The empowerment of an individual does not depend on the finances but the apt application of one’s intelligence. This intelligence keeps on growing with the knowledge and wisdom acquired over time. Rajkumar College was established with such a vision to uphold the tradition of passing on the knowledge and experience to the young ones, to build a nation of visionaries and knowledge oriented people. With this clarity of vision Rajkumar College has the motto- “Swadeshe Pujyate Raja, Vidwan Sarvtra Pujyate”. This can be translated as “A king’s reputation is only limited to his territory but the reputation of a learned one is universal”. This 134-year-old prestigious school is among the only 5 institutions in India which has been recognised as the Chief’s College.

History

Rajkumar College was founded in 1882, in Jabalpur by Sir Andrew Henderson Leith Fraser who was an Indian Civil Servant of the British Raj. This institute was established to educate the princes of Indian feudatory states and sons of Zamindars of the central region. Ajmer’s Mayo College was distant from central India, thus, this institution came into being. Post over a decade-long Jabalpur stint it was shifted to Raipur in 1894 for this place was closer to Nandgaon, Khairagarh and the affluent princely states of then Odisha. The first principal of Rajkumar College, G. D. Oswell meticulously dedicated himself to develop this institution in Raipur. He built its fundamental architecture with the help of donations from the nearby princely states such as Bastar, Patna, Raigarh, Pandaria, Phuljhar, Khariar, Pendra and others.

Prominent Visitors
Since Inception, Rajkumar College has been arresting the attention of people across the country. The prestige of this institution echoes loud and has drawn many inspirational and influential personalities to visit it. The institute has been visited by great personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, Shri Janaki Ballabh Patnaik and Smt. Sonia Gandhi.

Infrastructure

Sprawling across 125 acres, the campus of Rajkumar College boasts of an imperial architecture of the colonial era. At present one can find many extensions added to the fundamental structure as per the modern day requirements. The academic buildings are segmented into three sections namely Junior Section, Middle Section and Senior Section with smart classrooms. The well maintained infrastructure also includes technologically upgraded laboratories and comfortable hostels. The dining hall is known as Sarangarh Dining Hall which can accommodate as many as 600 students in a single sitting. Dr. Rajendra Prasad inaugurated this hall during his visit. Moreover, the seating arrangements and kitchens are separate for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The colossal auditorium, Jashpur Hall is so spacious that 1700 people can easily sit in its air-conditioned ambiance. It also has a guest house, Utkal Bhawan providing regal hospitality. Its 30-bed hospital possesses all the necessary facilities for primary healthcare. In addition to this, the campus has a number of playgrounds and courts for various sports activities.

Rajkumar College has been continuing its tradition of excellence since its advent. It not only educates its students but also inculcates in them cultural values and a spirit of national integrity. The students are also involved in many co-curricular activities. This institution sets an example to nourish the students with knowledge to make sure that they realize their role and place in the society, for their much needed contribution as Indian nationals.

Fact File

  • The principal’s residence was built in 1856, which is one of the oldest colonial buildings in India.
  • The clock tower, Sarangarh Clock at the center of the campus was built in 1918.
  • Post the independence of the country the Eastern States Union was founded here in 1947.
  • The school’s Sarveshwar Das Cricket Pavilion has witnessed a Ranji trophy match.
  • Rajkumar College was made co-educational in 1996.
  • The auditorium, Jashpur Hall hosted the first assembly session of the then newly formed Chhattisgarh, chaired by the Protem Speaker Shri Mahendra Bahadur Singh.