KISHAN KAUR or Kanval Kaur, the widow of Raja Dharam Singh, was the mother in law of Thakur Singh Sandhanvalia, prime minister in Maharaja Duleep Singh`s emigre government at Pondicherry. Her son Nahar Singh, alias Nihal Singh, Raja of Ballabgarh since 1829, was implicated in the 1857 uprising and hanged by the British. Several of the Rani`s relations were deported to Burma. Rani Kishan Kaur, who was allowed to retain her private property, espoused the cause of Duleep Singh and helped in the transmission of letters and messages from Thakur Singh to his contacts in the Punjab.
References :
1. Ganda Singh, ed., History of the Freedom Movement in the Punjab (Maharaja Duleep Singh Correspondence). Patiala, 1972
Rani Kishan Kaur: A Key Figure in 1857 Rebellion History
Rani Kishan Kaur, also known as Kanval Kaur, emerges from the historical narrative as a determined and influential woman whose life was interwoven with the turbulent events that marked the 1857 uprising. As the widow of Raja Dharam Singh and the mother-in-law of Thakur Singh Sandhanvalia—who served as the prime minister in Maharaja Duleep Singh’s emigre government at Pondicherry—she occupied a unique position at the crossroads of regal influence and revolutionary fervor.
Her personal loss and familial sacrifices were emblematic of the era’s struggles. Her son, Nahar Singh (also known as Nihal Singh), who had reigned as the Raja of Ballabgarh since 1829, found himself entangled in the rebellion against British authority. His eventual execution by the British underscores the brutal measures deployed by colonial powers to suppress dissent. In the wake of these personal tragedies, many of her relatives were deported to Burma, illustrating the widespread and severe repercussions faced by families involved in the resistance movement.
Despite the severe reprisals, Rani Kishan Kaur managed to retain her private property—a small but significant testament to her resilience and resourcefulness in a period marked by relentless colonial oppression. More importantly, she played a crucial role in nurturing the flames of resistance. By espousing the cause of Maharaja Duleep Singh and facilitating the secure transmission of letters and messages from Thakur Singh to contacts in Punjab, she became an essential link in the intricate network of communication that supported the anti-colonial rebellion in northern India.
Rani Kishan Kaur’s active involvement in the political intrigues of her time highlights the pivotal role that women assumed in mobilizing support and sustaining revolutionary networks. While the stories of figures like Rani Laxmibai dominate popular accounts of the 1857 rebellion, the contributions of Rani Kishan Kaur remind us that the struggle against colonial rule was a multifaceted effort. Her discreet yet impactful actions—balancing personal loss, familial duty, and political commitment—offer a nuanced perspective on how resistance was galvanized not only on the battlefield but also through the unwavering support in the corridors of power and communication.
Her legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and strategic acumen. The ability to maintain influence, even in the face of profound personal and communal adversity, underscores the vital contributions of Sikh women to India’s broader freedom movement. Rani Kishan Kaur’s story invites further reflection on the integral role of women in crafting and sustaining resistance movements, reminding us that history is enriched by the layered contributions of figures who often remain in the shadows of more widely recognized leaders.
