Khushal Singh

Who was Khushal Singh?

Khushal Singh was the Nawab of Singhpuria Misl from 1753 to 1795, extending its territory on both sides of the Sutlej River. His possessions included Jalandhar, Nurpur, Bahrampur, Patti and Bharatgarh. Jalandhar doab and adjoining areas yielded an annual income of three lakh rupees. He was the successor to Nawab Kapur Singh Virk.

Khushal Singh had occupied the town of Jalandhar by defeating its ruler Shaikh Nizam-ud-Din. He made Jalandhar his headquarters and started living there. Khushal Singh added more precinct to the territory which he had inherited from his predecessor. His associates also captured many places. He was very active against the Muslim rulers and it was one of his troopers who killed the Afghan governor of Sirhind, Zain Khan, in January 1764. He seized Ludhiana and Banur with the help of Amar Singh, the ruler of Patiala, who afterwards received half of the district of Banur. During the troubles which followed the death of Amar Singh, Khushal Singh seized the whole district. He, however, could not make much resistance to the force brought against him and Diivan Wannu Mal was able to recover the Patiala share of the territory.

Khushal Singh constructed a katra at Amritsar, 47 which was named after his Misal. He, realised tribute from Rai Ibrahim and many other zamindars.48 He fought in the battles against Ahmad Shah Abdali in collaboration with other Sardars.