Akali Phoola Singh & Mahraja Ranjit Singh

[S1ngh]

Loss of faith in the Maharaja

The internal political policy pursued by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh went against Sikh interests. Major points of differences were that the Maharaja had:

1. Delegated too much authority of the government to Dogras who were insincere and disloyal to the Sikhs.

2. Appointed relatives of his cronies to important posts instead of selecting competent persons.

3. Developed misunderstanding with his sons by listening to the misinformation given by the Dogras.

Note: Later, it was found that Akali Ji was right and justified in asking the Maharaja not to place all his confidence in the Dogras alone. The Dogras had a secret understanding with the British, who had already taken control over much of India. The Dogras caused the downfall of the Sikh Raj. They were made the rajas of Kashmir as a reward for helping the British infiltrate the Sikh raj. The Dogras also informed the Kabul regime about the Sikh army and they planned the murder of the hero of the Sikh raj, Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, who was considered a terror by the Afghans and Pathans.

When Akali Phoola Singh Ji went to discuss domestic policies of the government with Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the Dogras did not allow the meeting to take place. Akali Ji forced his entry into the palace and was warmly received by the Maharaja. Showing his hospitality, the Maharaja offered Akali Ji a splendid meal. Akali Ji declined his offer stating that unless the Maharaja changed his policies, and realized his own entrapment by the Dogras, this was to be their last meeting. After delivering this message to the Maharaja, Akali Ji left for Anandpur Sahib.

The Prince of Jind state (Jind was then part of the British Raj, now a part of the Haryana state of India.) developed differences with the British raj. He moved to Anandpur Sahib and took protection under Akali Ji. The British desired the Prince to be handed over to them. They approached the Maharaja when Akali Ji refused to surrender him to them. The Dogras misinformed and misguided the Maharaja and accused Akali Ji of creating enmity between the British and the Sikh raj. The army at Phillaur was, therefore, instructed to arrest Akali Phoola Singh. The army, however, declined to obey the Maharaja recognizing that Akali Ji was the holiest man amongst the Sikhs.

The British also tried to capture Akali Ji by ordering the Nawab of Malerkotla and Raja Jaswant to attack Anandpur Sahib and arrest Akali Ji along with the Prince of Jind. Both of them knew of Phoola Singh’s goodness and greatness. They also endorsed his stand and refused to cooperate with the British. Finally, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh thought of another plan to get Akali Ji on his side. He sent Baba Sahib Singh Bedi, a close friend of Akali Phoola Singh, to escort him with honor to Amritsar where a spectacular welcome was arranged by the Maharaja. The two were finally reconciled. Unfortunately, the Maharaja did not take advantage of his advice to keep the Dogras away from the helm of administration.

[The Khalsa Fauj]

- Ranjit SIngh also brought in the Jageerdaari system which was abolished by Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur when he formed first Khalsa Raaj.

- Ranjit Singh prisoned his mother-in-law, Sada Kaur. She was the one who got him the Raaj.

- He went to Ganga Ishnaan when he was about to die.

- He kept Mahants to take care of Gurudwaras.

- He kept dogras in front and kept Sikhs who got the Raaj away from high positions.

- He also drank 2 bottles a day and took aafeem.

- He also trusted the british. Hari Singh Nalwa had told Ranjit Singh that britisha re waiting for you and me to die so they could attack us and take over Punjab. Ranjit Singh didn't listen.

- He gave main positions to brahman dogras who had only one dream which was to finish Sikh Raaj.

- He also stopped Gurmata at Akal Takht Sahib. It was Gurmata which had kept Sikhs together. Since then, we have never been together.

- He took a kanjri to Darbar Sahib and made her sleep in his lap at Harmandar Sahib. HE was [unished by Akali Phoola Singh.

- Some researchers also say that he had a hand in the death of Hari Sing Nalwa.

- Hari Singh Nalwa was telling Ranjit Singh that this rule belongs to the Khalsa and not Ranjit Singh's family. Hari Singh Nalwa wanted 5 pardhaanee system. Rajas and Maharajas are against the principles of Sikhism.

- He also kept farsi as the official language instead of applying Gurmukhi.