Dewan Mokham Chand

Diwan Mokham Chand (died 16 or 29 October 1814) was one of the chief commanders of the Sikh Empire. He conquered Attock from the Durrani Afghans in 1813 and subdued the Rajputs in the Hills of Himachal and in Jammu at Jasrota, Chamba, and Basohli. He also commanded one of the early Sikh expeditions to conquer Kashmir that ended in failure due to bad weather blocking the passes to the valley. Mokham Chand was born in a Hindu Khatri family.

Early life

Mohkam Chand was born in a Hindu Khatri family of a Kochhar background, to Vaisakhi Mal, a tradesman from the village of Kunjah near Gujrat. He helped with many conquests between the years 1806–1814.

In September 1808, he was responsible for receiving the British East India Company envoy Charles Metcalf at Kasur alongside Fateh Singh Ahluwalia, for the former's visit to Lahore. The Diwan left his elephant, mounted a horse and personally leading his reserves fell upon the disorganized Afghans. The Sikhs plundered the provisions of the Afghans. Besides Diwan Mohkam Chand, Jodh Singh Kalsia, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia, and Sardar Dal Singh, and Diwan Ram Dayal (1799–1820) also took part in fighting against Afghans at Hazro. Fateh Khan fled to Peshawar. Thus the victory for the Sikhs was complete. Hukam Singh Chimni was appointed qiladar of the fort of Attock.

Death and successors

Diwan Mohkam Chand died at Phillaur on 29 October 1814. His son, Diwan Moti Ram, and grandson, Diwan Kirpa Ram, served as governors of Kashmir. Diwan Ram Dayal, known for his 'vigilance and smartness in the art of soldiery', succeeded his grandfather as the commander of the State Troops. He was killed in Hazara in 1820 while quelling an insurrection. His compatriot, Hari Singh Nalwa, built a memorial to honour him in Haripur.

Diwan Mohkam Chand was one of the architects of the Sikh Empire who rose by dint of merit to the post of Diwan and virtually the commander-in-chief of the Sikh forces. N. K. Sinha observes. "As a general, he was uniformly successful and from 1806 to 1814 the annexations of Ranjit were due not only to his own irresistible cunning but also to Mohkam Chand's military talents." Ranjit Singh always held him in high esteem. He had a sound knowledge of military tactics and strategy. He did not suffer a defeat; he was an ever victorious General.

Moti Ram and Kirpa Ram rendered commendable service at the Court of Lahore over decades, yet both father and son were hounded and forced to leave for Benaras due to the undue influence of Dhian Singh, who succeeded in eliminating this "great and influential" family at the Court of Lahore.