H.H. Maharawal Lakshman Singhji of Dungarpur
(1908-1989)

H.H. MAHARAWAL LAKSHMAN SINGHJI was born in 1908 at Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur, the eldest son and heir apparent of H.H. Maharawal Bijaya Singhji of the princely state of Dungarpur. He succeeded to the throne in 1918 at the age of 10 following the death of his father, reigned under the council of regency of the Dungarpur State political agent until he came of age in 1928.

From 1931 to 1947, H.H. Maharawal Lakshman Singhji of Dungarpur was a member of the standing committee of the Chamber of Princes, and was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) in the 1935 King's Birthday and Silver Jubilee Honours. On 14^th August 1947, he was appointed as the last Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE). Following Independence, he established an interim legislature for Dungarpur, then with his fellow royal rulers formed the United State of Rajasthan in 1948. The following year, this became the Greater Rajasthan Union to which Dungarpur acceded in 1949. From 1952 to 1958, he served as an MP for Aspur in the Rajya Sabha, then became President of the Swatantra Party in Rajasthan from 1961 to 1969. From 1962 until his death, he also served as President of the All-India Kshatriya Mahasabha and as an MLC for Chittor in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, serving as speaker from 1977 to 1979; he also served as the leader of the Opposition from 1962 to 1979. He died in 1989 at Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur after a reign of 71 years, aged 81, and was succeeded by his eldest son H.H Maharawal Mahipal Singhji of Dungarpur.