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{{Short description|Last ruling Maharawal of Dungarpur from 1918–1949}}
{{Short description|Last ruling Maharawal of Dungarpur from 1918–1949}}
{{about||the Madhya Pradesh politician|Laxman Singh (Madhya Pradesh politician)|the Indian golfer|Lakshman Singh (golfer)}}
{{other people}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2014}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Laxman Singh
| name         = HH Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh
| image =
| image       =  
| title = [[Dungarpur|Maharawal of Dungarpur]]
| caption      = photograph of Laxman Singh of Dungarpur
| succession = Maharawal of Dungarpur
| title       = [[Dungarpur|Maharawal of Dungarpur]]
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1908|3|7}}
| succession   = Maharawal of Dungarpur
| death_date = {{death date and age|1989|6|6|1908|3|7|df=y}}
| birth_date   = {{birth date|df=yes|1908|3|7}}
| reign = 1918–1949
| birth_place  = Udai Vilas Palace, [[Dungarpur]] [[Dungarpur State]], [[Rajputana]], [[British Raj]]
| predecessor =
| death_date   = {{death date and age|1989|6|6|1908|3|7|df=y}}
| successor =
| death_place  = Udai Vilas Palace, [[Dungarpur]], [[Rajasthan]], India
| succession2 = [[Speaker of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly]]
| spouse      = HH Maharaniji Sa Bisenji Shri Brajraj Kanwarji of [[Bhinga]] Estate
| reign2 = 1977–1979
 
 
HH Maharaniji Sa Rathorji Shri Manhar Kanwarji of [[Kishangarh State]]
| issue        = [[Mahipal Singh]]
 
Maharajkumarji Jai Singh
 
Maharajkumarji Raj Singh
 
Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Rajendra Kanwarji m.to Thakore Saheb Dharmendra Sinhji of [[Muli State]]
 
Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Sushila Kanwarji m.to HH [[Maharaja Karni Singh]] of [[Bikaner State]]
 
Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Hemant Kanwarji m.to HH Maharana Prithviraj Sinhji of [[Danta State]]
 
Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Krishna Kanwarji m.to HH [[Raja]] [[Lalit Sen]] of [[Suket State]]
| father      = HH [[Maharawal]] [[Sir]] [[Bijai Singh]]
| mother      = HH Maharaniji Sa Rathorji Shri Devendra Kanwarji Saheba d.of HH [[Maharaja]] [[Sir]] [[Jashwant Singh II]] of [[Sailana State]]
| reign       = 1918–1949
| predecessor = HH Maharawal Sir Bijay Singh
| successor   = [[Mahipal Singh]]
| succession2 = [[Speaker of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly]]
| reign2       = 1977–1979
| predecessor2 = [[Ram Kishore Vyas]]
| predecessor2 = [[Ram Kishore Vyas]]
| successor2 = [[Gopal Singh (politician)|Gopal Singh]]
| successor2   = [[Gopal Singh (politician)|Gopal Singh]]
| royal house = Guhilot
| royal house =  
| dynasty      = [[Guhila dynasty]]
}}
}}


'''Sir Lakshman Singh''' [[Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India|KCSI]] [[Knight Grand Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire|GCIE]] (7 March 1908 – 6 June 1989) was the last ruling Maharawal (Maharaja) of the [[princely state]] of [[Dungarpur]] from 1918 to 1989, a former [[Member of parliament|MP]] in the [[Rajya Sabha]] and speaker of the [[Rajasthan Legislative Assembly]] from July 1977 to June 1979.
'''HH Rai-e-Rayan Mahi Mahendra Maharajadhiraj Ravi Kula Bhushan Shri Shri 108 Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh Bahadur''' [[Knight Grand Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire|GCIE]], [[Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India|KCSI]] (7 March 1908 – 6 June 1989), was the last ruling [[Ahar, Rajasthan|Ahar]] [[Guhilot]] Maharawal of the [[princely state|Princely State]] of [[Dungarpur]] from the year 1918 to 1989, a former [[Member of parliament|MP]] in the [[Rajya Sabha]] and speaker of the [[Rajasthan Legislative Assembly]] from July 1977 to June 1979.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh was born on 7 March 1908 at Udai Villas, [[Dungarpur]], the eldest son and heir apparent of Maharawal Sir Bijaya Singh of the [[princely state]] of [[Dungarpur]]. He was the elder brother of [[Nagendra Singh]], later the President of the [[International Court of Justice]].  
Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh was born on 7 March 1908 at Udai Villas, [[Dungarpur]], the eldest son and heir apparent of Maharawal Sir [[Bijai Singh]] of the [[princely state]] of [[Dungarpur]]. He was the elder brother of [[Nagendra Singh]], later the President of the [[International Court of Justice]].


