Baba Ala Singh, born in 1691, was a key figure in the history of the Sikhs and the Indian subcontinent. He is most renowned for founding the Patiala Kingdom, which became one of the most powerful and influential Sikh states in Punjab. 

 

More than just a warrior, he was a statesman who navigated complex political landscapes, made pivotal decisions to expand his territories, and ensured the longevity of his rule. Under his leadership, Patiala emerged as a bastion of Sikh sovereignty and cultural growth, with its foundation marking a significant milestone in the history of Punjab.

 

Early Life and Ancestry (1691)

Baba Ala Singh was born in 1691 into the influential Phulkian Misl, one of the prominent Sikh Misls of the 18th century. The Phulkian Misl was founded by his ancestor, Phul, from whom the dynasty takes its name. Phul’s descendants ruled over large parts of Punjab, making the Phulkian Misl one of the most politically significant confederacies among the Sikhs.

 

From a young age, Baba Ala Singh was deeply immersed in the Sikh faith and the martial traditions that were essential to the Sikh way of life during this time. Sikhism, with its principles of equality, justice, and the protection of the weak, provided him with a strong moral and spiritual foundation. At the same time, he was exposed to the militaristic culture of the Misls, who were involved in protecting Sikh territories from external threats like the Mughal Empire and Afghan invaders.

 

His upbringing combined the spiritual teachings of Sikhism with the martial values of the Sikh warrior tradition. This dual influence prepared Baba Ala Singh for the tumultuous times ahead, instilling in him the courage and strategic acumen that would later define his leadership. Trained in arms and raised with a deep sense of duty to protect his people, Baba Ala Singh was molded into a warrior-leader who was not only skilled in battle but also committed to upholding the values of his faith and community.

 

These early influences would shape his future as a ruler and warrior, guiding his actions as he navigated the complex political and military landscape of 18th-century Punjab.

 

Sikh Identity and Role in Dal Khalsa (1732)

In 1732, Baba Ala Singh took a significant step in affirming his identity and dedication to Sikhism by receiving Pahul, the initiation into the Khalsa. This sacred ceremony was conducted under the guidance of Kapur Singh, the leader of the Dal Khalsa, the collective body of Sikhs who were dedicated to protecting and expanding Sikh sovereignty. Taking Pahul was not merely a religious act but a commitment to uphold the Khalsa ideals of equality, justice, and martial defense of the Sikh community.

 

This initiation marked Baba Ala Singh’s formal alignment with the Khalsa, the spiritual and martial brotherhood established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The Khalsa represented the warrior-saint ideal in Sikhism, where each member was expected to embody the values of courage, righteousness, and unwavering faith. Baba Ala Singh’s entry into the Khalsa symbolized his commitment to these principles, reinforcing his personal and political identity as a defender of the Sikh faith.

 

Under the leadership of Kapur Singh, the Dal Khalsa was organizing the Sikh Misls to collectively resist external threats, particularly the Mughals and later Ahmad Shah Durrani. Although Baba Ala Singh would later develop his own kingdom, his early affiliation with the Dal Khalsa positioned him as a key player in the Sikh resistance movement. His ties to the Khalsa also garnered him support from the Sikh community, particularly from the surrounding villages that recognized his authority and leadership.

This pivotal moment in 1732 cemented Baba Ala Singh’s identity as a Sikh warrior-leader, setting the foundation for his future role as both a protector of the Sikh community and the architect of the Patiala Kingdom.

 

Rise to Prominence

 

Baba Ala Singh's rise to prominence in the early 18th century came during a period of intense political instability in Punjab, following the decline of the Mughal Empire.

As a leader of the Phulkian Misl, he emerged as a key figure by combining military strength with astute diplomacy, navigating the shifting political landscape with foresight. While engaged in battles against Mughal, Afghan, and local forces, Baba Ala Singh also strategically forged alliances with neighboring Sikh Misls, consolidating his power step by step.

His pivotal conquest of Sanaur in 1752 marked the beginning of his territorial expansion, and by 1760, he controlled 726 villages, establishing himself as one of the most powerful Sikh leaders. His ability to maneuver through threats like Ahmad Shah Durrani's invasions and the crumbling Mughal authority highlighted his tactical intelligence.

Ultimately, Baba Ala Singh transformed the Phulkian Misl into the Patiala Kingdom, cementing his legacy as a visionary leader, both a warrior and a statesman, who helped shape the political future of Punjab.

 

Custody Under 'Ali Muhammad Khan Ruhila (1745-48)

Between 1745 and 1748, Baba Ala Singh faced a setback when he was imprisoned by 'Ali Muhammad Khan Ruhila, the Mughal governor of Sirhind, reflecting the tense relationship between the rising Sikh powers and the weakening Mughal Empire. 

