| Revision as of 10:37, 24 May 2006 edit203.144.143.9 (talk) →Early life← Previous edit | Revision as of 10:37, 24 May 2006 edit undo203.144.143.9 (talk) →Maharaja of JaipurNext edit → | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
| ==Maharaja of Jaipur== | ==Maharaja of Jaipur== | ||
| Upon his ascension in 1922, Man Singh embarked on a program of modernization, creating infrastructure and founding numerous public institutions that would later result in Jaipur being selected the capital of Rajasthan. |
Upon his ascension in 1922, Man Singh embarked on a program of modernization, creating infrastructure and founding numerous public institutions that would later result in Jaipur being selected the capital of Rajasthan. Prior to the abolition of privy purses, Man Singh was also among the first princes to realize the potential of tourism in Rajasthan, turning ] into a luxury hotel. He was especially noted as an enthusiastic ] player. | ||
| ==Death== | ==Death== | ||
Revision as of 10:37, 24 May 2006
Sawai Man Singh II (August 21, 1911–June 24, 1970) was the last ruling Maharaja of Jaipur. He ruled that princely state beween 1922 and 1949, when the state acceded unto the Dominion of India. Thereafter, he held office as Rajpramukh of Rajasthan between 1949 to 1956. In later life, he served as Ambassador of India to Spain. He was also a notable sportsman and polo player.
Early life
Sawai Man Singh II was born Mor Mukut Singh, the second son of Thakur Sawai Singh of Isarda by his wife Sugan Kunwar. His father was a nobleman belonging to the Kachwaha clan of Rajputs. Mor Mukut grew up in the dusty, walled township of Isarda, a chief Thikana of the Rajawat sub-clan which lies between the towns of Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur in present-day Rajasthan. His family was connected to the ruling house of Jaipur. The then Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Madho Singh II, had been born the son of a former Thakur of Isarda and had been adopted into the ruling family of Jaipur. After giving him up for adoption, Madho Singh's actual father had in turn lacked for an heir. He adopted the son of a distant kinsman and was succeeded by that lad as Thakur of Isarda. That lad was Sawai Singh, father of Mor Mukut Singh. In this manner, Mor Mukut could be reckoned near kin to Maharaja Madho Singh II of Jaipur.
After being adopted to become Maharaja of Jaipur, Madho Singh II led a generally dissolute life. He had numerous children by various concubines, but the highly superstitious Maharaja was warned by a sage against having legitimate heirs and thus took great care not to impregnate his five wives. On March 24, 1921, Madho Singh II adopted Mor Mukut to be his son and heir. The boy was given the name "Man Singh" upon his adoption. Madho Singh II died on September 7, 1922 and was succeeded by Man Singh as Maharaja of Jaipur and head of the Kachwaha clan of Rajputs. The new Maharaja was eleven years old.
Maharaja of Jaipur
Upon his ascension in 1922, Man Singh embarked on a program of modernization, creating infrastructure and founding numerous public institutions that would later result in Jaipur being selected the capital of Rajasthan. Prior to the abolition of privy purses, Man Singh was also among the first princes to realize the potential of tourism in Rajasthan, turning Rambagh Palace into a luxury hotel. He was especially noted as an enthusiastic polo player.
Death
In 1969, Man Singh suffered an accident while playing polo in Cirencester, England. He died later the same day. He was survived by his third wife Gayatri Devi and by five children. He was succeeded as titular Maharaja of Jaipur and head of the Kachwaha clan by his eldest son, Sawai Bhawani Singh.
The statue of Sawai Man Singh has been installed at the Ram Niwas Park in Jaipur, the statue was unveiled at a Grand Function on 30th March 2005 .
Marriages
His initial marriages were to suitable brides chosen from the royal family of Jodhpur, whose Rajput heritage and social ranking were similar to his own. His first wife was Maharani Marudhar Kanwar, sister of Sumer Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur. His second wife was Maharani Kishore Kanwar, niece of his first wife and daughter of Sumer Singh. His most famous relationship, however, was his courtship and subsequent espousal of the legendary beauty, Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar, daughter of Jitendra of Cooch Behar and Indira of Baroda.
Children
Man Singh had several children; his daughter married the Maharaol of Baria, while his younger sons married princesses from Jubbal, Tripura, and Lunawada. He was succeeded on the throne by his eldest son, Maharaja Bhawani Singh. His second son was created Raja of Jhalai, while the youngest son, Prince Jagat Singh was created Raja of Isarda, named for the erstwhile fief of Man Singh's father.
Titles from birth to death
- Mor Mukut Singh of Isarda
- His Highness the Yuvaraja of Jaipur
- His Highness the Maharaja of Jaipur
- His Highness the Rajpramukh of Rajasthan, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur
- His Highness Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur
 | This biography of a member of an Indian royal house is a stub. You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it. |