Umaid Singh - A Lifestory

The Maharaja of Jodhpur State was a key person in 20thcentury India. He was known for his royal family and his modern ideas, and what he did for his state. Born in 1894, he took over from his father in 1918, after World War I ended. His time as ruler saw big changes, including building the amazing Umaid Bhawan Palace. This palace, a mix of different building styles, is a symbol of his time and has even been in movies like "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (2011). Unlike many leaders then, he liked change. He made many improvements, like better roads and schools, showing he cared about his people. Someone who worked with him said, "He was a leader who always looked to the future and wanted to improve things." His government focused on better farming and new industries, which helped Jodhpur for many years. These weren't just choices; they showed he understood what his state needed. We don't know much about his personal life, but he was seen as a hardworking and forwardthinking ruler. He died in 1973, leaving a great example for Jodhpur and beyond.