PM Modi mourns Morbi Rajmata Vijaykunwarba, hails her spirit of service
Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi took to X in Gujarati to mourn the passing of Vijaykunwarba, the Rajmata of Morbi — a figure whose identity straddled the town's Jadeja royal legacy and its modern civic life. His tribute focused on her service and bond with residents, not her lineage, reflecting her broader standing in Gujarat's cultural memory.
Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of Vijaykunwarba , the Rajmata of Morbi , on 17 October .
Modi posted his condolence message in Gujarati on social media platform X , praying for peace for the departed soul and strength for her family.
Vijaykunwarba was associated with Morbi's erstwhile royal family, linked to the Jadeja dynasty of the Saurashtra region.
The title Rajmata (queen mother) reflected her standing within the former royal household of what was once a Gujarat princely state.
Morbi is today known both for its ceramic and tile manufacturing industry and its enduring royal heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 17 October expressed deep grief over the passing of Vijaykunwarba, widely known as the Rajmata of Morbi, paying tribute to her enduring bond with the people of the Gujarat town and her lifelong commitment to public service.
Modi's Tribute on X
In a message posted on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote in Gujarati: 'I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Morbi's revered Rajmata Vijaykunwarba. Her personality, spirit of service and bond with the people of Morbi will always be remembered.'
He added: 'May the most compassionate Almighty grant peace to the departed soul and give her family members and admirers the strength to bear this grief. Heartfelt tribute. Om Shanti.'
Notably, Modi's condolence message chose to emphasise Vijaykunwarba's relationship with ordinary residents and her spirit of service, rather than dwelling solely on her royal lineage — a framing that underscores her broader social standing beyond the former royal household.
Who Was Vijaykunwarba
Vijaykunwarba was associated with Morbi's erstwhile royal family, which traces its historical roots to the Jadeja dynasty. Morbi was formerly a princely state in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, and the title Rajmata — meaning queen mother — reflected her standing within the former royal household.
The royal family has maintained a close association with the town over the decades, and its history remains an integral part of Morbi's cultural identity. Vijaykunwarba was regarded as a figure who bridged the town's princely past with its present-day civic life.
Morbi: Royal Heritage and Industrial Rise
Morbi, situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is today best known for its thriving ceramic and tile manufacturing industry, which has made it a significant industrial hub. Yet the town continues to retain strong links to its princely-state heritage, with historical landmarks that draw visitors and reinforce its royal legacy.
The town has undergone considerable industrial and infrastructural development over recent decades, even as its association with the former Jadeja royal family remains a defining thread in its cultural fabric.
Context and Significance
This comes amid Prime Minister Modi's longstanding personal and political ties to Gujarat, his home state. His choice to post a personal tribute in Gujarati — rather than through an official government statement — signals the personal nature of the condolence and his familiarity with Morbi's social and cultural landscape.
The passing of Vijaykunwarba marks the end of a chapter for a community that has long held its royal heritage in high regard, even as Morbi has evolved into one of Gujarat's key industrial centres. The town and its residents are expected to observe mourning in her memory.
Point of View
Rather than through an official government channel — is a deliberate signal of cultural proximity to Gujarat's social fabric. What stands out is the framing: he chose to highlight Vijaykunwarba's service and her bond with Morbi's residents over her royal title, subtly elevating her civic identity above her aristocratic one. For a BJP leader whose political base is deeply rooted in Gujarat, such gestures carry weight beyond protocol. Morbi's dual identity — as an industrial hub and a custodian of Jadeja royal heritage — makes this a story about how post-independence India continues to negotiate its relationship with its princely past.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vijaykunwarba, the Rajmata of Morbi?
Vijaykunwarba was associated with the erstwhile royal family of Morbi, a former princely state in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, with historical ties to the Jadeja dynasty. The title Rajmata, meaning queen mother, reflected her standing within the former royal household, and she was widely respected for her bond with Morbi's residents and her spirit of public service.
What did PM Modi say about Vijaykunwarba's death?
Prime Minister Modi posted a condolence message in Gujarati on X, saying he was 'deeply saddened' by her demise and that her 'personality, spirit of service and bond with the people of Morbi will always be remembered.' He also prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for her family and admirers.
What is the historical significance of the Morbi royal family?
Morbi was formerly a princely state in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, with the ruling family tracing its lineage to the Jadeja dynasty. The royal family has remained associated with the town even after India's independence, and its history continues to form a core part of Morbi's cultural identity.
What is Morbi known for today?
Morbi is today one of Gujarat's key industrial centres, particularly renowned for its ceramic and tile manufacturing industry. At the same time, it retains strong links to its princely-state heritage through historical landmarks and the continued presence of the former royal family.
Why did PM Modi post his tribute in Gujarati?
According to reports, Modi chose to write his condolence message in Gujarati — his home state's language — signalling a personal connection to Morbi's community and cultural landscape, rather than issuing a formal government statement in English or Hindi.
