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{{Use Indian English|date=October 2020}}
{{Short description|Maharaja of Bikaner (1880–1943)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name = [[Maharaja]] Ganga Singh
| name         = [[Maharaja]] Ganga Singh '''GBE'''
| image = Ganga Singh c1930.jpg
| image       = Ganga Singh c1930.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| image_size   = 200px
| title       = [[Bikaner State#Rulers|His Highness the Maharaja Sahib of Bikaner]]
| title       = [[Bikaner State#Rulers|Maharaja Sahib of Bikaner]]
| succession = 21st [[Bikaner State#Rulers|Maharaja of Bikaner]]
| succession   = 21st [[Bikaner State#Rulers|Maharaja of Bikaner]]
| birth_date = 13 October 1880
| birth_date   = 13 October 1880
| birth_place = [[Bikaner]], [[Bikaner State]], [[British India]]
| birth_place = [[Bikaner]], [[Bikaner State]], [[British India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1943|2|2|1880|10|3}}
| death_date   = {{death date and age|df=yes|1943|2|2|1880|10|3}}
| death_place = [[Bombay]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]]
| death_place = [[Bombay]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]]
| reign = 1888–1943
| reign       = 1888–1943
| predecessor = [[Dungar Singh]]
| predecessor = [[Dungar Singh]]
| successor = [[Sadul Singh]]
| successor   = [[Sadul Singh]]
| spouse-type = Consort(s)
| spouse-type = Consort(s)
| spouse     = Maharani Shri Vallabh Kanwarji Sahiba<br>Tanwarji Maharani Sahiba<br>Bhatiyanji Maharani Shri Ajab Kanwarji Sahiba
| spouse       = Maharani Shri Vallabh Kanwarji Sahiba<br>Tanwarji Maharani Sahiba<br>Bhatiyanji Maharani Shri Ajab Kanwarji Sahiba
| issue       = Ram Singh<br>Chand Kanwarji<br>[[Sadul Singh]]<br>Bijey Singh<br>Vir Singh<br>Shiv Kanwarji
| issue       = Ram Singh<br>Chand Kanwarji<br>[[Sadul Singh]]<br>Bijey Singh<br>Vir Singh<br>Shiv Kanwarji
| father = Maharaj Shri Lal Singh Sahib
| father       = Maharaj Shri Lal Singh Sahib
| mother = Maji Shri Chandravatiji Sahiba
| mother       = Maji Shri Chandravati ji Sahiba
}}
}}


[[General (United Kingdom)|General]] [[Maharaja]] '''Sir Ganga Singh''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|sep=,|GCSI|GCIE|GCVO|GBE|KCB|GCStJ}} (3 October 1880 – 2 February 1943), was the ruling [[Maharaja]] of the [[princely state]] of [[Bikaner (princely state)|Bikaner]] (in present-day [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]) from 1888 to 1943. As a member of the [[Imperial War Cabinet]], he was present in the [[Palace of Versailles]] during [[The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors]].{{Circular reference|date=May 2020}}
[[General (United Kingdom)|General]] [[Maharaja]] '''Sir Ganga Singh''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|sep=,|GCSI|GCIE|GCVO|GBE|KCB|GCStJ}} (13 October 1880 – 2 February 1943), was the ruling [[Maharaja]] of the [[princely state]] of [[Bikaner (princely state)|Bikaner]] (in present-day [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]) from 1888 to 1943. As a member of the [[Imperial War Cabinet]], he was present in the [[Palace of Versailles]] during [[The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Imperial War Museum |title=The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, 28th June 1919 |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/20780 |website=[[Imperial War Museum]]}}</ref>
 
He is widely remembered as a modern reformist visionary.


