Establishment of Government - After capturing Sirhind, Banda Bahadur had established his own government here. The entire administration was taken into hand by the Sikhs. Baj Singh was appointed the Governor of Sirhind with Baba Ali Singh as his Naid. Taking Sirhind as a firm base, detachments were sent to occupy the surrounding territories. All the twenty-eight paraganas of Sirhind with an annual income of Rs. 52 lakhs came under the control of Sikhs. Thus the Sikhs under Bands were able to acquire sovereign power for the first time in the province of Sirhind including most of the area of present day Patiala District.

Banda Bahadur also introduced an official seal for his jukamnamas (orders) and firmans (letters). He introduced his own sammat or year commencing with his victory at Sirhind. His coins and seals are the living monuments of his unflinching devotion to Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh whom he proclaimed to have obtained all the Tegh and Deg. Power and Property.

Banda was really a great personality. Credit goes to him for introducing the peasent proprientorship in the Punjab and giving the concept of a standing national army among the Khalsa. Another contribution of Banda to the history of the Punjab is that he was the first Sikh hero who prepared the ground for the establishment of the Sikh rule. Ganda Singh also endorses this point when he records that it was Banda Singh Bahadur who laid the foundation of the sikh Empire in 1710. After giving defeat to Mughals in various battles, Banda was captured at Gurdas Nangal in Gurdaspur District and met a heroic death in the hands of Mughals.

Moreover, credit goes to Banda for introducing reforms in the land tenure in the Punjab. The Mughals had introduced the zamidari system , which had led to absente landlordism which was responsible for the exploitation of the cultivators and reducing them to the position of serfs. On assuming power after the fall of Sirhing, Banda took up the question of land reforms. He abolished the zamidari system, thus eliminating, big landlords. The land, thus taken away from them, was distributed among the actual tillers of the land and they were given proprietary rights. In a nutshell, he introduced the system of peasent -proprietorship in place of the zamindari system, which was later put on firm footing by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Thus Banda Bahadur can be said to be the true advocate of the peasant-proprietorship in the Punjab, which is his greatest contribution to the fiscal reforms in the country.

Paying his tribute to Banda, Ganda Singh says, " He (Banda) was the first man to deal a severe blow to the intolerant rule of the Mughals in the Punjab and to break the first sod in the conquest of that province by the Sikhs . Although it was forty years after his death that the capital of Lahore was occupied by the Khalsa and a regular Sikh Badhshahat was declared, with Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia as Padsha: it was Banda Singh Bahadur who laid the foundation of the Sikh Empire in 1710.

Really, Banda Bahadur was one of the most remarkable men that India produced during the eighteenth century. The people of Patiala District were fortunate enough to have come under his benevovlent rule after the fall of Sirhing in 1710. The peasant-community of this area will ever remain grateful to him for liberating them from the oppressive zamindari system.

History of Patiala State.--- The founder of Patiala State was Raja Ala Singh who belonged to the Sidhu Jat clan of Rajput origin. It was the fall of Sirhind in 1763 which facilitated the establishment of Patiala State. It is worthwhile to note that Ala Singh took an active part to overthrow zain Khan, the Afghan Governor of Sirhind. After this victory, the town of Sirhind and its neighbourhood was made over to Raja Ala Singh who made no attempt to rebuild the city of Sirhind, which was considered to be accursed by the Sikhs. Instead, he encouraged the inhabitants of Sirhind to settle at his newly founded town of Patiala where he soon afterwards built a fort from the proceeds of the custom duties collected at Sirhind.

Ala Singh was certainly one of the most distinguished Sikh chiefs of his days. He was the most powerful Chief, south of the Satluj. He had three sons, Sardul Singh, Bummian Singh and Lal Singh who all died during his lifetime. When Raja Ala Singh died in August 1765, his grandson, Amar Singh became the Raja of Patiala.

Amar Singh was the second son of Sardul Singh and was born in 1747. He was eighteen years old when his grandfather died. In 1767, Ahmad Shah Abdali, for the last time invaded india, but he advanced no further than Ludhiana. Here he was met by Amar Singh, who was cordially received, and the title of Raja, which had been granted to his grandfather , was continued to him with additional honour as 'Raja-i-Rajgan buhadur'. In honour of this reception, Amar Singh spent a lakh of rupees in ransoming the captives who had been taken by the Delhi Emperor in the neighbourhood of Mathura and Saharnapur, gaining for himself the popular title of " Bandi Chhor" or "Releaser of captives".

