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Maha Singh

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Maha Singh
Sardar Maha Singh of the Sukarchakia Misl
Chief of Sukerchakia Misl
PredecessorCharat Singh
SuccessorRanjit Singh
Born1756 or 1760
Gujranwala, Sukerchakia Misl, Sikh Confederacy
(present-day Punjab, Pakistan)
Died15 April 1790 or April 1792
Gujranwala Fort, Sukerchakia Misl, Sikh Confederacy
(present-day Punjab, Pakistan)
Spouse
IssueRanjit Singh
HouseSandhawalia
FatherCharat Singh
MotherDesan Kaur
ReligionSikhism

Maha Singh (Punjabi: Mahaṅ Singh; 1760 – 15 April 1790[1] or 1756 – April 1792),[2][3] also spelt as Mahan or Mahn Singh, was the second chief of the Sukerchakia Misl, which as a Sikh grouping with its guerilla militia was one of twelve Sikh Misls that later became part of the Sikh Empire. He was the eldest son of Sardar Charat Singh and Sardarni Desan Kaur Warraich. He was the father of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Upon the death of his father, Charat Singh, he succeeded to the leadership of the Sukerchakia Misl. His son Ranjit Singh succeeded him and established the Sikh Empire. He is known for his alliance with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and for reducing the power of the Kanhaiya Misl. Maha Singh married firstly Mai Man Kaur, daughter of Sardar Jai Singh Mann of Mughalchak-Mananwala, and secondly Sardarni Raj Kaur, daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind.

Early life

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Maha Singh was born in a Sandhawalia Jat Sikh family to Charat Singh and his wife, Desan Kaur in 1756. Some sources say he was born in the year 1760.[4][5] He had three younger siblings, Saher Kaur, Raj Kaur and Sahej Singh, who died in infancy.[6] Maha Singh was brought him up in his family's martial tradition by his parents and accompanied his father to a variety of military expeditions from an early age. Charat Singh married Maha Singh to Mai Man Kaur, daughter of Sardar Jai Singh Mann, chief of Mogalchak-Mananwala, before his death in 1770 to strengthen the Sukerchakia Misl.[7] His own matchlock accidentally exploded and killed him.[8]

Leadership of the Sukerchakia Misl

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Painting of Mahan Singh seated underneath a red canopy with attendants

Mahan Singh was just 10 years old when he succeeded his father, Charat Singh, inheriting a vast territory. Due to his young age, his stepmother Desan Kair took charge of state affairs, aided by Jail Ram Brahman. Jai Singh Kanhaiya, a close friend of Charat Singh, became Mahan Singh's foster father, providing guidance and support..[9]

Mahan Singh's marital life was also shaped by strategic alliances. His first marriage was arranged by Charat Singh to the daughter of Jai Singh Man. Later, in 1774, Jai Singh Kanhaiya organized his second marriage to Raj Kaur, daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind, strengthening Mahan Singh's position.[10]

At 15, Mahan Singh took control of his territory, driven by ambition. He sought to expand his dominion over northwest Punjab, resenting the Bhangi troops' passage through Sukarchakia territory. To achieve this, he employed diplomacy and force, aiming to oust the Bhangis. [11]

To focus on expansion and wealth accumulation, Mahan Singh entrusted civil administration to capable officials. Diwan Sobha Ram managed income and judicial cases, while Diwan Daya Ram oversaw expenditure. Free from domestic concerns, Mahan Singh devoted himself to growing his empire, exploring all avenues, fair or foul, to accumulate wealth and power[7]

Military campaign

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Conflict with the Chathas

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Mahan Singh faced a significant challenge from the Chatha Pathans of Rasulnagar, a powerful Muslim tribe inhabiting Hafizabad and Wazirabad parganahs. They controlled 78 villages, with strongholds along the river Chenab, During Charat Singh's reign, the Chatha brothers founded new townships: Ahmad Khan established Ahmadnagar, Pir Muhammad built forts at Naiwala, Kot Pir Muhammad, and Fatahpur, while Ali Muhammad founded Alipur (later Akalgarh), Kat Ali Muhammad, and Kat Salim. Sayyid Muhammad founded Sayyidnagar and Mian Khan built Kat Mian Khan.[9]

