Madho Singh I

Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I was ruler of the state of Jaipur in the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan from 1750 to 1768. He was the younger son of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and came on the throne after the sudden death of his elder brother. He freed the Kachhawaha Kingdom from the Maratha, won several important battles and chastised the menacing Jat king Jawahir Singh, rewarding Holkar for his help in gaining the Jaipur throne by giving him the parganas of Rampura and Bhanpura.1753; In lieu of his outstanding services the much misunderstood Madho Singh I was rewarded the fort of Ranthambhore by the Mughal Emperor.

His contribution to the field of art, architecture, town-planning, literature and religion was remarkable. He founded the well planned city of Sawai Madhopur, built several palaces including Madho Niwas in the Chandra Mahal complex of the City Palace, Madho Vilas the leisure palace in the centre of Jai Mahal, the Sisodia Rani ka Bagah (Queens gardens) as well as several beautiful temples.The painting atelier (surathkhana) was rejuvenated and a variety of court scenes and several portraits were painted there. He patronized Sportsmen of his State and even sent them to other places within the country to take part in competitions. Likewise, he sent artists from his State to other places to exhibit their skills and produce. He was fond of watching elephant fights, bullfights and other similar sports.He had Shaikh Sadi’s Gulistan translated into Sanskrit. A few Sanskrit works were also attributed to him. Many dramas and poetic works were written under his patronage such as Veli Rukmani, Madhav Natakam, Madahava Vijaikavyama, Rajaritinirupana, Sataka etc. Greatest contribution, at the end of his reign was political stability in the state of Jaipur.