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Ganga Singh was born on the auspicious day of [[Vijay Dashmi]] on 13 October 1880 to Maharaj Shri Lal Singh Sahib and his wife Maji Shri Chandravatiji Sahiba. He hailed from Royal [[Rajput]] family of [[Bikaner State]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hughes|first=Julie E.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RL8qWNmpkc0C&q=Ganga+Singh+rajput&pg=PT112|title=Animal Kingdoms|date=2013-03-01|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-07480-4|language=en}}</ref> He was brother to [[Dungar Singh]], whom he succeeded on 16 December 1888.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
Ganga Singh was born on the auspicious day of [[Vijay Dashmi]] on 13 October 1880 to Maharaj Shri Lal Singh Sahib and his wife Maji Shri Chandravatiji Sahiba. He hailed from Royal [[Rajput]] family of [[Bikaner State]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hughes|first=Julie E.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RL8qWNmpkc0C&q=Ganga+Singh+rajput&pg=PT112|title=Animal Kingdoms|date=2013-03-01|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-07480-4|language=en}}</ref> He was brother to [[Dungar Singh]], whom he succeeded on 16 December 1888.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}


He received his early education from Pandit Ram Chandra Dube. He was educated privately at [[Mayo College|Mayo College, Ajmer]], where he studied for 5 years. Later on, he was tutored by Sir Brian Egerton, who also provided him administrative training.  
He received his early education from Pandit Ram Chandra Dube. He was educated privately at [[Mayo College|Mayo College, Ajmer]], where he studied for 5 years. Later on, he was tutored by Sir Brian Egerton, who also provided him administrative training.  
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A life insurance and Endowment Assurance Scheme was introduced for the benefit of the employees. Also, facilities of a saving bank were made available to the people. He was one of the first rulers to introduce through legislation a Sharda Act by which child marriages were stopped.
A life insurance and Endowment Assurance Scheme was introduced for the benefit of the employees. Also, facilities of a saving bank were made available to the people. He was one of the first rulers to introduce through legislation a Sharda Act by which child marriages were stopped.
[[File:Imperial war cabinet 1917.jpg|thumb|Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh (middle row, second from the left) in the [[Imperial War Cabinet]], [[No. 10 Downing Street]], 1917.]]
[[File:William Orpen – The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles 1919, Ausschnitt.jpg|thumb|Singh (standing, 6th right) in the Hall of Mirrors during the signing of the [[Treaty of Versailles]], 1919]]


He had a personal gun salute of 17-guns granted in 1918 and a permanent local gun salute of 19-guns granted in 1921. He was an Honorary [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]] to [[George V of Great Britain and Ireland|the Prince of Wales]] when he visited the United Kingdom for the Coronation in 1902,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=27460|page=4970|date=1 August 1902}}</ref> later serving him when he became [[Majesty|His Majesty]] [[George V of Great Britain and Ireland|King George V]], the [[King-Emperor]], in 1910. A Member of the Central Recruiting Board-India 1917, he represented India at the Imperial War Conference 1917, the [[Imperial War Cabinet]] and the [[Paris Peace Conference, 1919|Paris Peace Conference]] 1919 and was Chancellor of the Indian [[Chamber of Princes]] from 1920–26. He also represented India as a delegate at the fifth session of the [[League of Nations]] in 1924.
He had a personal gun salute of 17-guns granted in 1918 and a permanent local gun salute of 19-guns granted in 1921. He was an Honorary [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]] to [[George V of Great Britain and Ireland|the Prince of Wales]] when he visited the United Kingdom for the Coronation in 1902,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=27460|page=4970|date=1 August 1902}}</ref> later serving him when he became [[Majesty|His Majesty]] [[George V of Great Britain and Ireland|King George V]], the [[King-Emperor]], in 1910. A Member of the Central Recruiting Board-India 1917, he represented India at the Imperial War Conference 1917, the [[Imperial War Cabinet]] and the [[Paris Peace Conference, 1919|Paris Peace Conference]] 1919 and was Chancellor of the Indian [[Chamber of Princes]] from 1920–26. He also represented India as a delegate at the fifth session of the [[League of Nations]] in 1924.
[[File:Imperial war cabinet 1917.jpg|thumb|Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh (middle row, second from the left) in the [[Imperial War Cabinet]], [[No. 10 Downing Street]], 1917.]]
As well, the Maharaja served as Patron of [[Benares Hindu University]] and Sri Bharat Dharam Mahamandal, as Vice-President of East India Association and the [[Royal Colonial Institute]], a Member of the Indian Gymkhana Club and of the Indian Army Temperance Association, the General Council of Mayo and Daly Colleges, the Indian Society of Oriental Art, the Indian Society-London, the Bombay Natural History Society, and was the first Member of the Indian Red Cross Society. Singh was a famous Indian [[freemason]] in his time.
As well, the Maharaja served as Patron of [[Benares Hindu University]] and Sri Bharat Dharam Mahamandal, as Vice-President of East India Association and the [[Royal Colonial Institute]], a Member of the Indian Gymkhana Club and of the Indian Army Temperance Association, the General Council of Mayo and Daly Colleges, the Indian Society of Oriental Art, the Indian Society-London, the Bombay Natural History Society, and was the first Member of the Indian Red Cross Society. Singh was a famous Indian [[freemason]] in his time.


