BHUPINDERA SINGH MAHARAJA

(Maharaja) Bhupindera Singh (12.10.1891-22.3.1938), son of (Maharaja) Rajindera Singh, was installed as the king of Patiala, at the age of 10, in 1901. He ruled through a Council of Regency. On November 3, 1910, he became full-fledged king. Bhupindera Singh lived a lavish life. He had hundreds of wives and concubines. Narratives of his sensual life were well known, during his life time. He collaborated with the British regime in every situation. During the Gurdwara Reform Movement (1920-25), he stood by the British regime and tried to stall the formation of the S.G.P.C. Besides, he arrested several Sikhs and perpetrated atrocities on the Sikhs. He arrested the Akali leader Bhai Sewa Singh Thikriwala and killed him in jail. In 1923, he participated in Kar Sewa of Amritsar Sarovar too, but still the Sikhs did not like him due to his attitude. (It was only in 1935, when Master Tara Singh made peace with him, the Sikh hatred for him partly diminished). Bhupindera Singh suppressed all the political, religious and social movements. He was a strong administrator. His non-Sikh ministers were anti-Sikh and their activities harmed the Sikhs of the State. The British had special regards for him due to his extreme loyalty for the British regime. He was a member of several important Committees and Councils of the British regime. Bhupindera Singh was the founder of the summer capital of Patiala State at Chail (Himanchal Pradesh). He died at the age of 47.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)