Raja Amar Singh of Patiala was a great conqueror. He defeated Garib Das of Manimajra with the support of hilly rajas and annexed Pinjour District to his kingdom. He also gave a crushing defeat to Jodh Singh, the Brar Chief of Kot Kapura; In 1771 , he conquered the fort of Bathinda and thus enlarged his territory . He was also successful in suppressing the intrigues of Himmat Singh, his step-brother who wanted to usurp his empire.

About 7 km to the north -east of Patiala was a strong fort, which had been built by Nawab Sef Khan, and called Sefabad after his own name. It is now known as Bahadurgarh. Its nearness to the town was a sufficient reason for Raja Amar Singh to capture it. Consequently, he attcked Sefabad with the assistance of the Raja of Nahan and conquered it.

The next important battle of Amar Singh was with Hari Singh of Sialba (now in Kharar Tahsil of Rupanagar District). Sardar hari singh had the support of many power full chiefs and it was not very easy to defeat him. Patiala forces were utterly routed with the loss of several hundred men, among whom was Bakshi Lokhna. Diwan Nanun Mal was also wounded, and Sardar Chandu Singh and Mahan Singh were taken Prisoners.

Raja Amar Singh was much distressed at this defeat. He sent messengers to his kinsmen and friends to assemble at Patiala with all their forces. Consequently, various chiefs friendly to Patiala offered their services. The command of the patiala troops was given to Sardar Chuhr Singh Malod, while the contingents of the Chiefs marche dunder their own leaders. Alarge number of soldiers of Sialba went to other Side by accepting bribe. Moreover, due to the clever diplomacy of Patiala , many chiefs who had promised hari Singh to help, deserted him. At last, Sardar Hari Singh found himself, left almost alone, and had no option but to make such terms for himself as he best could. He accordingly submitted and presented nazrana in token of obedience to the Raja Amar Singh of Patiala who with drew his troops without attempting to retain possession of any of the Sialba territories.

In February 1781, Raja Amar Singh who was only thirty - five years of age , died. Raja Sahib Singh , the new chief of the Patiala State was only six years of age., Through the influence of Rani Hukman, the grandmother of the young Chief , Diwan was an Aggarwal of Sunam , who had served Raja Amar Singh , both in the council and in the field . But after the death of Raja Amar Singh , it Became very difficult for him to maintain law and order as there were revolts all round , he persuaded Dhara Rao, a Maratha leader to help him in this behalf for a consideration of two lakhs of rupees.

The Diwan , in comapany with Dhara Rao, marched against Banur . This Town, with the neighbouring villages, had been conquered by the Singhpuria Sardars. But Raja Amar Singh , who had assisted in its conquest , obtained half share of the revenue. However , during the troubles which followed the death of Amar Singh , Sardar Khuahal Singh Singhpuria had seized the whole district . But Diwan Nanun Mal was able to recover the Patiala share of the town. he had, moreover, recovered much of the territory which the neighbouring Chiefs had seized during the troubles which followed Amar Singh's death.

However, in due course , as Raja Sahib Singh grew in years, his mind was poisoned against the diwan by the cunning intrigues of courtiers. Consequently, he was thrown out of power. However , he did his best to regain power with the help of Ataula Khan , the Nawab of Malerkotla , but failed miserably . He did not long survive and died at Malerkotla in 1792. It goes to the credit of Dewan Nanun Mal that he alone saved Patiala from utter collapse after the death of Raja Amar Singh, when every neighbouring Chief was ready to dismember it, and when feudatories and subject were in open revolt.

Rani Rajinder Kaur was another remarkable personality who had served Patiala State during the minority of Sahib Singh . The Marathas had occupied the fort of Bahadurgarh and then demanded a huge nazrana. But Rani Rajinder Kaur had paid her visit to Sindhia , the Maratha Chief at Mathura and settled the issue. Unfortunately , when she returned to Patiala , a great suspicion was created agianst her in the mind of Sahib Singh by the intriguing courtiers. She made several attempts to see Sahib Singh, but he persistently avoided her , and at last, wearied out and mortified at the ingratitude which she received in return of her most devoted service , she took to her bed and died at Patiala , after a short illness.

Raja Sahib singh was not competent enough to control the affairs of the State. He was compelled to call for Sahib Kaur, her sister who was married to Sardar Jaimal Singh Kanheya, the master of a great part of the Bari Doab, above Dinanagar. She was as courageous as her coursin Rani Rajinder Kaur.

