Ilahi Bakhsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ilahi Bakhsh
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|---|---|
| Died | 1849 Chillianwala, Punjab, Sikh Empire (present-day Punjab, Pakistan) |
| Allegiance |  Sikh Empire |
| Service/ |
Sikh Khalsa Army |
| Years of service | 1802-1849 |
| Rank | Jarnail |
| Relations | Fateh Khan (son) Sikander Khan (son) Madad Khan (son) |
Ilahi Bakhsh was a brave general from Punjab. He served in the Sikh army, called the Sikh Khalsa Fauj, for more than 40 years. People thought he was one of the best leaders when it came to using cannons and big guns (artillery).
Life and Military Career
Ilahi Bakhsh joined the army in 1802. In 1810, the army was reorganized. Bakhsh was moved to a new group of artillery soldiers called the Fauj-i-Khas. This group was led by Mian Ghaus Khan.
In 1814, he was put in charge of his own special artillery unit. It was named the Derah-i-Ilahi. He helped Misr Diwan Chand during the Battle of Multan in 1818. Later, he helped bring peace to areas like Hazara and Dera Ghazi Khan. He also fought in the Battle of Nowshera in March 1823.
Meeting with Maharaja Ranjit Singh
In 1831, there was an important meeting in Ropar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler, met with Lord William Bentinck. Bentinck was the Governor-General of India. During this meeting, Ilahi Bakhsh showed off his amazing artillery skills. He also demonstrated how well his soldiers could fire their weapons.
In early 1844, he was briefly removed from his command. This was because people suspected he was talking with Jawahar Singh and Suchet Singh. However, he was given his command back just a few days later.
Wars and Defection
Ilahi Bakhsh fought in many battles during the First Anglo-Sikh War and the Second Anglo-Sikh War. He played a very important part in the Battle of Chillianwala. This battle was one of the bloodiest fights the British had in India.
Three days after the Battle of Chillianwala, Ilahi Bakhsh joined the British side. He might have been paid money to do this. His change of loyalty was a big blow to the Sikh army's artillery. The Sikhs then lost to the British the next month at Gujrat. Ilahi Bakhsh died in 1849 during the Battle of Chillianwala.
Family Life
Ilahi Bakhsh had three sons: Fateh Khan, Sikander Khan, and Madad Khan. All of them became important officers in the Sikh Army.
Sikander followed in his father's footsteps. He became the Chief of the Artillery. He also inherited a lot of property in Lahore. Sadly, Fateh died fighting in the Battle of Mudki. Madad was killed at the Battle of Chillianwala.
Ilahi Bakhsh's grandson was Raja Ch. Tuman Khan of Chillianwala. Tuman Khan's son was Raja Sardar Khan of Chillianwala. Ilahi Bakhsh's great-granddaughter married Sir Fazl-i-Hussain. He was the founder of the Unionist Party.
