Birbal Dhar

Last updated September 13, 2025

Birbal Dhar was a Kashmiri pandit and noble in the early 19th century who led a deputation which persuaded Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh to invade Kashmir Valley in 1819, which effectively ended Afghan and Muslim rule in Kashmir.^[1]

Birbal Dhar was the leading tax collector under the Afghan government from 1813 to 1819. After suffering from mistreatment on the hands of the Afghan governor Jabbar Khan Barakzai, he left for Punjab to sought help from Ranjit Singh in freeing Kashmir from Afghan rule. He guided the Sikh army and helped in the Sikh victory in the battle of Shopian.^[2] After the Sikh conquest he was appointed on his earlier position again, but was soon dismissed on the allegations of corruption and spent the rest of his life in obscurity.^[2]

References

↑ Bakshi, S. R. (1997). Kashmir: History and People. Sarup & Sons. pp. 116, 144. ISBN 978-81-85431-96-3 . Retrieved 30 January 2012.
1 2 Parmu, R. K. (1977). A History of Sikh Rule in Kashmir (1819–1846). Government Press, Srinagar. pp. 104–106, 131–133, 137–141. OCLC 7597898.

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[1] Bakshi, S. R. (1997). Kashmir: History and People. Sarup & Sons. pp. 116, 144. ISBN 978-81-85431-96-3 . Retrieved 30 January 2012.

[:0-2] 1 2 Parmu, R. K. (1977). A History of Sikh Rule in Kashmir (1819–1846). Government Press, Srinagar. pp. 104–106, 131–133, 137–141. OCLC 7597898.

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