He was born to Kishor Singh and, after the death of his elder brother, Harbans Rai, in 1849, succeeded him on the throne of Panna.[1] Although he was the rightful successor to his brother, the British government refused to recognize him until he abolished the practice of sati across his territories.[2] Accordingly, he banned sati in Panna.[3] When he was granted ruling powers, he proved to be an excellent administrator.[2][4] During the revolt of 1857, he remained loyal to the British and assisted them in securing the Kalinjar fort and clearing Damoh of rebels.[5] For his services, the British government awarded him a khilat worth Rs. 20,000, an eleven-gun salute, and the Simariya.[5][6] In 1862, the British government granted him the right of adoption, and in 1869, he was given the personal title of Mahendra.[2][6]
On 9 June 1870, while out shooting, he was killed by a tiger.[4][7] His son, Rudra Pratap Singh, succeeded him on the throne of Panna.[1]