Chapter: 15 Origin of New Powers in the North
1)
When did Sirajudullah become the Nawab of Bengal?
1756 AD
2)
When did the Battle of Plassey take place?
1757 AD
3)
Who was the first leader of Jats?
Gokul
4)
Who was the most famous leader of Jats?
Suraj Mal
5)
When was Banda Singh Bahadur born?
October 27, 1670 AD
6)
What was the original name of Banda Singh Bahadur?
Lachhman Dev
7)
Where wasBanda Singh Bahadur born?
Rajoun, Jammu
8)
What was the name of Banda Singh Bahadur after he became Bairagi?
Madho Das
9)
Where didBanda Singh Bahadur meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji?
Nanded, Maharashtra
10)
Who gave this name to Banda Singh Bahadur?
Guru Gobind Singh Ji
11)
When did Banda Singh Bahadur start military operations?
1709 AD
12)
Where did Banda Singh Bahadur start his military operations?
Sonipat
13)
What was the most significant victory of Banda Singh Bahadur?
Sirhind
14)
When did Banda Singh Bahadur invade Sirhind?
1710 AD
15)
Who was Wazir Khan?
Faujdar of Sirhind
16)
What was the name of the capital of Banda Singh Bahadur?
Lohgarh
17)
Name the last battle fought between Banda Singh Bahadur and the Mughals.
Gurdas Nangal
18)
When was the battle of Gurdas Nangal fought?
1715 AD
19)
When was Banda Singh Bahadur martyred?
June 19, 1716 AD
20)
Where was Banda Singh Bahadur martyred?
Delhi
21)
Who was the Mughal emperor at the time of Banda Singh Bahadur's martyrdom?
Farukhsiyar
22)
When was the Abdus Samad Khan appointed Governor of Lahore?
1713 AD
23)
What was the greatest achievement of Abdus Samad Khan?
Arrest of Banda Singh Bahadur
24)
What title was bestowed on Abdus Samad Khan by Farukhsiyar?
the Sword of the State
25)
When did Zakariya Khan become the governor of Lahore?
1726 AD
26)
When did Zakariya Khan make peace with Sikhs?
1733 AD
27)
When did Zakariya Khan die?
1745 AD
28)
When was Bhai Mani Singh Ji martyred?
1745 AD
29)
When did Yahiya Khan become the Governor of Lahore?
1746 AD
30)
When did the Chhota Ghalughara or the First Ghalughara (holocaust) take place?
1746 AD
31)
Where did Chhota Ghalughara take place?
Kahnuwan
32)
When didMir Manu become the Governor of Lahore?
1748 AD
33)
When did the Mughal rule end in Punjab?
1752 AD
34)
Who was the last governor of Mughals in Punjab?
Mir Manu
35)
Who was the first governor of the Afghans in Punjab?
Mir Manu
36)
Who wasAhmad Shah Abdali?
The ruler of Afghanistan
37)
How many times did Ahmad Shah Abdali invade the Punjab?
8
38)
When did Ahmed Shah Abdali annex Punjab?
1752 AD
39)
Who was Taimur Shah?
The son of Ahmad Shah Abdali
40)
When did the Marathas annex the Punjab?
1758 AD
41)
When was the third battle of Panipat fought?
January 14, 1761 AD
42)
Between which two parties, the third battle of Panipat took place?
The Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali
43)
When did the Great Holocaust take place?
February 5, 1762
44)
Where did the Great Holocaust take place?
Kup
45)
The word ‘Misl’ belongs to which language?
Arabic
46)
What does the word ‘Misl’ mean?
Equal or File
47)
How many Sikh misls were there in Punjab?
12
48)
Name of the most famous leader of Ramgarhia Misl.
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
49)
Which was the most powerful Mis] among the Sikhs?
Shukarchakkia Misl
50)
Who was the founder of Shukarchakkia Mis1?
Charhat Singh
51)
To which misl did Maharaja Ranjit Singh belong?
Shukarchakkia Misl
52)
How was Maharaja Ranjit Singh related to Charat Singh?
Grandson
53)
What was the name of the father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Maha Singh
54)
Who was the most famous leader of Shaheed Mis1?
Baba Deep Singh
55)
Who was the founder of Ahluwalia Mis1?
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
Short answer type question 3 marks.
Question
1: Write a brief note on Murshad Quli Khan?
Answer: In 1717A.D. Murshad Quli Khan
was appointed Governor of Bengal and Orissa by the Mughal Emperor Farukhsiyar.
He was apparently under the control of the Mughal emperor. In fact, he was
working independently. He had declared Murshidabad as his capital instead of Dhaka.
He brought prosperity to the state's economy by encouraging agriculture and
trade. He died in 1739 AD.
Question
2: What do you know about Nawab Ali Vardi of Bengal?
Answer: In 1740 AD, Ali Vardi Khan
became the Nawab of Bengal and won the hearts of his subjects with his ability
and wisdom. Ali Vardi Khan had to face defeat against the Marathas. By the
treaty of 1751 AD, he had agreed to pay Rs. 12 lakhs per annum to the Marathas
in the form of Chauth. Ali Vardi Khan did not allow the British and the French
to increase their influence in Bengal. He died in 1756 AD.
