Sardar Singh Of Bikaner
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Sardar Singh was the
Maharaja Maharaja (also spelled Maharajah or Maharaj; ; feminine: Maharani) is a royal title in Indian subcontinent, Indian subcontinent of Sanskrit origin. In modern India and Medieval India, medieval northern India, the title was equivalent to a pri ...
of
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
from 1851 until his death in 1872.


Birth

Singh was born on 13 September 1818 as the eldest son of Ratan Singh and his wife, Raj Kanwar, from
Shekhawati Shekhawati is a region in the northern part of the States and union territories of India, Indian state of Rajasthan, comprising the districts of Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu district, Churu. The language of this region is also called Shekhawat ...
.


Succession

Upon the death of his father on 7 August 1851, he succeeded him as the
Maharaja Maharaja (also spelled Maharajah or Maharaj; ; feminine: Maharani) is a royal title in Indian subcontinent, Indian subcontinent of Sanskrit origin. In modern India and Medieval India, medieval northern India, the title was equivalent to a pri ...
of
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
.


Coronation

His coronation was held on 19 August 1851. The
coronation A coronation ceremony marks the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power using a crown. In addition to the crowning, this ceremony may include the presentation of other items of regalia, and other rituals such as the taking of special v ...
ceremony of Sardar Singh followed a pattern similar to the coronations of the
Maharajas Maharaja (also spelled Maharajah or Maharaj; ; feminine: Maharani) is a royal title in Indian subcontinent of Sanskrit origin. In modern India and medieval northern India, the title was equivalent to a prince. However, in late ancient India ...
of
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
before him. His day began with the application of ointment in sacred oil and a purificatory bath in
saffron Saffron () is a spice derived from the flower of '' Crocus sativus'', commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent ...
water. He then worshipped
Ganesh Ganesha or Ganesh (, , ), also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped Deva (Hinduism), deities in the Hindu deities, Hindu pantheon and is the Supreme God in the Ganapatya sect. His depictions ...
, followed by prayers to various gods, goddesses, and family deities at Har Mandir in Junagarh. When the preparations were completed in the Karan Mahal, the nobat () was played in the chaubara () just opposite the Karan Mahal. Then, he was brought to Karan Mahal, where the sandalwood throne of the Emperors of Kannauj was placed. He was wearing a
saffron Saffron () is a spice derived from the flower of '' Crocus sativus'', commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent ...
colored court dress. He moved toward the throne and offered a mujra (), by joining both hands, bending slightly, and bowing three times from a distance. As recorded in ''Desh Darpan'' (), a historical account of Bikaner’s rulers, he bowed and paid homage 21 times in between. Afterward, he bowed near the throne and concluded the mujra by performing it three times in the full
durbar Durbar may refer to: * Conference of Rulers, a council of Malay monarchs * Durbar festival, a yearly festival in several towns of Nigeria * Durbar floor plate, a hot-rolled structural steel that has been designed to give excellent slip resistance o ...
. Chiefs of Mahajan and Bhukarka were standing on the left of the throne, while the Chiefs of Bidasar and Rawatsar were standing on the right. All four had the hereditary privilege to mark the Raj Tilak (). He initially inquired of the chiefs on the left of the throne whether he should proceed to ascend. They responded that, by the blessings and will of Lakshminathji and Mataji (
Karni Mata Karni Mata (Hindi language, Hindi: करणी माता, or Bhagwati Karniji Maharaj), known by various names such as Bhagwati, Mehaai, Jagdamba, and Kiniyani is a Devi, Hindu Goddess of power and victory described as a warrior sage, who ...
), he should do so. He then posed the same question to the chiefs on the right, and they gave the same reply. Following this, he ascended the throne. Afterward, the
