The Maharaja Who Bagged 100 Tigers: Rajasthan’s Royal Hunts Frozen In Time

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 19:37 IST

The maharaja’s hunting images remain a testament to his bravery and are a draw for both domestic and international tourists visiting the State Museum

Gajner was the primary hunting ground for the maharaja, who was especially renowned for tiger and lion hunts. (Local18)

The grandeur and majesty of Rajasthan’s royalty have always been distinctive. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the 21st Maharaja, was particularly fond of hunting and famously hunted 100 tigers during his lifetime. His hunting expeditions extended beyond Bikaner to various parts of Rajasthan and other states.

Photographs of his hunting exploits are displayed in the Bikaner museum. On April 7, 1939, he killed his 100th tiger in Kota, an event immortalised in an oil painting exhibited at the State Ganga Museum in Bikaner.

Historically, hunting was a noble pursuit, symbolising status and bravery among kings and landlords. Maharaja Ganga Singh’s hunting practices included a variety of wild animals, but with increasing awareness about environmental conservation, such activities were eventually curbed.

Shankar Dutt Harsh, Additional Administrative Officer of the State Ganga Museum, noted that Maharaja Ganga Singh hunted in numerous regions, including Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Maharaja Ganga Singh Killed 100 Tigers

Shankar Dutt Harsh stated that Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner hunted a total of 100 tigers, with an oil painting of his 100th tiger hunt displayed in the museum. The museum also houses paintings of him hunting rhinoceros, buffalo, ducks, and other animals. Gajner was the primary hunting ground for the Bikaner Maharaja, who was especially renowned for tiger and lion hunts.

Maharaja Ganga Singh hunted wild lions, tigers, panthers, buffalo, ducks, and rhinoceroses, showcasing his prowess and courage. Though celebrated as the ‘Vikas Purush‘ of Bikaner for his contributions to development, his hunting exploits remain legendary. Visitors, both domestic and foreign, come to witness the legacy of his bravery.

Celebrated As A Visionary And Reformist King

Maharaja Ganga Singh reigned from 1888 to 1943 and was seen as a modern, reformist, and visionary leader. Born on October 3, 1880, Ganga Singh was the youngest son of Maharaja Lal Singh. Following the death of his elder brother, Maharaja Shiromani Shri Dungar Singh Bahadur, Ganga Singh ascended to the throne on December 16, 1888.

Educated privately initially and later at Mayo College, Ajmer, from 1889 to 1894, he underwent administrative training under Thakur Saheb Lal Singh ji from 1895 to 1898. Subsequently, he received military training in Deoli, joining the Deoli Regiment, one of the country’s finest under Lieutenant Colonel Bell.

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