Thanesar

The founder of the Thanesar family was Mith Singh, a Kang Jat of Sirhali, near Patti, in the Manjha, and received the Pahal from Gurdial Singh, who obtained for him the post of personal attendant (gaewa bardar, a servant who carries a drinking vessel and water) to Tara Singh Gheba. Mith Singh , offended with, the conduct of his master, induced 200 of his troopers to desert, and set up for himself. Being absolutely without means, he determined on a bold stroke, and attacked Thanesar, where were two forts, one in possession of the Shaikhs, and the other belonging to Bhai Desu Singh, of Kythal. That belonging to the Shaikhs was captured, and the other, after the death of Mith Singh, was gained by bribing the Commandant, and the surrounding country was taken possession of by his nephews Bhag Singh* and Bhanga Singh, who divided it between them, the latter obtaining the larger share. Bhanga Singh, who died in 1815, joined the British force when, under Lord Lake, it came north of the damn a, and was rewarded with additional territory. He was, however, of a most savage and untam- able character, and gave a great deal of trouble. Bhag Singh died twenty- four years before his brother, leaving four sons, who were, if possible, more audacious and violent than their uncle, Bhanga Singh. In 1806, Bhanga Singh, with the aid of the Ladwa Chief, seized Dhowa, which he held till Ms death. He left a son, Fatah Singh, and a daughter, Karam Kour, who was married to Maharaja Karra Singh, of Pattiala. There was also an illegitimate son, Sahib Singh, born of a slave girl, who was not allowed to succeed to a share with Fatah Singh, though maintenance was given him. Fatah Singh died in 1819, leaving two widows, who succeeded him, although the mother managed the state, which, in 1850, escheated to Government.