Sham Singh Attariwala (c. 1790 – 10 February 1846)
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| Born | ca.1790's Attari, Bhangi Misl, Sikh Confederacy (present-day Amritsar district, Punjab, India) |
| Died | 10 February 1846 (aged 55-56) Sobraon, Sikh Empire (present-day Tarn Taran district, Punjab, India) |
| Allegiance |  Sikh Empire |
| Service | Sikh Khalsa Army |
| Years of service | 1817–1846 |
| Rank | General of the Sikh Khalsa Army |
| Spouse(s) | Mai Desa Kaur |
| Children | Thakur Singh Kahn Singh Nanaki Kaur Atariwala |
Biography
Early Life
Sham Singh Attariwala was born in the 1790s in the town of Attari, located near the Indo-Pakistan border in Amritsar, Punjab, India. He received education in Gurmukhi and Persian during his childhood.
Military Career
When Maharaja Ranjit Singh ascended the throne of Punjab, he enlisted Sham Singh's services, appointing him as a Jathedar (leader) of 5,000 horsemen. Sham Singh played a significant role in several military campaigns, including the campaigns of Multan, Kashmir, and the Frontier Province.
He joined the Sikh military in 1817 and actively participated in key battles during the Afghan-Sikh Wars, including the Battle of Attock, Battle of Multan, Battle of Peshawar, and the 1819 Kashmir expedition. His most notable contribution was his heroic last stand during the Battle of Sobraon in 1846.
Administrative Career
Sham Singh Attariwala also served as a prominent courtier at the Lahore Darbar during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, continuing his influence during the rule of Maharaja Duleep Singh. He was part of the delegation, led by Crown Prince Kharak Singh, sent to felicitate Lord William Bentinck during the Ropar Meeting on 25 October 1831.
He held the position of jagirdar (landlord) of Pasrur, Sialkot, now in Pakistan, and later served on the council of regency when the young Duleep Singh became Maharaja.
Family
Sham Singh Attariwala's daughter, Nanaki Kaur Attariwala, married Prince Nau Nihal Singh. Following his accession to the throne, she became the Maharani of the Sikh Empire.
Death
Sham Singh Attariwala died during the Battle of Sobraon in 1846. Unlike the traitorous commanders Lal Singh and Tej Singh, he refused to abandon the battlefield and died fighting valiantly, upholding the honor of the Sikh Empire.
References
- About (no date) General Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala Trust. Available at: https://www.gsssatrust.org/about/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Mahotsav, A. (no date) Sham Singh Atari, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Available at: https://amritmahotsav.nic.in/unsung-heroes-detail.htm?4908 (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Sardar Sham Singh Attari (no date) Sardar Sham Singh Attari - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sardar_Sham_Singh_Attari (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Sham Singh Attariwala remembered (no date) The Tribune. Available at: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/sham-singh-attariwala-remembered-39189/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