Chowdhury Chowdhury (also: Choudhuri, Chaudhuri, Choudhury, Chaudhri, Chaudhary) is a title of honour, usually hereditary, originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is an adaption from Sanskrit. During the Mughal rule, it was a title awarded to eminen ...
of Runiya came forward and applied a tilak on Sardar Singh’s forehead. An uncle of his applied tilak on his forehead before the four premier chiefs of Bikaner—Mahajan, Bidasar, Rawatsar, and Bhukarka—who, as per tradition, were to place tilak turn by turn, one after the other, while all other nobles and ministers attending the durbar remained standing. A 101-gun salute was fired to commemorate his coronation. Afterward, a 19-gun salute was fired to signify that he was the 19th ruler of
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
. Then, a descendant of Bela Parihar (master of the horse of
Rao Bika Rao Bika (5 August 1438 – 17 June 1504), was a scion of the Rathore clan of Rajputs and the founder of the city of Bikaner and Bikaner State in present-day state of Rajasthan in India. He was the fifth son of Rao Jodha, founder of the city ...
), who was in the care of the state horses, marked the tilak, and state heirlooms were worshipped. After all the ceremonies were completed, the members of the royal family, chiefs and nobles, ministers, officers, and dignitaries who had assembled presented their nazars () to him. Afterwards, he was presented with paintings of
Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
and of all his predecessors. To accept them, he rose from his seat and received them. Then, he went to Har Mandir again, where arti was performed as usual. He also went to Devi-Dwara and presented offerings to Nagnechiya Maa. Following this, he walked to the Khas-Deodhi of Junagarh and conducted the worship of the
Ganesh Ganesha or Ganesh (, , ), also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped Deva (Hinduism), deities in the Hindu deities, Hindu pantheon and is the Supreme God in the Ganapatya sect. His depictions ...
image fixed over that gate. Once all the rituals associated with the coronation were concluded, he participated in a feast alongside the chiefs and nobles, during which sweetened wheat porridge, mung beans, and rice cooked with ghee were served. He informed James Broun-Ramsay, then
Governor-General of India The governor-general of India (1833 to 1950, from 1858 to 1947 the viceroy and governor-general of India, commonly shortened to viceroy of India) was the representative of the monarch of the United Kingdom in their capacity as the emperor o ...
, by sending a kharita of his coronation on 19 August 1851. It was submitted on his behalf by the then Agent to the
Governor-General Governor-general (plural governors-general), or governor general (plural governors general), is the title of an official, most prominently associated with the British Empire. In the context of the governors-general and former British colonies, ...
for Rajputana through
Henry Miers Elliot Sir Henry Miers Elliot (1 March 1808 – 20 December 1853) was an English civil servant and historian who worked with the East India Company in India for 26 years. He is most known for '' The History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians'' bas ...
. His
coronation A coronation ceremony marks the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power using a crown. In addition to the crowning, this ceremony may include the presentation of other items of regalia, and other rituals such as the taking of special v ...
was attended by Karni Singh, the Rao of
Pugal Pugal is a town in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India. It is also the headquarters of the tehsil in the Pugal Sub-division with the same name. Geography Pugal is located at . It has an average elevation of 145 metres (869  feet ...
, who was the first in his family to attend the coronation of any
Maharaja Maharaja (also spelled Maharajah or Maharaj; ; feminine: Maharani) is a royal title in Indian subcontinent, Indian subcontinent of Sanskrit origin. In modern India and Medieval India, medieval northern India, the title was equivalent to a pri ...
of
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
. He did so on the condition that Sardar Singh marry his daughter.


