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Jai Singh Kanhaiya

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Jai Singh Kanhaiya
Indian miniature painting of Jai Singh Kanhaiya
Born1712
Kahna,
Punjab,
Mughal Empire
(Present day:
Kahna,
Lahore District,
Punjab,
Pakistan)
Died1793 (aged 80–81)[1]
SpouseDesan Kaur
ChildrenGurbaksh Singh
FatherKhushal Singh Sandhu

Jai Singh Kanhaiya (1712–1793) was the founder and, until his death, leader of the Kanhaiya Misl in Punjab. His daughter-in-law, Sada Kaur succeeded him as the misl leader.

Early life

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Jai 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.[1] In 1759, his wife Desan Kaur (who was the widow of Jhanda Singh) gave birth to his only son and heir Gurbaksh Singh.[2]

Misldar

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Painting of Jai Singh Kanhaiya receiving Raja Raj Singh and other hill princes, late 18th century

Jai Singh pulled off a bold heist in January 1754. Alongside Charat Singh, they disguised themselves in Muslim attire and slipped into Lahore under the cover of darkness through the Shah Alami Gate. Their target was the affluent merchants and jewelers residing near the Begams' palaces, Parimahal and Rangmahal. With precision and cunning, they plundered the wealthy elite, leaving a mark on the city [3]

In April 1758, Adina Beg became Punjab's governor and sought to quell Sikh disturbances. Adina Beg Khan dispatched a formidable force under Mir Aziz Bakhshi, accompanied by 4,000 carpenters with steel tools to clear forests around Amritsar.The Sikhs sought refuge in Ramgarh fort, believing martyrdom would secure heaven. Leaders Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Jai Singh Kanhaiya, and Amar Singh Kingra defended the fort. Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia launched a daring counterattack from the fort, using matchlocks and arrows to take down numerous assailants. They swiftly returned to the fort, shutting the gates behind them. Jai Singh showcased exceptional bravery, charging into the enemy's midst on his agile mare. Despite being targeted from all sides, his fearless demeanor kept enemies at bay, allowing him to safely retreat into the fort. Mir Aziz Bakhshi, the enemy commander, eventually breached the fort's wall one night. The Sikhs responded with a fierce sally, resulting in significant enemy casualties and several captives[4]

He worked in collaboration with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, he seized a part of Riarki comprising the district of Gurdaspur and upper portions of Amritsar. His headquarters shifted from his wife's village at Sohian, 15 km from Amritsar to Batala to Mukerian.[1] In 1763, Jai Singh Kanhaiya sacked Kasur along with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Hari Singh Dhillon. The Ramgarhias and Kanhaiyas shared all their booty equally, but Jassa Singh Ramgarhia tried to keep all the booty for himself. As a result, his relationship with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia deteriorated.[5] He had territories on both sides of the rivers Beas and Ravi. Qazi Nur Muhammad, a historian, wrote in 1765 that Jai Singh Kanhaiya had extended his territory up to Parol, which was 70 km southeast of Jammu and that he was allied with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia because they shared the territory of Batala.[1] The hill chiefs of Nurpur, Datarpur and Siba became his tributaries. In 1774, Jai Singh and Haqiqat Singh built a bazaar in Amritsar called the Katra Kanheyan. In October 1778 he collaborated with Mahan Singh Sukerchakia and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia to defeat Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and exiled him to the desert regions of Hansi and Hissar.[1] In 1781, he led an expedition into Jammu with Haqiqat Singh and received a tribute from Brij Raj Dev, the ruler of Jammu.[1]

Jammu Affairs, 1774-84

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In the mid-18th century, the Punjab region was a battleground for various empires, including the Mughals, Durranis, Marathas, and Sikhs. This period of turmoil drew in several influential leaders and factions vying for control,[6]

Jammu, situated 35 kilometers north of Sialkot, was a thriving city under Raja Ranjit Dev's rule. His fair and impartial administration attracted merchants, bankers, artisans, and people from diverse backgrounds, transforming Jammu into a haven of peace known as Dar-ul-Aman.[7]

