Home > Indian History > History of India > Lakshman Singh
Lakshman Singh
Lakshman Singh GCIE, KCSI was the last ruling Maharawal of the princely state of Dungarpur who ruled from the year 1918 to 1989.

Share this Article:

Lakshman Singh, formally known as His Highness Rai-i-Rayan Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Bahadur, was the last ruling Maharaja or Maharawal of the princely state of Dungarpur. He ruled over the territory from the year 1918 to 1989. He was also a former Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha and speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from the year 1977 to 1979. Singh was the brother of the President of the International Court of Justice, Nagendra Singh.

Early Life of Lakshman Singh
Maharawal Shri Lakshman Singh was born on 7th March 1908 at Udai Villas, Dungarpur, in the state of Rajasthan. He was the eldest son Sir Vijaya Singh, Maharawal of the princely state of Dungarpur, and was also the heir apparent. After the death of his father Maharawal Vijaya Singh, Lakshman Singh succeeded him and ascended to the throne. As he was merely 10 of age at the time, thus he ruled under the regency of the Dungarpur political agent and was invested with full ruling powers when he attained the age of majority in the year 1928.

Rule of Lakshman Singh
His Highness Rai-i-Rayan Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Bahadur was appointed as a member of the standing committee of the Chamber of Princes from 1931 to 1947. He was knighted with the Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) in 1935 and was appointed as the Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE) in the year 1947. After the country achieved independence from the British Government of India, Lakshman Singh established an interim legislature for Dungarpur, along with other rulers and formed the United State of Rajasthan on 25th March 1948. This later modified into the Greater Rajasthan Union in the next year and the princely state of Dungarpur acceded to the Union of India 30th March 1949.

Maharawal Lakshman Singh served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, for Aspur, from 1952 to 1958. He was later appointed as the President of the Swatantra Party in Rajasthan from the year 1961 to 1969. In 1962, Singh was appointed as the President of the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha and served the position until his death. He was also the MLC for Chittor in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly ands served as the speaker from 1977 to 1979. Moreover, from 1962 to 1979, he served as the leader of the opposition party.

Personal Life of Lakshman Singh
On 8th February 1920, His Highness Maharawal Lakshman Singh was married to Biswanji Maharani Shri Brijraj Kunwari Ba Sahiba of Bhinga, at Benares (now Varanasi). The royal couple had two daughters. Lakshman Singh was married for a second time with Rathorji Maharani Shri Manhar Kunwar Ba Sahiba of Kishangarh and had 3 sons and 2 daughters.

He was officially stripped of his titles and honours in 1971 during the mass dereofnition of former Indian princes during the Indira Gandhi regime. He died at the age of 81 on 6th June 1989 at Udai Villas in Dungarpur, after a reign of 71 years. Maharawal Shri Lakshman Singh was succeeded by Mahipal Singh II, his eldest son, as the titular Maharawal of Dungarpur.

Titles of Lakshman Singh
Lakshman Singh, Maharawal of the princely state of Dungarpur held several titles through out his reign which are mentioned below-
* Maharajkumar Shri Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Yuvaraja of Dungarpur (1908- 1918)
* His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur (1918- 1935)
* His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, KCSI (1935-1947)
* His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, GCIE, KCSI (1947- 1989)

Honours of Lakshman Singh
Lakshman Singh was honoured a number of times by the British administration. These are discussed as follows-
* King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935)
* Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India- KCSI (1935)
* King George VI Coronation Medal (1937)
* Indian Independence Medal (1947)
* Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire- GCIE (1947)


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India

History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal architecture during Babur marked the foundation of a new architectural era in India, blending Timurid, Persian, and local influences. His reign emphasized garden design, notably the Charbagh layout, and modest yet elegant structures. As the first Mughal emperor in India who introduced this architecture during 16th century Babur’s creations reflected symmetry, functionality, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.