Hira Singh, son of Sardar Sukha Singh Sidhu of Badrukhan, was born on December 19, 1843. After the death Of Raja Bhagwan Singh it was decided to find a successor from the Phulkian family. Diwan Hakim Rai, considering Hira Singh of Badrukhan to be a legitimate and competent man, recommended him for the gaddi of Nabha, under the signatures of all the courtiers of the state. The British deputed Lepel Griffin and the rulers of Patiala and Jind to inquire from the courtiers of Nabha about the legitimate claimant to the gaddi of Nabha. Hira Singh’s name figured out and he was selected to succeed Bhagwan Singh. The succession took place on August 10, 1871.
Hira Singh remained good friend of British Empire. He Raised to an increased permanent salute of 13-guns, 1st January 1877. Granted a personal salute of 15-guns, 21st May 1898. Hon Colonel 14th King George’s Own Ferozepore Sikhs, IA 13/5/1904-1911. Granted the hereditary titles of Raja-i-Rajagan on 26th May 1894 and Maharaja on 12th December 1911. Attended the Coronation Durbars at Delhi in 1903 and 1911 Attended the Coronation Durbars at Delhi in 1903 and 1911 After the Kukas’ row with the butchers of Malerkotia, when the former left the town, Hira Singh’s contingent sent under the command of his minister, Ali Khan, captured them and took them to Malerkotia where they were blown off with the orders of Mr Cowan, the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana. In the British combat with the Afghans of Kabul in 1878, Hira Singh sent his contingent of 700 to fight on the side of the British for which he was richly rewarded by the latter.
Raja Hira Singh did a lotto develop the state in various fields. Many new buildings were erected, including a cantonment, a hospital, a jail and a magnificent palace, known as Hira Mahal. An Intermediate College, along with a hostel, was started at Nabha. Big Nabha houses were built at Lahore and Simla. New courts, in the districts, were built. Pucca or metalled roads were constructed joining Nabha with Patiala, Khanna and Malerkoda. ‘ He was keenly interested in works of public welfare. Also Maharaja Hira Singh was Received Prince of Wales’s (1876), KIH (1877), Delhi Durbar (1903 & 1911) gold medals.and first marriage was in 1858, H.H. Karangarhwalia Maharani Sahib, daughter of the Sekhon Jat Chief Sardar of Karangarh, second was Aonanliwali Rani Sahib. And third marriage in 1880, H.H. Longwalia Maharani Sri Jasmir Kaur Sahiba (d. at Nabha, 29th October 1921), daughter of Jat Chief Sardar Anukh Singh Longwalia. m. (fourth) … He was died at Hira Mahal, Nabha, 24th December 1911His full title was Colonel H.H. Farzand-i-Arjumand, Aqidat-Paiwand-i-Daulat-i-Inglishia, Barar Bans Sarmur, Raja-i-Rajagan, Maharaja Shri Sir Hira Singh MalvendraBahadur, Maharaja of Nabha, GCSI (29.7.1879), GCIE (1.1.1903) and his successor was Tikka Sahib Shri Ripudaman Singh Bahadur, Later Maharaja Of Nabha.
References :-
- Ibid., pp. 660-61.
- History of the sikhmisls
- Lepel Griffin, op. tit, p. 283; Gian Singh, op. tit, pp. 662-63.