Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
Jassa Singh Ramgharia, c.1780 painting
Born	5 May 1723 Ichogill, Lahore[1]
Died	1803 (aged 79–80)
Known for	Sardar of the Ramgarhia Misl Sikh raids on Delhi Siege of Ram Rauni Ahluwalia–Ramgarhia War Battle of Achal
Successor	Jodh Singh Ramgarhia who ceded his territories to Maharaja Ranjit Singh; Baghel Singh
Parent	Bhagwan Singh (father)
Relatives	Hardas Singh (grandfather)

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia (1723–1803) was a prominent Sikh leader during the period of the Sikh Confederacy. He was the founder of the Ramgarhia Misl. he led numerous military campaigns against the Mughal Empire and Afghan forces, securing significant victories and cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in Sikh history.

Early life

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was born into a Sikh family[, in 1723. According to W. H. McLeod,^[2] his birthplace was the village of Ichogil, near Lahore, whilst H. S. Singha^[3] refers only to Lahore and Purnima Dhavan^[4] mentions origins in either Guga or Sur Singh, both near Amritsar. His father was named Bhagwan Singh, who was the son of Hardas Singh.^[5] There is agreement among the sources that he was of Tarkhan^[6] origin and was originally named Jassa Singh Thoka (Jassa Singh the Carpenter).^[2][3][4] Khushal Singh, Mali Singh, and Tara Singh - and became head of the family when his father, Giani Bhagwan Singh, died.^{[7][page needed]}

Military Campaign

In 1753, Moin-ul-Mulk's death led to complete anarchy in the region. The Sikhs saw an opportunity to rebuild the Ram Rauni fort, assigning Jassa Singh Thokah the task. Jassa Singh, along with his contingent and numerous Sikhs, worked tirelessly to construct a stronger fort, renaming it Ramgarh (God's fort) in honor of Guru Ram Das. This achievement earned Jassa Singh the title "Ramgarhia"

In April 1758, Adina Beg became Punjab's governor and sought to quell Sikh disturbances. Adina Beg Khan dispatched a formidable force under Mir Aziz Bakhshi, accompanied by 4,000 carpenters with steel tools to clear forests around Amritsar.The Sikhs sought refuge in Ramgarh fort, believing martyrdom would secure heaven. Leaders Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Jai Singh Kanhaiya, and Amar Singh Kingra defended the fort. Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia launched a daring counterattack from the fort, using matchlocks and arrows to take down numerous assailants. They swiftly returned to the fort, shutting the gates behind them. Jai Singh showcased exceptional bravery, charging into the enemy's midst on his agile mare. Despite being targeted from all sides, his fearless demeanor kept enemies at bay, allowing him to safely retreat into the fort. Mir Aziz Bakhshi, the enemy commander, eventually breached the fort's wall one night. The Sikhs responded with a fierce sally, resulting in significant enemy casualties and several captives^[8]

In 1758, After the death of Adina Beg he collaborated with Jai Singh Kanhaiya, and captured Sri Hargobindpur and Miani, He established his headquarters at Sri Hargobindpur

In 1763, he sacked Kasur along with Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Hari Singh Dhillon, the Ramgarhias and kanhaiyas share all their booty equally, on this occasion he tried to keep all the booty for himself, As a result, his relationship with Jai singh Kanhaiya deteriorated.^[9]

Qazi Nur Muhammad calls him a Lion. 1765

In 1765, Ahmad Shah Durrani invaded India for seventh time in the winter of 1764–1765, During this campaign he constantly harassed by Sikhs, Qazi Nur Muhammad who was present in the Afghan Army describes the numbers of engagements between Sikhs and Afghans, a battle was fought on the western bank of the Satluj opposite Rupar, it was morning and the Afghan army was hardly gone 3 km from the western bank of the Satluj, when they attacked by the Sikhs, The Afghans immediately stopped marching and got into regular formation of battle, Ahmad Shah Durrani was in the center with 6,000 choice soldiers, Shah Vali Khan, Jahan Khan, Shah Pasand Khan, Anzala Khan and others at the head of 12,000 troops were on the right Nasir Khan with 12,000 Baluchis was on the left, The Dal Khalsa also organised themselves in regular battle army Jassa Singh Ahluwalia fearlessly stood like a mountain in the center close by him was Jassa Singh Thokah, looking like a lion in stature, the Qazi says that Ramgarhia has his own flag and war drum^[10]