Sirhind, a key Mughal administrative center, became a battleground for control as Baba Ala Singh expanded his influence. His growing threat led to his imprisonment, symbolizing the broader struggle between the Mughals and the Sikhs. 

 

However, his fortunes shifted in February 1748, when Ahmad Shah Durrani launched his first invasion of India, prompting 'Ali Muhammad Khan to flee Sirhind, and leading to Baba Ala Singh's release. 

This event highlighted the fragility of Mughal power and Durrani’s growing influence. Baba Ala Singh’s ability to recover from imprisonment not only demonstrated his resilience but also gave him valuable insights into the weaknesses of the Mughals and emerging threats like Durrani. 

 

This experience furthered his tactical acumen, reinforcing his prominence and setting the stage for his continued rise in power.

 

Battle of Manupur (11 March 1748)

Shortly after his release from custody in 1748, Baba Ala Singh played a crucial role in the Battle of Manupur, fought on 11 March 1748, near Sirhind between Mughal forces and the invading army of Ahmad Shah Durrani. 

This battle was part of Durrani's first invasion of India, which aimed to assert Afghan dominance over northern India by plundering Mughal territories. Durrani’s invasions threatened both the crumbling Mughal Empire and local powers like the Sikh Misls. 

 

Seeing an opportunity to protect his territory and reassert his influence, Baba Ala Singh strategically aligned himself with the Mughals. Despite the Mughal decline, they were still a force to reckon with, and his decision to side with them proved to be a critical turning point. 

In the battle, Baba Ala Singh used his tactical acumen to deal a significant blow to Durrani’s forces by cutting off their supply lines, capturing key resources such as camels and horses. This disruption severely weakened the Afghan army, making it difficult for Durrani to sustain his forces. Baba Ala Singh’s intervention helped the Mughals stave off a potential collapse, allowing them to defend against the invasion more effectively. 

 

Though the battle did not result in a clear victory for either side, Baba Ala Singh’s role showcased his strategic brilliance and solidified his reputation as a formidable military leader. His ability to quickly adapt and understand the importance of logistics in warfare marked him as a rising force in the region.

 

Conflict with Farid Khan (1749)

In 1749, Baba Ala Singh faced a significant challenge from Farid Khan, a Rajput chieftain backed by the Mughal governor of Sirhind, who attempted to build a fort in Bhavanigarh, a strategic location that would have threatened Baba Ala Singh's growing influence. 

 

Recognizing the danger this posed to his control over the region, Baba Ala Singh moved swiftly to confront Farid Khan. A direct military conflict ensued, resulting in a decisive victory for Baba Ala Singh. 

His strategic leadership, combined with the loyalty and strength of his forces, allowed him to defeat and repel Farid Khan, preventing the construction of the fort. This victory not only secured Bhavanigarh but also sent a clear message to surrounding rulers about Baba Ala Singh's military prowess and dominance. 

 

The successful defense further solidified his reputation as a powerful leader within the Phulkian Misl and reinforced his growing influence across Punjab, demonstrating his ability to swiftly neutralize rivals and defend his territories.

 

Conquest of Sanaur (1752)

In 1752, Baba Ala Singh achieved a major turning point with the conquest of Sanaur, also known as Chaurasi, a prosperous district consisting of 84 villages. This territory was strategically important due to its fertile agricultural land and wealth, which made it a highly valuable acquisition. Located near Patiala, Sanaur’s capture significantly expanded Baba Ala Singh’s territorial control and bolstered his resources, helping him further consolidate his power in a region marked by constant political turmoil.

 

This conquest not only provided Baba Ala Singh with economic strength, thanks to the fertile lands, but also solidified his position as a formidable leader in Punjab. His growing influence among the Sikh Misls was further cemented by his ability to subdue large territories like Sanaur, showcasing his strength both as a military leader and a ruler who could govern newly acquired lands effectively.

 

The capture of Sanaur was also a crucial precursor to the foundation of Patiala. With the addition of these 84 villages to his growing domain, Baba Ala Singh gained the stability and resources needed to establish a permanent seat of power. It was after this conquest that Baba Ala Singh began to lay the groundwork for Patiala to become his capital, where he would later construct the Qila Mubarak fort. This fort became the administrative and military heart of his kingdom, symbolizing the formal establishment of the Patiala Kingdom.

The conquest of Sanaur thus played a key role in transforming Baba Ala Singh from a regional Misl leader into the ruler of a well-established and powerful Sikh state.

 

Expansion and Control of Villages (by 1760)

By 1760, Baba Ala Singh had firmly established himself as a dominant leader in Punjab, with control over an impressive 726 villages. This marked a significant leap in his territorial expansion and underscored his rapid rise in power within the Phulkian Misl and among the broader Sikh Misls. His ability to accumulate such vast lands was a testament to his strategic vision, military acumen, and diplomatic skills, which allowed him to consolidate his influence during one of the most volatile periods in the region’s history.

