Eighteenth-Century Punjab:
The Rise of Sikh Power Amidst Turbulence
Eighteenth century Punjab, a period between the demise of Guru Gobind Singh and the rise of Sikh Raj under Maharaja Ranjit Singh was an eventful period of Sikh history. The inhabitants of the Punjab were under constant strain from multiple powers including the tyrannical Mughals, the plundering Afghan invaders and the advancing Marathas. The Sikhs valiantly fought them initially in small jathas (groups), merging in 1748 into twelve independent misals (confederacies), which came together to fight under the unified banner of the Dal Khalsa. By 1768, the Sikhs had overpowered all their enemies and won possession of major territories of the Punjab and the end of century saw the emergence of the Sikh empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The founders of the misals were originally free lancers and veteran espousers of freedom from oppression. As their possessions and followings increased they acquired the character of chieftainships. These confederacies did not exist in their full strength at the same time, but one misal gave rise to another. An aspiring chief could separate himself from his immediate derah (camp) to form, perhaps, a greater one of his own. It is often said, “those who make history seldom live to write it”. This was particularly true for the Sikh misals. This series of paintings of the misal leaders by artist Devender Singh for the Kapany Collection is an addition to this history.
The Singhpuria or Fiazullapuria Misal
The Legacy of Nawab Kapur Singh
The Singhpuria or Fiazullapuria Misal was founded by Nawab Kapur Singh (1697-1753). He rallied the Sikhs to fearlessly standup to the oppressive rule of the Mughals and later challenged the chain of Afghan invasions under Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali. A leader with vision he realized that the community needed solidarity and union. In 1747, he successfully merged the 65 independent fighting Sikh jathas(groups) into 12 misals (confederacies) under the unified Dal Khalsa. “Kapur Singh was very generous and magnanimous and an embodiment of humility and humanity” Ahmad Shah Batalia in “Twarikh-i-Hind (1824)
Legacy of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
The Founder of the Dal Khalsa and Conqueror of Lahore and Delhi
The Ahluwalia Misal was led by the legendary general Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (1718-1783) also addressed as Sultan-e-quam. As the first commander of the newly formed Dal Khalsa, he led the Sikhs to victory in numerous battles against the Mughals and Afghans capturing the forts of Lahore (1762) and Delhi (1783). He laid the foundations for the princely state of Kapurthala.
“In the centre was Jassa Kalal, who fearlessly stood like a mountain’” Qazi Nur Mohammand in “Jangnama” after seeing him fight during Ahmad Shah’s seventh invasion in 1765.
The Nishanwalia Misal
From Dasaundha Singh to Daya Kaur
The Nishanwalia Misal was founded by Dasaundha Singh (d. 1767) leader of the Taruna Dal, one of the two arms of the Dal Khalsa. Because of his exemplary strength, he was accorded the honor of carrying the saffron colored flag (nishan) of the Dal Khalsa. In 1786, the misal was led by Daya Kaur, the widow of the leader Gurbaksh Singh.
“She was an excellent ruler and her estate was one of the best managed in the protected territory” Sir Lepel Griffin in “Rajas of the Punjab” (1870) in praise of Daya Kaur
The Legacy of The Bhangi Misal
From Chajja Singh to Kim's Gun
The Bhangi Misal was founded by Chajja Singh, a companion of Banda Singh and said to have taken pahul from Guru Gobind Singh. As one of the largest Sikh misals of the period they established an independent government in their territories, which included Amritsar, Gujrat, Chiniot and, part of Lahore city. During an attack on the Afghan arsenal near Lahore in 1762, they captured the famous gun “Zamzama” one of the largest cannons made in the sub continent. It was also called the “toap-i-bhangian” and was later taken by Ranjit Singh to Lahore where it is today displayed.
Who hold Zam-Zammah, that 'fire-breathing dragon', hold the Punjab, for the great green-bronze piece is always first of the conqueror's loot." Rudyard Kipling in “Kim”. It also came to be known as Kim’s Gun
The Legacy of Sada Kaur
A Pivotal Figure in Punjab's History
The Kanaihya Misal flourished under Jai Singh and thereafter his daughter-in-law Sada Kaur. A brave and ambitious leader she did not shy away from the battlefield. Playing a critical role in the rise to power of her son-in-law Ranjit Singh she guided and helped him occupy Lahore in 1799. She led her army in the combined Kanhaiya & Sukerchakia campaigns of Amritsar, Kasur, Hazara and Attock.
