SINGHPURIA

Origins & Establishment:

The Singhpuria Misl was established by Nawab Kapur Singh in the early 18th century, around 1733. Kapur Singh was initially a member of the Khalsa - the collective Sikh army formed to protect the religious and political rights of Sikhs during the Mughal era. His strong military intellect, and vision for a sovereign Sikh state allowed him to rise to prominence within the Khalsa ranks.

Kapur Singh is credited with formally organising the Sikh forces into independent military and political units - the misls of the confederacy. The Singhpuria Misl took its name from its founder and operated over a vast region in present-day Punjab, India, primarily around Amritsar, Jalandhar, and parts of Gurdaspur.

Key Figures:

The founder, was not only a military leader but also a visionary statesman. Under his leadership, the Misl saw several successful campaigns against the Mughal forces and Afghan invaders, which solidified its position within the Sikh confederacy. One of his most notable contributions was the division of the Khalsa into two units, the Budha Dal - older Sikhs responsible for governance, and the Taruna Dal - younger warriors tasked with fighting. This administrative move allowed for better military organisation and strengthened the Misl's governance structure.

After Kapur Singh's death in 1753, leadership of the Singhpuria Misl was handed over to Khushal Singh, his trusted general who maintained the Misl's standing by expanding its territories and continuing its military campaigns. Under his rule, the Singhpuria Misl played an active role in the larger Sikh confederacy, participating in key battles that helped lay the foundation for the future Sikh Empire.

Governance & Administration:

The governance structure of the Singhpuria Misl was similar to other misls, in that it operated as an independent political entity. Misl Sardars - those delegated with the leadership of the Misl, were responsible for the administration of their territories, law enforcement, and collection of revenue. The Misl Sardars had autonomous power within their region, but they also recognised the overarching authority of the Sikh Sarbat Khalsa—a general assembly of the Sikh community that convened at Amritsar to make decisions on matters of common interest.

The Singhpuria Misl had an organised system for tax collection, land management, and military recruitment. Land was divided into territories - where the local cheiftain was responsible for collecting tax. The revenue majorly supplied the Misl’s army, which was its lifeblood during a time of constant warfare. The military structure was hierarchical, with commanders leading troops that could be mobilised quickly in times of conflict.

In terms of legal matters, Sikh tradition and customary laws were observed. Decisions were made by the leadership council and were influenced by the principles of justice laid down in Sikh teachings. Disputes were often resolved through panchayats - community meetings to ensure fairness and transparency.

Military Structure:

During the mid-18th century, the Singhpuria Misl played an instrumental role in the rise of Sikh power in Punjab. Their forces frequently participated in joint campaigns with other misls, aiming to liberate Punjab from Mughal and Afghan control. One key event was their participation in the Battle of Amritsar in 1762, where the Afghans, led by Ahmad Shah Abdali, attempted to crush Sikh resistance. While this battle was a setback, the resilience of the misls, including the Singhpuria, allowed the Sikhs to eventually consolidate their power over Punjab.

Downfall:

The downfall of the Singhpuria Misl began towards the late 18th century. Like many other misls, the internal rivalries, combined with the external pressures from the British East India Company and the rising dominance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh from the Sukerchakia Misl, based in Gujranwala, weakened the Misl's power. The Misl struggled to maintain its territorial integrity as other Sikh chiefs began consolidating their holdings to build larger states.

By the early 19th century, under the unification efforts of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Singhpuria Misl, along with most others, was absorbed into the greater Sikh Empire. Ranjit Singh's vision for a united Sikh state led him to systematically reduce the power of the independent misls. While some leaders were offered significant positions in the new administration, the autonomy of the Singhpuria Misl came to an end.

A depiction of the Singhpuria army preparing for battle, led by Nawab Kapur Singh. 

In tribute to The Singhpuria Misl, defenders of Punjab's heart. With deep respect - Trish Saab