KAPUR SINGH

KAPUR SINGH (1628-1708), an ancestor of the Fandkot ruling house, was born the son of Lala in 1628. He succeeded in 1643 his uncle, Bhallan, to the chaudhanat or headship of the Brar Jatts. He was a brave and able man, and consolidated his possessions winning many victories over BhattT and other tribes in his neighbourhood. He at first resided at Panj Grain, but subsequently founded Sarlivala, now a deserted place near Bagiana, which he soon abandoned for a new site, Kot Kapura, named after himself, and which he is said to have founded in 1661 at the suggestion of BhaT Bhagatu, a holy man who was an ancestor of the Kaithal family.

The reputation for justice and benevolence which Kapura enjoyed induced many immigrants to settle in Kot Kapura which soon became a place of considerable importance. During his long life, Kapur Singh had the rare honour of serving Guru Har Rai and Guru Gobind Singh during their travels in his part of the country. It is said that he received the pdhulor rites of Sikh initiation at the hands of Guru Gobind Singh who bestowed upon him a sword and shield, still preserved in the family. In 1708, at the age of eighty, Kapur Singh was treacherously assassinated by his old rival `Isa Khan, a Manjh Rajput, with whom he had a longstanding feud and who, in turn, fell at the hands of his revengeful sons, Sukhia, Sema and Mukhia.

References :

1. Griffin, Lepel, and C.F. Massy, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Lahore, 1909
2. Harbans Singh, Fandknl Itihas Bare. Faridkot, 1947 S.S.B.