Jind State and the Revolt of 1857

As we all know the Uprising of 1857 was a major event in the history of Haryana & India as well. The present research paper titled ‘1857 Revisited in Jind: A Study’ is divided into two parts. In the first part, the position of Jind has been discussed from a historical perspective. In the second part, the role played by Raja Sarup Singh, the head of the princely state has been critically examined in the Uprising of 1857. The State of Jind was the second of the three Phulkian States namely Patiala, Jind and Nabha which was founded by Gajpat Singh, a great-grandson of Phul. He ruled as an independent Prince after conferring upon him the title of Raja. Raja Bhag Singh successor of Gajpat Singh recognized as a ‘friend and ally’ by Lord Lake. After death, he was succeeded by Raja Fateh Singh, and Raja Sangat Singh who died in 1834, leaving no issue. Then, Sarup Singh of Bazidpur, a second cousin of the deceased Raja succeeded the ‘gaddi’ until 1864. During the course of the Uprising, he sided with the British. Raja Sarup Singh offered his troops and personal services to the British Government. He conducted his troops to Karnal by forced marches & undertook the defence of the city and cantonment. He sent a detachment of his troops to Baghpat. In the battle of Badli -Ki- Sarai, the Jind troops behaved most gallantly. Raja Sarup Singh was the only Prince who led his troops in person. In the Aftermath, as per the policy adopted by the British to Loyalist & Punishments for Disloyal’, Raja Sarup Singh was rewarded by granting Dadri and Kularan in recognition of his valuable services & on the condition of good behaviour as a loyalist. So, he played a very crucial role & supported the British during the Uprising of 1857.