Creation of Misls and Jathas.
Dal Khalsa
Sardar Kapoor Singh Ji a hero and founder of the Dal Khalsa.was born in 1697 in a village near Sheikhupura, now in Pakistan. His father, Chaudhri Daleep Singh was a devoted Sikh, whose virtues were passed on to the young boy. The boy memorized Gurbani Nitnem, and was taught the arts of war. He became an Amritdhari in 1721. When the Governor of Punjab offered the Sikhs the Nawabship (ownership of an estate) and a valuable royal robe, the Khalsa accepted it all in the name of Kapoor Singh. Henceforth, he became known as Nawab Kapoor Singh.
ਕਪੂਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਪਰ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਪੰਥ ਕਰੀ॥ ਭਲੀ ਬੁਧਿ ਆਇ ਤਿਸ ਮੈਂ ਪਰੀ॥
ਬਹੁਤ ਸਿੰਘਨ ਕੋ ਆਦਰ ਧਰੈ॥ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਪੁਛੇ ਪੰਥ ਗੱਲ ਨ ਕਰੈ॥
ਟਹਲ ਅਗੈ ਤੇ ਕਰੈ ਸਵਾਈ॥ ਬਹੁਤ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਉਸ ਮਨ ਆਈ॥
ਜਿਮ ਜਿਮ ਪੰਥਹਿ ਟਹਿਲ ਕਮਾਵੈ॥ ਤਿਮ ਤਿਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਆਵੈ॥
- ਪ੍ਰਾਚੀਨ ਪੰਥ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼
"The Khalsa Panth then blessed Kapoor Singh (with Nawabi).
With Khalsa's grace, he aquired wisdom (to lead the Panth).
All the Singhs were given utmost respect by him.
He would first consult the Singhs (Panth) before making any decisions.
He then increased the selfless seva (of the stables) even further,
and has been blessed with utmost humility (after being a Nawab).
As he continued the seva in service of the Panth,
the further he was blessed with the fruits of Gurmat"
- Pracheen Panth Parkash
ਕਪੂਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਪਰ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਪੰਥ ਕਰੀ॥ ਭਲੀ ਬੁਧਿ ਆਇ ਤਿਸ ਮੈਂ ਪਰੀ॥
ਬਹੁਤ ਸਿੰਘਨ ਕੋ ਆਦਰ ਧਰੈ॥ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਪੁਛੇ ਪੰਥ ਗੱਲ ਨ ਕਰੈ॥
ਟਹਲ ਅਗੈ ਤੇ ਕਰੈ ਸਵਾਈ॥ ਬਹੁਤ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਉਸ ਮਨ ਆਈ॥
ਜਿਮ ਜਿਮ ਪੰਥਹਿ ਟਹਿਲ ਕਮਾਵੈ॥ ਤਿਮ ਤਿਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਆਵੈ॥
- ਪ੍ਰਾਚੀਨ ਪੰਥ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼
"The Khalsa Panth then blessed Kapoor Singh (with Nawabi).
With Khalsa's grace, he aquired wisdom (to lead the Panth).
All the Singhs were given utmost respect by him.
He would first consult the Singhs (Panth) before making any decisions.
He then increased the selfless seva (of the stables) even further,
and has been blessed with utmost humility (after being a Nawab).
As he continued the seva in service of the Panth,
the further he was blessed with the fruits of Gurmat"
- Pracheen Panth Parkash
Background
Dal Khalsa term is used to describe the militia period of the second half of the eighteenth century and which became a formidable fighting force of the Khalsa in the northwestern part of India. The first Khalsa army formed and led by the creator of the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708), had broken up at the time of the evacuation of Anandpur in December 1705. Another force, at one time 40,000 strong, raised by Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716) was scattered after the caputre and execution of its leader.
The Dal Khalsa was a kind of loose confederacy, without any strict constitution. All amritdhari Sikhs were considered members of the Dal Khalsa which was mainly a cavalry force. Anyone who was an active horseman and proficient in the use of arms could join any one of the eleven misis, having the option to change membership whenever desired. It had a total estimated strength of
70,000,essentially consisted of cavalry; artillery and infantry elements were
unknown to it.
The Dal Khalsa was a kind of loose confederacy, without any strict constitution. All amritdhari Sikhs were considered members of the Dal Khalsa which was mainly a cavalry force. Anyone who was an active horseman and proficient in the use of arms could join any one of the eleven misis, having the option to change membership whenever desired. It had a total estimated strength of
70,000,essentially consisted of cavalry; artillery and infantry elements were
unknown to it.
Misls which created Khalsa Raaj
At Panthic gathering in Damdama Sahib in 1748, it was decided to reorganize the Khalsa Army, for better movement, operations and administration. The 60 squads which had been formed were merged again and 11 jathas were created out of them. These Jathas later came to be known as Misals.
Ahluwalia Misl - Led by Sardar Jassa singh ahluwalia , area of Jullundar Doab and army of 10,000 regular horsemen. Their held territory in the neighborhood of Kapurthala, in the Jalandhar doab, and some villages in Majha such as Sarhali, Jandiala, Bundala, Vairowal and Fatehabad.
