Hari Singh Nalwa (29 April 1791 – 30 April 1837) was the commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj, the military force of the Sikh Empire. He is renowned for his pivotal role in the conquests of Kasur, Sialkot, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar, and Jamrud. Nalwa was instrumental in expanding the Sikh Empire’s borders beyond the Indus River, reaching as far as the mouth of the Khyber Pass. By the time of his death, Jamrud marked the westernmost frontier of the Empire.
He also served as the governor of Kashmir, Peshawar, and Hazara, where he established a mint to aid in revenue collection for the Sikh Empire.
 | |
| Nickname(s) |
|
| Born | 29 April 1791 Gujranwala, Shukarchakia Misl, Sikh Confederacy (present-day Punjab, Pakistan) |
| Died | 30 April 1837 Jamrud, Khyber Pass, Sikh Empire (present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) |
| Allegiance |  Sikh Empire |
| Service | Sikh Khalsa Army |
| Years of service | 1804–1837 |
| Rank |
|
| Commands |
|
| Awards | Izazi-i-Sardari |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | Arjan Singh Nalwa, Jawahir Singh Nalwa, Nand Kaur, Gurdit Singhji, Chand Kaur |
Early Life of Hari Singh Nalwa
Hari Singh was born in Gujranwala, located in the Majha region of Punjab, to Dharam Kaur and Gurdial Singh of the Uppal Khatri community. After his father's death in 1798, he was raised by his mother. At the age of ten, in 1801, he underwent Amrit Sanchar and was initiated into the Khalsa. By the age of twelve, Hari Singh began managing his father's estate and developed skills in horse riding.
In 1804, his mother sent him to Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court to settle a property dispute. Ranjit Singh, impressed by Hari Singh’s background and abilities, resolved the dispute in his favor. Hari Singh explained that his father and grandfather had served under Maha Singh and Charat Singh, ancestors of the Maharaja, and showcased his talents as a horseman and musketeer. Consequently, Ranjit Singh appointed him as a personal attendant in the court.
Hari Singh Nalwa had two wives, Raj Kaur from Rawalpindi and Desan Kaur, and fathered four sons and two daughters.
Military Career of Hari Singh Nalwa
During a hunt in 1804, Hari Singh Nalwa was attacked by a tiger, which also killed his horse. Despite the efforts of his fellow hunters to protect him, he declined their help and, using only a dagger, managed to kill the tiger while defending himself with a shield. This remarkable feat earned him the title of Baghmar (Tiger-killer). Although it is unclear whether he was already serving in the military at that time, he was commissioned as a Sardar later that year, taking command of 800 horses and foot soldiers.
Key Battles in Hari Singh Nalwa's Military Career
Battle of Kasur (1807)
Hari Singh Nalwa's first major participation in a Sikh conquest came at the age of 16 during the capture of Kasur in 1807. Kasur had long posed a threat to Ranjit Singh's empire due to its proximity to Lahore. It was captured after several attempts, with this particular attack being led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Jodh Singh Ramgarhia. During the campaign, Hari Singh displayed exceptional bravery and skill, leading to him being granted a Jagir as a recognition of his efforts.
Siege of Multan (1807)
Hari Singh participated in five of Ranjit Singh's seven attacks on Multan, starting in 1807. Ranjit Singh preferred not to end conflicts quickly, opting instead for prolonged sieges to weaken his enemies. On their march to Multan, the Sikh forces also conquered Dilalpur and Jhang. After a lengthy siege, peace was negotiated with the help of Fateh Singh Kaliawalia, and the siege was lifted with significant monetary compensation.
Battle of Sialkot (1807)
Hari Singh was given independent command for the first time during the Battle of Sialkot in 1807, tasked with taking the fort from Jiwan Singh. After a few days of intense engagement, the young commander led his forces to victory, raising the Sikh flag atop the fort.
