Ranji Trophy was started in the 1934-1935 season, after the Indian board met and decided to launch a domestic tournament for the Indian cities and states.

History of Ranji Trophy
Ranji Trophy was named after KS Ranjitsinhji, the Prince of Nawanagar, who played for Sussex and also played for England between 1896 and 1902. He was also popularly known as Ranji. The Ranji Trophy is considered to be India's equivalent to county cricket in England and the Pura Cup competition held in Australia. H.H. Sir Bhupendra Singh Mahinder Bahadur, the Maharajah of Patiala, donated the champions' trophy of the first season of the tournament.
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Author's Bio: 

Ranji Trophy is the premier domestic Cricket competition of India. This trophy is named after KS Ranjitsinhji, the Prince of Nawanagar. The competition was launched as "The Cricket Championship of India" following a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in July 1934.