The East India Company played a prominent role to carry out reforms in Patiala
Province in the period 1809 to 1857 A.D. It solved the disputes arising out of
succession of Princes. The Company staged a crucial role to establish the sovereignty
of British Rule which was, however, accidental. It has been observed that the
procedure adopted for Patiala Province to delineate its supremacy was, however,
somewhat different. The Britishers paid greater attention to Patiala Province because it
was the largest Province in respect of population and income. A major part of Patiala
Province was a part of ancient Vedic Age called ‘Brahmrishidesh’.
Patiala Province got its name from its founder Baba Ala Singh who founded the
Province in the middle of the eighteenth century. It is, however, assumed that the
rulers of Patiala Province belonged to Yadav Dynasty. Bhattis were a new tribe that
originated here. It was Jaisal among the Bhattis who founded Jaisalmer Province. The
Provinces of Patiala, Jind and Nabha in together were known as ‘Phulkian Province’
because Chowdhary Phul was the common ancestor among them. It is well known that
Guru Har Rai Ji predicted that Phul will feed thousands of people to satiate the
hunger whose rule would extend upto Jamuna. This prediction proved true in word
and spirit. Phul was a skilled administrator who took the reins of his rule at a young age of
eighteen and proved his mettle. He founded a new place called ‘Phul’ which later on
became the administrative place of Phul. He fulfilled his duties as ‘Chowdhary’ for
twenty five years. He proved himself to be a warrior of excellence. In addition to his
administrative skill, he was a sound practitioner of ‘Pranayam’ (a Yogic exercise).
However, he left this world in 1689 A.D.
The first wife of Chowdhary Phul begot three sons – Tilok Chand, Ram Singh and
Raghu. Tilok Chand and Ram Singh were the true devotees of Sri Guru Gobind Singh
who helped Guruji and Banda Bahadur in various battles. Ram Singh being fearless
and bold founded a city ‘Rampura Phul’- his own namesake. But Ram Singh was
killed in 1714 A.D. at the age of fifty when the two sons of Chain Singh were seeking
revenge who was murdered by Ram Singh due to his illicit activities. Ram Singh had
six sons and one of the illustrious and brave sons famously known as Ala Singh
founded the Patiala Kingdom. His elder brother Tilok Singh, being equally competent
founded the Kingdom of Nabha and Jind.
Baba Ala Singh had sought expertise in the use of armour at a young age. He was
wedded to Fateh Kaur, who was merely nine years old at her marriage. She proved to
be a devoted wife who contributed a lot in the uprising of Ala Singh. He fought
courageously in the first three decades of his political rise. He laid siege over a
number of places and captured Barnala in 1722-23 A.D. This was called the Wessex
of Patiala Province. He founded a new village Longowal and rehabilitated it. Ala
Singh with the help of Nigahi Khan was able to capture even the surrounding territory
of Barnala. There was a fierce fight between the warriors of Asad Ali Khan and Baba
Ala Singh in 1731 A.D. Asad Ali met his end and Ala Singh was declared victorious
in the battle which was a landmark achievement for him.
Baba Ala Singh was inducted into Sikh Panth by Kapur Faizalpuria who baptised
him with ‘Pahul’ – a pious tradition among the Sikhs. A spark of courage ignited in
him to extend his empire and thus founded a number of new places – Chhajli, Dirba
and Sheron being the famous ones. His adventurous feats in favour of Shahzada
Ahmad and against Abdali impressed him abundantly. He even killed Farid Khan and
captured Samana pargana with his mighty courage. Ala Singh being ambitious and courageous fortified his domain. Sardar Mohammaad Saleh Khokhar surrendered Sanour Pargana and its eighty four villages at the altar of Baba Ala Singh. He also founded Kaithal Kingdom under the leadership of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh. He also captured the territories of Budhlada and Boha by defeating Bhatti Sardars. Inspired by his triumphant feats, he extended his empire and captured Bahadur, Khudal, Akbarpur, Bareta, Mander areas also. He was successful also to bag in his rule a large number of areas of Samana and Sunam Parganaas to add to his wishlist by the end of 1758. Ala Singh also took into his possession some territories of Malerkotla in 1760-61. He was generous enough to offer shelter to Maratha runaways who were defeated in their fight against Ahmad Shah Abdali. He had to follow up a compromise with him. However, Ahmad Shah was much impressed by Ala Singh who accepted his possession of 726 villages. After Abdali’s retreat, Afghan Governor Umed Khan was killed by the Sikhs. Infuriated Abdali invaded the Sikh warriors on 5 February, 1762, killed 12000 Sikhs and captured Barnala. Baba Ala Singh saved himself and the sanctity of his long hair by offering 1.25 lac rupees who proved himself to be a true Sikh.
The Sikhs in Panjab created turmoil in 1763 after the retreat of Abdali. Ala Singh in 1764 A.D. founded Patiala City and erected Quila Mubarak and Patiala being designated as the capital of Patiala Province. He even issued his own coins. Even Ahmad Shah accepted him as the Governor of Sirhand territories in lieu of 3.5 lac rupees. Unfortunately, the mighty conqueror Ala Singh bade adieu to this world on 22 August, 1765. Baba Ala Singh was a person of exceptional qualities like dauntless courage, incessant worker, determination,liberal attitude, political skill who loved the people of all sects and believed in the sanctity of all the religions. The King enjoyed the highest seat of judgement who decided very typical and critical cases with the advice of Dewan. Thanedars and Kotwals were responsible to maintain law and order. ‘Lagaan’, octroi, fines collection were the major sources of income. In short, Ala Singh was an able administrator and a sagacious politician whose policies pleased even the Mughals and the Sikhs alike.
Raja Amar Singh ascended the throne at the age of 17 or 18 by virtue of Ala Singh’s widow wife Fateh Kaur who defeated his elder brother Himmat Singh in a number of battles. However, at the intervention of Fateh Kaur, Amar Singh granted Bhawanigarh and some villages to Himmat Singh. Raja Amar Singh in 1766 A.D. with the aid of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia provided his indomitable power to capture Payal near Ludhiana and later on Isru also. Ahmad Shah Abdali permitted him to issue his own coins and honoured him well. But Raja Amar Singh being a true human being was pained to know the killing of Brar Sardar Jodh Singh of Kotkapura.
Raja Amar Singh was an adventurous and able commander and took under his possession Pinjore area. He also captured Sialba in 1770 A.D. He also laid an access to Gobindgarh and Bathinda and took these under his rule in 1771 A.D. His elder brother Himmat Singh tried to conspire against his younger brother Amar Singh but all his endeavors proved futile in the long run and took into possession the territories of Bhawanigarh and Dirba.
The name of Maharaja Karam Singh deserves mention here who was generous enough to name Saifabad Forte as Bahadargarh in esteem honour of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. Raja Amar Singh also showed his courageous bouts to have control over Bhallian, Begran (District Hisar) Fatehabad and Sirsa. His invincible self-inner power inspired him and the helpless Hari Singh surrendered himself in lieu of huge Nazrana of Sialba territory. However, Raja Amar Singh bade adieu to his world of earthly existence due to excessive intake of liquor at an age of not more than 35 years.
Maharaja Sahib Singh ascended the throne at a juvenile age of seven, but being inefficient, could not hold reigns of the administration. In such sensitive times, the grandmother of Sahib Singh, Rani Rukman elected Dewan Nanu Mal to be the minister since he was sincere and strong. He was able to curb the rebellious attitude of so many revolutionaries.
