RAJINDAR KAUR, BIBI (1739-1791) or Rajindari, Patiala princess known for her valorous qualities, was the granddaughter of Baba Ala Singh. The only child of her father, Bhumla Singh, who had died when she was barely four, she was brought up by her grandfather, and, in 1751, married to Chaudhari Tilok Chand, of Phagwara. Har husband died at a young age and the charge of the family estate, consistsing of over two hundred villages, fell to her. When Bab? Ala Singh was arrested in 1765 by Ahmad Shah Durrani for having fallen into arrears with the tribute and was being taken to Lahore, Rajindar Kaur went to her grandfather and offered to pay the money to secure his release.
But the latter declined the offer saying that it was not proper to accept money from a daughter of the family. In 1778, Raja Amar Singh of Patiala, who was Rajindar Kaur`s first cousin, was defeated by Hari Singh of Sialba. Rajindar Kaur came to his rescue with three thousand soldiers marching through the territories of the chiefs who had fought on the side of Hari Singh. During the reign of the minor Raja Sahib Singh, Rajindar Kaur was again in Patiala to defend the town against Maratha onslaughts.
At the head of a strong force, she marched as far as Mathura where peace parleys were opened with the Marathas. Bibi Rajindar Kaur died in 1791 at Patiala after a short illness. She was cremated in the royal cemetery known as Shahi Samadhari.
References :
1. Griffin, Lepel, The Rajas of the Punjab [Reprint]. Delhi, 1977
2. Kirpal Singh, Life of Maharaja Ala Singh and His Times. Amritsar, 1954
3. Atma Singh, Giani, Patiald Shahi Ghardne didn Surlnr Devidn. Patiala, n.d.
Bibi Rajindar Kaur, known as Patiala’s Brave Princess, stands as one of the most remarkable figures in 18th-century Sikh history. Born in 1739 as the only child of Bhumla Singh—who passed away when she was just four—she was raised under the guidance and protection of her formidable grandfather, Baba Ala Singh, the founding patriarch of the Patiala dynasty. In 1751, Rajindar Kaur was married to Chaudhari Tilok Chand of Phagwara, a union that would later set the stage for her destiny as a guardian of a vast family estate encompassing over two hundred villages. Her early life was marked by personal loss and early responsibility, a combination that would forge her into a leader of unparalleled resolve .
Her strength of character was vividly demonstrated in 1765 when, during a time of political tumult, Baba Ala Singh was arrested by Ahmad Shah Durrani for arrears in tribute payments and was being taken to Lahore. Faced with this crisis, Rajindar Kaur exhibited extraordinary bravery by offering to pay the required tribute to secure her grandfather’s release—a poignant act that underscored her deep familial loyalty and fearless spirit. Although her grandfather declined her offer on the grounds that it was not proper to accept money from a daughter, the incident cemented her reputation as a leader willing to take bold steps in service of her family and state .
The true testament to her valor came in 1778. When her first cousin, Raja Amar Singh of Patiala, was soundly defeated by the forces of Hari Singh of Sialba, Rajindar Kaur mobilized an impressive contingent of 3,000 soldiers. Marching through the territories of rival chiefs aligned with the enemy, she orchestrated a rescue mission that not only restored her cousin’s position but also reinforced the strength and unity of the Patiala state. Her decisive intervention on the battlefield remains a stirring example of how strategic military acumen can be effectively combined with personal courage to alter the course of events .
Her heroism was not confined solely to this singular moment. During the reign of the minor Raja Sahib Singh, when the looming threat of Maratha incursions endangered Patiala, Rajindar Kaur again stepped forward. Leading a robust force, she marched as far as Mathura to engage in peace parleys with the Marathas, displaying a balanced blend of martial readiness and diplomatic prudence. This episode further solidified her status as a guardian of her people and a negotiator capable of bridging conflict through both strength and dialogue .
Rajindar Kaur’s life came to a close in 1791 following a brief illness, and she was honored in death by being cremated in the royal cemetery known as Shahi Samadhari. Her legacy, however, continues to shine as a beacon of resilience, inspiring generations and serving as a stirring reminder that leadership and valor know no gender boundaries.
