PUNJAB
COMPLETE
GK & FACTS
Page
1
Complete
Notes
Contents
1. Administrative Divisions Of Punjab ................................................................................... 3
2. Population Statistics (2011 Census).................................................................................... 3
3. Misc. Facts Related To Districts/ Places In Punjab ............................................................ 5
4. Three Regions Of Punjab .................................................................................................... 6
5. Location And Physical Setting Of Punjab .......................................................................... 6
6. Physiography Of Punjab ..................................................................................................... 7
7. Soils Of Punjab ................................................................................................................... 8
8. Rivers Of Punjab And The Canal Network ........................................................................ 8
9. Forest Cover Of Punjab ...................................................................................................... 9
10. State Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 9
11. Protected Areas In Punjab ................................................................................................... 9
12. Biodiversity Heritage Sites ............................................................................................... 10
13. Ramsar Sites Of Punjab .................................................................................................... 11
14. Domesticated Animals Of Punjab ..................................................................................... 11
15. Punjab After Independence ............................................................................................... 12
16. Punjab & The Partition ..................................................................................................... 12
17. East Punjab ....................................................................................................................... 12
18. Pepsu ................................................................................................................................. 13
19. Punjab ............................................................................................................................... 13
20. Punjabi Suba Movement ................................................................................................... 13
21. Chandigarh ........................................................................................................................ 14
22. Anandpur Sahib Resolution .............................................................................................. 15
23. Rajiv-Longowal Accord.................................................................................................... 15
24. History Of Sikhism ........................................................................................................... 16
25. Banda Singh Bahadur – The Sikh Warrior (1670-1716): ................................................. 31
26. Dal Khalsa......................................................................................................................... 32
27. Maharaja Ranjit Singh ...................................................................................................... 34
28. Successors Of Maharaja Ranjit Singh & The British Conquest Of Punjab ...................... 37
29. Religious Reform Movements In Punjab .......................................................................... 41
30. Singh Sabha Movement .................................................................................................... 41
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31. Gurdwara Reform Movement (Akali Movement): ........................................................... 42
32. Punjab Ryasti Praja Mandal .............................................................................................. 44
Old Names of Punjab :Sapt Sindhu (Land of seven rivers)
Tak
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS OF PUNJAB

Punjab is divided into 5 Administrative Divisions, which
are sub-divided into Districts, which are further subdivided in to Tehsils/Sub-Divisions.

o
Faridkot
o
Ferozepur
o
Jalandhar
o
Patiala
o
Ropar
There are total 22 Districts in Punjab:
o
Faridkot:
Faridkot, Bathinda, Mansa
o
Ferozepur:
Ferozepur, Fazilka, Muktsar, Moga
o
Jalandhar:
Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Amritsar,
Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur
o
Patiala:
Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur
o
Ropar:
Ropar, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar
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POPULATION STATISTICS (2011 CENSUS)

TOTAL AREA:
50,362 sq. km

Percentage of total area:
1.56 % of total area

Largest District:
Ludhiana

Smallest District:
SAS Nagar

TOTAL POPULATION:
2,77,43,338

Percentage of total population:
2.26 % of total area

Most Populated District:
Ludhiana

Least Populated District:
Barnala

2001 Population:
Approx 2.44 crore

Decadal Growth Rate:
13.9%

Max Decadal Growth:
SAS Nagar

Min Decadal Growth:
SBS Nagar
(Approx 2.77 crore)
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Page

DENSITY OF POPULATION:

Most Densely Populated District: Ludhiana

Least Densely Populated District: Muktsar

LITERACY RATE:
75.8%

Most Literate District:
Hoshiarpur (84.6 %)

Least Literate District:
Mansa (62 %)

Male Literacy:
80.5%

Max Male-Literacy:
Hoshiarpur

Least Male-Literacy:
Mansa

Female Literacy:
70.7%

Max Female-Literacy:
Hoshiarpur

Least Female-Literacy:
Mansa

SEX RATIO:
895

Males:
1.46 Crore (52.8%)

Females:
1.31 Crore (47.2%)

Highest Sex Ratio:
Hoshiarpur (961)

Lowest Sex Ratio:
Tarn Taran (868)

Child Sex Ratio:
846

Highest Child Sex Ratio:
SBS Nagar (885)

Lowest Child Sex Ratio:
Tarn Taran (820)

Rural - Urban Ratio:
62.5 % (Rural) : 37.5 % (Urban)

Scheduled Caste Population:
32%

Religion-wise Population:
o
Sikh: 60 %
o
Hindu: 37 %
o
Muslim:
1.57 %
o
Christian:
1.2 %
o
Others:
0.38 %
551 persons per sq. km.
(improved from 876 in 2001)
(improved from 798 in 2001)
MISC. FACTS RELATED TO DISTRICTS/ PLACES IN PUNJAB

Fazilka & Pathankot are the two newest districts of Punjab (2011)

Faridkot is named after Sufi Saint Baba Farid.

Bathinda is named after the Bhatti Rajput kings who used to rule over this area. It was
known as Vikramgarh during ancient times and Tabar-i-Hind during times of Delhi
Sultanate.

Mansa is known as the ‘Area of White Gold’.

Firozpur was founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Also, known as ‘Shaheedon ki dharti.’
Famous for Anglo-Sikh war memorial, Saragarhi Gurudwara and Hussainiwala Martyrs’
Memorial.

Muktsar is known for its famous ‘Maghi da Mela’. Its older name was ‘Khidane di dhaab’.

Patiala was founded by Baba Ala Singh. It has famous places like Qila Mubarak, Sheesh
Mahal, Moti Bagh Palace, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, etc. It also houses famous
institutions like National Institute of Sports, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law.

Sangrur was the home district of Shaheed Udham Singh as well as Naresh Goyal – the
owner of Jet Airways. It is also the second largest district in area.

Fatehgarh Sahib was the medieval fortress town and one of the important administrative
divisions of the Mughals & was renamed after one of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Ludhiana – also known as Manchester of India, has given us famous personalities like
Kartar Singh Sarabha. It is named after one of the medieval dynasties of India.

Jalandhar was named after a mythological demon king and is known for a famous Hindu
shrine – Devi Talab Mandir. One of the cities here houses the famous Tombs of Ustads.

Pathankot is one of the northern most districts of Punjab and owes its importance to its
strategic location and strong presence of Indian armed forces. The sub-urbs of this city
extend into Himachal Pradesh and is the site of an important hydel project.

Kapurthala district is known for an international wetland and is the only district which
does not has contiguous territory. It was also an erstwhile princely state.
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
Amritsar district is associated with the Ninth Guru and has a place which is regarded as
the ‘Smadh of Shravan’. It is the home district of legendary singer Mohammad Rafi.

Rupnagar district has an ancient archaeological site and was an important medieval and
early modern trading town. One of its cities houses the famous Virasat-e-Khalsa Sikh
Heritage Museum. Shaheedi Jor Mela and Holla Mohalla are also observed in two of the
cities of this district.

Nawanshahar is the home district of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Yash Chopra and Amrish
Puri.
THREE REGIONS OF PUNJAB
LOCATION AND PHYSICAL SETTING OF PUNJAB

Latitudinal Extent:
29.5 degrees North to 32.5 degrees North

Longitudinal Extent:
74 degrees East to 77 degrees East

Roughly Triangular in shape.