Question
3: Write a brief note on the battle of Plassey.
Answer: The battle of Palasi took
place on June 23, 1757AD between Nawab Sirajuddaula of Bengal and the British.
The British army was led by Robert Clive. The Nawab was defeated by the
treachery of the generals. The Nawab had fled the battlefield, but was captured
and killed by Miran, son of General Mir Zafar. 500 soldiers of the Nawab and 29
soldiers of the British were killed in this battle.
Question
4: What do you know about Nawab Saadat Khan of Awadh?
Answer: Saadat Khan became the
governor of Awadh due to his bravery and strong determination. He established
peace by crushing the revolts of the powerful landlords of the state and began
to rule independently. He empowered the army with new weapons and also strengthened
the borders of the state. He encouraged agriculture and trade to improve the economy
of the state. He appointed people to high positions on the basis of merit. In
1739AD, Saadat Khan died.
Question
5: Give a note on the battle of Buxar?
Answer: Mir Qasim (1760-63AD) became
the second Nawab of Bengal after the battle of Plassey. After the abdication of
the Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim came to Oudh to seek help against the British.
In 1763AD, Nawab Shujaudullah of Oudh and the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II, for
their own interests, formed an alliance with Mir Qasim against the British. The
alliance was defeated by the British at the Battle of Buxar on October 22,
1764AD.
Question
6: What do you know about Najib Khan, the leader of Ruhela Pathan in the 18th
century?
Answer: Najeeb Khan was a very famous leader of Ruhele Pathans. He assisted Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1757 AD. He was happy to give him the title of Najibuddaula. After the battle of Panipat in 1761AD, Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed him his lawyer. It was made Mir Bakhshi by the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II at the request of Ahmad Shah Abdali. He died in 1670AD.
Question
7: Jat leader wrote a brief note on Suraj Mal?
Answer: The most famous leader of the
Jats, Suraj Mal, became king in 1756 AD due to his bravery and courage. He,
with his skill and ingenuity, had transformed the Jat state into a very powerful
state with many schemes. He was an efficient administrator. He had patronized
famous artists and writers in his court. He passed away on December 25, 1763AD,
while fighting Najibuddaula, the leader of the Ruhele Pathans.
Q8:
Write a brief note on Banda Singh Bahadur's victory over Sirhind?
ANSWER: Wazir Khan, the faujdar of
Sirhind, was a sworn enemy of the Sikhs. He had got Guru Gobind Singh ji’s two
younger sons bricked up alive in the wall. Guru Gobind Singh ji’s two elder
sons had fallen martyrs to his forces in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. One of
the two Pathans sent by Wazir Khan had stabbed Guru Sahib at Nanded, owing to
these reasons Banda Singh Bahadur wanted to teach wazir khan such a lesson as
the mughal might remember for long time. So, Banda singh bahadur attacked wazir
khan at Chapparchiri on 22 May 1710 AD. It was a bloody battle the whole city
was mercilessly plundered and Sirhind was taken under control. This conquests
boosted the morale of the Sikhs.
Question
9: Write a brief note on the last battle of Banda Singh Bahadur.
Answer: The Mughal emperor
Farrukhsiyar appointed Abdus Samad Khan as governor of the Punjab in 1713 AD
and ordered action against Banda Singh Bahadur. In 1715AD, the Mughal army
suddenly besieged Banda Singh Bahadur at Lala Duni Chand's mansion at Gurdas
Nangal near Gurdaspur. For eight months, Banda Singh Bahadur and his Sikh
troops fought the Mughals, enduring hunger and thirst and suffering many hardships.
Baba Binod Singh's escape with his companions weakened behind Banda singh Bahadur
during position. Eventually, Banda Singh Bahadur and his associates were
arrested and sent to Delhi. He was subjected to in human torture and was
martyred in Delhi on June 9, 1716AD.
Question
10: Write a brief note on Chhota Ghallughara (Small Holocaust)?
Answer: In January, 1746AD, Yahya
Khan, son of Zakariya Khan, became the Governor of Punjab with the help of
Kamaruddin, Wazir of Delhi. He continued his repressive policy against the
Sikhs. In May 1746AD, Yahya Khan, along with Diwan Lakhpat Rai, launched a
surprise attack on the Sikhs. As a result, about 7,000 Sikhs were killed and
3,000 were taken prisoner. In Sikh history, this bloody event is remembered as
Chhota Ghallughara.
Question
11: Write a brief note on the martyrdom of Baba Deep Singh Ji?
Answer: Punjab Governor Timur Shah
sent an army under the leadership of Jahan Khan to Amritsar to crush the Sikh
power. A fierce battle took place between the Sikhs and the Afghans near Amritsar.
Baba Deep Singh, the leader of the Sikhs, was beheaded in this battle, but he continued
to fight the enemy with his head on his palm. They reached the Golden Temple
and gave up their breath. Thus Baba Deep Singh Ji, the leader of Shaheed Misl,
passed away on November 11, 1757 AD. Were martyred. This incomparable martyrdom
of Baba Deep Singh Ji gave a new impetus to the Sikhs.
