Puyi vs Sayajirao Gaekwad III

Puyi became Emperor of China at age 2 after the death of his uncle, Guangxu. A regency was established under his father, Prince Chun.

The Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty. Puyi abdicated on February 12, 1912, ending over 2,000 years of imperial rule in China. He was allowed to retain his title and live in the Forbidden City.

Warlord Feng Yuxiang expelled Puyi from the Forbidden City, revoking his imperial privileges. Puyi fled to the Japanese concession in Tianjin.

Japan installed Puyi as the puppet emperor of Manchukuo, a Japanese-controlled state in northeast China. He ruled under Japanese supervision until 1945.

After Japan's surrender in World War II, Puyi was captured by Soviet forces while trying to flee. He was held as a prisoner of war in the Soviet Union until 1950.

After being repatriated to China, Puyi was imprisoned for war crimes but later released in 1959. He worked as a gardener and wrote his autobiography. He died of cancer in Beijing.

Sayajirao oversaw the construction of railways, roads, irrigation systems, and public buildings in Baroda. He also established a modern water supply and electricity system, transforming the state's infrastructure.

Sayajirao issued a decree abolishing untouchability in the state of Baroda. He opened temples, wells, and schools to all castes, and promoted social equality, though implementation faced resistance.

Sayajirao made primary education compulsory and free for all children in Baroda. This was one of the earliest such reforms in India, significantly increasing literacy rates and setting a precedent for other princely states.

Sayajirao founded the Bank of Baroda to provide banking services and credit to the people of Baroda. The bank grew into a major financial institution in India, supporting economic development and trade.

Sayajirao hosted the annual session of the Indian National Congress in Baroda. He supported the nationalist movement and provided a platform for leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak to advocate for self-rule.