Borders:
International Border with Pakistan in the West
Jammu & Kashmir in the North
Himachal Pradesh in the North and North-East.
Haryana in the East and South.
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Rajasthan in the South
PHYSIOGRAPHY OF PUNJAB



Physiographic divisions:
o
Shiwalik Hills
o
Kandi Region
o
Alluvial Plains
o
Dune-studded Plain
SHIWALIK HILLS
o
Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar & Ropar Districts
o
The slope is gentler towards Punjab as compared to HP side.
KANDI REGION
o
Upland plain region of rolling topography with deposition of coarse grained
materials. (Bhabar)
o
Dissected by numerous seasonal ephemeral streams – locally known as Choe.
o
Extends in the form of a long narrow belt along the entire length of the Shiwalik
Hills.
o

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
Locally this region is also known with different names like Changar, Ghar etc.
ALLUVIAL PLAINS
o
Cover most of the area of Punjab (About 70 %)
o
About 180-300 metres above the sea level. (Higher near the Shiwaliks).
o
Land slopes from East to West.
DUNE-STUDDED PLAIN
o
South Western Districts of Punjab having Semi-arid climate.
o
Adjoining the Thar desert region of Rajasthan
o
Frequently studded with sand dunes and sand ridges – locally known as Tibbas.
SOILS OF PUNJAB

SHIWALIKS
o

KANDI AREA
o


Rough coarse soils (Bhabar)
ALLUVIAL PLAINS
o
Khadar – Flood Plains or Bet Soils
o
Bangar – Loamy Alluvial Soil
DUNE STUDDED PLAIN
o

Podzolic Forest Soils
Sandy & Desert Soils
ALKALINE-SALINE SOILS
o
In areas of excessive canal irrigation
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RIVERS OF PUNJAB AND THE CANAL NETWORK
FOREST COVER OF PUNJAB

As per India State of Forest Report 2019, the Forest Cover in Punjab is 1,848.63 sq km
which is 3.67% of the State's geographical area

In terms of forest canopy density classes, the State has 8.00 sq km under Very Dense
Forest (VDF), 800.97 sq km under Moderately Dense Forest (MDF) and 1,039.66 sq km
under Open Forest (OF).

Forest Cover in the State has increased by 11.63 sq km as compared to the previous
assessment reported in ISFR 2017.
STATE SYMBOLS

State Animal of Punjab:
Black Buck

State Aquatic Animal of Punjab:
Indus River Dolphin

State Bird of Punjab:
Baaz

State Tree of Punjab:
Sheesham
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PROTECTED AREAS IN PUNJAB
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BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES
RAMSAR SITES OF PUNJAB

Harike

Ropar

Kanjli

Keshopur-Miani

Beas Conservation Reserve

Nangal
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DOMESTICATED ANIMALS OF PUNJAB
PUNJAB AFTER INDEPENDENCE
PUNJAB & THE PARTITION

Mountbatten Plan – Independence with Partition

Punjab Boundary Commission to demarcate the boundaries.
o
Headed by Sir Cyrill Radcliffe.
o
4 Members:
Justice Din Mohammad, Justice Mohammad Munir,
Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan and Justice Teja Singh
o
Appointed on 20th June 1947
o
Gave its award on 16th August 1947
o
58 % of the area fell under Pakistan, 42 % was left with India.
EAST PUNJAB

The British Province of Punjab left with India was incorporated into the Indian Union as
State of ‘East Punjab’.

East Punjab comprised of the Jullundhar and Ambala Divisions with thirteen districts (out
of 29 districts of United Punjab) i.e. Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Jullundhar, Hoshiarpur,
Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Ambala, Karnal, Rohtak, Hisar, Gurgaon, Kangra and Simla
remained in India.

Shimla was the temporary capital, until the capital was shifted to the newly built city of
Chandigarh in 1953.
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
Gopi Chand Bhargava of Indian National Congress was the first Chief Minister and
Chandulal Trivedi was the first Governor.
PEPSU

8 of the Princely States of the region that joined India were joined into a united Part-B
State – PEPSU i.e. Patiala and East Punjab States Union.

These included Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Kapurthala, Faridkot, Malerkotla, Kalsia &
Nalagarh.

Patiala was the capital of PEPSU.

Maharaja Yadvindra Singh of Patiala was the first Rajpramukh or Governor and Sardar
Gian Singh Rarewala was the first Chief Minister.
PUNJAB

The next major change was in 1956, when the state of PEPSU was merged with East
Punjab and a combined state of ‘Punjab’ came into existence.

This was done on the recommendations of the ‘States Reorganization Commission’
under Justice Fazl Ali appointed in 1953 to look into the matter of holistic reorganization
of Indian states.
PUNJABI SUBA MOVEMENT

Punjabi Suba Movement was an agitation for reorganization of Punjab province on
linguistic basis by the Sikhs under the leadership of Shiromani Akali Dal.

This demand had been looked over by the Fazl Ali commission despite the general
acceptance of the linguistic principle in re-organizing the states.

The Government of India was wary of carving out a separate Punjabi language state,
because it effectively meant dividing the state along religious lines as well. This is
because in Punjab the linguistic differences overlapped with the religious differences.

On the recommendation of the Shah Commission, Punjab Reorganization Act was
enacted and accordingly Punjab was trifurcated on 1st November 1966, leading to the
formation of State of Haryana and UT of Himachal Pradesh

(HP became a state in 1971)

Chandigarh, the capital city, was claimed by both Haryana and Punjab. Pending
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resolution of the dispute, it was declared as a separate Union Territory which would
serve as the capital of both the states.
CHANDIGARH

The older Capital was left in Pakistan – so, the need to build a new capital  PM
Nehru’s dream project.

A renowned French architect Le Corbusier was commissioned to design the new capital.
The foundation stone was laid in 1952.

Chandigarh derives its name from the temple of ‘Chandi Mandir’ located in the vicinity of
the site selected for the city.

Administrative head: After Chandigarh was declared a UT in 1966, the Chief
Commissioner acted as the head of the local administration. Since 1984, the Governors
of Punjab are also given the additional charge as the ‘Administrator of the UT of
Chandigarh’.

While MS Randhawa was the first Chief Commissioner (1966), B.D. Pandey was the first
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Administrator (1984)
ANANDPUR SAHIB RESOLUTION

Demand for Punjabi Suba was conceded but still some issues remained unresolved:

E.g. Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, Control over river waters, minor territorial
changes, etc.

So, Shiromani Akali Dal appointed a 12-member committee (Surjit Singh Barnala &
Gurcharan Singh Tohra were prominent members) to frame these demands into a formal
resolution. This resolution framed in 1973 came to be known as ‘Anandpur Sahib
Resolution’.

Apart from addressing the above issues, Anandpur Sahib Resolution also went on to
present more general federal demands and is a landmark document from the point of
view of democratic decentralization in India. E.g. Decentralization of states under the
existing constitution, restricting the Central Government’s power to defence, foreign
affairs, posts and telegraph, currency and railways.
RAJIV-LONGOWAL ACCORD

To bring order to the state embroiled in terrorism, PM Rajic Gandhi & Akali leader Sant
Harcharan Singh Longowal signed this accord.


Issues / Key Points:
o
Implementation of Anandpur Sahib Resolution
o
Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab
o
Release of Political detainees and withdrawal of special powers
o
Sharing of Ravi- Beas Waters by non- riparian states
o
Enactment of an All-India Gurdwara act (Religious Autonomy)
o
Prosecution of those responsible for 1984 Anti- Sikh riots
But later the accord turned into a failure as government wasn’t able to fulfil any of their
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promises and Sant Harcharan Singh Longowal was assassinated by terrorists.
HISTORY OF PUNJAB
HISTORY OF SIKHISM
Sikhism:

The word ‘Sikh’ literally means a learner or a disciple.

As an organized religion, Sikhism involves faith in the line of ten Gurus – starting with
Guru Nanak Dev ji and ending with Guru Gobind Singh ji – as well as their teachings as
enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib – the Holy Book of the Sikhs.