In 1794, a large Maratha force, under the command of Anta Rap and Lachhman Rao crossed the Yamuna and marched in the direction of Patiala. Many of the cheifs made their submission and expressed their devotion. But Sahib Kaur who now ruled the feeble patiala chief was not inclined to yield to the invaders without a struggle. Raja Bhag Singh of Jind, Jodh Singh Kalsia , Bhanga Singh and Mehatab Singh of Thanesar, and the Bhadour Sardars, Dip Singh and Bir Singh, agreed to join her against the Marathas. The whole force , numbering together about 7,000 men, marched to meet the enemy near Murdanpur, a few miles from Ambala , where a brisk engagement took place. But the sikhs who were far inferior in discipline and numbers to the marathas , began to give way . Retreat would have soon turned to flight had not Bibi Sahib Kaur, who had come herself with the troops, leaving her brother in his zanana at patiala , stepped down from her chariot and, drawing her sword , declared that the Sikhs would be for ever disgraced if they allowed her, a woman and sister of their chief , to be slain , far she was determined never to retreat. This galla

Rani Aus Kaur wife of Raja Sahib Singh became jealous of the rising power of Sahib Kaur. This lady, both clever and amitious, thought the influence possessed byBibi Sahib kaur over the Raja influence possesed by Bibi Sahib Kaur over the Raja belonged legitimately to her . Accordingly, in alliance with the cunning courtiers , whe was able to poison the mind of her husband against Bibi Sahib kaur. Consequently , she was thrown out of power, and the unjust treatment of her brother probably shortened her life and she died in 1799.

Rani Aus Kaur was very ambitious and her relations with her husband became much strained. She truned her arms aginst Raja Jaswant Singh pf Nabha and Raja Bhag Singh of Jind. for this purpose , she made alliance with Bhai Lal Singh of Kaithal and Sardar Bhanga Singh of thanesar . Raja Bhag Singh and Raja Jaswant Singh requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore to interfere in the matter. Ranjit Singh felt very happy in getting an opportunity of interference and on 26 July 1806, crossed the satluj with a big force.Though both Bhag Singh and Raja jaswant Singh were able to stenthen their positions with the help of Ranjit Singh , yet he did not make sincere efforts to restore friendship between the Patiala Raja and his wife. However, he recieved from both large sums of money to secure his good will. Consequently the Patiala House was completely despoiled to reward the friends and allies of Ranjit Singh. Moreover, inspite of the heavy expenses incurred by the Patiala State in connection with the visit of Ranjit Singh, the relations between the Raja and the Rani did not improve. The departure of the Raja of Lahore was the signal for a renewal of the conflict between Raja Sahib Singh and Rani Aus Kaur again.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was again invited and he reached Patiala in September 1807, with a big force. Both the Raja and the Rani did their best in order to induce him to espouse the cause of one party or the other. It was a mere question of money , and the Rani bribed highes. Besides money and diamonds, she gave Ranjit Singh brass gun named Khuri Khan afterwards taken by the English during the Satluj campaign. Acompromise was at last effected, by which an estate of Rs 50,000 consisting of the districts of Banur, Manimajra , Sanour, Surali, Bissoli and Minarthal, was settled upon Rani Aus Kaur for the maintenance of her self and her son Kaur Karam Singh.

In order to Strengthen the ties of friendship with Raja Sahib Singh of Patiala, Maharaja Ranjit Singh arranged a meeting with him at Lakhnaur (Ambala District) on 24 November 1808. He received Raja Sahib Singh with the utmost kind ness and swore to remain always his friend. As a token of eternal brotherhood, Ranjit Singh exchanged turban with Sahib singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had to take this diplomatic step so that Raja Sahib Singh might not seek the shelter of the British. But Raja Sahib singh did not believe in the sincerity of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He alongwith other Cis- Satluj chiefs requested the British Government to give protection to them against the aggressive desings of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The British Government acceded to their request and according to their treaty with Maharaja Ranjit singh made on 25 April 1809, Cis-Satluj Chiefs were made free from any Kind of interference from Lahore Government.

Colonel Ochterlony arrived at patiala on 6 April 1812 in order to settle disputes between Raja Sahib Singh and Rani aus Kaur. The Treasury and Toshakhana ( Private Royal Treasury) were put in charge of the Rani. The monthly stipend of the Raja was reduced to Rs 12,000 for his private expenses and amusements, and he was given to understand that any improper conduct would reduce his allowance and subject him to personal restraint. After this settlement, Raja Sahib singh did not survive for long. He fell suddenly ill and died on 26 March 1813.

Maharaja Sahib Singh was succeeded by Maharaja Karam Singh who was only a minor. During his monority till 1820, the whole administration was in the hands of his mother, Rani Aus Kaur. She carried the administration efficiently with the help of Misr Noudha, who was famine stricken people of Bengal . This great Maharaja of Patiala died in April 1876.

