RALIA RAM

RALIA RAM (d. 1864), eldest son of Misr Chhajju Mall, was appointed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh as administrator of Amritsar in 1811. Ralla Ram displayed great energy and resourcefulness in securing peace and putting an end to thefts and highway robberies. In 1812 he was entrusted with charge of the customs department of the Slate. Ralla Ram introduced uniform rates for articles of import and export and kept a strict watch over the accounts.

The measures he adopted to end corruption and bribery earned him the hostility of many courtiers who poisoned the ears of the Maharaja against him. In 1833, Ralta Ram was appointed keeper of records. In 1841, he discovered a sulphur mine in Rawalpindi district for which Maharaja Shcr Singh granted him SL jdgir worth 11,000 rupees at Jandiala. He was created a Diwan in 1847, and in 1851 the British conferred upon him as well as upon his son, Sahib Dial, the title of Raja. Ralia Ram died in April 1864.

References :

1. Suri, Sohan Lal, `Umddt ut-Twankh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Griffin, Lepel, and C.F.Massy, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Lahore, 1940