Discover the inspiring journey of Sadhu Singh Bhaura, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat, a key figure in Sikh history who led religious reforms and social initiatives.
Discover the legacy of Seva Singh, an Akali activist and editor who championed Sikh rights, led movements, and founded publications in India.
Discover Sujan Singh Sodhi, the visionary Sikh educationist and reformer who played a pivotal role in early 20th-century educational initiatives.
Explore the life of Teja Singh Babu, a leader in Sikh fundamentalism, known for his role in the Singh Sabha movement and reforms in Sikh practice.
Discover the legacy of Yadavinder Singh, the last Maharaja of Patiala, a renaissance man known for his influence in sports, diplomacy, and Indian cricket.
ANAND SINGH, RAI (d. 1827), vakil or agent of the Sikh kingdom, belonged to the famed Bhandan family of Batala founded by Bhag Mall, a wealthy adventurer. In 1809, Anand Singh was appointed an agent of the Sikh Darbar at Ludhiana, the British military station and political agency. He was later sent as the Darbar`s envoy to the British resident at Delhi. He had a good knowledge of Persian and English and accompanied Sir Charles Metcaife on the successful expedition against Bharatpur undertaken by Lord Combermere in January 1826, receiving on his return from Maharaja Ranjit Singh the title of Rai with a robe of honour. Rai Anand Singh died in 1827.
BACHITTAR SINGH MALVAI (d. 1840), eldest son of Dhanna Singh Malvai, joined the army of Ranjit Singh about 1827, and served first at Bahawalpur. When Peshawar was occupied by the Sikhs in 1834, Bachittar Singh was sent to Shabqadar, where a new cantonment had been laid out and a fort built by Chatar Singh Atarivala. He was still there when, in April 1837, the Afghan army attacked the post and the fort of Jamrud. In January 1839, Bachittar Singh accompanied the Sikh forces escorting Shahzada Taimur, son of Shah Shuja, to Peshawar. He died in 1840.
BHAGVANA. BHAI, along with Bhai Latkan Ghura, Bhai Gurditta and Bhai Katara, the jeweller, once came to see Guru Arjan and asked for a mantra, or sacred formula. The Guru, as says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, told them that any name for God would save, but they might repeat and meditate upon the word Vahiguru revealed by Guru Nanak as a means of liberation. Bhai Bhagvana and his companions were pleased to be so instructed.
BRIJINDAR SINGH, MAHARAJA (1896-1918), son of Kanvar Gajindar Singh, ascended the throne of Faridkot state in March 1906. He had his education at Aitchison College, Lahore. A council of regency headed by Sardar Bahadur Dyal Singh Man was appointed during his minority to carry on the administration. Brijindar Singh earned the title of Maharaja by the help he gave the British during the First World War (1914-19).
CHET SINGH BAJVA (d. 1839), Maharaja Kharak Singh`s distant relation and old tutor who wielded considerable influence at the Sikh court. The Dogra minister, Dhian Singh, looked upon Chet Singh as a potential rival to his position. The latter aligned himself with the Bhais and the Misrs at the court and sought the support of General Ventura and other Feringhee officers in open rivalry with the Dogra faction. The Dogras, on the other hand, won over Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh, the heir apparent, to their side.
