Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur

The rather portly appearance of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh (reigned 1750-1767) in this profile portrait corresponds with other known paintings of the ruler. The title Sawai, meaning "one and a quarter," is particular to the kingdom of Jaipur and was first bestowed on its ruling house by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (reigned 1658-1704). Impressed by the intelligence of Maharaja Jai Singh-Madho Singh's father-Aurangzeb called him Sawai, showing that he thought of Jai Singh as a "maharaja and a quarter."

Madho Singh was not the designated heir to the Jaipur throne, coming to power only after a seven-year struggle following the death of his father. Madho Singh was assisted in this campaign by his maternal uncle, the ruler of the neighboring kingdom of Mewar. For much of his reign, Madho Singh was forced to defend Jaipur against various external threats. Although he succeeded, his kingdom suffered the loss of many talented personnel and resources. Following his death in 1767, the fortunes of the Jaipur kingdom fell into a steady decline.