In 1767, Ahmad Shah Durrani launched his eighth and final invasion of India. Upon his arrival,for the Bhangi chiefs promptly vacated Lahore, allowing Durrani's forces to advance, Jahan Khan, Durrani's commander-in-chief, led an attack onriver Amritsar, but the Sikh fiercely resisted driving him away after a three-hour battle. As Durrani attempted to cross the River Beas, he faced opposition from Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, The ensuing clash left Ahluwalia wounded. forcing him to retreat into the Cis-Satluj region. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, who had succeeded Hari Singh Bhangi as a leader of the Taruna Dal took command of the Dal Khalsa^[11]

1767: Durrani's Final Invasion

In 1767, Ahmad Shah Durrani launched his eighth and final invasion of India. Upon his arrival, the Bhangi chiefs promptly vacated Lahore, allowing Durrani's forces to advance. Jahan Khan, Durrani's commander-in-chief, led an attack on Amritsar, but the Sikhs fiercely resisted, driving him away after a three-hour battle. As Durrani attempted to cross the River Beas, he faced opposition from Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. The ensuing clash left Ahluwalia severely injured, forcing him to retreat into the Cis-Satluj region. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, who had succeeded Hari Singh Dhillon as leader of the Taruna Dal, seized command of the entire Dal Khalsa force.^[11]

1770: Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Conquers Northern Hills

In 1770, Jassa Singh expanded his control into the Kangra Valley hills through a series of plundering expeditions. He targeted the impoverished local population, seizing their cattle and healthy boys for conversion and recruitment into the Sikh army, akin to the Janissaries of Turkey. Merchants and travelers using the shifted trade route, now passing through the hills, were also plundered. The hill rajas, overwhelmed by Jassa Singh's military might, were forced to submit to his rule.^[9]

Jassa Singh's conquest was marked by a decisive victory over Raja Ghamand Chand Katoch, the most powerful hill raja, in the battle of Talwara on the banks of the river Beas. Despite initial defeats, Jassa Singh persevered, eventually emerging triumphant. Raja Ghamand Chand and several minor hill princes became tributary to Jassa Singh, paying an annual tribute of two lakhs of rupees. To maintain control, Jassa Singh built a fort at Talwara, garrisoning it with his brother Mali Singh and 4,000 horsemen.^[11]

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia captured and released. 1775

In 1775. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was heading to Achal near Batala to attend a fair when Mali Singh, brother of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, attacked him with a contingent of horsemen. Ahluwalia's men suffered significant losses, and he himself was wounded twice, falling unconscious from his horse, Mali Singh took Ahluwalia to Sri Hargobindpur, where Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was relieved that Ahluwalia hadn't been killed. Showing remarkable chivalry, Ramgarhia apologized for Mali Singh's actions and treated Ahluwalia with respect. After a two-day stay, Ramgarhia gifted Ahluwalia a horse and shawl, escorting him to Fatehabad, his seat of government ^[12]

Upon arrival, Ahluwalia met with Jai Singh Kanhaiya, Gujar Singh Bhangi, and others who urged him to retaliate against the Ramgarhias. Ahluwalia vowed to take up arms, vowing not to rest until he had seized all Ramgarhia estates. This led to the attack on Zahum, a Ramgarhia stronghold, where Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was wounded in the battle. Ahluwalia emerged victorious, capturing Zahum and later entrusting it to Baghel Singh to strengthen his alliance ^[13]

