DHANPAT RAI, DlWAN

DHANPAT RAI, DlWAN (d. 1831), son of Ram Kumar, served Maharaja Ranjit Singh in various capacities. His grandfather Gutu Mall, who belonged to Shahpur district, was employed as diwan to the Bharigi sardars, Gujjar Singh and Sahib Singh, regulating the civil affairs of a large tract of land under those chiefs. Dhanpat Rai`s father. Ram Kumar, succeeded Gutu Mall and held the office until 1810 when Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupied Sahib Singh`s estates. Ram Kumar obtained places for Dhanpat Rai and his other two sons in the Sikh government.

Dhanpat Rai was granted jagirs at Majitha and Jagdeo which in the year 1814 were exchanged for the territory of Sodhra belonging previously to Sahib Singh. Dhanpat Rai was handed over the charge of the Majha area. He was afterwards appointed commander of Prince Kharak Singh`s force which post he held for more than a year. He rendered good service with his contingent at Multan, Mankera, and Kashmir and his jagirs were enhanced after each of these campaigns. Dhanpat Rai died in 1831.

References :

1. Suri, Sohan Lal, `Umdat-ut-Twankh. Lahore 1885-89
2. Griffin. Lepel and C.F. Massy, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Lahore, 1909