European adventurers, scholars and officials

Uncover the legacy of John Ramsay, a Eurasian musician and drum major under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, as recorded in European Adventurers of Northern India.

Discover the impactful legacy of Sir William Sampson Whish, the divisional commander who led British forces in the Second Anglo-Sikh War.

Explore the daring escape and valiant battles of Englishman Barlow from being a prisoner in Afghanistan to his roles in the Sikh Empire until 1845.

CUNNINGHAM, JOSEPH DAVEY (1812-1851), the first British historian of the Sikhs (his A History of the Sikhs was published in London in 1849), was the eldest of the five sons of Allan Cunningham, a noted poet and playwright. Born at Lambeth on 9 June 1812, Joseph had his early education in private schools in London where he showed such a marked aptitude for mathematics that his father was advised to send him to Cambridge. But as the young boy was more keen on becoming a soldier, a cadetship in the East India Company`s service was procured him through the good offices of Sir Walter Scott.

FUKINAUL, THOMAS, a Frenchman, who during 1822-23 was in Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s service, employed in the gunpowder factory.

Discover the story of HOMMUS, a Spaniard who joined the Khalsa Darbar in 1842, worked in gunpowder, and his untimely death in Lahore. Learn more.

Explore the life of MAHER JOHN, a unique Eurasian musician and drum-major in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army, highlighting European adventurers in India.

Explore the intriguing journey of RATTRAY, an English soldier who switched allegiance from the Sikh army to Dost Muhammad Khan in 1836. Discover his transformation in Kabul.

Explore Joseph Wolff's 1832 travels in the Punjab, marked by rich encounters and Sikh hospitality despite religious differences. Discover more!

Explore BATTICE's role in Sikh ordnance; an Italian's brief service shaping gunpowder industry in 1843 Lahore. Discover his intriguing story.

CURRIE, SIR FREDERICK (1799-1875), diplomat, son of Mark Currie, was born on 3 February 1799. He came out to India in 1820, and served in various capacities in the civil and judicial departments before being appointed a judge in the North-West Frontier Province. He became foreign secretary to Government of India at Fort William in 1842. During the first Sikh war (1845-46), he remained with Governor General Lord Hardinge and was instrumental in arranging with the Sikhs the terms of the first treaty of Lahore.

FITZROY, JOHN, an Englishman in the employ of the East Indian Company. In 1835, became to Lahore and entered the service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He did not stay long and took his dismissal the following year.