Rasulnagar, founded by Muhammad Khan Chatha in the early 18th century, was named after his precept Pir Abdur Rasul and located near the birthplace of renowned Punjabi poet Waris Shah. However, tensions arose when Sultan Khan, Muhammad Khan's son, forcibly converted six Sikhs to Islam. Ahmad Khan seized the Zamzama gun from Gujranwala, but Charat Singh took no action, hoping the Chathas would surrender [9]

The Zamzama gun became a contentious issue between Ahmad Khan and Pir Muhammad, leading to a bloody conflict. Mahan Singh exploited this division, besieging Pir Muhammad's fort of Kat Pir Muhammad for four months. After a cunning deception, Mahan Singh captured Pir Muhammad, sacked the fort and town, and then seized Sayyidnagar. He demanded the Zamzama gun from Ahmad Khan, who refused and fled to Gujar Singh's camp. Ultimately, Sahib Singh secretly surrendered Ahmad Khan to Mahan Singh, who executed him. Rasulnagar was renamed Ramnagar. Notably, Mahan Singh received news of Ranjit Singh's birth on November 13, 1780, during the fall of Rasulnagar. At 16 years old, Mahan Singh had solidified his power, and his wife Raj Kaur was likely one year younger [9]

In 1789 Mahan Singh laid siege to Manohar, a strategic fortress under Ghulam Muhammad Khan Chatha's control Despite Griffin's account of Mahan Singh's initial defeat, the siege persisted for over six months. During this time, Mahan Singh's young son, Ranjit Singh, merely nine years old, bravely took charge of operations in his father's absence. In a heart-stopping moment, Hashmat Khan, Ghulam Muhammad's uncle, attempted to attack Ranjit Singh while he rode an elephant, but thankfully, attendants intervened.[9]

As the situation grew desperate, Ghulam Muhammad surrendered, agreeing to a safe exit guaranteed by a solemn oath on the holy Granth. However, this promise was swiftly broken, and Ghulam Muhammad was killed the moment he stepped out. This betrayal spawned a popular saying, "Mahan Singh Manchar Marya hath Pothi pharke," meaning "Mahan Singh killed Manchar by breaking his oath on the holy book." Following this, Ghulam Muhammad's son Jan Muhammad escaped to Kabul, later returning with Shah Zaman to reclaim his territory during the Shah's presence. Yet, Ranjit Singh soon attacked Rasulnagar after Shah Zaman's departure, resulting in Jan Muhammad's tragic demise.[9]

Conflict with the Bhangi Misl

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Ramgarhia and Sukarchakia Misls hold a diplomatic meeting. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia (long, white beard) on left. Maha Singh with checked blanket covering chest on the right, in centre

Chait Singh, the youngest brother of Gujar Singh, had come to aid the Chathas but was arrested and imprisoned in Gujranwala's fort by Mahan Singh. Raj Kaur, Mahan Singh's sister and Sahib Singh's wife, intervened from Gujrat to secure Chait Singh's release, but Mahan Singh refused. Mahan Singh then targeted Bhangi territories, capturing Sahiwal, imprisoning its qiladar, and seizing Pindi Bhattian, Isa Khel, and Musakhel. In 1782, he killed Desa Singh of Chiniot. Karam Singh Dulu successfully defended Jhang.[9]

In 1777, Mahan Singh entered Sialkot district, predominantly controlled by Bhangis. He attacked Kot Loharan, renowned for its armory, and received matchlocks as tribute. During his two-month stay, he invited Bhangi chiefs to meet, imprisoning 22 respondents until they acknowledged his authority and paid tribute. However, Mahan Singh failed to capture Sialkot due to Charat Singh Bajwa, Mansa Singh, and Rupa Singh's bravery.[9]

Amidst northern India's severe famine and three-year drought, Mahan Singh distributed grain to those in need. As the Persian proverb goes, "Adam adam ri me khurd, wa madar hachchiin rafiro me hurd. Jahane talafshud" (In times of hardship, even a handful of grain is precious). Mahan Singh's two-month campaign yielded satisfactory results despite the challenging circumstance, Bhangis then had to pay tribute to Gujranwala.[9]

