Maharaja Karni Singh ji (21 April 1924 – 6 September 1988), also known as Dr Karni Singh, was from 1950 the last Maharaja of Bikaner State to hold the title of Maharaja of Bikaner, officially, until 1971, when the privy purse and all the royal titles were abolished by the Republic of India. He was also a politician, serving as a member of the Lok Sabha for twenty-five years, from 1952 to 1977, and an international clay pigeon and skeet champion. Early life and education Born as Prince Karni Singh on 21 April 1924 in the princely state of Bikaner, Singh's first schooling was there, after which he attended St Stephen's College, Delhi, and St Xavier's College, Bombay, where he graduated BA with Honours in History and Politics. Career He saw active service in the Second World War, serving in the Middle East with his grandfather, General Sir Ganga Singh, the 23rd Maharaja of Bikaner. Prince Karni succeeded his father, Lieutenant-General Maharaja Sir Sadul Singh, in 1950. In 1952, the young Maharaja Karni Singh was elected Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha (Lower House) of India from Bikaner constituency as an independent candidate, serving on several consultative committees of different ministries and holding his seat until 1977. In 1964 he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Bombay University, for his thesis The relationship of the Bikaner royal family with central authority (1465–1949). He was an ardent supporter of the Rajasthani language and argued for its inclusion in the 14th schedule of the Indian Constitution. As well as many sports, his interests included photography and painting. Maharaja Karni Singh attended his last Olympic Games in 1980, and he died on 4 September 1988. Family He was the elder son of Maharaja Sadul Singh, and his name was chosen after their (kul devi) deity's name Karni mata. Singh was married to princess Sushila Kumari of Dungarpur on 25 February 1944 and they had one son and two daughters: Narendra Singh, Rajyashree Kumari, and Madhulika Kumari. His daughter Princess Rajyashree Kumari was also a first class shooting sportswoman who received the Arjuna Award in 1968. He was succeeded by his son Narendra Singh, who has 3 daughters: Daksha Kumari, Siddhi Kumari, and Mahima Kumari. Princess Siddhi Kumari is active in today's politics, currently MLA from Bikaner East (Rajasthan). Sporting career Singh won the National Championship in Clay Pigeon Trap and