Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (3 May 1718 – 23 October 1783) was a prominent Sikh leader during the era of the Sikh Confederacy, serving as the supreme leader of the Dal Khalsa. He was also the Misldar of the Ahluwalia Misl. This period, which lasted from the death of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716 until the establishment of the Sikh Empire in 1801, was marked by significant developments in Sikh history. In 1772, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia founded the Kapurthala State, solidifying his role as a key figure in the region's political landscape.
The Formation of the Dal Khalsa and the Misls
Jathedar of the Akal Takht | |
In office 9 October 1753 – 23 October 1783 | |
Leader | Sikh |
Preceded by | Kapur Singh |
Succeeded by | Phula Singh |
4th Jathedar of Buddha Dal | |
In office 9 October 1753 – 23 October 1783 | |
Preceded by | Kapur Singh |
Succeeded by | Naina Singh |
Personal details | |
Born | Jassa Singh
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Died | 23 October 1783 (aged 65) Bandala, Sikh Confederacy (present-day Amritsar district, Punjab, India) |
Resting place | Cremated at the Dera Baba Attal, Amritsar |
Spouse(s) | Mai Sahibji Sadarani Raj Kaur Sahiba |
Relations | Bagh Singh (grand-nephew) |
Children | 3 |
Parents |
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In 1733, Zakariya Khan Bahadur sought to negotiate peace with the Sikhs by offering them a jagir, granting the title of Nawab to their leader, and allowing unimpeded access to the Harmandir Sahib. Following discussions at a Sarbat Khalsa, Kapur Singh was elected as the leader of the Sikhs and took on the title of Nawab. He organized the various Sikh militias into two main groups: the Taruna Dal (young soldiers) and the Budda Dal (veteran soldiers), collectively known as the Dal Khalsa. The Budda Dal consisted of Sikhs over 40 years of age, while the Taruna Dal was made up of those under 40. The Taruna Dal was further divided into five jathas, each with 1300 to 2000 men, a separate drum, and a banner. The operational area of the Dal Khalsa was centered around Hari ke Pattan, where the Sutlej and Beas rivers meet. The Taruna Dal controlled the area to the east, while the Budda Dal was responsible for the area to the west. The Budda Dal's primary role was to protect Gurdwaras and train the Taruna Dal, which was tasked with active combat. However, in 1735, the agreement between Zakariya Khan and Nawab Kapur Singh collapsed, forcing the Dal Khalsa to retreat to the Sivalik Hills for regrouping. Later, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia took command of the Dal Khalsa, demonstrating strong leadership and administrative skills. He even brought the Mughal center of power, the Red Fort, under the Khalsa flag, solidifying the foundation of the Khalsa for future generations.
Military Campaigns
Nadir Shah's Invasion
In 1739, Nadir Shah, the Persian ruler, invaded much of Northern India, including Punjab. After defeating the Mughal forces at the Battle of Karnal, Nadir Shah plundered Delhi (Shahjahanabad), looting treasures such as the Peacock Throne, the Kohinoor diamond, and the Darya-i-Noor diamond. During this time, all the Khalsa bands united and passed a resolution condemning Nadir Shah's actions, including the kidnapping of Indian women to be sold into slavery. The Sikhs decided to free the slaves taken by Nadir Shah.
At the age of 21, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia took charge of organizing raids against Nadir Shah’s forces, with the aim of freeing the captives. He, along with other Sikh bands, attacked Nadir Shah's troops, successfully liberated the slaves, and ensured their safe return to their families.
Ahluwalia proved to be a natural leader and participated in many battles during this period. In a 1748 meeting of the Sarbat Khalsa, Nawab Kapur Singh appointed Jassa Singh Ahluwalia as his successor. His followers honored him with the title Sultan-ul-Qaum, meaning "King of the Nation."
The Raids of Ahmad Shah Abdali
Indian Campaign of Ahmad Shah Durrani
Ahmad Shah Durrani, the senior-most general under Nadir Shah, ascended the throne of Afghanistan after Nadir Shah's assassination in June 1747. He established the Sadozai dynasty, named after his Pashtun tribe.
