His reign was noted for Patiala State's territorial expansion and his support for the British Empire.

He was the son Sahib Singh, the ruler and Raja-e-Rajgan of Patiala.

[3] He was also the first ruler of Patiala to have been referred to as a Maharaja, the title having been bestowed on him by Mughal Emperor Akbar II.

[4][1] Singh was also noted as a patron of paintings, and from 1814 to 1815, he had a family of Rajasthani painters at his court.

[7][8] In return for Singh's support during the Anglo-Nepalese War, the British awarded Singh territory in the hill states, extending Patiala State's territory to Shimla, Chail and other areas in modern-day Himachal Pradesh.