Jhanda Singh Dhillon

Jhanda Singh Dhillon
Jhanda Singh Dhillon
Chief of Bhangi Misl
Reign	1766—1774
Successor	Ganda Singh Dhillon
Died	1774
Father	Hari Singh Dhillon

Last updated December 03, 2024

Jhanda Singh Dhillon (died 1774) was a chief of Bhangi Misl.^[2] Under his leadership the Dhillon family became the dominant de facto ruling power of Punjab. His father was Hari Singh Dhillon, one of the most powerful Sikh warriors of the time.^[3] He also had a warrior brother Ganda Singh Dhillon. Jhanda Singh appointed his younger brother Ganda Singh as the commander in chief of the forces. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was one of the closest friends of Jhanda Singh.^[3]

Early life

Jhanda Singh was the eldest son of Hari Singh Dhillon. After his father's death, he succeeded him.^[4]

Military campaigns

In 1766, Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh led a powerful force towards Multan, halting on the Satluj River's right bank, opposite Bahawalpur. Mubarik Khan, Bahawalpur's ruler from 1749 to 1772, opposed their advance, joined by Shuja Khan, Multan's governor. The ensuing battle between Sikhs and Muslims was intense, yet inconclusive, with neither side claiming victory. To resolve the stalemate, they agreed to divide the territory between Bahawalpur and Lahore equally. A treaty was signed, designating Pakpattan, located 208 kilometers from Lahore and 221 kilometers from Bahawalpur, as the boundary between the two territories. This strategic decision established a clear divide, bringing temporary peace to the region. Pakpattan, a city in western Lahore, would serve as a significant landmark, marking the border between the Sikh and Muslim territories,^[3]

"Ahmad Shah Durrani's Eighth Invasion of India and the Sikh Resistance (1766-1767)"

In December 1766, Ahmad Shah Durrani launched his eighth invasion of India, but the Sikhs were ready for him. Led by Jhanda Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, and Khushhal Sing, they employed guerrilla tactics to constantly harass Durrani's forces. Undeterred, Durrani attempted to negotiate, sending letters to the three Sikh leaders on January 15, 1767, inviting them to either meet with him or face him on the battlefield. However, the Sikhs rejected his offer and continued their relentless attacks. By May 1767, Durrani had had enough and retreated from Punjab. Seizing the opportunity, Jhanda Singh remained in Amritsar, completing the fort initially built by Hari Singh. He also laid out the city's infrastructure, further solidifying the Sikhs' control over the region.^[3]

Kasur, 1771

In 1771, the city of Kasur witnessed a pivotal moment in its history when Brahmins from the area appealed to Sikh leaders Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Jhanda Singh Bhangi, and Ganda Singh for protection against the Afghan Pathans' brutal treatment of Hindus, including sexual violence and public cow slaughter. The Sikh leaders swiftly responded, assembling their forces at Tarall Taran and Khem Karan, where they were joined by numerous other Sikhs enticed by the promise of substantial booty. The Sikhs launched a bold attack on Kasur, overcoming fierce resistance from Afghan leaders Hamid Khan and Usman Khan. After intense hand-to-hand combat, the Sikhs captured the town, destroying Garhi Adur Rahim Khan and seizing significant spoils. Prolonged fighting ensued in other forts, ultimately leading to the Afghan chiefs' surrender. The terms of the peace treaty stipulated that the Afghans cease cow slaughter, treat Hindu subjects with respect, and pay a hefty fine of four lakhs of rupees, in addition to regular tribute. The Sikh leaders reinstated the military post at Kot Khwajah Husain before withdrawing from Kasur.^[3]

Jhanda Singh's 1771 Bahawalpur Campaign

In 1771, Jhanda Singh focused his attention on Bahawalpur, sending commander Majha Singh to attack the area. Majha Singh successfully pillaged Khai, Sadullahpur, and neighboring regions under Bahawalpur's control. In response, the Nawab of Bahawalpur deployed his nephew, Jafar Khan, to lead a select force against Majha Singh across the Satluj River. The ensuing battle was fierce, with several of the Nawab's officers killed. However, the tide turned in their favor with the timely arrival of reinforcements from Bahawalpur. Despite Majha Singh's fatal injury from a bullet wound, his soldiers remained steadfast and prepared to continue fighting. Ultimately, the Nawab of Bahawalpur opted to purchase peace by paying a substantial sum of one lakh rupees, as reported by Gian Singh. Following this, the Sikh forces advanced towards Multan.^[3]

Multan, 1772

1772, A qarral arose between Sharif Beg Taklu and Shujah Khan, the former Governor of Multan, Shujah Khan and Jafar Khan the Nawab of Bahawalpur, Besieged Multan, Sharif Beg Taklu asked for help from Jhanda Singh, and he is agreed at the head of strong force he advanced towards Multan, the Bahawalpur force was defeated and dispersed and Muzzafar Khan son of Shujah Khan fled away, Sikhs captured Multan, Multan was divided among themselves by Jhanda Singh, He appointed Diwan Singh, the Governor of Multan, Sharif Beg Taklu utterly disappointed fled away to Tulamba,^[3]

