SAHIB SINGH, RAJA

SAHIB SINGH, RAJA (1773-1813), born on 18 August 1773 to Raja Amar Singh and Rani Raj Kaur, ascended the throne of Patiala after his father`s death in February 1781. In 1787 he was married, at Amritsar, to Ratan Kaur, daughter of Ganda Singh, the Bhangi chief. Five years later, he contracted a second marriage, with As Kaur, daughter of Gurdas Singh Chattha. During his minority, Diwan Nanu Mall, first with the advice and counsel of Mat Hukman, grandmother of Sahib Singh, and after her death with the help of BibI Rajindar Kaur, the aunt of the Raja, managed the affairs of the state.

Even when he assumed ruling powers, Sahib Singh, was guided and helped by his sister, Sahib Kaur, who by her strong leadership saved the state in 1794 from usurpation by the Marathas. After Sahib Kaur`s death the real power passed into the hands of Rani As Kaur, the Raja`s wife. Raja Sahib Singh died at Patiala on 26 March 1813. It was during his rule that the state came under British protection.

References :

1. Griffin, Lepel, The Rajas of the Punjab [Reprint]. Delhi, 1977
2. Ganda Singh, The Patiala and the East Panjab States Union. Patiala, 1951