Sikh Rule in Kashmir — 1819 to 1846 AD

Figure 1: Sikh Rule in Kashmir — frequently tested in JKSSB and UPSC examinations.

1. Background — Misls & Banda Bahadur

MISLS

• These were small confederacies (divisions in the Punjab region) during the second half of the 18th century.
• Based on democratic military relationships.
• There were around 12 misls.
• Prominent Misls: Sukerchakia, Phulkian, Ahliwalia, Bhangi, Kanheya, Ramgarhia, etc.
• Ranjit Singh belonged to the Sukerchakia Misl (most powerful misl).

BANDA BAHADUR (1670 - 1716 AD)

• Also known as: 'Lachman Dev' or 'Madho Das Bairagi'.
• Born: Rajouri (in present J&K).
• One of the greatest Sikh warriors.
• Defeated the Mughal army in the Battle of Samana in 1709.
• Fought many battles including the Battle of Jammu in 1712.
• Executed in 1716 (by Farukhsiyyar — Mughal Emperor).

CHARAT SINGH

• Grandfather of Ranjit Singh.
• Founder of the Sukerchakia Misl.
• Fought against Ahmed Shah Abdali.
• Charat Singh → Mahan Singh → Ranjit Singh.

2. Ranjit Singh (1791 - 1839 AD)

• Actual Name: Buddh Singh
• Father: Mahan Singh
• Mother: Raj Kour
• Became ruler at the age of 12 (after the death of his father).
• His mother remained the regent of the Sukerchakia Misl during the initial years.
• He was infected with Smallpox as an infant, resulting in loss of sight in his left eye.
• Under him, Sukerchakia Misl became the most powerful among all 12 misls.
• He consolidated all the misls → led to the formation of the Sikh Empire (in Northern India).
• Wives: 20+ (including a Muslim girl named Moran Sarkar).
• Sons: 8
• Eldest son: Kharak Singh (successor).

POLITICAL SITUATION IN NORTHERN INDIA

• Punjab State: Under Ranjit Singh
• Afghan State: Declining
• British Empire: Expanding

NOTE

• There was apprehension of Russian advancement towards Afghanistan & Central Asia.
• For this reason, Kashmir became important for the Britishers.

3. Ranjit Singh's Conquest of Kashmir

• Annexed Kashmir in 1819 A.D. (3rd expedition).
• He sent three expeditions to Kashmir.

1ST EXPEDITION (1813 A.D.)

• Afghan Governor in Kashmir: Atta Mohd Khan
• Mokham Chand's army + Fatah Khan's army
• When both armies reached the Pir Panjal Range, Fatah Khan left Mokhan Chand behind and invaded the valley.
• Battle of Shergarhi: Between Fatah Khan & Atta Mohd Khan. Atta Mohd Khan was defeated. Fatah Khan became ruler of Kashmir.

2ND EXPEDITION (1814 A.D.)

• Afghan Governor in Kashmir: Azam Khan
• Ranjit Singh's army + Diwan Ram Dayal's army
• Raja Aghar Khan of Rajouri gave treacherous advice to Ranjit Singh (to divide the respective armies).
• Main division of the army reached Srinagar by way of Poonch.
• Another division proceeded by the Bahram Ghala route.
• Battle near Shopian — defeated.
• Artillery of Ranjit Singh failed in the battle due to excessive rainfall.

3RD EXPEDITION (1819 A.D.)

• Afghan Governor in Kashmir: Jabbar Khan
• Ranjit Singh divided army (30,000 soldiers) into 3 sections:
  • Mir Divan Chand
  • Hari Singh Nalwa
  • Prince Kharak Singh
• Battle of Shopian: Jabbar Khan defeated → Last Afghan governor of Kashmir → Afghan Rule in Kashmir ended.
• Sikh rule started in Kashmir.

