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Sukerchakia Misl

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Sukerchakia Misl
Shukarchakī'ā Misal
1748–1801
CapitalSukerchak (initial) Gujranwala (later)
Common language‌Punjabi‌
Religion
Sardar‌ 
• 1748–1752‌
Naudh Singh‌
• 1752–1774
Charat Singh‌
• 1774–1792
Mahan Singh
• 1792–1801
Ranjit Singh‌
Historical eraEarly modern period
• Split from Singhpuria Misl
1748
• Capture of Lahore by Ranjit Singh and formation of the Sikh Empire
1801
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
Durrani Empire
Singhpuria Misl
Sikh Empire
Today part ofPakistan
Misls of the Sikh Confederacy
A 1780 map of the Punjab Region shows the relative positions of the Sikh Misls and other states.

The Sukerchakia Misl was one of twelve Sikh misls in Punjab during the 18th century, concentrated in Gujranwala and Hafizabad districts in western Punjab (in modern-Pakistan) and ruled from (1752–1801). The misl, or grouping with its own guerilla militia (jatha), was founded by Budha Singh of Sandhawalia, Ancestor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh[1] The last Sukerchakia Misldar (commander of the Misl) was Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh united all the misls and established an independent Sikh Empire.

History

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Family origin

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The earliest traceable ancestor of the Sukerchakia family with reliable historicity was Kalu[2] (died c.1488), a Jat of the Warraich got (clan),[discuss] who moved in c.1470 from his native village of Bhatian (in modern-day Lahore district) to Sansara (or Sansi; located in modern-day Ajnala tehsil, Amritsar district, Punjab, India) with his spouse. Later-on, he would further shift his family to Sand, a village approximately six kilometres from Wazirabad.[3][4][5][6] Whilst Kalu had his residence in Sansi, he gave birth to a son named Jaddoman.[3][4][5][6] Jaddoman became a plunderer associated with the Sansi tribe.[3][4][5][6] He died in c.1515 on a marauding expeditions and was survived by a son named Galeb (also known as Mannu).[3][4][5][6] Galeb also became a plunderer and was renowned for it. He died in c.1549 and was survived by a son named Kiddoh.[3][4][5][6]

Sukerchak village

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Kiddoh shifted his residence from his native village to the village of Sukerchak in c.1555.[3][4][5][6] The etymology of the name of the later Misl originates from the toponym of this village.[3][4][5][6] The village was located approximately 3 kilometres away from Gujranwala.[3][4][5][6] Kiddoh is said to have been spiritually disposed and started working on the land as an agricultural labourer.[3][4][5][6] Kiddoh died in c.1578 and was survived by two sons named Rajadab and Premu.[3][4][5][6] Rajadab would open a grocery store in the village, worked also as an agriculturalist, and was versed and literate in the Landa script.[3][4][5][6] Rajadab died in c.1620 and left behind three sons named Nilu, Telu, and Takht Mal.[3][4][5][6] Only Takht Mal survived past childhood into adulthood, whom benefited from the intergenerational wealth that was passed down to him from the hardwork of his predecessors.[3][4][5][6] With this small fortune, he became a lender and eventually worked his way up to become a banker.[3][4][5][6] When he died in c.1653, he was succeeded by two sons named Balu and Bara.[3][4][5][6] Baru is the first ancestor of the Sukerchakia family who had associations with Sikhism, as he was a follower of the founder, Guru Nanak, and an avid reader of the Adi Granth (as it was then known).[3][4][5][6] At the age of 25, he expressed a strong desire to become initiated into the religion in Amritsar (Khande-di-Pahul).[3][4][5][6] However, due to an accident, he was unable to complete this mission He died in 1679, His son Budha Singh later became famous Sikh warrior


Foundation of Sukerchakia Misl

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Ranjit Singh Sukerchakia, a visionary leader, was born on November 13, 1780, and went on to unify the warring misls, harness the energy of the Punjabis, and conquer neighboring countries. But before him, the foundation of the Sukerchakia fortunes was laid by Budha Singh, Desu Singh, a former Sansi Jat cultivator and notorious cattle-lifter, founded the influential Sukerchakia Misl in the late 17th century. His humble beginnings involved owning 25 acres of land, known as Sukkar Chak, near Gujranwala, 70 kilometers north of Lahore. The name "Sukerchakia" originated from "Sukkar," meaning small and narrow, and "Chak," signifying a petty tract of land. Desu's reputation as a skilled cattle thief preceded him, with tales of his daring heists, including the infamous theft of village Naltkhona's prized cattle and horses.[7]