Question
12: Write a brief note on the battle of Panipat.
Answer: Ahmed Shah Abdali launched
the fifth invasion of the Punjab in October 1759AD with 60,000 troops to teach
a lesson to the Marathas and Sikhs. On hearing the news of Abdali's attack,
Sambha, the Maratha governor of the Punjab, fled from Lahore, but in some
places the Sikhs of the Punjab confronted Ahmed Shah Abdali and tried to stop
him. On January 14, 1761AD, a fierce battle took place on the plains of Panipat
between the Maratha army led by Sadashivrao Bhau and the army of Ahmad Shah
Abdali. In this battle, Abdali defeated the Maratha army.
Question
13: Write a brief note on a Big Ghallughara (Big Holocaust)?
Answer: Ahmed Shah Abdali, along with
Jain Khan, governor of Sirhind, with a joint army, suddenly attacked the Sikhs
at the village of Koop near Malerkotla on February 5, 1762AD. The Sikhs were
taking the families to a safe place at that time. At that time, their weapons
and other food items were lying in the village of Garma, 6 km away. The brave
Sikhs laid siege to their wives and children on all sides and began to fight
Abdali's troops. But due to lack of arms, the Sikhs could not fight them for
long. The Sikhs suffered heavy casualties in this battle. Between 25,000 and
30,000 Sikhs were martyred. That included women, children and the elderly. This
event is remembered in Sikh History as the Big Ghallughara.
Answers to number six questions (in 100-150 words)
1
Question: -1717-57 briefly describe the Nawabs of Bengal.?
Ans:
1) Murshad Quli Khan (1717-27 AD): - Mughal Emperor
Farukhsiyar had appointed Murshad Quli Khan as the Governor of Bengal and Orissa.
He was working independently. He had declared Murshidabad as his capital
instead of Dhaka. He encouraged agriculture and trade. He employed Hindus and
Muslims on the basis of merit. He died in 1727 AD.
2) Shujauddin (1727-39 AD): - In 1727 AD, Shujauddin,
son-in-law of Murshad Quli Khan, became the Nawab of Bengal and Orissa. In 1733
AD, the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela made him governor of Bihar. He
built many beautiful buildings in Murshidabad. The people of the state were
prosperous in his peacetime. He died in 1739 AD.
3) Sarfaraz Khan (1739-40 AD): - After the death of
Shujauddin in 1739 AD, his son Sarfaraz Khan proved to be a worthless ruler
sitting on the throne. He was always in the circle of music and beauty. Ali
Vardi Khan was defeated and killed in the siege battle of April 1740 AD.
4) Ali Vardi Khan (1740-56 AD): -In 1740 AD, Ali Vardi
Khan became the Nawab of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Ali Vardi Khan had to face
defeat against the Marathas. By a treaty of 1751 AD, he agreed to pay the Marathas
an annual sum of Rs. 12 lakhs in the form of Chauth. Ali Vardi Khan did not
allow the British and the French to increase their influence in Bengal.
5) Siraj-ud-Daulah (1756-57 AD): - After the death of Ali
Vardi Khan, his great- grandson Siraj-ud-Daulah became the Nawab of Bengal. The
Nawab was facing domestic opposition on the one hand and the British and French
were increasing their influence in Bengal on the other. The Nawab also
prevented the British from fortifying Calcutta and misusing trade facilities. Tensions
between the British and the Nawab escalated. The battle between the Nawab and
the British took place on June 23, 1757 at Plassey. The Nawab was defeated by
the treachery of the generals. The Nawab, who had fled the battlefield, was killed
by Mir Zafar's son Miran. The British made Mir Zafar the new Nawab of Bengal.
Question
2: - Briefly describe the Nawabs of Awadh in 1722-97 AD.?
Ans:
1) Saadat Khan (1722-39 AD):- Saadat Khan became the
Governor of Awadh due to his bravery and strong determination. He brought peace
by crushing the revolts of the powerful landlords of the state. He began to
rule independently. He strengthened the army. He encouraged agriculture and
trade to improve the economy of the state. He appointed people to high
positions on the basis of merit. He had conquered the territories of Banaras,
Ghazipur, Jaunpur and Chunar.
2) Safdarjung (1739—54 AD): - After the death of
Saadat Khan in 1739 AD, Safdarjung became the Nawab of Oudh. He crushed the
revolts of the landlords in the state. He also made an agreement with the
Marathas for the security of the state. He did not discriminate between Hindus
and Muslims in giving government jobs. Due to the peace and prosperity of the
state, Lucknow, the capital of Oudh, became a popular center of culture. Nawab
Safdar Jang 1748 - 53 AD. He was the chief minister of the Mughal emperor Ahmad
Shah.
3) Shujauddaula (1754-75 AD):- After the death of
Safdar Jang, Shujauddaula became the Nawab of Oudh and ascended the throne of
Lucknow. In 1762 AD, due to his merits, the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II became
the chief minister. After the abdication of the Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim
reached Oudh to seek help against the British. In 1763 AD, Nawab Shujauddaula
of Oudh and the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II and Mir Qasim formed an alliance
against the British. The alliance was defeated by the British at the Battle of
Buxar on October 22, 1764 AD. Nawab Shujauddaula had conquered a large area of
Ruhalekhand in 1774 AD with the help of the British.