Battle of Jammu (1808)
Following his success at Sialkot, Hari Singh Nalwa was ordered by Ranjit Singh to conquer the surrounding areas of Jammu in 1808. With the help of a Sikh ally named Hukam Singh Chimni, Hari Singh successfully took the city.
Siege of Multan (1810)
Hari Singh once again participated in a siege of Multan in 1810. This time, the battle was initiated because the local ruler, Muzaffar Khan, had refused to pay tribute to Ranjit Singh. During the siege, Hari Singh was seriously wounded by a fire-pot while attempting to scale the fort's walls. Despite the injury, the siege lasted two months before Muzaffar Khan surrendered and was forced to pay a tribute of 180,000 rupees and 20 horses to the Sikhs.
Battle of Attock (1813)
The Battle of Attock in 1813 was a significant victory for the Sikhs. The fort of Attock, held by Afghan appointees from the Kingdom of Kabul, was a crucial military outpost. The Sikhs, under the leadership of Dewan Mokham Chand, fought and defeated Wazir Fatteh Khan and his brother Dost Mohammad Khan, representatives of Shah Mahmud of Kabul. Hari Singh Nalwa, along with other prominent Sikh generals, played a key role in the battle. The conquest of Attock extended Sikh influence into the Hazara-i-Karlugh and Gandhgarh regions, making them tributary to the empire. In 1815, when Sherbaz Khan of Gandhgarh challenged Nalwa's authority, he was decisively defeated.
Key Campaigns in Hari Singh Nalwa’s Military Career
Campaign in Kashmir
After the Battle of Attock, the Sikhs made several attempts to take Kashmir. Maharaja Ranjit Singh led the army, which was initially hindered by a lack of provisions, bad weather, and treachery from local allies, forcing the Sikhs to retreat. In the years following, Hari Singh Nalwa focused on subduing Muslim chiefs within the Kashmir territory. In 1815–16, he successfully attacked and destroyed the stronghold of the traitorous Rajauri chief.
Conquest of Mahmudkot (1816)
In 1816, Maharaja Ranjit Singh prepared for the conquest of the fortified Mankera, approaching it from the south. Hari Singh Nalwa, along with several other Sikh commanders, participated in this campaign. The conquest of Mahmudkot brought great joy to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who celebrated with cannon fire. Two years later, while en route to Multan, the Sikhs captured the forts of Khangarh and Muzzaffargarh.
Battle of Multan (1818)
The Siege of Multan in 1818 was a significant event in Nalwa's military career. After Muzaffar Khan had been plundered by Ranjit Singh in previous expeditions, he again resisted paying tribute, leading to another siege. In this battle, a force of 15,000 Sikhs clashed with 40,000 Afghans, with Nalwa playing a crucial role in the eventual capture of the citadel. The siege resulted in significant casualties on both sides, and the famous Zamzama cannon was damaged during the siege.
Peshawar Becomes Tributary (1818)
Following the assassination of Wazir Fateh Khan Barakzai in 1818, the resulting confusion provided the Sikhs with an opportunity to enter Peshawar, the summer capital of the Kingdom of Kabul. Hari Singh Nalwa was tasked with maintaining pressure in the region, ensuring the Sikh dominance over Peshawar.
Mitha Tiwana
Hari Singh Nalwa was stationed at the suburbs of Mitha Tiwana by Dewan Mokham Chand. His success in the region led to him being awarded the jagir of Mitha Tiwana.
Capture of Kashmir (1819)
In 1819, Maharaja Ranjit Singh decided to annex Kashmir from the Durrani Empire, as Afghan rule was increasingly unpopular among the local population. The Sikh army, divided into three columns, advanced toward Kashmir, with Hari Singh Nalwa leading a key offensive. During the march, Nalwa decisively defeated Raja Agarullah Khan of Rajouri, leading to his unconditional surrender. The Sikh forces continued to advance, defeating local Afghan resistance at various points. The final push into Srinagar took place in July 1819 after intense battles, culminating in the Sikhs' victory over the entrenched Durrani forces.
