Dewan Mulraj

Diwan Mulraj was the leader of the Sikh rebellion against the British from Multan. He was son of Diwan Sawan Mal Chopra who was appointed as governor of the city of Multan by the Sikh Emperor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. His territory included Southern Punjab region of Jhang. After the annexation of Lahore palace by the British, the Sikh Army fought valiantly in the two Anglo-Sikh wars. Diwan Mulraj was part of the last Sikh stand against the British and was supported by Sikh Saint Bhai Maharaj Singh, Sikh Sardars from West Punjab, and Punjabi Muslims. After British captured Multan, Diwan Mulraj was imprisoned and died in a jail near Calcutta, India.

History

Conquest of Multan

In the 19th century, the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh conquered Multan. The Afghan ruler of Multan, Muzaffar Khan Saddozai was defeated and killed. His death marked the end of Afghan rule in Multan. Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed Diwan Sawan Mal Chopra, a Punjabi Khatri, who was known to be one of the most able administrator of the Sikh empire. He is well known for agricultural reforms and spread of Sikhism in Multan. His first son, Mulraj, became the Governor of Multan, after the assassination of Sawan Mal at the hands of Afghans.