Reign

He had, in 1851, requested on behalf of the Thakur of Dundlod, who was related to him, that
Ram Singh II Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II (28 September 1833 – 17 September 1880) was the Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Jaipur from 1835 until 1880, succeeding after the death of Sawai Jai Singh III. He became the ruler of Jaipur at the age of 16 months after ...
issue the necessary orders for the restoration of his villages back to Dundlod, which were usurped by Shyam Singh of Bissau. Accordingly,
Ram Singh II Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II (28 September 1833 – 17 September 1880) was the Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Jaipur from 1835 until 1880, succeeding after the death of Sawai Jai Singh III. He became the ruler of Jaipur at the age of 16 months after ...
assigned the
Raja Raja (; from , IAST ') is a noble or royal Sanskrit title historically used by some Indian subcontinent, Indian rulers and monarchs and highest-ranking nobles. The title was historically used in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. T ...
of
Khandela Khandela is a city and municipality in the Sikar district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Etymology Khandela is associated with the origin of Maheshwari Banias, Khandelwal Jains ( Sarawagi), Khandelwal Banias and Khandelwal Brahmins. The K ...
to settle the dispute. He had appointed 18 diwans () from the start of his reign up to 1869. When the
Indian Rebellion of 1857 The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising in India in 1857–58 against Company rule in India, the rule of the East India Company, British East India Company, which functioned as a sovereign power on behalf of the The Crown, British ...
broke out, he didn't forget the treaty that was signed by his ancestor, Surat Singh, on behalf of
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
and
Francis Rawdon-Hastings Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (9 December 175428 November 1826), styled The Honourable Francis Rawdon from birth until 1762, Lord Rawdon between 1762 and 1783, The Lord Rawdon from 1783 to 1793 and The Earl of Moira bet ...
on behalf of the
British Government His Majesty's Government, abbreviated to HM Government or otherwise UK Government, is the central government, central executive authority of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
. According to this treaty, signed on 9 March 1818 at
Delhi Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. Straddling the Yamuna river, but spread chiefly to the west, or beyond its Bank (geography ...
, the friends and enemies of one party were the friends and enemies of both. He provided shelter to European fugitives.
Sirsa Sirsa is a city and a municipal council in Sirsa district in the westernmost region of the Indian state of Haryana, bordering Punjab and Rajasthan. It is located near the Thar Desert, 250 kilometres north-west of New Delhi and 260 kilometers s ...
, Hissar, and
Hansi Hansi, is a city and municipal council in Hisar district in the Indian state of Haryana. It appears that at one time Hansi was larger, more prosperous and more important than Hisar. The town has several important buildings of archeological impor ...
—the British territories that shared borders with
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
—were in the hands of rebel forces. He proceeded in person to these places along with his troops to assist British forces. The forces at his disposal consisted of regular, well-disciplined infantry and cavalry, and a large auxiliary camel force. He was accompanied by his leading nobles and the levies they raised to support Sardar. He had his troops repulse 3,000 rebels near Hazaripur. They captured 7,000 animals and 92 rebels. Six hundred followers of
Tatya Tope Tantia Tope (also spelled Tatya Tope, : ̪aːt̪ʲa ʈoːpe 16 February 1814 — 18 April 1859) was a notable commander in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Early life Born as Ramachandra Panduranga Yewalkar to a Marathi Deshastha Brahmin fami ...
surrendered to him. When, in November 1858,
Queen Victoria Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until Death and state funeral of Queen Victoria, her death in January 1901. Her reign of 63 year ...
, by a proclamation, announced amnesty to all rebels not involved in the murder of British officers and civilians, Sardar persuaded many rebels to surrender. G. St. P. Lawrence, in his official dispatch to the
Government of India The Government of India (ISO 15919, ISO: Bhārata Sarakāra, legally the Union Government or Union of India or the Central Government) is the national authority of the Republic of India, located in South Asia, consisting of States and union t ...
, described his services as follows:On 21 December 1860, the then Agent to the
Governor-General Governor-general (plural governors-general), or governor general (plural governors general), is the title of an official, most prominently associated with the British Empire. In the context of the governors-general and former British colonies, ...
in
Rajputana Rājputana (), meaning Land of the Rajputs, was a region in the Indian subcontinent that included mainly the entire present-day States of India, Indian state of Rajasthan, parts of the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, and adjo ...
wrote a letter to the Secretary to the
Government of India The Government of India (ISO 15919, ISO: Bhārata Sarakāra, legally the Union Government or Union of India or the Central Government) is the national authority of the Republic of India, located in South Asia, consisting of States and union t ...
, Foreign Department, which mentioned the services of Sardar Singh in the following words:
Queen Victoria Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until Death and state funeral of Queen Victoria, her death in January 1901. Her reign of 63 year ...
, upon learning of his services, sent a kharita through Charles Wood, the
Secretary of State for India His (or Her) Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for India, known for short as the India secretary or the Indian secretary, was the British Cabinet minister and the political head of the India Office responsible for the governance of ...
, which was presented to him in a durbar. It mentioned: Before his reign,
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
's copper coins were poorly made and varied in weight. He improved their stamping and quality. No smaller silver coins were issued before him, but he and his successor,
Dungar Singh Maharaja Dungar Singh (22 August 1854 – 19 August 1887) was ruler of the Princely State of Bikaner from the year 1872 to 1887 succeeding his childless predecessor Maharaja Sardar Singh after his death in 1872. Life The eldest of three son ...
, issued coins of half, quarter, and eighth of a rupee. His coinage bore the name of the Mughal emperor until 1859, when he replaced with the name of
Victoria Victoria most commonly refers to: * Queen Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India * Victoria (state), a state of Australia * Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, a provincial capital * Victoria, Seychelles, the capi ...
. The new coinage bore the inscription: Aurang árái Hind wa Inglistán
Queen Victoria Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until Death and state funeral of Queen Victoria, her death in January 1901. Her reign of 63 year ...
(). During the first part of his reign,
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
was very well administered, but for much of his reign,
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
reached the lowest point of its fortunes. His feudatories were always in constant revolt against him, and his armies were unable to reduce them to obedience and manage his dominions.
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
fell into heavy debt, and its yearly spending was much higher than its income.


