1. Introduction
Rao Raja Hanut Singh was a distinguished British Indian Army officer, renowned polo player, and member of the Jodhpur royal family. He served with the famous Jodhpur Lancers during the First World War and later became one of India’s greatest polo patrons and sportsmen. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian polo and sports, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958 under the Sports category. He also received the Arjuna Award in 1964 for his exceptional achievements in polo.
2. Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rao Raja Hanut Singh |
| Native Name | Not widely documented |
| Date of Birth | 20 March 1900 |
| Place of Birth | Jodhpur |
| Date of Death | 12 October 1982 |
| Place of Death | Jodhpur |
| Nationality | Indian (formerly British Indian subject before 1947) |
| Occupation / Profession | Army Officer, Polo Player |
| Field of Achievement | Military Service, Polo |
| Years Active | 1914–1960s |
| Known For | British Indian Army service, Jodhpur Polo Team, Padma Bhushan recipient |
3. Award Information
Award Name
Padma Bhushan
Award Category
Sports
Award Year
1958
Presented By
Government of India
Date of Ceremony
The award was announced on 26 January 1958. Padma Awards are traditionally presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The exact investiture date is not publicly documented.
Citation / Official Reason
Awarded for his distinguished contribution to polo and Indian sports, particularly for promoting India internationally through the game of polo.
Previous Recipients (Optional)
The Padma Bhushan is conferred on multiple recipients annually; therefore, there is no officially designated previous recipient.
Next Recipients
Likewise, there is no officially designated next recipient.
4. Why Did He Receive the Award?
Rao Raja Hanut Singh received the Padma Bhushan because of his:
- Outstanding achievements in international polo.
- Leadership of the famous Jodhpur Polo Team.
- Promotion of Indian polo on the world stage.
- Long service to Indian sports.
- Role in preserving India’s polo tradition after independence.
5. Early Life
Hanut Singh was born on 20 March 1900 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, into the royal family of Jodhpur. He was the third son of Sir Pratap Singh of Idar, an eminent statesman and military leader.
As a child, he served as a Page of Honour to King George V during the 1911 Delhi Durbar.
6. Education
He received his education at:
- Mayo College, Ajmer.
- Eastbourne College.
- Cavalry training at the Saumur Cavalry School in France.
7. Career Journey
Military Career
- Commissioned into the Jodhpur State Forces in 1914.
- Received a temporary honorary commission in the British Army in 1916.
- Served with the Jodhpur Lancers during the First World War.
- Participated in campaigns in France, Palestine, Syria, and the capture of Haifa.
- Took part in operations during the Egyptian Rebellion of 1919.
Polo Career
- Became one of India’s finest polo players.
- Led the Jodhpur Polo Team in numerous international tournaments.
- Helped make Jodhpur one of the world’s leading polo centers.
- Promoted Indian polo in Europe and other countries.
8. Major Achievements
- Served with distinction in the British Indian Army during World War I.
- Internationally acclaimed polo player.
- Captained the famous Jodhpur Polo Team.
- Awarded the Padma Bhushan (1958).
- Received the Arjuna Award (1964).
- Played a major role in promoting polo globally.
9. Contribution to the Nation
Rao Raja Hanut Singh contributed to India by:
- Serving in the armed forces during wartime.
- Elevating India’s reputation in international polo.
- Preserving and promoting India’s equestrian and polo traditions.
- Inspiring future generations of Indian polo players.
- Supporting the development of sports in Rajasthan.
10. Other Awards and Honours
- Padma Bhushan (1958) – Sports.
- Arjuna Award (1964).
- Delhi Durbar Silver Medal (1911).
- 1914 Star.
- British War Medal.
- Victory Medal.
- India General Service Medal.
- King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935).
- King George VI Coronation Medal (1937).
- Indian Independence Medal (1947).
11. Legacy and Influence
Rao Raja Hanut Singh is remembered as:
- One of India’s greatest polo players.
- A distinguished cavalry officer.
- A pioneer in promoting Indian polo internationally.
- A sports icon whose achievements helped establish India’s reputation in equestrian sports.
12. Interesting Facts
- He belonged to the royal family of Jodhpur.
- He served as a Page of Honour at the 1911 Delhi Durbar.
- He trained in France before military service.
- He fought in multiple theatres during World War I.
- He was among the earliest recipients of the Padma Bhushan in the Sports category.
- He later received the Arjuna Award, making him one of the few sports personalities of his era to receive both honours.
13. Quotes
There are no widely authenticated quotations attributed to Rao Raja Hanut Singh in reliable historical sources.
For historical accuracy, it is preferable not to attribute unverified quotations.
14. Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1900 | Born in Jodhpur |
| 1911 | Page of Honour at the Delhi Durbar |
| 1914 | Commissioned into Jodhpur State Forces |
| 1916–1919 | Served in World War I campaigns |
| 1958 | Awarded the Padma Bhushan |
| 1964 | Received the Arjuna Award |
| 1982 | Passed away on 12 October |
15. References
For a reliable blog, consult:
- Padma Awards Portal
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Mayo College
16. Related Personalities
- Sir Pratap Singh of Idar
- King George V
- Maharaja Umaid Singh
- Kishen Singh
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Rao Raja Hanut Singh?
Rao Raja Hanut Singh was a British Indian Army officer, celebrated polo player, and member of the Jodhpur royal family.
2. When was Rao Raja Hanut Singh born?
He was born on 20 March 1900 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
3. Why did Rao Raja Hanut Singh receive the Padma Bhushan?
He received the Padma Bhushan (1958) for his distinguished contribution to sports, especially for promoting polo in India and internationally.
4. Did he serve in World War I?
Yes. He served with the Jodhpur Lancers in World War I and participated in campaigns in France, Palestine, Syria, and Egypt.
5. Which other major award did he receive?
He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1964 for his exceptional contribution to polo.
6. Where was he educated?
He studied at Mayo College, Eastbourne College, and the Saumur Cavalry School in France.
7. What is Rao Raja Hanut Singh remembered for?
He is remembered as one of India’s greatest polo players, a distinguished cavalry officer, and a pioneer who helped establish India’s international reputation in polo.
8. When did he pass away?
He died on 12 October 1982 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
About the Author
