- Rajinder Singh
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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",[cite this quote] as well as one of the finest cricketers and billiard players of his day. He was also an Olympic medalist in field hockey.[clarification needed] 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]
References
- ^ The Imperial and Aisatic Quarterly Review, January 1901, p191; [1]
- ^ a b http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13627148
- ^ "Famous Maharajah Dead", New York Times, November 11, 1900, p7)
- ^ Historical Sikh Events: Phulkian Misl
- ^ History of the Jatt Clans - Dr H.S Duleh.
Categories:- Jat rulers
- Jat people
- Indian Sikhs
- Maharajas of Patiala
- Punjabi people
- 1872 births
- 1900 deaths
- Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India
- Olympic medalists for India
- Olympic medalists in field hockey
- Olympic field hockey players of India
- Indian polo players
- Indian cricketers
- Indian players of English billiards
- Indian royalty stubs
- Indian Olympic medalist stubs
- Cricket biography stubs
- Cue sports biography stubs
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