# Ahluwalia–Ramgarhia War

The Ahluwalia–Ramgarhia War was fought in 1776–1778 between a Coalition led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia against the Ramgarhia Misl. It was primarily caused by territorial claims, leading to a conflict over territorial control in Punjab in which the Ramgarhia Sardars got expelled.

## Background

After fighting on opposite sides during the campaign at Pathankot, the long-standing animosity between Jassa Singh Ahluwalia of the Ahluwalia Misl and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia of the Ramgarhia Misl reappeared in 1775. The two leaders clashed in Zahura which is close to the Beas River. A gunshot wound to Jassa Singh Ramgarhia during the subsequent fighting forced him to leave the field. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was able to declare victory in the engagement as a result. Later, Baghel Singh of the Karorsinghia Misl was given the area of Zahura.

### Early skirmishes

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, was on his way to a fair at Achal, which is close to Batala, in 1776. Mali Singh, a commander of the Ramgarhia Misl and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's brother, was simultaneously in charge of a detachment traveling from Sri Hargobindpur to Batala. On their separate travels, the two parties came into collision with one other, which led to a bloody battle. The battle claimed the lives of several of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia's soldiers and left him with two injuries. He suddenly fell from his horse and lost consciousness. Mali Singh intervened by putting him in a palanquin and taking him to Sri Hargobindpur for treatment.
Although Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was able to manage the situation, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, referred to as the "Emperor of the Panth" or "Jathedar Sultan-Ul-Qaum," felt deeply humiliated by the attack. During his two-day stay in Sri Hargobindpur, he refrained from eating or drinking and did not speak to anyone. On the third day Jai Singh Kanhaiya, Gujjar Singh Bhangi, and other leaders paid him a visit at this period and urged him to take revenge on the Ramgarhias.
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia made arrangements for Ahluwalia to travel for Fatahabad on the third day with full honors and an appropriate escort. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia pledged to get revenge and expel the Ramgarhias from Punjab in spite of the diplomatic attempts.

## Expulsion of the Ramgarhias

The Ramgarhias and the Kanhaiya were in conflict in September 1778 over the revenue of some areas since their domains were mixed together in the Upper Bari Doab and Upper Jullundur Doab districts. In this dispute, Jai Singh Kanhaiya had the backing of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. With the support of an Ahluwalia force, Jai Singh and Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya attacked Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's headquarters in Sri Hargobindpur. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia gave a staunch resistance, but the pressure from the attackers compelled him to leave the Trans-Sutlej area.
Meanwhile, Batala, which was occupied by Jassa Singh's brother Mali Singh, was under siege by Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaiya. Mali Singh was known for his tyrannical rule, which involved many cruel actions. His rule also did not get much support from the local population. Tired of him, they collaborated with the attackers and opened the way to the city for the besieging Kanhaiyas. After Mali Singh retreated, the Kanhaiyas took control of Batala, and Gurbakhsh Singh was selected as the new administrator. Prominent administrators like Raja Singh, Diwan Singh, Mansabdar Qanungo, and the Brahmin Tara Chand were among those who helped Gurbakhsh Singh.
Following these victories, the combined Kanhaiya and Ahluwalia forces advanced towards Kalanaur, which was held by Tara Singh Ramgarhia, another brother of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. Following Tara Singh's defeat and death, Haqiqat Singh Kanhaiya took control of Kalanaur. Consequently, the whole Ramgarhia area in the Trans-Sutlej region was effectively taken by the Kanhaiyas and the Ahluwalia Misl.

## Aftermath

Afterwards Kanwar Bhag Singh Ahluwalia was assigned to Mahtabkot, close to the Satluj River. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia had advised him not to block the Ramgarhia retreat over the river or interfere with their flight. The Ramgarhia Misaldar did not give in in spite of this defeat. He subsequently assembled a sizable contingent of irregular cavalry on the other side of the river and, with the help of Phulkian leader Amar Singh, took up his position in the Hissar area.
From Hissar, the Jassa Singh Ramgarhia launched his raids all the way to Delhi's walls. One time he broke into the city and took four cannons and a big chunk of variegated stone from the Mughal quarters. Additionally, he assaulted Meerut and forced its Muslim leader to pay a hefty tribute.