The expulsion of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

In 1778, a territorial dispute between the Kanhaiyas and Ramgarhias escalated into conflict. Jai Singh Kanhaiya allied with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Mahan Singh to challenge Jassa Singh Ramgarhia^[14] Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's headquarters, Sri Hargobindpur, was attacked by Jai Singh and Haqiqat Singh, Kanhaiya sardars, backed by Ahluwalia troops in September 1778. Despite strong resistance, Ramgarhia was expelled. Simultaneously, Batala was besieged by Gurbakhsh Singh, Jai Singh's son. Mali Singh, Ramgarhia's brother, was known for his tyranny and was forced to flee^[15] The conflict resulted in significant losses for the Ramgarhias. Khushhal Singh, Jassa Singh's brother, was mortally wounded and died shortly after. Tara Singh was defeated and killed in the battle for Kalanaur, which then became Haqiqat Singh Kanhiya's headquarters. The allies successfully captured the entire region from the Ramgarhias.^[9] Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and his remaining brothers escaped to the deserts of Hisar and Sirsa. Ahluwalia leader Jassa Singh instructed Kanwar Bhag Singh not to harass the fleeing Ramgarhias, allowing them safe passage across the Satluj River. Jassa Singh left his family in Lekhpur under Ranjit Singh Ramgarhia's care and ventured out to find new lands and resources.^[11]

In Hisar, 1778

In 1778, during Jassa Singh's expulsion from Punjab, Amar Singh of Patiala was engaged in a battle with the Bhattis in the Sirsa-Bhatner region. Seeing an opportunity for mutual benefit, Amar Singh offered Jassa Singh a daily allowance of Rs. 500 to help subdue the Bhattis. As a gesture of goodwill, Amar Singh also provided asylum to Jassa Singh's son, Jodh Singh Ramgarhia, at Patiala^[9] Interestingly, while drawing water from a well in Sirsa, Jassa Singh's men lost a couple of brass buckets. In an attempt to recover them, they used a metal piece with sharp hooks, which accidentally hooked onto something heavy. Upon investigation, they discovered four iron boxes filled with gold coins worth three to four lakhs. This unexpected treasure enabled Jassa Singh to sustain his troops and ultimately subdue the Bhattis^[9] With his newfound resources, Jassa Singh established his headquarters at Tosham, about 10 kilometers from Bhiwani, where he could seek shelter in the nearby hills. From this base, he launched plundering raids into the Delhi region, which was merely 130 kilometers away. His military campaigns successfully reduced Hansi and Hisar^[9]

In the Delhi Red Fort, 1783

In March 1783, he come to know that Dal Khalsa under Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was advancing upon Delhi, he joined it at March 10, 1783, On 11 March, Dal Khalsa entered in the royal palaces in the Red Fort, In the Diwan-i-Am Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was placed on the throne of Delhi as Badshah Singh of Delhi by Sikhs, Through Ramgarhia was in minority, yet he challenged the Ahluwalia and called upon him to get down immediately. Both sides drew out swords and were about to pounce upon each other when Jassa Singh Ahluwalia at once renounced the honour, The Sikhs then plundered the outer sections of the palace, with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia seizing four cannons and a decorative marble slab measuring 6' x 4' x 1". The slab was later installed in the Ramgarhia Bunga in Amritsar, where it remains to this day^[16][17]

Jassa Singh Ramgharia seated upon his throne, 20th century painting

In the Ganga Doab. 1784

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia 1784 campaign in the Ganga Doab was a strategic move to regain his lost territories. He entrusted his son Jodh Singh with state affairs and joined forces with Karam Singh Nirmala and 30,000 other Sikhs in Shahabad Markanda. This significant gathering alarmed the British general in Bareilly, prompting him to alert forces along the Ganga River to prevent Sikh entry into Rohilkhand^[9] In late January 1784, Jassa Singh and Karam Singh crossed the Jamuna River and plundered Sarsawa, near Saharanpur, on January 30. Zabita Khan Rohilla responded by sending troops to stop the Sikhs, but Jassa Singh demanded Rs. 50,000 to spare the territory. A deal was made, with Zabita Khan paying Rs. 10,000 and agreeing to an annual tribute ^[18] The Sikhs then ravaged Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Meerut districts, reaching Sardhana, Begam Samru's headquarters. Fearful of a Sikh attack on Delhi, the Emperor ordered Begam Samru's step-son, Zafaryab Khan, to guard the Kashmiri Gate. Food shortages in Delhi drove up prices, affecting staples like wheat, rice, and sugar. After crossing the Jamuna at Barari Ghat, the Sikhs returned home, with Jassa Singh depositing his booty in Tosham. However, the gains were insufficient for his planned Panjab expedition, so he awaited another opportunity to bolster his resources.^[14]