This conquest marked the end of Afghan rule in Kashmir and its incorporation into the Sikh Empire.
Battle of Pakhli (1819)
Following the capture of Kashmir, tribute was due from Pakhli, Damtaur, and Darband. Hari Singh Nalwa, accompanied by his companions, marched through Pakhli to collect tribute. The request for tribute led to a fight, and after a well-fought battle, the Sikhs succeeded in obtaining the tribute.
Battle of Mangal (1821)
In 1821, the Maharaja summoned Hari Singh Nalwa to collect his tax. Nalwa marched with 7,000 foot soldiers and passed through Pakhli and Muzaffarabad. In Mangal, he faced a tribal force of 25,000 to 30,000 troops. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Nalwa's forces defeated the Afghans, who lost 2,000 soldiers.
Battle of Mankera (1822)
The Sikh army, under Nalwa's command, launched a campaign to control the Sindh Sagar Doab. They besieged the 12 forts of Nawab Hafiz Ahmed Khan and eventually took Mankera, despite resistance from the Nawab's forces. The Nawab was allowed to continue toward Dera Ismail Khan, which he was granted as a jagir.
Battle of Nowshera (1823)
In 1823, Nalwa and the Sikh army faced the Afghan forces under Azim Khan at Nowshera. Despite fierce resistance from the Afghans, Nalwa's forces successfully reduced Afghan strongholds in the region. The Afghans withdrew after being outmaneuvered by the Sikhs, and Ranjit Singh’s army eventually took control of the area.
Battle of Sirikot (1824)
Hari Singh Nalwa led a campaign against rebellious chiefs in Sirikot, a strategic location in the Gandhgarh Range. After months of siege, the Sikhs were successful in forcing the withdrawal of the Afghans, marking another victory for Nalwa.
Battle of Saidu (1827)
In 1827, Nalwa faced the Yusafzai-led forces in a significant battle at Saidu. The Sikh forces defeated the rebels and pursued them for six miles, capturing their guns and equipment. This victory solidified Nalwa’s reputation as a formidable leader in the region.
Occupation of Peshawar (1834)
Hari Singh Nalwa played a critical role in the occupation of Peshawar in 1834. The Afghan forces withdrew, and Nalwa took control of the city and the Bala Hisar fort without significant resistance.
Dost Mohammad Khan Withdraws (1835)
In 1835, Dost Mohammad Khan of Afghanistan attempted to challenge the Sikhs in Peshawar. After a series of skirmishes and strategic negotiations, the Afghans withdrew. Nalwa, along with Ranjit Singh, used diplomacy and military presence to disorganize Dost Mohammad’s forces.
Battle of Michni
Nalwa was involved in a skirmish near Michni when a local Hindu complained that Dela Khan of Michni had kidnapped his wife. Nalwa and his 100 horsemen attacked Dela Khan’s residence at night. Despite being outnumbered, Nalwa’s forces won the battle. Dela Khan was either slain or later apologized, with the kidnapped bride being returned. The bride converted to Sikhism, and she played a significant role in Nalwa's later martyrdom.
Battle of Jamrud (1837)
The Battle of Jamrud was fought in 1837 during a critical period for the Sikh Empire. While the Maharaja's grandson, Nau Nihal Singh, was getting married and a show of strength was being staged for the British Commander-in-Chief, Dost Mohammad Khan of Afghanistan marched towards Jamrud. He aimed to assert Afghan power in the region, particularly targeting the forts of Shabqadar, Jamrud, and Peshawar. Despite being instructed not to engage the Afghans, Hari Singh Nalwa, who was stationed at Peshawar, was forced to go to the rescue of his lieutenant, Mahan Singh, who was trapped in Jamrud with only 600 men.