KEY NOTES

• Mir Divan Chand was awarded the title of "Fateh Jung" by Ranjit Singh after the success of the 3rd expedition.
• By 1834, Ladakh, Zanskar & Baltistan had also been conquered by Gulab Singh with the help of his officer Wazir Zorawar Singh.
• Gulab Singh was crowned as 'Raja of Jammu' by Ranjit Singh in 1822.

4. Sikh Rulers & Governors

SIKH RULERS

• Ranjit Singh
• Kharak Singh
• Sher Singh
• Nao Nihal Singh
• Duleep Singh

GOVERNORS OF SIKH RULE (10)

• Dewan Moti Ram (1822 - 1825) — 1st appointed Sikh governor in Kashmir.
• Hari Singh Nalwa (1820 - 1822)
• Dewan Moti Ram (1822 - 1825) — Appointed twice.
• Dewan Chunni Lal (1825 - 1827)
• Dewan Kirpa Ram (1827 - 1831) — Laid down Ram Bagh Garden.
• Bhima Singh Ardali (1831 - 1832)
• Prince Sher Singh (1832 - 1834)
• Col. Mian Singh (1834 - 1841) — Popularly known as 'Colonel Sahib'; most efficient governor.
• Sheikh Gh. Mohi-ud-Din (1841 - 1845)
• Sheikh Imam-ud-Din (1845 - 1846) — Last Governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir.

KEY FACTS ABOUT COL. MIAN SINGH

• Most efficient governor.
• Reorganised the revenue system.
• Introduced proper weights & measures.
• Several European travellers came to Kashmir.
• Ranjit Singh died (1839) during his governorship.
• Sikh soldiers revolted in 1841 and killed Col. Mian Singh.
• Sher Singh dispatched a force under Gulab Singh and crushed the revolt in 1842.

KEY NOTES — GOVERNORS

• First Maharaja of Sikh Empire: Ranjit Singh
• Last Maharaja of Sikh Empire: Dalip Singh
• First Governor of Sikh Rule: Dewan Moti Ram
• Last Governor of Sikh Rule: Sheikh Imam-ud-Din

5. Sikh Rule — Nature & Administration

• They were cruel (but milder than Afghans).
• Sikh rule was NOT popular in Kashmir.
• Intolerant religious policy against Muslims of Kashmir.
• Mosques were closed (during revolt).
• Cow slaughter was banned. Accused were punished with death.
• Heavy taxes.

PARGANAS

• Kashmir was divided into 36 parganas.
• Each pargana was headed by a revenue officer.
• He was free to collect from peasants as much as he could exact.
• The Begar system (forced labour) continued.

REVOLT BY RAJA OF LADAKH

• The Raja of Ladakh refused payment of annual tribute to Ranjit Singh because of the political conspiracy hatched by Moorcraft, a military official appointed by the EIC.

6. End of Sikh Rule & Treaties

END OF SIKH RULE

• Sikhs were defeated during the Anglo-Sikh wars:
  • 1st Anglo-Sikh War: 1845 - 1846
  • 2nd Anglo-Sikh War: 1848 - 1849
• English defeated Sikh forces.

TREATY OF AMRITSAR (1809)

• Date: 25th April, 1809
• Between: Ranjit Singh (Sikhs) & British East India Company
• River Sutlej was fixed as the boundary between the two powers.

TREATY OF LAHORE (1846)

• Date: 9th March, 1846
• Between: Maharaja Dalep Singh (Sikhs) & British East India Company
• Punjab state (Sikhs Empire) ceded some areas to the British.
• Sikhs were unable to pay 1.5 crore indemnity to the British.

TREATY OF AMRITSAR (1846)

• Date: 16th March, 1846
• Between: Gulab Singh & British East India Company
• Kashmir was sold to Gulab Singh.

7. JKSSB Previous Year Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Ranjit Singh annexed Kashmir in which year?

• A) 1813 AD
• B) 1814 AD
• C) 1819 AD
• D) 1822 AD

Q2. Banda Bahadur was born in which place?