A severe femine broke out in 1783 and thousands of people died due to spread of disease. But Rani Rukman and Dewan Nanu Mal prepared strategies and brought everything under control in proper order. He was once arrested by his opponents and severally injured in a conspiracy against him. However, he again became the minister under the protection of Rani Rajinder Kaur of Phagwara. Onward, he forcibly grabbed money from his opponents around Banur and came back to Patiala in 1786 A.D. by collecting a massive amount of money. Nanu Mal and Hari Singh Sialba fought against Khushhal Singh Singhpuria and remained triumphant. As a result of his gaining power, he became arrogant and the courtiers turned against him. Raja Sahib Singh became much upset who was just fourteen years of age at this time. Nanu Mal also realized that Rani Rajinder Kaur and Raja Sahib Singh had turned against him.
The Marathas in turn under Rane Khan Dadaji moved towards the North. Dewan Nanu Mal’s tricks did not work well with Rani Rajinder Kaur who arrested Dewan’s son Devi Ditta Mal but was released later on. She left this world in 1791. Dewan Nanu Mal also bade good bye to this world in 1792 A.D.
Sahib Kaur, sister of Raja Sahib Singh, a fearless lady like Rani Rajinder Kaur was deputed as the Vazir who defeated the Marathas at Mardanpur, near Ambala. However, a discord between Raja Sahib Singh’s Rani Aas Kaur created strifes. Sahib Kaur felt it too much and left this world in 1799. The British defeated the Marathas in 1803 and captured Delhi and its outskirts. A tussle ensued between Raja Sahib Singh of Patiala and Raja Jaswant Singh of Nabha over Doladhi village in 1806. But it was solved with the intervention of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Amritsar treaty was accorded between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British when Ranjit Singh accepted not to meddle in the territories across Satluj. They also safeguarded the interests of Sardars who were ruling in Satluj-Urar territories. Raja Sahib Singh was not an able ruler who died on 26 March, 1813.
Maharaja Karam Singh, son of Maharaja Sahib Singh ascended the throne on 30 June, 1813, at the age of Sixteen years. Rani Aas Kaur mother of Karam Singh was awarded Rs. 50,000 for her livelihood along with Sanaur City and its fort. Her political career ended up in 1823 A.D.
A conflict cropped up between the rulers of Patiala and Nabha in 1827-28 in which Patiala had to suffer a lot. Maharaja Karam Singh erected a fort at Saifabad with a cost of rupees ten lacs. It was named Bahadurgarh Fort in honour of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He died on 23 December, 1845. Maharaja Narinder Singh, son of Maharaja Karam Singh took the reigns of throne on 18 January, 1846 at the age of 23 who was more loyal to the British during Anglo Sikh Battle. He helped the British rulers to his utmost loyalty and the Britishers in turn also honoured him with lands and titles. The British rulers confirmed that they would not intervene with the rulers of Phulkian Province.
Maharaja Narinder Singh was entitled with the honour ‘Knight Commander of the Star of India’. Being an able ruler, he reorganized the local administrators. He erected a lovely Moti Bagh Palace. Gurdwara Moti Bagh and the Smadhi of Baba Ala Singh. But he bade farewell to this world on 13 November,1862.
Maharaja Mahinder Singh, born on 16 September, 1852 was the only son of Maharaja Narinder Singh who occupied the Kingship on 29 January, 1863 A.D. and functioned under the British. Being a juvenile, a Regency Council of trustworthy officers was constituted. On the completion of adulthood, he was honoured with an honour by the British Government. Maharaja performed a number of noble gestures like Rs. 70,000 donation to Panjab University and Rupees Ten Lac aid to feminine hit people of Bengal. He also founded the prestigious Mohindra College, Patiala. But he died in 1876 due to over consumption of alcohol at the age of 24 only. Maharaja Rajinder Singh was the successor of Maharaja Mahinder Singh who was aborned with the kingship in 1877 (Born in 1872). Being minor, a Regency Council was constituted to run the administration. The reign of Maharaja Rajinder Singh witnessed immense progress in the Province. On attaining adulthood, he was designated with all the powers to run the administrative machinery. Being a talented administrator, he established Rajindra Hospital, Lady Dufferin Hospital for ladies only, (now called Kaushalya Hospital). He also opened Public Library with a huge stock of books of varied hues. He donated 1.5 lac rupees to establish Khalsa College, Amritsar and got built Baradari Mahal for his own living which is presently running Panjab State Archive Office. Being sincerely loyal to the Britishers, he was decorated with the title of “The Most Exalted of the Star of India”. He was immensely fond of Cricket, Polo and Hunting and attained international fame in the game of Polo. He breathed his last at the age of 28 only in 1900 A.D.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, the only son of Maharaja Rajinder Singh headed the throne at the age of nine only (born in 1891). So a Regency Council was formed to run the administration. The British rulers decided to reintroduce the Political Agency with its Headquarters at Patiala in lieu of Ambala and thus enabling the British Government to exercise more powers on the administration. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was educated at Aitchison College, Lahore. However, on attaining the age of 18, he was vested with full powers on 3 November, 1910. He was perfectly loyal to the Britishers in the First World War, Anglo-Afghan War in 1919. He put up the issue of Princely State as a representative in the First Round Table Conference in November, 1930 to safeguard the interests of other Princely States also.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was an adept ruler who reorganized the revenue system, framed a constitution to run the machinery, improvement in judiciary, police, jails, army, and exemplary improvement in education, especially for girls. He was generous to the core and deep rooted in religion. He donated liberally to various colleges and spent Rs. 70,000 to get published ‘Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahakosh’ created by Bhai Kahan Singh. He was passionately fond of music and Ali Bakhsh was his court musician. By virtue of his philanthropic nature, ‘Patiala Gharana’ achieved worldwide fame. Since His Highness’s intense interest in games and himself being a fine player of Cricket, he founded Cricket Playground in Baradari Gardens, Patiala and Chail also where National and International level Cricket matches were organized. His intelligence and remarkable personality helped him to rise to the position of seasoned leader among the Provincial States. But the sovereign attitude of the Maharaja caused discontentment against the Provincial Sway. ‘Praja Mandal Andolan’ surged rapidly against the atrocities inflicted on the downtrodden. But Maharaja acted against them forcefully. Ultimately, he died on 23 March, 1938. Maharaja Yadvinder Singh was the next successor of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh who exercised restraint in the administrative machinery to appease the people, advocated the cause of merging princely states into Indian Unity Plan which won him the applause from the Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel (after Partition).
East India Company emerged in the middle of the eighteenth century and it influenced its political tactics in India, expanded its ruling regime within a span of hundred years with higher dominance. The company enacted its immense impact from 1757 to 1813 A.D. and 1813 to 1858 A.D., introducing their ‘Ring Fence Policy’ and ‘Subordinate Isolation Policy’ respectively but the rulings of these policies were not adhered to in word and spirit. The East India Company came in association with Patiala Provincial State in which the company opposed the looting attitude of Patiala and other Provincial Rulers in the adjoining territories of the Satluj and the Yamuna.
