During the years between 1767 A.D. and 1799 A.D., twelve independent Sikh Misls came into existence in Punjab. The way these Misls faced the Mughal and Afghan tyrants was admirable. The organisation of the Misls marked the beginning of a new era in Punjab’s history. Faizalpuria, Ahluwalia, Ramgarhia, Bhangi, Sukarchakia, Kanahia, and Phulkian were the most famous Misls established in Punjab.
Historians hold different views about the nature of these Misls. The Sardar of each Misl treated the Sardars of other Misls with equality, but they were free in managing the internal administration of their own Misl. The central administration of the Misls was based on Gurmata (collective decision).
The Misl Sardars tried to provide clean administration to the people. The village panchayat was an important unit of the Misl system, and Sardars never interfered in its functioning. Its decisions were obeyed sincerely by the people. Each Misl Sardar paid special attention to the welfare of farmers, arranged free Langar for the poor, avoided harsh punishments, and delivered justice without discrimination. They also toured their territories to understand the real condition of their subjects.
In the military system, cavalry was considered the most important part of the Misl army. The Sikhs adopted guerilla warfare tactics against their enemies. Sikh soldiers were so brave that they even put a great general like Ahmad Shah Abdali in a very difficult situation.
MEANING OF MISL
There is a difference of opinion among the historians as to what the word ‘Misl’ means. According to Cunningham and Princep ‘Misl’ is an Arabic word, which means equal. Since the Sardars of twelve Sikh Jathas treated one another with equality, they began to be called the ‘Misls’. David Octerlony says that the word ‘Misl’ means such tribe or community as had established its independent rule over certain regions of the Punjab.
According to Bute Shah, ‘Misl’ meant that area which one brave Sardar had conquered with the help of his companions. When the Sikh Sardars assembled at the Akal Takht, they would give the detailed information of areas under them to the Chief of the Dal Khalsa. This information was kept by the Chief in different misls or files. This helped a great deal to resolve the territorial disputes of the Sikh Sardars. Majority of the historians agree to this view.
ORIGIN OF THE MISLS
The origin of the Misls did not take place with any pre‑conceived plan at some fixed time. After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716 A.D., a new era of atrocities on the Sikhs began. The Mughal Governors of Punjab—Abdus Samad Khan, Zakariya Khan, Yahiya Khan and Mir Mannu—left no stone unturned to annihilate the Sikhs. Therefore, the Sikhs had to take shelter in hills and forests for their protection.
The Sikhs organised themselves into small Jathas (groups). On getting an opportunity, these Jathas used to attack the Mughal army and plunder the government treasury and other goods. Besides this, these Jathas would attack the villages, kill the Chaudharis and government supporters, and make away with food‑stuff for themselves.
In 1734 A.D., with a view to consolidate Sikh power, Nawab Kapoor Singh organised the different Jathas into two groups—Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal. In the Buddha Dal, Sikhs above forty years of age were recruited, whereas the Taruna Dal was the Dal of Sikh youths. The Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups. Although each group had its own leader, drum and banner, yet they took Langar (food) together.
After the death of Zakariya Khan on 14th October, 1745 A.D., the Sikhs formed 25 Jathas. Each Jatha consisted of 100 Sikhs. Gradually, the number of these Jathas rose to 65. Nawab Kapoor Singh felt the need for greater unity among the Sikhs to suppress increased cruelties of the Mughals and to face the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Thus, Dal Khalsa was founded on the Baisakhi day at Amritsar on 29th March, 1748 A.D. Twelve Jathas were organised under the Dal Khalsa. Each Jatha had its own leader and banner. These Jathas began to be called the ‘Misls’. These Misls established their independent rule in different parts of Punjab during 1767 A.D. to 1799 A.D.
The twelve Misls were:
- Faizalpuria Misl
- Ahluwalia Misl
- Ramgarhia Misl
- Bhangi Misl
- Sukarchakia Misl
- Kanahia Misl
- Phulkian Misl
- Nishanwalia Misl
- Dallewalia Misl
- Shahid Misl
- Nakkai Misl
- Karorsinghia Misl
