MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH & MULTAN – INITIAL INCURSIONS till 1810
Ahmad Shah Durrani conquered Multan province in 1752. He entrusted it to Shuja Khan. From 1771 to 1779 it was held by Bhangi Sardars Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh. In 1779 Taimur Shah Durrani, son of Ahmad Shah, reconquered it and placed it under Shuja Khan's son Muzaffar Khan Sadozai who ruled over it for forty years.
The Maharaja led the first expedition against Multan in the winter of 1802. Nizam-ud-din, the Afghan chief of Kasur, had submitted to Ranjit Singh after a great struggle. Nawab Muzaffar Khan was his great supporter. The Nawab met him 50 km from his capital. offered submission and some presents and promised to pay tribute.
In October 1805 the Maharaja advanced towards Multan. The Nawab offered him rich presents and Rs. 70,000 in cash. The Maharaja returned. After Baisakhi in April 1807, Ranjit Singh advanced towards Multan. Dipalpur was seized on the way. The city of Mullan was besieged. The rich inhabitants took shelter inside the fort. Through the efforts of Sardar Fatah Singh Kalianwala and the Nawab of Bahawalpur peace was made. The Nawab offered some money and 5 horses as nazar. The siege was raised. Ranjit Singh returned to the capital in time before the heat waves and dust storms of Multan started their ravages.
Maharaja appeared before Multan on 20 February 1810 (before Shah Shuja, deposed ruler of Kabul could conquer it). On Muzaffar Khan's refusal to pay a tribute of 3 lakhs. Ranjit Singh captured the city on 25 February and laid siege to the fort. Nihal Singh Attariwala led the assault. which was repulsed. The Sikhs laid a mine under the wall of a bastion. The besieged dug up a counter-mine. and blow up one of the batteries of the Sikhs. Atar Singh Dhari was killed and Nihal Singh Attariwala was seriously wounded. The. young daring Hari Singh Nalwa while climbing up was badly burnt by a firepot, thrown upon him from the fort walls. Muzaffar Khan in vain sought British assistance. The siege lasted for two months. The Nawab yielded. He gave to Ranjit Singh Rs 180,000 and 20 horses. The Maharaja returned to his capital on 25 April 1810.
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