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The 18th century was a period of struggle, sacrifice, strong religious faith and extraordinary courage in Sikh history. After the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions in 1716, the Mughal rulers increased their persecution of Sikhs. Rewards were announced for capturing and killing Sikhs.
During this difficult period, many Sikhs were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter in forests, mountains and remote areas. The Khalsa Panth needed a leader who could unite the scattered Sikh groups and guide them through these challenges.
During this time, Nawab Kapur Singh Ji played an important role through his wisdom, courage, and leadership. He organised Sikh groups and greatly strengthened the Budha Dal, Taruna Dal, and Dal Khalsa.
He was also a prominent leader of the Singhpuria Misl, also known as the Faizalpuria Misl. His life showed how service, unity and wise leadership could protect a community even during the most difficult circumstances.
Nawab Kapur Singh Ji is believed to have been born in 1697 in Kalo Ke village, Sheikhupura district, in western Punjab, now in Pakistan. His father’s name was Sardar Dilip Singh. He belonged to a Jat farming family of the Virk clan. His family was involved in agriculture. Historical accounts also mention his brother, Sardar Dhanna Singh.
Kapur Singh Ji grew up during a period of major political changes in Punjab. After Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s passing and the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Sikhs faced serious challenges in protecting their faith and identity.
These circumstances deeply influenced his personality. Inspired by the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, he made service, sacrifice, courage and strong religious faith the guiding principles of his life.
Receiving Amrit and Joining the Khalsa Panth
Around 1721, Nawab Kapur Singh Ji received Khande Di Pahul, also known as Amrit, from Bhai Mani Singh Ji and formally joined the Khalsa Panth. At the time, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was an important figure in Sikh religious affairs and served Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar.
After receiving Amrit, Kapur Singh Ji dedicated his life to serving the Guru Panth. He also encouraged members of his family and community to follow the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
He later joined the group led by Diwan Darbara Singh Ji, a prominent Sikh leader of that period. Through his hard work, dedication to service and bravery, Nawab Kapur Singh Ji earned a respected position within the Sikh community. He fought on the battlefield, but he also showed deep devotion to serving the Sangat and following Sikh principles.
The Title of Nawab
In 1733, Zakariya Khan, the Mughal Governor of Lahore, attempted to reach an agreement with the Sikhs because of their growing strength and guerrilla activities. He used Subeg Singh as an intermediary to convey his proposal to the Sarbat Khalsa.
The proposal offered the Sikhs a jagir, or land grant, along with the title of Nawab. According to historical accounts, the proposed jagir included Dipalpur, Kanganwal, and Jhabal. When the offer was presented to Sikh leaders, none were willing to accept the title of Nawab.
The Sikhs considered themselves the free Khalsa, blessed by the Guru. They did not regard any royal title as greater than their religious identity. The Sarbat Khalsa therefore selected Kapur Singh Ji to receive the title. At that time, he was performing the humble service of waving a fan for the Sangat. Recognising his simplicity, dedication to service and leadership abilities, the Panth decided to honour him with the title.
According to well-known historical accounts, before accepting the symbols of the Nawabi, he touched them to the feet of the Panj Pyare. After this, the title of Nawab became associated with his name. Even after receiving the honour, Nawab Kapur Singh Ji continued to consider himself a servant of the Panth.
For him, the true value of a position was not in exercising authority over people but in serving the Sangat and the Guru Panth. His humility and simplicity gave him a special place among the great leaders of Sikh history. During this period, his influence also increased in the areas around Faizalpur. His Misl later became known as the Singhpuria or Faizalpuria Misl.
Establishment of Budha Dal and Taruna Dal
After the death of Diwan Darbara Singh Ji in 1734, Nawab Kapur Singh Ji took on a major responsibility for leading the Sikh community. At that time, the number of Sikhs joining the Khalsa Panth was increasing. A growing need arose for a strong organisation to manage the Sikh forces, maintain Gurdwaras, and protect the Sangat.
Nawab Kapur Singh Ji organised the Khalsa forces into two main groups: Budha Dal and Taruna Dal. The Budha Dal included older and experienced Sikhs. Its responsibilities included maintaining and serving Gurdwaras, protecting religious traditions, administering Amrit and guiding the Sangat. Even during difficult periods of warfare, this group helped preserve the Sikh community’s religious and social life.
The Taruna Dal consisted mainly of younger Sikhs who were prepared for battle. Its main responsibilities were to resist oppression, act against enemy forces, and protect the Sikh Sangat. As the number of Sikhs in the Taruna Dal increased, it was divided into smaller groups, or Jathas.
Baba Deep Singh Ji and other prominent Sikh leaders led these groups. Bringing Sikhs from different regions and families together under a common organisation was an important achievement of Nawab Kapur Singh Ji’s leadership. This arrangement allowed the Sikhs to continue their religious activities while also resisting oppression. In later years, the traditions of Budha Dal and Taruna Dal helped strengthen Sikh organisations.
Nadir Shah’s Invasion and the Sikh Strategy
In 1739, Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, invaded India. His forces carried out widespread looting and killings in Delhi. As he returned to Iran through Punjab, he took large amounts of wealth and many prisoners with him. During his return journey, Sikh groups launched sudden attacks on his army.
