Fateh Singh Ahluwalia

Fateh Singh Ahluvalia (also spelled as Ahluwalia) (b. 1784 – d. 1837) was the ruler of the Kapurthala State between 10 July 1801 – 20 October 1837.

Early life Fateh Singh, born in 1784, took over as leader of the Ahluwalia Misl in 1801 after his father Bhag Singh Ahluwalia was killed at Phagwara. Seeking justice, Fatah Singh seized Phagwara and Banga from Chaudhri Chuhar Mal. Known for his peaceful nature, he focused on maintaining his own territories. Around this time, Ranjit Singh emerged as the most powerful Sikh sardar in Punjab, with ambitions to eliminate smaller sardars and consolidate power. Ranjit Singh set his sights on Fateh Singh Ahluwalia and sought to form an alliance.

Chaudhri Qadir Bakhsh, a trusted advisor, encouraged Fateh Singh to form a friendship with Ranjit Singh, who had demonstrated his friendship with Muslims through words and actions. In 1801, the two young leaders, Ranjit Singh and Fateh Singh, exchanged turbans, symbolizing their brotherhood, and took an oath to preserve their bond. This marked the beginning of their strategic partnership. Fateh Singh would go on to support Ranjit Singh in various Campaigns, including Kasur, Malwa, Kangra, and Multan, solidifying their alliance.

Following his flight, Fateh Singh sought British protection for his territories, and the Governor-General affirmed his control over villages in the Cis-Satluj region while declining to intervene in his trans-Satluj territory. The Agent Governor-General at Ludhiana intervened, advising Ranjit Singh against confiscating the Kapurthala state in the Jalandhar Doab. Consequently, Ranjit Singh recalled his troops and extended an invitation to Fateh Singh to return. Fateh Singh accepted the offer and returned to Kapurthala in 1826, retaining control over his territory in the Jalandhar Doab while relinquishing other lands west of the Beas River to Ranjit Singh.

As noted by historian Lepel Griffin, "English influence barely sufficed to save Sardar Fateh Singh." Following Fateh Singh's death, the Ahluwalia Misl transformed into the Kapurthala state, modeled after the Phulkian state.

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