15 September 1873 (Ananta Chatturdashi) at Kotda, Kotah State.
He was the second son of Maharaja Chaggan Singh of Kotda thikana and was known as Kr. Udai Singh before adoption to the gaddi of Kotah State.
During his long reign of 51 years Kotah was transformed from a medieval state into a modern one. This period is recalled as the Golden Era in the history of Kotah. The most important event was the restoration of the 15 parganas of rich land and considerable area back to Kota in 1896, which were earlier carved out of Kotah State to create the State of Jhalawar in 1843. Kotah now had an area of approx. 6000 sq. miles. Kotah was renowned for its excellent administration and its revenue settlement and system which was better and far more beneficial for the cultivators and more advanced than what was prevalent in British India. There was emphasis on the advancement of learning, health and in the setting up of the Co-operative Movement, which were one of the earliest features of Kotah State. The creation of new schools, colleges, hospitals, dispensaries, roads, bridges, the extension of the railway, new canals and reservoirs, the development of industries like stone and glass, advancement of trade and commerce, the installation of electricity and water-work, the erection of all new public buildings, the modernization of the army and police force, all these activities were under-taken with vigour. There was a phenomenal growth in the income and the revenues of the State. The Maharao was assisted in this great work by an able Diwan, Chaube Sir Raghunath Das and a team of loyal and dedicated officers and sirdar who carried out the work of the building up of modern State, which ensured that the public i.e. the ryot was kept happy and in the best of conditions possible. The government was not only responsible but was responsive to the need of the people. The Maharaj was greatly loved by his people. He was also a great philanthropist. The BHU one of the beneficiaries where his name is enshrined in golden letters. He was easily the most accessible of the Rulers to one and all. His shining legacy still lives in the minds and hearts of the people of Kotah, who deeply venerate and cherish with great affection the memory of the great Maharao, their beloved and benevolent King.