Maharaja Mohinder Singh was succeeded by Maharaja Rajinder Singh who was only four years old when his father had died. Acouncil of Regency worked during his minority. During his reign, the broad-guage railway line between Rajpur-Patiala and Bathinda was opened.He was exempted from presentation of nazaras in Durbar in recognition of the service rendered by his troops during the Afghan War. He died in 1900.

Maharaja Rajinder Singh was succeeded by Bhupinder Singh who again was a minor of 9 years . A council of Regency worked during his minority. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was a good administrator and a successful ruler. He was an influential representative of the Indian States, and in 1928 he presented the Princes case before the Indian States Committee. He was also selected as one of the representatives of the Princes at the Round Table Conference in London in 1930. He was a great patron of art and Literature, and his collections of great historical , artistic and zoological interest were highly admired by all who happened to see them. His efforts in the cause of Panjabi language deserves highest commendation. He did his best to raise it to the position of the Court language and the Patiala State Gazette, started in 1910 , was also published in Punjabi. It was at his suggestion that the Remingtons invented the Gurmukhi typewriter and named it Bhupendra typewriter. In the field of sports, Maharaja Bhupindera Singh was an international figureand was known all over the world for his polo and cricket.

Inspite of his merits, Maharaja Bhupindra Singh was extremely arrogant and despotic. He crushed mercilessly the Praja Mandal Movement started by Sardar Sewa Singh Thikriwala for the human rights. His clash with Praja Mandal and Sewa Singh Thikriwala has been detailed elsewhere in the chapter. He died in 1938 at the age of 47.

Maharaja Yadvindra Singh was the last ruler of Patiala State . He succeeded Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1938. He was a progressive ruler who repealed many oppressive laws operating in the State. He was ruling at the time of Independence and partition of the country in 1947. On 5 May 1948, the eight princely States of Patiala , Kapurthala, Jind , Nabha, Faridkot, Malerkotla, Nalagarh and Kalsia were amalagamated as the Patiala and East Punjab States Union ( PEPSU) of which Maharaja Yadvindra Singh became the Rajpramukh and Maharaja Jagatjit singh of Kapurthala became the UpRajpramukh. As a result of the passing of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, PEPSU and Punjab were amalgamated into the new State of Punjab with effect from 1 November 1956.

History of Nabha State - The founder of Nabha State was Hamir Singh who was the fourth descendant of Chaudhary Phul, the common ancestor of the Phulkian ruler of Nabha, Patiala and Jind States. He was a brave and energetic chief who was able to acquire a large territory. He founded the town of Nabha in 1755 and made it his capital. In 1763, he joined Raja Ala Singh of Patiala and the other Sikh Chiefs in the final fall of Sirhind when Zain Khan, the Muhammadan Governor of Sirhind was slain. After this victory , Raja Hamir Singh got Amloh as his share of the spoil . Many of the successes of Hamir Singh were mainly due to the ability of his Muhammadan Diwan , Popularly Known as 'Kubba" or the hump-backed . Amint was also established at Nabha.

In 1774, the marriage of Sardar Mahan Singh Sukarchakia, the father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was celebrated with Raj Kaur , the daughter of Raja Gajpat singh at Badrukhan ( near Sangrur) . The Gujranwala Chief came with a large retinue and a trifling incident became the cause of a serious quarrel between Nabha and Jind. As the attendants of the bridegroom were cutting grass for their horses in the Nabha territory, they were attacked by the Nabha forces. After the departure of the marriage party, Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind State resolved to avenge the insult. On some pretext he imprisoned Hamir Singh and attacked Amloh and Bhadson, two strong places in Nabha territory, and attached Sangrur. Before this incident , Sangrur was a Part of Nabha State.

Sardarni Deso, wife of Hamir Singh put up a strong defence, but she was no match for the Raja of Jind. Ultimately with the interference of Raja of Patiala, the dispute was settled. Bhadson and Amloh were restored to Raja of Nabha, but Sangrur was retained by the ruler of Jind State. The prestige of Hamir Singh suffered a lot due to this incident. He died in 1783 . At the time of death of Hamir Singh, his son Jaswant Singh was only eight years of age. Rani Deso was selected as a Regent to carry on the administration of the State. She was a competent lady who carried on the administration efficiently on behalf of his son till her death in 1790. Raja Jaswant Singh of Nabha made friendly relations with he Raja of Jind and the British . That is why he refused to give any help to Holkar, the Maratha Chief who had halted at Nabha while advancing towards Lahori. In 1809, he received Colonel Ochterlony on his arrival at Nabha with the utmost cordiality and sought the protection of the British Government.

Raja Jaswant Singh had always administered the affairs of Nabha State justly and well. His police was excellent and his subjects were contented. He had been a faithfull ally of the British Government. He died on 22 May 1840 and his death was much lamented because he was very popular with his people.