Under the leadership of Nawab Kapur Singh Ji, the Sikhs used guerrilla warfare tactics. They attacked enemy forces unexpectedly and then used their knowledge of the local area to move to safer places. Through these tactics, Sikh groups repeatedly challenged Nadir Shah’s army. They also tried to recover the looted goods. Sikh historical accounts place special importance on efforts to free prisoners during Nadir Shah’s return journey. Sikh groups tried to rescue women who had been taken captive and help them return safely to their homes.
These actions reflected the Sikh commitment to humanity, respect for women and protection of vulnerable people. A well-known story about Nadir Shah also describes the Sikhs’ courage. According to this account, Nadir Shah asked how Sikhs lived. He was reportedly told that their homes were their horses’ saddles, meaning that they were always ready to travel and fight.
The story also suggests that Sikhs would become a major political force in Punjab. However, historical books contain different versions of this conversation. Despite these differences, the story remains a symbol of Sikh bravery and their determination to remain free.
Chhota Ghallughara and the Courage of the Khalsa
Even after Nadir Shah’s invasion, the persecution of Sikhs continued in Punjab. Mughal officials launched strict campaigns to stop the growing strength of the Sikh community. In 1746, Sikh groups were surrounded at the Kahnuwan marshes, where large numbers of Sikhs were killed. This tragic event is known in Sikh history as the Chhota Ghallughara, or the Lesser Sikh Holocaust.
The Sikhs suffered heavy losses of life and property. However, even after facing such violence, their courage remained strong. They continued to believe in their faith and remained determined to fight for freedom. Nawab Kapur Singh Ji played an important role in keeping the Sikh groups united and encouraging them to overcome this difficult period.
For the Sikhs, this was not only a struggle on the battlefield. It was also a struggle to protect their identity and organisation. During these difficult times, they supported one another, made collective decisions and continued to follow the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Their unity, cooperation and determination became their greatest strengths.
Establishment of Dal Khalsa and the Leadership of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
By the mid-18th century, several small and large Sikh groups were active in different parts of Punjab. These groups played an important role in resisting Mughal rule. However, they increasingly needed to unite under a common command to face larger military attacks.
On March 29, 1748, during Baisakhi, the Sarbat Khalsa held an important gathering at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. During this gathering, the Sikhs took steps to organise their groups more effectively and strengthen their combined military power. Strengthening the Dal Khalsa and developing the Misls helped the Sikhs emerge as an important political and military force.
Nawab Kapur Singh Ji showed his foresight by supporting capable and courageous leaders such as Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. He never placed his position or personal interests above the welfare of the Sikh Panth. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia later became an important figure in Sikh struggles and the history of the Misls.
Under Nawab Kapur Singh Ji’s leadership, the Singhpuria Misl also increased its influence. The Misl system provided Sikh chiefs with a strong foundation to manage different territories and resist outside attacks. Nawab Kapur Singh Ji was not only a brave general but also a devoted Gursikh with strong religious faith and a deep commitment to service. He gave special importance to Amrit Sanchar and the spread of Gurmat teachings. Inspired by his efforts, people from different sections of society joined the Khalsa Panth.
Raising His Voice Against Caste Discrimination and Social Inequality
The teachings of the Sikh Gurus strongly oppose caste discrimination and social inequality. They emphasise the importance of Sangat and Pangat, where people come together in equality, and teach that every person deserves equal respect. Nawab Kapur Singh Ji placed these principles at the centre of his life and service to the Panth.
Sikh historical accounts also mention his relationship with Baba Ala Singh Ji, the founder of the Patiala State. According to some popular accounts, Baba Ala Singh Ji received Amrit from Nawab Kapur Singh Ji. This incident reflects the religious connections and spirit of cooperation among Sikh leaders.
The Passing of Nawab Kapur Singh Ji
Nawab Kapur Singh Ji dedicated his entire life to serving the Guru Panth, protecting the Sikh community and strengthening Sikh organisations. Historical accounts also mention that his body carried several scars from the many battles and struggles he had faced. His life exemplified simplicity, bravery, and complete dedication to the Panth.
Most historians believe Nawab Kapur Singh Ji passed away in Amritsar in 1753. Some historical accounts record October 7 as the date of his passing, while others mention October 9. He had no children. After his death, his nephew, Sardar Khushal Singh, took over leadership of the Singhpuria Misl.
One of Nawab Kapur Singh Ji’s greatest contributions was bringing Sikh groups together and strengthening the idea of collective leadership within the Panth. His efforts helped the Sikhs maintain their military strength and religious identity. The organisation he helped build also played an important role in creating the conditions for the later rise of the Sikh Misls and the establishment of Sikh rule under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Jathedar Nawab Kapur Singh Ji was among the great leaders of Sikh history who worked continuously to unite the Khalsa Panth and maintain its Chardi Kala, or high spirits, during extremely difficult times. His bravery inspired the Sikhs to resist oppression.
His wisdom strengthened Sikh organisations, while his humility showed that service was more important than any position or title. His life teaches that a community’s real strength lies in unity, discipline, strong religious faith, and shared purpose. Despite receiving the title of Nawab, he always considered himself a servant of the Panth. He also never hesitated to encourage capable leaders to take on greater responsibilities. Nawab Kapur Singh Ji’s personality, leadership and contributions will continue to inspire people and hold an important place in Sikh history.
Article by: Savinder Kaur
Read this article in Punjabi and Hindi
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