Sack of Chandausi, 1785

In beginning of January 1785, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia along with Baghel Singh, Gurdit Singh of Ladwa passed over Jamuna river, They plundered the village and towns of Sadaat-e-Bara community, Zabita Khan did not stir out of his fort of Ghausgarh, they crossed the Ganga river and entered Rohilakhand, On 13 January, the villages of Barsi and Mahmudpur were laid waste, On 14 January, They sacked Chandausi the great center of about 2000 bankers, rich merchants and jewellers was thoroughly squeezed and booty worth a crore of rupees was obtained in two days and nights,^[12]

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's recovery of his territories

In February 1785 was a significant turning point in his campaign. With a substantial amount of money at his disposal, he was able to recruit fresh troops and gather arms, making the timing perfect for his return to Panjab, The rift between Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Mahan Singh over the Jammu booty created an opportunity for Jassa Singh to reclaim his lost territories. Jai Singh had three powerful enemies: Raja Sansar Chand Katoch, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, and Mahan Singh Sukarchakia. Mahan Singh invited Jassa Singh and Raja Sansar Chand to join forces and recover their territories. Jassa Singh swiftly assembled his forces at Tosham and met with Mahan Singh's agents at Jagraon to devise a plan. Bhag Singh Ahluwalia pledged not to interfere, and despite a failed attempt by Jai Singh's forces to halt the Ramgarhias, the stage was set for battle, The intense battle took place near Acheal, 13 kilometers from Batala, in mid-February 1785. Jai Singh's eldest son, Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya, was killed in the engagement. Jassa Singh successfully reclaimed his territories, while Sansar Chand seized Jai Singh's territories at the foot of the hills. Mahan Singh annexed some of the Kanhaiya territory, leaving Jai Singh with only a few strongholds, including Kangra fort and Atalgarh near Mukerian. In the aftermath, Jassa Singh established his headquarters at Batala^[15]

Battle of Batala (1787)

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia reclaimed his lost territory and fortified Batala with a massive brick wall. However, Jai Singh Kanhaiya, smarting from defeat, formed alliances with Mahan Singh, Bhag Singh Ahluwalia, and local Rajas to retake Batala. Jassa Singh successfully defended the city with the inhabitants help, repelling the 21-day siege^[9]

The Siege of Miani in 1796

Sada Kaur, the widow of Gurbakhsh Singh Kanhiya, who sought revenge against Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. Sada Kaur, known for her intelligence, had married her daughter to Ranjit Singh, son of Mahan Singh Sukarchakia, forming a powerful alliance. Together, they besieged Jassa Singh's fort of Miani, located on the banks of the River Beas, for four months^[9] As Jassa Singh's provisions and ammunition dwindled, he sought help from Sahib Singh Bedi of Una. However, Sada Kaur's representatives, Jodh Singh Wazirabadia and Dal Singh Gill, had already met with Sahib Singh, who advised them to lift the siege. Despite this, Sada Kaur remained resolute, Jassa Singh sent another ambassador to Sahib Singh, who replied, "They do not listen to me, but God will help you." This phrase proved prophetic, as heavy rains flooded the river, sweeping away Sada Kaur's entire camp and equipment, forcing her to retreat and saving Jassa Singh^[9]

Death and legacy

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia died in 1803 at the age of 80 In honour of his achievements and contribution to the Sikh faith, an equestrian statue^[19] of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgharia has been installed in Amritsar, Punjab. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, a renowned Sikh leader, was known for his kind-hearted nature, sympathy, and helpfulness to those in need. Here are some instances of his benevolence:

