Maharaja Surat Singh was the ruler of the Kingdom of Bikaner between 1787 and 1828. It was during his reign that the Kingdom of Bikaner became a Princely State of the imperial British Empire.
| Maharaja Surat Singh | |
|---|---|
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| Maharaja of Bikaner | |
| Reign | 1787–1828 |
| Predecessor | Pratap Singh |
| Successor | Ratan Singh |
| Born | 18 December 1765 Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
| Died | 25 March 1828 Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
| Spouse | Panwarji Sardar Kanwarji of Jaitsisar in Bikaner
Bhatiyaniji (Barsalpuriji) Shyam Kanwarji of Barsalpur in Bikaner Bhatiyaniji Abhai Kanwarji of Sindhu in Jaisalmer Kachwahiji (Rajawatji) Shringar Kanwarji of Baleri in Bikaner |
| House | Bikawat-Rathore |
| Father | Gaj Singh |
| Mother | Kachwahiji (Rajawatji) Phool Kanwarji grand-daughter of Raja Kushal Singh of Jhalai in Jaipur |
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Biography
editSurat Singh was born in 1765. His father was Gaj Singh, who ruled as Maharaja between 1746 and 1787. Upon Gaj Singh's death, his eldest surviving son Raj Singh ascended the throne, only to die a few days later. Raj Singh's son Pratap Singh, a boy of six, was crowned, with Surat Singh being appointed as the regent.[1]
Regency
editPratap Singh survived his father for a short while, but died soon after. The Khiyat ascribes his death to smallpox, but it is agreed upon by historians that he was, in all probability, murdered by Surat Singh.[1]
Reign
editFaced with a Thakur rebellion, Surat Singh decided to seek British assistance. He sent an emissary to Delhi in order to negotiate a treaty with Charles Metcalfe. On 9 March 1818, the treaty was signed, which stated that the rulers of Bikaner were bound to act in “subordinate co-operation” to the British, in exchange for protection and British assistance in quelling any rebellions.[2]
Death
editSurat Singh died in 1828, and was cremated, with his final rites being performed by his son Ratan Singh. Ratan Singh succeeded him as Maharaja.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b Sehgal 1962, p. 49.
- ^ a b Sehgal 1962, p. 53.
Bibliography
edit- Sehgal, K. K. (1962). Rajasthan District Gazetteers: Bikaner. Jaipur: Bharat Printers.
- Powlett, P. W. (1874). Gazetteer of The Bikaner State.
External links
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