Shiva Singh

Shiva Singh
King of Mithila
Reign	1407 A.D. - 1416 A.D.
Predecessor	Deva Singh
Successor	Lakshima Devi
Born	Darbhanga
Died	1416 A.D.
Spouse	Lakshima Devi
House	Oinwar dynasty
Father	Deva Singh
Religion	Hinduism

Shiva Singh (also known as Shiva Simha) was the ruler of the Mithila region of modern-day northern Bihar and belonged to the Oinwar dynasty. He is noted for continuing his fathers tradition of patronising the culture of Mithila and having various notable poets serve in his court.

The tradition of the region asserts that Shiva Singh started to take an early interest in administrative affairs from the age of 15.

Shiva Singh was noted for his encouragement of arts, philosophy and patronizing scholars. Hundreds of songs known as Padavalis were composed that detailed the religious and social lives of the people living in the region.

Shiva Singh attempted to declare the independence of Mithila and abrogated his treaty with the Sultan of Delhi at the time. This prompted the enraged sultan to invade Mithila and Shiva Singh was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his wife Queen Lakshima Devi who ruled the kingdom for 12 years from 1416 A.D to 1428 A.D.

Contrary evidence holds that he was captured alive and taken as a prisoner to Delhi.

Shiva Singh was the first King of this dynasty to issue gold coins as two specimens of gold coins have been found in Champaran district of Bihar which bear the name Shri Shiva. He also was a patron of the Maithili language and the famous poet Vidyapati served in his court and composed poems about the King. In fact Shiva Singh's name has been mentioned in more than 100 of Vidyapati's songs.

The village of Shiv-Singhpur in Darbhanga district is named after him.

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