The Afghan ruler Zaman Shah invaded Indian territories and bagged Lahore in 1979 A.D. and Maharaja Sahib Singh of Patiala honoured and favoured him with precious gifts. But he was dethroned and blinded, thereby putting an end to any challenge from Zaman Shah. Maharaja Sahib Singh expressed his bondage of friendship and good will for the Britishers since he was afraid of attacks by the Marathas. The Britishers in their policy of expansion spearheaded the Marathas and captured over Delhi. However, their bonds of loyal association were consistent with Maharaja Sahib Singh. The representative of the British on his arrival at Patiala appreciated Raja Sahib Singh for declining any help to Holkar, the bitter enemy of the British.
Afterwards, Maharaja Ranjit Singh rose to the occasion and his invasions created a turmoil by capturing areas of Vadni, Zira, Kotkapura, Naraingarh etc. which created panic among the Sikh Chieftains of the Malwa region. So they convened a meeting and passed a resolution to support the British. The British rulers also intended to suppress the power of Maharaja Ranjit Singh but the Sardar Chieftains were not appeased by the half-hearted response of the British rulers.
Watching this topsy-turvy situation, Maharaja Ranjit Singh persuaded the Sikh Chieftains to boycott any help to the Britishers. The Britishers were curious to have bonds of friendship with Maharaja Ranjit Singh which after some tireless endeavors bore fruit with Amritsar Treaty on 25 April, 1809. It resulted in abolishing the rights of Maharaja Ranjit Singh over Malwa region. The East India Company issued a declaration letter on 3 May, 1809 which comprised some clauses favouring the British Government. It was a sort of safeguard alliance between the East India Company and the Provinces of Malwa region. Its terms and conditions were conducive for the Satluj-Urar provinces which were exempted to pay annual taxes.
The ensuing conflicts between the rulers of the Satluj-Urar provinces urged the British Government to issue one more declaration letter on 22 August, 1811 that inhibited the Chieftains to capture the territories of others which imparted protection cover to them and the Britishers gained an access to have full sweep over the Chieftains. However, the bonds between the East India Company and the Patiala Province were tense between 1809-1857 because Maharaja Sahib Singh was an incapable ruler. Anarchy and corruption were ruling the province. As a result, British agent David Akhtarloni recommended Maharani Aas Kaur to do reforms in the administrative machinery because she was the lady considered to be a befitting one to improve the deteriorating law and order situation. Governor General Lord Minto, however, was least interested to intervene in the affairs of the Provinces which was minimized to merely recommend and suggest in their ruling set-up. On the recommendation of Akhtarloni, Maharaja Sahib Singh bequeathed his ruling machinery in the hands of Maharani Aas Kaur who was able to introduce some commendable reforms, though for a short tenure. But, Maharani Aas Kaur informed Akhtarloni about the worsening law and order situation in Patiala Province. As a result of Akhtarloni’s counsel and guidance and his thrust of army forces, Maharaja willingly offered the powers to Maharani Aas Kaur.
Akhtarloni was attacked in May, 1812 by some insane miscreant but his life was saved and the attacker was arrested and imprisoned in Delhi jail. He sent forces to Patiala to instil confidence in Maharani and proclaimed clearly to honour the orders of Maharani to maintain law and order. But Maharaja Sahib Singh did not hesitate to squander money lavishly. So the Governor General confiscated all his powers and allowed Rs. 12,000/- per month to cover his expenses. Maharaja breathed his last on 26 March, 1813 A.D. After his demise, Maharaja’s son Karam Singh was crowned as the successor in 1813 in the holy presence of Colonel Akhtarloni. An altercation emerged between Maharaja Karam Singh and his mother Aas Kaur that was amicably solved at the intervention of the British Rulers and they started leading a peaceful life.
Kanwar Ajit Singh in 1823, cousin of Maharaja Karam Singh and Rani Nand Kaur pleaded the British Government to crown him the Maharaja of Patiala but after a lot of negotiation, the Kanwar in December, 1827 accepted the Jaagir of Rs. 50,000/- annually but later on paid an extra Jaagir of Rs. 10,000/- to please him. The East India Company proved its sovereignty over the three Phul Provinces-Patiala, Jind and Nabha.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1806-1807 A.D. had resolved the discord of Doladhi village near Nabha but the brawl erupted again in 1827 A.D. The British Government appointed Calbrook but his proposed decision did not suit the Maharaja of Nabha. Sometimes later, the decision report of Captain Murray was put into action.
There rose another turmoil among Maharaja Sikhs numbering about 40-50 thousands in 1833 who were the ancestral Jagirdars from the ‘Phul Dynasty’. They used to pay annual taxes to the Mughals during their rule. But after Mughal’s disintegration, they approached the British Government for help to sort out their conflicting altercation. A tug-of-war rose up between Kolasheri and Phulasheri that resulted in bloodshed. The boundary between Bhadaur and Kangar was also resolved by the British Government in 1820 A.D. Further discord in Rupa village was also redressed by the British Government in 1851 A.D. by its division among claimants. The Britishers were adept in diplomacy who introduced the ‘Lapse Theory’ and merged the small tracts of Satluj-Urar areas under their rule in 1824-1834 A.D. Their political maoeuvrers paved way to capture Jind in 1834 and Kaithal in 1843 by enforcing ‘Lapse Theory’. However, Patiala and Nabha were saved to fall a prey to the British regime. The company, however, tried to put their control over some areas of Patiala Province. An antipathy arose between the British Government and Patiala Province that persisted for two decades between the British Government over Patiala – Bhatiana territory.
Maharaja Karam Singh disapproved the claim of Ross Bell and appealed to Indian Maharaja Karam Singh disapproved the claim of Ross Bell and appealed to Indian Government against this proposal. The reports of Agent Conolly and Robinson again faced disfavours by Maharaja Karam Singh. Ultimately, on recommendations of Chief Commissioner, Panjab in 1855 A.D., it was decided to offer 41 villages to Maharaja of Patiala and the balance revenue from 1843 to May, 1856. However, Maharaja expressed his displeasure with this declaration. The Patiala Province and other provinces of Malwa-Sirhand in their declaration letter of May, 1809 had consented to help the East India Company in times of battle and necessity. The Maharaja in 1827 helped the British Government liberally paying Rs. Twenty Lacs. It was paid back in 1831 but Maharaja gladly refused to charge interest on this amount. Maharaja Karam Singh helped the British in 1838 also during the First Anglo-Afghan war.
After Maharaja Karam Singh’s demise in 1845, the next successor Maharaja Narender Singh also remained loyal to the British Government in times of need and the British Government also rewarded and recognized his services. After the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British Government issued orders for Patiala Province to abolish Sati-System, female foeticide and the free trade of exchanging slaves. During the rebellion of 1857-58, Maharaja Narender Singh also offered his services. In brief, the East India Company during the period of 1809 A.D. to 1857 A.D. held its authority and dominance over Patiala Province in a prosperous and buoyant manner.
The Rebellion of 1857-58 is considered to be a remarkable feat of adventure which erupted due to policies adopted by the East India Company. Lord Dalhousie imposed ‘Lapse Theory’ forcibly and enacted breach of promise in several decisions. Nana Sahib, Bahadur Shah, Jhansi Ki Rani Laxmi Bai and many others supported the cause of the revolution though some Provincial Maharajas rulers stood by the British Rulers. The Maharaja of Patiala Narinder Singh remained sincere and loyal to the British Rulers during the turmoil in Meerut and Delhi though Bahadur Shah pleaded the Maharaja to favour the revolutionary movement but he did not move an inch and helped the British Government. He helped them with arms and ammunition and means of transport. The Maharaja of Patiala rendered very good services to the British rulers in protecting Dholpur, Jhajjar and Lucknow from the rebellious forces. In pursuance, the services of Maharaja Patiala, the petty rulers and the general public won the favour of the British rulers. Lieutenant Governor of Punjab also appreciated Maharaja Narender Singh in a special letter written to him in March, 1859. The Sikh rulers of Jind, Nabha, Kapurthala and Faridkot also stood by the Britishers to strengthen their hold.
