History is full of stories about kings who lived extravagant and colorful lives, but few compare to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Known for his luxurious lifestyle and incredible wealth, his indulgences have been detailed in books like Maharaja by his courtier, Diwan Jarmani Dass. From the renowned Patiala Peg to the iconic Patiala Necklace, Bhupinder Singh was known as the symbols of extravagance. Born into the Jat Sikh Phulkian dynasty in 1891, he ascended to the throne at only nine years old. One of the most remarkable parts of his reign was the creation of Leela Bhavan, a palace built for lavish parties and enjoyment. What made this place unique was its strict rule: guests could only enter without clothes. The palace also featured a grand swimming pool, which became the center of extravagant parties where the Maharaja openly spent time with his companions.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s personal life was just as extravagant. He reportedly married more than ten times and had an incredible 365 queens—one for each day of the year. His immense wealth allowed him to live however he wanted, owning treasures like 44 Rolls-Royce cars and a private airplane, showcasing his grandeur.
British socialite Yvonne Fitzroy once described the Moti Bagh Palace, built by Maharaja Narinder Singh, the great-grandfather of Bhupinder Singh, as so grand that it “would make Versailles look like a cottage.” Within this palace, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh is said to have kept a harem of 332 women. Out of these, only 10 were officially recognized as Maharanis, about 50 as Ranis, while the rest were either mistresses or servants.
Stories of his romantic escapades were not just palace gossip; they became widely known. He was even accused of creating a new form of Tantric sex practices, according to a report in The Print.
According to James Sherwood in an article published by Henry Poole & Co, the Maharaja would surround himself with his favorite harem companions, positioning them around his swimming pool. While swimming, he would occasionally pause for a caress or a sip of whiskey, creating a scene of opulence and indulgence.
Even his private quarters reflected his extravagant tastes. His bedroom featured ornate decorations, including erotic sculptures on the ceiling, further illustrating his lavish and unconventional way of life.
The majority of Singh’s time, though, is reportedly spent indulging in activities like sleeping, drinking brandy, playing cards, and shooting. Over time, the Maharaja started hosting extravagant parties with dignitaries from all over the world, including doctors, artists, and other professionals. It was one such gathering when he came up with the iconic 120 ml peg of whiskey popularly called the Patiala peg which is till date a popular way of measuring a drink.
The Maharaja also left his mark on popular culture. The Patiala Peg, a legendary large measure of whiskey, is credited to him, reflecting his penchant for grandeur even in the realm of spirits.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s love for sports, particularly cricket, was evident during his reign. In 1911, he led the Indian cricket team on their tour of England, showcasing his deep involvement in the sport. Under his leadership, the Patiala XI and Patiala Tigers became two of India’s top cricket and polo teams. To further express his passion for cricket, he built the Chail Cricket Ground, which holds the distinction of being the highest cricket ground in the world.