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=== Marriages ===
=== Marriages ===
He married firstly in July 1897 HH Maharani Vallabh Kanwarji, daughter of Maharawat Sir Raghunath Singh Bahadur of [[Pratapgarh State|Pratabgarh]]; she died 19 August 1906. He married secondly in May 1899 Tanwarji Maharani Sahiba, daughter of Thakur of Sanwatsar. He then married thirdly HH Maharani Ajab Kanwarji Sahiba, daughter of Thakur Bahadur Singh of Bhikamkore.
Maharaja Ganga Singh married three times. In July 1897, he married Maharani Vallabh Kanwar (known in Bikaner as "Maharani Ranawatiji" in honour of her native clan), daughter of Maharawat Raghunath Singh Bahadur, ruler of [[Pratapgarh State]]; she bore three children and died in August 1906. In May 1899, Ganga Singh married the daughter of Thakur Sultan Singh of Sanwatsar (a feudal chief under [[Bikaner state]] itself). The lady, known in court as "Maharani Tanwarji" in honour of her native clan, died without progeny in 1922. In May 1908, Ganga Singh married Maharani Ajab Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Bahadur Singh of Bhikamkore under [[Jodhpur state]]. Known as "Maharani Sri Bhatianiji" in honour of her native clan, she bore three children and died in November 1945, surviving Ganga Singh by more than two years.


=== Children ===
=== Children ===
[[File:Bikaner His Highness.png|thumb|Maharaja of Bikaner with his daughter ]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Name
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|30 June 1898
|30 June 1898
|30 June 1898
|30 June 1898
|
|Born to Maharani Ranawatiji; died within hours of birth
|-
|-
|Chand Kanwar
|Chand Kanwar
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|1 July 1899
|1 July 1899
|31 July 1915
|31 July 1915
|
|Born to Maharani Ranawatiji; died of tuberculosis at the [[Bhowali]] sanatorium aged 16
|-
|-
|[[Sadul Singh of Bikaner|Sadul Singh]]
|[[Sadul Singh of Bikaner|Sadul Singh]]
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|7 September 1902
|7 September 1902
|25 September 1950
|25 September 1950
|Succeeded his father as 22nd [[Bikaner State|Maharaja of Bikaner]]. He reigned from 2 February 1943 until his death in 1950.<ref>{{Cite book|last=McClenaghan, Tony|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/36051619|title=Indian princely medals : a record of the orders, decorations, and medals of the Indian princely states|date=1996|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=1-897829-19-1|location=New Delhi|oclc=36051619}}</ref>
|Born to Maharani Ranawatiji. Succeeded his father as [[Bikaner State|Maharaja of Bikaner]]. Reigned from 02 February 1943 until his death in 1950.<ref>{{Cite book|last=McClenaghan, Tony|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/36051619|title=Indian princely medals : a record of the orders, decorations, and medals of the Indian princely states|date=1996|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=1-897829-19-1|location=New Delhi|oclc=36051619}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Bijey Singh
|Bijey Singh
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|28 March 1909
|28 March 1909
|11 February 1932
|11 February 1932
|Succeeded to estates of his grandfather Maharaj Shri Lal Singh.
|Born to Maharani Bhatianiji. Selected to succeed to the estates of his natural grandfather (Ganga Singh's biological father), Maharaj Shri Lal Singh.
|-
|-
|Vir Singh
|Veer Singh
|Maharajkumar of Bikaner
|Maharajkumar of Bikaner
|7 October 1910
|7 October 1910
|27 March 1911
|27 March 1911
|
|Born to Maharani Bhatianiji. Died in infancy.
|-
|-
|Shiv Kanwarji
|Shiv Kanwarji
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* '''1991 – :''' Rajmata of Kotah
* '''1991 – :''' Rajmata of Kotah
|1 March 1916
|1 March 1916
|
|12 January 2012
|Married [[Bhim Singh II|HH Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Mahimahendra Maharao Raja Shri Bhim Singh II of Kotah]] when he was Yuvaraj of [[Kota State|Kotah]]. Later, she became Maharani of [[Kota State|Kotah]], and then Rajmata of [[Kota State|Kotah]].
|Born to Maharani Bhatianiji. Given in marriage to [[Bhim Singh II|the future Maharaja Bhim Singh II]] of [[Kotah State|Kotah]] in April 1930, aged 14.
|}
|}


