Nihal Singh of Dholpur vs Tharrawaddy Min

Nihal Singh became the ruler of Dholpur princely state at age six after the death of his father. A regency council administered the state until he came of age. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate Jat rule under British paramountcy.

Nihal Singh commissioned the construction of the Dholpur Palace, a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The palace served as the royal residence and administrative center, reflecting his patronage of architecture and the state's prosperity.

Nihal Singh provided military support to the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He sent troops to assist in suppressing the uprising in neighboring regions, strengthening his relationship with the British.

Nihal Singh died in 1873 after a reign of 37 years. He was succeeded by his son Ram Singh. His reign saw Dholpur remain a loyal princely state under British suzerainty, with limited internal autonomy.

Tharrawaddy Min seized the throne from his brother Bagyidaw, who had become incapacitated by depression. He immediately reversed many of the policies of the previous reign, including rejecting the Treaty of Yandabo and expelling the British resident from Ava.

Tharrawaddy Min expelled the British resident from the Burmese court, effectively abrogating the Treaty of Yandabo. This act heightened tensions with the British East India Company and set the stage for future conflict.

Tharrawaddy Min ordered the execution of several high-ranking ministers and officials whom he suspected of disloyalty. These purges created an atmosphere of fear at court and weakened the administrative apparatus of the kingdom.

Tharrawaddy Min began exhibiting signs of severe mental instability, including paranoia and erratic behavior. He became increasingly reclusive and unpredictable, leading to a breakdown in governance and the rise of factional struggles at court.