The Britishers also changed their policy after 1857 rebellion by dissolving the East India Company and exercised their sovereignty over all the provinces of India. The Maharaja of Britain promulgated a new declaration letter that assumes much importance. The Viceroy clarified that a uniform policy would be enforced to abolish step-motherly treatment to the Provincial Rulers. They made it transparent that sovereignty of the Maharani stands supreme which is being realized by the Indian rulers. According to the Hindu law or the Mohammaddan Law, the successor nominated by the Provincial Ruler will not face the breach at any cost as long as the Province ruler of the state remains loyal to the British Rule. The provincial rulers who remain loyal to the British will be a boon for their empire and will not lose their dignity in the least. The British Government issued ‘Adoption Sanads’ that clarified to choose the successor of their choice for Provincial States. The British Government also granted special concessions to Patiala Province for their prized and super services to the British rule. Moreover, in pursuance to the request of Maharajas of Patiala, Jind and Nabha that submitted ‘Paper of Requests’ after the rebellion to grant them the right for capital punishment to the traitors was accepted in toto.
The Paper of Requests also prayed that Regency Council should be abolished if a non-adult is crowned as successor of the Province and the relatives/strangers of non-adult should also be barred for their involvement. Their letter of requests also included that an individual from the Phul Dynasty should be crowned as the successor if the Phulkian ruler has no son or male-successor. After a lot of deliberation, the Home Government approved the requests in lieu of the one third part of their income to be deposited in the British Treasury.
The Letter of Requests also contained that the involvement of fair sex should be impeded in politics. The plea for this request got a green signal. However, on the grounds of humanity, their participation may be considered in times of urgency.
Their another appeal was also granted by the Governor-General and Council that the British Government would not intervene in the affairs of relatives, associates and dependents of Phulkian Rulers until unless it was necessary to do so. Their seventh plea that they should be issued a guarantee under the stamp of Maharani of Britain that their ancestral property and other territories awarded by the British should be transferred forever. But this plea could not get acceptance.
In short, most of the pleas of Phulkian Rulers were approved and it was handed down in a Sanad to Maharaja Narinder Singh on 5 May, 1860. The First Viceroy of India was Kenning (1858-1862) who founded a basis of new policy for Phulkian Provinces – Patiala, Jind and Nabha. The British Government assured them that they would not expand their rule and safeguard the interests of the existing rule. But the Britishers did not adhere to the rules of the ‘Sanad’ and they started exerting their supremacy in the affairs of Provinces, especially Patiala Province. Consequently in 1870 A.D., Patiala, Jind and Nabha fell under the political influence of Panjab Government or Lieutenant-Governor. These three provinces remained under the control of Panjab Government from 1870 A.D. to 1900 A.D. To control them, a need for political agency was underway under Viceroy Kurzon which was also supported by Lieutenant-Governor Sir Macworth Young. However, it was agreed upon that Political Agent will function under Punjab Government. But his proposed setup did not go well with the Maharajas of trio-state that stirred unrest in the minds of the Sikhs. Above all, the establishment of Headquarters of Patiala Agent at Patiala in 1902 led to lesser continuous intrusion. However, in 1921 A.D. Punjab States Agency was created that was retitled as ‘First Class Residency’ in October 1928.
The East India Company after 1834 A.D announced that any Provincial State would seek the permission of the Company before crowning any successor on the throne, thereby increasing the sovereignty of the British. It resulted some suspicion in the minds of the Provincial Rulers. Thus, to dispel these suspicions, ‘Sanads’ were awarded to the Maharajas of Patiala, Nabha and Jind in 1860 A.D. to allow them to choose their successor.
However, the rules pertaining to the succession of crowning the minor for three Phulkian Provinces were at variance than other Provinces. After the demise of Maharaja Narender Singh, his only successor Mahendra Singh, at the age of ten only took reigns of Patiala Province. The 1859 declaration of the British Government to constitute Three Member Council was favorable as compared to five-member Regency Council to avoid extra burden on the three Phulkian Provinces – Patiala, Nabha and Jind. The Sanad of 1860 A.D. had not violated the recommendations of Regency Council of 1859 A.D. and as such, the Maharaja of Patiala was not entitled to change its decision. It was thus instructed to the Maharajas of Nabha and Jind that they are bound to follow the ‘Sanad’ of 1859 A.D. So a Three-tier Regency Council was constituted by the Maharajas of Jind and Nabha on the direction of Indian Government.
But Maharaja left this world at a young age of 24 years in April, 1876 and his only son occupied the throne as a minor at the age of four only and as such the Regency Council was the ruling agent. Lieutenant Governor Henry Davies however, thought it befitting to depute a British Superintendent to run the rule if the Regency Council proves unfit to run the administration. He also recommended to appoint a British Medical Officer and a British Teacher, to take care of Minor Maharaja’s health and education. But this view of the Lieutenant Governor did not get approval by the Indian Government.
The visit of the Punjab Government’s Secretary Lapel Griffin to Patiala on 14 August, 1876 and his address to the members of the Regency Council that stated to depute British Superintendent in case of finding chaos in its working and thus creating a tumult and commotion.
Maharaja Rajender Singh attained the age of 18 years in October 1889 who was entitled with all the powers of the state by the Viceroy Lord Lancedown. But his demise in 1900 A.D. led his only son Bhupinder Singh to be the successor at the age of nine only. As usual, a Regency Council was constituted. However, a need for the appointment of Political Agent also sought for its inception. The British Government in pursuance to their ‘Sanad’ of 1859 arranged an educational teacher and Medical Officer for Maharaja Bhupindra Singh. A Political Agency with its Headquaters at Patiala headed by Major J.R. Dunlopsmith was set up to look after the affairs of Phulkian Province so as to keep a stern supervision.
Patiala Province during the period of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh witnessed immense progress in the sphere of finance, police, and education. A lot number of schools came up due to tireless efforts of Shiv Dyal, an officer in Punjab Education Service who delivered an action oriented stature to the recommendations of Nolton an educational expert.
The minor Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was fortunate to go to Aitchison College, Lahore on behalf of the British Government. He proved to be an able and well-knit ruler by achieving Westernized concept of education.
