Jawahir Singh
(b.1809 d.1877)

Jawahir Singh

 

Jawahir Singh, son of Hari Singh Nalwa, actively participated in his father’s peacekeeping efforts along the northwest frontier in the 1830s. He was entrusted by his father to fortify Attock and managed the fort of Jahangira and Peshawar across the Indus. After Hari Singh Nalwa’s death, Ranjit Singh's Italian general, Ventura, recommended Jawahir Singh to succeed his father, but this was contingent on a tribute the family couldn't afford.

Following Ranjit Singh's demise in 1839, the East India Company began documenting Sikh military leaders. Jawahir Singh and Arjun Singh were noted for their valor in defending against the English. Jawahir Singh was vocal about fighting for independence while others in Punjab switched loyalty for personal gain. He was arrested early in the conflict but escaped and gained support due to his military fame and family name.

In 1848, he joined Sher Singh Attariwala, and distinguished himself in battles against the British at Chillianwala and Gujrat. His leadership of a decisive cavalry charge at Chillianwala confounded British historians despite their numerical advantage.

After Punjab's annexation in 1849, the Nalwa family fell into obscurity. Jawahir Singh lost his land grant. During the 1857 Rebellion, Sikhs aligned with the British against the Hindustani rebels. Jawahir Singh was selected by the Chief Commissioner as a senior officer in the First Sikh Cavalry, later known as Probyn's Horse.

In 1862, Jawahir Singh was appointed Honorary Magistrate of Gujranwala, where he lived until his death. He left his estate to Sujan Singh Bedi (Una), the family priest.