singh died following a riding accident. he was known for playing polo, cricket, field hockey and english billiards. the maharaja had a total of 365 wives, and defied his subjects and the british government when he married florence bryan, the daughter of his irish horse master, persuading her to convert to the sikh faith. he was a close friend of william beresford and of frederick roberts. the irish composer thomas o'brien butler (1861–1915), who spent some time in india, dedicated a song composition to him.