A transformative encounter with an old woman, whose livestock he had stolen, sparked Desu's desire for redemption. He subsequently sought out Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, and received initiation into the Sikh faith through charan pahul in 1692. Following the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699, Desu Singh reaffirmed his commitment by taking khande di pahul. Despite being over fifty, he bravely fought alongside Guru Gobind Singh and later under Banda Bahadur, earning the nickname "Budha Singh" due to his advanced age and valor[8]

Sukerchakia Jatha

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Budha Singh's two sons, Nodh Singh and Chanda Singh, Nodh Singh stayed with his father at Sukarchak, while Chanda Singh settled in Sandhanwala, Sialkot district, earning the nickname Sandhanwalia. Chanda Singh's sons later migrated to Rajasansi, making it their permanent home. Nodh Singh's marriage to Gulab Singh's daughter from Majitha, 20 kilometers from Amritsar, boosted his status, enabling him to build Sukarchakia Garhi, a grand house with a spacious compound and high mud wall.[9]

Nodh Singh Sukerchakia was a pivotal figure in Sikh history, serving under the renowned Nawab Kapur Singh and leading one of 25 Sikh dhari bands in 1745. He later became the head of the Sukerchakia Misl during the formation of the Dal Khalsa in 1748. Nodh Singh's bravery and dedication to the Sikh faith were exemplified through his daring rescue mission, alongside Chanda Singh, to save six Sikhs forcibly converted to Islam by Sultan Khan Chatha Pathan of Rasulnagar. They not only reclaimed the Sikhs but also rebaptized them, sending a powerful message of their unwavering commitment to their faith. Furthermore, the brothers avenged Sikhs from village Karyala, captured by Shahab-ud-din of Ferozewala, by pillaging his village and executing him and his family. Nodh Singh's heroic acts cemented his legacy as a fierce protector of the Sikh faith and community. Unfortunately, his life was cut short in 1752 during a military expedition, where he met his demise while plundering a Bhatti village. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Charat Singh, who would continue to build upon his father's legacy.[10][citation needed]

Independent misl

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At the annual Diwali meeting of the Sarbat Khalsa in Amritsar in 1748, a Gurmata was passed that reorganized the various scattered and numerous jathas into eleven organized Misls, with the Sukerchakia Misl forming out of this judgement.[11][note 1] When Naudh died in 1752, he had four sons who survived him named Charat Singh, Dal Singh, Chet Singh, and Mangi Singh.[5]

Under Charat Singh

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Painting of Charat Singh during an engagement with Afghan Durrani forces

Charat Singh was the eldest son of Naudh Singh, the father of Maha Singh, and the grandfather of Ranjit Singh.[12] Charat Singh formally created the Sukerchakia Misl.[13][14] He distinguished himself at an early age in campaigns against Ahmad Shah Abdali and split from the Singhpuria Misl to formally establish the Sukerchakia Misl in Gujranwala.[12] He combined with the Mughalchak missal and extended his rule in Rohtas, Chakwal, Pind Dadan Khan which stood in the Pothohar region of northern Punjab and took Wazirabad under his control.

"Chaudhary Charat Singh strengthened his position by matrimonial alliances. Dal Singh Kalianwala of Alipur renamed Akālgarh was married to the sister of Charat Singh. Sohel Singh Bhangi was married to the daughter of Charat Singh. Sahib Singh Bhangi, son of Gujar Singh, was married to another daughter, Raj Kaur. Charat's Singh's son Mahan Singh was married to the daughter of Jai Singh Mann of Mughalchak."

— Hari Ram Gupta, History of the Sikhs. Vol. IV: Sikh Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Misls (1982), page 304[15]

During the time of Charat Singh, men were only able to join the misl after having been first baptized into the Khalsa as a criterion for admission.[12] Charat Singh rose the number of horsemen to around 150.[12] The headquarters of the misl moved from Sukerchak village to Gujranwala after the marriage of Charat to Desan Kaur, the daughter of Amir Singh of Gujranwala, whom had been a close ally to Charat.[12] Amir Singh was an aged but still powerful sardar.[12]

Under Maha Singh

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Ramgarhia and Sukarchakia Misls hold a diplomatic meeting. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia (long, white beard) on left. Mahan Singh with checked blanket covering chest on the right, in centre

