Recounting the life & altruistic deeds of Indore's Seth Hukumchand, the 'Cotton Prince of India'

A prominent leader of the Jain community, a philanthropist and a business magnate, Seth Hukumchand is popularly known as the Cotton Prince of India. He was born in 1874 to the family of Seth Pusaji, who aided the establishment of the Holkar Maratha clan, in Indore. Seth Hukumchand had an honourable credit as a businessman, overseas as well and it is believed that the New York Cotton Exchange observed a two-day shut down on his death. Keep scrolling if you wish to know about the massive number of contributions that have immortalised him in the annals of history!

A personality who was bestowed with several titles

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A pioneer of the 'Swadeshi industry', Seth Hukumchand established several cotton mills (Hukam Chand Mill and Rajkumar Mill), a large jute mill and an iron mill in India. With his business acumen, he multiplied his inheritance and became an influential person, with people looking up to him for guidance.

Seth Hukumchand was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, however, the Cotton Prince of India spent his lifetime utilising his influence and money for the greater good. He established several hospitals, such as Sir Hukam Chand Eye Hospital and also facilitated the construction and repair work of many Jain temples, such as Kanch Mandir of Indore.

The remarkable projects undertaken by Seth Hukumchand earned him a flurry of titles including- Sir, Rai Bahadur, Rajya Bhushan, Rao Raja and Rajya Ratna. Presently, his future generations are residing at Palace Indira Bhawan, which is popularly known as Hukumchand Ghantaghar, however, the Sheesh Mahal located in the Itwaria Bazaar is their ancestral house.

Knock Knock

History probably wasn't kind to him in dispersing his well-deserved accolades across generations, however, automotive enthusiasts know of Seth Hukumchand because he owned the Gold 1919 Daimler, which is a sort of a legend! Unlike the extravagant princes who belong to royal clans, this prince did not squander away his wealth and his life is an example of how a person of power and influence can bring positive changes in society, without glorifying the need of making unnecessary personal sacrifices.