Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, who ruled the state of Patiala in India during the early 20th century, was known for his eccentric lifestyle and his passion for collecting wives. According to historians, he had a total of 365 queens, including 10 authorized queens. His harem was so large that he built a special palace, known as the ‘Leela-Bhavan’, to house them all.
The Leela-Bhavan was located in Patiala city on the road leading to Bhupendra Nagar, close to the Bahudari Bagh. It was a large and lavish palace, with luxurious rooms and a huge courtyard. But the most unusual feature of the palace was that it was only open to naked people. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh wanted to ensure that his wives were kept away from prying eyes, so he decreed that no one was allowed to enter the palace wearing any clothing.
The Maharaja was also known for his extravagant parties and banquets. He would often invite hundreds of guests to his palace, and his wives would dance and entertain them. The Maharaja also enjoyed hunting and would often take his wives on hunting trips.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s reign came to an end in 1947, when India gained independence from the British. His harem was disbanded and the Leela-Bhavan was abandoned. Today, the palace is in a state of disrepair, but it still stands as a reminder of the Maharaja’s eccentric lifestyle.