== Death ==
== Death ==
He died 2 February 1943 in Bombay after a reign of 56 years, aged 62, and was succeeded by his son [[Sadul Singh]] as [[Bikaner State#Rulers|His Highness the Maharaja Sahib of Bikaner]].
He died on 2 February 1943 in Bombay after a reign of 56 years, aged 62, and was succeeded by his son [[Sadul Singh]] as [[Bikaner State#Rulers|His Highness the Maharaja Sahib of Bikaner]].


== Achievements ==
== Achievements ==
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== Honours ==
== Honours ==
<center>
<div class="center">
(Ribbon bar, as it would look today; UK decorations only){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
(Ribbon bar, as it would look today; UK decorations only){{citation needed|date=June 2022}}


[[File:Ord.Stella.India.jpg|100px]]
[[File:1000px ribbon bar of the Order of Maria Anna.svg|100px]]
[[File:Order of the Indian Empire Ribbon.svg|100px]]
[[File:Order of the Indian Empire Ribbon.svg|100px]]
[[File:Royal Victorian Order ribbon sm.jpg|100px]]
[[File:Royal Victorian Order ribbon sm.jpg|100px]]
[[File:Order of the British Empire (Military) Ribbon.png|100px]]
[[File:Order of the British Empire (Military) Ribbon.png|100px]]


[[File:Order of the Bath UK ribbon.png|100px]]
[[File:Order of the Bath UK ribbon.svg|100px]]
[[File:Kaisar-i-Hind Medal.gif|100px]]
[[File:Kaisar-i-Hind Medal.gif|100px]]
[[File:Order of St John (UK) ribbon.png|100px]]
[[File:Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector.svg|100px]]
[[File:Third China War Medal BAR.svg|100px]]
[[File:Third China War Medal BAR.svg|100px]]


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[[File:Med.DelhiDurbar1903.png|100px]]
[[File:Med.DelhiDurbar1903.png|100px]]
[[File:King George V Coronation Medal ribbon.png|100px]]
[[File:King George V Coronation Medal ribbon.svg|100px]]
[[File:GeorgeVSilverJubileum-ribbon.png|100px]]
[[File:King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg|100px]]
[[File:GeorgeVICoronationRibbon.png|100px]]
[[File:GeorgeVICoronationRibbon.png|100px]]


