DAULAT RAI, DIWAN, a civil administrator in Sikh times, was the son of Diwan Lakkhi Mall, governor of Dera Isma`il Khan and Bannu. In 1844, Diwan Lakkhi Mall died and Daulat Rai was allowed to succeed him in his office by Wazir Hira Singh on payment of a nazarana or tribute of 50,000 rupees. He also became the governor of Torik wrested from Fateh Khan Tiwana by Diwan Lakkhi Mall a few months before his death. On the death of Wazir Hira Singh, Jawahar Singh became the prime minister.
Fateh Khan Tiwana, who was Jawahar Singh`s supporter, was appointed governor of Dera Isma`il Khan and Bannu in place of Diwan Daulat Rai, but he earned unpopularity for his harsh treatment of the local zamindars. Diwan Daulat Rai was recalled as governor only to be removed soon afterwards by Sir Henry Lawrence, the British Resident at Lahore after the first Anglo Sikh war (1845-46).
References :
1. Suri, Sohan Lal, `Umdat-ut-Twarikh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Latif, Syad Muhammad, History of the Panjab. Delhi, 1964
3. Griffin, Lepel, and C.F. Massy, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Lahore, 1909
