Jalandhar State, Forgotten Kingdom
Written By: R L Aggarwal
Email us at: aggarwal1992@rediffmail.com
Date: 06-06-2012
Jalandhar has a long history. Most of the facts about Jalandhar Kingdom has been forgotten and lost in time. In ancient times, Jalandhar was known as Prasthal. Many mysterious tribes used to wander around Prasthal city. It was famous city of Ancient India. There were many Hindu temples in Jalandhar during the ancient times and middle ages of India.
And, many historic records about Jalandhar history have been destroyed by foreign musalman invaders, sikh warlords, and East India Company.
Most of the Hindu temples were destroyed by Musalman (muslims) invaders in the middle ages. Some of the Hindu temples were destroyed by Sikh warlords during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Hundreds of battles were fought for Jalandhar city during the middle ages of India, especially from 990 to 1947. But, power kept shifting from one to another.
During 1750, there were famous rulers of Jalandhar and they were known as Chiefs. Their descendants were known as Lala Chiefs of Jalandhar. Lala Chiefs were the lords of Jalandhar State. Lala Chiefs were the rulers of Jalandhar State in around 1690. They were traders and helped many other Hindu traders to settled in Jalandhar between 1700 to 1850. They were the real Lalas (businessmen) of Jalandhar. They believed in Hindu religion.
Lala means that the business owner or swami (lord). They were prospering and powerful till 1850. After this time they began to lose their power because of growing numbers of muslim invaders and warlords.
The Timeline of Jalandhar State
Jalandhar is a Hindu kingdom and it was a prosper state. Lala Chiefs were in full control of Jalandhar. Between 1700 to 1750, Jalandhar has grown into a rich state. Amar Balram was one of the famous rulers of Jalandhar State.
In around 1757, many Hindu temples of Jalandhar State were destroyed by Ahmad Shah Durani. At the end of 1757, 90% Hindu temples were destroyed and few of them left. During the same year, Durani army had destroyed lots of Budhist vihars (temple).
Many Sikh groups and Sikh warlords had grown in 1780 in Punjab, India. And, these war lords began to penetrate Jalandhar State.
Between 1700 and 1825, Lala Chiefs had become powerful rulers. They helped thousands of traders and shop owners to settle in Jalandhar State. Many Businesses had grown in Jalandhar gradually during this time. The Hindu population of Jalandhar had also grown.
In the beginning Lala Chiefs were cloth traders and they used to supply clothes to other cities, Nama Shahar, Nakodar, Banga, and many more.
Many times Jalandhar State was attacked by musalman warlords; and muslim tyrants looted lots of resources of Lala Chiefs. But, Lala Chiefs managed to escape after so many attacks. The army of Lala Chiefs was not big, so they were not able to attack muslim territory. Lala Chiefs were on the defense side because of their small army. Moreover, Lala Chiefs never attacked any Hindu Kingdoms because they wanted to have friendly relations with other neighboring kingdoms.
From 1800 to 1830, there were many battles between Sikhs and Muslim invaders that weaken the Jalandhar State. Lots of battles among Sikh groups (misl) and Sikh warlords had destroyed many new established villages and other areas of Jalandhar State.
In 1846, British East India company had seized Jalandhar State. British had destroyed and looted many historic records and shops.
From 1850 to 1890, tons of battles between Sikh groups had torn the Jalandhar State. Lala Chiefs had further weakened due to continuous battles among Sikhs, muslims, and British army.
1857 Vidroh (mutiny), Lala Chiefs supported freedom of Bharat (India) and other Hindu Kingdoms against English occupation. Lala Chiefs were against East India company because it has looted almost every city of India.
After 1900, Jalandhar State lost its glory because British East India company had looted Lala Community in Jalandhar and destroyed many Havelis (mansion) of Lala Chiefs and community. By 1900, Lala rulers were weaken by wars, warlords, and East India company.
In 1915, Lala Chiefs lost their power around this time. Lala Chiefs and their community were in critical situation.
Around 1950, Lala Chiefs have moved to Phagwara, capital of Jalandhar State, due to political turmoil. Around this time, Lala Chiefs have moved to Ludhiana for their protection and for new hope. Many other settled in Phagwara.
Nowadays, there are no old Havelis (mansions) and Kothis (big house) left in Jalandhar. There is no old business or glory left of Lala Chiefs. But, their glorious history is alive. Their struggle is continue to attain their old glory. They believe in Hindu Religion. Now, new ruler is preparing to rule Jalandhar State. He is young and courageous. The present Lala Chief and ruler of Jalandhar State is Lala Prithvi Veer Kultham.
