Afghanistan, colloquially known as the graveyard of empires, has historically been a region that eluded complete control by any singular power. However, Hari Singh Nalwa, an esteemed Sikh commander, managed to stabilize the volatile forces in the region and gained notoriety as the most feared Sikh warrior in Afghanistan.
Hari Singh Nalwa: The Feared Sikh Warrior
Hari Singh Nalwa was not just a commander, he was a significant figure in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s force. For context, Ranjit Singh was the founder and maharaja (ruler) of the Sikh kingdom of Punjab from 1801–39. Apart from his military exploits, Nalwa also served as the Governor of Kashmir, Hazara, and Peshawar.
Nalwa’s Confrontations with Afghans
Nalwa was primarily renowned for his victories over numerous Afghans and his subsequent control over various regions along the border of Afghanistan. Despite Afghanistan’s reputation as an unconquered region, Nalwa successfully deterred Afghans from wreaking havoc on the North-West Frontier. He achieved this feat by establishing control over several areas along the Afghanistan border and through the strategic Khyber pass, preventing Afghans from entering Punjab. Historically, the Khyber Pass was the main ingress route into India for foreign invaders from 1000 AD until the early 19th century.
A record of Bravery and Fierce Battles
In a particularly noteworthy instance, Nalwa managed to vanquish thousands from the Hazars, a prominent Afghan tribe, despite being outnumbered three-to-one. His courage and ferocity were officially recognized by the government of India in 2013 through the release of a stamp bearing Nalwa’s name.
Nalwa’s Battle Record
Nalwa’s military career was marked by several significant battles. In the 1807 Battle of Kasur (now in Pakistan), he defeated Afghani ruler Kutab-ud-din Khan. The 1813 Battle of Attock saw Nalwa and other commanders emerge victorious against Azim Khan and his brother Dost Mohammad Khan, who were fighting on behalf of Shah Mahmud of Kabul. This represented the first major victory of the Sikhs over the Durrani Pathans.
In the 1818 Battle of Peshawar, Nalwa seized control of Jamrud, a fort at the entryway to Afghanistan through the Khyber Pass. Historians argue that if Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his commander Hari Singh Nalwa hadn’t captured Peshawar and the North West Frontier (now part of Pakistan), this area could have become part of Afghanistan, leading to continuous invasions of Afghans into Punjab and Delhi.
Legacy of Hari Singh Nalwa
Hari Singh Nalwa’s legacy is one that transcends his individual achievements. His leadership and strategic skills not only tamed the turbulent forces at play in Afghanistan but significantly influenced the geopolitical landscape of the region for years to come. His tale of bravery and tactical prowess is remembered and celebrated even today, marking an indelible imprint on the annals of history.