According to the Sikh Gurudwaras Act 1925, “Sikh means a person who professes the
Sikh religion. A person is deemed to be a Sikh if he/she affirms faith in the ten gurus, the
Guru Granth Sahib and in no other religion.”
Basic Tenets of Sikhism

Belief in One Supreme God (Eternal, Unchanging, Omnipotent, Fearless, Formless,
Omnipresent)

Every ‘Sikh’ is supposed to undertake:
o
Naam – Japna:
Contemplate on the God’s Name
o
Kirat – Karna:
Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or
by the effort and conscientiousness of the mind.
o


Vand – Chhakna:
Share what one has with others
In addition, Khalsa Sikhs are required to maintain the 5 K’s:
o
Kesh
o
Kanga
o
Kara
o
Kachhera
o
Kirpan
Every Sikh is supposed to keep himself busy in Simran and Sewa, while trying to
conquer 5 thieves – Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh and Hankar.
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
Community involvement and care for all humanity - Langar and Pangat.
The Origin:

Medieval times – Coming and settling of Muslims within the territory of India, and their
interactions with the indigenous people of India.

This led to the exchange of ideas and contributed to the growth of Bhakti and Sufi
Movements. This was the example of cultural syncretism in action.

NOTE: The rise of Bhakti and Sufi movements had their independent origin, but the coexistence of Hinduism and Islam gave a boost to these inclusive reformist movements.

Bhakti Movement in North India: The cult of Bhakti was popularized in Northern India
by Ramanand (1400-1476), who followed the teaching of Ramanuja, the South Indian
Saint philosopher. It was further popularized in Indo-Gangetic Plains by Kabir (14401518), Ravidas, Tukaram, Namdev, Mira Bai, Sri Chaitanya, Vallabhacharya, etc.

All these saints preached a simple religion of love of God. Their emphasis was on inner
piety. They disapproved of mere external ceremonial worship – faith was valued more
than form. They regarded all men as equal and made no distinctions among them on
grounds of religion or caste.

It is in this context of the rise of the Bhakti Movement that we must locate the origin of
Sikhism under Guru Nanak Dev ji.

Like the Bhaktas and the Sufis, Guru Nanak Dev ji proclaimed love of God as the basis
of religion. He denounced caste and ritualism. Image-making and idolatry were
forbidden. Like the Sufis, he emphasized submission to God's Will as the final means to
realization of the God. Like both, he rejoiced in singing the praises of the Almighty. Moral
conduct was given priority over everything else. Equality and justice were precious
values. Selfless service was an inescapable duty of every person. In this simple
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teaching, he laid the seed of a major religious faith which came to be known as Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539 A.D.):

Born on:
April 15, 1469.

Born at:
Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (now called Nankana Sahib), Pakistan

Father:
Mehta Kalian Das Bedi (Mehta Kalu) – Khatri Caste

Mother:
Mata Tripti Ji

Early Life: Deeply philosophical and spiritual bent of mind from the childhood –
disinterested in worldy activities. Worried parents married him off to attact him to the
worldly pursuits. However, it did not affect the bent of his mind.

Wife
Bibi Sulakhni ji VICI Dial

Sons
Shri Chand and Lakhmi Das

Sultanpur Lodhi Phase: His sister Nanaki and her husband took him to Sultanpur,
where he gained employment as the keeper of the 'modi khana’, a government
storehouse of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. He discharged his duties diligently and won
the affection of his employer. A Muslim minstrel, Mardana, companion of his childhood
days, joined him at Sultanpur, wherethey began organize the singing of hymns and
encouraging people to a life of simplicity and righteousness.

Enlightenment: One day, Guru Nanak went for bathing in the River Bein and went
missing for three days and nights. His disappearance has been described as meeting
with God who ordained him to preach His Name. Thereafter he started his missionary
activities – undertaking long journeys preaching the true Nature and worship of the God.
He spent about twenty years on his missionary tours.

It is difficult to establish an exact itinerary of Guru Nanak Dev ji's travels because there
are no records. Customarily they are grouped into four lengthy journeys (udasis) to the
east, south, north and west. At the end of each, he returned to the Punjab.

He visited the place like Jagan Nath Puri (Orrisa), Banaras, Hardwar, Rameshwaram,
cyclon (Sri Lanka), Gaya, Kailash, Mecca, Medina, Baghdad. On his way back to
Punjab, he and Mardana were taken prisoners at Saidpur during Babar’s invasion, but
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soon released.

At the end of the udasis, Guru Ji founded a village named Kartarpur (Lahore, Pakistan)
on the right bank of the River Ravi. He spent last year of his life in this village.

A community of disciples grew up in Kartarpur. He instituted "the Langar'-Common
Kitchen where everybody was fed irrespective of caste.

On September 7, 1539, Guru Nanak Dev ji departed the body, in the early hours of the
morning, the time of the day he loved most and described as amrit-vela, the ambrosial
hour.

Before his departure, he appointed a successor to ensure continuity of the teachings. He
bypassed his own sons and appointed a disciple Lehna, to succeed him. The Guru
placed five copper coins and a coconut before him and bowed down at his feet.

Guru Nanak Ji gave Lehna the name ‘Angad' -i.e. part of himself. Guru Angad thus
became the second Guru of the Sikhs.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji composed 947 hymns, Japji Sahib (the morning prayer of Sikhs),
Asa-di-var, Bara Mah, Sidh-Gosht and Onkar and these were included in Guru Granth
Sahib.

Contemporary Rulers of Delhi:
Bahlul Lodi (1451-1489)
Sikandar Lodi (1489-1517)
Ibrahim Lodi (1517-1526)
Babur (1526-1530) &
Humayun (1530-1540 + 1555)
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Guru Angad Dev ji (1504-1552 A.D.):

Birth
1504 at Rai Matte di Sarai (Sarai Naga) in Muktsar District

Father/Mother
Bhai Pheru/Mata Daya Kaur

Spouse
Bibi Khivi

Sons and Daughter
Sons: Dasu and Dattu

Guru Gaddi
1539 - 1552

Invented
Gurmukhi Script

City Founded
Khadur Sahib (now situated in Tarn Taran District)

Instituted
Mal Akhara (for fitness)
Daughter: Amaro

Compositions
Bhai Bale Wali Janam Sakhi (Guru Nanak’s first Biography)

His Successor
Guru Amar Das ji

Jyoti Jyot
1552 at Khadur Sahib

Contemporary rulers Humayun and Sher Shah Suri
Guru Amar Das ji (1479-1574 A.D):

Birth
1479 at Basarke (Amritsar District)

Father/Mother
Tej Bhan ji/Mata Bakht Kaur

Spouse
Mansa Devi

Sons and Daughter
Sons: Mohri and Mohan Daughter: Dani and Bhani

Guru Gaddi
1552 - 1574

Mughal Ruler at his time
Akbar

City Founded
Goindwal Sahib (now suited in Tarn Taran District)

Constructed
Baoli Sahib at Goindwal Sahib

He laid down Sikh ceremonies for the occasions of birth, marriage and death.
o
Anand Karaj

Anand Karaj is the name given to the Sikh Marriage Ceremony. The
history of Anand Karaj is traced back to the time Guru Amar Das ji, who
composed the long 40-stanza hymn Anandu, suitable be sung recited on
all occasions religious import.

His successor, Guru Ram Das ji, composed a four-stanza hymn, Lavan,
which is recited and sung to solemnize nuptials. The ceremony is now
universally observed by the Sikhs.

The Anand Marriage Act, 1909 establishes legal recognition and validity
of this marriage ceremony common among the Sikhs.
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
He made langar an integral institution. His injunction was the Pangat must precede
Sangat. That means the Guru expected every visitor partake of food in it before seeing
him, which was meant minimize the distinction of caste and rank. Even Emperor Akbar,
who once visited him at Goindwal, is said to have observed this rule before he could
have audience with the Guru Goindwal. The Emperor offered a rent free Jagir twelve
villages for the maintenance of Langar, but the Guru declined run the institution on
imperial charities.

He started the Manji System – appointing a pious Sikh disciple to spread the Guru
Nanak’s teachings and look after the Sangat within his territorial jurisdiction and collect
offerings made by the Sangat on the behalf of the Guru. 22 Manjis were established.
Under the next Guru – Guru Ram Das ji the Guru’s representatives / preachers came to
be known as Masands.