4) Aasafudaula (1775-97 AD): - After the death of
Shujauddaula in 1775 AD, his son Aasafuddaula became Nawab of Oudh. The British
also forced him to increase the amount of revenge for the British army
stationed in Oudh. Even before the death of the Nawab in 1797 AD, Oudh had been
taken over by the British.
Question
3: Briefly describe the independent rule of the Ruhale Pathan leaders in
Ruhalekhand in the eighteenth century?
Ans:
1) Dawood Khan (1721 AD): - In the eighteenth
century, Sardar Dawood Khan of Ruhale Pathan established Ruhalekhand in 1721
AD. In the intermediate provinces of Ganga and Kamau. Ruhalekhand got its name
from his native Roh which was in Afghanistan.
2) Ali Mohammad Khan (1740 AD): - Ali Mohammad Khan
became another famous leader in Ruhalekhand. Ali Muhammad Khan received the
title of 500 Mansab and Nawab from the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela in
1740 AD for his bravery. In 1745 AD, he became the ruler of Sirhind with the
help of Kamaruddin Muhammad Khan, the Chief Minister of Delhi. During the
invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1748 Ad, he left the border and returned to Ruhalekhand.
In 1774 AD, Nawab Shujauddaula of Oudh, with the help of the British, captured
a large area of Ali Muhammad Khan's kingdom. Ali Muhammad Khan's son was given
a small state of Rampur.
3) Najeeb Khan (Najeeb-U-Daula) (1757-1770 AD): - Najib khan Ruhale was a very famous leader of Pathans. He helped Ahmad
Shah Abdali in 1757 AD. He was happy to give him the title of Najibuddaula. After
the third battle of Panipat, Ahmed Shah Abdali appointed him his lawyer. Najib-ud-Daulah
was given the title of Mir Bakshi by the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. In this
way Najibuddaula became very powerful.
4) Zabta Khan (1770-1780 AD): - After the death of
Najib Khan, his successor became Zabta Khan in 1770 AD. He had failed to stem
the growing influence of the Sikhs and the Jats.
5) Ghulam Qadir: After the death of Zabta Khan, his
successor became Ghulam Qadir. He blinded the Mughal emperor Shah Alam Il in
1788 AD. Mahadji Shinde, the leader of the Marathas, defeated Ghulam Qadir and
ended the political existence of his dynasty.
Question
4: Briefly describe the leaders of the independent Jat state in the eighteenth
century.?
Answer
1) Gokul (1669-70 AD): - Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb during his
region inflicted severe atrocities on the Jats of Mathura. Forced by this, the
Jat leader Gokul revolted against the Mughal Empire in 1669 AD. He was killed
in 1670 AD while fighting the Mughals. Gokul, a Jat leader from Tilpat, had
instilled in the Jats a desire for independence.
2) Raja Ram (1685-88 AD): - Raja Ram revolted
against the Mughal Empire in 1685 AD. He emerged as the second important Jat
leader in 1686 AD for his bravery and courage. He did not allow the Mughals to
breathe a sigh of relief through looting. He also looted many valuable items
from the tomb of Emperor Akbar.
3) Chuda Mann (1688-1723 AD): - After the death of Raja
Ram in 1688 AD, his nephew Chuda Mann continued his looting while being at
enmity with the Mughals. Under him the Jats began looting in areas as far as
Delhi. The Chura Mann Jat had achieved great success by establishing an
independent Jat state at Bharatpur in 1721 AD.
4) Badan Singh (1723-56 AD): - In 1723 AD, Badan Singh
took over the leadership of the Jats. He had increased his power by establishing
marriage relations with famous Jats. He declared ‘Ding’ as his capital. He was
an efficient leader of the Jats.
5) Surajmal (1756-63 AD): - Suraj Mal, the most
famous leader of the Jats, became king in 1756 AD. He had transformed the Jat
state into a very powerful State with his ability, bravery and many schemes. He
was an efficient administrator. He had patronized famous artists and writers in
his court.
6) Jawahar Singh (1763-68 AD): - Jawahar Singh ruled
from 1763 AD to 1768 AD. He proved to be a worthless ruler. The state of Bharatpur
was first occupied by the Marathas and later by the British in 1805 AD.
Question
5: Briefly describe the military successes of Banda Singh Bahadur in the
eighteenth century Punjab.
Answer: - The
details of Banda Singh Bahadur's military exploits are as follows: -
1 Attack on Sonipat: - Banda Singh Bahadur started his
military exploits in November 1709 AD with 500 Sikhs to eradicate Mughal
tyrants in Punjab. This victory greatly boosted the morale of the Sikhs.
2 Conquest of Samana: At Samana lived the executioner who
martyred the two youngest sons of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh.
Banda Singh Bahadur, accompanied by Sikhs, attacked Samana and killed ten
thousand Muslims.
