Pratap Singh II of Alirajpur

HH Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh II KCIE was the Rathore Rajput ruler of Alirajpur State in the southern most part of Malwa region from the year 1891 until his abdication in 1941.

Birth

He was born on 12 September 1881 to Bhagwan Singh, Thakur of Sondwa.

Education

He was educated at Daly College, Indore.

Succession

When Bijai Singh died on 16 August 1890, he left behind no heirs to succeed him. In 1891, Pratap was selected by the Government of India to succeed his cousin. He was formally installed in March 1892. As he was a minor at the time, the State was managed by a kamdar under the supervision of the Political Agent until he came of age. He was granted full administrative powers in June 1904.

Personal life

He was a keen sportsman who won many trophies in polo and shikar.

Marriages

He married first in the year 1900 to the daughter of Thakore Saheb Bahadur Sinhji, of Kathiwara State , and secondly in 1902 to a granddaughter of Maharawal Jit Sinhji and daughter of Kumarji Chandra Sinhji younger brother of Maharawal Moti Sinhji of the neighbouring Chhota Udaipur State.

Honours

During the Delhi Durbar of 1911, he was conferred the hereditary title of Raja. He was created the CIE on 3 June 1915 and made KCIE on 3 June 1933. In 1917, George V appointed him to the Order of Saint John.