Historical Personalities of Punjab | Punjab State (PPSC) PSC: Preparation - PPSC PCS (Punjab) PDF Download

Baba Deep Singh

Baba Deep Singh was born on January 20, 1682, in the village of Pahwind, located in the Amritsar district. At the young age of 12, he met Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which marked the beginning of his spiritual journey. He started learning and reading Gurmukhi under the guidance of Bhai Mani Singh. When he turned 18, on the auspicious day of Baisakhi, he received the sacred initiation of Khande-di-Pahal (Amrit) from Guru Roop Panj Piyaari.

He is remembered for his immense sacrifice and unwavering devotion to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Baba Deep Singh was the first jathedar (head) of Damdami Taksal, a revered religious school of the Sikhs that has been around for 300 years. In 1709, he joined Banda Bahadur in the attacks on the towns of Sadhaura and Sirhind. Baba Deep Singh passed away on November 11, 1757.

Nawab Kapur Singh

Nawab Kapur Singh, born in 1697 in the Sheikhupura district of Punjab (now in Pakistan), is regarded as a crucial figure in Sikh history. He led the Sikh community through one of its darkest periods and was instrumental in organizing the Sikh Confederacy (Misl) and the Dal Khalsa. His leadership was pivotal in strengthening and uniting the Sikh community during challenging times. Nawab Kapur Singh passed away in 1753.

Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, born on May 3, 1718, was a prominent Sikh leader during the era of the Sikh Confederacy. He was honored with the title of Nawab by the Sikh Confederacy in 1754 at Amritsar.

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia is known for his courageous actions against Nadir Shah's forces, where he freed enslaved individuals and returned them to their families. His remarkable leadership and humanitarian efforts earned him the title of 'Sultan-ul-Qaum,' meaning King of the Nation, from his followers.

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

Early Life and Background

• Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was born in 1723 and became a notable Sikh leader during the time of the Sikh Confederacy.

Leadership and Expansion

• He was the Commander of the Ramgarhia Confederacy and led the Sikh misl known as Ramgarhia.
• Under his leadership, the confederacy expanded its territory, including areas to the north of Amritsar between the Ravi and Beas rivers.
• He also incorporated the Jalandhar region and parts of the Kangra hills into his estate, with his capital situated in Shri Hargobindpur.

Legacy

• Jassa Singh Ramgarhia played a crucial role in the Sikh Confederacy and contributed to the territorial expansion of the Sikh misls.
• He passed away in 1803, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and territorial growth within the Sikh community.

Hari Singh Nalwa

Early Life and Background

• Hari Singh Nalwa was born in 1791 and later became the Commander-in-chief of the Khalsa, the army of the Sikh Empire.

Military Conquests and Expansion

• He is renowned for his role in the conquests of various regions, including Kasur, Sialkot, Multan, Kashmir, Attock, Peshawar, and Jamrud.
• Nalwa was instrumental in expanding the frontier of the Sikh Empire beyond the Indus River, reaching up to the mouth of the Khyber Pass.

Recognition and Legacy

• His remarkable achievements reflected the tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, earning him the title "Champion of the Khalsa."
• He served as the Governor of Kashmir, Peshawar, and Hazara, and established a mint in these regions to facilitate revenue collection for the Sikh Empire.

Death

• Hari Singh Nalwa passed away on April 30, 1837, leaving a lasting legacy as a prominent military leader and administrator in the Sikh Empire.

Baba Gurdit Singh

• Early Life: Born in 1860 in Sarhali Kalan, Amritsar district, Punjab.
• Military Background: High-ranking officer in the Sikh Khalsa Army, fought against the British in the First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars.
• Refusal of British Offer: Declined a jagir from the British after their annexation of the Punjab Sikh Kingdom in 1849.
• Activism: In 1911, opposed forced labor (begar) and encouraged his village to refuse it.
• Kamagata Maru: In 1914, chartered the Japanese ship Kamagata Maru (renamed Guru Nanak Jahaj by Sikh passengers) to Canada, challenging entry restrictions for Indians.
• Imprisonment: In 1920, on Mahatma Gandhi's advice, surrendered at Nankana Sahib and was imprisoned by the British for five years.
• Later Life: After release, settled in Calcutta, where he died on July 24, 1954.

