Laxman Singh

Lakshman Singh (7 March 1908-6 June 1989) was the last ruling Maharawal (Maharaja) of the princely state of Dungarpur from 1918 to 1989, a former MP in the Rajya Sabha and speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from July 1977 to June 1979.

Early life

Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh was born on 7 March 1908 at Udai Villas, Dungarpur, the eldest son and heir apparent of Maharawal Sir Bijaya Singh of the princely state of Dungarpur. He succeeded to the throne in 1918 at the age of 10 following the death of his father, ruling under the regency of the Dungarpur political agent until he came of age in 1928.

Political career

From 1931 to 1947, Lakshman Singh was a member of the standing committee of the Chamber of Princes, and was knighted in 1935. Following Independence, he established an interim legislature for Dungarpur, then with his fellow rulers formed the United State of Rajasthan on 25 March 1948. Tbe following year, this became the Greater Rajasthan Union to which Dungarpur acceeded on 30 March. From 1952 to 1958, Sir Lakshman served as an MP for Aspur in the Rajya Sabha, then became President of the Swatantra Party in Rajasthan from 1961 to 1969. From 1962 until his death, he also served as President of the All-India Kshatriya Mahasabha and as an MLC for Chittor in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, serving as speaker from 1977 to 1979; he also served as the leader of the Opposition from 1962 to 1979.

Personal

On 8 February 1920 at Benares, Lakshman Singh married Biswanji Maharani Shri Brijraj Kunwari Ba Sahiba of Bhinga (1907-1982); the couple had two daughters. On 8 March 1928, he married Rathorji Maharani Shri Manhar Kunwar Ba Sahiba of Kishangarh (1914-1975); the couple had three sons and two daughters.

Later life

Despite being officially deprived of his titles as a monarch by the Indira Gandhi government in 1971, Sir Lakshman continued to serve in politics to the end of his days. He died while in office at his birthplace, Udai Villas at Dungarpur, on 6 June 1989 after a reign of 71 years, aged 81. At the time of his death he was also the second-to-last surviving Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (Chithira Thirunal of Travancore would die two years later). Lakshman Singh was succeeded as titular Maharawal of Dungarpur by his eldest son, Mahipal Singh II.

Titles

*1908-1918: Maharajkumar Shri Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Yuvaraja of Dungarpur
*1918-1935: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur
*1935-1947: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, KCSI
*1947-1989: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, GCIE, KCSI

Honours

*King George V Silver Jubilee Medal-1935
*Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI)-1935
*King George VI Coronation Medal-1937
*Indian Independence Medal-1947
*Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE)-1947

ources

[http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/dungarpur4.htm Detailed biography]

External links

* [http://rajassembly.nic.in/sp-photo.htm Page including a photo of Laxman Singh]