Duleep

Duleep is a given name of South Asian origin that appears in historical and contemporary contexts. It is best known in two major senses: as the name of notable individuals, and as the title of a major Indian domestic cricket trophy named in honor of one such figure. The most prominent bearer is Maharaja Duleep Singh (1838–1893), the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. Born Dalip Singh, he was installed as ruler of Punjab as a child after the death of his father, Ranjit Singh, and his reign ended following the Second Anglo-Sikh War. The Punjab was annexed by the British in 1849, and Singh spent much of his life in exile in Britain. His legacy is tied to the dissolution of the Sikh Empire and the broader history of colonial rule in the region.

The term Duleep also refers to the Duleep Trophy, a domestic first-class cricket competition in India. Established in 1961–62 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the tournament is named in honor of Maharaja Duleep Singh. It traditionally features teams representing Indian geographical zones, namely North, South, East, West, and Central, and has long served as a platform for players to showcase their abilities and push for national selection. Over the years, the format and participation have evolved, but the trophy remains a respected part of India’s premier domestic cricket calendar.