Mahan Singh's first sack of Jammu

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In January 1784 was a pivotal moment in his ambitious plan to consolidate power in northwest Punjab. With the region's villages and towns impoverished by foreign invaders, government officials, Sikhs, and predatory tribes, Mahan Singh set his sights on Jammu, the sole prosperous city in northern India, thanks to Ranjit Dev's establishment of peace[9]

Jammu's wealth attracted Mahan Singh, who formed an alliance with Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya to plunder the city jointly. However, Mahan Singh reneged on the pact and attacked Jammu alone. As Brij Raj Dev, Ranjit Dev's successor, fled to the Vaishno Devi hills, Mahan Singh assured Jammu's citizens he wouldn't plunder but establish authority. Under cover of night, he surrounded the town, sealed exits, and unleashed a thorough sack. No house or place was spared; women were stripped of ornaments and clothes, and floors were dug up for hidden wealth. The plunder lasted three days and nights, yielding booty worth over a crore. Mahan Singh returned to Gujranwala, while Haqiqat Singh, shocked by the treachery, died soon after[9]

Conflict with the Kanhaiya Misl

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Jai Singh Kanhaiya was deeply grieved by the untimely death of his cousin Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya, who had been shocked by Mahan Singh's treacherous sack of Jammu. Seeking justice, Jai Singh demanded that Mahan Singh relinquish one-fourth of the plundered wealth to Haqiqat Singh's son, Jaimal Singh, and another fourth to the revered Durbar Sahib, with the remainder going to Mahan Singh. However, Mahan Singh flatly refused, boasting that the spoils were solely the result of his own bravery and military prowess.[9]

During the Diwali celebrations in 1784, Mahan Singh attempted to reconcile with Jai Singh at Amritsar, offering sweets as a gesture of goodwill. Nevertheless, Jai Singh rebuffed Mahan Singh, drawing his shawl over his head in disgust and likening him to a "Bhagatia" – a lowly dancing temple boy. This public humiliation fueled Mahan Singh's resentment, prompting him to launch a surprise attack on Jai Singh's camp outside Amritsar.[9]

The Kanhaiya forces initially resisted, but Mahan Singh's troops eventually gained the upper hand, forcing Jai Singh to flee to Majitha, 20 kilometers from Amritsar, Mahan Singh pursued him, and a fierce battle ensued, resulting in Jai Singh's defeat. Besieged in Majitha, Jai Singh escaped across the Beas River to Hajipur, where he regrouped and assembled a formidable army. Facing this renewed threat, Mahan Singh retreated to Gujranwala, ending the conflict for the time being.[12]

In February 1785, Mahan Singh, allied with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Sansar Chand, launched a decisive campaign against Batala, the Kanhaiya Misl stronghold. Gurbakhsh Singh Kanhaiya, Jai Singh's valiant son, led 8,000 troops to counterattack. The Battle of Achal proved disastrous for the Kanhaiya Misl, as Gurbakhsh Singh fell in the initial charge, prompting his forces to flee.[12]

Jai Singh regrouped at Naushahra, determined to continue the fight. Meanwhile, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Sansar Chand reclaimed their lost territories. Mahan Singh, undeterred, engaged Jai Singh in another bloody battle at Naushahra. Both sides suffered heavy losses, but Jai Singh was defeated once more. He sought refuge in his fortified stronghold of Nurpur, which Mahan Singh besieged However, Mahan Singh's aversion to prolonged campaigns led him to lift the siege and return home[13]

Mahan Singh's return journey was marked by a warm reception from Sansar Chand Katoch at Dinanagar. The Raja sought Mahan Singh's assistance in reclaiming his Kangra fort from Jai Singh, offering a substantial nazar of two lakhs of rupees. Mahan Singh agreed and dispatched 1,000 men under Daya Ram and Muhammad Salah to lay siege to the fort. However, Jai Singh's forces put up a fierce resistance, and Mahan Singh's men, lacking sufficient funds, began to starver[9]

