- Source: Mahan Singh Hazarawala
Mahan Singh Hazarawala (died 1844) was a military officer in the Khalsa Army of Sikh Empire, serving under Hari Singh Nalwa. The city of Mansehra is believed to be named after him.
Early life
Mahan Singh was born into a Punjabi Hindu family from the Bali clan of Mohyal Brahmins. He was the son of Data Ram Bali, a confidential servant of Sultan Mukarab Khan, the Muslim Gakhar chief of the city of Rawalpindi.
Military career
While in Lahore in search of a job, he happened to participate in a hunting expedition of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in which he caught the notice of the Maharaja by single-handedly killing a leopard with his sword. Impressed by his valor, the Maharaja had him inducted into the army under Hari Singh Nalwa.
Mahan Singh served in the battles of Peshawar and Kashmir, and in the 1818 siege of Multan, where he was wounded two times. In April 1837, he was the main defender of the Jamrud Fort, holding out against an invasion by the Afghans. In the Battle of Jamrud, Hari Singh Nalwa was killed but Mahan Singh maintained the news secret until reinforcements arrived from Lahore.
Death
Mahan Singh succeeded Hari Singh as Diwan of Hazara, where was killed in 1844 by his own soldiers when a mutiny broke out.
See also
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Generals
Mansehra
