Vijay Singh of Marwar

Maharaja Vijay Singh Rathore (6 November 1729 – 17 July 1793), was the Raja of Marwar Kingdom (First Reign 21 September 1752 - 31 January 1753 and Second Reign September 1772 - 17 July 1793).

He succeeded on the death of his father Maharaja Bakht Singh, 21 September 1752. He recovered Ajmer for a brief period and seized Godwar (from Mewar) and Umerkot from the Sodha's.

On 31 January 1753, he was deposed by his cousin Maharaja Ram Singh. He reascended the gadi for the second time after the death of Maharaja Ram Singh in 1772. The Marathas under Mahadaji Scindia took advantage of the instability in Marwar. Mahadaji's first invasion in Tunga was a failure but he was able to decisively defeat the Rajputs in Patan and Merta. The Rajputs were no match for the European armed and French trained sepoys under Benoit De Boigne, his European tactics were far superior to the traditional Indian warfare that the Rajputs followed.

Maharaja Vijay Singh tried to push the Maratha marauders out but was defeated by Mahadaji Scindia. These defeats led to Marwars Bankruptcy and many internal rebellions by the Marwari nobles. Ultimately leading to Marwar accepting British suzerainty in 1818.

Vijay Singh wanted his grandson Man Singh to succeed him. But after Vijay Singhs death on 17 July 1793, a civil war once again started in Jodhpur between his sons and grandsons. Bhim Singh usurped the throne but could never consolidate his rule.