Karam Singh of Patiala

Reign

Singh became the ruler of Patiala in 1813. He was also the first ruler of Patiala to have been referred to as a Maharaja, the title having been bestowed on him by Mughal Emperor Akbar II. Singh was also noted as a patron of paintings, and from 1814 to 1815, he had a family of Rajasthani painters at his court.

Administration and rule

During his early reign, Singh had disputes with his mother and his younger brother, Ajit Singh. Singh continued his dispute with Nabha State, another Phulkian dynasty state, which had been carrying on since 1807. From 1838 to 1843, Singh had a border dispute with Kaithal State.

Relations with the British Empire and territorial expansion

Singh supported the British Empire during the Anglo-Nepalese War from 1814 to 1816. In return for Singh's support during the Anglo-Nepalese War, the British awarded Singh territory in the hill states, extending Patiala State's territory to Shimla, Chail and other areas in modern-day Himachal Pradesh. In 1845, Singh declared his support for the British against the Sikh Empire.

Death and succession

Singh died in 1845 and was succeeded by his son, Narinder Singh, as the Maharaja of Patiala.