MP family’s 109-year-old war loan gets UK government response

The Story in Brief

A Madhya Pradesh family has received a response from the UK government regarding a ₹35,000 loan their ancestor gave to the British in 1917 for World War I. The Times of India reports that Vivek Ruthia, grandson of Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia, received an email from the UK Debt Management Office seeking copies of the original loan certificate and related documents. Seth Jumma Lal, a businessman in princely Bhopal, subscribed to the Indian War Loan at 5.5% interest. He died in 1937. The British left India in 1947.

The Ruthia family says the loan was never repaid. They argue that with accumulated interest over 109 years, the amount would run into crores of rupees. The gold-indexed value would be even higher. The family found the documents in the grandfather's will. The UK government redeemed £1.9 billion in similar War Loan bonds in 2015, but it is unclear if this specific pre-Independence bond is covered. The family hopes the UK will check historical records and settle the matter. They continue to own property in Sehore, Indore, and Bhopal.