He prepared two volumes (Pothis) of true bani consisting mostly the compositions of
Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, himself and Sants and Bhaktas like Kabir and Namdev.

Before his death in 1574 at Goindwal Sahib, Guru Amar Das ji chose Bhai Jetha, his
son-in-law, as his spiritual successor.
Guru Ram Das Ji (1534-1581 A.D.):

Birth
1534 at Chuna Mandi, Lahore

Father/Mother
HariDas ji/Mata Daya Kaur

Spouse
Bibi Bhani

Sons
Prithi Chand, Mahadev and Arjan Dev

Guru Gaddi
1574-1581

Started
Masand System

Most Distinguished of His Missionaries
Bhai Gurdas ji

Mughal Emperor at his time
Akbar

Gurudwara Guriai Asthan Guru Ram Das ji at Goindwal

AMRITSAR: Guru Ram Das ji had a tank dug at the site granted to his wife by Emperor
Akbar. When he became Guru, he moved from Goindwal to the neighbourhood of the
tank and started building town around it. The town, which was destined to become the
religious capital of the Sikhs, came to be known after him as 'Guru Ka Chakk’ (Guru's
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21
village), Ramdaspur (the city of Ramdas) and then Amritsar.

He composed 638 hymns in 30 different ragas, contained in Guru Granth Sahib. The
best known among his composition is “Lavan”, comprising 4 line stanzas, for the
solemnization of Sikh marriage. He also composed Ghorian to be sung on days
preceding the day of marriage.

Before he death in 1581, Guru Ram Das ji chose his youngest son, Arjan as the successor– Guru
Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563 – 1606 A.D.):

Birth
1563 at Goindwal Sahib

Father/Mother
Guru Ram Das ji / Bibi Bhani

Spouse
Mata Ganga

Son
Har Gobind

Guru Gaddi
1581-1606

Constructed
Harimandir Sahib
o
The Golden plates which cover its walls were donated by
Maharaja Ranjit Singh & his mother-in-law, Sada Kaur.

Invited
Muslim Sufi Saint Miyan Mir to lay the foundation stone of
Harimandir Sahib

Composed
Adi Granth (Pothi Sahib) in 1604, Sukhmani Sahib
o
The Adi Granth contained the composition of
four
preceding Gurus and of Guru Arjan Dev ji himself. It also
contained the hymns by saints, both Hindu and Muslim
including Shaikh Farid, Kabir and Ravidas. Guru ji rejected
the compositions of Kanha, Shah Hussain, Pillo and, Chaju
as they did not confirm to the gospel of Guru Nanak Dev ji.
o
Bhai Gurdas ji completed the Adi Granth as dictated by
Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604 and it was installed in the newly
built Harmandir Sahib on 16 August 1604 with Baba
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22
Buddha ji as its first Granthi.

City Founded
Tarn Taran in 1590 and Kartarpur (Jalandhar district) in 1594

Rebuilt
Ruhela Village and renamed it as Sri Hargobindpur

Introduced

Mughal Emperor at his time

His Successor
Guru Har Gobind ji

Jyoti Jyot
1606 in Lahore

He was
the First Sikh Guru to be martyred
Daswandh System (System of donating one-tenth income)
o
Akbar, Jahangir
After the death of Akbar, the new Emperor Jahangir
disapproved of the growing influence of Guru Arjan Dev ji,
Khusaru, son of Jahangir, who rebelled against his father,
sought blessings of Guru ji at Goindwal on his way to
Lahore. All this resulted in Guru’s arrest by Jahangir. He
was taken to Lahore and tortured till his death.
o
From prison, Guru ji sent word to Bhai Buddha ji to install
his minor son Har Gobind as the sixth Guru
Guru Har Gobind Ji (1595-1644 A.D.):

Birth
1595 at Wadali Village near Amritsar

Father/Mother
Guru Arjan Dev ji/Mata Ganga

Spouse
Mata Damodari, Mata Marvahi and Mata Nanaki

Sons/Daughter Gurditta, Ani Rai, Suraj Mal, Atal Rai, and Tegh Bhadur/Bibi viro

Guru Gaddi
1606 – 1644

Guru Arjan ji’s martyrdom marked a turning point in the history of
the Sikh faith. Guru Har Gobind ji realized that the sterner
methods were required to meet the growing intolerance of the
Mughal rulers. So, he adopted the style of a soldier.

Constructed
Akal Takht (in front of Harimandir Sahib)
As a seat of secular authority and dispense justice.
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23

Introduced
Miri and Piri (two swords representing temporal
and spiritual power)

Fortified
Amritsar (by constructing a fortress - Lohgarh)

Known as
Bhandichhor

Reports about the military forces of the Sikhs led Emperor Jahangir to
pass orders for detention of Guru Ji in the fort of Gwalior. After completing
his term, he insisted on release of 52 other political prisoners with him
and returned to Amritsar on the occasion of Diwali.

City Founded
Kiratpur

Mughal Emperor at his time
Jahangir and Shah Jahan

His Successor
Guru Har Rai ji

Jyoti Jyot
1644 at Kiratpur
Guru Har Rai Ji (1630-1661 AD):

Birth
1630 at Kiratpur Sahib

Sons
Ram Rai and Har Krishan

Guru Gaddi
1644 - 1661

Blessed and Cured
Dara Shikoh (eldest son of Shah Jahan)

He established three important preaching missions called Bakhshishes. He appointed
disciples like Bhagwan Gir, Bhai Pheru and Suthre Shah, to preach in different regions
of the country.

Guru Har Rai ji travelled extensively in Malwa area to spread the teachings of Guru
Nanak Dev ji. He blessed a child named Phul, who later became the founder of the
families of Patiala, Nabha and Jind.

Guru Har Rai ji chose his younger son, Guru Har Krishan ji to be his successor, before
he died at Kiratpur on 6 October 1661.
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Guru Har Krishan Ji (1656-1664 A.D.):

Birth
1656 at Kiratpur Sahib

Father/Mother
Guru Har Rai/Mata Sulakhni

Guru Gaddi
1661 - 1664

Known as
Child Prophet

Guru Gaddi
1644 - 1661

Stayed in Delhi at
The house of Mirza Jai Singh of Amber at
Raisina (now Gurudwara Bangla Sahib)

Mughal Emperor at his time
Aurangzeb

His Successor
Guru Tegh Bahadur ji

Jyoti Jyot
1664 at Delhi
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675 A.D):

Birth
1621 at Amritsar

Father/Mother
Guru Har Gobind ji/Mata Nanaki

Spouse
Gujari

Son
Gobind Das (Guru Gobind Singh ji)

Guru Gaddi
1664 - 1675

Founded
Chakk Nanaki (Anandpur Sahib)

Mughal Emperor at his time

Known as
Hind di Chadar (saved Kashmiri Pandits)

Jyoti Jyot
1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Beheaded
On the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb by Jalaluddin of Samana at
Aurangzeb
Chandni Chowk, Delhi

At the Site of the Guru’s Execution
Gurudwara Sis Ganj was built by Sardar
Baghel Singh

Dismembered body was cremated
By Lakhi Shah Lubana at his cottage (now
known as Gurudwara Rikab Ganj)

Severed head was lifted
By Bhai Jaita, who carried it to Anandpur
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25
Sahib

His Severed head was cremated
By Guru Gobind Singh ji at
Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Anandpur Sahib
Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708 A.D.):

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and the last Guru of the Sikhs, was born to Guru Tegh
Badhaur ji and Mata Gujari on 22 December 1666 at Patna, in Bihar. He had 4 sons Sahibzada Zowar Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and
Sahibzada Ajit Singh

To plan and prepare in peace, in view of the Mughal persecution, he shifted from
Anandpur Sahib to Nahal Hills where he founded Paonta Sahib, on the banks of River
Jamuna amidst Siwaliks.