3 Kapuri's victory: - Kapuri's ruler Kadamuddin treated the
Hindus very badly. As a result, Banda Singh Bahadur attacked Kapuri and killed
Kadamuddin, after which Kapuri was heavily looted.
4 Conquest of Sadhaura: Usman Khan, the ruler of Sadhaura,
was very cruel. He had Peer Budhu Shah Ji killed who had helped Guru Gobind
Singh Ji in the battle of Bhangani. Banda Singh Bahadur attacked and killed a
large number of Muslims, hence the name Katal Garhi.
5 Conquest of Sirhind: Encouraged by his early victories,
Banda Singh Bahadur marched towards the frontier with the Sikhs. Wazir Khan was
killed in a battle between Banda Singh Bahadur and Wazir Khan, the faujdar of
Sirhind, on 22 May 1710 at Chapparchiri. After this Banda Singh Bahadur along
with the Sikhs carried out a massacre at Sirhind.
6 Conquest of Ganga Doab and Central Punjab: Banda Singh Bahadur along with his associates conquered many areas of
Ganga Doab, Saharanpur, Behat, Jalalabad, Karnal and Panipat. He defeated Shams
Khan, faujdar of Jalandhar Doab in a battle of Rahon and took control of Jalandhar
Doab. Later, Banda Singh Bahadur easily captured Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kalanaur,
Batala and Pathankot.
Question
6: Why was the victory of Sirhind most important for Banda Singh Bahadur? What
was the outcome of this victory?
Answer: Banda Singh Bahadur had
started preparations to attack Sirhind to eliminate the Mughal tyrants. Many
Sikhs from Majha and Doaba were coming to meet Banda Singh Bahadur to take part
in this battle. Wazir Khan, faujdar of Sirhind, ordered Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan
of Malerkotla to take action against these Sikhs. The Sikhs had defeated the
Muslims in a fierce battle between the two at Ropar. Wazir Khan, the Mughal
faujdar of Sirhind, was the greatest enemy of the Sikhs. He married Guru Gobind
Singh Ji’s two youngest sons (Baba Zoravar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji) on
December 27, 1704 AD. Was pinned alive in the wall. Mata Gujri ji also passed
away on hearing the news of the martyrdom of her grandchildren, thanking God.
Ajit Singh Ji, the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and Jujhar Singh Ji were
killed in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib at the hands of that tyrant. One of the
two Pathans sent by Wazir Khan stabbed Guru Sahib at Nanded. Due to which they
were extinguished. For these reasons, Banda Singh Bahadur avenged the atrocities
committed against the Sikhs by killing Wazir Khan, the Faujdar of Sirhind, in
the battle of Chappar chiri on 22 May 1710 AD. Banda Singh Bahadur knocked down
Sirhind brick by brick. The cries of the Muslims were so loud that even their
souls trembled. Banda Singh Bahadur established an independent Sikh state in
the Punjab for the first time after the conquest of Sirhind by capturing 28 of
its parganas. Banda Singh Bahadur from the Sirhind area received an annual levy
of over Rs. 50 lakhs. Asa result, he was able to strengthen his power. After
the conquest of Sirhind, Banda Singh Bahadur built Lohgarh on the site of
Mukhlispur and made it his capital. He made a seal on which it was inscribed
that the power of the Sikhs was the result of the Guru's grace. He issued coins
bearing the names of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. He tried to establish
good governance in the conquered territories and abolished the system of
zamindari.
Question
7: Briefly describe the battle of Gurdas nangal?
Answer: The Mughal emperor
Farrukhsiyar appointed Abdus Samad Khan as the new Mughal governor of the
Punjab in 1713 AD to crush the growing power of the Sikhs in the Punjab. He was
ordered to take stern action against the Sikhs. Abdul Samad Khan, the Mughal
governor, came to the Punjab and started cracking down on the Sikhs. In 1715
AD, Abdus Samad Khan, the Mughal governor, suddenly surrounded Banda Singh
Bahadur with the Mughal army at Lala Duni Chand's mansion in Gurdas Nangal near
Gurdaspur. For eight months, Banda Singh Bahadur and his Sikh troops fought the
Mughals, enduring hunger, thirst and many hardships. Banda Singh Bahadur's position
was weakened by the flight of Baba Binod Singh along with his companions. He
was finally arrested along with seven hundred and forty Sikhs. A procession of
Banda Singh Bahadur and other Sikh soldiers, arrested first in Lahore and later
in Delhi, was taken out. Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions were martyred
in Delhi on June 9, 1716 AD after being tortured. Banda Singh Bahadur's reign
lasted for a short time, yet his conquests paved the way for the establishment
of the first independent Sikh state in the eighteenth century Punjab and the political
ambitions of other Sikh chiefs.
8
Questions briefly describe the performance of the Mughal governors of the Punjab
in the eighteenth century?
ANSWER:
1. Abdus Samad Khan (1713-26 AD): This subedar during his
reign had innumerable innocent Sikhs killed and succeeded in capturing Banda
Singh Bahadur. For this reason, the Mughal emperor Farukhsiyar also gave him
the title of the sword of the kingdom.
