Maharaja Kumar Himmat Singh of Nabha: The Passing of a Noble Soul

He was the grandson of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha and the youngest son of Maharaja Pratap Singh, Ripudaman Singh's eldest son and successor.

The Passing of a Noble Soul: Maharaja Kumar Himmat Singh

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the demise of Maharaja (titular) Kumar Himmat Singh, the youngest son of the last Maharaja of Nabha, Maharaja Pratap Singh. He passed away at the age of 72 on 19th May, 2024, at Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon. Known for his devout nature, he was a practicing turban-wearing Sikh, deeply rooted in religious traditions. His cremation, following royal traditions and Sikh rites, will be held at Shahi Samadhan, Nabha, District Patiala, on 20th May, 2024, at 11:00 AM. His body will lie in state for the residents of Nabha, the former subjects of the princely state, to pay their final respects at Hira Mahal, Nabha, from 8 AM to 10 AM.

A Legacy of Royal Service: Maharaja Pratap Singh

Maharaja Kumar Himmat Singh was the youngest son of Maharaja Pratap Singh, a distinguished ruler who ascended the throne of Nabha in 1928. Maharaja Pratap Singh was the eldest son of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh¹, who was forced to abdicate by the British. Pratap Singh's tenure was marked by his service with distinction in World War II and his significant role in the integration of Princely States into the Indian Union following Independence. His commitment to the nation's unity and progress set a guiding example for his family and the people of Nabha.

The Reformist Ruler: Maharaja Ripudaman Singh

Maharaja Ripudaman Singh (1883-1942), grandfather of Kumar Himmat Singh, ruled Nabha from 1912 to 1923. A devout Sikh and social reformer, he defied British colonial authorities with his progressive reforms and nationalist stance. Educated in both traditional Sikh and English disciplines, Ripudaman Singh's actions as a ruler reflected his dual education. He played a pivotal role in the enactment of the Anand Marriage Act in 1909, which reformed Sikh marriage customs. Under his rule, Nabha saw the introduction of free primary education in 1913, increased budgets for hospitals, and the advent of electricity in 1915. His establishment of the first Legislative Council in North India in 1918 marked a significant step towards democratic governance.

Defiance and Deposition

Ripudaman Singh's support for the Akali movement and other nationalist causes, including the Ghadar movement, earned him the respect of the masses but the ire of the British. His vocal criticism of British actions, such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, further strained his relations with the colonial authorities. Notably, the famous Jaito Ka Morcha², following his abdication, became the most significant episode of the Akali Dal’s Gurdwara reform movement and further soured relations between Nabha State and the British. Allegations of misgovernance, coupled with his strained relations with the Maharaja of Patiala—a British ally—led to his forced abdication in 1923. He was exiled to Dehradun, and later, in 1928, taken as a state prisoner to Kodaikanal, where he remained until his death in 1942.

Post-Abdication Legacy

Even after his abdication, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh continued to write against British colonial rule and the Maharaja of Patiala, maintaining his staunch nationalist stance. In 2023, nearly 80 years after his death, his contributions to the Sikh community were recognised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) with the installation of his portrait in the Central Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple complex. This recognition was a testament to his enduring impact on Sikh history and his unwavering commitment to his people.

Honouring a Royal Lineage

The demise of Maharaja Kumar Himmat Singh marks the end of an era for the royal lineage of Nabha. His life was deeply influenced by the legacies of his father and grandfather, who both demonstrated immense dedication to their people and country. As we bid farewell to Maharaja Himmat Singh, we remember the noble legacy he carried forward, rooted in service, reform, and unwavering faith. His passing is not just a loss for his family but also for the countless individuals who were inspired by his family's rich history and contributions to the nation.

Maharaja Bhanu Pratap Singh and his wife, the gracious Maharani Preeti Singh, scions of the royal Nabha family, now reside in Hira Mahal. Their young son is being educated at Punjab Public School, Nabha.

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