Between December 1747 and 1769, Ahmad Shah Abdali launched a total of nine incursions into northern India. These repeated invasions severely weakened the Mughal administration in the region. In the Third Battle of Panipat, Abdali, alongside the Nawab of Oudh and the Rohillas, defeated the Marathas. Following a treaty signed in 1752, the Marathas became the protector of the Mughal throne at Delhi, gaining control over much of northern India and Kashmir. However, despite his repeated invasions, Abdali was never able to subdue the Sikhs in Punjab, who remained a significant force throughout his campaigns.
Sikhs and Marathas Expel Afghans (1758)
The Battle of Mahilpur in 1758 marked a decisive victory for the Sikhs and Adina Beg's troops against the Afghan forces. The battle took place in the village of Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district, where the Afghans suffered heavy losses. The Sikhs, alongside Adina Beg's forces, emerged victorious.
In an effort to regain control, Prince Taimur sent 20,000 soldiers, both cavalry and infantry, from Lahore to counterattack. However, the Sikhs once again proved victorious, capturing Afghan guns and military equipment. The Afghan camp in Lahore was plagued by nightly Sikh raids, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The contemporary historian Miskin noted that "Every force sent in any direction came back defeated and vanquished."
In April 1758, Raghu Nath Rao entered Lahore, and Adina Beg Khan celebrated with festivities at the Shalamar Gardens. However, his loyalty to the Sikhs was short-lived, and his true intentions remained unclear. Adina Beg Khan’s sudden death in September 1758 ended any further plans of his opposition. With his death, the Sikhs emerged as the dominant force in the region, facing no further resistance from him.
In March 1759, as the Sikhs considered potential threats from the Afghans and Marathas, a Sarbat Khalsa meeting decided to assert control over the rest of Punjab. The Marathas re-entered Punjab and cautiously advanced through Malwa. The Sikhs allowed Sabaji Sindhia, a Maratha leader, to occupy Lahore. When General Jahan Khan launched an attack, the Sikhs and Marathas allied once again, joining forces to defeat the Afghans, solidifying their dominance in the region.
Help of Sikhs to Jats of Bharatpur
Suraj Mal (1707–1763) was the founder of the Jat State of Bharatpur. After his death on 25 December 1763, Suraj Mal’s son, Jawahar Singh, sought help from the Sikhs in the face of rising threats. In response, a Sikh force of 40,000 soldiers, commanded by Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, mobilized to assist the Jats. The Sikhs crossed the Yamuna River on 20 February 1764 and began attacking the surrounding areas, forcing Najib ul Daulah, the Rohilla chief appointed by Ahmed Shah Durrani, to retreat to Delhi. This action relieved the pressure on Bharatpur.
The Sikhs continued their victories, defeating Najib ul Daulah in a 20-day battle at Barari Ghat, located 20 km north of Delhi, in the trans-Yamuna region. Najib ul Daulah retreated to the Red Fort on 9 January 1765, but within a month, the Sikhs defeated him once again in Nakhas (the horse market) and in Sabzi Mandi, further weakening his position.
In December 1765, the Sikhs launched another series of expeditions, moving from Saharanpur to Delhi and then to Rewari, causing widespread devastation along the way. During this period, Jawahar Singh was engaged in conflict with Raja Madho Singh of Jaipur. To strengthen his position, Jawahar Singh enlisted the help of 25,000 Sikh soldiers, led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. In response, Madho Singh sought assistance from the Marathas, fearing a Maratha attack on Bharatpur.
However, Jawahar Singh made peace with Jaipur and, after paying a subsidy to the Sikhs, allowed them to depart. With the Jaipur conflict resolved, Jawahar Singh turned his attention to Dholpur, which was controlled by his step-brother Nahar Singh. A fierce battle ensued on 13-14 March 1766, where the Marathas, who had been supporting Nahar Singh, were decisively defeated. The Marathas abandoned Nahar Singh, forcing him to seek refuge with Madho Singh of Jaipur. Madho Singh then bribed the Sikhs to leave Jawahar Singh and return to Punjab, ending the conflict in Dholpur.
Rescue of Maratha Women by Sikhs
An account in 19th-century texts, including Munshi Kanhaiyya Lal's Tareekh-e-Punjab and Gian Singh's Shamsher Khalsa, credits Jassa Singh Ahluwalia with rescuing Hindu women who were captured by Ahmad Shah Durrani after the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Following his defeat of the Marathas, Abdali captured around 22,000 prisoners, including Hindu women, who were being transported to Afghanistan as slaves for the Afghan harems. Upon hearing about the plight of the women, Jassa Singh led an attack on the Afghan army at Goindval, located on the Sutlej River. He successfully rescued over 2,000 women, returning them to their families. This act of bravery earned him the title of Bandi Chhor (Liberator of Captives).
