HIRA SINGH, MAHARAJA SIR

HIRA SINGH, MAHARAJA SIR (1843-1911), born on 19 December 1843, the son of Sukkha Singh of Badrukkhari, ascended the throne of Nabha state on 10 August 1877 after Raja Bhagvan Singh who had died issueless and without adopting an heir. Hira Singh ruled for forty years and did much for the welfare of the people of the state and of the Sikhs in general. He despatched contingents of troops to fight in most of the major frontier campaigns and was duly rewarded by the British with many honours, including the titles of RajaiRajgan and Maharaja.

Maharaja Hira Singh provided funds for the establishment of the Khalsa Printing Press at Lahore, supported the Khalsa College at Amritsar and promoted the reformist (Anand) form of Sikh marriage. He also patroni/.cd Max Arthur Macauliffe who was then engaged in his monumental work. The Sikh Religion. Maharaja Hira Singh was one of the ablest of Nabha rulers wise, liberal and pious. Legends about his justice and munificence are still current in the countryside. He died at Nabha on 25 December 1911 and was succeeded by his son, Ripudaman Singh.

References :

1. Griffin, Lepd, The Rajas of the Punjab. Delhi, 1977
2. Ganda Singh, The Patiala and East Punjab Stales Union. Patiala, 1957
3. Harhans Singh, The Heritage of the Sikhs. Delhi, 1983