Devinder Singh, the son and successor of Raja Jaswant Singh was formally installed as Raja on 5 October 1840 in the presence of the Agent of the Governor General. This was the first installation that had taken place in Nabha since the English connection with the States. But he earned the displeasure of the British Government during the Anglo-Sikh wars of 1845-46, wherein he did not give adequate help to the British. Rather the conduct of the Raja was found hostile to the English during these wars. Accordingly, Raja Devinder Singh who was deposed. His eldest son, Bharpur Singh who was then a boy of seven was placed on the throne under the guardianship of his step-grand-mother, Rani Chand Kaur. One-fourth of the Nabha territory was also confiscated. A pension of Rs. 50,000 was allowed to Raja Devinder Singh for life from the revenue of Nabha. First he was shifted to Mathura and then to Lahore in 1855 in the palace of Maharaja Kharak Singh. Raja Devinder Singh died at Lahore in November 1865

Major Mackeson, Commissioner of the Cis-Satluj States visited Nabha in January 1847 to install Bharpur Singh as Raja of Nabha, under the guardianship of grand-mother, Rani Chand Kaur. Raja Bharpur Singh attained his majority a few months after the breaking out of the mutiny of 1857 . At this critical time, he acted with utmost loyalty and intelligence. He deputed his forces for the British cause and advanced to Government a loan of two and a half lakhs of rupees. The Raja was suitably rewarded for his services after the mutiny. A sanad was granted to Raja Bharpur Singh in May 1860 , confirming to him his estates and conferring independent powers and privileges. The right of adoption was also included in this sanad. In September 1863, Lord Elgin, the Viceroy offered Raja Bharpur Singh a seat in the Legislative Council.

Raja Bharpur singh of Nabha was an enlightened ruler. The good of his people was always in his mind. He was well-learned and of studious disposition . He died issueless on 9 November 1863.

Bhagwan Singh, the younger brother of Raja Bharpur Singh was installed as Raja of Nabha on 17 February 1864, in the presence of Maharaja of Patiala, the raja of Jind, the Nawab of Malerkotla and a number of cis-Satluj chiefs. Raja Bhagwan singh was well read in Persian and gave good administration to Nabha . He ruled only for seven years and died in 1871 without an issue.

Hira Singh was one of the most capable rulers of Nabha State. Before becoming the Raja of Nabha , he was a Jagirdar of Badrukhan , a small village near Sangrur, then falling in Jind State. He was descendant of Phul, common ancestor of Phulkian rulers , and a relative of Raja Bhagwan Singh who died issueless. The Claim of Hira Singh was duly recognised and he was installed , as ruler of the Nabha State in 1871 with the help of the British Government . That is why he remained fully devoted to the Britishers throughout his rule. Sewa Singh of village Dhamo Majra ( Patiala Tahsil) also gave him much support to be fully recognised as ruler of Nabha. For this very reason , Sewa Singh rose to the position of Prime Minister of Nabha. Even two of his descendants , continued to hold the important position.

Like Raja Jaswant Singh, Hira Singh ruled over Nabha State for over 40 years and did much to consolidate the State. When he became the Raja of Nabha , there was a deposit of Rs 20 lakhs in the State treasury which he spent in beautifying his State. The construction of Hira Mahal and a large number of palatial houses numbering about 40 in number at Shimla is a standing monument to his wisdom and intelligence. The city was like a village when he came and hira Singh spent large sums of money in the construction of roads and beautifying the city. Raja Hira Singh was a great patron of education. He established a High School at Nabha and also gave liberal stipends to brilliant students of his State for study of engineering at Roorkee.

Raja Hira Singh had great respect for all religions. He would patiently listen to the scholars or various religions . He had a perfect secular outlook.

Hira Singh had two issues, one son, Ripudaman Singh and one daughter, Ripudaman Kaur who was married to the Maharan Sahib of Dholpur. Adequate arrangements were made by Raja Hira Singh for proper education of Ripudaman Singh. As it was a general practice with the Britishers to safeguard themselves as much as possible from the princes by offering them position of trust, Ripundaman singh was nominated by them as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council, which had its office at Calcutta in those days. Ripudaman Singh, on Joining the Council made good friends with the political leaders of the time, He had great regard for Gokhale whom he gave full support in all the proceedings of the Council. Ripundaman Singh was also sent to England to study the British parliamentary System.

In 1911 , Raja Hira Singh fell seriously ill when his son , Ripudaman Singh was in England. He died on 25 December 1911. The cremation ceremonies of Raja Hira Singh were Performed by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala State who then enjoyed complete confidence of Ripudaman Singh.

