Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was born into the royal family of Patiala, Punjab. He ascended the throne in 1900 after his father’s death, becoming one of India’s youngest rulers.
In 1910, he became the first Indian to purchase a private aircraft, even building his own airstrip in Patiala.
In 1911, he captained India’s first all-Indian cricket team on its England tour - uniting Parsis, Hindus & Muslims.
During WWI, he led the Patiala Regiment and earned high military honors. He served in France, Gallipoli, and the Middle East.
Owned 44 Rolls-Royces, commissioned the Cartier Patiala Necklace, and maintained a bar with the world’s finest spirits.
He fathered 88 children, had 10 wives, and a harem of 350 women. His palace was a kingdom of its own.
His annual income was ₹9 million (in early 1900s value), and he was known for his extravagant lifestyle-owning luxury cars, rare spirits, horses, watches, and artworks