Architecture

He had, before his succession, built a fort at Sardarshahar, a name he gave to the settlement that grew around it. In 1808, the armies of
Jodhpur Jodhpur () is the second-largest city of the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan, after its capital Jaipur. As of 2023, the city has a population of 1.83 million. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Jodhpur district and ...
laid waste to Gajner, which was the family hunting seat. Gajner remained a ruin until his reign. He built the Sardar Niwas Palace at Gajner. He added the Ratan Niwas, the Moti Mahal, and the top storeys of the
zenana Zenana (, "of the women" or "pertaining to women"; ; ; ) is the part of a house belonging to a Muslim family in the Indian subcontinent, which is reserved for the women of the household. The zenana was a product of Indo-Islamic culture and was ...
to the
Junagarh Fort Junagarh Fort is a fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits ...
. He enlarged the hall of Gaj Mandir in Junagarh by double and redecorated it. He renovated the ''Kanwar-pade-ka-Mahal'' () located within it. He also built Ratan Parol, the topkhana (), and some small quarters in the southern extension of Junagarh.


Personality and public image

He was a man of towering personality. He was said to be a real prince in accordance with the Indian traditions. He had a face with a white complexion and a white beard. He was known for his handsomeness. It is said that when
Ram Singh II Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II (28 September 1833 – 17 September 1880) was the Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Jaipur from 1835 until 1880, succeeding after the death of Sawai Jai Singh III. He became the ruler of Jaipur at the age of 16 months after ...
learned of this, he came to
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
incognito just to see him. He had cultivated for him the image of a ruler who was known for his pomp and display. His feelkhana () had ninety-nine elephants. In spite of having very dwindling state finances and a large debt, he kept a very large military establishment.