Compositions:
o
His compositions are compiled in the “Dasam Granth’ (to distinguish it from Adi
Granth, which was given a final shape by Guru Gobind Singh ji who raised it to
the status of the perpetual Guru of the Sikhs after his death. Guru Granth Sahib
contains the hymns of 1st 5 Sikh Gurus, Guru Tegh Bahadur & 1 hymn of Guru
Gobind Singh ji + many other saints/bhaktas like Kabir, Farid, Namdev, Ravidas,
Dhanna, Pipa, etc.)
o
Dasam Granth contains compositions like ‘Var Sri Bhagauti Ji Ki’ (Guruji’s first
composition), ‘Bachitra Natak’, ‘Akal Ustat’, ‘Chandi di Var’, ‘Jaap Sahib’,
‘Gyan Parbodh’, Shabd Hazare, Zafarnama etc.
o
Zafarnama is a letter in Persian verse addressed to emperor Aurangzeb. It was
written in 1706 and was sent to Aurangzeb through Bhai Daya Singh and Bhai
Dharam Singh. It was composed in the darkest hours of the Guru’s life when his
two younger sons were executed at Sirhind, the two elder sons were killed in the
battle of Chamkaur, his mother was collapsed with this shock and his army was
completely wiped out. In the Zafarnama, the Guru Chides Aurangzeb for breach
of faith in the attack made by the Mughal forces on the Sikhs after they had
vacated Anandpur on solemn assurance given them by him and his officers. He
calls the Emperor oath-breaker. He warns him of the consequence of his
tyrannous acts and declares that in the end the victory would be his.
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26

In 1698 Guru ji abolished the system of ‘Masands’ (because of their corruption and
immoral behaviour) and established direct relationship with his Sikhs and addressed
them as his ‘khalsa’.
BIRTH OF KHALSA
o
He transformed the Sikhs into on organized militaristic community – Khalsa – literally
the pure. On the Baisakhi of 1699, all the Sikhs were asked to assemble at Anandpur
Sahib to celebrate the New Year festival.
o
Here, Guruji pulled out his sword and demanded five heads one after one for sacrifice.
The audience was astonished but five disciples arose one by one and offered
themselves for sacrifice. It were these five disciples who were baptized by Guruji himself
as the first five Khalsa Sikhs – Guruji lovingly called them “Panj Pyaare”. Then with
folded hands the Guru begged Panj Pyaras to baptize him in the same manner. The
Guru himself was renamed Gobind Singh.
o
o
Panj Pyaaras:
o
Bhai Daya Singh
o
Bhai Dharam Singh
o
Bhai Mohkam Singh
o
Bhai Himmat Singh
o
Bhai Sahib Singh
Each male member was given the surname of Singh and each must wear the five
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27
symbols, five K’s (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachhera and Kirpan).
BATTLES OF GURU GOBIND SINGH

Guru Gobing Singh assumed Guruship in 1675 when he was only nine years old. He
had to fight many battles against the hill Rajas and Mughals. His battles may be
described under the following heads:
A. Battles of the Pre-Khalsa Period (1675-1699)
B. Battles of the Post-Khalsa Period (1699-1708)
Name of
Where
When
Bhamgani
1688
Between
Victor
result
Raja Bhim
Guru ji
Bhimchand and
Gobind Chand of
and his
other Rajput
Singh
Kahlur and
Sikhs
Rajas became
ji
other hill
friends of the
chiefs
Guru
the battle
Battle of
Bhamgani
Battle of
Nadaun
1690
Nadaun
Guru
Guru ji
Alif Khan
Guru ji
Alif Khan was
and
(Mughals)
and Hill
defeated
Hill
Rajas
Rajas
First
Anandpur
1701
Guru ji
Raja Bhim
Guru ji
Rajas made
Battle of
and his Chand of
and his
compromise and
Anandpur
Sikhs
Sikhs
the Guru retired
Kahlur and
other hill
to Nirmoh
chiefs
Battle of
Nirmoh
Nirmoh
1702
Gugu ji Raja Bhim
and his Chand+
Sikhs
Mughals
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28
forces
Guru ji
and his
Sikhs
Defeat of
invaders
Battle of
Basoli
1702
Basoli
Guru ji Raja Bhim
Guru ji
Sikhs attacked
and his Chand
and is
the territory of
Sikhs
sikhs
Raja and
captured Kalmot
Second
Guru ji Hill chiefs
Hill chiefs
Guru ji and his
battle of
and his and
and
sikhs had to
Anandpur
Sikhs
Mughals
Mughals
leave the fort and
forces
forces
Zorawar & Fateh
under
under
Singh were
Wazir
Wazir
bricked alive
Khan
khan
Battle of
Anandpur
Chamkaur
1704
1704
Chamkaur
Guru ji Mughala
Mughals
35 sikhs including
and his forces
forces
two sons Ajit &
Sikhs
Jhujhar singh
died fighting
heroically
Battle of
Khidrana
khidrana
1705
Guru ji Mughal
Guru ji
Sikhs defeated
and his forces
and his
the Mughals but
sikhs
Sikhs
40 of them (Chali
Mukte) died
fighting
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29

After spending some time in Khidrana, guru ji went to Talwandi Sabo (now called as
Damdama Sahib) on the invitation of Dalla, a Brar Sikh. It was here that he compliled the
‘Dasam Granth’ and gave a final shape to the ‘Adi Granth’. So, Damdama Sahib is also
known as Guru-Ki-Kashi, a center of learning.
Death

Guruji left Talwandi sabo to meet the Mughals Emperor Aurangzeb himself who was
campaigning in Deccan India. While on way, he heard of the death of the emperor in
1707. Though there was an attempt at normalization of relations after new Mughal
emperor Bahadur Shah sat on the throne but no substantial agreement was reached.

Guruji retired to Nanded (in present Maharashtra). Here he converted Madho Das
Bairagi to Sikhism and asked him to go to Punjab to punish Wazir Khan. Back in
Nanded, two Pathans overtook Guruji and stabbed him. He succumbed to injuries on 7
October 1708.

Before his death, he ended the line of personal Gurus and passed on the succession to
the Holy Book, Guru Granth Sahib ji. He declared that word embodied in the Gramth
would be ‘Guru’ after him and hence the name ‘Guru Granth Sahib Ji’.
Five Takhts:
The five Gurdwaras known as the five Takhts (Royal Throne) have a very a special
significance for the Sikh community. They are considered the seats of Sikhs
religious authority. Many important decisions concerning the religious and social life
of the Sikhs community were taken here.
1. Shri Akal Takht (Amritsar)
2. Takht Shri Damdana Sahib (Talwandi Sabo)
3. Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib)
4. Takht Shri Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra)
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5. Takht Shri Patna Sahib:
BANDA SINGH BAHADUR – THE SIKH WARRIOR (1670-1716):

Banda Singh Bahadur, Sikh warrior was born on 27 December, 1670 at Rajauri in
the Punchh district of Kashmir. His original name was Lachhman Das.

He had turned into an ascetic under the name of Madho Das Bairagi and had
established his own dera at Nanded.

When Guruji came to Nanded, Madho Das converted to Sikhism. Guruji appointed
him as his military lieutenant and asked him to lead the campaign against the evil
Mughal administration and to punish Nawab Wazir Khan.

The Guru bestowed upon him a drum, a banner and five arrows from his quiver as
symbol of temporal authority. The Guru Ji also gave him the name of ‘Banda Singh’.
He was given an advisory council of five Sikhs – Binod Singh, Kahan Singh, Baj Sing
and Ram Singh.

Banda Singh Bahadur marched towards Punjab and captured Sirhind, Samana and
many other Mughal and Hill forts.

Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind was killed in the Battle of Chappar Chiri in
1710 and the city of Sirhind was captured. He then became the virtual master of
territories between the Yamuna and the Satluj.

