25 Facts About Datar Kaur

Datar Kaur was the daughter of Sardar Ran Singh Nakai, third ruler of the Nakai Misl and Sardarni Karmo Kaur.

Datar Kaur was betrothed to Ranjit Singh in childhood; the Anand Karaj took place when the couple were still young.

Datar Kaur took an active interest in the affairs of the State and was given command during the Battle of Multan alongside her son, Kharak Singh.

Datar Kaur was the grandmother of Maharaja Nau Nihal Singh and aunt of Sardar Kahan Singh Nakai.

Datar Kaur died on 20 June 1838 in her haveli in Sheikhupura.

Datar Kaur's Samadhi is located in the royal garden, now part of the grounds of Government Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore.

Bibi Raj Kaur was born in Baherwal Kalan into the family of the ruling Nakai Sardars; Nakai Misl was founded by Sandhu Jats.

Raj Datar Kaur was the youngest child and the only daughter of Sardar Ran Singh Nakai and his wife, Sardarni Karmo Datar Kaur.

Datar Kaur had three eldest brothers Sardar Bhagwan Singh, the fourth ruler of the Nakai Misl; Sardar Gyan Singh who became the fifth chief of the Nakais and Khazan Singh.

Datar Kaur's father, Ran Singh was the third and the most powerful ruler of Nakai Misl, a fierce warrior under whose leadership the misl was at its highest.

Datar Kaur was an ambitious man and had exceeded his rule to the taluqas of Bucheke, Chhanga Manga, 69km from Lahore, Chhichha, Devsal, Fatahpur, Jethupur, Kasur, Kharral fort of Kot Kamalia, Sharakpur, Gugera pargana, 5km to the west of the Ravi, and Shergarh.

Bhagwan Singh realizing that he might lose all of his territory, in consultation with Karmo Datar Kaur, set up the engagement of the infant Raj Datar Kaur to the four-year-old Ranjit Singh in order to gain the powerful Maha Singh of the Sukerchakia Misl as an ally.

Datar Kaur wanted to unite the Sikh Misls and consolidate his position as the head of the Sukerchakia Misl, as well as to re-establish Nakai and Sukerchakia relations.

Datar Kaur is said to be only 12 at the time of her muklawa to the 16-year-old Ranjit Singh in 1797.

Datar Kaur's known physical and personal attributes describe her as being as beautiful and virtuous Goddess Rati, along with being vivacious, independent, artistic, intelligent.

Datar Kaur is said to have been a patron of mystics and mendiants.

Datar Kaur lovingly called Mai Nakain, sometimes affectionately addressed her as Taare.

Datar Kaur brought sweetness and light into Ranjit Singh's life and provided for him a focus of interest in his home.

Datar Kaur had significant influence over her husband, the royal family and the royal court.

Ranjit Singh and Mehtab Datar Kaur's marriage was strained due to Mehtab never being able to forgive that her father was killed in battle with Ranjit Singh's father; and she mainly resided in Batala with her mother.

Datar Kaur was later to see action in all subsequent wars of independent India till his retirement in 1979 after serving as the General Officer in Command, Central Command.

Datar Kaur took interest in political affairs, and her husband sought her advised in important stately matters.

Datar Kaur enjoyed hunting and often accompanied her husband on his hunting trips.

Datar Kaur played a considerable role in popularizing handicrafts like Phulkari knitting and fine arts in Punjab.

Datar Kaur is said to have been a patron of mystics and mendiants.