India, Aug. 10 -- More than a century after a businessman from Madhya Pradesh lent Rs 35,000 to the British government to fund its World War I expenses, his grandsons have claimed that UK authorities have agreed to examine their request for repayment.

Vinay and Vivek Ruthia, descendants of an erstwhile Nagar Seth (prominent businessman and landholder), told reporters in Sehore on Monday that their legal counsel sent a notice to the UK Debt Management Office (DMO) in February, based on records and correspondence left behind by their grandfather, Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia, who died in 1937.

The brothers said they received a response and that the UK government has agreed to examine their request.

According to the family, a large number of Ind...