HĪRĀ SIṄGH, MAHĀRĀJĀ SIR (1843-1911), born on 19 December 1843, the son of Sukkhā Siṅgh of Baḍrukkhāṅ, ascended the throne of Nābhā state on 10 August 1877 after Rājā Bhagvān Siṅgh who had died issueless and without adopting an heir. Hīrā Siṅgh ruled for forty years and did much for the welfare of the people of the state and of the Sikhs in general. He despatched contingents of troops to fight in most of the major frontier campaigns and was duly rewarded by the British with many honours, including the titles of Rājā-i-Rājgān and Mahārājā. Mahārājā Hīrā Siṅgh provided funds for the establishment of the Khālsā Printing Press at Lahore, supported the Khālsā College at Amritsar and promoted the reformist (Anand) form of Sikh marriage. He also patronized Max Arthur Macauliffe who was then engaged in his monumental work, The Sikh Religion.

         Mahārājā Hīrā Siṅgh was one of the ablest of Nābhā rulers -- wise, liberal and pious. Legends about his justice and munificence are still current in the countryside. He died at Nābhā on 25 December 1911 and was succeeded by his son, Ripudaman Siṅgh.