Issuance of Coins in Lahore, November 1761
In September 1761, Khawajah Abed Khan, the governor of Lahore, launched a surprise attack on Charat Singh in Gujranwala. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia quickly responded by leading the Dal Khalsa to Charat Singh's aid, forcing Abed Khan to flee to Lahore and abandon his baggage train. After the Diwali festivities in November 1761, Jassa Singh and the Dal Khalsa launched a counterattack on Lahore. Abed Khan barricaded himself within the fort, but local citizens approached Jassa Singh and proposed surrendering the city in exchange for ensuring the safety and security of its inhabitants. The Sikhs accepted this proposal, captured the city, and then assaulted the fort.
During the battle, Abed Khan was killed, and the Sikhs successfully captured the fort. Following the victory, the Sikhs proclaimed Jassa Singh as Padshah (Emperor) and minted commemorative coins bearing his name. However, Ganesh Das Vadehra later disputed this achievement, claiming that the Maulvis of Lahore minted the coins and sent them to Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1765. This claim was contradicted by Khazana-e-Amira, written by Ghulam Ali Azad shortly after the coin's issuance. Ghulam Ali's account supports the Sikhs' version, describing their rebellion, the killing of Abed Khan, and Jassa Singh’s proclamation as king.
Other contemporary sources such as Siyar-u-Mutakhirin (1782), Tarikh-e-Muzaffari (1787), Khushwaqt Rae (1811), and Ahmad Yadgar (1835) also corroborate the Sikh version of events. Ganesh Das's account, written after the annexation of Punjab in 1849, is considered unreliable due to contemporary evidence. His version contradicts the accounts of historians who lived closer to the events. Kartar Singh Tegh Khalsa confirms that Jassa Singh did strike the coins, although some were sent to Ahmad Shah Durrani to provoke him.
The Sixth Abdali Incursion, 1762
In early 1762, Ahmad Shah Durrani launched another invasion of India, aiming to crush the rising Sikh power. He reached Malerkotla, west of Sirhind, and attacked a Sikh convoy of 20,000 soldiers who were escorting 40,000 women, children, and elderly individuals. This attack led to one of the worst defeats for the Sikhs, known as the Vadda Ghalughara (the Great Holocaust). The Sikhs lost between 5,000 to 10,000 soldiers, and approximately 20,000 civilians were massacred. Ahmad Shah Durrani’s forces emerged victorious after a night ambush on the large convoy.
At Anandpur, March 1763
In March 1763, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, a prominent Sikh leader, arrived at Anandpur to celebrate the festival of Hola with the Dal Khalsa. However, the festivities were overshadowed by complaints from local Sikhs about mistreatment by Gale Khan Rajput of Kathgarh and the zamindars of Shankargarh. To protect his people, Jassa Singh launched an expedition against these oppressors, establishing Sikh military posts at Kathgarh and Balachaur to maintain order. This move not only secured the region but also allowed Jassa Singh to collect tribute from neighboring rulers, solidifying the Dal Khalsa's authority. He also captured Kot Isha Khan from Qadir Bakhsh, expanding Sikh influence further.
Conquest of Jalandhar and Malerkotla
In June 1763, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia marched towards Jalandhar. The Governor of Jalandhar, Sadat Yar-Khan, was so terrified that he remained within his capital, leaving Jassa Singh to sack the city. In December 1763, Jassa Singh defeated and killed Bhikhan Khan, the Nawab of Malerkotla, and plundered Morinda.
Conquest of Sirhind
The town of Sirhind was thoroughly plundered by the Sikhs, with no distinction made between its inhabitants. Historian Ratan Singh Bhangu documented that the Sikhs "claimed the spoils of war." Following the victory, Sirhind was divided among the seven misls and the Phulkian states. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia took control of 24 villages in the Ludhiana district, retaining eight under his direct control. He allocated 12 villages to the Bundalia Sikhs of his misl and four villages to the Sikhs of Rurki.
