Maharaja Surat Singh

Certain prominent physical features of Surat Singh (1766-1828)-his thick figure, heavy face, and distinctive beard style-seen here are known from several other surviving portraits. A descendent of Anup Singh, whose portrait appears to your left, Surat Singh ruled over the kingdom of Bikaner (in present-day Rajasthan state).

Like other South Asian kings, Surat Singh was often engaged in territorial disputes and intrigues with neighboring kingdoms. In 1806, in fact, his army participated in an attack on Jodhpur, the capital of Marwar kingdom, which was then ruled by Maharaja Man Singh. (A portrait of Man Singh and other noted figures from this episode in Rajasthan's history can be seen to your left.) Following an unsuccessful seven-month siege, Surat Singh returned to Bikaner with his army. Over the next several years he faced several local rebellions, including one in 1816 that was supported by the notorious Amir Khan, whose image appears in a drawing to your left. Forced to seek outside assistance, Surat Singh eventually handed the British colonial government control of his kingdom in 1818.