MAZHAR ALI, an artillery officer in Sikh times who commanded the horse battery of Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s Topkhanai Khas. For a time, he served under General Ghaus Khan with command of a battery of 10 light guns. He took part in the Attock operations in 1813 under the command of Diwan Muhkam Chand. The Maharaja often called upon him to display on ceremonial occasions the skill and effectiveness of his artillery. He is described in contemporary chronicles as a skilful gunner who served his royal master with devotion and loyalty.
References :
1. Suri, Sohan Lal, `Umdat-ut-Twarikh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Fauja Singh, Military System of the Sikhs (1799-1 S49). Delhi, 1964
Mazhar Ali was a distinguished artillery officer during the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and is celebrated as a master gunner in Sikh military history. He commanded the horse battery of the Maharaja’s elite artillery unit, the Topkhanai Khas, and was revered for his technical prowess and keen tactical insight. At one stage, he led a battery of 10 light guns under General Ghaus Khan, and his contributions were also notable during the 1813 Attock operations under the command of Diwan Muhkam Chand. His demonstrations on ceremonial occasions were a testament to the skill and effectiveness of Sikh artillery, and they played a vital role in shaping the formidable reputation of the Khalsa Fauj.
The legacy of Mazhar Ali extends beyond his battlefield exploits; he embodies the sophisticated military reforms undertaken during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign. His unwavering devotion and mastery of artillery techniques not only enhanced the combat readiness of his unit but also stood as a symbol of loyalty and excellence in military service. His role underscores how dedicated professionals helped to modernize and elevate the martial traditions of the Sikh army during a transformative period in South Asian history.
