Sada Kaur (1762–1832): The Woman Behind Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Rise
Sada Kaur was a prominent Sikh woman leader in 18th-century Punjab who played a crucial role in establishing Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the throne of Lahore. She was the mother-in-law of Ranjit Singh and the queen of the Kanhaiya Misl, one of the powerful Sikh confederacies of the time.
Early Life and Marriage
Born in 1762 in Firozpur, Sada Kaur belonged to the Gill clan. Her family village was Raoke, now part of Moga district. Her father, Sardar Dasoundha Singh Gill, was a notable chieftain among the Raoke Sardars.
Sada Kaur was married at a young age to Gurbaksh Singh, the son of Jai Singh, the leader of the Kanhaiya Misl. Gurbaksh Singh was only nine years old at the time of the marriage, and Sada Kaur herself was of similar age. Tragically, Gurbaksh Singh died in battle near Batala around 1785 when he was about 25, fighting against the Ramgarhia and Shukerchakia Misls. This left Sada Kaur widowed in her youth.
Alliance with Ranjit Singh
Sada Kaur had one daughter, Mehtab Kaur. In 1785, she arranged her daughter’s marriage to Ranjit Singh, the son of Maha Singh, the chief of the Shukerchakia Misl. This alliance proved to be historic. When her father-in-law Jai Singh died in 1789 at the age of 81, Sada Kaur assumed control of the Kanhaiya Misl, including its cavalry force of around 8,000 horsemen.
Following Maha Singh’s death in 1792, Ranjit Singh became the chief of the Shukerchakia Misl. Sada Kaur became his political mentor and strongest supporter. She strategically aligned the Kanhaiya and Shukerchakia Misls to bolster Ranjit Singh’s power.
Political and Military Role
In 1796, when the Afghan ruler Shah Zaman invaded Punjab with a 30,000-strong army, many local powers remained passive. However, Sada Kaur took decisive action by summoning a Sarbat Khalsa (a general assembly of Sikhs) and declared resistance against the invaders. She encouraged her young son-in-law Ranjit Singh, then only 17, to lead the battle against the Afghans. The Afghans were eventually forced to retreat.
Later, when the citizens of Lahore grew weary of the oppressive Bhangi Misl, they invited Ranjit Singh and Sada Kaur to liberate the city. Sada Kaur famously told Ranjit Singh, “Whoever rules Lahore, rules all of Punjab.”
On 7 July 1799, Sada Kaur and Ranjit Singh led a 25,000-strong army and marched toward Lahore. The citizens welcomed them, opening the city gates. Ranjit Singh entered through Lohari Gate, while Sada Kaur entered from Delhi Gate. This marked the beginning of Ranjit Singh’s rule over Lahore.
Crowning of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
In 1801, with the full backing of Sada Kaur, Ranjit Singh was formally proclaimed Maharaja of Punjab. She stood by his side through many crucial battles, including campaigns in Amritsar, Chiniot, Kasur, Attock, and Hazara.
Later Years and Break with Ranjit Singh
However, in 1807, when Ranjit Singh took a second wife, relations between him and Sada Kaur soured. Feeling sidelined, she began to consider asserting her own authority independently through the Kanhaiya Misl.
This led to a political rift, and eventually, Ranjit Singh placed her under house arrest. Despite the fallout, her contributions to his rise remained undeniable.
Sada Kaur passed away in 1832 in Lahore, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, courage, and strategic brilliance.
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