Sahib Singh of Patiala

Sahib Singh (1773–1813) was the third ruler and the Raja-e-Rajgan (King of Kings) of the Patiala. Singh's reign was noted for the power and influence wielded by his sister, Sahib Kaur, who served as his Prime Minister and the General of Patiala's army. He was also a member of the Phulkian dynasty. In 1809, Singh allied with and pledged loyalty to the British Empire.

Early life Sahib Singh was born on 18 August 1773 and succeeded his father, Amar Singh, as the Raja-e-Rajgan (King of Kings) of Patiala in 1781 at the age of 7.

Reign

Regency Singh acceded to the throne in 1781 when he was seven years old. From 1781 to 1790, the prime minister of Patiala, Dewan Nandu Mal, was the regent of Patiala and his grandmother, Rani Hukman also played a key role in the state's administration. During his regency, Singh faced rebellion from several family members, which Mal successfully suppressed. Rajindar Kaur, a relative of Singh's family and the granddaughter of Ala Singh, the first Raja of Patiala, also assisted him during the regency.

In 1787, he married Rattan Kaur and in 1790, the regency in Patiala ended and Singh removed Mal as prime minister by exiling him from the state. In 1794, the Maratha Empire invaded Patiala; however, Kaur managed to successfully repel the Marathas. In 1810, he was bestowed with the title of maharaja by the British for his loyalty.

Death and succession Singh died in 1813 and was succeeded by his son Karam Singh, who was a minor at the time.