Sikh State: Banda Singh Bahadur made the fort of Mukhlispur as his capital,
remaining it as ‘Lohgarh’. He assumed the style of royalty and introduced a new
calendar, struck coins and official seal in the name of Guru Nanak Dev ji and Guru
Gobind singh Ji. He retained Persian as the language of his government.

The increasing influence of Bhanda Singh Bahadur provoked the ire of the Mughal
emperor Bahadur Shah and his successors. A large imperial force continually
pursued Banda Singh Bahadur who had to escape from Lohgarh. He was ultimately
captured by the Mughal forces during the reign of Emperor Farukh Siyar in 1715.
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31

He was taken to Delhi and tortured to death in 1716.
DAL KHALSA

After the death of Banda Singh Bahadur, there was no eminent leader among the
Sikhs. The struggle against the Mughal Government became eventually a people’s
war. The sikh warriors established their control over Amritsar and made it as the
rallying centre of the Sikhs. They appointed Bhai Mani Singh to look after the affairs
of Harimandir Sahib.

The Sikhs started the tradition of deciding matters concerning the community at the
biennial meetings which took place at Amritsar on Baisakh and Diwali. These
assemblies came to be known as the Sarbat Khalsa. The Sarbat Khalsa became a
real force. It appointed jathedars and instructed them to protect villages under their
jurisdiction.

When in 1733, Zakarya Khan, the Mughal Governor of Lahore, failed to suppress the
Sikhs by force; he decided to adopt conciliatory measures and conferred the title of
Nawab on Kapur Singh the leader of Sikhs and Sarbat Khalsa.


Nawab Kapur Singh divided the entire Sikh militia into two groups:
o
Budha Dal and
o
Taruna Dal.
The Budha Dal consisting of veterans and the Taruna Dal, consisting of more
youthful soldiers. The purpose of Budha Dal, the veterans was to protect Gurdwaras
and train Taruna Dal, while the Taruna Dal would act as combat troops.

However, in 1735 Zakarya Khan realized that the Sikhs are getting stronger, he outlawed the Sarbat Khalsa, Dal Khalsa, confiscated the jagirs and started persecuting
the Sikhs – e.g. pious head priest of the Harimandir Sahib, Bhai Mani Singh, was
executed.

The policy of persecution was continued by his son Yahya Khan –
o
Chhota Ghallughara: The death of Jaspat Rai, brother of Lakhpat Rai
(Diwan of Lahore) at the hands of Sikhs in 1746 greatly enraged him. He led
a huge army towards Kahnuwan, near Gurdaspur and killed more than
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32
seven thousand Sikhs. This is known as Chhota Ghallughara (Lesser
Holocaust).
Revival of Dal Khalsa

Ahmed Shah Abdali’s invasion in 1748 had resulted in political confusion and instability
in the Punjab region. Taking the advantage of these political uncertainties, the sarbat
Khalsa started reorganizing themselves.

The entire fighting force of Khalsa was unified into a single body called the Dal Khalsa in
1748 under the supreme command of Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.

The Dal was divided into eleven fighting units called Misls, with separated names and
leaders. (The Phoolkian Misl, the twelfth, was not a part of Dal Khalsa and sometimes
acted against the interested of the community).

Name of the Misls
Founder
1
Karor Sanghia Misl
Karor singh
2
Nishanwalia Misl
Dasundha singh
3
Shaheedan Misl
Baba Deep Singh
4
Nikai Misl
Hira Singh Nikai
5
Dallewalia Misl
Gulab Singh Dalleewalia
6
Ramgharia Misl
Jassa Singh Ramgharia
7
Phulkian Misl
Chaudharia Phul
8
Bhangi Misl
Hari Singh Dhillon
9
Ahluwalia Misl
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
10
Kanhaiya Misl
Jai Singh
11
Singhpuria or Faizalpuria
Nawab Kapur Singh
12
Sukerchakia Misl
Buddha Singh
These Misls were considered equal and each sikh was free to join any Misl. With this
organization and under the able leadership of Kapur Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia,
Dal Khalsa established its authority over Punjab.

Wadda Ghallughara (Greater Holocaust):
o
Dal Khalsa had harassed the armies of Ahmad Shah Abdali retreating after the
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33
victorious 3rd Battle of Panipat in 1761. Abdali came in with a large force in 1762
and surrounded the Sikh army at Kup-Ruhira, near Malerkotla. About 20000 to
50000 Sikhs were massacred here.

However, the Sikhs quickly recovered and the Dal Khalsa established its authority over
most of the Punjab in a short time. The Dal Khalsa first defeated Ahmad Shah Abdali’s
Governor at Sirhind in 1762 and then Ahmad Shah himself at Amritsar in the same year.
The Sikhs recaptured the territories from the Indus to the Yamuna.

The Sikhs were well- organized under the leadership of Kapur Singh and Sardar Jassa
Singh Ahluwalia. But the death of Sardar Jassa Singh Ahkuwalia in 1783 was virtually
the end of the Dal Khalsa. Thereafter, various Sikh Sardars of different Misls started
controlling their respective territories as personal kingdoms.
MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, popularly called ‘Sher-i-Punjab’ i.e. the lion of the Punjab, was
the most powerful figure in the history of Punjab.

He was born on 13 November 1780 at Gujranwala city (now in Pakistan) into a Jatt Sikh
family of Sandhawalia clan, to Sardar Maha Singh Sukkarchakia and Sardani Raj Kaur,
daughter of Maharaja Gajpat Singh of Jind.

Ranjit Singh belonged to Sukerchakia Misl which was founded by Buddha Singh, who
is said to have baptized by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

o
Buddha Singh
o
Naudh Singh
o
Charhat Singh:
Shifted the capital from Sukerchak to Gujranwala
o
Maha Singh:
Married Raj Kaur, the princess of Jind.
o
Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh succeeded his father Maha Singh at the age of twelve in 1792. An
attack of small pox during infancy deprived him of the sight of his left eye.

By 1801, he united all the misls into a unified Sikh State and proclaimed himself as
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34
the Maharaja of Punjab on 12th April 1801

o
Some were won over by matrimonial alliances, like Kanhaiyya, Nakkai
o
Others were won over by gestures of friendship, like Ahluwalias
o
Still others were defeated and conquered, like Bhangis.
Lahore served as his capital from 1799.
Conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Name of conquest
When
Territories
conquered
Rulers from whom the
territories were conquered
Conquest of Lahore
1799
Lahore
The Bhangi Sardar
Conquest of Amritsar
1805
Amritsar
Mai Sukhan (widow of Gulab
Singh Bhangi)
Conquest of Kasur
1807
Kasur
Qutb-ud-din
Conquest of Jhang
1807
Jhang
Ahmad Khan
Conquest of Sialkot
1808
Sialkot
Jiwan Singh
Conquest of Kangra
1809
Kangra
Raja Samsar Chand Katoch
Conquest of Attock
1813
Attock
Jahandad Khan
Conquest of Multan
1818
Multab
Mujjaffar Khan
Conquest of Kashmir
1819
Kashmir
Zabbar Khan
Conquest of Peshawar
1834
Peshawar
Azim Khan
As a result of above conquests, Maharaja Ranjit Singh converted his small Misl into a
vast kingdom. His kingdom was extended from Ladakh in the north to Shikarpur in the
south and from Jamrud in the N-W to river Satluj in the east.

However, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was checked in east by the Treaty of Amritsar in
1809, signed between the British East India Company (Lord Minto I) and Maharaja Ranjit
Singh:
o
Both agreed to maintain friendly relations with each other.
o
British would have no concern with territories and subjects of Ranjit Sngh, northwest of the river Satluj. Ranjit Singh agreed not to keep more troops than
necessary on the left bank of the Satluj.
o

In event of violation of any one of the term, this treaty would be null and void.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s ambition on the western side was checked by the Tripartite
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35
Treaty of 1838 under which it was agreed that Shah Shuja would be installed as the king
of Kabul with the help of British and Sikhs forces.
Koh-I-Noor

Koh-I-Noor diamond was taken by Nadir Shah from emperor Muhammad Shah of Delhi
in 1739.

