During the British era, Nabha state was one of the Phulkian Princely States of Punjab. It was covered across a total area was 966 square miles. It was divided into three nizamats, Amloh, Bawal and Phul. Amloh nizamat had fertile tract called the Pawadh, Phul nizamat was comprised of arid tract called the Jungle and Bawal area was under Rajpuatana desert. Nabha town was the capital of the state. They bore the title of Maharaja from 1911 and were entitled to 13 gun salute.

Nabha claimed that their origin traced from the Bhatti founder of Jaisalmer, Jaisal. Their third son, Rai Hem quarrelled with his family and founded a new principality around Bhatinda and Bhatner. His successor, Khiva was pressurised to move to Kot Ladwa where he fell in love with Basehra Jat girl who was not accepted by the Rajputs as it was un-common for them.

Thereafter, many quarrels were followed among descends. Mughals took an opportunity and placed his descend Mehraj in 1526. Afterwards, ancestors of Sikh, ruled over the regions Patiala, Jind and Nabha.

Hamir Singh, descant of Tiloka established Nabha city in 1755. He was succeeded by his son, Jaswant Singh in 1783. He maintained cordial relations with the British by signing a treaty. He was succeeded by his son, Raja Shri Devendra Singh who remained aloof at the time of Anglo-Sikh war.

After the victory, British accused him for arousing the enemy (Sikh) and his signed treaty was revoked. In compensation, a huge territory was confiscated and his minor son, Raja Bahrpur Singh was made to sit on throne. He led his troops in support of the British against mutineers of 1857. His service was rewarded with the honour, titles and a seat on the Viceroy’s council. Unfortunately, he died shortly in 1863 and was succeeded by his younger brother, Raja Bhagwan Singh who ruled for eight years and died.

Afterward, British appointed a commission of Phulkian rulers for nominating next ruler. And so next appointed successor was Hira Singh. He built many monuments, schools and hospitals, constructed railways and expanded agriculture. Due to Sirhind irrigation canal, state constructed gardens, produced wheat, millets, pulses, cotton and sugar. Maharaha Shri Ripudaman Singh succeeded his father in 1911.

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