 

Rapid Territorial Expansion
Baba Ala Singh’s expansionist agenda began with smaller conquests like the capture of Sanaur (Chaurasi) in 1752, but over the next decade, his ambitions grew exponentially. As the Mughal Empire continued to weaken, and Punjab faced external threats from Ahmad Shah Durrani’s invasions, Baba Ala Singh seized the opportunity to extend his territorial control. Through a combination of military campaigns, political alliances, and strategic marriages, he methodically expanded his domain, absorbing numerous villages and districts.

 

By the end of 1760, he had consolidated control over 726 villages, a staggering number that reflected his growing prominence in the region. These villages, spread across fertile and strategically important areas of Punjab, provided Baba Ala Singh with the agricultural and economic base necessary to sustain his army and his administration.

 

Role in the Battle of Panipat (1761)

In the Third Battle of Panipat on 14 January 1761, a major conflict between the Maratha Empire and Ahmad Shah Durrani (also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali), Baba Ala Singh played a crucial support role, despite not being directly involved in the battle. As Durrani sought to dominate northern India and the Marathas rose to challenge him, the Maratha forces found themselves blockaded and cut off from supplies by Durrani’s forces, leaving them in a vulnerable position.

 

Recognizing the opportunity to forge a strategic alliance, Baba Ala Singh, who was expanding his influence in Punjab, decided to provide the Marathas with food grains and provisions during their blockade. Although this act of support was indirect and carried political risks, it demonstrated Baba Ala Singh’s diplomatic acumen. His aid to the Marathas, while risky given Durrani’s power, was a calculated move that could have strengthened ties with the Marathas had they emerged victorious.

 

Baba Ala Singh’s support, though the Marathas eventually suffered a crushing defeat, showcased his ability to navigate complex political dynamics. By aiding the Marathas without directly confronting Durrani, Baba Ala Singh balanced diplomacy with caution, ensuring that he did not provoke Durrani while still positioning himself as a potential ally to the Marathas. This episode highlighted his strategic foresight in managing alliances, securing his territories, and avoiding direct conflict with a powerful external force.

 

Recognition as Raja by Ahmad Shah Durrani (March 1761)

Shortly after the Third Battle of Panipat, on 29 March 1761, Ahmad Shah Durrani formally recognized Baba Ala Singh’s growing authority by granting him the title of Raja. This recognition came in the form of a written decree that legitimized Baba Ala Singh’s rule over the territories he had acquired and marked a pivotal moment in his political ascent.

 

In addition to the title of Raja, Durrani awarded Baba Ala Singh with royal insignia, which included:

 

Robes of honor: A symbol of royal recognition and status.

A drum and a banner: Traditional insignia that marked Baba Ala Singh as a sovereign ruler, representing his authority and the independence of his rule.

This decree from Ahmad Shah Durrani was a significant moment for Baba Ala Singh, as it cemented his position not only among his peers in the Phulkian Misl but also in the eyes of the Afghan invader, who held immense power in the region at the time. While Durrani was a fierce opponent of many Sikh leaders, his recognition of Baba Ala Singh underscored the latter’s political and military achievements, as well as his ability to maintain relationships with various factions.

 

Neutrality in the Vadda Ghallughara (1762)

In February 1762, during the Vadda Ghallughara (Great Carnage), Ahmad Shah Durrani launched a brutal campaign against the Sikhs, resulting in the massacre of tens of thousands of Sikhs. Amidst this catastrophe, Baba Ala Singh made the controversial decision to remain neutral, a choice that had significant repercussions for both him and the Phulkian Misl.

 

The Vadda Ghallughara was part of Durrani’s efforts to crush Sikh resistance in Punjab. The Dal Khalsa—the collective Sikh Misls—fought valiantly but faced devastating losses. While many Sikh leaders fought to defend their people, Baba Ala Singh opted not to engage in the conflict. His neutrality was seen by many Sikhs as a betrayal, leading to the Phulkian Misl being excluded from the Dal Khalsa, a reflection of the deep sense of disappointment and anger felt by the Sikh community.

 

This decision, however, did not spare Baba Ala Singh from Durrani’s wrath. Despite Durrani having previously recognized Baba Ala Singh as Raja, he punished him for not actively supporting his campaign. In retaliation, Durrani devastated the town of Barnala, a key territory under Baba Ala Singh’s control. The destruction of Barnala was a harsh blow, both materially and symbolically, demonstrating the cost of Baba Ala Singh’s neutrality during a pivotal moment in Sikh history.