Ripudaman Singh returened to India in January 1912 and State mourning was declared for a year during which there were no festivities on behalf of the State. The Maharaja and the members of his personal staff wore mourning dress throughout the year.

Raja Ripudaman Singh introduced many reforms in Nabha State.He wanted to move with the requirements of time. He established a High Court to be presided over by three judges. The penal Law, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Evidence Act and all other laws were made applicable to the Nabha State . The High Court had below it a proper Sessions Court and Courts of magistrates. He also enacted, " The Nabha Courts Act".

On the executive side, he had a proper ministry to help and guide the Maharaja in executive matters. The Maharaja was himself resposible for the foreign office. Pandit Madan Mohan Malvia, a great patriot of India was his friend and guide, and as per his advice, he appinted Rajrishi Shree purushottam Dass Tandon as Political Advisor . Mr Tandon was then a Practising Lawyer at Allahabad and later on became the President of the All India Congress

Maharaja Ripudaman Singh was also anxious to introduce democratic form of Government in Nabha State. Accordingly, in 1917, he established a Legislative Council for Nabha. ALegislative Council Act was introduced and to begin with 8 members were taken . Meetings were often held and one or two important measures were passed. But later on, in view of political troubles, the council was abolished . With the introduction of Montague Chelmsford Reforms, there came into being the chamber of princes of which the Maha raja was an active member. He had thought that the Chamber would give a valuable opportunity for the princes to fight their battles. Having been a Parliamentarian himself and having seen much of parliament life of England, he was perfectly sanguine that it was a big boon granted to the Indian Princes. However, after a couple of Years, he felf greatly disappointed . Of course, the annual gathering was a big show and pri appeared in their best. Ripudaman Singh drove in his specially manufactured Swan Car which was more of an ornamental type and was to be easily recognised. With the assumption of the office of Political Agency by Mr Crump, many of the troubles had subsided. The Maharaja had just then selected Mr D.M. Narasinga Rao, the then Chief Secretary to the Mysore Government as his Prime Minister.

The Maharaja had full faith in Narasinga Rao, as he had been successful in solving most of his problems. He was able to get sanction of the British Government for the Maharaja to purchase the 'Himalaya Club', a building with 40 rooms at Mussoorie. In 1921 , a meeting of the Tilak School of politics was held at Mussoorie where the Maharaja was residing. The Maharaja received invitations to preside which he accepted inspite of the protests to preside which he accepted inspite of the protests made by his Prime Minister. On this occasion, he gave a speech which annoyed the British Government. Later on, he criticised the British Government and more particularly General Dyer who was responsible for imposing martial law in Punjab and massacring a large number of men, women and children in Jallianwala Bagh Amritsar on 13 April 1919. It may also be mentioned here that the area of Jallianwala Bagh had once belonged to one Bhai Hamit Singh Jallawala, courtier of Raja Jaswant Singh of Nabha. Maharaja Ripudaman Singh expressed much anger against the British Government for Nankana Sahib Tragedy where Mahant Narayan Das had been responsible for burning down several Sikhs alive. As a protest , the Maharaja began to tie a black turban. He even attended the meetings of the Political Department in black turban. This considerably enraged the Political Department.

By the end of 1922, relations between Nabha and Patiala became much strained. Each had complaints against the other. Consequently an enquiry had to be instituted by the British Government. Accordingly, the enquiry was started at Ambala on 3 January 1923 at the Circuit House. When the Maharaja found that the poceedings of the enquiry were going against him, he preferred to abdicate on grounds of ill-health. Consequently , Col. Minchin arrived at Nabha on 8 July 1923 with a force and took the charge of Nabha State. On 9 July 1923 , Maharaja was taken of Dehradun alongwith his wife and children, just like a prisoner. However, a big meeting was held in Gurudwara Akalgarh (Nabha) to condemn the action of the British Government. Many arrests were also made. Thus in this mysterious manner, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha was deposed by the British Government in July 1923. This sent up a strong wave of resentprince as a great patriot and a devout Sikh , Sewa Singh Thikriwala expressed deep sympathy with the deposed Maharaja and criticised in strong terms anti-Nabha policy of the British Government.

Jaito Morcha is an important event in the history of the Sikhs . At that time, Jaito was in Nabha. Alarge number of Sikhs of Nabha State took part in this Morcha and lost their lives. The terrible situation might have been avoided if only the Government could have grasped the religious character of the Akali movement and left the Sikhs to settle their own problems. It may be recalled that Maharaja Ripudaman Singh had been taken to Dehradun on 9 July 1923 and the Nabha administration was placed under prohibited by the administration of Nabha within the State but even then, agitation continued and many people were arrested. The Akalis demanded the restoration of the Maharaja . Pandit Jawaher Lal Nehru, Late Prime Minister also visited nabha to support the agitation of Akalis. But he was arrested and kept in a jail for a few days . The jail building , where Nehru spent a few days has now been turned into a public park with the statue of Maharaja Hira Singh. The arrest of Jawahar Lal Nehru brought the Nabha situation to a greater significance . Pandit Moti Lal Nehru also visited Nabha to see his son .

