Nihang commander under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and head of the Akal Bunga; 1761-1823

Akali Phula Singh

also Baba Phula Singh

Raised by Baba Narain Singh of the Shahid misl, Akali Phula Singh ran the Amritsar gurdwaras, led the Akali troops in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's wars, and once punished the Maharaja for breaking the Sikh code. He was killed at Naushehra in 1823.

1761–1823

Born

1761[EoS]

Passed away

14 March 1823[EoS]

Early life

Born in 1761 at Shihan in the Sangrur area, he lost his father at Kup in 1762. Baba Narain Singh, also called Naina Singh, raised him, and he led the band after his guardian's passing. He moved to Amritsar in 1800.[EoS]

At Amritsar

When Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Amritsar in January 1802, he mediated and prevented bloodshed, then took charge of the gurdwaras. In 1809 his men attacked the Muslim escort of Charles Metcalfe. As head of the Akal Bunga he once put the Maharaja under punishment.[EoS][EoS]

In the wars

He fought at Kasur in 1807 and was given barracks at Amritsar, later known as Akalian di Chhauni. His Akalis stormed Multan in 1818 and served in Peshawar and Kashmir. At Naushehra in March 1823 he charged with 1,500 men, moved to an elephant when his horse was shot, and was killed on 14 March. The Afghans lost the battle.[EoS]

Images

Akali Phula Singh by a Company artist, about 1865, long after his lifetime. From the album The Kingdom of the Punjab, its Rulers and Chiefs.
Unknown Company artist, c. 1865. Public domain. Source