</center>
</div>


=== British ===
=== British ===
* [[Kaisar-i-Hind Medal]], 1st Class-1900
* [[Kaisar-i-Hind Medal]], 1st Class-1900
* [[China War Medal (1900)]] – ''1901'' – which he received in person from the [[George V|Prince of Wales]] on 2 July 1902, during a parade of Indian troops in London for the [[Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra|coronation]] festivities.<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |articlename=Court Circular |day_of_week=Thursday |date=3 July 1902 |page_number=8 |issue=36810}}</ref>
* [[China War Medal (1900)]] – ''1901'' – which he received in person from the [[George V|Prince of Wales]] on 2 July 1902, during a parade of Indian troops in London for the [[Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra|coronation]] festivities.<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Court Circular |date=3 July 1902 |page=8 |issue=36810}}</ref>
* [[King Edward VII Coronation Medal]]-1902
* [[King Edward VII Coronation Medal]]-1902
* Delhi Durbar Medal (gold)-1903
* Delhi Durbar Medal (gold)-1903
* '''KCIE''':[[Order of the Indian Empire|Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]] – ''24 July 1901'' – in recognition of services during the recent operations in China ([[Boxer rebellion]])<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=27337 |date=24 July 1901 |page=4917 |supp=y}}</ref>
* '''KCIE''':[[Order of the Indian Empire|Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]] – ''24 July 1901'' – in recognition of services during the recent operations in China ([[Boxer Rebellion]])<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=27337 |date=24 July 1901 |page=4917 |supp=y}}</ref>
* '''GCIE''': [[Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]] – ''1907''
* '''GCIE''': [[Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]] – ''1907''
* [[King George V Coronation Medal]]-1911
* [[King George V Coronation Medal]]-1911
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== Memorials ==
== Memorials ==
The University of Bikaner was renamed after him as Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner by an act passed in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mgsubikaner.ac.in/origin.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=4 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407083443/http://www.mgsubikaner.ac.in/origin.php |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
The University of Bikaner was renamed after him as Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner by an act passed in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mgsubikaner.ac.in/origin.php |title=Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner |access-date=4 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407083443/http://www.mgsubikaner.ac.in/origin.php |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
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[[Category:Bailiffs Grand Cross of the Order of St John]]
[[Category:Bailiffs Grand Cross of the Order of St John]]
[[Category:Founders of Indian schools and colleges]]
[[Category:Founders of Indian schools and colleges]]
[[Category:Indian knights]]
[[Category:Indian Army personnel]]
[[Category:Indian Army personnel]]
[[Category:Indian Army personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:Indian Army personnel of World War I]]
Line 236: Line 237:
[[Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Indian Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order]]
[[Category:Indian Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order]]
[[Category:Maharajas of Bikaner]]
[[Category:Maharajas of Bikaner]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal]]

Revision as of 10:50, 19 December 2022


Maharaja Ganga Singh GBE
Maharaja Sahib of Bikaner
21st Maharaja of Bikaner
Reign1888–1943
PredecessorDungar Singh
SuccessorSadul Singh
Born13 October 1880
Bikaner, Bikaner State, British India
Died2 February 1943(1943-02-02) (aged 62)
Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
Consort(s)Maharani Shri Vallabh Kanwarji Sahiba
Tanwarji Maharani Sahiba
Bhatiyanji Maharani Shri Ajab Kanwarji Sahiba
IssueRam Singh
Chand Kanwarji
Sadul Singh
Bijey Singh
Vir Singh
Shiv Kanwarji
FatherMaharaj Shri Lal Singh Sahib
MotherMaji Shri Chandravati ji Sahiba

General Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, GBE, KCB, GCStJ (13 October 1880 – 2 February 1943), was the ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Bikaner (in present-day Rajasthan, India) from 1888 to 1943. As a member of the Imperial War Cabinet, he was present in the Palace of Versailles during The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors.[1]

Biography

Ganga Singh was born on the auspicious day of Vijay Dashmi on 13 October 1880 to Maharaj Shri Lal Singh Sahib and his wife Maji Shri Chandravatiji Sahiba. He hailed from Royal Rajput family of Bikaner State.[2] He was brother to Dungar Singh, whom he succeeded on 16 December 1888.[citation needed]

He received his early education from Pandit Ram Chandra Dube. He was educated privately at Mayo College, Ajmer, where he studied for 5 years. Later on, he was tutored by Sir Brian Egerton, who also provided him administrative training.

Sir Ganga Singh with his son Sadul Singh in 1914

For military training, he was sent to Deoli in 1898 and attached to the 42nd Deoli Regiment, which had the reputation of being one of the finest regiments in India under the command of Lt. Col. Bell. He served in China during the Boxer Rebellion (1900). During the First World War, he commanded the Bikaner Camel Corps which served in France, Egypt and Palestine.