Baba Ala Singh’s neutrality during the Vadda Ghallughara remains a controversial aspect of his legacy. While his decision might have been made to preserve his kingdom and avoid further devastation, it distanced him from the broader Sikh cause at a time when unity was crucial. Nevertheless, his neutrality did allow him to retain his territories and continue consolidating his power, but it came at the cost of alienating some sections of the Sikh community.

 

Interaction with Ahmad Shah Durrani (1762)

By 1764, Baba Ala Singh had solidified his position as a formidable leader in Punjab, navigating through numerous challenges. 

 

That year, he formed a key alliance with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, leader of the Ahluwalia Misl, during the Sikh attack on Sirhind, a critical Mughal stronghold. This attack was part of the broader Sikh effort to diminish Mughal influence in Punjab, and Baba Ala Singh’s involvement highlighted his willingness to support the Sikh cause when it aligned with his own strategic interests.

 

Following the Sikh victory, Baba Ala Singh purchased Sirhind from Bhai Buddha Singh, who had been assigned the city by the Khalsa. This move was not only a demonstration of Baba Ala Singh’s growing financial strength but also a calculated acquisition of a vital city that had long been a center of Mughal power, symbolizing the shift in authority from the Mughals to the Sikh Misls. 

His control over Sirhind significantly expanded his influence. In 1765, during Ahmad Shah Durrani’s seventh invasion, Durrani formally confirmed Baba Ala Singh’s rule over Sirhind, reaffirming his title of Raja. 

 

Despite their earlier conflicts, including the devastation of Barnala, Baba Ala Singh’s pragmatic diplomacy enabled him to maintain a working relationship with Durrani, which further legitimized his sovereignty. 

This final confirmation by Durrani marked the pinnacle of Baba Ala Singh’s territorial ambitions, establishing him as one of the most powerful rulers in the region, capable of managing the strategic and symbolic city of Sirhind amidst the shifting political dynamics of mid-18th-century Punjab.

 

Politically, Durrani’s recognition offered Baba Ala Singh practical advantages, such as a degree of protection from Afghan interference, allowing him to focus on internal consolidation and expansion without fear of immediate military pressure. It also stabilized the region by endorsing a ruler who had proven capable of managing it. The title of Raja and the accompanying symbols marked Baba Ala Singh's transition from a regional Misl leader to a sovereign ruler, laying the foundation for the creation of the Patiala Kingdom, one of the most influential Sikh states in Punjab’s history.

 

Foundation of Patiala (1763)

In 1763, Baba Ala Singh laid the foundation for what would become the Patiala Kingdom, a significant Sikh state that would endure for centuries. The key moment in this process was the construction of Qila Mubarak, a fort in Patiala that would serve as his permanent seat of power and the administrative heart of his expanding kingdom. The decision to build this fort was both strategic and symbolic, representing Baba Ala Singh's vision for a stable and sovereign Sikh state. Qila Mubarak functioned as a military and administrative headquarters, allowing Baba Ala Singh to govern his territories, oversee military campaigns, and engage in diplomatic negotiations.

 

The foundation of Patiala marked the formal establishment of the Patiala Kingdom, positioning the city as a political and cultural hub in Punjab. It became a beacon of Sikh sovereignty, symbolizing the strength and resilience of Sikh rulers amidst the decline of Mughal authority and invasions by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Patiala’s location in a fertile and central area of Punjab was also critical, enabling Baba Ala Singh to effectively manage his expanding territories. Over time, Patiala grew into a thriving center of Sikh culture, administration, and military strategy, further elevating the prestige of the Patiala Kingdom as a powerful force in the region.

 

Death and Cremation (1765)

 

After decades of military conquests, strategic alliances, and establishing the Patiala Kingdom, Baba Ala Singh passed away on 7 August 1765 in Patiala, marking the end of a significant era for Punjab and the Sikh Misls. As a powerful Sikh ruler, he carved out a lasting Sikh state amid the chaos of 18th-century India.

By his death, his kingdom was well-established, with Qila Mubarak as his power center, and he had gained recognition as Raja from Ahmad Shah Durrani, governing key territories like Sirhind. His legacy, marked by resilience, strategic skill, and diplomacy, solidified his place in Sikh history.

Baba Ala Singh was cremated within Qila Mubarak, underscoring his deep connection to Patiala and leaving the fort as both his final resting place and a monument to the dynasty he founded.

 

Conclusion

 

Baba Ala Singh, emerging from the Phulkian Misl, made a significant impact on Sikh history through his vision and military skill. His leadership established control over areas like Patiala and Sirhind, demonstrating his capabilities as both a warrior and a diplomat.

 

As the founder of the Patiala Kingdom, Baba Ala Singh left a lasting legacy that deeply influenced Sikh culture and political stability. The Patiala Dynasty he started continued to shape Punjab and India's history for many generations, lasting well into the 20th century.

 

 

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