Image Reference: The 39 Paintings contained within "The 1836 Tazkirat Al-Umara of Colonel James Skinner: Image Description: Maharao Raja Bakhtawar Singh of Alwar HISTORY: Bakhtawar Singh had desired to adopt his nephew Viney Singh, son of his brother Salah Singh of Thana, but the Rao died before the formal ceremonies were completed. The court factions conspired against Viney Singh and enthroned Balwant Singh, an illegitimate son of the late ruler. The pretender was only six years old. His most important supporter was the Nawab of Loharu. After a time, Viney Singh’s party got the upper hand and the imposter was made a prisoner. In 1826, at the advance of the British force the Maharaja yielded to give concession to Balwant Singh. The claimant who resided at Tijara, died in 1845 childless. Major Powlett assigns Viney Singh a high place and remarks that he was a paragon of a good native chief of the old school, though at times, he was cruel. The Government of the State had previously been carried on without system but with the assistance of some Muslim gentlemen of Delhi whom the Chief took into his service and made Diwans about 1838; great changes were made in the administrative system. He was a great patron of arts and letters, and attracted painters and skilled artisans from various parts of India to his service.He has left many splendid monuments to his name, such as a grand extensive palace in the city, and a smaller one called the Moti Dungri or Viney Vilas. But his greatest work was building of a large bandh at Siliserh, now a fine lake and tourist destination. During the last five years of his life he suffered from paralysis. Bedridden as he was during the Mutiny of 1857, he selected the best of his army and despatched a force consisting of about 800 infantry, 400 cavalry and four guns, to the assistance of the beleaguered British garrison at Agra. The cavalry, among whom were all Rajpuls-the remainder principally Mahomedans. The Nimach and Nasirabad brigade of mutineers came upon them at Achnera, on the road between Bharatpur and Agra. Deserted by their leader and the Mahomedan portion of the force, including the artillery the Rajputs suffered a severe defeat. Viney Singh died in August 1857, before the sorrowful news reached him.