Jassa Singh Ahluwalia BY: Gurpinder Gill Gurpartap Mann Amrit Sangha Arjun Bassi Who was he? Jassa Singh was a Sikh leader during the sikh confederacy He was democratically elected the Supreme military Commander of the Sikh Confederacy on March 29, 1748 He was the also the fourth jathedar (leader) of Buddha Dal. Nickname was Sultan-ul-Qaum or “king of the community” Early Life Jassa Singh was born on May 3rd, 1718 Born in Ahlu, which is near Lahore Son of Badar singh As a child, he studied sikh scriptures under Bhai Mani Singh His mother asked Mata Sundri to take care of Jassa Singh Mata Sundri instructed Jassa Singh in the arts of war and peace Early life continued His forefathers were kalals . Hence he is also called Jassa singh Kalal. Sikh community that Jassa singh kalal came to be known as 'Guru Ka Lal' (the beloved son of Guru) 5 yrs old when his father died (1723 A.D.) He participated in combat as well where he displayed such qualities of leadership that Nawab Kapur singh appointed him his successor on the eve of his death in 1753 The Sixth invasion of Afgan On Feb 5 1762, Sikhs were especially the target of Ahmad Shah Abdali Sixth invasion into India. News had reached him in Afghanistan of the defeat of his general, Nur-Ud-Din Bamezai, at the hands of Sikhs Jassa Singh was declared leader at this time, was known as King of Lahore Invasions continued This battle is known in Sikh history as the Wadda Ghalughara or the great holocaust Jassa Singh was reported to have had 72 wounds on his body but still survived Upon verbally challenging Ahmed Shah Abdali himself, Jassa Singh is known to have almost killed the Shah, narrowly missing him and killing his horse instead. Achievements Got the title of Sultan-ul-Qaum (king of the whole people) Became leader of Lahore Became Nawab Kapur Singh’s Successor Sikhs under Jassa Singh Ahluwalia inflicted and a severe defeat on the governor of Sarhind A commemorative postage stamp on 'Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia' was issued by Government of India on April 04, 1985 Shaheedi Jassa Singh left the world in 1783 AD. He was succeeded by Bhag Singh, whose son, Fateh Singh became a close collaborator of Ranjit Singh He, like many other Misldars also fortified the city of Amritsar for protection against the eneimies of Sikhism. Continued He spent his last days greatly renovating the city of Amritsar and reforming Gurdwara managemnet as well has developing the city greatly Because of his many sacrifices and his great love for the Sikh nation, he was cremated within the district of the Harimandir Sahib .