earnings divided equally amongst all the five brothers (including himself). His old mother, Hetaba, suggested that a small part of the properties be allotted to his two sons in addition to their rightful share of their father’s properties. Haridas consoled her saying that the two sons would receive the interest on the amount lying in their favour at Junagadh and that this extra income would be adequate enough. She was immensely gratified and compared him to the eldest of the Pandava brothers.

In the said division of the properties, a plot of open land adjoining the 100-room ancestral house, fell to the lot of Gopaldas, the fourth and youngest brother of Haridas. Bechardas, the second younger brother got a cluster of dilapidated out-houses. When moher Hetaba desired an alternative for Gopaldas, Haridas said that what Bechardas got was no better. Hetaba argued that the latter had the will and ability to build a house for himself. Haridas fully satisfied her by pointing out that on his own he had presented his youngest brother who had been promoted as Revenue Commissioner of Bhavnagar State, with a fine hackney carriage, and adding ‘You will be happy to see “Nana” (meaning Gopaldas) build in due course a beautiful house on that open land.’ Truly, in 1908, thirteen years after the passing away of Haridas, ‘Nana’ got a sturdy an attractive house built there.

Haridas donated Rs. 10,000/- to the Bombay University for giving scholarship to two students who would stand at the top in the matriculation examination from the Nadiad High School. Later, this responsibility was taken over by the Gujarat University.

A conference of the people of his community (Patels) in his region convened by Haridas under the presidentship of the Gaikwar of Baroda resolved to carry out several necessary reforms, of which the abolition of dowry system took priority and was immediately put into practice in his own family.

For serving admirably on the Royal Commission on Opium, Lord Brussey had proposed to the British Government the conferment of knighthood on Haridas who, sad to say, passed away before the decision was taken.

As predicted by the Palthar Chati holy man in 1888, six weeks before his 55th birthday, Haridas Viharidas Desai breathed his last peacefully at 1 am on Monday, the 17th June, 1895. He had just returned from a visit to Junagadh, on the invitation of the Vazir Saheb, after a stay there of a fortnight. When he went to and came back from Junagadh, he was quite hale and hearty. After a week, he had an attack of slight fever which he did not mind. It continued for three days. On the fourth day, quite unexpectedly his temperature rose to 104 degrees. Still he was the same jolly good soul that he always had been. On Sunday he seemed to be well, for he could write to his distant friends. He was rash perhaps to take his bath that day. In the afternoon the fever began to rise and rose to 107 degrees. Up to 6 pm he was perfectly conscious and wore his winning smile, replying to inquiries. Then he fell into a calmness which seemed to be sleep, but it was the sleep of death. In death, as in life, he was all peace. In his last moments he expressed no anxiety about himself or those near and dear to him. (Reis and Rayyet (Prince and Peasant)-Weekly English Newspaper, Calcutta: Saturday, June, 1895)

The Gujarati poet Dalpatram Dayabhai wrote on the demise of Haridas a moving poem wherein he lamented “Haridas has carried away (har) the lustre of not only his contemporary Diwans but also of the later ones, to my belief.”

Learning belatedly from a nephew of Haridas about his passing away, Swami Vivekananda hurriedly wrote to the former from New York on the 2nd March, 1896 (This letter is not yet added to the ‘Epistles’ of Swamiji in his Complete Works. The Bengali translation of it was published in Udbodhan vol 75, No.9, p. 457. About a decade and a half ago the present writer had the occasion to visit Nadiad, see the house and room in which Swami Vivekananda sojourned, and procure from a grandson of late Haridas the thirteen original letters of Swamiji, written to his ‘Dear Diwanji Saheb’. A year or so later, he again went to Nadiad and luckily got from another grandson of Haridas Viharidas the original letter of Swamiji referred to above (dated 2.3.1896), together with the old Tanpura with which Swamiji had sung melodious songs during his stay in Nadiad at the ancestral house of Haridas. At present, while the said fourteen original letters are in the archives of Belur Math, the stringed musical instrument is at the Belur Math Museum Archive.) tersely refering to the great-souled Haridas thus:

228 West 39th Street,
New York, the 2nd March, 1896

Dear Friend,

Excuse my delay in replying to your beautiful note.

Your uncle was a great soul, and his whole life was given to do good to his country. Hope you will all follow in his footsteps.

I am coming to India this winter, and cannot express my sorrow that I will not see Haridas Bhai once more.

He was a strong noble friend, and India has lost a good deal in losing him.

I am going to England very soon where I intend to pass the summer, and in winter next I come to India.

