Jai Singh Kanhaiya
Jai Singh Kanhaiya (1712–1793) was a prominent Sikh leader and founder of the Kanhaiya Misl, one of the 12 Sikh confederacies that emerged in the 18th century. He played a key role in various battles against the Afghan invaders and local rivals, expanding Sikh territory and influence. Known for his bravery, diplomacy, and administrative skills, Jai Singh Kanhaiya established his misl as a major force in Punjab,
Jai Singh Kanhaiya | |
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 Painting of Jai Singh Kanhaiya | |
| Born | 1712 |
| Died | 1793 (aged 80–81)[1] |
| Spouse | Desan Kaur |
| Children | Gurbaksh Singh |
| Parent |
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Early life
changeJai Singh was born in a Jat family of the village Kahna, 21 km southwest of Lahore.[1] His father, Khushal Singh, was a farmer who also sold wood and hay in Lahore. His family had humble origins. He was initiated into the Khalsa by Nawab Kapur Singh and joined the jatha of Amar Singh Kingra.In 1759, his wife Desan Kaur (who was the widow of Jhanda Singh) gave birth to his only son and heir Gurbaksh Singh[2]
Military Campaign
changeIn January 1754, Jai Singh carried out a daring robbery. Together with Charat Singh, they dressed as Muslims and entered Lahore secretly at night through the Shah Alami Gate. Their aim was to rob the rich merchants and jewelers living near the Begams' palaces, Parimahal and Rangmahal. They carefully and skillfully stole from the wealthy, leaving a lasting impact on the city.[3]
Adina Beg became the governor of Punjab and tried to stop the Sikh uprisings. He sent a strong army led by Mir Aziz Bakhshi, along with 4,000 carpenters carrying steel tools to clear the forests around Amritsar. The Sikhs took shelter in Ramgarh fort, believing that dying for their faith would guarantee them a place in heaven. Leaders like Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Jai Singh Kanhaiya, and Amar Singh Kingra defended the fort. Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia bravely launched a surprise attack from the fort, using matchlocks and arrows to kill many of the attackers. They quickly returned to the fort and shut the gates. Jai Singh showed great courage, riding his fast mare into the enemy lines. Even though enemies surrounded him, his boldness kept them at bay, and he managed to escape back into the fort. One night, Mir Aziz Bakhshi managed to break through the fort's wall. The Sikhs fought back fiercely, causing heavy losses for the enemy and capturing several of them.[4]
Jammu Affairs, 1774-84
changeJammu, flourished under the leadership of Raja Ranjit Dev. His fair rule attracted people from various walks of life, including merchants, bankers, and artisans, transforming Jammu into a peaceful and prosperous city known as Dar-ul-Aman. However, in 1774, a conflict arose between Ranjit Dev and his eldest son, Brij Raj Dev. Due to Brij Raj Dev's questionable behavior, his father considered appointing his younger son as the heir, which led to a quarrel. Brij Raj Dev sought the help of Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Charat Singh to oppose his father's decision. This marked the beginning of a long struggle that lasted for years.
The conflict stretched on for 22 days and ended with Charat Singh's death. His wife and son, Mahan Singh, attended his funeral, which became a significant moment in the conflict. After Charat Singh's death, Jai Singh Kanhaiya declared Mahan Singh as the leader of the Sukerchakia Misl, a decision that would influence future events and alliances. To gain an advantage over the Bhangis, Jai Singh used a clever trick. He bribed a sweeper, who worked for Jhanda Singh, with 4,000 rupees. That evening, the sweeper assassinated Jhanda Singh, leaving his brother, Ganda Singh, devastated. Grief-stricken, Ganda Singh withdrew to Amritsar, leaving the conflict behind. This change shifted the balance of power, allowing Jai Singh to gain the upper hand. Ranjit Dev, seeing an opportunity, bribed Jai Singh with a large sum of money. This deal temporarily secured Ranjit Dev's position but only added to the instability in the region.
Mahan Singh, though only 10 years old, displayed impressive strategic skills. He formed an alliance with Brij Raj Dev, symbolized by an exchange of turbans, which cemented their bond. This partnership had significant long-term consequences. Jai Singh Kanhaiya, wanting to strengthen his influence, took control of the Sukerchakia Misl and arranged Mahan Singh's marriage to the daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind. This union bolstered Mahan Singh's power and secured important alliances. Meanwhile, Ganda Singh Bhangi, seeking revenge, managed to gain the support of Jai Singh's rival, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. The two factions fought in several battles, leading to the Battle of Dinanagar, where Ganda Singh was killed.[5]
Conflict with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
changeIn 1778, a territorial dispute between the Kanhaiyas and the Ramgarhias turned into an open conflict. Jai Singh Kanhaiya formed an alliance with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Mahan Singh to challenge Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's stronghold, Sri Hargobindpur, was attacked by Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya, with support from Mahan Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, in September 1778. Despite fighting back fiercely, the Ramgarhias were forced to retreat. At the same time, Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya, Jai Singh's son, laid siege to Batala, and Mali Singh, Ramgarhia's brother, was known for his tyranny, which led him to flee the region.
