Queen Victoria’s Maharajah Duleep Singh 1838-93 by Michael Alexander

“Queen Victoria’s Maharajah Duleep Singh 1838-93” is a biography of Duleep Singh, the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, who was exiled to England at the age of 15 and became a favorite of Queen Victoria.

The book chronicles Duleep Singh’s early life in Punjab, his capture by the British after the annexation of the Sikh Empire, and his subsequent exile to England, where he was converted to Christianity and became a member of the British aristocracy.

The author, Michael Alexander, draws on a wealth of primary sources, including Duleep Singh’s personal correspondence and diaries, to provide a vivid and detailed account of his life. He explores Duleep Singh’s complex relationship with Queen Victoria and the British establishment, as well as his ongoing struggle to reconcile his Indian heritage with his British identity.

The book also sheds light on the broader historical context of the period, including the political and cultural tensions between India and Britain, and the challenges faced by the Indian diaspora in the 19th century.

Overall, “Queen Victoria’s Maharajah Duleep Singh” offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual and provides valuable insights into the complex and often fraught relationship between India and Britain during the colonial period.