As a ruler, he established a Chief Court in Bikaner, presided over by a Chief Judge who was assisted by two judges. Bikaner was the first State in Rajasthan to take such a step. He announced the establishment of a Representative Assembly in 1913. He later established a High Court with a Chief Justice and two sub-judges by an edict in 1922. Maharaja Ganga Singhji was the first prince in Rajputana to grant full charter of powers to a high court.

A life insurance and Endowment Assurance Scheme was introduced for the benefit of the employees. Also, facilities of a saving bank were made available to the people. He was one of the first rulers to introduce through legislation a Sharda Act by which child marriages were stopped.

Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh (middle row, second from the left) in the Imperial War Cabinet, No. 10 Downing Street, 1917.
Singh (standing, 6th right) in the Hall of Mirrors during the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, 1919

He had a personal gun salute of 17-guns granted in 1918 and a permanent local gun salute of 19-guns granted in 1921. He was an Honorary ADC to the Prince of Wales when he visited the United Kingdom for the Coronation in 1902,[3] later serving him when he became His Majesty King George V, the King-Emperor, in 1910. A Member of the Central Recruiting Board-India 1917, he represented India at the Imperial War Conference 1917, the Imperial War Cabinet and the Paris Peace Conference 1919 and was Chancellor of the Indian Chamber of Princes from 1920–26. He also represented India as a delegate at the fifth session of the League of Nations in 1924. As well, the Maharaja served as Patron of Benares Hindu University and Sri Bharat Dharam Mahamandal, as Vice-President of East India Association and the Royal Colonial Institute, a Member of the Indian Gymkhana Club and of the Indian Army Temperance Association, the General Council of Mayo and Daly Colleges, the Indian Society of Oriental Art, the Indian Society-London, the Bombay Natural History Society, and was the first Member of the Indian Red Cross Society. Singh was a famous Indian freemason in his time.

He was also the third Chairman of the Indian Public Schools Society (The Doon School) from 1929 to 1930.

Family

Marriages

Maharaja Ganga Singh married three times. In July 1897, he married Maharani Vallabh Kanwar (known in Bikaner as "Maharani Ranawatiji" in honour of her native clan), daughter of Maharawat Raghunath Singh Bahadur, ruler of Pratapgarh State; she bore three children and died in August 1906. In May 1899, Ganga Singh married the daughter of Thakur Sultan Singh of Sanwatsar (a feudal chief under Bikaner state itself). The lady, known in court as "Maharani Tanwarji" in honour of her native clan, died without progeny in 1922. In May 1908, Ganga Singh married Maharani Ajab Kanwar, daughter of Thakur Bahadur Singh of Bhikamkore under Jodhpur state. Known as "Maharani Sri Bhatianiji" in honour of her native clan, she bore three children and died in November 1945, surviving Ganga Singh by more than two years.

Children

Maharaja of Bikaner with his daughter
Name Titles Birth Death Notes
Ram Singh Maharajkumar of Bikaner 30 June 1898 30 June 1898 Born to Maharani Ranawatiji; died within hours of birth
Chand Kanwar Maharajkumari of Bikaner 1 July 1899 31 July 1915 Born to Maharani Ranawatiji; died of tuberculosis at the Bhowali sanatorium aged 16
Sadul Singh Yuvaraj of Bikaner, later His Highness the Maharaja Sahib of Bikaner. 7 September 1902 25 September 1950 Born to Maharani Ranawatiji. Succeeded his father as Maharaja of Bikaner. Reigned from 02 February 1943 until his death in 1950.[4]
Bijey Singh Maharajkumar of Bikaner, later Maharaj of Chhatargarh 28 March 1909 11 February 1932 Born to Maharani Bhatianiji. Selected to succeed to the estates of his natural grandfather (Ganga Singh's biological father), Maharaj Shri Lal Singh.
Veer Singh Maharajkumar of Bikaner 7 October 1910 27 March 1911 Born to Maharani Bhatianiji. Died in infancy.
Shiv Kanwarji
  • 1916 – 1930: Maharajkumari of Bikaner
  • 1930 – 1940: Yuvarani of Kotah
  • 1940 – 1991: Maharani of Kotah
  • 1991 – : Rajmata of Kotah
 1 March 1916 12 January 2012 Born to Maharani Bhatianiji. Given in marriage to the future Maharaja Bhim Singh II of Kotah in April 1930, aged 14.

