Lehal Library

208 Punjab Monarchy and Imperialism Second Tour of Malwa: Affiliation of the Hill States On his return from Multan the Maharajah received a second invitation to visit Patiala. This was from Sahib Singh's wife, As Kaur, asking for his good offices to settle a dispute with her husband regarding the succession of her son. Ranjit Singh arrived in Patiala at the head of a large army. The Cis-Sutlej chiefs once more acknowledged his suzerainty by paying him tributes in money and expensive presents. His verdict was a careful compromise. Sahjb Singh was to continue as Maharajah as long as he lived; his son, Karam Singh, was to receive ajagir of Rs 50,000 a year. Both parties accepted the judgment and paid the 'arbitrator's fee'; the Raja gave Rs 70,000 in precious stones; the Maharani, a brass cannon. On his way back from Patiala, Ranjit Singh ordered an assault on Naraingarh, where the Raja of Sirmoor, who had refused to acknowledge the Durbar, was at that time. Naraingarh was taken after a heavy loss of life: among those killed was Fateh Singh Kalianwala. The Maharajah proceeded on his homeward march through Whadru, Morinda, Zira, and other towns in the district of Ferozepur. On the way he heard of the death of another of his companions, Tara Singh Gheba, head of the Dallewalia misl. He retraced his steps to offer his condolences. He fixed a pension for the widow and the deceased's family, and incorporated the Dallewalia's forces into the state army. The estates, which were worth over seven lacs a year in revenue, extending over the towns of Rabon, Nakodar, and Naushera, were merged with the Durbar. The administration of the Dallewalia estates name and Lhe uniform from the Mughals. The order is said Lo have been founded by one of the elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The nihangs were also known as akalis (servitors of the Timeless God). Members of the present-day Akali party wear blue turbans.