Dec 5, 2010

Mahendra Singh, Maharaja of Patiala - 1870s


Portrait of Mahendra Singh, Maharaja of Patiala (1852-1876) wearing the robes and order of the Star of India from the 'Album of cartes de visite portraits of Indian rulers and notables' by Bourne and Shepherd.

 Early 1870s. Patiala, located in Punjab, was created as a state in 1763 with Raja Ala Singh as the chief. The family belonged to the Phulkian family of the Sidhu jat clan of the sikhs. Mahendra Singh succeeded as a minor in 1862 and a council of regency ran the govenment till 1870. During his rule the liberal Maharaja tried to improve the state by funding a new canal, colleges and provided for famine stricken areas. He recieved the Grand Commander of the Star of India in 1871.

Source: British Library Website (bl.uk)