Hari Singh’s sudden arrival caused panic among the Afghan forces, but he was grievously wounded in the ensuing battle. Before he died, Hari Singh instructed his lieutenant not to announce his death until reinforcements arrived. When the Afghans realized that Nalwa had died, they withdrew from the region. His death was a severe blow to the Sikh Empire as he had successfully defended the north-west frontier, preventing Afghan forces from invading further. His loss marked the end of Sikh conquests in the region, and after his death, the Khyber Pass remained the northern frontier of the Sikh Empire until the British annexation of Punjab. The victory over the Afghans in previous battles was commemorated by Ranjit Singh, who ordered a shawl depicting these battles in tribute to Hari Singh Nalwa's legacy.
Administrator
Hari Singh Nalwa played a significant administrative role within the Sikh Empire, governing one-third of its territories. He served as the governor of various regions including Kashmir (1820–21), Greater Hazara (1822–1837), and Peshawar (1834–5 & 1836–7). His administrative influence extended across key areas, with Mahan Singh, a Sikh Brahmin, serving as his second-in-command on many administrative matters.
Hari Singh was entrusted with the task of governing troubled regions of the empire to establish effective and vigorous administration. His efforts helped create administrative consistency across vast territories that later became part of British Punjab, including areas like Peshawar, Hazara, Attock, Jehlum, Rawalpindi, and Dera Ismail Khan. Notably, in 1832, at the request of William Bentinck, he helped design a fixed table of duties across his territories, ensuring uniform taxation from Attock to Filor.
However, his rule, particularly in Kashmir, has been criticized for its oppressive nature. The Sikh regime in Kashmir enacted several harsh laws, including punishments for cow slaughter, the closure of mosques, and the banning of the azaan (Muslim call to prayer). The Sikh administration in Kashmir was also marked by exorbitant taxes and widespread poverty among the Muslim peasantry, and many Europeans who visited the region at the time highlighted the dire conditions of the Muslim population.
For the Muslims of Kashmir, Sikh rule was seen as a period of great hardship, as they were ruled by 'kafirs' (infidels), a situation considered deeply humiliating. This period marked a contrast to the previous Afghan rule, which had lasted for 67 years and was similarly harsh. The Sikh conquest of Kashmir was, however, welcomed by the Hindu population, who had suffered under the Afghan regime, facing forced conversions, temple desecration, and other abuses.
Hari Singh's approach to maintaining order in his territories, especially in Peshawar, was tailored to the unique challenges of each region, balancing military action with governance to curb lawlessness and maintain control over the lawless tribes. His methods were seen as effective in these volatile regions, helping to secure the frontier for the Sikh Empire.
Diplomatic Mission
In 1831, Hari Singh Nalwa was entrusted with a diplomatic mission to Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of British India. This mission followed the Ropar Meeting between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British authorities. Maharaja Ranjit Singh saw this as an opportunity to have his son, Kharak Singh, acknowledged as his heir-apparent, but Hari Singh Nalwa strongly opposed such a move. The British, on the other hand, sought to convince Ranjit Singh to open the Indus River for trade, a proposal which was key to British interests in the region.
Death
Hari Singh Nalwa's death occurred after he was severely wounded while fighting against the forces of Dost Mohammad Khan of Afghanistan. According to the Afghan chronicle Siraj al-Tawarikh, he was killed in a duel with Wazir Akbar Khan. However, historian Hari Ram Gupta provides a different account, stating that Nalwa, after rallying his troops, was struck by two bullets during a battle and later died from his injuries after being rushed back inside the fort. A memorial was built in his honor in 1892 at the Jamrud Fort, where he was cremated.
Legacy
Hari Singh Nalwa's legacy is multifaceted, as he was not only a military leader but also a significant builder. He is credited with constructing at least 56 buildings, including forts, temples, mosques, towns, and gardens. His most notable construction was the fortified town of Haripur, which he founded in 1822. Haripur was the first planned town in the region, featuring a well-developed water distribution system. The town became a thriving hub, attracting trade and a large number of Khatri migrants.