Bhangi Misl - Led by Sardar Hari singh Bhangi, so called Bhangi as they liked Bhang. (They were also called Dhillon Sardars) Area between Beus and Ravi and Ravi and Chenab, so called Bari and Rachna Doabs. Approximately, 10,000 regular horsemen. The Bhangis, owned Sialkote, Gujrat, Multan, Amritsar, Tarn tarn and Lahore.
Dalewalia Led by Gulab singh Dalewalia. Later under their leader Tara Singh Ghaiba they held Rahon, Mahatpur, Nawanshaher and Phillaur. Approximately 5000 regular horsemen.
Faizalpuria. Led by Nawab Kapur singh virk . Approximately 5,000 horsemen. The territories held were Jalandhar, and the villages of Banur, Ghanauli, Manauli and
Bharatgarh, in the Malwa.
Kanaihya. Led by Jai singh Kanaihya. This regiment ruled the area of riarki around Batala approximately 8,000 horsemen.
Karor singhia. Karora singh Dhaliwal established this Misl, Their territory was Hoshiarpur and its surrounding areas. His successor Baghel singh Dhaliwal subdued the force less Mughal Emperor Shah Alam I of Delhi, and located and constructed the Gurudwaras in Delhi, in the memory of Seventh Guru, Ninth Guru and others.
Nakai Led by Hari singh Nakai. This band ruled the area between Ravi and Ghara, Naka Area. Approximately 7,000 horsemen. They ruled over the country South of Lahore, between Ravi and the Sutlej.
Nishanwala Led by Dasaundha singh. So called Nishanwala cause they carry the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag in the battle. Approximately 2,000 horsemen. Their territory was Ambala, Ropar, Anandpur Sahib, several hill chiefs paid tribute to this misl.
Ramgarhia Led by Nand singh Sanghania, so called as they extended fort of Ram Rauni at Amritsar which was later called Ramgarh. Riarki Area around Batala Approximately 5,000 horsemen. Their territory was parts of Amritsar, Qadian, Batala and Sri Hargobindpur, in the Bari doab and Miani, Sarih,
and Urmur Tanda in the Jalandhar Doab. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was a great Sikh warrior of times of Nawab Kapur Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. He led Khalsa army in many battles. In command of Dal Khalsa he was just behind Jassa Singh Ahluwalia after the retirement of Nawab Kapur Singh.
Sukerchakia Led by Nodh Singh, Ranjit singhs Misl. Area of Gujranwala, they often carried their arms beyond Jhelum. Approximately 5,000 horsemen. Their territories were Gujranwala and parts of Pothohar (currently Rawalpindi, Islamabad, etc.) Charat Singh, Ranjit singh's grandfather was one of the commanders
with Nawab Kapur singh and then with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Ranjit Singh's father Mahan Singh also led Sikh forces to many victories
Shaheed. They drew their name from their Baba Deep Singh ji Shaheed , custodian of Damdama Sahib Gurudwara.This misl was in charge of Malwa part of Punjab which is current day Ludhiana. Approximately 5,000 horsemen. Their territories were also in some districts in Ambala (parganah of Shahzadpur) and district of Saharanpur
Phulkian. Misl is the only misl that was kicked out of the Dal Khalsa due to its anti Sikh policies in the time of Baba Deep Singh
and Nawab Kapur Singh. This misl was founded by Baba Ala Singh.
Ahluwalia Misl - Led by Sardar Jassa singh ahluwalia , area of Jullundar Doab and army of 10,000 regular horsemen. Their held territory in the neighborhood of Kapurthala, in the Jalandhar doab, and some villages in Majha such as Sarhali, Jandiala, Bundala, Vairowal and Fatehabad.
Bhangi Misl - Led by Sardar Hari singh Bhangi, so called Bhangi as they liked Bhang. (They were also called Dhillon Sardars) Area between Beus and Ravi and Ravi and Chenab, so called Bari and Rachna Doabs. Approximately, 10,000 regular horsemen. The Bhangis, owned Sialkote, Gujrat, Multan, Amritsar, Tarn tarn and Lahore.
Dalewalia Led by Gulab singh Dalewalia. Later under their leader Tara Singh Ghaiba they held Rahon, Mahatpur, Nawanshaher and Phillaur. Approximately 5000 regular horsemen.
Faizalpuria. Led by Nawab Kapur singh virk . Approximately 5,000 horsemen. The territories held were Jalandhar, and the villages of Banur, Ghanauli, Manauli and
Bharatgarh, in the Malwa.
Kanaihya. Led by Jai singh Kanaihya. This regiment ruled the area of riarki around Batala approximately 8,000 horsemen.
Karor singhia. Karora singh Dhaliwal established this Misl, Their territory was Hoshiarpur and its surrounding areas. His successor Baghel singh Dhaliwal subdued the force less Mughal Emperor Shah Alam I of Delhi, and located and constructed the Gurudwaras in Delhi, in the memory of Seventh Guru, Ninth Guru and others.
Nakai Led by Hari singh Nakai. This band ruled the area between Ravi and Ghara, Naka Area. Approximately 7,000 horsemen. They ruled over the country South of Lahore, between Ravi and the Sutlej.
