James MacMurdo facts for kids

Captain James MacMurdo was an important British officer. He worked for the British East India Company, a big trading company that also had a lot of power in India. MacMurdo was the first "political resident" for the British in a place called Cutch State (now part of Gujarat, India). He played a key role in bringing Cutch under British influence.

Life and Work

Early Life and Military Career

MacMurdo's Bungalow in Anjar

James MacMurdo was born on November 30, 1785, in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He joined the military in 1801. Early in his career, he commanded the guard for the British Resident in Baroda State. He also served as an aide to Lieutenant-General Oliver Nicolls, who was a commander in Bombay.

MacMurdo's Role in Cutch

MacMurdo first entered Cutch by pretending to be a Ramanandi monk. He stayed at the Madhavrai's Temple in Anjar. Because of his religious activities, people gave him the nickname Bhuriya Bava. He was good at speaking the local language and understood the customs of the area.

In 1816, the British sent him to the ruler of Cutch, Rao Bharmalji II. They needed to solve problems like piracy in the Arabian Sea. There were also bandits from the Vagad region causing trouble in North Gujarat. In 1816, Rao Bharmalji II agreed to accept British control. MacMurdo was then appointed as the official British representative in Bhuj. He also became the collector of taxes in Anjar.

Changes in Leadership

In 1819, British troops, led by Colonel East, attacked Bhuj. They had the support of some local Jadeja chiefs. On March 25, 1819, they removed Rao Bharmalji II from power. His young son, Deshalji II, became the new ruler of Cutch State.

MacMurdo was then stationed in Bhuj as the British Political Resident. Since Deshalji II was still a child, a group of Jadeja chiefs managed the state. This group was called the Council of Regency, and MacMurdo was its head.

Life in Anjar and Legacy

During his time in Anjar, MacMurdo built a house known as MacMurdo's Bungalow. This bungalow has interesting wall paintings that show scenes from the Ramayana. Today, it is a protected monument.

In 1819, MacMurdo experienced a major earthquake in Anjar. He sent detailed reports about the earthquake to Bombay. He also wrote several books and reports about the Sindh and Kutch regions.

Death and Burial

Captain James MacMurdo died on April 28, 1820, in Varnu. This village is near the Rann of Kutch. He was buried close to the Venudada temple in the village. Local people believe he died because he slept in the temple. However, his tomb states that he died from Cholera. This was likely during the first Asiatic cholera pandemic.

His tomb has an inscription that reads:

IN MEMORIAM
CAPTAIN JAMES MAC MURDO
FIRST BRITISH POLITICAL
RESIDENT IN CUTCH
DIED OF CHOLERA AT WARNU
ON 28 APRIL 1820