Nalwa also contributed to the prosperity of Gujranwala, which he governed as a jagir until his death. He built several key forts in the trans-Indus region, including Jehangira, Nowshera, Sumergarh (or Bala Hisar Fort in Peshawar), and Jamrud Fort. He reinforced Akbar's Attock Fort on the Indus River and also built the fort of Uri in Kashmir.
A devout Sikh, Nalwa is remembered for his contributions to Sikh religious sites. He built the Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal to commemorate Guru Nanak's journey through the region. Additionally, he donated gold to cover the dome of the Akal Takht at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Following his death, Nalwa's sons, Jawahir Singh and Arjan Singh Nalwa, continued to defend the Sikh Empire's sovereignty. Jawahir Singh, in particular, is noted for his role in the Battle of Chillianwala.
Hari Singh Nalwa's influence extended beyond the military and political spheres. His legacy continues to resonate through his descendants, with Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, being a direct descendant of Nalwa's fifth generation.
Popular Culture
Hari Singh Nalwa’s legacy has been commemorated in various forms of popular culture, both in India and internationally.
Martial Ballads and Early Biographies: His life became a popular theme for martial ballads, particularly in the 19th century. Early biographers and poets such as Qadir Bakhsh urf Kadaryar, Misr Hari Chand urf Qadaryaar, and Ram Dayal contributed to preserving his story through their writings.
Bollywood and Music: In the 20th century, his legacy was also celebrated in the world of Indian cinema. The song Mere Desh Ki Dharti from the 1967 Bollywood film Upkaar mentions him with the line, "Rang Hara Hari Singh Nalwe se," eulogizing his bravery and strength.
Amar Chitra Katha: In 1978, Amar Chitra Katha, a well-known Indian comic book series, published a biography of Hari Singh Nalwa, further immortalizing his contributions in popular literature.
Indian Postage Stamp: On 30 April 2013, the Indian Minister of Communications, Kapil Sibal, released a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Hari Singh Nalwa to mark the 176th anniversary of his death. This was a significant gesture to recognize his contributions to Indian history.
Biography and Film: In 2009, Vanit Nalwa, a direct descendant of Hari Singh Nalwa, published a biography titled Hari Singh Nalwa: Champion of the Khalsaji 1791–1837. The biography is being adapted into a feature film by Prabhleen Kaur of Almighty Motion Picture.
Sidhu Moose Wala’s Song: Hari Singh Nalwa’s legacy has also been celebrated in modern Punjabi music. In 2022, the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala released a song called Vaar on the 553rd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, which honors Nalwa's contributions. The song became a massive hit, amassing 1.5 million views within the first 30 minutes of its release.
Merchandise and International Recognition: In September 2023, Hari Singh Nalwa's image was featured on official sweater merchandise of the Dallas Cowboys football team. This was part of their Carpe Omnia ("seize everything") theme for the upcoming sports season, marking an international acknowledgment of Nalwa’s historical significance.
References
- Hari Singh Nalwa & Begum Bano (no date) Hari Singh Nalwa & Begum Bano - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Hari_Singh_Nalwa_%26_Begum_Bano (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa (no date) Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa | Discover Sikhism. Available at: https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhs/sardar_hari_singh_nalwa.html (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Sikh warrior Hari Singh Nalwa ji 100% handmade wall art canvas painting for bedroom, Living Room Decor Modern Home Gift (96 X48) (no date) Amazon.in: Home & Kitchen. Available at: https://www.amazon.in/Warrior-Handmade-Canvas-Painting-Bedroom/dp/B0CX9B9KQL (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- The sikh warrior: Esri India (no date) The Sikh Warrior | Esri India. Available at: https://www.esri.in/en-in/products/arcgis-storymaps/gallery/the-sikh-warrior (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
