Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1862, r.1864-1893)
Maharaja of Ratlam

Albumen print on carte-de-visite, c. 1875
Size: 4 x 2.5 in. (10.2 x 6.4 cm)

Inscription: HH the Rajah of Rutlam

Ranjit Singh was the 13th Maharaja of Ratlam and the only surviving son of Raja Bhairon Singhji Saheb Bahadur, by his wife, Rani Birad Kanwarji Sahiba. He succeeded after the death of his father on 28th January 1864. Initially, he reigned under a Council of Regency, headed by Khan Bahadur Mir Shahamat Ali, until he attained his majority and was given full ruling powers.

He married his first wife, H.H. Jhaliji Maharani Shrimant Raj Kunverba Sahiba, in 1878, his second wife in 1884 and third wife in 1889. He died from pneumonia, at Ranjit Bilas Palace, Ratlam, on 20th January 1893. He was survived by one son and two daughters.

This is a portrait of the Maharaja, when he was very young. Here he is resting his right arm on an ornate pillar like structure. He is wearing a lot of jewels and a large turban on his head. His clothes are embroidered as well as heavily fringed at the borders, which speak of opulence and grandeur. The jewelled sword is partially visible as well.