NIHAL SINGH SODHI (d. 1859), son of Megh Singh, entered Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s army in 1819, and was, five years later, made commandant of 100 horsemen in the Charyari corps. He fought for Maharaja Sher Singh during the siege of Lahore in January 1841. Under Sher Singh`s successor, Nihal Singh was sent in command of 1,000 horse to administer the area of Dhanni which was in a state of insurrection. He shot the leader of the insurgents dead and by his vigour and severity soon reduced the country to submission.
After Raja Hira Singh`s death, Nihal Singh was sent to Shahpur district to keep the tribes of the bar in order and in 1847, after the first AngloSikh war, he was made an addlatt or judge. A few months later he was transferred to Jalandhar in the same capacity. After the annexation of the Punjab by the British, Nihal Singh was assigned to civil duties. He restored order in the region between Jehlum and Attock. Nihal Singh died in 1859.
References :
1. Griffin, Sir Lepel, The Punjab Chiefs. Lahore, 1890
