Maharaja Karan Singh of Bikaner : King who save Hindu religion

The region of Bikaner, stretching across northern Rajasthan State in India, was earlier known as Jangladesh. It included the present-day districts of Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh. It is bounded on the south by Marwar and Jaisalmer regions, on the east by Ajmer-Merwara region.

Bikaner state was a princely state that was founded in the 15th century in this region. After becoming a British protectorate in 1818, it persisted until shortly after India's Independence in 1947.

He was the eldest son of Maharaja Surasinh. Hence, after the demise of Maharaja Surasinghe, sit on the throne of Bikaner. Karan Singh's respect was very high in the court of King Shah Jahan. He had two thousand infantrty and one and a half thousand riders. He was the first to be contacted in the Kings of Bikaner from the fanatical Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb had participated in several war campaigns, where he was aware of the strength of Aurangzeb, while the Aurangzeb's arrogant mindset, devious movements, fanatic devotion was not hidden from him.

Aurangzeb planned to convert Hindu population into Muslims but he thought that the Rajput kings would prove stumbling blocks. He, summoned all of them for a campaign beyond Indus. The plan to take practical shape in their absence. The secrecy of the sinister design however became known when the kings were at Attok. They quickly decided to save their religion under the stewardship of Maharaja Karan Shingh who was proclaimed as ‘Jai Jangal Dhar Badshah‘. Boats were sent to take the king across the river. Maharaja Karan Singh was the first to axe a boat down to pieces. All other kings followed the suit and in no time the boats were demolished. The kings returned to their respective capitals. Furious and enraged Aurangzeb summoned Maharaja Karan Singh to his court. It was obvious that he intended the Maharaja to be murdered. The Maharaja, accompanied by his two distinguished sons Padam Singh and Keshri Singh reached the court. Maharaja Karan Singh died in 1669 A.D. while he was in Deccan.

Maharaja Karan Singh, who ruled from 1631 to 1669, under the suzerainty of the Mughals, built the Karan Mahal palace. Later rulers added more floors and decorations to this Mahal. Anup Singh ji, who ruled from 1669 to 1698, made substantial additions to the fort complex, with new palaces and the Zenana quarter, a royal dwelling for women and children. He refurbished the Karan Mahal with a Diwan-i-Am (public audience hall) and called it the Anup Mahal. Maharaja Gaj Singh, who ruled from 1746 to 1787 refurbished the Chandra Mahal (the Moon palace).

 Raja Karan Singh (1631–1669), who in the struggle of the sons of Shah Jahan for the throne threw in his lot with Aurangzeb, and his eldest son, Anup Singh (1669–1698), who fought with distinction in the Deccan, was conspicuous in the capture of Golconda, and earned the title of maharaja.

With the decline of Mughal power in India with the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 AD, the bonds of Mughals-Rajput relationship slowly dissolved. Sujan Singh (1700–35) formally broke the connection with the Mughal throne and from 1719 based himself within his kingdom.

The tenure of Maharaja Karan Singh was studded with glorious achievements. He sided with Aurangzeb in struggle of succession  and his two gallant sons Keshri Singh and Padam Singh distinguished themselves in the last desperate battle  with Dara. The emperor showed his gratitude to the young princes.