As the situation unfolded, Mahan Singh instructed his men to demand Rs. 50,000 from Sansar Chand, but the Raja refused to pay until the fort was secured. This led to clashes between the two groups, resulting in Muhammad Salah's death. Daya Ram returned to Gujranwala in a dire state. During Mahan Singh's subsequent visit to Amritsar, he faced another challenge. Jai Singh had recently married a Bhangi princess, and Mahan Singh was attacked by Bhangi forces. His escape routes were blocked, but Bhag Singh Ahluwalia intervened, providing passage through his Katra and facilitating Mahan Singh's safe exit.[9]

The Bhangi forces pursued Mahan Singh to Majitha, but Bhag Singh Ahluwalia timely dispatch of troops behind the Bhangis ensured Mahan Singh's safety. This ordeal ultimately led to Mahan Singh establishing his own Katra at Amritsar [9]

Mahan Singh's Second Sack of Jammu

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In 1786, Mahan Singh launched his second expedition to Jammu, this time, his target was not just the people, but also the Raja's palaces and treasury, which had been left untouched in the previous invasion. The Raja, Brij Raj Dev, had returned to Jammu with his treasure from Vaishno Devi after Mahan Singh's retirement, but little did he know that his fate was sealed.[9]

Mahan Singh's sudden attack with 5,000 men caught the government and people off guard. The city was plundered, and the remaining riches of the people, along with the Raja's entire treasury and armoury, were looted. The spoils were staggering, with huge quantities of gold, silver, ornaments, diamonds, pearls, and jewelry worth a crore of rupees falling into Mahan Singh's hands. His military might was further bolstered by the acquisition of immense arms and ammunition. The neighbouring chiefs were terrified by Mahan Singh's conquest and quickly paid tribute to him to save their territories from his wrath. [9]

Matrimonial alliances

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In 1784, Sardar Ran Singh Nakai, an ambitious chief from the Nakai Misl who just like Maha Singh was considered the future of the Sikh nation, died. He was succeeded by his son, Bhagwan Singh who was unable to hold territory against another chief, Wazir Singh.[14] Realizing they need a powerful ally to counter Wazir Singh with them, Sardarni Karmo Kaur, widow of Sardar Ran Singh sent a proposal to get her infant daughter, Raj Kaur Nakai betrothed to his four-year-old son, Ranjit Singh and Maha Singh readily agreed. This was the first alliance between Nakais and Sukherchakias.[15] This marriage took place in 1792[16] and Raj Kaur Nakai was renamed Datar Kaur as many ladies in the Sukerchakia Misl bore the name "Raj Kaur", like Ranjit Singh mother and his aunt. She was affectionately called Mai Nakain by Ranjit Singh.[17] In 1801, she gave birth to Ranjit Singh's first son and heir apparent, Kharak Singh. The couple had two other sons Rattan Singh born in 1805 and Fateh Singh who passed away in infancy.[18]

After the death of Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya his widow, Sada Kaur being a farsighted woman, finding the Sukerchakia Misl in its ascendancy, proposed the marriage of her two-year-old daughter to Ranjit Singh. Jai Singh's pride was humbled but he agreed for the match and in 1786 the young children were engaged. Sada Kaur would later succeed to the leadership of the Kanhaiya Misl. With this matrimonial alliance peace was restored between the two contending Misals. This alliance proved very helpful to Ranjit Singh in his future conquests and consolidation of Punjab under his sway.[12] This marriage took place in 1789[19] and Mehtab Kaur became his first wife and mother of twins, Sher Singh and Tara Singh in 1807.

