Rajinder Singh

Who was Rajinder Singh?

Maharaja Sir Rajinder Singh, GCSI was Maharaja of the princely state of Patiala from 1876 to 1900. In 1897, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Star of India for his bravery, by the colonial government. Described as "the first reigning Prince to blend the elements of the English gentleman and Indian potentate", he implemented reforms, including endowments for a woman's hospital, orphanages, and training of troops.

He was the first Indian to own a car, in 1892, a French De Dion-Bouton as well as being the first man in India to own an aircraft.

Singh died following a riding accident. He was known for playing polo, cricket, field hockey and English billiards. The maharaja had a total of 365 wives, and defied his subjects and the British government when he married the Irish-born daughter of his horse master, persuading her to convert to the Sikh faith. He was a close friend of William Beresford and of Frederick Roberts.

He was the son of Maharaja Mahendra Singh of Patiala, a member of the Phulkian Dynasty. One of his sons was Maharaja Sir Bhupinder Singh.

One of his sons was Rao Raja Birinder Singh of Patiala.