Explore the glorious 260-year royal heritage of Patialaβfrom Baba Ala Singhβs historic foundation of Qila Mubarak in 1763 to the zenith of arts, classical music, architecture, and world-class sports under the Phulkian Dynasty.
The name "Patiala" is derived from two Punjabi words: "Patti" (meaning an estate, tract of land, or territory) and "Ala" (after its venerated founder Baba Ala Singh). Hence, Patiala literally translates to "The Estate of Baba Ala Singh".
Before 1763, the land was a cluster of rural hamlets around Lehal village and the ancient trading town of Sanaur. In 1763, after defeating Zain Khan, the Afghan Governor of Sirhind, in alliance with the Dal Khalsa, Baba Ala Singh acquired the territory. With the tribute from the fall of Sirhind, he laid the cornerstone of a mud fortress that later evolved into the majestic Qila Mubarak.
The security and benevolent rule provided by Baba Ala Singh attracted poets, scholars, craftsmen, metalworkers, and traders from Delhi, Samana, and Sirhind, rapidly transforming Patiala into the premier economic and cultural nucleus of the Malwa plains.
| # | Maharaja / Ruler | Reign | Major Achievements & Heritage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baba Ala Singh | 1763 β 1765 | Founded Patiala city; built original mud fortress of Qila Mubarak; defeated local chieftains. |
| 2 | Maharaja Amar Singh | 1765 β 1781 | Constructed baked-brick battlements of Qila Mubarak; established royal mint issuing Patiala silver rupees. |
| 3 | Maharaja Sahib Singh | 1781 β 1813 | Repelled Maratha forces; signed 1809 Cis-Sutlej Treaty guaranteeing British protection for Malwa states. |
| 4 | Maharaja Karam Singh | 1813 β 1845 | Aided in Anglo-Gurkha wars; obtained Himalayan estates near Shimla; erected major Sikh shrines. |
| 5 | Maharaja Narinder Singh | 1845 β 1862 | Patialaβs great royal builder; constructed the world-famed Sheesh Mahal, Banasar Lake, and Moti Bagh. |
| 6 | Maharaja Mohinder Singh | 1862 β 1876 | Founded historic Mohindra College (1875); gave grand endowments for Sirhind Canal and post offices. |
| 7 | Maharaja Rajinder Singh | 1876 β 1900 | First Indian to own a motorcar (1892); championed polo & cricket; brought electric lights to Patiala. |
| 8 | Maharaja Bhupinder Singh | 1900 β 1938 | Legendary king; built modern Moti Bagh Palace (Asia's largest); captained Indian cricket team; patron of Patiala Gharana & State Bank. |
| 9 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh | 1938 β 1948 | Patriotic ruler who signed Accession to India in 1947; Rajpramukh of PEPSU; donated Moti Bagh to found NIS Patiala. |
Heart of Old Patiala
Spanning 10 acres, the fort contains Qila Androon with exquisite Rajasthani & Kangra murals, the Darbar Hall with magnificent Belgian chandeliers, and the sacred flame (Jyoti Jaldi).
Old Moti Bagh Complex
Palace of mirrors built by Maharaja Narinder Singh, fronted by a lake and hanging bridge. Houses the world-renowned royal Medal Gallery containing 3,200+ historic decorations.
New Moti Bagh, Patiala
Modeled after European royal estates, it was Asia's largest private palace with 1,000 rooms. Handed over to India in 1961 to host the prestigious Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS).
Central Patiala
Built around a twelve-door stone pavilion by Maharaja Rajinder Singh. Features rare colonial botanical species, the royal cricket grounds, and Rajinder Kothi palace.
The royal turban style with its distinct sharp slanted folds (pech) popularized globally by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh.
Voluminous pleated royal suit trousers matched with world-famous heritage silk floral Phulkari needlework.
Artisanal hand-stitched leather footwear with real silver and golden zari thread from the historic Top Khana Bazar.
Elite Indian classical vocal tradition exemplified by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Ustad Amanat Ali Khan.
Explore our dedicated directory of world-famous Patialvis from sports, music, cinema, and history.