Sardarni Lachhman Kaur, Last Indian Ruler of Firozpur, Punjab

Synopsis: Strategic territory of Firozpur; its last chief Sardarni Lachhman Kaur; how this vital territory was acquired by the British, which gave them advantage during the First-Anglo Sikh War

Lachhman Kaur was married to Dhanna Singh Bhangi who was the ruler of Firozpur. She was daughter of the celebrated Bhangi Sardar Rae Singh of Buriya of Jagadri. After the death of her husband, the small principality of Firozpur was governed by Sardarnin Lachhman Kaur of Bhangi Misl.

Lachman Kaur was a brave woman who ruled over an area occupied by recalcitrant population, which had little regard for law and order. She was a diplomatic individual who maintained friendly relationship with Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British; both helped her quell frequent rebellions and usurpation attempts. Col. Bellasis visited Lachman Kaur at Firozpur and had a discussion with her. At that time women usually didn’t have conversation with males (especially foreigners), however she held a meeting with him. Lachman Kaur admitted to Col. Bellasis that people living in her area were hard to rule and had little respect for the rule of a woman. In spite of the challenges, she did her best in maintaining law and order in her principality. She looked after the welfare of her residents and had wells dug for them. Col. Bellasis was impressed by Lachhman Kaur and wrote in his journal that he did not hear any complaint anywhere either in the town or on the road against her. She was highly respected by one and all.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh held suzerainty over Firozpur as per document prepared by Capt. Murray on March 17, 1828. The British realized the strategic importance of Firozpur as it was at a better location than Ludhiana. Only one river was required to reach Lahore, which was just 70 Km. from Firozpur.

Lachhman Kaur died in Oct. 1835 without an heir. Capt. Wade, the British Political Agent at Ludhiana, quietly and without informing Maharaja Ranjit Singh at once occupied Firozpur. Wade called himself Ranjit Singh’s son and so he expected no opposition from his foster father. The Maharaja allowed the occupation of Firozpur without raising any protest, which resulted in a strategic disadvantage for Sikhs during the 1st Anglo-Sikh Wars.

Source – Dr. Hari Ram Gupta, History of the Sikhs vol 5