Conquest of Multan by Ranjit Singh

The ancient city of Multan was an important place in the Punjab for commercial and strategic point of view.It was one of Ranjit Singh’s favourite objects to conquer and annex the city.At the time of Ranjit Singh’s accession to power, Multan was held by Muzzafar Khan who was a tributary of the ruler of Kabul but independent of every external control.

Ranjit Singh’s expeditions during 1803-1817 :

Ranjit Singh led his first expedition against Multan in 1802 A.D. and exacted a large tribute from its ruler and returned to Lahore.He sent other expeditions to Multan in 1803, 1807, 1810 and 1816-17 A.D. and every time exacted a large tribute from Muzzafar Khan.Multan, However, retained its independence.

Ranjit Singh’s last expedition (1818) to Multan and its final conquest :

Ranjit Singh now determined to annex Multan and made preparations for its final conquest.On January 1814, a large Sikh Force numbering about 15,000, men under the nominal leadership of Prince Kharak Singh but in reality commanded by Mir Diwan Chand set out from Lahore to resistance and laid siege to the fort.Nawab Muzzaffar Khan with a strong garrison of 300 men shut himself into the fort.The Nawab defied the dashing attacks of the Sikhs for four months with his unrivalled bravery, fealts of strength and art of war.
At last on June 2, 1818, Akali Sadhu Singh, with a few desparadoes of his sect made a determined attack and got into the fort and took the Afghans by surprise.The Sikh forces on seeing Sadhu Singh’s success, advanced into the fort.The Nawab with his eight sons and the remnants of the garrison, stood sword in hand determined to fight to death.The Battle continued until the Nawab, his two sons and nephew fell dead.The Sikhs captured the fort in June 1818 and took to loot and plunder of the city.When the news of the conquest of Multan reached Maharaja Ranjit Singh,his joy knew no bounds.The towns of Lahore and Amritsar were illuminated.Misr Diwan Chand, the hero victorious, was given rich presents and the proud title of Zaffar Jang-Victor in War.
The civil administration of the conquered territories which comprised roughly the modern districts of Multan and Muzaffar Nagar was entrusted to Sukh Dayal and the military administration to Babu Baj Singh.

Results and significance of the Conquest of Multan :

The conquest of Multan was the most remarkable achievements of Ranjit Singh and had far reaching results.

In the first place, it enhanced the prestige of Ranjit Singh among his enemies.He has now hailed as a conqueror and a general.

Secondly, Ranjit Singh’s occupation of Multan gave a death-blow to the Afghan influence in the Punjab.Henceforth the Afghans did not remain a power to be reckoned with in the politics of Punjab.

Thirdly, it increased the revenues resources of Ranjit Singh.It has been calculated that Multan alone yielded an annual income of nearly seven Lakh rupees.This increase in the income of the Maharaja further facilitated his conquests of North-Western territories and provided him with resources for other expeditions.

Fourthly, the occupation of Multan by Ranjit Singh opened the road to Sindh.It quickly sharpened his appetite for Sindh and he now began to toy with the idea of expanding his kingdom in the directionof sea.

Lastly, the possession of Multan also proved to be useful to Ranjit Singh from commercial and strategic importance as it lay on the direct route from Delhi to Kandhar.It had a commercial importance as it was through Multan that the trade with Sindh and Kandhar territories was carried on.

By: Harman Sandhu