Vir Singh Ju Deo

Vir Singh Ju Deo (also spelt Bir Singh Ju Deo) was the Maharaja of Orchha (in Bundelkhand) from 1930 until his death in 1956.

Early life, family, and education He was born on 14 April 1899 to Bhagwant Singh Ju Deo, the heir apparent of Orchha. He was educated at Daly College in Indore, Rajkumar College in Rajkot, and Mayo College in Ajmer. He received administrative training in the Saugor district, Central Provinces. On this occasion, he acted as a page to George V. He married twice—first on 4 March 1919 to a sister of the Thakore of Wadhwan, and later to a granddaughter of the Maharaja of Gondal. From his first wife, he had one son, Devendra Singh, born on 6 November 1919. She married Ratan Singh of Dhami. His coronation took place on 4 November 1930, when R.J.W. Wheel, then Agent to the Governor-general in Central India, installed him on the throne by placing the mukut on his head. This portrayal sparked opposition against the monarchy. He had the state area surveyed. His son, Devendra, was recognized as the Maharaja of Orchha by the Government of India on 21 November 1956.