The British Government of India did not exercise uniform policy for minors in all the Provinces for the succession of Maharajas as observed in Bahawalpur, Kapurthala and Malerkotla Provinces. In the first decade of the twentieth century, the British Government elected T.H.S. Bidulf, Pofam Young, J.P. Warbarton and H.Hadley as Officers to cater to the welfare of the people and abide by the supreme power of the imperialism. The British Rulers were clever to manipulate schemes to fulfill their imperial benefits by seeking advantage of the Maharajas in their minority period. That is why Governor-General like Lord Curzon suggested to increase the age of adulthood since 18 years of age was too less to become an adult.
sMaharaja Bhupinder Singh when became an adult in June, 1909, the Viceroy Lord Minto handed over all the political powers to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. Minto instructed his Political Officers to do endeavors to exercise their British Sovereignty in a cordial manner and discard the dictatorial attitude. Lord Harding also convened a meeting of Maharajas of various provinces on 15-17 February, 1916 A.D. whose recommendations were intimated to the rulers of Provinces in connection with ‘minority rule’ period of the Maharajas. But soon Lord Chemsford became the new Viceroy of India. He also expressed his views in favour of traditional manners of rulers which are for the interest of the people and their needs. During the conference held in October, 1916, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha expressed his unwillingness about the presence of British Political Officer. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh also spoke frankly about the Regency Council. After a lot of review, Lord Chemsford presented an important proposal in August, 1917 A.D. It emphasized on the supervision of rights, interests and traditions and the administration to be looked after by the Regency Council during the rule of the minor’s period. Titles, Jagirs and ‘Khitabs, should be discontinued. The individual assets of the Province should not be interfered with the minor ruler/Maharaja who should be offered the precious gift of education in India only.
The British Government of India had run into heavy debt to curb the 1857-58 Revolution. So the involvement of the Provinces was a must to improve their financial deficit. The British Rulers realized that ‘British India’ and the India are interdependent. Consequently, British sovereignty ruled the upper hand in economic matters.
Issuing of coins has always been a matter of importance to show supremacy. The rulers of Lahore, Nabha, Jind and Kapurthala introduced coins not in their own name but in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. After the 1857-58 Revolution, the British Government of India directed the Provincial Rulers to delete the name of Mughal Emperor of Delhi in coins. The Indian Government faced hurdles in financial exchange due to diversity of coins. To bring out uniformity in coins, a secret proposal was issued in October, 1870 in which it was conveyed in the interest of the Indian Government and the British Regime to bring uniformity in minting of coins to ease the exchange of financial hurdles. The proposal also laid emphasis to eke out the sign of Maharani’s dominion on the coins.
A Native Coinage Act was passed in 1876 A.D. which clarified that the provinces will get their coins from the British Minting Factory. The Indian Government also declared that the Provinces will get the popular copper coins at the real cost with some reasonable minting fee. But this process resulted in some revenue loss. So another proposal was passed with some amendment creating a room to supply the required number of copper coins.
A critical silver shortage in 1893 A.D. led to seek information about the popular silver coins in vogue in the states. Patiala Province had its own silver coin currency along with British silver coins but these were not in vogue outside Patiala Province. However, the Indian Government’s emphasis was to pay land tax and other taxes in silver coins. It gave an impetus to pay the taxes in silver rupee currency. In the beginning of the twentieth century, the production of base silver coins loomed large that cautioned the Indian Government that those dealing in counterfeit coins should be penalized according to Indian Penal Code. However, the uniform distribution of silver coins caused loss to Provincial States and benefitted the Imperial rule.
The East India Company also realized the significance of railways that prompted Lord Dalhousie in 1853 to expand the Railway System so as to import/export raw material. To promote Railway System, the government sought the help of the Provincial States by sanctioning free land to them.
The Indian Government in 1864 A.D. informed the Punjab Government that the Provincial States should allot land free of cost with their legal possession. To accelerate the pace of travelling and transportation; Patiala, Bahawalpur and Jind province allotted free land for Southern Panjab Railway in 1896 A.D.
A special provision was granted to Patiala Province to decide the criminal cases outside their own territories themselves. The construction cost of Patiala to Rajpura Railway Line was borne by Patiala Province under supervision of Patiala and Delhi Company. Rajpura-Patiala Railway line extended upto Bathinda in 1883-91, now called Rajpura-Bathinda Railway line which became a part of Imperial Railway System.
Lord Curzon was appointed the Viceroy and Lieutenant General of India who was in favour to implement uniform implementation rule and regulation on Rewari-Ferozepur Railway line. The Punjab Government was directed in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Government to seek civil and criminal authority for the British regime except police expenses to be withdrawn for Southern Punjab-Railway; ‘Rewari-Ferozepur-Railway, Delhi-Ambala-Kalka Railway and LudhianaDhuri-Jakhal Railway. The Government had compared this policy to the other countries likeU.S.A, Canada and Germany. The British Government appointed magistrates to take up the cases of railway system.
Patiala Province Authorities counselled The British Govenrment to initiate the narrow gauge Patiala-Jakhal Railway but the Supreme-Government did not pay any heed to it. Patiala Court also suggested for Patiala-Chandigarh Railway line via Mallan but this proposal was also declined. However, the planning to initiate a narrow-gauge Railway line from Sirhind to Ropar was granted amicably but coud not be completed due to World-War I of 1914 A.D. The Railway Board suggested a broad-gauge Railway line in 1920. Patiala-court house also pleaded to initiate Bhakra Dam Irrigation project but no formal trust of the project was sanctioned.
The British Control over the Railway project may be in the interest of the Provincial Ruler because the Indian Government intended to protect the Provincial States from the exploitation of capitalists or the agents.
‘Chamber of Princes’ was organized in 1921 A.D. and the Indian Government proclaimed that the New Railway Policy of 1932 A.D. will be applicable to those who were members of Chambers of Princes.
Modern Post and Telegraph System started in (1848-1856) during the reign of Lord Dalhousie. The government was held responsible for any loss caused to postal services and depute additional guards to protect them. A new resolution was passed by the Secretary of State in 1885 A.D. which was objectionable to Patiala and Jind provinces. The pleas of the Phulkian Provinces of 1885 A.D. to punish the looters of postal document should be confined to the Provincial Authorities but to no avail. The Patiala Provincial Authority stated that the postal system in vogue should continue without change. However, the British Government notified that the Patiala Province Ruler should bring out reforms in money-order delivery to individuals who face inconvenience. The convention was called on 15 September 1884 between Patiala Province and the British Government and more postal conventions were organized with Nabha, Gwalior, Faridkot and Chamba Provinces. However, the British Government opened their post-offices at Patiala and Lalru that defied the condition of the Britishers though later on the decision was reversed. After a lot of debate, the post office opened at Dharampur was shut down in 1918 A.D. bythe ceaseless attempts of Maharaja of Patiala.
Patiala Court at its own expenses had constructed Sirhand-Ropar Railway line. To promote income, the Maharaja of Patiala wanted to make Railway Mail Service Station and Post-Offices but it was dropped by the Supreme Government. The British Government also proposed to expand telecommunication in various Provincial States. The Maharaja of Patiala requested the British Government to lay the telegraphic lines from Ambala to Patiala on his own expenses. His proposal got a nod from the Governor General and Director General of the Council. Afinal draft got its accent in August, 1872 A.D. This followed some other proposed projects for some other Provincial States. However, a letter of declaration was issued in 1881 A.D. that emphasized the issue to raise telegraph system in the whole nation under the aegis of Indian Government. But in 1904 A.D. the telegraphic lines from Patiala Court to Chail were allowed to be functional on some conditions. Some telephone lines were also permitted from Patiala to Sirhind and Patiala to Chail. The established Chamber of Princes in 1923 A.D. passed a resolution that emphasized the need of uniform expansion of telecommunication system. It was amended in 1930 A.D. that the telecom lines of one state to the other state for mutual use will be entertained with their understanding. The expansion of telephone wires from Rajpura to Bathinda railway line was not granted by the government.
