Before concluding this chapter one more conflict which took place between the Bhangis and the Sukarchakias may be related. Gujar Singh Bhangi had three sons, Sukha Singh, Sahib Singh and Fatah Singh. A quarrel arose between the first two brothers, eventually leading to a fight in which the eldest son lost his life. Gujar Singh was deeply grieved, and he marched to Gujrat, the head-quarters of Sahib Singh, to punish him. Sahib Singh got ready to oppose his father, but they were reconciled. He again incurred his father’s displeasure. One of the leaders of the Chatha tribe against whom Mahan Singh Sukerchakia was waging a campaign took shelter with Sahib Singh. Against his father’s instructions he delivered the Chatha chief to Mahan Singh, his own brother in-law. Gujar Singh was deeply grieved, and when he reprimanded Sahib Singh, he openly insulted and disgraced his father. Gujar Singh gave most of his possessions to Fatah Singh and died broken-hearted in 1788 at Lahore. Up to this time Sahib Singh had been supported in his refractory attitude by Mahan Singh. In 1789 Sahib Singh seized all The territories of his brother who sought refuge with Mahan Singh. In the quarrel between The brothers Mahan Singh found an opportunity to aggrandize himself. The Sukerchakia Bhatti Jat ruler therefore publicly espoused the cause of Fatah Singh. Hostilities broke out between them which continued for a couple of years. In 1791 Mahan Singh laid siege to the fort of Sodhra held by Sahib Singh. Mahan Singh who had no defeat to his account so far must have succeeded in capturing the place, but just at this time he was deserted by his ally Jodh Singh of Wazirabad. On the other side Sahib Singh’s resources were considerably increased by reinforcement sent by Karam Singh Dulu, the chief of Chiniot. Fighting was going on at its height when one day it so happened that Mahan Singh fainted on his elephant in the battlefield. The driver finding his master in danger returned to the camp. His soldiers considered this a signal to stop fighting, and retired in disorder.To the great relief of Sahib Singh who lay shut up in the fort the siege was raised. Mahan Singh was brought to Gujranwala, where he died three days afterwards.
References :-
- Histroy of sikhs vol.3 by Hari Ram Gupta.