Baba Kharak Singh

• Early Life: Born on June 6, 1868, in Sialkot (now in Pakistan).
• Leadership:. Sikh political leader, he became the first President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
• Central Sikh League: Presided over the historic session of the Central Sikh League in Lahore in 1920, where Sikhs participated in the Non-cooperation Movement under his guidance.
• Founding of SGPC: Helped establish the SGPC in 1921 and was elected its President.
• Protest Against British: Led a protest for the return of the keys to the Toshakhana (treasury) of the Golden Temple, seized by the British Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar.
• Imprisonment: Jailed on November 26, 1921, for making an anti-government speech.
• Later Life: Died on October 6, 1963.

Bhai Parmanand

Bhai Parmanand was a passionate Indian nationalist, born on November 4, 1876, into a distinguished family of Mohyal Brahmins in Punjab. He dedicated his life to the cause of India's independence and played a significant role in various movements.

In 1905, he visited South Africa, where he stayed with Mahatma Gandhi while working as a Vedic missionary. This experience further fueled his commitment to social and political causes. Bhai Parmanand was a founding member of the Ghadar Party, which aimed to overthrow British rule in India. His efforts were driven by a deep concern for the future of India.

In 1930, as the Chairman of the Sind Provincial Hindu Conference, he expressed his worries about the potential division of India, foreseeing the impact of the creation of Pakistan. His foresight and dedication to national unity were commendable. Bhai Parmanand passed away on December 8, 1947, leaving behind a legacy of patriotism and commitment to India's freedom.

Sardar Ajit Singh

Sardar Ajit Singh was born on February 2, 1881, in a military family in Khatkarkalan village, Jalandhar district, Punjab. He was one of the earliest voices in Punjab against the British rulers, openly criticizing their oppressive policies. His speeches aimed at rallying support for an Azad Hind Fauj (Free Indian Army) to fight the British in India.

In 1907, his outspoken criticism led to his deportation to Mandalay Jail in Burma. Later, in 1918, he joined the Ghadar Party in San Francisco, a group dedicated to India’s freedom. After spending many years abroad, he returned to India in 1946. Sardar Ajit Singh passed away on August 15, 1947, just days before India gained independence.

Ghadar Party and Ghadar Movement

Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai, born on October 14, 1884, played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence. He was the General Secretary of the Ghadar Party and a prominent leader in the Ghadar Movement, which aimed to overthrow British rule in India. Apart from his political and patriotic contributions, Lala Lajpat Rai was also a significant figure in literature. He passed away in Philadelphia on March 4, 1939.

Sohan Singh Bhakna

Sohan Singh Bhakna, born on May 24, 1896, in Ludhiana district, was a Sikh revolutionary known for his significant role in the Lahore Conspiracy Trial. He joined the Ghadar Party in 1913 in Berkeley, with the aim of freeing India from British rule. He played a key role in publishing the ‘Ghadar Paper’, which became a symbol of martyrdom and inspired many with his bravery and sacrifice. Punjabi novelist Nanak Singh wrote a novel called Ik Mian Do Talwaran based on his life, highlighting his impact and legacy.

Lala Hardyal

Lala Hardyal was born in January 1870 in the village of Khutral Khurd near Amritsar into a peasant family. He was an Indian revolutionary and the founding President of the Ghadar Party. In the early 1900s, when agrarian unrest was rising in Punjab, Hardyal migrated to California. In the US, he, along with Pandit Kanjhi Ram and others, founded the Pacific Coast Hindi Association, which later became known as the Ghadar Party. Hardyal played a crucial role in the formation and leadership of this group. He passed away in 1968.

Udham Singh

• Date of Birth: 26th December, 1899
• Background: Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary socialist known for his significant role in the fight for India's independence. He is most famous for assassinating Reginald Dyer, the man responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919.
• Change of Name: Singh changed his name to Ram Mohammad Singh Azad to symbolize the unity of India's three major religions: Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. This act reflected his belief in the importance of communal harmony.
• Revolutionary Status: Udham Singh is regarded as one of the prominent revolutionaries in the Indian independence movement. He is sometimes called Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Udham Singh, highlighting his status as a martyr. Along with other famous revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, Singh was considered one of the earliest Marxists in India by the British government.
• Death: Udham Singh died on 31st July 1940.