However, a quarrel broke out between Ranjit Dev and his eldest son, Brij Raj Dev, in 1774. Brij Raj Dev's questionable character prompted his father to consider appointing his younger son as successor, leading to the conflict. Brij Raj Dev invited Jai Singh Kanhiya and Charat Singh Sukarchakia to support his cause against his father. This alliance marked the beginning of a prolonged struggle that would last for years.[8]

The conflict lasted 22 days, culminating in Charat Singh's death. His wife and only son, Mahan Singh, attended his funeral, marking a significant turning point in the affair. Following Charat Singh's death, Jai Singh Kanhiya declared Mahan Singh head of the Sukarchakia Misl. This decision would shape the future of the region and influence the alliances that followed. To counter the Bhangis, Jai Singh resorted to cunning tactics. He bribed a sweeper, a personal attendant of Jhanda Singh, with 4,000 rupees. One evening, the sweeper assassinated Jhanda Singh from behind, devastating his brother Ganda Singh.year,[6]

Ganda Singh, overcome with grief, retreated to Amritsar, abandoning the conflict. This development shifted the balance of power, allowing Jai Singh to gain the upper hand. Ranjit Dev, seeking to exploit the situation, bribed Jai Singh with a substantial sum of one lakh and a quarter rupees. This alliance temporarily secured his position but ultimately contributed to further instability.[9]

Mahan Singh, despite being only 10 years old, demonstrated remarkable strategic thinking. He formed a bond with Brij Raj Dev, exchanging turbans as a symbol of lasting brotherhood. This alliance would have far-reaching consequences. Jai Singh Kanhaiya, seeking to consolidate his influence, managed the Sukarchakia Misl and arranged Mahan Singh's marriage to the daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind. This union strengthened his position and secured vital alliances.However, Ganda Singh Bhangi, seeking revenge, won over Jai Singh's rival, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. The two factions clashed in several battles, culminating in the Battle of Dinanagar, where Ganda Singh lost his life.[10]

Ranjit Dev's death in April 1781 led to Brij Raj Dev's succession. Jai Singh and Haqiqat Singh, seizing the opportunity, launched an expedition to Jammu and received a significant tribute of three lakhs[11]

Jai Singh, eager to exploit Jammu's wealth, instigated Haqiqat Singh to lead another plundering raid. Haqiqat Singh, expecting Mahan Singh's support due to their bond, proposed a joint attack. Mahan Singh agreed, and they planned the raid[12]

In January 1784, Mahan Singh reached Jammu by a different route, four days before the planned attack. He plundered the city for three days and nights, killing thousands and securing substantial booty worth over one crore. Haqiqat Singh's arrival found Jammu in flames and ruins. The treachery shocked him profoundly, leading to his death from grief upon returning to Fatahgarh, his headquarters[8]

Conflict with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

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In 1778, a territorial dispute between the Kanhaiyas and Ramgarhias escalated into conflict. Jai Singh Kanhaiya allied with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Mahan Singh to challenge Jassa Singh Ramgarhia[13]Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's headquarters, Sri Hargobindpur, was attacked by Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Haqiqat Singh, Kanhaiya Supported by Mahan Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in September 1778. Despite strong resistance, Ramgarhia was expelled. Simultaneously, Batala was besieged by Gurbakhsh Singh Kanhaiya, Jai Singh's son. Mali Singh, Ramgarhia's brother, was known for his tyranny and was forced to flee[14]

The conflict resulted in significant losses for the Ramgarhias. Khushhal Singh, Jassa Singh's brother, was mortally wounded and died shortly after. Tara Singh was defeated and killed in the battle for Kalanaur, which then became Haqiqat Singh Kanhiya's headquarters. The allies successfully captured the entire region from the Ramgarhias.[15]

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and his remaining brothers escaped to the deserts of Hisar and Sirsa. Ahluwalia leader Jassa Singh instructed Bhag Singh Ahluwalia not to harass the fleeing Ramgarhias, allowing them safe passage across the Satluj River. Jassa Singh left his family in Lekhpur]under Ranjit Singh Ramgarhia's care and ventured out to find new lands and resources.[16]

Kangra. 1783

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The Kangra Valley stretches 130 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide in the lower Himalayas, with an average elevation of 1,000 meters. The Beas River flows through it. Historically, the valley was divided among Rajput princes of the Katoch family. Kangra town, or Nagarkot, lies on a hill beside the Ban Ganga River. The town boasts the famous Rajeshri Devi temple and the prestigious Kangra Fort, situated 50 meters above the Ban Ganga. Steep precipices surround the fort[17]

The Mughal Government controlled the fort through an officer who collected tributes from local Rajas. During Ahmad Shah Durrani's invasions, Ghamand Chand Katoch rose to power. Ghamand Chand's grandson, Raja Sansar Chand Katoch, sought to capture the fort in 1782. He enlisted Jai Singh Kanhiya's help. Jai Singh's son Gurbakhsh Singh, and BagheI Singh joined Raja Sansar Chand in besieging the fort, held by Saif Ali Khan.