,

Maha Singh (1756-1792) was the leader of Sukerchakia Misl and father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Upon the death of his father, Charat Singh, he succeeded to the leadership of the Sukerchakia Misl He is known for his alliance with Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and for reducing the power of the Kanhaiya Misl. Maha Singh married firstly Mai Man Kaur, daughter of Sardar Jai Singh Mann of Mughalchak-Mananwala, and secondly Sardarni Raj Kaur, daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind..[16]

In 1790, the strategic town of Sodhra, located 10 kilometers east of Wazirabad, became the focal point of a pivotal conflict. Sodhra was under the independent charge of Sahib Singh Bhangi, who had recently lost his father, Gujar Singh Bhangi. Sahib Singh's journey to Gujrat to claim his father's capital and treasure was cut short by Mahan Singh's ambitions. Mahan Singh sought to seize Sodhra and Gujrat, demanding succession duty from Sahib Singh as a token of his overlordship. Sahib Singh's refusal to comply led Mahan Singh to besiege Sodhra. Despite his sister Raj Kaur's attempts to dissuade him from fighting, Mahan Singh remained resolute. In a dramatic turn of events, Sahib Singh sought the blessings of Darvesh Mastan Shah, a revered saint. The Darvesh's prayers seemed to have an immediate impact, as Mahan Singh was struck by a severe fever that would ultimately claim his life[16]he passed away on April 5, 1790, at just 26 years old.[17][17][failed verification]

According to Hari Ram Gupta,[18][attribution needed]

"There is not the least doubt about it that if he had lived ten years longer, he would have become the sole monarch of the whole of northern India from the Khyber Pass to the Ganga, and from the Himalayas to the Arabian sea, and Emperor Shah Alam II would have become his protege."

Muhammad Latif states,[19]

"Mahan Singh was brave, enterprising and prudent beyond his years; and the age in which he lived highly favoured his ambitious schemes His early feats in arms had acquired for him so great a reputation that many influential independent Sardars joined his banner. His rapid successes gave him an ascendancy over all the Sikh chiefs. His military genius, undaunted courage, stern temper and rigid observance of the rules of delicacy and honour, at times, involved him in serious trouble, but he honourably acquitted himself on all such occasions."

Under Ranjit Singh

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Young Ranjit Singh, company style, circa 19th century

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) was the founder of the Sikh Empire, ruling Punjab from 1801 to 1839. Born in Gujranwala, Punjab, he united various Sikh factions and expanded his empire through conquests, establishing Lahore as his capital. Known as the "Lion of the Punjab," Ranjit Singh modernized his army, introduced administrative reforms, and promoted arts and culture. He also annexed key regions, including Kashmir, Peshawar, and Multan. His reign marked the zenith of Sikh power and influence in India, earning him recognition as one of the most notable figures in Indian history..[20][21]

Leaders

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No. Name

(Birth–Death)

Portrait Term Reference(s)
As a Jatha under the Singhpuria Misl:
1. Naudh Singh
(died 1752) 		1730 – 1748 [5]
As an independent Misl:
– Naudh Singh
(died 1752) 		1748 – 1752 [5]
2. Charat Singh
(died 1774) 		1752 – 1774 [5]
3. Maha Singh
(died 1792) 		1774 – 1792 [5]
4. Ranjit Singh
(1780 – 1839) 		1792 – 1801 [5]

Battles fought by Sukerchakia Misl

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  • Stereoscopic photograph of the tomb or 'samadhi' (Indic cenotaph) of Mahan Singh at Gujranwala in Punjab, ca.1869
    Stereoscopic photograph of the tomb or 'samadhi' (Indic cenotaph) of Mahan Singh at Gujranwala in Punjab, ca.1869

Notes

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  1. ^ It is unclear if the Sukerchakia Misl would have been established as an independent misl in 1748 after the passing of the Gurmata by the Sarbat Khalsa or if it was established a little later by Charat Singh's split from the Singhpuria Misl.