At Naraingarh, January 1764
After conquering Sirhind, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia marched to Naraingarh in January 1764. Bulaqi Mal, the Diwan of Raja Kirat Prakash of Nahan, presented Jassa Singh with a horse and Rs. 10,000 as a token of respect. The regions of Bharog and Naraingarh were under Muhammad Baqar, the Mir of Garhi Kotaha. Baqar offered Jassa Singh an elephant and a substantial sum of money. Various other leaders, including Rae Hoshiar Singh of Rani ka Raipur and Gharib Das of Manimajra, presented Jassa Singh with horses and significant sums as tokens of respect.
Jassa Singh appointed Hakumat Singh as his thanadar at Garhi Kotaha and Murar Singh at Bharog. Later, Jassa Singh married his elder daughter to Murar Singh, appointing him as his deputy to maintain order in the region. However, Dasaundha Singh's oppressive rule led to opposition, and after Jassa Singh's death, his legacy was overshadowed by the cruelty and corruption of his successors. Following Murar Singh's death, his son Jawahir Singh took control but was killed in battle, leaving his young son Mahan Singh, under whose rule the administration became increasingly discontented.
Battle of Delhi (1783)
In March 1783, the Dal Khalsa, led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Baghel Singh, advanced towards Delhi with the intent of asserting Sikh power in the region. The Sikh forces reached the royal palaces within the Red Fort, entering the Diwan-e-Am (the hall where the Mughal emperor held public audiences) on March 11, 1783.
During this dramatic moment, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was placed on the throne of Delhi as "Badshah Singh" by the Sikh forces, symbolizing a moment of Sikh dominance over the Mughal capital. However, this move did not go uncontested. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, although part of the Sikh forces, felt slighted by the decision and challenged Jassa Singh Ahluwalia's claim to the throne. The two were on the verge of drawing swords and engaging in combat, but Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, demonstrating his wisdom and leadership, renounced the honor and stepped down immediately, thus averting an internal conflict.
The Mughal authorities, recognizing the strength of the Sikh forces and their strategic position, agreed to a compromise. As part of the agreement, the Mughals consented to the construction of seven Sikh Gurudwaras in Delhi, each dedicated to various Sikh Gurus, marking a significant moment of acknowledgment of Sikh influence in the city. This event, while brief, symbolized the growing power and influence of the Sikhs in the region during the 18th century.
Death and Legacy of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia passed away on 23 October 1783 in Amritsar, leaving behind a significant legacy that continues to be honored and remembered.
Jassa Singh's legacy is deeply tied to his military prowess and leadership in the Sikh community. He played a pivotal role in the expansion and consolidation of Sikh power, especially through his decisive actions against Ahmad Shah Durrani and his leadership during the Sikh invasions of Delhi. He had the honor of conquering Lahore, issuing his own coin, and even sitting on the Mughal emperor's throne in Delhi, marking a rare and powerful moment for the Sikh community. Despite his many accomplishments and the respect he commanded from regional rulers—including the Maharajas of Patiala, Jind, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Jammu—Jassa Singh remained humble and devoted to the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, demonstrating the values of selflessness and humility.
Commemorations:
- Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia Government College (NJSA Government College) in Kapurthala, established in 1856 by Raja Randhir Singh of Kapurthala, is named in his honor.
- The Government of India issued a commemorative postage stamp on Jassa Singh Ahluwalia on 4 April 1985, further solidifying his importance in Indian history and Sikh culture.
In Popular Culture:
- Jassa Singh Ahluwalia's character was portrayed by Shahbaz Khan in the 2010 historical TV series Maharaja Ranjit Singh, aired on DD National. This portrayal helped introduce his legacy to a broader audience, keeping his memory alive in contemporary culture.
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia's contributions to Sikh history and his steadfast leadership continue to be celebrated and respected, both in India and among the global Sikh diaspora. His life is an example of courage, devotion, and the ability to balance power with humility.
References
- (@1Force), H.S. et al. (2018) Sultan-ul-qaum Jassa Singh Ahluvalia -sikh nation’s sovereign, The World Sikh News. Available at: https://www.theworldsikhnews.com/sultan-ul-qaum-jassa-singh-ahluvalia-sikh-nations-sovereign/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- (No date) The contribution of Sardar Jassa Singh ... Available at: https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906V44.pdf (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (no date a) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Jassa_Singh_Ahluwalia (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (no date b) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Jassa_Singh_Ahluwalia (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- SikhRI (2022) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, RSS. Available at: https://sikhri.org/articles/jassa-singh-ahluwalia (Accessed: 16 January 2025).