RAMGARHIA

ORIGINS AND ESTABLISHMENT:

The Ramgarhia Misl was founded in 1752 by Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. It was initially known as the Gharhia misl, but was renamed after Jassa Singh’s fortification of the strategic Ram Rauni fort (later known as Ramgarh) in Amritsar, from which the misl derived its name. This misl established its base in the fertile region surrounding Amritsar, a key religious and strategic centre for the Sikhs.

Like other misls, the Ramgarhia Misl arose as a semi-autonomous military confederacy, driven by the need to resist external threats, particularly from the Mughal Empire and Afghan invaders led by Ahmad Shah Durrani. The misl’s territory stretched across central and northern Punjab, incorporating areas such as Amritsar, Batala, and parts of modern-day Himachal Pradesh.

 

Note: the Ramgarhia Misl was not based in Amritsar city, but the areas surrounding it. The map is pinned in the centre of Amritsar city as it is the closest to the region.

KEY FIGURES OF THE RAMGARHIA MISL:

The most notable figure of the Ramgarhia Misl was Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, a highly skilled military leader and strategist. Born in 1723 in Ichogill village near Lahore, Jassa Singh initially served under the leadership of the prominent Sikh general Nawab Kapur Singh. Jassa Singh's courage and tactical intellect soon earned him leadership of the misl.

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia’s contributions to the Sikh cause extended beyond military prowess. He is credited with the construction and fortification of key Sikh defenses, including the famous Ramgarh Fort. Jassa Singh played a crucial role in protecting Sikh religious and cultural landmarks, particularly the Harmandir Sahib - Golden Temple in Amritsar, from repeated Afghan attacks. Under his leadership, the misl expanded its territory and maintained independence by forming strategic alliances with other Sikh misls and even, at times, with external powers to secure its interests.

GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION:

The Ramgarhia Misl operated under a decentralised system of governance, with power shared between the misl chief and local village leaders. Although Jassa Singh Ramgarhia held the supreme command, the system allowed local chiefs considerable autonomy in managing their territories. Villages were largely self-sufficient, responsible for their defense, agriculture, and administration, while the misl’s leadership provided protection from external threats and coordinated larger military campaigns when necessary.

Revenue was primarily generated through agrarian taxes, with local communities contributing a portion of their agricultural produce to the misl's leadership. The resources collected were used to sustain the misl's army and fund public works, including the construction of forts and other defenses. The Ramgarhia Misl, like others, promoted a sense of egalitarianism - the view that all citizens are equal, and mutual respect between leaders and their subjects, creating loyalty and unity within the misl’s ranks.

MILITARY STRUCTURE:

The military strength of the Ramgarhia Misl lay in its disciplined, highly mobile cavalry - soldiers on horseback, composed largely of landowning farmers who took up arms when called upon. The soldiers of the misl were skilled in guerrilla warfare tactics, this helped them effectively combat larger, better-equipped armies like those of the Mughals and Afghans. The army’s mobility and knowledge of the local terrain were key factors in the Misl’s success.

The Ramgarhia Misl's soldiers were known for their engineering skills as well. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia himself was a skilled builder, and his misl played a key role in the construction of fortifications across Punjab. These fortified positions helped defend Sikh territories from repeated invasions.

THE DECLINE OF THE RAMGARHIA MISL:

The decline of the Ramgarhia Misl began in the late 18th century due to internal divisions among the Sikh misls. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was involved in conflicts with rival misls, particularly the Kanhaiya and Bhangi misls, leading to a temporary decline in his power. However, he managed to recover some of his lost territory before his death in 1803.

After Jassa Singh’s passing, the Ramgarhia Misl’s influence continued to decrease, especially with the rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who sought to unify the Sikh territories. While the Ramgarhia Misl maintained some degree of autonomy under Ranjit Singh’s rule, it was eventually absorbed into the Sikh Empire as Ranjit Singh consolidated power over all the misls.

A depiction of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia standing in front of the Ramgarhia army. 

In honour of The Ramgarhia Misl - master builders and protectors of Punjab's heritage. With admiration - Trish Saab