Recommend me to your uncles and friends.

Ever always the well wisher of your family,

Vivekananda

PS My English address is C/o E.T. Sturdy, Esq, High View, Caversham, Reading, England.

PRESS REPORTS ON THE DEATH OF MR. HARIDAS VIHARIDAS DESAI

The Bombay Gazette (News)

Ahmedabad, June 18: All Nadiad was thrown yesterday morning into heavy mourning by the sad and unexpected death of Mr. Haridas Viharidas, Diwan of Junagadh. The deceased gentleman was much respected, and his sudden death came like a thunderbolt. He suffered from remittent fever for about four days. On Sunday, the temperature rose to 107 degrees in the morning, and there were no signs of alarm until 6 pm, after which the doctors almost gave up hopes of his recovery, and the patient breathed his last at 1 am yesterday. All schools and Government offices were closed, and all business suspended out of respect to his memory.

The Bombay Gazette (Editorial): Tuesday, June 18, 1895

We regret to announce that a telegram has been received in Bombay stating that Mr. Haridas Viharidas, the late Diwan of Junagadh, died there yesterday. …In all the principalities (where he worked for shorter or longer time singlemindedly), Mr. Haridas left behind him a reputation as an energetic hard-working administrator and a consistent reformer of abuses. That the welfare and prosperity of both ruler and the ruled were safe in his hands was shown by the improvements he succeeded in effecting in the several States in which he occupied high positions. Beyond the limits of the Indian Empire, the deceased statesman will be best remembered as a member of the Opium Commission, and by a strange coincidence, the mail arriving a few hours before his death has brought the full text of a Parliamentary debate on the opium question, in which his name is frequently mentioned. It is a noteworthy fact that, while Sir Joseph Peas and Mr. Ellis made personal attacks upon other members of the Commission signing the majority report, they brought no ‘railing accusation’ whatever against the courteous, even-tempered gentleman who shared with the Maharaja of Darbhanga the distinction of being the only native member of the Commission, Mr. Haridas, while signing the majority report wrote a separate minute of considerable value, to which special attention was paid…He has left two sons, three daughters, and an old mother, and four brothers, and a large family. His transparent honourable character is best summed up in the words of one of his most intimate friends, who writes: “He was known for his loyalty, faithfulness, truthfulness, liberality, independence, impartiality, simplicity and statesmanship. Able and popular as an administrator, he had won the highest opinion of the British officials and confidence of all people and his masters.”

The Times, Bombay (Editorial): Tuesday, June 18, 1895

We greatly regret-and our regret will be shared by many of his distinguished fellow-countrymen and by many past and present members of the British administration who have had official relations with him-to hear of the death at his ancestral home at Nadiad, of Mr. Haridas Viharidas Desai, the late Diwan of Junagadh. ..Mr. Haridas had in his time played many parts, and played them well…Appointed in September 1893 Diwan of the premier of Kathiawar State, Junagadh-the post was highly responsible and very difficult one for Junagadh had to win back some of the credit that it had lost in the eyes of the British Government-Mr. Haridas faced the difficulties of the situation with courage and unfailing industry. His transparent honesty and straightforwardness won him the confidence of all who had to deal with him, and the practical good sense with which he applied himself to the improvement of the administration and to the wise husbanding of its resources had a marked influence for good on the condition of the State…He was one of the most active members of the Royal Commission on Opium, and we are sure that his fellow Commissioners will hear with regret the death of a colleague who co-operated with them with so much intelligence and assiduity…He retired on pension, to the great regret of everybody connected with Junagadh State. His high character, devotion to duty, kindliness of disposition, and old fashioned simplicity of life distinctly influenced one and all, and no figure in Kathiawar politics will be more mourned than the unassuming gentleman whose useful life was brought to a premature ending yesterday.

The Kathiawar Times (Editorial): Tuesday Evening, June 18, 1895

It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. Haridas Viharidas, late Diwan of Junagadh and member of the Royal Commission on Opium, at his residence at Nadiad yesterday very early morning…Throughout his career Mr. Haridas displayed great administrative abilities coupled with a suavity that made him one of the most popular administrators, while he was unsurpassed in the capacity for hard work. He made his mark in whatever position he found himself…At Junagadh as everywhere he was recognized as a man of unusual capability, of unflinching honesty, and of great singleness of purpose. His death comes as a great blow to Gujarat and especially to Kathiawar which in him loses one of the most remarkable public servants…On receipt of information of Mr. Haridas’s death, an ‘Extraordinary’ dated June 17, Monday 1895 (Vol. 28 No. 10) was issued by order of His Highness the Nawab Saheb requiring the closing of public offices, throughout the State as a mark of respect to the late perfect gentleman.

