Keshav Maharaj's father elaborates his ancient story related to his forefathers

In normal behaviour, Keshav Maharaj is a very common name if it belongs to an Indian citizen, but it seems an unlikely aspect to many if that person is an African citizen. Proteas left-arm spinner Maharaj, whose forefathers belonged to be of Indian origin, where they used to live as bounded labourers during the 19th century. Their occupation gives the astounding feeling to many, when their surname goes ‘Maharaj’ which means royalty and richness.

Young Keshav Maharaj was designed to be part of this sport and has surely done true justice to his skills and talent in his short Test match career so far. Former Indian cricketer Kiran More, who was a family friend had predicted a cricketing rich future for Maharaj, when he was just 3 years old. He has represented South Africa in 16 Tests in which he has picked 56 wickets at an average of 25, which also includes three five-wicket hauls.  The spinner has shown his potential and is considered to be capable enough to bowl well on tracks which don’t provide a lot of assistance to the spinners.

Keshav’s forefathers belonged to Sultanpure, UP

Keshav’s father Athmanand Maharaj depicted the ancient story of the Maharaj family in which he stated that his great-grandfather had arrived in Durban from Sultanpure in UP in 1874. It was a time when the Indian people used to travel to the African contingent in a hunt for work and livelihood. He revealed that there were many opportunities in the Proteas nation which provided many with the experience of farming sectors and other working options.

“On September 1, 1874 my great great grandfather arrived in Durban from Sultanpure in UP. That was the time when the Indian people used to come across to South Africa in search of work. The opportunities that were presented here were many. South Africa was looking for skilled labourers and the Indians, with their experience in farming and other sectors, contributed to the South African development,” said Athmanand as quoted by Mumbai Mirror.

Sr. Maharaj mentioned that they belong to the category of fifth or sixth generation of Indians and one of his possessions are even has the certificate of Indian origin. He said that they have carried over the ‘Maharaj’ surname from their forefathers and it is not something which they have themselves chosen. The cricketer’s father stated that this goes by a hierarchy and many past generations are involved in the formation.

“We’re the fifth or sixth generation Indians and one of my possessions is the certificate of origin. When I went down to India to study, I needed this certificate. That was how I could trace back my origins and family history. The Maharaj surname was carried over from my forefathers. The title is not something we chose. It came through the hierarchy and generations. I know the significance of the name in India,” Athmanand goes on and on… He lives in Durban with wife Kanchan Mala, son Keshav. Daughter Tarisma is married to Mahesin, a Sri Lankan,” added the cricketer’s father.