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Major Thakur Hukum Singh Bahadur(1888-1948) was Commanding officer of Jaipur state transport corps in world war 1. He was one of the Indian Army officers who received the title of Order of British India(O.B.I.) and Indian distinguish service medal. He was mentioned thrice in the dispatches.When world war one broke, As India was a British colony back then so Britishers asked princely state of India to give their forces for war purpose. SO when the news reached to Maharaja of jaipur H.H. Madho Singh he called up his chief militants to participated in the war but nobody was ready to go in this furious great war of the world. Finally Hukum singh, who was resident of jaipur, was called from Udaipur lancer as he was posted their during war time.

Early Life and Education Hukum Singh’s elementary education was at Jaipur but not much more is known about this matter. Being the second son in a traditional Rajput family, Hukum Singh knew that he would never enjoy the privileges and luxurious lifestyle of a landlord. That would fall to his elder brother, Prithvi Singh, who would inherit their father’s gaddi (ancestral seat) and associated property. Being an uncompromising man with a great deal of self-esteem, Hukum Singh therefore resolved to join the army. Military Career He began his military career in 1905 when he enlisted with the 122nd Rajputana Infantry as a commissioned officer.He served for seven years, during which time he qualified in several military examinations. These included musketry class at Satara, transport class at Mhow (both in Southern India), and the pioneer class at Faridkot, Punjab. He completed his training in 1907 and became regimental transport assistant. Suitably qualified, Hukum Singh was appointed as adjutant jemadar (lieutenant) with the Udaipur Imperial Service Lancers in 1912. The ruler of Udaipur (a state in Rajasthan), along with other princely states scattered across India, raised their own armies known as the Imperial Service Troops in the late 19th century. They were to serve as a reserve force available for service alongside Britain’s Indian Army when the need arose.

When War Broke Out When Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, the Indian government pledged its support. The Imperial State Forces were called on to render their services and prove their loyalty towards the British Raj. Among the Native States to supply its own troops was the state of Jaipur. Keen to furnish officers of a high standard, the state found itself short of an active commandant for its transport corps (the incumbent was declared unfit for service but held the position nominally). In September 1914, a request was made to Udaipur State to allow them to take Jemadar Hukum Singh for the duration of war. The request was granted. Confident of his own abilities, Hukum Singh took it as an opportunity to extend his experiences of military life. He also had personal reasons for returning to Jaipur. In 1910, his father had died and was succeeded as Thukur by his eldest son, Prithvi Singh, in accordance with Rajput custom. Hukum Singh decided not to return to Jaipur until he had made a name for himself. The offer of a senior military command was the opportunity he had been waiting for. He reached Jaipur in late September 1914 where he had a personal interview with the ruler, Maharaja Madho Singh (1861-1922). on several occasions. Hukum Singh documented these problems in his dairy, noting that their seeds were laid from the very beginning of his service at Jaipur: ‘All of my appointments were always made by His Highness personally and owing to the sentimental feelings of a servant towards his master and modesty, my conscience didn’t allow me to make any contract or terms of services at the appointment’

War Services Six months into the war, Hukum Singh’s service in the Middle Eastern campaign was summarised in a testimonial letter penned by Captain H. A. Goldsmith, Special Service Officer of JSTC, dated 15 July 1915: ‘‘Capt. Hukum Singh, Jaipur Imperial Service Transport Corps, landed at Basrah in November 1914, did most excellent work with Jaipur Transport throughout the floods of 1915 between Shaiba and Basrah, was with General Gorringes Column [at] Ahwaz, marched from Ahwaz to Amara, thence to Kut-et-Amara and was present at the battle of Kut, thence to Ctesiphon and back to Ili Garbi and has since been with Tigris Army Corps. ‘This officer has never gone sick, has been most energetic in his work and has always received excellent reports from the Brigade...He is one of the most capable officers I have ever met.’As a result of his hard work and efficient leadership, Hukum Singh was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He was mentioned twice in dispatches for distinguished services in the field.

After the world war one he decided to join Alwar Maharaja Jai singh and remained at prominent position for more than 11 years.

