Hari Singh Nalwa

Published: 6th Sep, 2021

Context

Hari Singh Nalwa, a legendary Sikh commander, earned the reputation of the most fearless Sikh warrior in Afghanistan.

Key facts on Hari Singh Nalwa

Hari Singh Nalwa was one of the main and most trustworthy commanders of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s
He remained Governor of Kashmir, Hazara and Peshawar.
He defeated various Afghans and established control over various regions along the boundary of Afghanistan and prevented Afghans from entering Punjab through Khyber Pass.
- Khyber Pass was the main route to enter India by the foreign invaders from 1000 AD till early 19th century.
Hari Singh Nalwa was the biggest strength of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The government of India released a stamp on the name of Nalwa in 2013, for his bravery and ferocity.

Important Battles

Most of the important battles were fought under the command of Hari Singh Nalwa.
Hari Singh Nalwa participated in various battles against Afghans because of which Afghans lost their control over various Afghan-held territories.
Battle of Kasur: In 1807, at the age of 16, he participated in the Battle of Kasur (now in Pakistan) and defeated Afghani ruler Kutab-ud-din Khan.
Battle of Peshawar: In 1818, Sikh army under Nalwa won the Battle of Peshawar and
The Battle of Multan, Hazara, Manekera, Kashmir also expanded Sikh empire by defeating Afghans.
Such victories over Afghans created huge fear of Nalwa among the Afghans because of which his name is used to take in front of unruly children by their mothers.
Nalwa remained stationed at Peshawar to keep an eye on the Afghan-Punjab border.

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