The Kathiawar News (Editorial): Saturday, June 22, 1895

…The leading feature of his character was to be even-tempered and conciliatory, and these always stood him in good stead. His connection with this province dated since 1870 when he first entered the Bhavnagar State Service as a Nyayadhish (Judge) during the Percival-Gaurishankar administration. His gentle disposition and a quiet, unassuming way of working recommended him to Sir James Peile, the then Political Agent in Kathiawar…Later when he took up the reigns of office of Diwan at Junagadh, it was thought that he would prove quite unequal to the task imposed upon him. By degrees, however, these misapprehensions were removed, and Mr. Haridas’s reputation as an efficient administrator was acknowledged throughout the province and credit must be given to him for accomplishing what few indeed would have done under the peculiar circumstances; and indeed this is what led Sir Charles Olivant to make the following remarks when installing on the Gadi (throne) Nawab Sahib Rasulkhanji: ‘You are to be congratulated on having at your side one who has proved a faithful friend to your father and brother, and who has with great force of character influenced no less powerfully than unpretentiously the policy of the State. Thanks in great measure to him that you find at the helm of the administration a Diwan of proved service who is universally respected and of whom neither your predecessor nor the (Political) Agency had had any complaint to make except that he was contemplating too early a retreat from the cares of the office.’

…He was practical in all that he did and was successful which men seldom achieved…Mr. Haridas’s death was mourned throughout the province because he was generally liked both by Europeans and natives…In him the Junagadh State has lost a trusted counsellor and a worthy servant.

Indian Spectator (Editorial): June 23, 1895

We were shocked to hear, early this week, of the sudden death of Mr. Haridas Viharidas. It is many years now since this writer had the pleasure of his acquaintance at Wadhwan; and he cherishes a vivid recollection of the interchange of ideas, carried on at night, far into the wee small hours. During these hours of intimacy, Haridas impressed his visitor as a genuine friend of the people, a thoroughly honest and devoted worker, and a faithful servant. As such he remained to the end, the good qualities mellowing with age…Haridas was a student all his days. But for his modesty and self-denial, he might have risen higher. For years past he seems to have longed for retirement. And when, on leaving Junagadh a few months ago, he was pressed by this writer to give the benefit of his knowledge and experience to the public, he begged piteously to be let alone – ‘pray let me give my remaining years to the service of God.’ Little did our friend know how soon he was to be detached from life, for the best mode of offering homage to his Maker. But though he has gone to a rich reward, he has left India the poorer for his departure. To Gujarat the loss of Diwan Haridas is irreparable. He was a good man all round and was more useful than many a so-called great man, in that he was always unconscious of his sterling qualities.

The Gujarati (Editorial): 23rd June, 1895

The sad news of the death of Mr. Haridas Viharidas has come upon the public with painful surprise…His indefatigable industry, generous disposition, the integrity of his character and the proverbial simplicity of his life endeared him to all he came in contact with, and supply the clue to his success in the highly responsible posts he held from time to time. The Desai family has lost in him a worthy member, and Gujarat a true and distinguished representative of irreproachable character. His death will no doubt be mourned throughout Gujarat and Kathiawar where he was such a well-known figure.

Gujarat Mitra and Gujarat Darpan (Editorial): 23.6.1895

The late Diwan of Junagadh and a leading Desai grandee was gathered to his fathers last week…Rao Saheb alias Haridasbhai was loved and adored in all the States he administered by the people, the Princes and the Politicals as also by the general public and the Government of Kathiawar…He has been cut off in the full bloom of his life if we view from a European standard…For uprightness and justice we have no equal to him…A blank has been caused in our public life.

Reis & Rayyet (Prince & Peasant) – Weekly English Newspaper: Saturday, June 29, 1895.

We are deeply grieved to learn of the death of Diwan Haridas Viharidas Desai…He might, if he chose, have been more widely known and much earlier. But he hated name and fame. A man of no ambition and strictly conscientious,…Mr. Haridas Viharidas Desai was a jewel of a man–simple and unassuming, pleasant mannerism without the vices of Western education, pleasing and agreeable and with fund of information to instruct and amuse…The Desai family has all our sympathy in their great bereavement.