In brief, the Sovereign Government in cooperation with Provincial States exerted their supremacy in finding way to minting of coins, railway system, posts and telecommunication expansion that benefitted not only the British people but the people of the Provincial States too.
The East India Company also exercised its foundation stone in army control in 1795 A.D. by virtue of the diplomatic politicians of the British Rule. The Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala helped the British during Anglo-Gorkha War (1814-16); Anglo Afghan War (1839-42); First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) and Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49) in its truest loyalty.
A drastic change in the armed policy of the British Government occurred after the 1857-58 revolution that focused to increase the number of British Army and lessen the number of Indian Army Personnel. It also declared in 1864 A.D. by a letter to inform the Government about the exact number of armed personnel, horse riders, infantry, canons etc. of all the Provinces. A secret document was also sent for the British Officers to keep an eye on the armed forces of different provinces.
The military services offered by the Provinces of Patiala, Jind, Nabha, Kapurthala, Faridkot, Malerkotla and Bahawalpur in the Second Anglo-Afghan war in 1878 A.D. pleased the British Rulers. However, the armed services by Patiala Province were appreciated by the Brigadier General Watson for their sincere and loyal devotion. Maharani Victoria in a Golden Jubilee Function in 1887 A.D. applauded the armed and other financial services by the Maharaja of Patiala and Maharajas of other Provincial States.
The Imperial Government realised that the voluntary offering of the Provincial. States should be considered due to financial crisis of the Britishers in the decades of 1880–1889 A.D. The Foreign Secretary Mortimer Durand advised the British Government to select only able and powerful armed forces from the Provinces for the welfare of the British Rule. The Chief Commander Fredrick Robert supported the advice of Mortimer Durand in principle along with Viceroy Lord Dufferin to train the army forces. Major Howard Malice sent letters to the Maharajas of Patiala, Bahawalpur, Jind, Nabha, Kapurthala and Faridkot on 20 August 1888 to impart training and guidance to army personnel for helping the Imperial Rule. The draft policy by Viceroy Dufferin was announced on 17 November, 1888 A.D. The trained army personnel will coordinate with the British rulers in time of need. They will be provided with Carbines and Sniper Rifles free of cost. The next in command was Viceroy Lansdown who also supported the scheme of Lord Dufferin that would pave a stronghold for the Britishers and the new organization of army by the Provinces will be called ‘Imperial Service Troops or Corps’.
Major H. Mallis was appointed the Chief Inspecting Officer of Imperial Service Troops along with Captain Hog and Major Dramond as the Inspecting Officers of the Provinces in Punjab. Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala got accolades from the Britishers for imparting success to Imperial Service Troops. The request of Maharaja of Patiala in 1892 A.D. was acceded to and he was permitted to have two regiments of infantry with 600 army personnel in each. Patiala and other Provinces offered their armed offers in 1903-04 in Somali Land and Tibet Campaign. The personal interest of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh to train the armed forces won him appreciation from Major Melinucus. During the First World War in 1914 A.D., the Patiala Infantry soldiers exhibited their skill for the British and they, in turn, were honoured with 43 awards as a mark of respect and honour. The Horse Riding Regiment also exhibited their feats of adventure from 1914 to 1918 and won many honours and awards in lieu of their services. The services dedicated to the Imperial Service Troops by the Maharaja of Patiala were far more exceeding than other provinces. In appreciation of his military services to the British Regime, he was honoured with the tittle ‘Night Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire’ on 14 June 1918. He got the recommendation of the Government to honour the salute of 19 canons The Maharaja individually faced the challenges of Third Anglo-Afghan War.
The participation of Provincial Armed Forces in the World War found some Achilles heel that were to be overcome with training of troops.A meeting was organized including the Political Secretary and Inspector General of Imperial Services Troops that divided ruler of troops in three classes-class A, B and C rulers of Patiala and other Provinces.
Patiala Court Ruler in 1932 advised the government to improve the regiment troops for effective display. A new scheme was introduced in 1939 called Indian States Forces Scheme that was to be classified into Field Service Units, General Service Units and States Service Units. Maharaja Yadvindra Singh of Patiala and other emperors of Provincial States came forward to help the British Government with all might and fight. The Viceroy in 1943 applauded the services of First Patiala Infantry.
The main aim of Imperial Government was to have firm hold on the troops of Patiala and other Provincial States. The British Government formed ‘Imperial Services Troops’ to get training from the British Officers.
The British Government’s interference in the Provincial matters increased though it intended to maintain peace among the provinces for their own benefit in times of need. After the end of rule of East India Company in 1858 A.D., the Imperial Government issued an order to the Provincial States to send reports to the Government about their administrative set-up to be published with their pros and cons. The demise of Maharaja in 1900 A.D. had his successor as Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1900 A.D. at the age of 9 years. Dunlop Smith was appointed as the Political Agent in 1900 A.D. with Headquarters at Patiala to supervise the situation with an eagle eye.
Patiala Province like Punjab was an agrarian based Province and ‘Lagan System’ of 1/5 to 1/2 of the total produce was in vogue but it also depended on the fertility of the land. To augment the Lagan System, Pofam Young was appointed as Settlement Commissioner to screen the progress of Lagan System. He evaluated the whole system and introduced a fixed cash rate that was calculated to be about 62.5%.Pofam Young carried out many changes with respect to landlords or Government Officers in accordance with their instincts. Maharaja divided each Province into districts and tehsils and further subdivided into ‘Kanungo Circle’. Lagan was controlled by ‘Patwaris’ and ‘Zaildars’ along with ‘Nambardars’ in each village.
Maharaja was the Head of Province followed by Dewan, Tehsildar and some other officials who were posted on deputation. There were 3607 villages in Patiala Province till 1913 with a lot number of ‘Lambardars’ and ‘Zaildars. However in 1918, Kahan Chand was appointed as the Revenue Minister.
To improve the lot of tenants, a New Tenancy Act called Punjab Tenancy Act was introduced with amendments in the year 1901 A.D. A new arrangement was promulgated in 1909 A.D. in Patiala Province. There were two types of tenants – ‘Occupancy Tenants’ and ‘Tenants at Will’. It was Pofam Young who reorganized the revenue pattern of Patiala Province in a creative and constructive way that was designed on Punjab’s Revenue Tax System and it continued for 30 years from 1909 to 1938. Irrigation System was improved for Patiala, Jind and Nabha states through Sutluj River. So Patiala Province provided immensely useful irrigation facilities through wells and rivers. Patiala court also attempted to abolish the exploitation of farmers by the landlords. Besides all these endeavours, the Revenue System of Patiala Province was not without faults. With the passage of time, ‘Praja Mandal Andolans’ initiated, especially in Patiala Province against. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. Punjab Provincial Praja Mandal was established in 1928 with its President Sewa Singh Thikriwala.
