Jashwant Singh was the reigning Maharaja of the princely state of Bharatpur, currently in the state of Rajasthan, India. He ruled over the territory from the year 1853 to 1893 and was succeeded by Maharaja Ram Singh. Maharaja Jaswant Singh was born on 1st March 1851 at Deeg to father Balwant Singh, Maharaja of Bharatpur. He was the only son and received private education. Moreover, he was well learned in many languages like Hindi, Persian and English languages. After the death of his father Maharaja Balwant Singh on 21 March 1853, Jashwant Singh succeeded him and ascended the royal throne or gaddi on 8th July 1853. As he was still a minor at the time, he reigned over the princely state Bharatpur under Council of Regency. He received limited ruling powers on 10th June 1869; and after he reached the age of majority, Jashwant Singh was invested with complete ruling powers on 28th March 1872.
Rule of Jashwant Singh
Jashwant Singh, Maharaja of the princely state of Bharatpur efficiently managed the affairs and operations of state with triumph. He took several efforts for the betterment of the people and development of society at large. He removed taxes and charges on almost all materials and items, apart from intoxicating items. Singh got surveyed the land titled maphi by the patwaris in the year 1886. Moreover, the Maharaja donated a huge sum of money for the establishment and construction of the esteemed Mayo College in Ajmer. Jashwant Singh also supported Shyaudan Singh, the Maharaja of Alwar to get huge loan from the Seths of Mathura.
On 11th March 1862, Maharaja Jashwant Singh of Bharatpur received a sanad of adoption, like other Indian princes under the British East India Company. In January 1877, he attended the Imperial Durbar at Delhi and the Maharaja Phaltan Regiment of Infantry was established in his name in the year 1857. Further more, during his reign, the princely state of Bharatpur aided the British administration during the great revolt of 1857.
Personal Life of Jashwant Singh
Maharaja Jashwant Singh was married to Maharani Bishan Kaur on December 1859 at Patiala. She was the 3rd daughter of Maharaja Narendra Singh of Patiala. Later he was married for a second time with Darya Kaur in the year 1870 at Deeg. She was the sister of Birbal Singh, Chaudhari of Jagina in the territory of Bharatpur. He had three daughters and four sons.
Jashwant Singh died on 12th December 1893 at the Deeg Palace. He was succeeded by his son Ram Singh, who ascended the throne and became the Maharaja of Bharatpur.
Titles of Jashwant Singh
The official full name, title and style of Maharaja Jashwant Singh of the princely state of Bharatpur was His Highness Shri Maharaja Jashwamt Singh, 11th Maharaja of Bharatpur, GCSI, Kaiser-i-Hind.
Honours of Jashwant Singh
Jashwant Singh of Bharatpur was honoured with the Prince of Wales` Gold Medal in the year 1876 and the Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal (KIH) in 1877. He was also appointed Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI).