RAI BAHADUR SULTAN SINGH

RAI BAHADUR SULTAN SINGH
(1876—1930;

One of the most illustrious citizens of Delhi of his time, Shri Sultan Singh was born at Kutana (Haryana). Senior leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Moti Lai Nehru, Ravindra Nath Thakur, Sarojini Naidu and others used to stay with him. His residence at Kashmere Gate was the venue of Congress Working Committee meetings. He was polite, extremely courteous, hospitable and had a very high standard of aristocratic living. The garden parties given at his residence were attended by Viceroy and Chief Commissioner. The rulers of big States like Maharaja Kashmir, Maharaja Mysore and Maharaja Jaipur used to say in his guest house. He had such huge property that his English friends used to call him the King of Kashmere Gate. He also owned property in other parts of Delhi and all important hill stations.

His main business was banking, property and zamindari. He was Treasurer of Imperial Bank at Delhi, Simla and Meerut, etc. He employed hundreds of Jains in banking institutions. His father Shri Nihal Chand was a rich person who had died in his young age. Shri Sultan Singh was brought up by his grandfather Lala Sheo Singh Rai. Among others, Mr. C.F. Andrews was one of the tutors of his son Shri Raghubir Singh.

He took out a religious tour in 1900. The Panch Kalyanak Pratistha held in 1923 had a great success because of his efforts. Every year he was President of Ram Lila Committee. At the young age of 20-22 he was Chairman, Reception Committee of All India Vaishnava Conference which was presided over by Maharaja Darbhanga. He was one of the main workers of the Annual Congress Session held at Delhi in 1918. For several years he was member of Punjab State Council, Municipal Commissioner and Honorary Magistrate. He was founder member of various educational institutions and donated liberally for Tibbia College, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Hindu College, and Indraprastha College.

He went to foreign countries nine times. He left behind him vast estate and assets worth crores of rupees. His second wife Smt. Shushila Devi attained a high position in the society and was for several years President of All India Womens Conference. She was mainly responsible for the establishment of Saraswati Bhawan in Daryaganj. She has been a well- known nationalist worker and actively associated with a large number of religious, social and educational institutions.