Captain Sardar Balwant Singh Harika of Bakshiwala, was the great grandson of Bakshi Basawa Singh Harika of Bakshiwala, (Commander in Chief of Patiala State) and the eldest son Bahadur Bakshi Pritam Singh Harika of Bakshiwala, formerly British Honorary Captain, A.D.C. to His Excellency the Viceroy, and Bakshi and Commander-in-Chief of the Patiala Forces.He was born in Samwat 1946, Bikrmi, and was thus 23 years of age. When His Highness the late Maharaja of Patiala G.C.S.I., on his return from Tirah Campaign, the young Sardar was selected as a page of Honor to Maharaja of Patiala.
He followed up his course of study with due and in 1907 passed his Entrance Exam with distinction. He joined the Collegiate co was preparing to pass through his First Arts Examination , when his health gave way and his medical advisers positively prohibited him from further studies in the Arts line.. After the assumption of powers by His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur, the young Sardar was called upon to work as His Highness’ Assistant Private Secretary made an Honorary Captain. In 1911 he was sent to Karamgarh Nizamat for Judicial training.Again in 1912 he was attached to Ferozepore District for special training in British Settlement system. He made Jalalabad his headquarters, and completing his course creditably returned to Patiala in April 1913.
References :-
- Imperial Coronation Durbar of Delhi (1911), Volume 2 by Umair Mirza