In November 1918, during the [[Spanish flu|influenza pandemic]], both Lakshman Singh and his father contracted the disease; though Singh survived, his father developed double pneumonia and died.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Allen |first1=Charles|last2=Dwivedi |first2=Sharada |date=1984 |title=Lives of the Indian Princes |location=Great Britain |publisher=Century Publishing Co. |page=301 |isbn=0517556898}}</ref> As a result, he succeeded to the throne at the age of 10, ruling under the [[Regent|regency]] of the Dungarpur [[Political officer (British Empire)|political agent]] until he came of age in 1928.
In November 1918, during the [[Spanish flu|influenza pandemic]], both Lakshman Singh and his father contracted the disease; though Singh survived, his father developed double pneumonia and died.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Allen |first1=Charles|last2=Dwivedi |first2=Sharada |date=1984 |title=Lives of the Indian Princes |location=Great Britain |publisher=Century Publishing Co. |page=301 |isbn=0517556898}}</ref> As a result, he succeeded to the throne at the age of 10, ruling under the [[Regent|regency]] of the Dungarpur [[Political officer (British Empire)|political agent]] until he came of age in 1928.
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
On 8 February 1920 at [[Benares]], Lakshman Singh married Biswanji Maharani Shri Brijraj Kunwari Ba Sahiba of Bhinga (1907–1982); the couple had two daughters. On 8 March 1928, he married Rathorji Maharani Shri Manhar Kunwar Ba Sahiba of [[Kishangarh]] (1914–1975); the couple had three sons and two daughters.
On 8 February 1920 at [[Benares]], Lakshman Singh married Biswanji Maharani Shri Brijraj Kunwari Ba Sahiba of Bhinga (1907–1982); the couple had two daughters. On 8 March 1928, he married Rathorji Maharani Shri Manhar Kunwar Ba Sahiba of [[Kishangarh]] (1914–1975); the couple had three sons and two daughters.
His youngest son [[Raj Singh Dungarpur]] was a president of Board of Control for Cricket in India<ref>[[Raj Singh Dungarpur]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=August 2019}}
His youngest son [[Raj Singh Dungarpur]] was a president of Board of Control for Cricket in India.<ref>[[Raj Singh Dungarpur]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=August 2019}}


==Later life==
==Later life==
Despite being officially deprived of his titles as a monarch by the [[Indira Gandhi]] government in 1971, Sir Lakshman continued to serve in politics to the end of his days. He died while in office at his birthplace, Udai Villas at Dungarpur, on 6 June 1989 after a reign of 71 years, aged 81. At the time of his death he was also the second-to-last surviving Knight Grand Commander of the [[Order of the Indian Empire]] ([[Chithira Thirunal of Travancore]] would die two years later). Lakshman Singh was succeeded as titular Maharawal of Dungarpur by his eldest son, [[Mahipal Singh II]].
Despite being officially deprived of his titles as a monarch by the [[Indira Gandhi]] government in 1971, Sir Lakshman continued to serve in politics to the end of his days. He died while in office at his birthplace, Udai Villas at Dungarpur, on 6 June 1989 after a reign of 71 years, aged 81. At the time of his death he was also the second-to-last surviving Knight Grand Commander of the [[Order of the Indian Empire]] ([[Chithira Thirunal of Travancore]] would die two years later). Lakshman Singh was succeeded as titular Maharawal of Dungarpur by his eldest son, [[Mahipal Singh]].


==Titles==
==Titles==
*1908-1918: [[Maharajkumar]] [[Shri]] Lakshman Singh [[Sahib]] [[Baghatur|Bahadur]], [[Yuvaraja]] of [[Dungarpur]]
*1908–1918: [[Maharajkumar]] [[Shri]] Lakshman Singh [[Sahib]] [[Baghatur|Bahadur]], [[Yuvaraja]] of [[Dungarpur]]
*1918-1935: [[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 Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur
*1935-1947: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri [[Sir]] Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, [[Order of the Star of India|KCSI]]
*1935–1947: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri [[Sir]] Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, [[Order of the Star of India|KCSI]]
*1947-1989: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, [[GCIE]], KCSI
*1947–1989: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, [[GCIE]], KCSI


==Honours==
==Honours==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Laxman}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Laxman}}
[[Category:Rajasthani politicians]]
[[Category:Rajasthani people]]
[[Category:Rajasthani people]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian monarchs]]
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[[Category:1989 deaths]]
[[Category:1989 deaths]]
[[Category:Speakers of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly]]
[[Category:Speakers of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly]]
[[Category:Maharajas of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Maharajas in Rajputana]]
[[Category:People from Dungarpur]]
[[Category:People from Dungarpur]]
[[Category:Rajasthan cricketers]]
[[Category:Rajasthan cricketers]]
[[Category:Rajasthan cricket captains]]
[[Category:Rajasthan cricket captains]]
[[Category:Swatantra Party politicians]]
[[Category:Swatantra Party politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Leaders of the opposition in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Leaders of the Opposition in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Janata Party politicians]]

