PANJAB ON THE EVE OF FIRST SIKH WAR, edited by Hari Ram Gupta, comprises abstracts of letters written daily by British intelligencers mainly from Lahore during the period 30 December 1843 to 31 October 1844. These newsletters constitute an important primary source on the period they pertain to. Maharaja Duleep Singh, then a minor, sat on the throne of the Punjab, with Hira Singh as his Wazir. The reports provide information about the power Hira Singh exercised, the activities of his adviser, Pandit Jalla, external policies of the Lahore kingdom and the state of the Sikh army.
They also refer to some of the important events of the time for instance, the defection and death of Raja Suchet Singh, the death of Atar Singh Sandharivalia, General Gulab Singh and Bhai Bir Singh of Naurarigabad, the revolt of Fateh Khan Tiwana and the insurrections in Hazara and Muzaffarabad. Another event highlighted in these documents is Hira Singh`s conflict with Raja Gulab Singh which led to the despatch of a Sikh army against the latter, then in Jammu, towards the end of 1844. A close study of these newsletters reveals how forces of disruption were gaining the upper hand in the Sikh State.
Troops marching from Lahore under Miari Labh Singh to Patti and Sur Singhvala attacked the holy derd at Naurarigabad. Among those killed were Prince Kashmira Singh, Atar Singh Sandharivalia and Baba Bir Singh, widely revered in Sikh piety. The papers also describe how the army panchayals had begun criticizing Hira Singh for his subservience to Pandit Jalla, how they required him to deposit the revenue of his estates into the Khalsa treasury, how they demanded the surrender of Shaikh Imam ud Din, the tyrannical ndzim of the Jalandhar Doab, and of Lal Singh, charging him with scheming for the destruction of Ranjit Singh`s dynasty.
Hira Singh tried to win their support by promising them enhanced pay and by distribution of cash awards, gold medals and bracelets. He assured them that he would be a loyal servant of the Khalsa and would be guided by their advice, but he could not rid himself of the influence of Pandit Jalla. The letters bring out how Pandit Jalla had alienated the Sikh chiefs by his insolent manner. Successive enhancements of the pay of the soldiery had considerably raised military expenditure and Pandit Jalla sought to replenish the fast dwindling exchequer by escheats, fines and extortions. This made him further unpopular. The reports also provide interesting sidelights on the social and economic conditions in the Punjab. Satiwas practised by certain sections of society. As for prices, wheat flour sold in Lahore in September 1844 at 14 seers a rupee, gram 20 seers, and ghee one and a half seer. B.J.H.
“Panjab on the Eve of the First Sikh War,” edited by Hari Ram Gupta:
Overview
This work is a scholarly compilation that examines Punjab’s multifaceted landscape in the critical period just before the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846). Under the careful editorial guidance of Hari Ram Gupta, the book weaves together political accounts, economic analyses, military assessments, and social commentaries to reconstruct the conditions that paved the way for the impending conflict. It paints a picture of a region in flux—where the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s unifying leadership had begun to fray, setting the stage for external intervention and internal collapse.
Political Dynamics and Internal Instability
Fragmented Authority:
After the passing of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839, Punjab was left without a strong central authority. The once-unified Sikh state started fragmenting as various factions and regional chieftains jostled for power. This internal fragmentation weakened the state’s political cohesion and made it difficult to mount an integrated resistance against emerging external threats.
Factional Rivalries:
The power struggles among influential Sikh nobles led to an environment of mistrust and division. These disputes not only sapped political strength but also disrupted effective governance—a key element that contributed significantly to the region’s vulnerability during this period. Military and Economic Conditions
Dilapidated Military Structure:
The once-formidable Khalsa Army suffered from internal discord and a lack of centralized command post-Ranjit Singh. Even though the soldiers retained considerable martial skill, the disunity among leadership and infighting severely hampered strategic coordination at a critical juncture.
Economic Hardships:
Administrative inefficiencies and the prolonged strain of maintaining a large, decentralized military force took a toll on Punjab’s economic resources. The resultant decline in economic stability further undermined the capacity of the Sikh state to support its defenses against an increasingly assertive British presence.
British Expansionism:
The East India Company, expanding its influence in northern India, exploited these divisions. The internal weaknesses of the Sikh polity provided the British with strategic opportunities to consolidate their position, setting the stage for the eventual confrontation in the First Anglo-Sikh War. Socio-Cultural Context
Cultural Vibrancy Amidst Turmoil:
Even as political and military structures crack under strain, Punjab’s rich cultural and social traditions continued to evolve. Gupta’s work highlights how the societal landscape—shaped by a profound Sikh identity and varied local customs—served both as a unifying force and, paradoxically, as an arena for contestation among rival elites.
Legacy of Ranjit Singh:
The long shadow of Maharaja Ranjit Singh loomed large over contemporary Punjab. His legacy, marked by strong leadership and unification, was juxtaposed with the ensuing chaos, offering insights into how the memory of a great ruler both inspired loyalty and underscored the lack of capable successors to maintain continuity. Editorial Approach and Historical Value
Methodical Reconstruction:
Hari Ram Gupta’s editing brings together diverse historical sources—ranging from official records and personal memoirs to contemporary narratives—to create a layered understanding of the period. This meticulous collation allows readers to appreciate the complex interplay between internal disintegration and external imperial ambitions.
Scholarly Significance:
The work is invaluable not only for its detailed narrative of the events leading up to the First Anglo-Sikh War but also for its broader insights into the dynamics of power, decentralization, and cultural resilience in Punjab. It serves as a critical resource for historians, political scientists, and anyone interested in the pre-colonial history of North India. Concluding Reflections
“Panjab on the Eve of the First Sikh War” is both a historical record and an analytical commentary on a tumultuous time. Gupta’s compilation helps illuminate how internal strife, economic pressures, and external ambitions converged to reshape the destiny of Punjab. His work invites readers to explore not only the causative factors of the war but also the enduring lessons on leadership, unity, and the consequences of fragmented authority.