Death and legacy

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Samadhi of Maha Singh or Mahan Singh, near Sheranwala Garden, Gujranwala

In 1790, the strategic town of Sodhra, located 10 kilometers east of Wazirabad, became the focal point of a pivotal conflict. Sodhra was under the independent charge of Sahib Singh Bhangi, who had recently lost his father, Gujar Singh Bhangi. Sahib Singh's journey to Gujrat to claim his father's capital and treasure was cut short by Mahan Singh's ambitions. Mahan Singh sought to seize Sodhra and Gujrat, demanding succession duty from Sahib Singh as a token of his overlordship. Sahib Singh's refusal to comply led Mahan Singh to besiege Sodhra. Despite his sister Raj Kaur's attempts to dissuade him from fighting, Mahan Singh remained resolute. In a dramatic turn of events, Sahib Singh sought the blessings of Darvesh Mastan Shah, a revered saint. The Darvesh's prayers seemed to have an immediate impact, as Mahan Singh was struck by a severe fever that would ultimately claim his life[9]

As Mahan Singh's condition worsened, he secured the future of his legacy by appointing his 10-year-old son, Ranjit Singh, as his successor. In a poignant ceremony, Mahan Singh tied a turban on Ranjit Singh's head, symbolizing the transfer of power. He entrusted Dal Singh Kalianwala, his trusted companion, as Ranjit's guardian and retreated to Gujranwala, where he passed away on April 5, 1790, at just 26 years old[12].[12]

According to Hari Ram Gupta,[20]

"There is not the least doubt about it that if he 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 protege."

Muhammad Latif states,[21]

"Mahan Singh was brave, enterprising and prudent beyond his years; and the age in which he lived highly favoured his ambitious schemes His early feats in arms had acquired for him so great a reputation that many influential independent Sardars joined his banner. His rapid successes gave him an ascendancy over all the Sikh chiefs. His military genius, undaunted courage, stern temper and rigid observance of the rules of delicacy and honour, at times, involved him in serious trouble, but he honourably acquitted himself on all such occasions."

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References

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  1. ^ Herrli, Hans. The Coins of the Sikhs. p. 7.
  2. ^ Khurana, J.S. "MAHAN SINGH". Encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University Patiala. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  3. ^ Kakshi, S.R.; Pathak, Rashmi; Pathak, S.R.Bakshi R. (1 January 2007). Punjab Through the Ages. Sarup & Sons. pp. 272–274. ISBN 978-81-7625-738-1. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
  4. ^ www.DiscoverSikhism.com. History Of The Sikh Misals.
  5. ^ Ahmad Shah Batalia, op. tit., p. 29; Carmichael Smyth, op. tit., p. 9.
  6. ^ Siṅgha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.
  7. ^ a b Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 113.
  8. ^ Pathak, Rashmi (2007). Punjab Through the Ages. Sarup & Sons. ISBN 978-81-7625-738-1.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Gupta, Hari Ram (2001) [1982]. History of the Sikhs. Vol. IV: The Sikh Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of Sikh Misls. Munshiram Manoharlal. ISBN 978-81-215-0165-1.
  10. ^ Lafont, Jean Marie (2002). Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Atlantic Publishers & Distri.
  11. ^ Kanaihya Lai, Tarikh-i-Punjab (1877), Punjabi, Version, Patiala, 1968. p. 135.
  12. ^ a b c d e Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 119.
  13. ^ Cunningham, Joseph Davey (1918). A history of the Sikhs, from the origin of the nation to the battles of the Sutlej. London, New York: Oxford University Press. p. 118. a history of the sikhs cunningham.
  14. ^ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 165.
  15. ^ Sheikh, Majid (25 April 2021). "Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  16. ^ von Hugel, Karl Alexander; Jervis, T. B. (2009). Travels in Kashmir and the Panjab. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/cbo9781139198622. ISBN 978-1-139-19862-2.
  17. ^ Lafont, Jean Marie (2002). Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Atlantic Publishers & Distri.
  18. ^ Bance, Bhupinder Singh (3 October 2013). "Duleep Singh, Princess Catherine Hilda (1871–1942), suffragette". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/105619. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  19. ^ Atwal, Priya (1 November 2020). "Royals and Rebels". doi:10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-754831-8. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  20. ^ Hari Ram Gupta, op. tit, IV, p. 313.
  21. ^ Muhammad Latif, op. tit, p. 344-45; cf, Prinsep, op. tit, pp. 37-38.
Preceded by Leader of the Sukerchakia Misl
1770 –1792 		Succeeded by
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