YAHIYA KHAN Yahiya Khan, the eldest son of Nawab Zakariya Khan, became governor of Lahore under the Mughals in 1745 following his father’s death. Continuing his father’s policy of repression against the Sikhs, he oversaw harsh measures during his regime.
A confrontation between a band of Sikh horsemen and the state constabulary led to the death of Jaspat Rai, Faujdar of Eminabad and younger brother of Diwan Lakhpat Rai, the governor’s revenue minister. Bent on vengeance, Lakhpat Rai took severe reprisals, rounding up Sikhs living in Lahore and having them executed at the nakhas (the local horse market), which was later renamed Shahidganj (Martyrs’ Shrine) by the Sikhs. Lakhpat Rai and Yahiya Khan pursued the Sikhs, who had concentrated along the banks of the Ravi River, north of Lahore.
The Sikhs retreated further north but were blocked by hill soldiers approaching from the opposite direction. On 1 May 1746, Yahiya Khan’s troops caught up with them at Kahnuvan in Gurdaspur district, inflicting a crushing defeat. Over 7,000 Sikhs were killed in the battle, and 3,000 captives were taken to Lahore, where they were executed. This tragedy is known in history as the Chhota Ghallughara (Minor Massacre), contrasting with the Vadda Ghallughara (Great Massacre) that occurred later on 5 February 1762.
In the winter of 1746–47, Shah Nawaz Khan, Yahiya Khan’s brother and governor of Multan, revolted against Yahiya Khan’s authority. Hostilities between the two brothers persisted until March 1747, when Shah Nawaz forced his way into Lahore, imprisoned Yahiya Khan, and declared himself governor of Punjab.
References:
- Bhangu, Ratan Singh, Prachin Panth Prakash, Amritsar, 1914
- Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint], Patiala, 1970
- Ganda Singh, Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluvalia, Patiala, 1969
- Gupta, Hari Ram, History of the Sikhs, Vol. IV, Delhi, 1982
- Gandhi, Surjit Singh, Struggle of the Sikhs for Sovereignty
