From a single divine blessing by Sri Guru Har Rai Ji to building powerful sovereign dynasties, the Phulkian Misl remains one of the most fascinating chapters in 18th-century Sikh history. Founded by the Sidhu Jat leader Chaudhry Phul, this prominent confederacy shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Malwa region, eventually grew into the influential princely states of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind.
Facing continuous attacks from the Mughals, Afghans, and Marathas, the rulers of these three houses used smart politics and bravery to protect their lands. Their journey from local leaders to powerful kings changed the history of Punjab forever.
Phulkian Misl: History of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind Houses
It is normal to wonder how Patiala, Nabha, and Jind are grouped together under the Phulkian Misl when they operated as separate and independent states.
Even though these three houses had their own independent rulers, capitals, and armies—and sometimes even fought each other over land—they are connected by shared family roots and a common ancestor.
All three royal families trace their family tree back to one single man: Chaudhry Phul (a Sidhu Jat).
- Chaudhry Phul had several sons (the main ones being Tilok Chand and Rama).
- Baba Ala Singh (founder of Patiala) and Hamir Singh (founder of Nabha) were direct descendants through the line of Tilok Chand.
- Gajpat Singh (founder of Jind) was a direct descendant through the line of Rama.
Because their great-grandfather was the same person (Chaudhry Phul), all three ruling families belonged to the exact same clan, which is why historians grouped their territories together as the Phulkian family or Phulkian Misl.
Patiala House
The Patiala House was one of the most powerful states of the Phulkian Misl. Its history is marked by brilliant leadership, strategic alliances, and steady territorial expansion.
Baba Ala Singh (Founder)
Baba Ala Singh was the brilliant founder of the Patiala House and was known for his extreme bravery from a young age.
- Early Victories: In 1731 A.D., he completely defeated the combined forces of the Mughal Faujdars of Jalandhar Doab and Malerkotla. He made Barnala his headquarters and established several new villages, including Longowal, Chhajli, Dirrba, and Shoron.
- Smart Diplomacy: During Ahmad Shah Abdali’s first invasion in 1748 A.D., Ala Singh supported the Mughals. Pleased with his help, the Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah Rangila honored him with a Khillat (Robe of Honour), which greatly increased his fame.
- Expanding Territory: He defeated his bitter enemies, the Bhatti brothers, and captured their territories of Budhlada, Tohana, Bhattner, and Jaimalpur. In 1761 A.D., he even aided the Marathas against Abdali.
- Clashes with Abdali: During Abdali’s sixth invasion in 1762 A.D., Abdali attacked Barnala and arrested Ala Singh. However, Ala Singh secured his freedom by paying a massive ransom. Later, in 1764 A.D., he joined other leaders of the Dal Khalsa to attack Sirhind.
- Governor of Sirhind: In 1765 A.D., Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed Ala Singh as the Governor of Sirhind. This deal upset other Dal Khalsa members, who urged him to break ties with Abdali, but Ala Singh passed away shortly after.
Amar Singh (Successor: 1765–1781 A.D.)
After Ala Singh’s death, his grandson Amar Singh took charge in 1765 A.D. at a young age.
- Territorial Growth: He successfully added important areas like Kot Kapura, Manimajra, Bathinda, Sirsa, and Saifabad to the Patiala State.
- Royal Title: Amar Singh kept friendly relations with Ahmad Shah Abdali, who was so impressed that he honored him with the title ‘Raja-i-Rajgan Bahadur’ (King of Kings). Amar Singh ruled successfully until his death in 1781 A.D.
Sahib Singh (Successor: 1781 A.D. Onwards)
Following Amar Singh’s death, his son Sahib Singh ascended the throne of Patiala.
- Challenges and Declining Power: His reign was troubled by continuous invasions from the Marathas, the military adventurer George Thomas, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which severely weakened the Patiala State.
- British Protection: Finally, after the Treaty of Amritsar was signed between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1809 A.D., Patiala officially came under British protection.
Nabha House
The Nabha House was another prominent branch of the Phulkian Misl, known for its strategic battles, territorial struggles, and eventual survival under changing political powers.
Hamir Singh (Founder: 1755 A.D.)
Nabha House was founded by Hamir Singh in 1755 A.D.
- Military Campaigns: In 1764 A.D., he joined other Sikh Sardars in the attack on Sirhind, for which he was rewarded with the Amloh region.
- Setbacks and Triumphs: In 1774 A.D., Gajpat Singh of Jind attacked Nabha and captured the important area of Sangrur from Hamir Singh. However, Hamir Singh bounced back in 1776 A.D. by defeating Rahim Dad Khan, the Mughal Governor of Hansi, and capturing the area of Rori.
Jaswant Singh (Successor: 1783 A.D. Onwards)
After Hamir Singh passed away in 1783 A.D., his young son Jaswant Singh became his successor.
- Regency Period: Since Jaswant Singh was only 8 years old at the time, his mother, Rani Desu, brilliantly handled the affairs of the state and protected its interests.
- Independent Rule: In 1790 A.D., Jaswant Singh took over the independent charge of Nabha.
- Challenges and British Protection: Similar to Patiala, the Nabha House suffered heavy losses due to frequent invasions by the Marathas and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Ultimately, in 1809 A.D., the state accepted British protection to secure its borders.
Jind House
The Jind House was the third major branch of the Phulkian Misl, established through smart political maneuvering, strategic conquests, and powerful royal alliances.
Gajpat Singh (Founder)
The Jind House was founded by Gajpat Singh, who rapidly expanded his influence in the region.
- Early Expansion: In 1763 A.D., he brought several territories under his control in the areas of Panipat and Karnal. To secure his position politically, Gajpat Singh initially accepted Mughal suzerainty.
- Territorial Conquests: In 1774 A.D., he successfully attacked the Nabha State and captured the important area of Sangrur.
- Strategic Matrimonial Alliance: Gajpat Singh made a brilliant political move by marrying his daughter, Raj Kaur, to Mahan Singh—the leader of the Sukarchakia Misl and son of Charat Singh. This alliance deeply connected the Jind House with the family that would later produce Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Bhag Singh (Successor: 1789 A.D. Onwards)
After Gajpat Singh passed away in 1789 A.D., his son Bhag Singh ascended the throne.
- Military and Political Role: Bhag Singh actively participated in all the military campaigns alongside the Patiala State. Because of his family ties, he maintained very warm and friendly relations with Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
- British Protection: Like the other Phulkian states of Patiala and Nabha, the Jind House ultimately came under the protection of the British in 1809 A.D.
The story of the Phulkian Misl—including the royal houses of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind—is an inspiring journey of courage, smart politics, and survival. Starting from the simple beginnings of Chaudhry Phul and following the famous blessing of Sri Guru Har Rai Ji, these families built powerful kingdoms in the Malwa region.
Even while facing constant attacks from the Mughals, Afghans, Marathas, and later Maharaja Ranjit Singh, these rulers used smart decisions to protect their lands. But as the political situation in Punjab changed, all three states chose to join hands with the British for safety in 1809.
In the end, the Phulkian Misl played a huge role in shaping the history and future of Punjab, leaving behind a legacy that is remembered to this day.