References

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  1. ^ "Sukerchakia Misl".
  2. ^ Syed, Dr Karim Haider; Shirazi, Dr Safdar Ali (24 December 2021). "HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF SUKERCHAKIA MISAL TILL THE EMERGENCE OF SIKH EMPIRE". Psychology and Education Journal. 58 (5). Pakistan: 7851. ISSN 1553-6939. The family of Ranjit Singh belonged to Pindi Bhattian town as in 1470 his forefather Kalu left Pindi Bhattian for Saihansran a village in Amritsar. Kalu with his son Jaduman left the Saihansran and reached Sandhanwala village nowadays in Gujrat district. Sandhanwala village became famous in the time of Ranjit Singh when Ranjit Singh and his relatives claimed to be Jat of Punjab and sought the family title of Sandhawalia Jat.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Ancestors of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh". Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Ancestors Table of Maharaja Duleep Singh". Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Chhabra, G. S. (1972). "Chapter 1: The Ancestors of Maharaja Ranjit Singh". Advanced History of the Punjab: Ranjit Singh & post Ranjit Singh period. Advanced History of the Punjab. Vol. 2 (2nd ed.). New Academic Publishing Company. pp. 1–13.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q The Sikh Review. Vol. 28. Calcutta: Sikh Cultural Centre. 1980. p. 9.
  7. ^ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 293. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
  8. ^ Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  9. ^ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 294. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
  10. ^ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 294. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
  11. ^ Singh, Harbans. The Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Vol. 2: E-L. Punjabi University, Patiala. pp. 362–3.
  12. ^ a b c d e f {{Cite book |last=Dhir |first=Krishna S. |title=The Wonder That Is Urdu |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=2022 |isbn=9788120843011 |edition=1st |location=Delhi |pages=537 |quote=The early 18th century remained a turbulent period during which the Sikhs did not have a single individual as a Sikh leader. The Mughals had taken control of much of Punjab from 1733 until, in 1735, the Khalsa rejected the confederacy status granted to them by the Mughals. Ahmed Shah Durrani began his campaigns in April 1748 and recaptured Punjab in the Third Battle of Panipat. At the time, Sardar Charat Singh, son of Naubh [sic] Singh, was a member of the Singhpuria Misl. Born in about 1733, he distinguished himself even at an early age. He married Sardarni Desan Kaur, the daughter of Sardar Amir Singh, a powerful leader in Gujranwala, and moved to his headquarters there. Along with 150 horsemen, he split from the Singhpuria Misl and established the Sukerchakia Misl (Suker from "shukar = an expression of 'gratitude for' or "thanks for'; 'chak'= 'land' or 'territory'). The Sukerchakia strength and territory grew under the leadership of Charat Singh. On his death in 1770, Charat Singh launched an invasion of Jammu in 1774 alongside Jai Singh of the Kanhaiya Misl. Their goal was to support Brij Raj Deo, the eldest son of Ranjit Deo, in his rebellion against his father. However, things took a dramatic turn when the Bhangi Misl joined forces with Ranjit Deo, opposing Charat Singh's efforts. Tragically, during the battle preparations, Charat Singh suffered a fatal accident when a matchlock exploded, claiming his life. The conflict didn't end there. The following day, Jandha Singh, the leader of the Bhangi Misl, was killed in action, prompting both misls to retreat from the fight.
  13. ^ Khushwant Singh (2008). "Chapter 1: Ranjit Singh's Ancestors, Birth and the Years of Tutelage". Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Punjab. Penguin Books, India. pp. 1–3. ISBN 9780143065432.
  14. ^ "Sikh Warriors". Archived from the original on 14 November 1999.
  15. ^ Gupta, Hari Ram (October 2001). History of the Sikhs. Vol. IV: Sikh Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Misls. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 1982. p. 304. ISBN 978-8121501651.
  16. ^ a b Gupta, Hari Ram (2001) [1982]. History of the Sikhs. Vol. IV: The Sikh Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of Sikh Misls. Munshiram Manoharlal. ISBN 978-81-215-0165-1.
  17. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Singha, Bhagata 1993 p. 119 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ^ Hari Ram Gupta, op. tit, IV, p. 313.
  19. ^ Muhammad Latif, op. tit, p. 344-45; cf, Prinsep, op. tit, pp. 37-38.
  20. ^ Cite error: The named reference lafontp95 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ Brown, Kerry (2002). Sikh Art and Literature. Routledge. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-134-63136-0.
  22. ^ a b Jacques, Tony (2006). Dictionary of Battles and Sieges. Greenwood Press. p. 419. ISBN 978-0-313-33536-5. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015.
  23. ^ Raj Pal Singh (2004). The Sikhs : Their Journey Of Five Hundred Years. Pentagon Press. p. 116. ISBN 9788186505465.
  24. ^ Grewal, J.S. (1990). The Sikhs of the Punjab. Cambridge University Press. p. 91. ISBN 0-521-63764-3. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  25. ^ Bhagat Singh, A History of Sikh Misals
  26. ^ Duggal, K. S. (2001). Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms. Abhinav Publications. p. 46. ISBN 9788170174103.
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