Latest revision as of 02:28, 14 November 2025


HH Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh
Maharawal of Dungarpur
Maharawal of Dungarpur
Reign1918–1949
PredecessorHH Maharawal Sir Bijay Singh
SuccessorMahipal Singh
Speaker of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
Reign1977–1979
PredecessorRam Kishore Vyas
SuccessorGopal Singh
Born(1908-03-07)7 March 1908
Udai Vilas Palace, Dungarpur Dungarpur State, Rajputana, British Raj
Died6 June 1989(1989-06-06) (aged 81)
Udai Vilas Palace, Dungarpur, Rajasthan, India
SpouseHH Maharaniji Sa Bisenji Shri Brajraj Kanwarji of Bhinga Estate


HH Maharaniji Sa Rathorji Shri Manhar Kanwarji of Kishangarh State
IssueMahipal Singh

Maharajkumarji Jai Singh

Maharajkumarji Raj Singh

Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Rajendra Kanwarji m.to Thakore Saheb Dharmendra Sinhji of Muli State

Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Sushila Kanwarji m.to HH Maharaja Karni Singh of Bikaner State

Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Hemant Kanwarji m.to HH Maharana Prithviraj Sinhji of Danta State

Maharajkumariji Baiji Lal Krishna Kanwarji m.to HH Raja Lalit Sen of Suket State
DynastyGuhila dynasty
FatherHH Maharawal Sir Bijai Singh
MotherHH Maharaniji Sa Rathorji Shri Devendra Kanwarji Saheba d.of HH Maharaja Sir Jashwant Singh II of Sailana State

HH Rai-e-Rayan Mahi Mahendra Maharajadhiraj Ravi Kula Bhushan Shri Shri 108 Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh Bahadur GCIE, KCSI (7 March 1908 – 6 June 1989), was the last ruling Ahar Guhilot Maharawal of the Princely State of Dungarpur from the year 1918 to 1989, a former MP in the Rajya Sabha and speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from July 1977 to June 1979.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Maharawal Sir Lakshman Singh was born on 7 March 1908 at Udai Villas, Dungarpur, the eldest son and heir apparent of Maharawal Sir Bijai Singh of the princely state of Dungarpur. He was the elder brother of Nagendra Singh, later the President of the International Court of Justice.

In November 1918, during the influenza pandemic, both Lakshman Singh and his father contracted the disease; though Singh survived, his father developed double pneumonia and died.[1] As a result, he succeeded to the throne at the age of 10, ruling under the regency of the Dungarpur political agent until he came of age in 1928.

Political career[edit | edit source]

From 1931 to 1947, Lakshman Singh was a member of the standing committee of the Chamber of Princes, and was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) in the 1935 King's Birthday and Silver Jubilee Honours.[2] On 14 August 1947, he was appointed as the last Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE).[3] Following Independence, he established an interim legislature for Dungarpur, then with his fellow rulers formed the United State of Rajasthan on 25 March 1948. The following year, this became the Greater Rajasthan Union to which Dungarpur acceded on 30 March. From 1952 to 1958, Sir Lakshman served as an MP for Aspur in the Rajya Sabha, then became President of the Swatantra Party in Rajasthan from 1961 to 1969. From 1962 until his death, he also served as President of the All-India Kshatriya Mahasabha and as an MLA for Chittor in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, serving as speaker from 1977 to 1979; he also served as the leader of the Opposition from 1962 to 1979. He also served as president of Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha from 1960 till his death.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

On 8 February 1920 at Benares, Lakshman Singh married Biswanji Maharani Shri Brijraj Kunwari Ba Sahiba of Bhinga (1907–1982); the couple had two daughters. On 8 March 1928, he married Rathorji Maharani Shri Manhar Kunwar Ba Sahiba of Kishangarh (1914–1975); the couple had three sons and two daughters. His youngest son Raj Singh Dungarpur was a president of Board of Control for Cricket in India.[4][circular reference]

Later life[edit | edit source]

Despite being officially deprived of his titles as a monarch by the Indira Gandhi government in 1971, Sir Lakshman continued to serve in politics to the end of his days. He died while in office at his birthplace, Udai Villas at Dungarpur, on 6 June 1989 after a reign of 71 years, aged 81. At the time of his death he was also the second-to-last surviving Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (Chithira Thirunal of Travancore would die two years later). Lakshman Singh was succeeded as titular Maharawal of Dungarpur by his eldest son, Mahipal Singh.

Titles[edit | edit source]

  • 1908–1918: Maharajkumar Shri Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Yuvaraja of Dungarpur
  • 1918–1935: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur
  • 1935–1947: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, KCSI
  • 1947–1989: His Highness Rai-i-Rayan, Mahimahendra, Maharajadhiraj Maharawal Shri Sir Lakshman Singh Sahib Bahadur, Maharawal of Dungarpur, GCIE, KCSI

Honours[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Allen, Charles; Dwivedi, Sharada (1984). Lives of the Indian Princes. Great Britain: Century Publishing Co. p. 301. ISBN 0517556898.
  2. The London Gazette, 3 June 1935
  3. The London Gazette, 1 January 1948
  4. Raj Singh Dungarpur

External links[edit | edit source]