By the middle of the nineteenth century, Judicial System was in jeopardy though Maharaja Narinder Singh had ventured some reforms in the Judicial System like division of the Province into districts, districts into tehsils with Tehsildar as its head. A High Court was established in 1882 A.D. under the rule of Maharaja Narinder Singh with an appointment of three judges. It was converted into Chief Court in 1893 A.D. Maharaja Bhupindra Singh appointed Secretary and Judicial Secretary with powers to alter the Judgment of the Chief Court – later on converted into High Court in 1919 A.D. The Main Courts in the districts were of Session Judge and Additional District and Sessions Judge. There was First Class, Second Class and Class Three Magistrates under the Session Judge Courts. However, Six Honorary Magistrates were also recruited empowering them with First Class, Second Class and Class Three Judges. To strengthen the Law Profession, it was reorganized in a modern manner in 1928 A.D. Patiala Government started publishing the judgments of High Courts. Reputed lawyers were inducted into Patiala Law Committee. However, despite all these reforms, the Maharaja of Province enjoyed supreme authority. Still, the British Government took it for granted to interfere in the affairs of the Provinces though to a lesser extent in Phulkian States. The British Government had its upper head even for those who were playing truancy by the army personnel and there was no coordination between the Imperial Rule and the Provincial Rule. The British Government laid its claim of supremacy by virtue of its right over the Provincial Rule and the lack of cultural development among the Provinces. Charles Wood in 1854 A.D. earmarked some basic principles for the development of modern education and Maharaja Narinder Singh opened Central School under Dewan Kulwant Rai in Patiala where Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit were taught and later on, with an addition of English and Mathematics also.
By the end of 1870 A.D., 20 Primary Schools were established with 1700 students which later on was upgraded to Mohindra College in 1872 A.D. During the reign of Maharaja Rajindra Singh (1876-90), there was a massive development in the area of school education. There were 106 schools in 1902 A.D. Lala Shiv Dyal Sharma was appointed as the Director of Education Department who pleaded to implement the Norton Report and ventured to open 163 schools with about 8000 students on rolls.
The reign of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh also witnessed ample development in education who passed the Primacy Education Act in April 1927. There were 36 Secondary Schools by the end of 1931 A.D. Nine New colleges were opened in 1938 A.D. out of which, one for the boys and the others for girls got the consent. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh also offered incentives to private institutions for the spread of education. He took special initiative to open schools for girls. The Maharaja also donated liberally for the development of Scout Campaign to create spirit of social service, self-confidence and discipline among them. The development of west – based education in Patiala Province signifies as if Patiala were a part of British Imperialism.
The Period of 1809 to 1938 marks a period of sovereignty of the British though mutual coordination prevailed between the rulers of Patiala Province and the Britishers. The Phulkian States were awarded with special concessions due to their devoted help to the British Rulers during the various wars. However, the supremacy of the Imperial Government dominated the Provinces. They exercised their utmost diplomatic strategy in establishing railways, post and telegraphic issues in Patiala and other Provinces. They also supervised sternly over armed forces to show their might and right. Even the Maharajas were issued stern warnings for want of competency. Lagan System also staged a progress along with Judicial System. Expansion of education also witnessed remarkable reforms for the betterment of public. However, there was an end to British regime in 1947 A.D. and the freedom – fighters were the victorious. In the recent years, Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh and Maharani Preneet Kaur’s incessant efforts for the progress of Patiala are well-known. Both of them have contributed a lot to uplift the lives of the downtrodden. They deserve immense praise for their services to the people.
Captain Amarinder Singh’s newly floated party called Punjab Lok Congress will join the BJP very soon. He had meet Prime Minister Narindra Modi a few days ago.
The previous article ‘The Royal City of Patiala – A Gapshap’ penned by the same author got state wide appreciation for covering most of the important aspects. However, some significant features need to be added like the name of Prof. Joginder Kaushal, Dr. Darshan Singh Maini, Dr. B.R. Rao, Dr. Gurdit Singh and Dr. Manjit Kaur who were the backbone of English Department in Punjabi University. Prof. Joginder Kaushal authored many books like ‘Quas-a-Qza’, ‘Rainbow-Trilingual Poetry Book’ etc. The book was released posthumously on 22 July, 2011-eleven months after his passing away. The ‘Rainbow- A Trilingual Poetry Book’ was released by the Governor of Punjab, Shri Shivraj Patil at a function organized by the ‘Old Boys Association’ of Mohindra College and Prof. Joginder Kaushal Memorial Trust.
S.K. Ahluwalia eulogized Prof. Joginder Kaushal who belonged to a vanishing tribe of teachers. Longfellow’s celebrated quote speaks volumes about Jogendra Kaushal.
“Lives of great men all remind us,
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing leave behind us,
Footprints on the sands of time.”
Prof. Kaushal could recite poem after poem from Shakespeare, Sahir, Omar Khayyam, Robert Frost, Bhagwat Gita, the Bible and the Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Prof. Kaushal’s daughter, Shikha Nehra is Masters in English Literature from Punjabi University, Patiala. She also excelled in Journalism Degree with specialization in reporting. She handled many important departments like Health, Educaiton, Social Welfare, Local Bodies, Food and Supplies. She also worked as Chief Secretaries in the office of Deputy C.Ms and Public Relation Officers. The Election Commission awarded her for successful handling of Punjab Assembly Elections of 2017. She is currently posted as Deputy Director, Social Media, in the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Punjab.
Dr. Narinder Singh, Dr. Gurmeet Mann also reputed teachers in the Department of Journalism held their impressive way of teaching and earned name and fame.
The name of Indu Soni, a lady of name, fame and discipline need a special mention who remained a well-educated warden of Girls Hostel in Punjabi University, Patiala. She is presently residing in Urban Estate, Patiala. Miss Santosh Puri alias Nikki former Vice-Principal, DAV College, Jagraon is closely associated with Miss Indu Soni and settled in Patiala. She has forty years of teaching experience to her credit in Zoology.
Dr. Gurdit Singh was the Professor and Head, Department of English, Punjabi University, Patiala. He was a guide for many Ph.D. students. His wife worked in Zoology Deptt. as Professor. His son Navpreet Singh and daughter-in-law are successfully running a coaching institute. His elder son is settled in America.
Moreover, Dr. B.S. Rai Bhalla worked as Professor in the Deptt. of Philosophy and Dr. L.S. Sidhu in the Dept. of Human Biology in Punjabi University, Patiala. He also served as Dean, Academic Affairs and Acting Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala.
Patiala’s Bibi Amtus Salam was the daughter of a Pathan aristocrat of Patiala and adopted daughter of Mahatma Gandhi who shuttled across the country from Bahawalpur to Kolkata and from Delhi to Dhaka to douse the communal flames. She fasted with her potent weapon for Hindu-Muslim Unity. Dr. Ajit Singh Puri, M.D., residing in Doctors Enclave, Near YPS, was her Personal Consulting Physician. She often visited her house and enjoyed the food delicacies of Mrs. Alka Puri, wife of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri and mother of Journalist Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri. Jaswant was a tiny child when she visited Dr. Puri’s residence and he often enjoyed the affection and love of Bibi Amtus Salam and found a solace in her lap. Dr. Jaswant still becomes nostalgic to remember those moments of unbound ecstasy. Hats off to her who led a life of sacrifice despite her aristocratic background.
Another renowned figure of Patiala Pran Sabharwal deserves special mention who is an eminent theatre personality. The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi honoured him in recognition of his life-long services towards teaching and spreading theatre activities in India and abroad. He was associated with A.I.R. Jalandhar and participated in 500 radio plays and programmes. His son Vikas Sabharwal is S.P. (V.B. Unit) Sangrur.
Another name deserving appreciation is Padam Shree Dr. Dhanwant Singh, who was an eye specialist par excellence.
Another educationist personality of Patiala is Dr. Brij Pal Singh (Ph.D Economics) who worked in Punjabi University, Patiala and taught to IAS students at Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute, Mussoorie.