After the death of Nadir Shah, it went into the hands of Ahmad Shah Abdali through the
grandson of Nadir Shah.

Then, it passed by descent to Shah Zaman, grandson of Ahmah Shah. It was his brother
Shah Shuja who became prisoner in Kashmir in 1812. His wife, Wafa Begum promised
to give it to Maharaja Ranjit Singh for saving the life of her husband.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh fulfilled the promise by saving Shah Shuja life and in return got
the Koh-I-Noor from his wife.

It descended to his youngest son Maharaja Dalip Singh who was made to surrender it to
the British after annexation of Punjab in 1849.
Ranjit Singh’s Administration
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was one of the ablest and most efficient Indian rules of his time.
He was very liberal and broad-mined. He is remembered for establishing a wellorganized state.

The entire Kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was divided into four provinces - Lahore,
Multan, Kashmir and Peshawar, each headed by a Nazim who was assisted by
Kardars or Collectors.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh created a formidable army trained on European model. He
employed two officers of Napoleon Bonaparte’s disbanded army, Jean Baptiste
Ventura and Jean Francois Allard to train his army.

His court was always full of Hindus, Muslims and French Officers, reflecting the secular
character of his state. Fakir Aziz-ud-din (a Muslim) was his Foreign Minister and Dina
Nath (a Brahmin) was his Finance Minister, while Dhian Singh (a Dogra) was his Prime
Minister.
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However, the efficient state fell into a state of utter disorder with a few years of his death
in 1839 (on account of paralysis).
SUCCESSORS OF MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH & THE BRITISH CONQUEST OF PUNJAB

Kharak Singh (1839-1840): Kharak Singh, eldest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
ascended the throne in 1839 on the death of his father. To occupy the throne Kharak
Singh had to face opposition from his younger brother Sher Singh. Kharak Singh was a
weak ruler and did not give much attention to the affairs of the state. He left the
administration in the hands of his favorite Chet Singh Bajwa and as a result he lost
support and confidence of chief minister, Dhian Singh. In the end, Chet Singh was
murdered by Nau Nihal Singh, son of Kharak Singh, with the help of Dhian Singh who
put Nau Nihal Singh on the throne and Kharak Singh had to retire fom politics and
administration. He died in November, 1840.

Nau Nihal Singh (1840): Nau Nihal Singh, son of Kharak Singh and Chand Kaur, was
married to the daughter of Sham Singh Attariwala. He was only 19 years old when he
sat on the throne. He was an able administrator, a soldier and ambitious young man. He
solved the problem of law and order in the empire. Unfortunately, he was not destined to
live for long. When he was returning after the funeral rites of his father Kharak Singh on
5 November 1840, an archway of the gate of the Hazuri Bagh fell upon him. He was
seriously injured and died later.

Chand Kaur (1840-1841): Chand Kaur staked her claim to the throne after the death of
her husband, Kharak Singh as well as of her son Nau Nihal Singh in November 1840.
She challenged Sher Singh, the second son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the grounds
that her daughter-in-law, Sahib Kaur was pregnant and that she claimed regency on
behalf of the legal successor to her husband's throne. Dhian Singh succeeded in
protecting her claim by persuading the rivals to enter into a compact called the
Iqranama, which Chand Kaur became Regent, Sher Singh head of Council of Regency
and Dhian Singh, Principal Minister of the State.

However, the compact not last long Dhian Singh wished Chand Kaur adopt his son, Hira
Singh as successor to the throne. When Chand Kaur refused, he openly supported Sher
Singh who forcibly occupied the throne with the help of the army. Chand Kaur was
officially pensioned off but was murdered in a conspiracy.
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
Sher Singh (1841-1843): Sher Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Mehtab Kaur,
occupied throne with the help of Dhian Singh, who was proclaimed as Chief Minister. In
order to break free from the control of Dhian Singh, Sher Singh, on the suggestion of the
British, supported the dogra rivals – the Sandhawalia Sardars. However, the
Sandhawalia Sardars had their own ambitions and assassinated both Maharaja Sher
Singh and Wazir Dhian Singh. However, they were defeated by Dhian Singh’s son Hira
Singh. Now, he proclaimed Maharaja Ranjit Singh's youngest son, Dalip Singh as the
Maharaja, himself becoming the Wazir.

Dalip Singh (1838-1893): the last Sikh sovereign of Punjab, he was only 5 years old
when he became Maharaja. His mother, Maharani Jind Kaur became Regent. He
occupied throne from 1843 to 1849. After the two Anglo-Sikh wars, Punjab was annexed
by the British and Dalip Singh was deprived of his crown and kingdom.
First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46):
1. Battle of Mudki (18th Dec 1845): The Sikh forces led by Lal Singh crossed the river
Satluj and faced a large British army under the command of Sir Hugh Gough at Mudki on
18 Dec. 1845 Due to the treachery of Lal Singh, the Sikhs were defeated in the battle but
they inflicted great losses upon the enemies.
2. Battle of Ferozeshehar (21th Dec: 1845): the Sikhs and the British faced each other
Feroze Behar where a hard-contested battle was fought on 21 Dec. 1845. The Sikhs
were lady Singh & Tej Singh and the British by Gough. In spite of extraordinary bravery
and skill in the by Sikhs, they were defeated due to treachery of their commanders.
3. Battle of Baddowal (21th Jan. 1846): Ranjodh Singh Majithia crossed the Satluj with
his forces and began to make preparations for attacking Ludhiana. Sir Henry Smith
proceeded with a force to resist him but was defeated at the battle of Baddowal fought
on 21st Jan. 1846.
4. Battle of Aliwal (28 Jan. 1846): Having got reinforcements from Ferozepur, Henry
Smith suddenly Sikh forces under Ranjodh Singh at Aliwal on 28 Jan. 1846 and inflicted
a defeat upon them. The Sikh soldiers crossed the Satluj and ran away
5. Battle of Sobraon (10 Feb. 1846): The last and decisive battle was fought at Sobraon,
on the banks of the Satluj, on 10 Feb. 1846. In this battle too Tej Singh and Lal Singh,
who were commanding Sikh forces, proved traitors to their soldiers, although Sham
Singh Attariwala fought heroically and sacrificed his life. The Sikhs were defeated due to
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the treachery of their leaders but they caused heavy losses to the enemies. Around 320
British soldiers were killed and 2083 wounded. As many as 3125 Sikh soldiers died
fighting.
Treaty of Lahore, 1846:
After the victory in the Battle of Sabraron, the British Governor-General, Lord Hardinge
concluded Treaty of Lahore with Maharaja of Punjab, Dalip Singh on 9th March 1846:
1. Maharaja Dalip Singh was recognized as the sovereign of Lahore.
2. Jammu and Kashmir was handed over to Gulab Singh in lieu of one crore rupees
3. The territory between the Beas and the Satluj was annexed by the British.
4. Both banks of the Satluj went to the British.
A revised treaty known a Treaty of Bhairowal was concluded on 16 December 1846,
by which a Maharani Jind Kaur was removed from her position as regent and instead a
Council of Regency was formed and a British resident was appointed in the court at
Lahore (Sir Henry Lawrence was appointed as Resident).
Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49):
1.
Battle of Ramanagar (22 Nov 1848): the British forces under the command of Gough,
the Commander-in-Chief crossed the river Ravi and marched towards the right bank of
the river Chenab where Sikh Forces under Sher Singh Attariwala were encamped. On
22 November, a battle was fought between the two at Ramnagar in which the British
were defeated.
2.
Battle of Chillianwala (13th Jan. 1849): The British forces under Gough attacked
Chillianwala on 13 January. The Sikh force under the brilliant command of Sher Singh
offered a stout resistance and inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemies. It was one of
the most disastrous defeats the British had suffered since their occupation of India.
3.
Battle of Multan by British (22 Jan. 1849): The British forces under General Which
succeeded in capturing Multan on 22nd January. Mul Raj, the leader of rebels,
surrendered and was arrested by the British authorities.
4.
Battle of Gujrat (21st Feb 1849): The last battle between the British and the Sikhs was
fought at Gujral on the bank of rive Chenab, on 21st Februrary, 1849. In this battle, the
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British forces commanded by Gough fought with the Sikh forces commanded by
Chattur Singh and Sher Singh. As guns were used in large numbers on the both sides,
this battle is often called as “Battle of Guns”. This battle proved to be decisive. The
British forces defeated the Sikhs.
There was no organized Sikh resistance to the British after the Battle of Gujrat. On 29 th
March, 1849 Lord Dalhousie made a proclamation by which Punjab was annexed to the
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British Empire in India and an annual pension was fixed for Maharaja Dalip Singh.
RELIGIOUS REFORM MOVEMENTS IN PUNJAB:

