R. B. Seth Siremal Bapna C.I.E.

Illustrious and greatly renowned Shri Siremal Bapna was a capable Prime Minister of Indore State.
He was bom in a highly respectable Oswal Jain family on April 24, 1882. He did his graduation in 1902 and earned lliot Scholarship and Jubilee Medal for standing first in B.Sc. in whole of the University. He did his LL.B. in 1904 securing first position. After having practised for some time in legal profession at Ajmer he joined Indore State Service. In 1907, he was appointed District Judge in Mahidpur. The next year he was appointed legal tutor of Maharaja Tukoji Rao. He accompanied the Maharaja to Europe in 1910. He was later appointed his second Private Secretary. He was Home Minister of the State from 1915 till his resigning it in 1921. He there after became a Minister in Patiala State. He was called back by Maharaja Holkar in 1923 and appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Indore State. In 1926, he was appointed as Prime Minister which position be held even during the rule of the next ruler Shri Yashwant Rao Holkar.

He was made Rai Bahadur in 1914 and honoured by the previous Maharaja with the title of Atmad-Vaziruddola in 1920. Maharaja Yashwant Rao had also honoured him with the title of Vaziruddola. In recognition of his meritorius administration of Indore State during minorhocd of Yashwant Rao, the British Govt, had conferred upon him the title of C.I.E.

The people of Indore greatly owe to him for his many administrative reforms and works of public utility and welfare. He started classes for M.A. and LL.B. examinations and also opened two High Schools in the State.
During his tenure, Indore Cantt. which was under British control was restored to the State along with Himanpur. Much improvements were also effected by him in the drainage system of the city. Shri Bapna got built a big water reservoir 12 miles long and 2 miles wide for adequate drinking water supply to the people.

He had great respect among the English, the Indian Princes and other political leaders for his sharp intelligence and administrative abilities. He attended the Round Table Conference as personal representative of Maharaja of Indore. Greatly religious and generous hearted Shri Bapna provided scholarships to many students and helped the poor and widows.