George Forster witnessed the siege in March 1783. He noted 200 Sikh warriors among the besiegers, Forster encountered Sikh horsemen who demanded tributes from travelers, including him. The Sikhs plundered travelers, but Forster's respectful demeanor helped him avoid trouble[8]

After Saif Ali Khan's death, his son Jiwan Khan took charge.Gurbakhsh Singh bribed Jiwan Khan to surrender the fort. Jiwan Khan admitted Sikh troops, surprising Raja Sansar Chand. Gurbakhsh Singh established control over the Kangra hills[18]

Conflict with Maha Singh

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The death of Haqiqat Singh in 1784 was a significant loss for Jai Singh Kanhaiya,. Haqiqat Singh's son, Jaimal Singh, had recently married Sahib Kaur, daughter of Maharaja Amar Singh, strengthening his ties with Jai Singh.

Jaimal Singh leveraged this relationship to persuade Jai Singh to demand half of Mahan Singh's share from the loot of Jammu. Mahan Singh, however, refused, citing the spoils as the fruit of his own labor. This refusal sparked tensions between Jai Singh and Mahan Singh. Jai Singh and Jaimal Singh retaliated by plundering Mahan Singh's territory and laying waste to the parganahas of Mansurpur and Mandiala. Additionally, they attacked Mahan Singh's allies, the Nakais, seizing control of Chunian, Dipalpur, and Raiwind. They also targeted Jandiala, whose chief was loyal to Mahan Singh[8]

During the Diwali celebrations in 1784, Sikh leaders gathered at Amritsar. Mahan Singh visited Jai Singh in his Katra, bearing gifts of sweets. However, Jai Singh insulted Mahan Singh, calling him a "bhagatia" (dancing boy). Mahan Singh, the wealthiest Sikh leader at the time, took this affront to heart. He attacked Jai Singh's camp outside Amritsar, prompting Jai Singh to pursue him[8]

The conflict escalated, with another engagement taking place near Majitha, 20 kilometers from Amritsar. Jai Singh was forced to seek shelter inside the town, which was subsequently besieged. Jai Singh escaped to the Jalandhar Doab, gathering a large army and stores of munitions. Recognizing he couldn't face Jai Singh alone, Mahan Singh retreated to Gujranwala[19]

Mahan Singh forged alliances with Raja Sansar Chand Katoch and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, both sworn enemies of Jai Singh. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia marched from Tosham in early February, encamping at Jagraon. Following the death of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, his successor, Bhag Singh, pledged neutrality..[8]

Jai Singh dispatched forces to check Ramgarhia's advance, but they were repelled. Ramgarhia crossed the river Heas without resistance and joined Mahan Singh near Amritsar. Raja Sansar Chand lay encamped at Dinanagar, 82 kilometers north of Amritsar. Amar Singh Bagga, a former attendant of Jai Singh and member of the Kanhiya misl, defected to Mahan Singh's side[20]

The combined forces advanced towards Batala. Jai Singh confronted them at Randpura village, near Achal, 13 kilometers from Batala. The intense battle lasted six hours.Gurbakhsh Singh, Jai Singh's eldest and most capable son, was struck by an arrow and killed. Jai Singh was momentarily paralyzed by grief. Tara Singh and Jaimal Singh led him to safety. Gurbakhsh Singh's widow, Sada Kaur, escaped in disguise to her fort of Sohian[21]

Jai Singh Kanhiya, realizing his mistake, regrouped his forces and prepared to confront his enemies.Meanwhile, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Sansar Chand Katoch focused on reclaiming their territories, previously seized by Jai Singh, Mahan Singh, however, remained in the field, engaging Jai Singh in a fierce battle at Naushahra.The conflict resulted in significant casualties on both sides, ultimately repulsing Jai Singh[8]

