Sawai literally means a quarter over one (1+1/4) in strength and / or intelligence.[1] In other words, it means – one and a quarter of an average man in worth.[2][3]
Sawai Jai Singh was given title of Sawai at the age of eleven by the Mughal Emperor,
Aurangzeb in the year 1699, who had summoned him to Delhi, impressed by his wit. Later he proved to be Sawai also in warfare.[1][2][5] The title became hereditary for his successors used by his descendants like,
Sawai Pratap Singh;
Sawai Man Singh II.
Khengarji III ruler of
Cutch from 1875 to 1942, was given the title of Sawai by British in the year 1885[citation needed] The title became hereditary for his successors used by his descendants like
Vijayaraji,
Madansinhji, with a further flourish as Sawai
Bahadur.
Sawai Jawahar Singh was
Maharaja of
Bharatpur from 1763 – 1768. He assumed the lofty title of Sawai and the title became hereditary and was used by all successive rulers of Bharatpur.[6]
Ranjor Singh ruler of
Ajaigarh from 1859 to 1919, was given the title of Sawai Maharaja in the year 1877 at the
Delhi Durbar on the occasion of the proclamation of
Her Majesty as
Empress of India.[7] The title became hereditary and was used by all successive rulers of Ajaigarh.
Sur Singh, ruler of
Marwar from 1595 - 1619 was given the title of Sawai Raja by
Akbar in recognition of his many services.[8]
Pratap Singh ruler of
Orchha from 1874 to 1930, was given the title of Sawai in his lifetime and title became hereditary for rulers of Orchha.[9]
Manan bhatia (GLC) of
Rajasthan is ponhe which is a little less than sawai and dedh.[citation needed]