MUL RAJ, DIWAN

MUL RAJ, DIWAN, governor of Hazara during Sikh times, was connected through family lies with Misr Beli Ram, an influential courtier. During the prime ministership of Raja Hira Singh (1843-44) when Misr Beli Ram was imprisoned, Diwan Mul Raj too was suspected of disloyalty towards the State. He was placed under the supervision of Raja Gulab Singh and was asked to render accounts. Hira Singh was himself replaced by Jawahar Singh as prime minister.

During the latter`s time, Diwan Mul Raj rendered much help in the restoration of order among the rebellious tribes of the frontier said to have been instigated by Raja Gulab Singh, but was shortly afterwards replaced by Chatar Singh Atarivala as governor of Hazara. At the end of the first Anglo Sikh war (1845-46), he was appointed nazim or administrator of Find Dadan Khan, with the revenues of certain salt districts farmed out to him. In 1847, however, the inspection of his accounts revealed certain irregularities and he was relieved of his charge and asked to make good 4,00,000 rupees outstanding against him. Failing to pay up the sum he was arrested and was, along with his two brothers, detained in the Fort of Gobindgarh at Amritsar.

References :

1. Sun, Sohan Lal, Umdat ut Twarikh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Griffin, Lepel, The Punjab Chiefs. Lahore, 1890
3. Chopra, Barkat Rai, Kingdom of the Punjab. Hoshiarpur, 1969