KAHN SINGH

KAHN SINGH (d. 1846), son of Panjab Singh of Gharjakh, in Gujranwala district, joined Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s army and was sent to Pindi Gheb in command of 500 horse. He remained there for nine years when he was recalled and placed under General Hari Singh Nalva. Kahn Singh accompanied Hari Singh on his numerous expeditions. He fought in the campaign against the Yusafzai tribes on the northwest frontier in 1831. In 1834, he accompanied General Mihari Singh, the newly appointed governor of Kashmir. Kahn Singh returned after three years to Lahore with a considerable fortune.

His son, Lahina Singh, married the daughter of his old commander Hari Singh Nalva, who took his son in law with him to Peshawar in the campaign of 1837 in which the great general was killed. During the reigns of Maharaja Kharak Singh and Maharaja Sher Singh, Kahn Singh and his three sons Fateh Singh Jodha Singh, Lahina Singh were treated with favour and received military appointments but when Raja Hira Singh rose to power, trouble came upon the family and not until Jawahar Singh became minister did it regain its former position. Kahn Singh was killed by a musketshot in 1846 during the first AngloSikh war.

References :

1. Sun, Sohan Lal, `Umddl-ut-Twdnjkh. Lahore, 1H85-89
2. Griffin, Lepel, and C.F. Massy, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Lahore, 1909