| Rajinder Singh | |
|---|---|
| Rajinder Singh as caricatured in Vanity Fair, January 1900 | |
| Born | 25 May 1872 |
| Died | 8 November 1900 |
| Occupation | Maharaja of the princely state of Patiala |
| Religion | Sikhism |
Maharaja Sir Rajinder Singh, GCSI (Punjabi: ਰਾਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ; 25 May 1872-8 November 1900) was Maharaja of the princely state of Patiala from 1876 to 1900, when he died following a riding accident. For his bravery in 1897, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Star of India by the colonial government.[1] Described as "the first reigning Prince to blend the elements of the English gentleman and Indian potentate", he implemented reforms, including endowments for a woman's hospital, orphanages, and training of troops.
He was the first Indian to own a car in 1892, a French De Dion-Bouton as well as being the first man in India to own an aircraft.[2]
Singh was celebrated at the time of his death as "the best polo player in India", as well as one of the finest cricketers and billiard players of his day. He was also an Olympic medalist in field hockey. The maharaja had a total of 365 wives[2] as well as defied his subjects and the British government when he married the Irish-born daughter of his horse master, but persuaded her to embrace the Sikh faith. He was a close friend of Lord William Beresford and of Lord Roberts.[3]
His son was Maharaja Sir Bhupinder Singh.[4][5]