Nishanwala Led by Dasaundha singh. So called Nishanwala cause they carry the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag in the battle. Approximately 2,000 horsemen. Their territory was Ambala, Ropar, Anandpur Sahib, several hill chiefs paid tribute to this misl.
Ramgarhia Led by Nand singh Sanghania, so called as they extended fort of Ram Rauni at Amritsar which was later called Ramgarh. Riarki Area around Batala Approximately 5,000 horsemen. Their territory was parts of Amritsar, Qadian, Batala and Sri Hargobindpur, in the Bari doab and Miani, Sarih,
and Urmur Tanda in the Jalandhar Doab. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was a great Sikh warrior of times of Nawab Kapur Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. He led Khalsa army in many battles. In command of Dal Khalsa he was just behind Jassa Singh Ahluwalia after the retirement of Nawab Kapur Singh.
Sukerchakia Led by Nodh Singh, Ranjit singhs Misl. Area of Gujranwala, they often carried their arms beyond Jhelum. Approximately 5,000 horsemen. Their territories were Gujranwala and parts of Pothohar (currently Rawalpindi, Islamabad, etc.) Charat Singh, Ranjit singh's grandfather was one of the commanders
with Nawab Kapur singh and then with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Ranjit Singh's father Mahan Singh also led Sikh forces to many victories
Shaheed. They drew their name from their Baba Deep Singh ji Shaheed , custodian of Damdama Sahib Gurudwara.This misl was in charge of Malwa part of Punjab which is current day Ludhiana. Approximately 5,000 horsemen. Their territories were also in some districts in Ambala (parganah of Shahzadpur) and district of Saharanpur
Phulkian. Misl is the only misl that was kicked out of the Dal Khalsa due to its anti Sikh policies in the time of Baba Deep Singh
and Nawab Kapur Singh. This misl was founded by Baba Ala Singh.
Misals which formed Buddha dal were:
• Misal Shaheedan
• Misal Singhpuria
• Misal Ahluwalia
• Misal Karoriya
• Misal Dallewaliya
Misals of Tarna Dal were:
• Misal Bhangi
• Misal Shukarchakiya
• Misal Nakai
• Misal Ramgarhia
• Misal Kanhaiya
Nishanawali Misal was the one which carried Nishan Sahibs (Battle standards) and Nagare( Battle drums) in Battlefield. These were the Singhs who were there in every battle, carrying Khalsa Nishan high and keeping morale of fighting Singhs in Charhdi kala. Singhs of this Misal were there in both the Dals
• Misal Shaheedan
• Misal Singhpuria
• Misal Ahluwalia
• Misal Karoriya
• Misal Dallewaliya
Misals of Tarna Dal were:
• Misal Bhangi
• Misal Shukarchakiya
• Misal Nakai
• Misal Ramgarhia
• Misal Kanhaiya
Nishanawali Misal was the one which carried Nishan Sahibs (Battle standards) and Nagare( Battle drums) in Battlefield. These were the Singhs who were there in every battle, carrying Khalsa Nishan high and keeping morale of fighting Singhs in Charhdi kala. Singhs of this Misal were there in both the Dals
Khalsa for self-rule
Nawab Kapoor Singh undertook several measures to secure firm footing for the Khalsa among the people and to prepare them for self-rule in the Punjab, . To establish internal rules of discipline and mutual understanding, it was jointly weed that:
1. All money obtained from anywhere by any Jatha would be deposited in the Common Khalsa Fund. All provisions for different Jathas regarding their arms, horses, clothes, etc. would be met out of that fund.
2. The Khalsa would have their common Langar for both the Dals.
3. Every Sikh would respect the orders of his Jathedar. Anyone going anywhere would get permission from him and report to him on his return.
Preaching by the Budha Dal helped many persons to become Sikhs and many young Sikhs joined the Dal Khalsa. The membership of the Taruna Dal quickly increased to more than 12 000 and it soon became difficult to manage the housing and feeding of such a large number of people at one place. It was, therefore, decided to have five divisions of the Dal, each to draw rations from the central stocks and cook its own langar. These five divisions were stationed at five sarovars (sacred pools) around Amritsar, namely Ramsar, Bibeksar, Lachmansar, Kaulsar and Santokhsar.
1. All money obtained from anywhere by any Jatha would be deposited in the Common Khalsa Fund. All provisions for different Jathas regarding their arms, horses, clothes, etc. would be met out of that fund.
2. The Khalsa would have their common Langar for both the Dals.
3. Every Sikh would respect the orders of his Jathedar. Anyone going anywhere would get permission from him and report to him on his return.
Preaching by the Budha Dal helped many persons to become Sikhs and many young Sikhs joined the Dal Khalsa. The membership of the Taruna Dal quickly increased to more than 12 000 and it soon became difficult to manage the housing and feeding of such a large number of people at one place. It was, therefore, decided to have five divisions of the Dal, each to draw rations from the central stocks and cook its own langar. These five divisions were stationed at five sarovars (sacred pools) around Amritsar, namely Ramsar, Bibeksar, Lachmansar, Kaulsar and Santokhsar.