Bhagat Singh

• Date of Birth: 28th September, 1907
• Background: Bhagat Singh was an influential Indian socialist and revolutionary in the Indian Independence Movement. He was born into a Sikh family with a history of involvement in revolutionary activities against the British Raj. From a young age, he was exposed to the ideas of European revolutionary movements and developed an interest in Marxist ideologies.
• Involvement in Revolutionary Activities: Bhagat Singh became deeply involved in various revolutionary organizations and eventually emerged as a leading figure in the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which he later renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928. His commitment to the cause of Indian independence and his revolutionary fervor made him a prominent leader in the struggle against British rule.
• Arrest and Execution: Bhagat Singh was arrested for his involvement in the Assembly Bomb Case and the murder of John Saunders, an Assistant Superintendent of Police. He was convicted and sentenced to death. Along with his comrades Sukhdev and Rajguru, he was executed on 23rd March 1931. Bhagat Singh's sacrifice and dedication to the cause of India's freedom have made him an enduring symbol of resistance and bravery in the face of oppression.

Sukhdev Thapar

Early Life and Background

• Sukhdev Thapar was born on May 15, 1907, in the Chaura Bazar area known as Nau Ghara in Ludhiana, India.
• He grew up to become a prominent Indian activist and revolutionary leader.

Role in India's Independence Struggle

• Sukhdev was a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization committed to India's struggle for independence.
• He played a significant role in organizing revolutionary cells in Punjab and other parts of North India, spreading the revolutionary spirit and mobilizing youth for the freedom struggle.

Educational and Social Initiatives

• In addition to his revolutionary activities, Sukhdev also took on the role of an educator. He taught at the National College in Lahore, where he inspired and educated the youth about the importance of independence and social justice.
• Along with other notable revolutionaries, Sukhdev co-founded the 'Naujawan Bharat Sabha' in Lahore. This organization aimed to prepare the youth for the struggle for independence and combat communalism through various activities.

Martyrdom

• Sukhdev Thapar is best known for his close association with Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru, fellow revolutionaries who played pivotal roles in the freedom movement.
• He was executed by hanging in Lahore Central Jail on March 23, 1931, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, becoming a martyr for the cause of India's independence.

Maharaja Hari Singh Dhillon

Maharaja Hari Singh Dhillon was a prominent ruler in the 18th century, known for his leadership over Amritsar, Lahore, and extensive regions in Central and Western Punjab. He belonged to the Dhillon clan of Jats, hailing from the Malwa region of Punjab, specifically the Moga district.

Renowned Warrior and Defender

• Dhillon was celebrated as one of the most powerful and admired royal Sikh warriors of his time. His military prowess and legendary exploits made him a respected figure among his peers.
• He is particularly remembered for his defense of Amritsar against Afghan attacks, a feat that endeared him to the Sikh community. His leadership and bravery in protecting the city were instrumental in building his reputation.

Legacy and Popularity

• Under his command, his army became highly popular, attracting many recruits due to his relentless defense of Amritsar. His efforts not only secured the city but also inspired loyalty and admiration among his troops.
• Maharaja Hari Singh Dhillon passed away in 1764, but his legacy as a formidable warrior and protector of Amritsar continues to be remembered with affection, especially within the Sikh community.

Bhai Maharaj Singh

• Early Life: Bhai Maharaj Singh, originally named Nihal Singh, was born in the village of Rabbon in the Ludhiana district.
• Revolutionary Activities: After the First Anglo-Sikh War, he became a prominent figure in the anti-British movement in Punjab. His revolutionary journey began with the Prema conspiracy case, where he was implicated in a plot to assassinate British resident Henry Lawrence and other pro-British officials.
• Involvement in Sikh Forces: In November 1848, Maharaj Singh joined Raja Sher Singh’s forces at Ramnagar and participated in the battles of Chelianvala and Gujrat. He established Dev Batala as his secret headquarters.
• Efforts to Garner Support: In December 1849, he traveled to Hoshiarpur to seek support from Sikh regiments.
• Arrest and Death: Maharaj Singh was arrested on December 28, 1849, at Adampur and passed away on July 5, 1856.