JODH SINGH WAZLRABADIA

JODH SINGH WAZLRABADIA (d. 1809), son of Gurbakhsh Singh, was a powerful eighteenth century Sikh chief. He possessed the parganahs;of Wazirabad, Karial, Mitranvali and Talvandi Musa Khan, comprising about 500 villages. Jodh Singh and Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s father, Mahari Singh, were great friends, and both often joined hands together to fight against Sahib Singh Bharigi of Gujrat. At the siege of Sodhra in 1792, Jodh Singh is said to have betrayed Mahari Singh. Sahib Singh, who was besieged in the fort, was short of powder, and his surrender was certain. But Jodh Singh, who feared that Mahari Singh would become too powerful were Sahib Singh to give in, supplied the latter with ammunition.

Mahari Singh had been dangerously ill throughout the siege, and this treachery hastened his end. The action of Jodh Singh is said to have been the cause of Ranjit Singh`s hostility towards him. But when Ranjit Singh found that the Wazirabad chief was too strong for him, he endeavoured to gain by stratagem what he was unable to take by force. He invited Jodh Singh to Lahore, but the latter brought with him a large force. This Ranjit Singh desired him to send back which he, too proud to show fear, did, and arrived at Lahore with only 200 picked men.

Next day he attended court, leaving his escort outside. He was received by Ranjit Singh with the greatest courtesy. Suddenly however the Maharaja arose from his seat and made a sign to his attendants to seize the sarddr. Jodh Singh drew his sword and dared them to attack him, for, as he declared, he did not know how to flee. Ranjit Singh loved a brave man. He became Jodh Singh`s admirer and dismissed him with honour and rich gifts. Jodh Singh died in 1809.

References :

1. Suri, Sohan Lal, `Umddl-ut-Tiudnkh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Griffin, Lepel, and C.F. Mass)`, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Lahore, 1909~
3. Bhagat Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and His 7`inn”i. Delhi, 1990