This senior role saw him take on a wide range of responsibilities, including military secretary, chief of the staff and in-charge of all departments of the royal household covering the following areas:  mater of ceremony  kitchen and stores (for both English and Indian foods)  toshakhana (jewellery and clothes)  zenani deodi (ladies’ quarters)  mardani deodi (men’s quarters)  games  music  superintendent motor garage As a member of the Alwar government, he controlled the following departments:  Home  Army  Education  Military  Garage  Forest  Deodhi  Shikarkhana  Controller of palaces  Modikhana  Gardens  Medical  Electric Department

In 1928, Hukum Singh organised and controlled approximately half of the management of the maharaja’s silver jubilee celebrations. In appreciation of his services he received several valuable articles from his employer including a gold kara (bracelet) as a special honour. News of the magnificent arrangements made by Hukum Singh reached the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1932, Hukum Singh’s services were called upon to help the Jaipur State prepare for the viceregal visit of Lord and Lady Willingdon. Hukum Singh gladly accepted the invitation. He never missed an opportunity to visit his home and jagir. Another significant factor was a change of ruler; the maharaja was at that time Man Singh, who had no grudges with Hukum Singh. The function went well and Hukum Singh was praised widely for his efforts. As a reward, the maharaja appointed Hukum Singh as commanding officer of JISTC. He remained its commanding officer for five years, living with his family at Nala Garden, the office of the JISTC. During this time he received the following glowing testimonial from Colonel G. Crastur, retired chief staff officer of the Jaipur State Forces: ‘In Major Hukum Singh it [the JITSC] has a commanding officer who is an organiser and who is keen and jealous of the reputation and honour of his command. I do not exaggerate when I say that the state of horse-mastership, the general efficiency and the soldierly bearing and turnouts of the corps have never been higher than at the present time. He has a full record of war services and should the services of the corps be called on for active service in the near future his experiences will be of the utmost value.’

In the late 1930s the Corps faced a peace-time reduction of its strength and resources. This signalled the end of the JISTC so Hukum Singh was transferred to the civil service in 1938. He was given residency at Madho Villas, a magnificent and spacious building where he and his family lived happily. He was placed in charge of several departments including the peelkhana (elephant department) and bagghi khana (horse carriages department). During this time, he pursued several passions and hobbies. Horse-lover Hukum Singh had a special love for his animals. He was especially attentive of his personal horse, Badal, whose daily diet consisted of 10kg of milk and 3kg of jalebi (Indian sweets). Badal was regarded as the best horses in Jaipur and nearby estates. Polo Hukum Singh loved to play polo, which he started playing during his war service. He continued this pursuit during his time at Alwar and Jaipur, and took great pleasure in playing for fun (as opposed to competitively). Poetry Hukum Singh and his wife penned their own bhajans (poetry), which their descendants still sing daily to maintain their presence.

Cooking Hukum Singh loved parties and used to organise them whenever he got chance. He was particularly keen on cooking his own recipes for his guests. The practice of cooking Hukum Singh’s war- and peace-time recipes continues in the household to this day. Hunting Hukum Singh regularly participated in the popular royal pastime of shikar (hunting). His favourite preys were black bucks and black partridge. He would conduct hunts in the jungles with his cousins and cook in their makeshift camp, enjoying their food with wine. His shikar kits and tents are still in the possession of the family. Secularist Activities Since he had both Hindu and Muslim staff working under him, he had constructed a large mandir (temple) in honour of Ram and a mosque, in Nala Garden in 1937. Both structures still stand tall to this day, and are under the control of the Indian Army. In 1938, Hukum Singh’s elder brother, Prithvi Singh died without issue. After fighting a court case for the gaddi (throne) and the associated Jaipur estate, Hukum Singh became the rightful successor in 1942. He was once asked by the Jaipur Darbar if he wanted to keep Madho Villas as his permanent residence. Even though the offer was tempting (Madho Villas being much larger than his own residence), he declined. He requested that the Madho Villas be converted into a hospital. He was also mindful of the fickle-mindedness of the darbar that could see to the offer being revoked without warning or reason. Today, Madho Villas is a well-known ayurvedic hospital.

Sources of evidence: Various letters written by Major Hukum Singh to the President of the Jaipur State Council, Colonel Willoughby, et al. Letter from H.A. Goldsmith, Special Services Officer of Jaipur Transport Corps to Major Hukum Singh, dated 15 July 1916. Testimonial from Colonel M. E. Willoughby, commander of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, to Head Quarters, dated 31 May 1916 Letter from Colonel M. E. Willoughby, commander of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, dated 19 June 1916 Letters from Captain Cable, OctoberDecember 1917 Letters from the private secretary of His Highness the Maharaja of Jaipur, 1918 Speech by Col. G. Crastur, chief staff officer Jaipur State Forces Times of India, 20 May 1919 Main bibliographical sources: DeWitt C. Ellinwood, Jr, Between Two Worlds: A Rajput Officer in the Indian Army, 1905-21: Based on the Diary of Amar Singh of Jaipur (Hamilton Books, 2005) R.K. Gupta and S.R. Bakshi, Studies In Indian History: Rajasthan Through the Ages The Heritage of Rajputs (set of 5 Vols.) (Sarup & Sons, 2008) Online articles (various)