HARSUKH RAI, GENERAL

HARSUKH RAI, GENERAL (d. 1867), son of Gurdit Singh served in Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s army and was in the first instance attached to a cavalry unit under Prince Kharak Singh. His next appointment was as Adalatt or judge at Multan under the Sikh governor of the province, Diwan Savan Mall, but he soon returned to the army. In 1836, he secured a ranked position in the Sikh court which he held until 1839, when he was sent again to Multan to take charge of the salt customs.

Maharaja Sher Singh made him administrator of Sheikhupura. When Jawahar Singh became prime minister in 1844, he dismissed Harsukh Rai from service and confiscated hisjdgirsfor his alleged involvement in intrigues with Prince Pashaura Singh against him. Harsukh Rai again came into favour when power passed into the hands of Raja Lal Singh who created him a general in the army. On the annexation of the Punjab, Harsukh Rai was appointed by the British a Tahsildar. Harsukh Rai died at Amritsar in 1867.

References :

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