Jhanda Singh's Western Punjab Conquests (1772-1773)

In December 1772, following the capture of Multan, Ganda Singh returned via Bahawalpur, where he secured a tribute of one lakh rupees. Meanwhile, Jhanda Singh shifted his focus to western Punjab, beginning with the conquest of Tulamba, situated near the Ravi River's southern bank. The fort's impressive structure boasted a 1,000 feet square perimeter, with an outer wall 100 feet thick and 20 feet high, complemented by an inner wall and a 100 feet wide ditch.^[3]

The inner fort, measuring 400 feet square, featured walls 40 feet high and a central tower 70 feet high, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Jhanda Singh then subdued the influential Baluch chiefs of Jhang district, who controlled the Chenab River's course. Proceeding north, he brought Mankera under his control, its submission secured through tribute.^[3]

The Nawab of Ahmadabad, located west of the Jhelum River opposite Bhera, yielded and paid twenty thousand rupees in tribute. Both Mankera and Ahmadabad were entrusted to Man Singh. Jhanda Singh expanded his territory, occupying the land between the Salt Range and the Chenab, stretching from Sahiwal to Shahpur ^[3]

However, local tradition disputes Mankerah's occupation by the Sikhs before Ranjit Singh's final capture. It's likely Jhanda Singh made Mankerah's chief his tributary, leaving him relatively autonomous. Crossing the Indus at Kalabagh, Jhanda Singh seized the area and ravaged parts of Derah Ismail Khan district. On his return journey, he captured Pindi Bhattian and Dhara. Jhanda Singh then targeted the Chatha Pathans' stronghold at Rasulnagar, later known as Ramnagar, situated on the Sialkot-Multan road. He seized the Zamzama gun, transporting it to Amritsar, where it became known as Bhangianwali Top.^[3]

In 1773, Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh collaborated on an expedition against Sialkot, seizing most of the district from the Pathans. They then proceeded to Jammu, where Ranjit Dev acknowledged their suzerainty and settled tribute arrears ^[5]

Death

1774, A quarrel arose between Ranjit Dev and his eldest son Braj Dev, Braj Dev invited Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Charat Singh, Ranjit Dev asked for help from Jhanda Singh, A battle fought, Charat Singh killed by the bursting of his own Matchlock, Jai Singh Kanhaiya cannot fight alone against Jhanda Singh, So he planned to Kill Jhanda Singh, he bribed a Rangreta or a Mazbhi Sikh in the service of Jhanda Singh, He shot dead Jhanda Singh from behind while he was returning from his camp, he was succeeded by his younger brother Ganda Singh,^[6]

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References

↑ Singh, Bhagat (1993). A History of Sikh Misls. Punjabi University, Patiala. p. 177. ISBN 813020181X.
↑ Hari Ram Gupta (2001). History of the Sikhs: The Sikh Commonwealth. Munshirm Manoharlal Pub Pvt Ltd. ISBN 9788121501651.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Hari Ram Gupta (2001). History of the Sikhs: The Sikh Commonwealth. Munshiram Manoharlal Pub Pvt Ltd. p. 208. ISBN 9788121501651.
↑ Cunningham, Joseph Davey (1918). A history of the Sikhs, from the origin of the nation to the battles of the Sutlej. London, New York: Oxford University Press. p. 113. a history of the sikhs cunningham.
↑ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.p.91.
↑ Cunningham, Joseph Davey (1918). A history of the Sikhs, from the origin of the nation to the battles of the Sutlej. London, New York: Oxford University Press. a history of the sikhs cunningham.

The Sikh Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of Sikh Misls. Edition:2001.

Preceded by Hari Singh Dhillon	Fourth Leader of Bhangi Misl 1766–1774	Succeeded by Ganda Singh Dhillon

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[1] Singh, Bhagat (1993). A History of Sikh Misls. Punjabi University, Patiala. p. 177. ISBN 813020181X.

[2] Hari Ram Gupta (2001). History of the Sikhs: The Sikh Commonwealth. Munshirm Manoharlal Pub Pvt Ltd. ISBN 9788121501651.

[gupta-3] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Hari Ram Gupta (2001). History of the Sikhs: The Sikh Commonwealth. Munshiram Manoharlal Pub Pvt Ltd. p. 208. ISBN 9788121501651.

[4] Cunningham, Joseph Davey (1918). A history of the Sikhs, from the origin of the nation to the battles of the Sutlej. London, New York: Oxford University Press. p. 113. a history of the sikhs cunningham.

[5] Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.p.91.

[6] Cunningham, Joseph Davey (1918). A history of the Sikhs, from the origin of the nation to the battles of the Sutlej. London, New York: Oxford University Press. a history of the sikhs cunningham.

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