The conflict was a significant defeat for the Ramgarhias. Jassa Singh's brother, Khushhal Singh, was seriously wounded and died shortly afterward. In the battle for Kalanaur, Tara Singh was defeated and killed. The Kanhaiya allies then took control of the region, with Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya making Kalanaur his new headquarters.
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and his remaining brothers fled to the deserts of Hisar and Sirsa. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, showing mercy, ordered Bhag Singh Ahluwalia not to harm the retreating Ramgarhias and allowed them to cross the Satluj River safely. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia left his family in Lekhpur under Ranjit Singh Ramgarhia’s protection while he went in search of new lands and resources.[6]
Kangra. 1783
changeThe Kangra Valley is 130 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide, located in the lower Himalayas at an average height of 1,000 meters. The Beas River flows through the valley. Historically, the valley was ruled by Rajput princes from the Katoch family. The town of Kangra, also called Nagarkot, sits on a hill next to the Ban Ganga River. The town is famous for its Rajeshri Devi temple and the well-known Kangra Fort, which is located 50 meters above the Ban Ganga River. The fort is surrounded by steep.
The Mughal Empire controlled the fort through an officer who collected taxes and tributes from the local rulers. During Ahmad Shah Durrani’s invasions, Ghamand Chand Katoch rose to power. In 1782, Ghamand Chand's grandson, Raja Sansar Chand Katoch, attempted to capture the fort and asked Jai Singh Kanhaiya for help. Jai Singh’s son, Gurbaksh Singh, and Baghel Singh joined Raja Sansar Chand in besieging the fort, which was controlled by Saif Ali Khan.
George Forster, who observed the siege in March 1783, noted that there were about 200 Sikh warriors among those besieging the fort. Forster also met Sikh horsemen who demanded tributes from travelers, including himself. Although the Sikhs were plundering others, Forster’s respectful attitude helped him avoid trouble, After Saif Ali Khan’s death, his son Jiwan Khan took over. Gurbaksh Singh bribed Jiwan Khan to hand over the fort. Jiwan Khan allowed the Sikh troops inside, surprising Raja Sansar Chand. As a result, Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya gained control over the Kangra Hills[7]
Conflict With Maha Singh
changeRanjit Dev's death in April 1781 resulted in his son, Brij Raj Dev, taking the throne. Seizing this opportunity, Jai Singh and Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya launched an expedition to Jammu, where they collected a large tribute of three lakhs, Jai Singh, eager to capitalize on Jammu’s wealth, encouraged Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya to lead another raid. Haqiqat Singh, believing that Mahan Singh would support the raid because of their strong relationship, proposed a joint attack. Mahan Singh agreed, and together, they planned the raid.
In January 1784, Mahan Singh arrived in Jammu by a different route, four days before the planned attack. He looted the city for three days and nights, killing thousands and collecting valuable treasures worth over one crore. When Haqiqat Singh arrived, he found Jammu in ruins. The betrayal shocked him deeply, and he died from grief shortly after returning to his headquarters in Fatehgarh
Haqiqat Singh’s death in 1784 was a major loss for Jai Singh Kanhaiya. Haqiqat's son, Jaimal Singh, had recently married Sahib Kaur, the daughter of Maharaja Amar Singh, which strengthened his ties with Jai Singh. Jaimal Singh used this connection to convince Jai Singh to demand half of the loot from Mahan Singh. Mahan Singh, however, refused, claiming that the spoils were the result of his efforts. This caused tensions between Jai Singh and Mahan Singh. In retaliation, Jai Singh and Jaimal Singh attacked Mahan Singh's territory, destroying the parganah of Mansurpur Majitha, and also attacked Mahan Singh’s allies, the Nakais, seizing control of Chunian, Dipalpur, and Raiwind. They even targeted Jandiala, a region whose chief was loyal to Mahan Singh
During Diwali in 1784, Sikh leaders gathered at Amritsar. Mahan Singh visited Jai Singh’s camp with gifts of sweets, but Jai Singh insulted him, calling him a "bhagatia" (dancing boy). This insult hurt Mahan Singh, who, being the wealthiest Sikh leader at the time, could not let it go. He attacked Jai Singh’s camp, forcing Jai Singh to chase him
The conflict escalated, leading to another battle near Majitha, 20 kilometers from Amritsar. Jai Singh was forced to take refuge in the town, which was soon besieged. Jai Singh managed to escape to the Jalandhar Doab, where he gathered a large army and more supplies. Realizing he couldn’t fight Jai Singh alone, Mahan Singh retreated to Gujranwala. Mahan Singh formed alliances with Sansar Chand and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, both enemies of Jai Singh. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia marched from Tosham and camped at Jagraon. After Jassa Singh Ahluwalia's death, his successor Bhag Singh promised to stay neutral
Jai Singh sent troops to stop Ramgarhia’s advance, but they were pushed back. Ramgarhia crossed the Heas River without opposition and joined forces with Mahan Singh near Amritsar. Raja Sansar Chand camped at Dinanagar, about 82 kilometers north of Amritsar. Amar Singh Bagga, a former ally of Jai Singh, defected to Mahan Singh’s side
The combined forces moved towards Batala. Jai Singh confronted them at Randpura, near Achal, 13 kilometers from Batala. The fierce battle lasted six hours. Gurbakhsh Singh, Jai Singh’s eldest son, was struck by an arrow and died. Jai Singh was devastated, and Tara Singh and Jaimal Singh helped him escape. Gurbakhsh’s widow, Sada Kaur, fled in disguise to her fort at Sohian
Realizing his error, Jai Singh reorganized his forces and prepared for another battle. Meanwhile, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Sansar Chand focused on regaining the territories previously taken by Jai Singh. Mahan Singh, however, continued fighting Jai Singh, resulting in a tough battle at Naushahra, which caused heavy casualties on both sides, ultimately driving Jai Singh back
Jai Singh retreated to Nurpur with Tara Singh and Jaimal Singh, pursued by Mahan Singh. When Mahan Singh reached the fort, he laid siege but soon realized he was far from his support base. He lifted the siege and started his return journey. Sansar Chand welcomed him at his camp in Dinanagar and asked for help to capture Kangra Fort.
