Dictionary of Indian Biography/Benares, Chait Singh, Raja of
BENARES, CHAIT SINGH, RAJA OF ( ? –1810)
Son of Balwant Singh, the Raja of Benares, who died in 1770, when Chait Singh became Raja: in 1775 was declared independent of Oudh (of which he had been a vassal) and made tributary to the English Govermnent on a fixed annual payment: in 1778, Warren Hastings demanded from him, besides the annual tribute, five lakhs of rupees, which were recovered from him with the help of troops. Similar demands were made from him in 1779 and 1780: in the latter year, a contingent of men was demanded, according to his tenure as Raja, for the public service: he evaded, and did not furnish a single man: a fine of 50 lakhs was imposed, and Warren Hastings personally went to Benares, to levy the fine on Chait Singh, who received him submissively. Chait Singh was made, Aug. 16, 1781, a prisoner in his own palace at Benares, but his people rose, attacked and killed the guards. In the confusion, Chait Singh escaped. Hastings withdrew to Chunar: Major Popham advanced in force, and defeated Chait Singh's forces at Benares, Latifpur and Bijaighar: the tribute was doubled, when a nephew of Chait Singh was made Raja. Chait Singh, with a few followers, took refuge in Gwalior and lived there until his death on March 29, 1810.