• A) Srinagar
• B) Rajouri
• C) Jammu
• D) Poonch

Q3. Banda Bahadur was executed in:

• A) 1710 AD
• B) 1712 AD
• C) 1716 AD
• D) 1718 AD

Q4. Ranjit Singh belonged to which Misl?

• A) Bhangi
• B) Sukerchakia
• C) Kanheya
• D) Ramgarhia

Q5. The first governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir was:

• A) Dewan Moti Ram
• B) Hari Singh Nalwa
• C) Col. Mian Singh
• D) Sheikh Imam-ud-Din

Q6. The last governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir was:

• A) Dewan Moti Ram
• B) Col. Mian Singh
• C) Sheikh Gh. Mohi-ud-Din
• D) Sheikh Imam-ud-Din

Q7. The most efficient governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir was:

• A) Dewan Moti Ram
• B) Col. Mian Singh
• C) Hari Singh Nalwa
• D) Dewan Kirpa Ram

Q8. Col. Mian Singh was popularly known as:

• A) Fateh Jung
• B) Colonel Sahib
• C) Raja Sahib
• D) Maharaja Sahib

Q9. Col. Mian Singh reorganised the revenue system and introduced proper:

• A) Currency
• B) Weights and measures
• C) Land records
• D) Taxation system

Q10. Ranjit Singh died in:

• A) 1837 AD
• B) 1839 AD
• C) 1841 AD
• D) 1845 AD

Q11. Col. Mian Singh was killed by Sikh soldiers in:

• A) 1839 AD
• B) 1841 AD
• C) 1842 AD
• D) 1845 AD

Q12. The revolt of Sikh soldiers in 1841 was crushed by:

• A) Ranjit Singh
• B) Kharak Singh
• C) Sher Singh
• D) Gulab Singh

Q13. The 1st Anglo-Sikh War took place from:

• A) 1845-1846
• B) 1845-1846
• C) 1845-1846
• D) 1845-1846

Q14. The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) was signed between Ranjit Singh and the British East India Company. Which river was fixed as the boundary?

• A) Beas
• B) Sutlej
• C) Ravi
• D) Chenab

Q15. The Treaty of Lahore was signed in:

• A) 1809
• B) 1845
• C) 1846
• D) 1849

Q16. The Treaty of Amritsar (1846) was signed between Gulab Singh and:

• A) Ranjit Singh
• B) British East India Company
• C) Dalep Singh
• D) Sher Singh

Q17. Kashmir was sold to Gulab Singh on:

• A) 9th March, 1846
• B) 16th March, 1846
• C) 25th April, 1809
• D) 15th March, 1846

Q18. Who was the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire?

• A) Ranjit Singh
• B) Kharak Singh
• C) Sher Singh
• D) Dalip Singh

Q19. Kashmir was divided into how many parganas during Sikh rule?

• A) 32
• B) 34
• C) 36
• D) 38

Q20. Who laid down Ram Bagh Garden in Kashmir?

• A) Dewan Moti Ram
• B) Col. Mian Singh
• C) Dewan Kirpa Ram
• D) Hari Singh Nalwa

Q21. The 3rd expedition of Ranjit Singh to Kashmir took place in:

• A) 1813 AD
• B) 1814 AD
• C) 1819 AD
• D) 1822 AD

Q22. The Battle of Shopian in 1819 was fought between:

• A) Ranjit Singh's forces and Jabbar Khan
• B) Fatah Khan and Atta Mohd Khan
• C) Ranjit Singh and Azam Khan
• D) Gulab Singh and Jabbar Khan

Q23. Mir Divan Chand was awarded the title "Fateh Jung" by:

• A) Ranjit Singh
• B) Kharak Singh
• C) Sher Singh
• D) Gulab Singh

Q24. Gulab Singh was crowned as 'Raja of Jammu' in:

• A) 1819 AD
• B) 1822 AD
• C) 1834 AD
• D) 1846 AD

Q25. Sikh rule in Kashmir ended with the:

