henry

CORTLANDT. HENRY CHARLES VAN (1814-1888), son of Colonel Henry Clinton Van Cortlandt of the British army, by an Indian wife, was born at Meerut in 1814, and was educated in England. In 1832, he returned to India and joined Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s army on a monthly salary of Rs 250, subsequently raised to Rs 800, with a monthly stipend of Rs 800 for his wife. Cortlandt participated in various campaigns including the battle of Jamrud in which the famous general, Hari Singh Nalva, was killed.

FANE, SIR HENRY (1778-1840), commander-in-chief of the British Indian army, who visited the Punjab in 1837 on the occasion of the marriage of Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s grandson. Sir Henry Fane`s visit to Ranjit Singh was an event of considerable interest. He was highly impressed by the extraordinary discipline of the Maharaja`s troops and the splendour of his court. In his several meetings with the British commander-in-chief, Ranjit Singh questioned him on the strength and composition of the British army, on the extent of Russian influence in Persia, and on the ability of the Shah of Persia to give effective aid to the Russians.

Explore the captivating lives of European adventurers in 19th-century Punjab, their military roles, and impact on the Khalsa army's westernization.

Discover the legacy of Jai Singh Man, an influential figure allied with Mahari Singh, father of Ranjit Singh, in key military conquests across Punjab.

Explore John Lawrence's role as Governor General of India, shaping British rule in Punjab with rigorous policies and administrative changes from 1846-1879.

Discover Sir Henry Lawrence's key role in British-Sikh relations, administration in Lahore, and his moderate policies in turbulent times.

Discover the grand oriental marriage of Nanaki & Prince Nau Nihal Singh, a significant historical event attended by British dignitaries in 1837.

NICHOLSON, JOHN (1821-1857), political assistant at Firozpur (1844-45), was born in Dublin on 11 December 1821, the son of Dr Alexander Nicholson. He obtained cadetship in Bengal Infantry in 1839 and in December the same year was posted to the 27th Native Infantry at Firozpur. In 1844, he became political assistant at Firozpur in which capacity he was found indulging in intrigues against the Sikh State and Lord Hardinge felt inclined to remove him from the frontier.

Discover Ranjit Singh's regal grandeur and unmatched hospitality. His grandson's lavish wedding set a new standard in nobility & celebration.

Discover Sir Henry Pottinger's pivotal role in British diplomacy, his explorations, and his tenure as Hong Kong's first governor.

Discover how the Board of Administration, led by Lord Dalhousie, managed Punjab affairs post-1849 annexation with judicial and executive powers.

BUR SINGH (d. 1892). son of Ruldu Ram, appointed to do menial jobs first as an attendant in the household of Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s wife, Rani Mahtab Kaur, and then as a water carrier in Kanvar Sher Singh`s, carried out some of the confidential errands he was assigned to with such great skill that he not only rose in rank but also hadjagirs in Mukerian, and houses at Batala and Lahore bestowed on him. For his assistance to the British on the occasion of General Pollock`s advance on Kabul, he received ajagir near Peshawar. His enemies took advantage of the murder in September 1843 of his master, Maharaja Sher Singh, to harm him.