• Restoring a Brahmin's Daughter*: When a Brahmin's married daughter was abducted by a Muslim officer in Hisar, Jassa Singh immediately dispatched a force, killed the officer, and returned the girl to her husband with a sum of Rs. 5,000 to ensure her good treatment.
• Asylum to Bhambu Khan*: Jassa Singh provided refuge to Bhambu Khan, grandson of Najib-ud-daulah Rohilla, and his mother, granting them five villages near Phagwara, despite pressure from the Mughal Emperor and other powerful leaders
• Supporting Dispossessed Sikhs*: When Fatah Singh Ahluwalia seized villages from Mehar Singh, Hazara Singh, and Thakur Singh, Jassa Singh offered them alternative villages for subsistence
• Aiding Expelled Individuals*: Jassa Singh assisted Gurdit Singh Bhangi, his mother Sukhan, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh's aunt Raj Kaur, who were expelled from Amritsar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, providing them with sufficient means for livelihood
• Helping Mal Lachhmi*: After Maharaja Ranjit Singh drove Mal Lachhmi out of Phagwara, Jassa Singh fixed a handsome allowance for her, demonstrating his willingness to support those in need.^[9]

Khushwaqt Rae described Jassa Singh as "bisyar ikhlaq pasand" or very good-natured, highlighting his compassionate character, He founded the Ramgarhia Misl and played a crucial role in shaping the Sikh Confederacy. Jassa Singh's military exploits are legendary, having killed several tigers with his sword and survived a cobra bite by pressing out the poison, claiming only cowards suffered from its effects. He collaborated with other Sikh leaders, capturing key locations like Sri Hargobindpur and Miani. As one of the six most influential Sikh leaders of his time, Jassa Singh's leadership and strategic thinking helped protect the Sikh people from invaders. However, his reputation is marred by cruelty towards innocent people in Uttar Pradesh, driven by a desire for wealth. Notably, the Sikhs scrupulously avoided raping women, unlike many others.^[9]

Jassa Singh's army and resources initially surpassed those of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, protecting him from the Maharaja's wrath during his early career. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia remains a significant figure in Sikh history, remembered for his bravery, leadership, and complex legacy.^[9]

References

1. "Sikh Courier International". Sikh Cultural Society of Great Britain. 18 December 1999. Retrieved 18 December 2022 – via Google Books.
2. McLeod, W. H. (2005) [1995]. Historical Dictionary of Sikhism (2nd ed.). Scarecrow Press. p. 102. ISBN 0-8108-5088-5.
3. Singha, H. S. (2005) [2000]. The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism (2nd ed.). Hemkunt. p. 111. ISBN 81-7010-301-0.
4. Dhavan, Purnima (2011). When Sparrows Became Hawks: The Making of the Sikh Warrior Tradition, 1699-1799. USA: OUP USA. p. 60. ISBN 978-0199756551.
5. "ANNALS OF THE RAMGARHIA SARDARS". www.sikh-heritage.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
6. Sikhs and Sikhism, WH Mcleod, pg102^{[full citation needed]}
7. Warrior-diplomat: Jassa Singh Ramgarhia - Harbans Singh Virdi
8. Mehta, Jaswant (2005). Advanced Study in the History of Modern India: 1707 - 1813. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 257. ISBN 9781932705546.
9. Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
10. Gupta, Hari Ram. History Of The Sikhs Vol II Evolution of Sikh Confederacies. Munshilal Manohorlal, Pvt Ltd.
11. Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India:Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.
12. Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-567308-1. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
13. Dhavan, Purnima (2011). When Sparrows Became Hawks: The Making of the Sikh Warrior Tradition, 1699–1799. Oxford University Press. p. 85. ISBN 9780199756551.
14. Gupta, Hari Ram (2000). Studies In Later Mughal History Of The Punjab 1707-1793. Sang-e-Meel Publications. pp. 237–240. ISBN 9789693507560.
15. Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 119.
16. Singh, Pashaura; Barrier, Norman Gerald (1999). Sikh Identity: Continuity and Change. Manohar. p. 264. ISBN 978-81-7304-236-2.
17. http://sikhchic.com/article-detail.php?id=2532&cat=14 ^{[bare URL]}
18. Dhavan, Purnima (2011). When Sparrows Became Hawks: The Making of the Sikh Warrior Tradition, 1699–1799. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199756551.
19. "Equestrian statue of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in Amritsar, Punjab India". 6 April 2016.