Datar Kaur: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by GillRomesLado
Last edited February 17, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
->Cnwilliams
m Disambiguated: Darbar → Durbar (court)
Updated article with clearer structure
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Maharani Sri Datar Kaur Mai Nakain Sahiba of Sarkar-i-Khalsa (1784-1838)}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
 
{{Infobox royalty
'''Maharani Datar Kaur''' (born '''Bibi Raj Kaur Nakai'''; died on 20 June 1838) was the [[queen consort]] of [[Maharaja Ranjeet Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]],<ref name="Peter Owen Publishers">{{Cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Patwant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4CBAAAQBAJ|title=Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh|last2=Rai|first2=Jyoti M.|date=2008-11-01|publisher=Peter Owen Publishers|isbn=978-0-7206-1371-1|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=1907-1971.|first=Sood, D. R.|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/499465766|title=Ranjit Singh.|date=1981|publisher=National Book Trust|oclc=499465766}}</ref> the founder of the [[Sikh Empire]] and the mother of his successor, [[Maharaja Kharak Singh]]. She was the daughter of [[Ran Singh Nakai|Sardar Ran Singh Nakai]], third ruler of the [[Nakai Misl]] and [[Karmo Kaur|Sardarni Karmo Kaur]].
| caption      = Painting of Maharani Datar Kaur with an attendant
 
| title       = Maharani [[Sri]] Datar [[Kaur]] Mai Nakain [[Sahiba]] of Sarkar-i-Khalsa <br> Maharani of [[Punjab]] <br> Maharani of [[Lahore]] <br> Maharani of [[Kashmir]]
Datar Kaur was betrothed to Ranjit Singh in childhood; the [[Anand Karaj]] took place in 1798 at Baherwal Kalan, when the couple were still young. Though Ranjit Singh married several times for political reasons, Datar Kaur remained his favorite and most respected wife. He lovingly addressed her as ''Mai Nakain''.
 
In 1801, she gave birth to [[Kharak Singh]], the [[heir apparent]] of Ranjit Singh. She took an active interest in the affairs of the State and was given command during the  [[Siege of Multan (1818)|Battle of Multan (1818)]]. She was the grandmother of [[Maharaja]] [[Nau Nihal Singh]] (1821–1840) and aunt of [[Kahan Singh Nakai|Sardar Kahan Singh Nakai]]. Datar Kaur died on 20 June 1838 in her haveli in [[Sheikhupura]].
 