2) Zakariya Khan (1726-45 AD): - In 1726 AD, Abdus Samad
Khan was made the Governor of Multan and in his place his son Zakariya Khan was
made the Governor of Punjab. He was more cruel and oppressive than his father.
When he failed to crush the Sikhs for a few years, he gave Kapur Singh the
title of Nawab and a jagir near Amritsar. For some time this friendly
atmosphere prevailed between the Mughals and the Sikhs, but even a little
towards some Sikh chiefs. They were against friendship so they started looting.
Zakariya Khan got angry and took back the jagir and started persecuting the Sikhs
again. Tara Singh V, Bhai Mehtab Singh, Bhai Sukha Singh, Bhai Taroo Singh,
Veer Haqiqat Rai, Subeg Singh and Bhai Mani Singh were martyred for refusing to
become Muslims.
3) Shah Nawaz Khan (1745-46 AD): - After the death of
Zakariya Khan he could not pay attention to the Sikhs due to civil war.
4) Yahya Khan (1746-47 AD): - Civil war broke out
between Shahnawaz Khan and Yahya Khan after the death of Zakariya Khan. He died
in January 1746. In collaboration with Kamaruddin, the Wazir of Delhi, Zakariya
Khan's son Yahya Khan became the Governor of the Punjab. He continued his
repressive policy against the Sikhs. In May 1746, Yahya Khan, along with Diwan
Lakhpat Rai, launched a surprise attack on the Sikhs. Asa result, about 7,000
Sikhs were killed and 3,000 were taken prisoner. In Sikh history, this bloody
event is remembered as Chhota Ghallughara.
5) Mir Mannu (Mueen-ul-Mulk) (1748-52 AD): - Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah Rangeela appointed him Governor of Punjab
after the Battle of Manun Pur. Mir Mannu continued his repressive policy
against the Sikhs. Despite Mir Mannu's core tortures, the number of Sikhs
continued to grow instead of decreasing. During his five years of rule he
failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. The main reason for its failure was the
organization of the Dal Khalsa. Mir manu failed because of guerrilla warfare
adopted by the Sikhs.
Question
9: Briefly describe the first four attacks of Ahmed Shah Abdali on Punjab in
the eighteenth century.
Answer: Ahmed Shah Abdali was a ruler
with very high intentions. He wanted to establish a powerful empire for which
he desperately needed money. When he came to India with Nader Shah in 1739 AD,
he was astonished to see the immense wealth of India. Abdali wanted to invade
India again and plunder its immense wealth. He got this golden opportunity at
the invitation of Shah Nawaz Khan. He made eight attacks on the Punjab from
1747 to 1767 AD.
1st attack (1747-48 AD): During the first attack, he defeated
Shah Nawaz Khan, captured Lahore on 10 January 1748 and carried out heavy
looting there. Ina fierce battle at Manunpur on 11 March 1748, Mir Mannu
defeated Ahmad Shah Abdali. By the time of his return, much of his belongings
had been looted by the Sikhs.
2 Second Attack (1748-49 AD): - Ahmed Shah Abdali made
a second attack on Punjab to avenge the first defeat. Seeing no help from
Delhi, Mir Mannu made a treaty with Abdali in 1749 AD. According to the treaty,
Mir Mannu had agreed to pay the annual levy of four districts of Punjab,
Sialkot, Pasrur, Gujarat and Aurangabad to Abdali. Which was Rs. 14 lakhs per
annum. When Mir Mannu was engaged in a treaty with Ahmad Shah Abdali, the
Sikhs, led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, the general commander of Dal Khalsa,
looted Lahore.
3 (Third Attack (1751-52 AD) again due to
non-receipt of the full amount of tax. Diwan Kaura Mall was killed and Mir
Mannu was arrested. Ahmed Shah Abdali conquered the Punjab and annexed it to
his empire in Afghanistan. Instead, he appointed him governor of the Punjab.
4) Fourth Invasion (1756-57 AD): - After the death of Mir
Mannu in 1753 AD, his widow Mughal Begum became the Governor of Punjab. Mughal
Emperor Alamgir II recaptured the Punjab by sending a Mughal army. Adina Beg
was made the new Mughal governor of Punjab and Mughal Begum was arrested and
taken to Delhi. Due to this, Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded the Punjab for the
fourth time in November, 1756 AD. Mughal Governor Adina Beg fled to Delhi.
After the conquest of the Punjab in January 1757 AD, Ahmad Shah Abdali reached
Delhi with his army and no one opposed him. He carried out heavy looting in
Delhi and later looted Mathura. He then proceeded to Agra but due to the spread
of cholera in the army he decided to return to Kabul. On his arrival in the
Punjab, he appointed his son, Taimur Shah, governor of the Punjab. Taimur Shah
sent an army under Jahan Khan to Amritsar to crush the Sikh power. A fierce
battle took place between the Sikhs and the Afghans near Amritsar. Baba Deep
Singh, the leader of the Sikhs, was beheaded in this battle but he continued to
fight the enemy with his head on his palm. He reached the Golden Temple and
breathed his last. Thus Baba Deep Singh Ji, the leader of Shaheed Misl, passed
away on November 11, 1757 AD. Were martyred. This unparalleled martyrdom of
Baba Deep Singh Ji gave a new impetus to the Sikhs.