• A) Treaty of Amritsar (1809)
• B) Treaty of Lahore (1846)
• C) Treaty of Amritsar (1846)
• D) 2nd Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49)

8. Summary: Sikh Rule at a Glance

Ruler/Governor	Period	Key Achievements/Events
Ranjit Singh	1791-1839 AD	Annexed Kashmir in 1819; Treaty of Amritsar (1809)
Dewan Moti Ram	1822-1825 AD	1st Sikh Governor of Kashmir
Col. Mian Singh	1834-1841 AD	Most efficient; reorganised revenue; introduced weights & measures
Sheikh Imam-ud-Din	1845-1846 AD	Last Sikh Governor of Kashmir
Gulab Singh	-	Crowned Raja of Jammu (1822); Treaty of Amritsar (1846)

Key Takeaways for JKSSB & UPSC

• Sikh Rule: 1819-1846 AD
• Ranjit Singh: Actual name Buddh Singh; belonged to Sukerchakia Misl
• 3 Expeditions: 1813 (Battle of Shergarhi), 1814 (Battle near Shopian), 1819 (Battle of Shopian — success)
• 1st Sikh Governor: Dewan Moti Ram
• Col. Mian Singh: Most efficient governor; known as 'Colonel Sahib'
• Last Sikh Governor: Sheikh Imam-ud-Din
• Treaty of Amritsar (1809): Sutlej as boundary
• Treaty of Lahore (1846): Sikhs ceded areas to British
• Treaty of Amritsar (1846): Kashmir sold to Gulab Singh
• Parganas: 36 parganas; Begar system continued

High-Yield Interactive UPSC & JKSSB Quiz (Sikh Rule)

Q1. Ranjit Singh annexed Kashmir in which year?

Correct Answer: C. Ranjit Singh annexed Kashmir in 1819 AD after the 3rd expedition, defeating the last Afghan Governor Jabbar Khan at the Battle of Shopian.

Q2. Banda Bahadur was born in:

Correct Answer: B. Banda Bahadur, one of the greatest Sikh warriors, was born in Rajouri (in present J&K). He was also known as 'Lachman Dev' or 'Madho Das Bairagi'.

Q3. Ranjit Singh belonged to which Misl?

Correct Answer: B. Ranjit Singh belonged to the Sukerchakia Misl, which was the most powerful among all 12 misls. His grandfather Charat Singh was the founder of the Sukerchakia Misl.

Q4. The first governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir was:

Correct Answer: B. Dewan Moti Ram was the 1st appointed Sikh governor of Kashmir, serving from 1822-1825. He was also appointed twice.

Q5. The most efficient governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir was:

Correct Answer: B. Col. Mian Singh (1834-1841) was the most efficient governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir. He was popularly known as 'Colonel Sahib' and reorganised the revenue system.

Q6. The last governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir was:

Correct Answer: D. Sheikh Imam-ud-Din (1845-1846) was the last Governor of Sikh rule in Kashmir. Sikh rule ended after the Anglo-Sikh wars.

Q7. The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) fixed which river as the boundary between Ranjit Singh and the British?

Correct Answer: B. The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) was signed on 25th April, 1809 between Ranjit Singh and the British East India Company, fixing the river Sutlej as the boundary between the two powers.

Q8. The Treaty of Amritsar (1846) was signed between Gulab Singh and:

Correct Answer: B. The Treaty of Amritsar (1846) was signed on 16th March, 1846 between Gulab Singh and the British East India Company, and Kashmir was sold to Gulab Singh.

Q9. Kashmir was divided into how many parganas during Sikh rule?

Correct Answer: C. During Sikh rule, Kashmir was divided into 36 parganas. Each pargana was headed by a revenue officer who was free to collect from peasants as much as he could exact.

Q10. The Treaty of Lahore was signed in which year?

Correct Answer: C. The Treaty of Lahore was signed on 9th March, 1846 between Maharaja Dalip Singh (Sikhs) and the British East India Company, in which the Sikhs ceded some areas to the British.