In the aftermath of these battles, Jai Singh’s territory was divided among four allies. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia regained his lost land, Sansar Chand took control of Hajipur, Mukerian, and the surrounding hills, while Amar Singh Bagga strengthened his position in Sujanpur. Mahan Singh acquired Kanhaiya territory, which was valued at three lakhs annually.[8]
==Conflict with Sansar Chand==3 Sansar Chand Katoch asked Mahan Singh for help in capturing Kangra Fort, offering a tribute of two lakh rupees in return. Mahan Singh agreed to send forces once he arrived in Gujranwala (Singha, 1993). Meanwhile, Sansar Chand laid siege to Jai Singh’s fort at Atalgharh, located on the Beas River. After four months of unsuccessful attempts, Sansar Chand lifted the siege. By this time, Mahan Singh had sent a large force of 1,000 troops, led by his commanders Daya Ram and Muhammad Salah. Together with Sansar Chand’s men, they began to besiege Kangra Fort, a siege that lasted six months. However, Mahan Singh's men soon ran out of money, and Sansar Chand refused to pay anything until the fort fell. The two allies began to argue, and in the fighting, Muhammad Salah was killed. Daya Ram returned to Gujranwala, leaving Sansar Chand to continue the siege on his own. Sansar Chand realized he had little chance of capturing the fort through direct combat, so he turned to diplomacy. He sent a message to Jai Singh, suggesting they join forces to fight Mahan Singh. Jai Singh agreed, and when he left the fort, Sansar Chand’s men rushed in. After a brief struggle, Sansar Chand took control of the fort. Later, after the marriage of Ranjit Singh and Mehtab Kaur, Mahan Singh forced Sansar Chand to give up all Kanhaiya territories at the foot of the hills to Jai Singh.[9]
Matrimonial alliance
changeSada Kaur, the widow of Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya, was a smart and strategic woman. She believed it was in the best interest of the Kanhaiya Misl to make peace with the Sukerchakia Misl. To achieve this, she decided to arrange the marriage of her only child, Mehtab Kaur, to Ranjit Singh, the son of Maha Singh. She convinced Jai Singh to support this idea and then sent Amar Singh Kingra to Maha Singh to discuss the proposal. She discovered that Maha Singh's wife, Raj Kaur, had gone to Jawalamukhi on a pilgrimage to pray for Ranjit Singh's recovery from smallpox. Sada Kaur went there herself and persuaded Raj Kaur to agree to the marriage proposal. In 1786, Mehtab Kaur married Ranjit Singh, who was only six years old at the time. This marriage successfully united the Sukerchakia and Kanhaiya Misls,[10]
Death
changeJai Singh passed away in 1793 at the age of 81. While some historians debate the exact year, Khushwant Singh and Massy confirm it was 1793. Jai Singh's son, Gurbaksh Singh, had already passed away before him. Gurbaksh's wife, Sada Kaur, took charge after his death. Jai Singh had two other sons, Nidhan Singh and Bhag Singh, from a different wife. Nidhan lived in Hajipur, and Bhag lived in Sohian. Jai Singh's third wife, from the Bhangi family, did not have any children. After Jai Singh’s death, Sada Kaur took leadership of the Kanhiya Misl, managing territories in Batala and Mukerian. The land was split: Sada Kaur received half, and Nidhan and Bhag shared the remainder.[11]
References
change- ↑ Bhatia, Sardar Singh. "JAI SINGH (1712-1793)". Encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University, Patiala. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta. History Of The Sikhs Vol II Evolution of Sikh Confederacies. Munshilal Manohorlal, Pvt Ltd. p. 125.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 257. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 259. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 282. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 259. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 261. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 261. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 264. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ↑ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 264. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.