Question
10: Briefly describe the last four attacks of Ahmad Shah Badli on Punjab in the
eighteenth century.
Answer 5) Fifth Invasion (1759-61 AD): In
1758 AD, the Sikhs along with the Marathas intoxicated Taimur Shah, son of
Ahmed Shah Abdali from Punjab and made Adina Beg the Governor of Punjab. Ahmed
Shah Abdali launched a fifth invasion of the Punjab in October 1759 AD with 60,000
troops to teach a lesson to the Marathas and Sikhs. On hearing the news of
Abdali’s attack, Sambha, the Maratha governor of the Punjab, fled from Lahore.
But in some places the Sikhs of the Punjab opposed Ahmed Shah Abdali and tried
to stop him. However, they were unable to do so due to their minority. On
January 14, 1761 AD, a fierce battle took place between the Maratha army led by
Sadashivrao Bhau and the army of Ahmed Shah Abdali at Panipat plain. Massive
destruction. Due to which the power of the Marathi people in the Punjab was
severely affected. Abdali could do no harm to the power of the Sikhs. At night,
when Abdali's soldiers were resting, the Sikhs would suddenly attack and plunder
his treasure. Dal Khalsa President General Jassa Singh Ahluwalia launched a
surprise attack and freed a large number of women from Abdali's captivity and
sent them back to their homes. Before returning, Abdali appointed Khwaja Ubed
Khan as his governor of the Punjab.
6) Sixth Attack (1761-1762 AD): On their return to
Abdali, the Sikhs intensified their activities. The Sikhs first assassinated
Khwaja Mirza Khan, a faujdar of four palaces in Sialkot. The Sikhs then
defeated two Pathan chiefs of the Jalandhar Doab (Shahadat Khan and Sadiq
Khan). The Sikhs then plundered the areas of Sirhind and Malerkotla. The Sikhs
built several forts to fortify their position. The most famous of these was the
fort of Gujranwala. He had taken control of the areas around Lahore. To crush
the growing power of the Sikhs in the Punjab, Khwaja Ubed Khan, Governor of the
Punjab, surrounded the Sikhs at Gujranwala Fort with his army. The Sikhs under
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia not only defeated him but also plundered his treasure.
The Sikhs then captured Lahore in November 1761 AD. After this victory, the
Khalsa conferred the title of Sultan-ul-Qaum on Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
Ahmed Shah Abdali could never
tolerate the growing power of the Sikhs in the Punjab. Therefore, in December
1761 AD, he launched a sixth attack on the Punjab with a large army. . He
captured Lahore without any difficulty. Abdali then joined forces with Jain
Khan, Subedar of Sirhind, to launch a surprise attack on the Sikhs at Koop, a
village near Malerkotla, on 5 February 1762 AD. The Sikhs were then taking
their families to safety. At that time, their weapons and other food items were
lying in the village of Garma, 6 km away. The brave Sikhs laid siege to their
wives and children on all sides and began to fight Abdali's troops. But due to
lack of arms, the Sikhs could not fight them for long. The Sikhs suffered heavy
casualties in this battle. Between 25,000 and 30,000 Sikhs were martyred,
including women, children and the elderly. This event is remembered in Sikh
history as Vada Ghalughara. Even after this horrific massacre, the Sikhs did not
give up living with pride. The Sikhs, maintaining their courage, expelled Ahmad
Shah Abdali from Amritsar only a few months later. The Sikhs intensified their
operations at various places in the Punjab. He attacked Kasur in 1763 AD and
killed many Afghans. Fearing Sikh attacks, Saadat Khan, faujdar of Jalandhar Doab,
ran away. Bhikhan Khan, faujdar of Malerkotla, was killed in a battle with the
Sikhs. After this the Sikhs moved towards Sirhind. January 14, 1764 AD. A fierce
battle took place between the forces of Zain Khan, the Pathan Subedar of Sirhind
under the leadership of Baba Ala Singh. Jain Khan was killed in this battle.
The Sikhs then plundered the whole of
Sirhind and devastated it completely. After the conquest of Sirhind, the Sikhs
moved towards Lahore. Kabli Mall, governor of Lahore, laid down his life in a
compromise with the Sikhs. The Sikhs then reached Amritsar. The sacred tank was
cleaned by the Sikhs.
7) Seventh Invasion (1764-65 AD): - The rapidly growing
power of the Sikhs in the Punjab could never be tolerated by Ahmad Shah. So he
launched the seventh invasion of the Punjab at the end of 1764 AD to teach the
Sikhs a lesson. As soon as news of his attack reached the Sikhs, the Sikhs took
refuge in the forests and mountains. Abdali reached Amritsar with his 30,000
troops. Only 30 Sikhs were found. These brave Sikhs were martyred while fighting
the soldiers of Abdali. After this Abdali reached Sirhind and seeing his ruin,
Abdali became very angry. Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed Baba Aala Singh governor
of Sirhind and conferred on him the title of Raja. On his return, Abdali was
greatly disturbed by the Sikhs through their guerrilla warfare. When he reached
the Jalandhar Doab, he received news that the Sikhs were ready to fight him at
Amritsar. Feeling helpless, he returned to Afghanistan in March 1765 AD. After
his departure, the Sikhs celebrated Baisakhi with great fanfare at Amritsar in
April, 1765 AD. He defeated Subedar Kabli Mall in May 1765 AD and captured
Lahore. On this occasion the Sikhs issued their coins and declared their
independence.
