Khalid of Saudi Arabia vs Shambhu Singh of Udaipur

Following the assassination of King Faisal, Khalid became King of Saudi Arabia. His reign was marked by continuity of Faisal's policies but with a more cautious approach to reform, focusing on stability and religious conservatism.

During King Khalid's reign, Juhayman al-Otaybi and his followers seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca, holding hundreds of pilgrims hostage. The Saudi military, with French assistance, recaptured the mosque after a two-week siege, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

The Iranian Revolution and the Grand Mosque seizure led to a second oil price shock during Khalid's reign. Saudi Arabia increased oil production to stabilize markets, demonstrating its role as a swing producer in OPEC.

Shambhu Singh became Maharana of Mewar at age 14 after the death of his father Swarup Singh. A regency council governed until he came of age. His reign focused on administrative reforms and maintaining British relations.

Shambhu Singh introduced administrative reforms including a modern judiciary, revenue system, and police force. He established courts and codified laws, reducing corruption and improving governance in the princely state.

Shambhu Singh built the Shambhu Niwas Palace in Udaipur, a European-style building that served as his residence. The palace reflected his interest in Western architecture and modernization.

Shambhu Singh died in 1874 after a 13-year reign. He was succeeded by his son Sajjan Singh. His reforms laid the groundwork for Mewar's modernization, though his early death limited their full implementation.