Jassa Singh Ramgarhia (1723–1803)
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was a renowned and valiant Sikh leader during the 18th-century Sikh Confederacy period. He was the founder of the Ramgarhia Misl, named after the fortress he built, Ramgarh.
Early Life
Born in 1723 into a Sikh family, historical accounts differ on his exact birthplace—some mention Ichogil near Lahore, while others point to villages like Guga or Sur Singh near Amritsar. His father was Bhagwan Singh, son of Hardas Singh. Jassa Singh belonged to the Tarkhan (carpenter) caste and was initially known as Jassa Singh Thoka (Thoka meaning carpenter).
He had four brothers—Jai Singh, Khushal Singh, Mali Singh, and Tara Singh—and became head of the family after the death of his father.
Fort Ramgarh and Rise to Power
Jassa Singh began his military career under the Mughal governor Adina Beg, who appointed him as a Risaldar (commander of cavalry). In 1752, he rebuilt the ruined Ram Rauni fort near Amritsar, naming it Ramgarh in honor of Guru Ram Das Ji. This marked the origin of the name “Ramgarhia.”
Alliance with Adina Beg & Siege of Ram Rauni
When Adina Beg was ordered to suppress the Sikhs, he secretly sent messages to them, trying to maintain relations. Jassa Singh responded and agreed to work with him. Later, the Ram Rauni fort was besieged by government forces. Jassa Singh, although initially on the opposing side, secretly contacted the besieged Sikhs and eventually joined them. With the help of Dewan Kaura Mal, the siege was lifted, and the fort was further strengthened. Jassa Singh was named Jathedar (commander) of the fort and became widely known as Ramgarhia.
Resistance Against Afghan Invasions
In 1765, during Ahmad Shah Durrani’s seventh invasion of India, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia joined forces with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and others to confront the Afghans. A fierce battle occurred near Rupar on the banks of the Sutlej River, where Ramgarhia, described by chroniclers as lion-like in appearance, led his troops with a distinct flag and war drum.
In 1767, during another invasion, Ramgarhia and Ahluwalia blocked Ahmad Shah’s advance at the Beas River. Though Ahluwalia was severely wounded, Ramgarhia took command of the Dal Khalsa.
Campaigns in the Hills
In 1770, Ramgarhia led successful expeditions in the hill regions, defeating Raja Ghamand Chand near the Beas River. The hill chiefs became his tributaries, and he collected significant revenue from regions like Kangra.
Conflicts Among Misls
Relations with other Sikh leaders deteriorated. A major battle was fought involving Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, the Bhangi Misl, and their allies against Jai Singh Kanhaiya, Charat Singh, and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Though the Bhangis and Ramgarhias lost, tensions increased. In 1775, Ramgarhia’s brothers captured Ahluwalia near Batala but later released him respectfully. However, Ahluwalia vowed to drive the Ramgarhias out of Punjab.
Exile from Punjab
In 1778, Jai Singh Kanhaiya and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia attacked Ramgarhia’s headquarters at Sri Hargobindpur. Overpowered, Jassa Singh was forced to retreat. His brother Mali Singh ruled Batala harshly, and locals sided with the attackers to remove him. After a series of defeats, all Ramgarhia territories in the Trans-Sutlej region were lost.
Ramgarhia then found refuge under Raja Amar Singh of Patiala, who gave him financial support and shelter. While stationed at Sirsa, his men accidentally discovered iron boxes full of gold coins from a well—this unexpected treasure allowed him to maintain his army. He then set up base in Tosham and carried out raids in the Delhi region.
Plundering Expeditions in Ganga Doab
In 1783, Jassa Singh joined the Dal Khalsa during its advance toward Delhi. On March 11, Sikh forces entered the Red Fort, and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was briefly declared king in the Diwan-i-Am. Ramgarhia opposed this move and challenged Ahluwalia, who stepped down to avoid conflict. Ramgarhia took the Mughal throne (used by Aurangzeb who had ordered Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution) and brought it to Amritsar, where it is still preserved in the Ramgarhia Bunga beside the Golden Temple.
In 1784 and 1785, Ramgarhia led plundering raids across the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, looting Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Chandausi, where a fortune was seized from wealthy merchants and bankers.
Return to Punjab & Battle of Achal
By 1785, Ramgarhia sought to reclaim his lost territories. He allied with Maha Singh and Sansar Chand Katoch to attack Jai Singh Kanhaiya, whose territories were weakened. A fierce battle near Achal in February 1785 resulted in the death of Jai Singh’s son Gurbaksh Singh. Ramgarhia successfully regained Batala and reestablished it as his headquarters.
Death and Legacy
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia passed away in 1803 at the age of 80. In recognition of his bravery and contributions to Sikh history, a grand equestrian statue of him has been erected in Amritsar.
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