He retreated to Nurpur, accompanied by Tara Singh and Jaimal Singh, pursued by Mahan Singh.Upon reaching the fort, Mahan Singh laid siege but soon realized he was far from his base. He lifted the siege and began his return journey. Sansar Chand welcomed Mahan Singh at his Dinanagar camp and sought his assistance in capturing Kangra Fort. [22]

In the aftermath, Jai Singh's territory was divided among four partners. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia reclaimed his lost territory. Sansar Chand seized control of Hajipur, Mukerian, and the surrounding hills. Amar Singh Bagga solidified his position in Sujanpur, Mahan Singh acquired Kanhaiya territory, valued at three lakhs per annum.[6]

Conflict with Sansar Chand

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Kangra painting of a darbar (court) scene with Sansar Chand of Kangra and Jai Singh Kanhaiya, circa 18th or 19th century

Sansar Chand Katoch requested Maha Singh to help him in getting back his kangra fort in return for two lakhs rupees tribute. Maha Singh promised to send a force on his arrival at Gujranwala[8]

Meanwhile, Sansar Chand Katoch besieged Jai Singh fort of Atalgharh situated on the banks of river Beas, After four months of unsuccessful Sansar Chand raised the siege, By this time Maha Singh sent a strong contingent of 1000 troops under his two commanders, Daya Ram and Muhammad Salah, Along with Sansar Chand men's they besieged Kangra Fort the siege lasted 6 six months, Maha Singh men ran short of money, Sansar Chand declined to pay anything before the fall of fort, the two alies began to fight, Muhammad Salah was Killed in the engagement Daya Ram return to Gujranwala, Sansar Chand alone continued the siege, he realised that he had bleak chances to gain fort in an open fight, he restored to diplomacy, He sent message to Jai Singh that both of them should join to fight Mahan singh, he accepted the proposal, when he comes out the fort, Sansar Chand men's rushed in and after short scuffle, Sansar Chand seized the fort, After Ranjit Singh and Mehtab Kaur marriage, Maha Singh forced Sansar Chand to surrender all the Kanhaiyas territories situated at the foot of hills to Jai Singh [8]

Matrimonial alliance

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Sada Kaur, of the widow of Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya, was an intelligent and shrewd lady, she found it in the interest of the Kanhaiya Misl to bring about reconciliation with the Sukerchakia Misl, she made up her mind to get her only child Mehtab Kaur betrothed to Maha Singh only son Ranjit Singh, she prevailed upon Jai Singh to approve of her proposal, Then she deputed Amar Singh Kingra to Maha Singh to consider the overture, She learnt that Maha Singh's wife Raj Kaur had gone to Jawalamukhi on a pilgrimage to pray for the recovery of Ranjit Singh from smallpox, she immediately went there and persuaded the lady to accept her proposal, In 1786 Mehtab Kaur was married to Ranjit Singh who was only six year old, when the Sukerchakia and kanhaiya Misls were allied through matrimony,[8]

Death

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Jai Singh died in 1793 at the age of 81 date given by Kushwaqt Rae, his contemporary.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g 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.
  2. ^ Griffin, Lepel Henry (1865). The Panjab chiefs, historical and biographical notices. Lahore: T.C. McCarthy - Chronicle Press. p. 316.
  3. ^ Gupta, Hari Ram. History Of The Sikhs Vol II Evolution of Sikh Confederacies. Munshilal Manohorlal, Pvt Ltd.
  4. ^ Mehta, Jaswant (2005). Advanced Study in the History of Modern India: 1707 - 1813. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 257. ISBN 9781932705546.
  5. ^ Gupta, Hari Ram. History Of The Sikhs Vol II Evolution of Sikh Confederacies. Munshilal Manohorlal, Pvt Ltd.
  6. ^ a b c Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-567308-1. Cite error: The named reference "Singh2004" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India:Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ Gupta, Hari Ram (2000). Studies In Later Mughal History Of The Punjab 1707-1793. Sang-e-Meel Publications. pp. 237–240. ISBN 9789693507560.
  14. ^ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 119.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference auto was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ 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.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ 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.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ 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.
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