Death

He died on 2 February 1943 in Bombay after a reign of 56 years, aged 62, and was succeeded by his son Sadul Singh as His Highness the Maharaja Sahib of Bikaner.

Achievements

Ganga Singh in 1919
  • Singh constructed the Ganga Canal. He inspired people to come and settle in this new Command area. A large population settled there from the surrounding areas of Punjab. Among them the Sikh families mostly land owners, migrated to this region in the 1920s, when the canal was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of the former Bikaner state bringing waters of the Satluj river from the adjoining Ferozepur District in Punjab. There were no permanent settlements in this area (except for a few towns under the old Bikaner state
  • He successfully dealt with the worst famine of the year 1899–1900 AD in the region. This famine inspired the young Maharaja to establish an irrigation system to get rid of the problem permanently.
  • He developed the city of Sri Ganganagar and its surrounding area as the most fertile grain bowl of Rajasthan
  • He also constructed the Lalgarh Palace at Bikaner (named in memory of his father Lall Singh) between 1902 and 1926.
  • He brought railways and an electricity network to the state.
  • He introduced prison reforms. Bikaner prisoners wove and crafted carpets of India that were sold in the international markets.
  • He established partial internal democracy such as election to the municipalities and appointed a council of ministers to aid and advice.
  • Some land reforms were also introduced.
  • He induced enterprising Industrialist and agriculturists from neighbouring state for starting new ventures in his state.
  • He built the existing temple above the Samadhi of Ramdev Pir at Ramdevra in year 1931.
  • Founder several schools and colleges, especially of women
  • He donated two ornately designed silver gates to be used as main doors of Karni Mata temple at Deshnok.

Titles

  • 1880–1887: Maharaj Ganga Singh of Bikaner .
  • 1887–1898: His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Shri Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner
  • 1898–1900: 2nd Lieutenant His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Shri Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner
  • 1900–1901: Major His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Shri Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner
  • 1901–1904: Major His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, KCIE
  • 1904–1907: Major His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, KCSI, KCIE
  • 1907–1909: Major His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCIE, KCSI
  • 1909–1910: Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCIE, KCSI
  • 1910–1911: Colonel His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCIE, KCSI
  • 1911–1917: Colonel His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCSI, GCIE
  • 1917–1919: Major-General His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCSI, GCIE, KCB
  • 1919–1921: Major-General His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, KCB
  • 1921–1930: Major-General His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, GBE, KCB
  • 1930–1937: Lieutenant-General His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, GBE, KCB
  • 1937–1943: General His Highness Maharajadhiraj Raj-Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikaner, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, GBE, KCB

Honours

(Ribbon bar, as it would look today; UK decorations only)[citation needed]

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British

Mentions in despatches

  • 1901, 1914, 1918

Foreign honours

Academic honours

Memorials

The University of Bikaner was renamed after him as Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner by an act passed in 2003.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Imperial War Museum. "The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, 28th June 1919". Imperial War Museum.
  2. ↑ Hughes, Julie E. (1 March 2013). Animal Kingdoms. Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0-674-07480-4.
  3. ↑ "No. 27460". The London Gazette. 1 August 1902. p. 4970.
  4. ↑ McClenaghan, Tony (1996). Indian princely medals : a record of the orders, decorations, and medals of the Indian princely states. New Delhi: Lancer Publishers. ISBN 1-897829-19-1. OCLC 36051619.
  5. ↑ "Court Circular". The Times. No. 36810. London. 3 July 1902. p. 8.
  6. ↑ "No. 27337". The London Gazette (Supplement). 24 July 1901. p. 4917.
  7. ↑ "No. 32178". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 January 1921. p. 7.
  8. ↑ "Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.

External links

Template:EB1922 Poster

Ganga Singh
Rathore Dynasty
Born: 3 October 1880 Died: 2 February 1943
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Dungar Singh 		Maharaja of Bikaner
1887–1943 		Succeeded by
Sadul Singh
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