Death

He died on 16 May 1872 at Gajner. He left behind no legitimate issue, nor any declaration regarding the adoption of a successor to him, but a morganatic son who, per traditions, could not succeed him. In such cases of
intestacy Intestacy is the condition of the estate of a person who dies without a legally valid will, resulting in the distribution of their estate under statutory intestacy laws rather than by their expressed wishes. Alternatively this may also apply ...
, per
Rajput Rājpūt (, from Sanskrit ''rājaputra'' meaning "son of a king"), also called Thākur (), is a large multi-component cluster of castes, kin bodies, and local groups, sharing social status and ideology of genealogical descent originating fro ...
traditions, an heir is adopted from the collateral branches nearest to the deceased, and this is what was followed. He had, in his lifetime, brought up
Dungar Singh Maharaja Dungar Singh (22 August 1854 – 19 August 1887) was ruler of the Princely State of Bikaner from the year 1872 to 1887 succeeding his childless predecessor Maharaja Sardar Singh after his death in 1872. Life The eldest of three son ...
and Jaswant Singh as members of his family. Both of them were descendants of Maharaja Gaj Singh's second son, Maharajkumar Chhatar Singh.
Dungar Singh Maharaja Dungar Singh (22 August 1854 – 19 August 1887) was ruler of the Princely State of Bikaner from the year 1872 to 1887 succeeding his childless predecessor Maharaja Sardar Singh after his death in 1872. Life The eldest of three son ...
was the son of Maharaj Lal Singh and Jaswant Singh was the son of Maharaj Mukan Singh. Both Maharaj Lal Singh and Maharaj Mukan Singh were great grandsons of Maharajkumar Chhatar Singh and thereby his nearest of kin and cousin. Lal was being considered the
heir presumptive An heir presumptive is the person entitled to inherit a throne, peerage, or other hereditary honour, but whose position can be displaced by the birth of a person with a better claim to the position in question. This is in contrast to an heir app ...
. However, in accordance with traditions and customs, the choice of successor remained with his eldest wife, Bhatianjiji, and she chose his son
Dungar Singh Maharaja Dungar Singh (22 August 1854 – 19 August 1887) was ruler of the Princely State of Bikaner from the year 1872 to 1887 succeeding his childless predecessor Maharaja Sardar Singh after his death in 1872. Life The eldest of three son ...
. His youngest wife, Pugalianiji, favoured the adoption of Jaswant Singh. This led to the formation of two groups: one in favour of Dungar Singh's succession, and the other in favour of Jaswant Singh. When Burton, who was at the time dispensing his duties as the Assistant to the Agent to the
Governor-General Governor-general (plural governors-general), or governor general (plural governors general), is the title of an official, most prominently associated with the British Empire. In the context of the governors-general and former British colonies, ...
in
Rajputana Rājputana (), meaning Land of the Rajputs, was a region in the Indian subcontinent that included mainly the entire present-day States of India, Indian state of Rajasthan, parts of the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, and adjo ...
, got to know of what was happening in
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
, he came here on 22 May 1872 to look into the matter and ultimately decided in favour of Bhatianjiji. Accordingly,
Dungar Singh Maharaja Dungar Singh (22 August 1854 – 19 August 1887) was ruler of the Princely State of Bikaner from the year 1872 to 1887 succeeding his childless predecessor Maharaja Sardar Singh after his death in 1872. Life The eldest of three son ...
was adopted as son and successor to Sardar Singh and Jaswant Singh's family retained status of brother of the Maharaja or Maharaj.


Titles and styles

*
His Highness Highness (abbreviation HH, oral address Your Highness) is a formal style (manner of address), style used to address (in grammatical person, second person) or refer to (in grammatical person, third person) certain members of a reigning or formerly ...
Sri Raj Rajeshwar Maharajadhiraj Narendra
Maharaja Maharaja (also spelled Maharajah or Maharaj; ; feminine: Maharani) is a royal title in Indian subcontinent, Indian subcontinent of Sanskrit origin. In modern India and Medieval India, medieval northern India, the title was equivalent to a pri ...
Shiromani Sardar Singh Bahadur,
Maharaja Maharaja (also spelled Maharajah or Maharaj; ; feminine: Maharani) is a royal title in Indian subcontinent, Indian subcontinent of Sanskrit origin. In modern India and Medieval India, medieval northern India, the title was equivalent to a pri ...
of
Bikaner Bikaner () is a city in the northwest of the States and territories of India, state of Rajasthan, India. It is located northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. It is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Fo ...
{{Cite book , url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wfUvAQAAIAAJ , title=Encyclopaedia Indica: Princely states in colonial India-I , date=1996 , publisher=Anmol Publications , isbn=978-81-7041-859-7 , pages=200 , language=en


References

1818 births 1872 deaths Maharajas of Bikaner Hindu monarchs Rajput monarchs People from British India Rajasthani people