Brigadier Maharao Raja Bhupesh Singh Hada of Bundi, SC, VSM (born June 1970) is an Indian Army officer and the 26th titular King of Bundi. A Special Forces officer, he has served as Force Commander of the National Security Guards and Commander of the Siachen Brigade. He was installed as the ceremonial king of the erstwhile Princely State of Bundi on 12 December 2021, continuing the lineage as the 26th Gaadipati of the Hada-Chauhan dynasty of Bundi.
Early life and education
Brigadier Bhupesh was born in Bundi, Rajasthan, to Maharaja Vijayraj Singh, an educationist and social worker. He belongs to the erstwhile Jaagir of Maalakpura and Chautra Ka Kheda. He completed his schooling from Sainik School, Chittorgarh, and graduated from the National Defence Academy (79th Course, Golf Squadron). He subsequently trained at the Indian Military Academy before being commissioned in 1991.
Military career
After initial service in the Madras Regiment, Brigadier Hada volunteered for Special Forces and joined the elite 10th Para (Special Forces), known as 'Scorpions'. His career spans multiple locations across India:
Key Appointments
Force Commander, National Security Guards (NSG), Manesar
He has trained and operated extensively with the Indian Air Force, Navy, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and Special Forces units of various foreign nations.
Adventure activities
An accomplished mountaineer, Brigadier Bhupesh summited Mount Everest in year 2012 and completed the Everest Marathon. He is qualified as:
Combat-free fall parachutist
Para-glider pilot
Combat underwater diver
Ultra-marathoner
Awards and decorations
Award
Year
Citation
Shaurya Chakra
1999
For counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir
Vishisht Seva Medal
2019
For distinguished service in Siachen Glacier
Wound Medal (Parakram Medal)
1998
For injuries sustained in combat
Chief of Army Staff Commendation
1997, 2013
For counter-terrorism operations and adventure activities
Army Commander's Commendation
1993
For anti-terrorist operations in Assam
Director General NSG's Commendation
2021
As Counter Terrorist Force Commander
UN Force Commander's Appreciation
2003
For services in Ethiopia-Eritrea Mission
Personal life
Brigadier Bhupesh is married to Padmaja Rathore from Jasol, Barmer. They have a son named Raghav Hada. As the titular King of erstwhile Princely State of Bundi and as Gaadipati of Hada-Chauhan Raajvansh, he serves as the ceremonial head of the Kshatriya community in the region and chairs the Hadauti Foundation, which manages Bundi's royal heritage.
Royal succession
On 12 December 2021, Brigadier Bhupesh Singh was installed as the 26th titular King of Bundi in a traditional ceremony at the Raktdantika Mateshwari Temple, Sathoor. Bundi was a Princely State founded by the Hada-Chauhans in 1242 CE and was the capital of the Hadauti region. The rulers are descendants of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan, and the Bundi throne is considered as the senior-most continuous 'Gaddi' of Chauhan Rajputs.
India
Indian Army
Brigadier
10 Para SF
Shaurya Chakra
Vishisht Seva Medal