Maharaja Ripudaman Singh was shifted forcibly from Dehradun to Kodaikanal in the distant south. He was completely isolated from his family . He died there in December 1942 . Four years after his death, just a few months before Independence, his son Mohinder Partap Singh Was installed as ruler of Nabha. India became free in August 1947 and Maharaja Partap Singh signed the instrument of accession to India. In 1948, the State of Nabha merged with the Patiala and East Punjab States Union called by the name of PEPSU and in November 1956 , PEPSU also disappeared from the map and merged with Punjab.

History of Kalsia State - It is significant to note that about 52 villages of the present Dere Bassi Sub- Tahsil were part of the erstwhile Kalsia State, whose headquarters were at Chhachhrauli near Jagadhari in Haryana State. After the defeat of Zain Khan, the last Muhammadan Governor of Sirhind , by the joint forces of the severak misldars, Gurbaksh Singh a Sindhu jat of Kalsia ( a village in Kasur Tahsil of Lahore District of Pakistan) of the Karora Singhia Misl occupied a large number of villages of the Parganas of Chhachhrauli (Ambala District), Dera Bassi(Patiala District ) and Chirak (Faridkot District ) in 1763 . Dera Bassi was the thana and tahsil of the Kalsia State.

Sardar Jodh Singh, son of Gurbaksh Singh was also a great conqueror who made considerable additions to his otherwise small principality of Kalsia. He was a devoted friend of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who helped him to strenthen his position. Sardar Jodh Singh fought in many battles of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his role in the conquest of Multan was commendable . It was at Multan that he died in 1818 of the wounds received in the battle. His son and successor, Sardar Sobha Singh was for sometime under the guardianship of Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala. Sardar Sobha Singh ruled the Kalsia State for forty years and died in 1858, just at the close of the Mutiny, during which he remained devotedly loyal to the British Government.

The rulers of Kalsia State were in good books of the British Government. In 1849, Punjab was annexed and the same year it was declared that except Buria and Kalsian, all chiefs would cease to hold sovereign powers and lose all civil, criminal and fiscal jurisdiction . In this way , many privileges were given to the rulers of Kalsia State . The status of Kalsia State was further elevated by the British by giving it the name of Kalsia Bahadur State.

After the death of Sardar Sobha Singh In 1858, Sardar Lehna Singh, Sardar Bishan Singh , Sardar Jagjit Singh and Sardar Ranjit Singh were the successors of Kalsia State. The last ruler of Kalsia State was Ravi sher Singh, who was very popular among his people . He was a man of exemplary qualities and ran the administration on secular lines. He was also a great poet. He ruled the State from 1922 to 1946 . After his coronation in 1922, he made a visit of Dera Bassi where he was given a warm welcome by his people . Ravi Sher Singh died on 4 January 1947. After Ravi Sher Singh , the affairs of Kalsia State were controlled by a Council of Regency till 1948 when it was merged with PEPSU.

The Struggle for freedom

Most of the people of Patiala District were not under the direct control of the British Government. They were under the autocratic rule of the Maharajas of Patiala. There was not much reaction in the paris of Patiala District which were then in Kalsia and Nabha States. However, people were not happy with the Maharajas of Patiala for their oppressive policies. As the Phulkian rulers of Patiala had full support of the British Government , they did not bother for the sentiments of the people.

Inspite of this, people of Patiala District did not remain completely unaffected by the National Movements going in the British areas. They were inspired by the revolutionary ideas created by the Ghadar Movement and episode of Kamagata Maru. They were also inspired by the visits of national leaders like Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who infused patriotic spirit in them during the famous Jaito Morcha Lauched by the Akalis.

