Battle of Jammu (1774)
 | This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (October 2024) |
The Battle of Jammu (1774) was a pivotal conflict in Sikh history, sparked by a succession dispute between Ranjit Dev of Jammu and his son Brij Raj Dev. The battle saw the formation of unlikely alliances, with Charat Singh Sukerchakia and Jai Singh Kanhaiya supporting Brij Raj Dev against Ranjit Dev and Jhanda Singh Bhangi. The 23-day clash resulted in the tragic deaths of Charat Singh and Jhanda Singh, ultimately leading to a peace treaty and shifting the regional power dynamics.[1]
Background
[edit]In 1774, a severe conflict emerged between Ranjit Dev of Jammu and his eldest son, Brij Raj Dev, due to the latter's questionable character. Ranjit Dev, a wise and capable leader, preferred his younger son, Dalel Singh, to succeed him. This disagreement escalated into a war, with Brij Raj Dev seeking assistance from Charat Singh Sukerchakia and Jai Singh Kanhaiya. Both leaders readily agreed to support the young prince.[2]: 214
Battle
[edit]Ranjit Dev recognized the formidable coalition against him and sought help from his overlord, Jhanda Singh Bhangi. The combined forces of Sukerchakia and Kanhaiya marched into the hills, encamping near the Basantar river, bordering Sialkot district and Jammu. Ranjit Dev gathered his army and those of his feudatories, including Basohli, Chamba, and Nurpur, placing them under Jhanda Singh's command.[2]: 215
The two sides clashed at Udhochak, engaging in a 23-day battle. On the 23rd day, Charat Singh tragically died when his gun burst, striking him in the forehead. Jai Singh Kanhiya was stunned and promptly installed Charat Singh's only son as leader, under his guardianship. However, he couldn't continue the fight alone against Jhanda Singh.[2]: 215
Afternath
[edit]Jai Singh Kanhaiya exploited the affinity between the Bhangi sardars and young men of the sweeper caste, who claimed kinship due to their shared name. One such young man, a constant companion and bodyguard to Jhanda Singh, was won over by Jai Singh Kanhaiya for a sum of Rs. 4,000 to assassinate his master. Under the cover of night, Jhanda Singh was shot dead, and the assassin took refuge in the Kanhaiya camp.[3]
Jhanda Singh's younger brother, Ganda Singh, was devastated by his brother's death and chose to withdraw from the conflict. Ranjit Dev acknowledged Jai Singh Kanhiya's supremacy and negotiated peace with his son and Jai Singh Kanhaiya, paying a sum of one lakh and a quarter rupees to settle the dispute.[2]: 215
References
[edit]- ^ Singh, Khushwant (2004). History of the Sikhs. Oxford University Press. p. 174. ISBN 9780195673081.
- ^ a b c d 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.
- ^ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.p.92.