8) Eighth Attack (1766-67 AD): - Ahmed Shah Abdali
invaded the Punjab for the eighth and last time in December, 1766 AD with the
aim of restoring his power and honor in the Punjab. He captured Lahore very easily.
Abdali launched several Campaigns to take action against the Sikhs but was
defeated. Despite all his efforts, Abdali failed to crush the Sikh power and
returned in 1767 without any success.
Question
11: Explain the meaning of the word misl in the Punjab in the eighteenth
century
Answer: Misl is an Arabic word
meaning equal or equal. The second meaning of misl is file. 65 Jathas of Sikhs
were formed into 12 Jathas under Dal Khalsa. Each group had its own chief
(leader), drum and flag. These groups came to be known as misls. The 12 chiefs
of these misls had established 12 small independent Sikh states in the Punjab
between the Jamna and Indus rivers in the eighteenth century after a long
Sikh-Mughal and Sikh-Afghan struggle. The leaders of the Sikh misls (sardars)
ruled their respective territories independently. In the days of misls,
soldiers used to fight their enemies in a raiding manner. This method of Sikh
warfare was a major factor in their success. The main sources of income of the
Misl Sardars were land tax, Rakhi system, fines, thanksgiving etc. Different chiefs
had made their own rules as required to govern. But what was special about them
was that they used to gather at the Akal Takht on special occasions to discuss
matters pertaining to the entire Sikh Sangat. The chiefs of the Sikh misls assembled
at the Akal Takht and gave details of their territories to the Dal Khalsa chief.
All the details were kept in different files or misls. Which were very helpful in
resolving territorial disputes. Here he passed gurmat in the presence of the Guru
Granth Sahib. These gurmats were revered by all Sikhs. The manner in which these
misls fought the Mughals and the Afghan tyrants in the eighteenth century is
highly commendable. The Sikh misls ushered in a new era in the history of the
Punjab.
Question
12: Give an overview of 12 independent Sikh misls?
Answer: The
12 independent Sikh misls of the time:
The first Faizalpuria Misl was founded by Nawab
Kapur Singh. The Faizalpuria Misl included the territories of Jalandhar, Patti,
Nurpur and Behrampur. After Nawab Kapur Singh, Khushal Singh and Budh Singh led
this misl.
The Second Bhangi Misl: - Its founder was Sardar Chhajja Singh
but Hari Singh is also considered to be the founder of this misl. Jhanda Singh
Ganda Singh and Charhat Singh were other famous leaders of this misl. Had
authority over
Third Ahluwalia Misl: Its founder was Sardar Jassa Singh
Ahluwalia. He proved his bravery by occupying the areas of Jalandhar Doab and
Bari Doab. He was made the Commander-in-Chief of Dal Khalsa and also held the
title of Sultan-ul-Qaum. After his death, Bhag Singh and Fateh Singh Ahluwalia
led this misl.
Fourth Ramgarhia Misl: - Its founder was Sardar Khushal Singh.
The most famous leader of this misl was Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. He had
subdued some territories of Bari Doab and Jalandhar Doab. After his death,
Sardar Jodh Singh led the misl.
Fifth Shukarchakkia Misl: Its founder was Sardar Charhat Singh.
He conquered Eminabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Chakwal, Jalalpur and
Rasulpur. After Charhat Singh, Mahan Singh and Ranjit Singh took charge of the
Shukarchakkia misl. In 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore.
Sixth Kanhaiya Misl: It was founded by Sardar Jai Singh.
He conquered the areas of Mukerian, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Kangra. After his
death he became the leader of Sada Kaur Misl.
Seventh Fulkia Misl: It was founded by Sardar Phool Singh.
It consisted of Patiala Nabha and Jind provinces. Bhag Singh was.
Eighth Dalewalia Misl: Its founder was Sardar Gulab Singh.
Tara Singh Gabba was the most famous chief of this misl.
Ninth Crore Federal Misl: - Its founder was Sardar
Karora Singh. Sardar Baghel Singh was a famous leader of Gi Misl. He included
the areas of new city Banga as his Misl. His successor, Sardar Jodh Singh, had
conquered many parts of the Malwa.
Tenth Nakai Misl: - Its founder was Sardar Hira Singh.
Eleventh Shahid Misl: - Its founder was Sardar Sudha Singh.
Baba Deep Singh was the most famous leader of this Egypt. The misl included
Saharanpur, Shahjadpur and Kesni.
Twelth Nishanwalia Misl: Its founder was Sardar Sangat Singh.
The leaders of this misl carried the flag or emblem of Dal Khalsa.
The other leader of this misl was
Mohar Singh.