Prof. S.C. Sharma is a noted social worker who remained President of Rotary Club, Patiala. He is a teacher with a sound command in English and served in Modi College, Mohindra College and won the good will of students.
Bibi Amtus Salam
(Adopted daughter of
Mahatama Gandhi)
Vijay Bansal
(Social Activist Another important personality is Jiwan Puri who was a leading advocate and remained associated with Municipal Corporation, Patiala. He was looked after by his family physician Dr. Ajit Singh Puri.
A well-known name in social service is Smt. Vijay Bansal who worked as Home Science Teacher in Kendriya Vidyalaya from 1968 – 2008. She was the immediate neighbourer of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri and an intimate friend of Smt. Alka Puri. Presently, she is doing Voluntary Service at ISPER (Institute for Spatial Planning and Environment Research India, Panchkula). She was honoured by Mr. Vivek Atrey, IAS, D.C. Panchkula in 2015 for her selfless services. She is aged about 74 years and residing in Amravati Enclave, Panchkula. She is married to M.K. Bansal. Their daughters Meenakshi and Kalpana are well settled in Canada and USA.
Another name deserves mentioning is Renu Singla, Principal, Patiala School for Deaf and Blind at village Saifdipur, behind Punjabi University, Patiala.
Dr. Ajit Singh Puri MBBS, M.D. (Clinical Medicine) is a reputed doctor of eminence who is the author of famous book ‘How to Prevent Common Diseases’. The book has a foreword written by Lord Walton of Detchant, T.D. M.A., M.D. DSC. FRCP and ‘Former Professor of Neurology and Dean of Medicine, University of New Castle Upon Tyne, Medical and General Medicine Counsel, Former Warden, Green College, Oxfod; Former President, World Federation of Neurology. The book was presented to His Excellency Shri Krishan Kant, Vice-President of India, New Delhi.
Sh. Krishan Kant, Vice President of India New Delhi going through the contents of the book “How to Prevent Common Diseases” presented to him by its Author Dr. Ajit Singh Puri, on his left in 2000. Extreme left is Smt. Alka Puri. Dr. N.D. Aggarwal was a renowned name as an orthopaedic sugeon. He was instrumental in developing a museum of centre, now known as Punjab Saket Hospital. Now Dr. Rajeev Aggarwal is running the legacy of his father.
One very progressively and professionally gifted name is Dr. Sukhbir Puri, younger brother of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri who was the Chairperson and Managing Director of House of Lords Beverages Limited, Mauritius. Now, his intelligence has sparked within him that has been flowered into a blooming arena to launch HOL’s various alcoholic brands at Mumbai. On his visit to Patiala recently, he paid his obeisance at Golden Temple, Amritsar and other religious places. He is Masters in Chemistry from Rajasthan University and Doctorate in Physical Chemistry from Punjabi University, Patiala.
Another name in the world of teaching faculty is credited with Vinod Sharma who has taught and trained a number of students for Civil Services Examinations. Dr. Maheshinder Singh is one more famous name for Piles Surgery who has built a good hospital in Lehal Colony, Patiala.
Two well-known educationists of Patiala – Dr. Bhagat Singh and Dr. H.K. Manmohan Singh are the great and grand personalities. Dr. Bhagat Singh worked as Principal, Mohindra College, Patiala and Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala. Dr. H.K. Manmohan Singh, also worked as Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala who has written a lot number of books. He was an authority in Economics. S.S. Kalra is known name and a resident of Patiala. He is B.A. Hons., M.A. English from Punjabi University, Patiala. He is an educationist with more than 40 years of experience. He is a trilingual translator – English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Dr. Ajit Singh and Dr. Sarbjit Singh were the Senior Professors in the Deptt. of Law, Punjabi University, Patiala. They were very much popular among the students.
Another personality is Manmohan Kapoor who was a resident of Sath Ghara Street, Patiala and now residing in America. He is a strong devotee of Satya Sai Baba. Rajinder Singh Panwar, aged about 60 years is associated with several social activities. He is General Secretary, Uttranchal Cultural and Welfare Society, regd. at Patiala who looks after the problems of Uttrakhand settled at Patiala.
Dr. Sukhdarshan Singh Khera is a dynamic personality with 41 years of teaching experience in law and holding key positions in administration. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib. He also enjoyed high positions as Dean, Academic Affairs, Dean Faculty of Law, Professor, and Head, Law Deptt., Punjabi University, Patiala. He also held some very esteemed positions. He was honoured with ‘Shiksha Rattan Puraskar conferred by India International Friendship Society in 2007.
Smt. Alka Puri M.A. Hindi, B.Ed. had also a good knowledge of Sanskrit and used to teach Sanskrit to students who were studying B.A. Hons. with Sanskrit and that too without fee. She was also offered the post in the Department of Hindi in Punjabi University during the Vice-Chancellorship of Inderjit Kaur Sandhu but she humbly declined the offer because her son Jaswant was a tiny child at that time who wanted time and care to nurture him.
The turbaned Babu Ram is another figure who was associated with Dewan K.S. Puri for a long time as a car-pilot. He worked with full sincerity and devotion.
Dr. Navojt Kaur Sidhu is one more key figure who is the wife of former Cricketer turned Politician Navjot Singh Sidhu. She is a gynaecologist but also served as the Chief Parliamentary Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department of Punjab.
Prof. Navjot Kaur, earlier Head, School of Management Studies is now the Registrar of Punjabi University, Patiala. She will also look after her regular work as Professor and Head of the Department. She has been the guide of 25 Ph.D. students. She is also the Chairperson of the Board of Postgraduate Studies in Business Management of the university.
Dr. Sanjeev Puri is now settled in USA and a noted physician who often visits Patiala due to his association with the Royal City. He is always helpful to the needy and donates liberally to social organizations. Dr. Monika Ahuja is a Professor in Deptt. of Law, Punjabi University, Patiala. Her teaching acumen has led many to prestigious posts in the field of law.
Mrs. Alka Arora is another personality from Veer Haqiqat Rai School, Patiala. In memory of their son Ankit Arora, inter-school music competetion and funny school games in the school were organized. Principal Sarla Bhatnagar also appreciated this unique venture.
A few more names like Dr. Harish Sood, Dr. Gurjit Singh deserve mention. Dr. Harish Sood is a well-known plastic surgeon and Dr. Gurjit Singh is an eye-surgeon dealing in corneal cases.
Sh. Mohinder Singh, a former Finance Officer, Punjabi University, Patiala served the department with sincerity and utmost devotion.
Hindus Diwas was celebrated with immense gaiety on 14th September as a mark of honour in schools, colleges, other educational institutions and government offices to mark a significant niche of glorified days in Indian History. It is celebrated since Hindi was declared a National Language on 14 September, 1949 by the constitution of India.
I think a lot has been left to write in the article. I am remembering the oft-quoted lines of Robert Frost which are deep rooted and the quintessential of life. The lines are:
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep.”
Note: This article is dedicated to Smt. Alka Puri, (M.A. Hindi, B.Ed) who was the Secretary, Ladies Club, Punjabi University, Patiala during the tenure of Vice Chancellor Sh. S.S. Johal awarded with Padma Bhushan in 2004. Smt. Alka Puri was the wife of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri and mother of Journalist Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri.
Author: Jaswant Singh Puri
