Fateh Singh of Udaipur vs Mwambutsa IV

Fateh Singh became Maharana of Mewar at age 35 after the death of his brother Sajjan Singh. His reign was marked by efforts to preserve Mewar's autonomy while cooperating with the British, and he became a prominent figure in the early Indian independence movement.

Fateh Singh extended moral and financial support to the Indian National Congress in its early years. He allowed Congress sessions to be held in Udaipur and advocated for Indian representation in British governance, though he remained a loyal prince.

Fateh Singh commissioned the Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur, a blend of Rajput and European styles. The palace served as a royal residence and later became a heritage hotel, reflecting his patronage of architecture.

Fateh Singh publicly opposed the British partition of Bengal, aligning with the Swadeshi movement. He encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and supported the boycott of British products, though he did not engage in open rebellion.

Fateh Singh died in 1930 after a 46-year reign. He was succeeded by his son Bhupal Singh. His reign saw Mewar maintain its cultural identity while engaging with the nationalist movement.

Mwambutsa IV was the reigning mwami when Burundi gained independence from Belgian colonial rule on July 1, 1962. He became the constitutional monarch of the newly independent Kingdom of Burundi, with a government led by a prime minister under a parliamentary system.

Mwambutsa IV attempted to balance power between Hutu and Tutsi political factions in the post-independence government. He appointed both Hutu and Tutsi prime ministers, but ethnic violence erupted in 1965 after a failed Hutu coup attempt, leading to reprisals and deepening divisions.

Following a military coup led by Tutsi officers, Mwambutsa IV was deposed and fled into exile in Switzerland. The coup abolished the monarchy and established a republic, ending the Ganwa dynasty's rule. Mwambutsa IV never returned to Burundi, dying in exile in 1977.