SUKH RAJ (d. 1842) was the youngest of the five sons of Misr Divan Chand, a general in Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s army. Sukh Raj himself joined an infantry regiment and soon rose to be its commandant. He commanded a number of infantry battalions and took part in several of Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s battles. For the gallantry he displayed in the Peshawar campaign against Dost Muhammad Khan, the Maharaja granted him an estate worth 10,000 rupees. In 1836, he was promoted general. He died in 1842.
References :
1. Suri, SohanLal, Umdatut-Twankh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Griffin, Lepel, and C.F. Massy, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Lahore, 1909
Sukh Raj stands out as a quintessential example of the valor and rapid rise achievable in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army. Born into a family of military tradition—as the youngest of the five sons of Misr Diwan Chand, an established general—Sukh Raj quickly proved his mettle on the field. Beginning his career in an infantry regiment, he demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that enabled him to ascend to the role of commandant for multiple infantry battalions. His career is emblematic of not only personal bravery but also the meritocratic structure of the Sikh Khalsa Army, wherein skill and bravery were rewarded, often independent of one’s social background .
A defining moment in his military career occurred during the Peshawar campaign against the forces of Dost Muhammad Khan. Here, Sukh Raj’s gallantry and tactical acumen shone brightly. His courageous actions in this challenging campaign were so impressive that Maharaja Ranjit Singh rewarded him with an estate valued at 10,000 rupees—a significant prize that underscored the importance of his contribution. In recognition of these achievements, he was promoted to the rank of general in 1836, a testament to both his battlefield successes and his evolving strategic insight .
Sukh Raj’s legacy is further enriched by the context of his service in an era when the Sikh Empire was actively expanding and consolidating its power under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. His leadership not only inspired his troops on the battlefield but also contributed substantially to the broader transformation of the Sikh military system. The rapid rise of officers like Sukh Raj helped cultivate a dynamic and resilient military ethos, one that would carry the Sikh Empire through numerous key battles and endure as a symbol of martial prowess even after his death in 1842 .