“Thus fell, after having figured prominently in Punjab politics for about thirty years, the high spirited Sada Kaur, one of the most remarkable women in the history of the Punjab. She had been the mainstay of Ranjit Singh’s power, the ladder, whereby that monarch had been enabled to reach the summit of his greatness.” Syed Muhammad Latif in “History of the Punjab” 1891
The Legacy of Baba Deep Singh and the Saheed/Nihang Misal
Defenders of the Sikh Faith
The Saheed /Nihang Misal was founded by Baba Deep Singh (1682-1757), who accompanied Guru Gobind Singh from 1700-1706 and later fought alongside Banda Singh. A man of scholarly disposition with a thorough knowledge of Sikh scriptures, he helped Bhai Mani Singh prepare four copies of the Guru Granth Sahib. He attained martyrdom fighting to free Amritsar from the Afghan forces, and henceforth his jatha was called “Saheed or Nihang”
“They exercised a fierce scrutiny as censors in upholding strict compliance with the militant creed of the Singh’s, constituted themselves defenders of the faith against all innovations, took a prominent part in the councils in the planning and arranging of expeditions for averting national danger and in educating the people in the doctrines of the Sikh religion.” General John J.H. Gordon in “The Sikhs” 1904
Founding and Legacy of the Nakkai Misal
From Hira Singh to the Sikh Empire
The Nakkai Misal was founded by Hira Singh (b. 1706). He was initiated into the Khalsa in 1731, and joined the Sikh movement in the Punjab in 1748. He took possession of the Nakka territory lying between Lahore and Gogaira and between the rivers, Satluj and Ravi. With the marriage of Ranjit Singh to Raj Kaur in 1789, the relationship between the two misals was greatly strengthened. In 1802 she gave birth to Kharak Singh, the heir to the Sikh empire.
The Legacy of the Sukerchakia Misal
From Charhat Singh to Ranjit Singh
The Sukerchakia Misal was founded by Charhat Singh (1732 -1770) and after his demise, his widow Mai Desan, ruled with vigor for her young son Mahan Singh. His son Ranjit Singh established his control over numerous misal territories to establish a unified Sikh Raj in the Punjab.
“There is not the least doubt about it that if he [Mahan Singh] had lived ten years longer, he would have become the sole monarch of the whole of northern India from the Khyber Pass to the Ganga, and from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea, and Emperor Shah Alam II would have become his protégé.” Hari Ram Gupta on Mahan Singh in “History of the Sikhs”
Jassa Singh and the Ramgarhia Misal
A Legacy of Resilience and Warfare in Punjab
The Ramgarhia Misal was headed by Jassa Singh (1723-1803) who was one of the strongest chiefs of the Punjab. A gallant warrior he took part in all the Sikh campaigns fought against the Afghans and Mughals. He rebuilt the Ram Rauni fort at Amritsar numerous times. At one point of time he lost all his territories due to inter misal rivalries and was forced into exile in Malwa, but managed to win them back later.
The Legacy of Baghel Singh
Military Prowess and Sikh Contributions in Delhi
The Karorsinghia Misal was brought into prominence by Baghel Singh (d. 1802). He had a brilliant career of military achievements to his credit. In 1783, he entered Delhi and unfurled the Khalsa Nishan on the Red Fort. He built 7 gurdwaras consecrating the places connected with the Sikh Gurus in the city of Delhi as part of the settlement with the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.
“When the Sikhs entered Khurja, the people ran away. The rich men of the town were tied to pillars and compelled to disclose their hidden treasures. After the plunder Baghel Singh and Jassa Singh spread a cloth on the ground and asked the Sikh chiefs to give away one tenth of their booty, in cash, for the service of the Guru. An amount of one lakh rupees was collected and the money sent to the Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar.” Gian Singh in Panth Prakash 1880.
Legacy of Leadership
Tara Singh ‘Gaiba’ and the Resilient Widow of the Dallewalia Misal
The Dallewalia Misal’s most renowned leader was Tara Singh ‘Gaiba’(1707-1807). In 1783, he assisted in the construction of the 7 gurdwaras at Delhi and also captured 2 guns from the Red Fort. He opened langars (free kitchens) for the poor and needy and was respectfully called “Babaji” by all the Sardars. The misal controlled sizable territory on both sides of the Satluj River
“The widow of the aged leader equaled the sister of the Raja of Patiala in spirit, and she is described to have girded up her garments, and to have fought, sword in hand, on the battered walls of the fort of Rahon” J.D Cunningham “History of the Sikhs” (1849) for Rattan Kaur, wife of Tara Singh against Ranjit Singh in 1807.
The Phulkian States of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind
Origins and Legacy
The Phulkian states of Patiala, Nabha & Jind were established by descendants of Chaudhary Phul whose sons Tilok Chand and Ram Chand received pahul from Guru Gobind Singh. The founder of the Patiala state was Ala Singh. By his excellent diplomatic skills he gained favor with both the Mughal emperor and the Afghan invaders, while still being in grace with the Dal Khalsa. In 1761, he was granted the title of Raja by Ahmad Shah Abdali and started construction on the present Qila-i-Mubarak in 1763.
“It is the order of Shri Guru ji that Bhai Tiloka and Bhai Rama, may the Guru protect you all, should come to our presence with your troops. We are much pleased with you. Your house is ours. Immediately on the receipt of this order you should come here…Come with your horsemen. Come without fail. My blessings are on you…Do come. I have sent a dress for you.” 2ndBhadon, 1753 (August 2,1696) Hukamnama issued by Guru Gobind Singh to the two brothers (sons of Chaudhary Phul) when he was fighting against the hill chiefs Ganda Singh