The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee lauched a strong agitation against the British when Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha was forced to abdicate. The S G P C passed resolution demanding the restoration of the Maharaja and asked the Sikhs to observe 9 September 1923 as Nabha Day. The Sikhs of Nabha State organised Akhand Paths (continuous recital of Guru Granth Sahib ) on the occassion . One such Akhand Path was organised at Gurudwara Gangsar in Jaitu . The Police of Punjab and Nabha States entered the shrine , interrupted the recitation of the holy Granth and arrested some Akalis. This greatly hurt the Sikh sentiments and a new morcha was launched . The Government declared SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal as unlawful bodies. Prominent Akali leaders including Mehtab Singh , Teja Singh Samundri and Master Tara Singh were arrested on the charge of waging war against the british Government and brought to Lahore fort for trial . The jathas continued to march to jaitu. The members of the jathas were severely beaten and many of them were imprisoned. On 21 February 1923 , a jatha of 500 men was fired upon, but the member of the jatha continued marching resulting considerable loss of life. The Indian National Congress declared its full support to the Akali Morcha at Jaitu. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, alongwith some prominent members of the All India Congress Committee, proceeded to Jaitu from Delhi to ascertain the exact position. They were arrested on the orders of J.Wilson Johnston, I C S the Administrator of Nabha on 3 October 1923 and subsequently released after a few days. The Government ultimately surrendered in October 1924 and allowed a jatha of Sikh Sudhar Sabha to enter the gurudwara at Jaitu in order to hold the Akhand Path. The result of the peaceful Akali Morchas was that the Government passed the Sikh Gurudwara and Shrines Act in 1925.

A struggle was also launched by the people of Patiala State in the form of Punjab Riasti Praja Mandal Movement. Sardar Sewa Singh Thikriwala was a prominent figure, who organised a strong reaction against autocratic regime of self-willed Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. A brief description of the role of Punjab Riasti Praja Mandal Movement and sardar Sewa Singh Thikriwala is briefly given as under:

Punjab Riasti Praja Mandal Movement:

The Punjab Riast Praja Mandal Movement came into existence in 1928. The main objection of the Praja Mandal were to agitate against the princely rulers so as to compel them to run the administration on democratic lines. At that time, in Patiala State, autocracy prevailed and political leader were subjected to inhuman tortures. Therefore, the main aim of the movement was to put pressure on princely rulers, especially the Maharaja of Patiala, to end their tyrannical rule and also under harassment to the political workers and release political detenues. The condition of common people in Patiala State was the worst. Anybody, who wished to seek some sort of reforms in any branch of Government, was thrown in the jail without specifying the cause of his offence. False cases were often made against people involved in these activities. The Maharaja bothered more to please political agents of the British Government than to care for the public. Fundamental rights were denied to the people.

Sewa Singh Thikriwala, popularly known as ‘Kirpan Bahadur’ was the prominent hero of the Punjab Riasti Praja Mandal to raise his powerful voice against despotic rule of Maharaja of Patiala. His death in 1934 caused a serious setback to Riasti Praja Mandal Movement. However , the movement received a great impetus after the death of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1038 because his policies were repressive and anti-people. Moreover the Congress Mandal also joined Praja Mandal.

The Praja Mandal Movement also gave birth to Muzara Movement. Whose main object was to incite the tenants against the payment of batai (share of crop) to the biswedars (landlords). A Muzara Committee was formed and its representatives approached Maharaja Patiala to settle the outstanding disputes of the peasants with their landlords. But the Maharaja did not pay heed to their demands. So they made a complaint to the British Resident who referred their case to the Patiala State. Accordingly, the deputationists met the Revenue Minister, Patiala who appointed a Commission. But the Tenants were not allowed by landlords to present their case before the Commission. In 1942, the muzaras with their leaders reached Patiala to put their case before the British Resident who happened to be there in connection with an industrial exhibition. But nothing was done to settle their grievan ces.

Through public meetings, the Punjab Riasti Praja Mandal was inciting the people to demand for responsible Government. According to the Praja Mandal, the only solution for all the ills was fully responsible Government with the rulers as constitutional head and th eonly way to achieve it was through the struggle. In the context, it is worthwhile to mention here that in the Dera Bassi area of Patiala District, which was then a part of Kalsia State, the Praja Mandal was very weak. The issue of constitutional reforms gained momentum after the partition of the country in1947. Ultimately, the Maharaja of Patiala, compromising with the force of the circumstances, announced constitutional reforms at his birthday Durbar in January 1948. It was followed by others States. However , the Praja Mandal carried on its activities for merger with Punjab. The traders were also anxious to move out of the opperssive atmosphere of the States and breathe in the free air of the Punjab where the political, economic and administrative conditions were better.

With the formation of the PEPSU in 1948, the Praja Mandal also changed its name to the PEPSU Pradesh Congress. The Patila ruler was no more than the Constitutional head of the state and the real power passed into the hands of people’s representatives. With the merger of PEPSU with Punjab on 1 November 1956 the area of the present Patiala District became part of Punjab. With this even the constitutional position of the Maharaja of Patiala ended. In this way , the Punjab Riasti Praja Mandal achieved its goal through a presistent struggle which they had launched nearly thirty years earlier.

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