Sir Bhawani Singh

Sir Bhawani Singh KCSI (4 September 1874 – 13 April 1929) was the Maharaj Rana of Jhalawar from 1899 until his death.

Birth Bhawani Singh was born on 4 September 1874 to Thakur Chhatrasal of Fatehpur, a descendant of Madho Singh, the first Jhala Foujdar of the Kota State troops.

Education He received his education at Mayo College, Ajmer, which he entered in 1881 and left in 1891. During his time there, he excelled in both academics and outdoor sports. He adopted the Imperial Postal Union and British currency and weights in his state. He established several Mofussil and girls' schools. and books and other school materials were distributed gratis. The initiatives he undertook to encourage female education led to significant improvements in female literacy. His state had the highest number of educated women in India, After returning to Jhalawar, he introduced a constitutional government but kept considerable power for himself.

Delhi Durbars

He attended the Delhi Durbars of 1903 and 1911.

Overseas trips

Visit to Europe In 1904, he visited Europe for the benefit of his health, accompanied by Major R.A.E. Benn. On 11 May 1904, Martin Gosselin informed him, while he was in Lisbon, that he would be presented to Carlos I of Portugal the following day in Sintra. On 18 June 1904, he laid a wreath at the Royal Mausoleum, Frogmore, the tomb of Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, the Prince Consort. He regularly attended the International Commission meetings on Maritime Meteorology and Weather Telegraphy, held in London that September. The title of Maharaj Rana was conferred on him on 1 January 1918, as a hereditary distinction for his services in connection with the war. Also, the salute of his state was raised from 11 to 13 guns on 1 January 1921.

Art patronage Ghasiram Hardev Sharma was an artist associated with the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. In 1916-17, during Bhawani Singh's visit to Nathdwara, he learned about Ghasiram and offered him a salary double what he was earning there, convincing him to move to Jhalawar. Ghasiram remained at the Jhalawar court for approximately 10 to 12 years.

Personal life

Marriage He was married in 1894 to the daughter of Maharaja Durjan Sal of Kherti, under Kota State.

Children He had a son, Rajendra Singh, born to him on 13 July 1900. He was succeeded by his only son, Rajendra Singh, as Maharaj Rana of Jhalawar.

Honours