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Ghorpade Dynasty
Royal Warrant Program
Ghorpade House Arms of Gajendragad
Printed on the corporate brochure of a Warrant Holder advertising Equestrian Services
ROYAL GHORPADE DYNASTY ARCHIVE
रॉयल घोरपडे राजवंश संग्रहालय
Warrants of Appointment
Warrants of Appointment are a centuries-old mark of distinction awarded by royal houses to businesses and individuals that provide goods or services of exceptional quality. These warrants symbolise trust, excellence, and a unique relationship with the Royal House, acknowledging those whose products or services are consistently favoured by the royal family, placing receiving businesses among a privileged group of preferred purveyors whose dedication to excellence has earned them the highest level of royal endorsement.
This esteemed recognition situates Royal Warrant Holders as the latest honourees in a lineage of distinguished businesses appointed by House Ghorpade that dates back to 1561 CE. The first recorded Ghorpade Warrant of Appointment was issued that year by Raja Karansinh Raje Ghorpade III to a purveyor named Gaṇeśācā Bhālā (The Spear of Ganesha), recognising it as the King’s preferred breeder of war elephants over a century before the Deccan Wars and the rise of the Maratha Empire, when the House of Ghorpade's six kings and their countries formed a confederacy with neighbouring states and ruled an area a third of the size of modern Europe.
Numerous royal systems administered by the Dewans (Chief Ministers) of the Ghorpade monarchies, including the original warrant system, fell into disuse in 1947.
In the 21st century, The House of Ghorpade is reviving legacy and heritage initiatives such as the Royal Warrant Program to recognise and encourage the patronage of small, mid-size, independent, and family-owned businesses with a strong commitment to excellence.
Letters Patent
A Warrant of Appointment about to be signed
The Ghorpade Dynasty consists of the six Royal Ghorpade House branches, with each branch possessing a unique Royal Coat of Arms, its official mark and seal.
Ghorpade House Arms of Sandur
Industry Class of Fine Foods
Ghorpade House Arms of Mudhol
Industry Class of Hospitality Services
The six royal coats of arms of the Ghorpades date back 100-500 years old, depending on the branch. These armorial bearings, due to the recognition of the six suzerain Ghorpade monarchies by the British Crown in the Government of India Act of 1935, are "Prohibited Marks" with their use restricted by the respective trademark laws of each country in the Commonwealth of Nations, offering them the same legal protections as other royal arms recognised by the British Crown including those of the House of Windsor.
The Ghorpade Dynasty affords Royal Warrant Holders the legal right and privilege to use and display the Prohibited Marks of the Royal Houses on their premises, products, packaging, assets, promotional materials, and more by the issue of letters patent.
A Warrant Holder is entitled to display the royal arms of the Ghorpade branch from whence their nomination originated.
Process
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Nomination: A nomination is submitted to the Archive by a royal personage of the House of Ghorpade. The selection criteria for nominees is confidential and in the care of the Archive, privy only to royal members of the House.
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Vetting: While the nominee selection criteria is confidential, the eligibility criteria is public. The Archive vets the business to verify that it has fewer than 500 employees, and the majority ownership is in the same country where the business primarily operates. The Warrant Program exists to recognise and encourage the patronage of small, mid-sized, independent, and family-owned businesses. Public and multinational companies are not eligible for a Warrant Appointment.
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Acceptance and Registration: If the business passes the vetting process, it is informed of the nomination. Upon acceptance, a registration and disclosure form is provided, and the process for issuing letters patent begins.
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Issuance of Letters Patent: The letters patent, comprising a Warrant of Appointment (for the business) and a Writ of Custodianship (for a designated officer of the company), formalise the relationship and confer certain rights and privileges on the Warrant Holder.
Businesses interested in becoming a Royal Warrant Holder must first be nominated by a member of one of the six House branches. A business requesting consideration may submit a Registration of Interest below. The current time for a business seeking consideration is 24 months, while the time for a company that has been nominated by a House member is two months from the initial nomination and one month from when the proprietor has been advised of the nomination and successful vetting in writing.
The Dynasty collectively awards a maximum of twelve warrant appointments each year.
There is no cost for a Warrant of Appointment. The Dynasty covers all administrative and associated costs of the Warrant Program including legal fees, materials and postage, digital verification, and storage of records.
The Warrants of Appointment Guide can be obtained by registering the interest of your organisation below.
2025 - 2030 Warrant Holders will be published on Monday, January 13th, 2025 in the 2025 Raj Ghorpad.