Madho Singh II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Madho Singh II |
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| Maharaja of Jaipur | |
| Reign | 1880–1922 |
| Predecessor | Ram Singh II |
| Successor | Man Singh II |
| Born | August 28, 1862 |
| Died | September 7, 1922 (aged 60) |
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II (born August 28, 1862 – died September 7, 1922) was a powerful ruler of Jaipur, India. He was the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1880 to 1922. He was adopted by the previous ruler, Ram Singh II.
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Life of Madho Singh II
He was born Kaim Singh. He was the second son of the Thakur of Isardha. A Thakur was a local chief connected to the Jaipur royal family. After his father died, he had problems with his older brother. Young Kaim was forced to leave his home and lived in poverty. He worked as a risaldar, which is a soldier in the cavalry, for the Nawab of Tonk.
His life changed when he met a wise teacher, Brahmachari Giridhari Sharan. He also met the ruler, Ram Singh II. When Ram Singh II passed away in 1880, he had no children. On his deathbed, he chose 18-year-old Kaim to be his adopted son. Kaim was then crowned as Maharaja Madho Singh II.
Helping His People
As the ruler of Jaipur, Madho Singh II brought many modern ideas. He focused on education and keeping the city clean. He built new schools, colleges, and hospitals. He also opened a museum for everyone to enjoy.
When severe famines hit in 1896-1897 and 1899-1900, he used money from the state to feed his people. He also asked the British Viceroy, Lord Curzon, to create a special fund for famine relief. Madho Singh II started this fund with a large gift of money.
Working with the British
Madho Singh II was very loyal to the British government. He sent his soldiers and horses to help the British in several wars. These included conflicts in Chitral (1894–1895), the Tirah Campaign (1897–1898), and the South African War. During the First World War, he again sent his men and machine guns to help in the Mesopotamian campaign. He paid for all of this himself.
Because of his loyalty, Singh was made an honorary Major-General. He also received many important awards. These included the Order of the Star of India, the Order of the Indian Empire, the Royal Victorian Order, and the Order of the British Empire.
Succession
In 1921, he adopted the second son of the Thakur of Isarda. This boy was related to Madho Singh II's wife. Madho Singh II died in 1922. His adopted son, Man Singh II, became the next Maharaja.
Honors and Awards
Madho Singh II received many honors during his lifetime:
- Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI): 1896
- Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE): 1901
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO): 1903
- Honorary degree of LLD from the University of Edinburgh: 1908
- Honorary rank of Major General: 1911
- Member of the First Class of the Order of the Crown of Prussia: 1910
- Donat of the Order of the Hospital of the St. John of Jerusalem: 1912
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE): 1919
Salute
As a powerful ruler, he was honored with a 21-gun salute. This is a special ceremony where cannons are fired to show respect.