The Amrita Bazar patrika (Editorial), Calcutta: Sunday, June 30, 1895

We deeply regret to hear of the death of Mr. Haridas Viharidas, the late Diwan of Junagadh, on Monday the 17th instant. In him India has lost one of her best sons. Those who knew Mr. Haridas–and we had the privilege of his personal acquaintance–could not but be struck by the superior calibre of his mind and heart. His calm judgement, sweet temper, warm heart, and clear brain commanded respect even from the highest in the land…He was so self-sacrificing that though the head of his family and the largest earning member thereof, he would share every rupee he earned jointly with his brothers and nephews…We offer our sincere condolence to his bereaved family.

Power, Calcutta; June 30, 1895 (Editorial)

In the death of Mr. Haridas Viharidas Desai, the late Diwan of Junagadh, that State has lost a man who had rendered splendid service to it…By his own ability and exertions, he had risen from a humble station in life and with a rare self-abnegation, the fruits of his labours were divided amongst all the members of his family…He was a fine type of statesman and his death at the age of about 55 years will be mourned not merely in Junagadh State but outside it as well.

The Cosmopolitan: (Editorial): July 8, 1895

The death of Diwan Bahadur Haridas Viharidas, the late distinguished Diwan of the Junagadh State, removes a notable figure from the ranks of Indian Statesman. He was one of the leading lights of the Western Presidency and combined in himself the rarest virtues of a good and great man…The Diwan Bahadur by his exceptional talents won the esteem and confidence of the Government whose interests he never forgot to serve in the course of his patriotic public career. We had the pleasure to come in contact with him on more occasions than one. Having regard to the broad statesmanlike views and wide sympathies of the illustrious deceased and the great dearth of such really good and noble men at the present juncture, we cannot but consider his death as a heavy loss to all the presidencies alike, not to speak of the deplorable void it leaves in western political India.

India, London: September. 1895 (Editorial)

By the death of Mr. Haridas Viharidas, India has suffered a great lamentable loss. The people of India had no more unselfish, single-minded and enlightened champion.The Amrita Bazar Patrika, Calcutta: October 6, 1895

The distinguished gentleman Mr. Haridas Viharidas, whose death we deplored the other day, was the personification of unselfishness itself; and although he was the master of a big joint family and had the largest income, he had not one piece of cloth he could call his own – it belonged to the entire family. He never sought wealth and position, though both were thrust upon him. But for his modesty and self-denial, he might have risen higher and become a very rich man…He practically lived in a higher sphere of life, though he conducted the mundane affairs of a Native State. A superior personage that he was, Haridas moulded the character of his brothers.

The Bombay Gazette: Tuesday, October 22, 1895 (Editorial)

Proposed Memorial to the late Mr. Haridas Viharidas

We are pleased to give publicity to the fact that the friends of the late Mr. Haridas Viharidas – to whose many qualities of mind and heart tribute was paid in these columns soon after his death – are now raising a fund to be devoted to some useful public object to serve as a memorial of the late Diwan of Junagadh. Mr. Haridas was one of those rare men who earn not only the respect but also the affection of all with whom they come in contact. The opinion of the last two Governors of Bombay concerning him, as conveyed in their respective letters of sympathy to the relatives of the late Diwan, are well worthy of quotation. Lord Reay wrote from Earston, Berwickshire, N.B. on August 8 last: ‘It was the greatest regret that I noticed the news of your mentor Mr. Haridas Viharidas. He was a friend of mine, for whose judgement and opinions I had the greatest regard. His life has been most useful. The State of Junagadh owes him much, and I am afraid his health was affected by overwork and anxiety. I regret that Gujarat is deprived of the services of a man whose mature experience should have been so valuable. The Bombay Presidency has lost its most worthy and most able citizen. Men like Mr. Haridas Viharidas are rare in India and in all countries. I know how deeply you all will feel his loss.’ Lord Harris wrote from his county seat Belmont Faversham, to say he was much distressed to hear of the decease of his friend Mr. Haridas Viharidas, whose death is a great loss to the British Raj in Western India, for his common sense and great experience in administration were a great source of strength to rely on when advice was needed.

In the Memorial Fund Circular, which is now being distributed, the good qualities of Mr. Haridas are aptly, and withal not extravagantly, summed up in these words: ‘His many public and private virtues, prominent among which were integrity, straightforwardness, political sagacity, impartiality, spirit of altruism, devotedness to duty, and in short ‘plain living and high thinking’ have won him the love and esteem of all good persons who came in contact with him. And it is certain that the remembrance of his sterling qualities will continue to exercise great influence over a still wider circle.

Subscriptions already obtained from men of eminence are nearly Rs. 12,500/-.