Nirankari Movement
o

Started by Baba Dayal Singh in Rawalpindi.
Radha Soami Movement
o
Started by Soami Shiv Dayal in Agra. Introduced in Punjab by his disciple Baba
Jaimal Singh in Beas.

Namdhari or Kuka Movement
o
Started by Baba Balak Singh, popularized by his disciple Baba Ram Singh
SINGH SABHA MOVEMENT

Cause: Christian Missionaries and conversions in Punjab after annexation.

 Formation of Sri Guru Singh Sabha in 1873 in Akal Takht (Amritsar).

Objectives of Singh Sabha:
o
To propagate the true Sikh religion & restore Sikhism to its pristine glory
o
To edit, publish and circulate historical and religious books.
o
To promote the study of modern knowledge through the medium of Punjabi and
to start magazines and newspapers in Punjabi.

Sardar Thakur Singh Sandhawalia was appointed as its Chairman and Giani Gian Singh
as Secretary.

Singh Sabhas were also formed at other places like Lahore Singh Sabha in 1879 by
Professor Gurmukh Singh. In April 1880, Singh Sabha of Amritsar was made as central
body and renamed as Khalsa Diwan Amritsar.

After the death of Prof. Gurmukh Singh, the Lahore Khalsa Diwan was merged with the
Amritsar Diwan and Chief Khalsa Diwan was formed and its first meeting was held in
1902 in Golden Temple Amritsar. Bhai Arjan Singh of Bagrian was its first President &
Sardar Sunder Singh Majithia its first Secretary.

Passage of Anand Marriage Act – that legalized Sikh Marriages – in 1909 was the
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crowning achievement of the Singh Sabha Movement.
GURDWARA REFORM MOVEMENT (AKALI MOVEMENT):

It was a long-drawn campaign of the Sikhs for the liberation of their Gurudwaras from the
priests (mahants) who had asserted property rights over Gurdwaras.

At that time there were no rules for the administration of the Gurdwaras nor were
qualifications prescribed for their caretakers. These Gurdwars were looked after by
Udasis, who were as much Hindu as they were Sikh. These priests, who often indulged
in immoral and irreligious activities, were under the protection of the British Government.

Under the patronage of British Government, the lands and properties attached to the
Gurudwaras were entered against the names of these priests (mahants). The Sikhs
claimed that the Grudwaras were public property and the public had a right to remove its
agents, the Mahants, when they did not confirm to the wishes of the people. But the
government regarded the mahants as legal owner of the Gurdwaras.

The result was the Akali Movement or Gurudwara Reform Movement.

In Nov 1920, the Akalis made a proclamation from the Akal Takht forming a Committee
of 175 Sikhs, designating it Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC),
for the management of all Sikh shrines. Sunder Singh Majithia, Harbans Singh of
Attari and Bhai Jodh Singh were elected President, Vice-President and Secretary
respectively.

The work of the reform of the Gurdwaras was entrusted to this Committee. However, the
transition of reform was not so smooth as at many places the priests were strongly
entrenched or the government actively helped them to resist mass pressure.

The priests of Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Nankana Sahib openly used violence against
the unarmed and non-violent Akalis.

Nankana Sahib Massacre: A peaceful jatha of 150 Akalis was subjected to a
murderous assault on 20 February 1921, by Narain Das (the wealthiest of Mahants) and
his private army.

Keys Affair: The Akalis had to wage a peaceful protest, courting arrest and suffering
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much persecution, to get back the keys of Golden Temple from the Deputy
Commissioner of Amritsar on 19 January 1922 (who earlier took over the keys from
Manager of Golden Temple in 1921).

Guru Ka Bagh Morcha: A garden was attached to a Gurudwara in Ajnala Tehsil,
Amritsar. Its Mahant regarded the bagh as his personal property and prevented the
Sikhs from cutting down timber from the garden for firewood to be used in the Guru ka
Langar. The police supported the Mahant by arresting Akalis and charging them with
criminal trespass. The agitation expanded as jathas after jathas of Akalis courted arrest.
At last, government had to give in and give the control of bagh to the Akalis.

Jaito Morcha: It was organized by the Akalis in support of the ousted ruler of Nabha
State – Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, who had been forced by the British to abdicate the
throne on account of his support for the Akali Movement. A non-stop recitation of the
Guru Granth Sahib (akhand path) was organized at Gurudwara Gangsar at Jaito in the
State of Nabha, which was interrupted by police. The police even resorted to the use of
fire arms. Even after the arrest of the entire leadership of the Akali Movement, the
agitation continued.

Ultimately government relented and relased all the political prisioners and passed the
Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1925 under which a board named Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandhak
Committee (SGPC), was created to provide for better administration of certain Sikh
Gurdwaras.
Babbar Akali Movement

Babbar Akali Movement was radical outgrowth of the Akali movement for the reform of
Sikh places of worship during the early 1920’s. In the course of the prolonged campaign,
Akalis true to their vows patiently suffered physical injury and violence at the hands of
the priests as well as of government authority.

But a radical section of Sikhs rejected non-violence and adopted violence as a creed.
The members of this secret group called themselves Babbar Akalis. Their targets were
the British officers and their Indian informers. Radicals of this movement were led by
Master Mota Singh and Kishan Singh Gargajj.

The Babbar Akali Jatha had its own code: Persons with family encumbrances were
advised not to join as full members, but only as sympathizers. Members were to recite
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‘Gurbani’ regularly. They were not to indulge in personal vendetta against anyone.

The government acted with firmness and alacrity – arresting and giving stern sentences
to the Babbar Akalis, several of whom were hanged in 1926.
PUNJAB RYASTI PRAJA MANDAL:

Punjab Ryasti Praja Mandal was an organization of the people of the Punjab Princely
states established in 1928 at Mansa (Patiala State) to work for securing to them civil
liberties and political rights. The initiative for the establishment of the Mandal came
from the Akali workers belonging to these states but the membership was open to all.

Seva Singh Thikrivala, an Akali leader was elected President and Bhagwan Singh
Longowalia as General Secretary. Master Tara Singh was also an important
leader.

The scope of the Praja Mandal’s activities was extended to include all princely states
in the Punjab, Kashmir and Shimla-hill regions.


The following were the main objectives of Punjab Ryasti Praja Mandal were:
o
The protection of the rights and liberties of the people.
o
The setting up of representative institutions in the states and
o
The amelioration of the conditions of the peasants.
The rulers of the princely states were intolerant of any criticism of or opposition to
their administration. Moreover, they enjoyed the full protection and support of the
British government. The launching of a popular movement against them was thus not
an easy task. At first the activities of the Praja Mandal remained confined to four of
the Sikh states of Patiala, Nabha, Jind and Faridkot, in particular against Maharaja
Bhupindra Singh of Patiala.
With the formation of PEPSU on 15 July 1948, the Princely regimes ended and the
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Punjab Ryasti Praja Mandal lapsed.