Her Samadhi is located in the royal garden, now part of the Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore grounds. {{Infobox royalty
| caption      = Picture Courtesy: Sardar Zahid Hasan Nakai (a direct descendent of Maharani Sahiba)
| succession  = [[Maharani]] consort of the [[Sikh Empire]]
| succession  = [[Maharani]] consort of the [[Sikh Empire]]
| reign        = 12 April 1801 – 20 June 1838
| reign        = 12 April 1801 – 20 June 1838
| consort      = yes
| consort      = yes
| name        = Datar Kaur
| name        = Datar Kaur
| title       = [[Queen Consort]] of [[Sikh Empire]] <br> [[Maharani]] of [[Sikh Empire]] <br> [[Maharani]] [[Sahiba]] <br> Mai Nakain Sahiba <br>Sarkar Rani <br>  [[Rajmata]] of [[Sikh Empire]]
| image       = Painting of Maharani Datar Kaur with attendant.jpg
| image        = File:Maharani Raj Kaur Nakai @ Datar Kaur.jpg
| religion    = [[Sikhism]]
| religion    = [[Sikhism]]
| predecessor  = [[Raj Kaur]]
| successor    = [[Chand Kaur]]
| successor    = [[Chand Kaur]]
| birth_date   = Raj Kaur Nakai  
| succession2  = Sardarni of [[Sukerchakia Misl]]
1784
| reign2      = April 1797 – 11 April 1801
| birth_place  = [[Baherwal Kalan]], [[Nakai Misl]], [[Sikh Confederacy]]
| predecessor2 = [[Raj Kaur]]
  (present-day [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]])
| birth_name   = Bibi Raj Kaur Nakai
| birth_date  = {{circa}} 1784
| birth_place  = [[Baherwal Kalan]], [[Nakai Misl]], [[Sikh Confederacy]] <br>
  (present-day [[Kasur District]], [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]])
| death_date  = 20 June  
| death_date  = 20 June  
{{death year and age|1838|1784}}
{{death year and age|1838|1784}}
| death_place  = [[Sheikhupura Fort]], [[Sikh Empire]] (present-day [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]])
| death_place  = [[Sheikhupura Fort]], [[Sheikhupura]], [[Punjab]], [[Sikh Empire]] <br> (now [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]])
| spouse      = [[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] (m. 1798)
| burial_place = Royal Garden, Lahore (Samadhi)<br> (present day Islamia College Civil Lines)<ref>پاكستان وچ سكھاں دياں تريخى پوتر تھاواں</ref>
| issue        = [[Maharaja Kharak Singh]] <br> [[Rattan Singh|Shahzada Rattan Singh]]<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Descendants-of-Maharaja-Ranjit-Singh-stakes-claim-on-Gobindgarh-Fort/articleshow/47123514.cms?from=mdr</ref> <br>
| spouse      = {{marriage|[[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]]|1797}}<ref name="dx.doi.org">{{Cite journal|last=Atwal|first=Priya|date=2020-11-01|title=Royals and Rebels|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001|doi=10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-754831-8|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Atwal|first1=Priya|title=Royals and Rebels:The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire |date=2020|publisher= C. Hurst Limited|location=London|isbn=9781787383081}}</ref>
Sawan Kaur<ref>https://www.bloomsburycollections.com/book/emperor-of-the-five-rivers-the-life-and-times-of-maharaja-ranjit-singh/postscript-maharaja-duleep-singh</ref>
| issue        = [[Maharaja Kharak Singh]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Lafont|first=Jean Marie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YrG_aJTgnw0C&dq=kharak+singh+born+in+1801&pg=PA19|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh|date=2002|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distri|language=en}}</ref>
| house        = [[Nakai (surname)|Nakai]] (by birth) <br>
| house        = [[Nakai Misl|Nakai]] (by birth) <br> [[Sukerchakia]] (by marriage)
[[Sukerchakia]] (by marriage)
| father      = [[Ran Singh Nakai|Sardar Ran Singh Nakai]]
| father      = [[Ran Singh Nakai|Sardar Ran Singh Nakai]]
| mother      = [[Karmo Kaur|Sardarni Karmo Kaur]]<ref>https://archive.org/details/HistoryOfTheSikhMisals/page/n163/mode/2up?q=nakkai</ref>
| mother      = [[Karmo Kaur|Rani Karman Kaur]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/HistoryOfTheSikhMisals/page/n163/mode/2up?q=nakkai|title=History of the Sikh Misals}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Maharani Datar Kaur''' (born '''Bibi Raj Kaur Nakai''';  (<abbr>c.</abbr> 1784– 20 June 1838) was the [[queen consort]] of [[Maharaja Ranjeet Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]],<ref name="Peter Owen Publishers">{{Cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Patwant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4CBAAAQBAJ|title=Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh|last2=Rai|first2=Jyoti M.|date=2008-11-01|publisher=Peter Owen Publishers|isbn=978-0-7206-1371-1|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Sood|first=D. R.|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/499465766|title=Ranjit Singh.|date=1981|publisher=National Book Trust|oclc=499465766}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Suri|first=Sohan Lal|title=Umdat Ul Tawarikh}}</ref> the founder of the [[Sikh Empire]] and the mother of his successor, [[Maharaja Kharak Singh]]. She was the daughter of [[Ran Singh Nakai|Sardar Ran Singh Nakai]], third ruler of the [[Nakai Misl]] and [[Karmo Kaur|Sardarni Karman Kaur]].
Datar Kaur was betrothed to Ranjit Singh in childhood; the [[Anand Karaj]] took place when the couple were still young. Though Ranjit Singh married several times for political reasons, Datar Kaur remained his favorite and most respected wife. He lovingly addressed her as ''Mai Nakain''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Commission |first=Indian Historical Records |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CzoE3_8sWFAC&pg=PA230&dq=nakahun&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjI1tH67s-PAxVHLkQIHfZBM1sQ6AF6BAgLEAM#v=onepage&q=nakahun&f=false |title=Proceedings of Meetings |date=1926 |publisher=Superintendent Government Printing, India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AZ3ddqH-rw0C&pg=PA60&dq=nakahun&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjI1tH67s-PAxVHLkQIHfZBM1sQ6AF6BAgIEAM#v=onepage&q=nakahun&f=false |title=Bengal, Past & Present: Journal of the Calcutta Historical Society |date=1926 |publisher=The Society |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cHEeAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA89&dq=nakahun&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjI1tH67s-PAxVHLkQIHfZBM1sQ6AF6BAgHEAM#v=onepage&q=nakahun&f=false |title=The Muslim Review |date=1926 |language=en}}</ref>
In 1801, she gave birth to [[Kharak Singh]], the [[heir apparent]] of Ranjit Singh. She took an active interest in the affairs of the State and was given command during the [[Siege of Multan (1818)|Battle of Multan (1818)]] alongside her son, Kharak Singh. She was the grandmother of [[Maharaja]] [[Nau Nihal Singh]] (1821–1840) and aunt of [[Kahan Singh Nakai|Sardar Kahan Singh Nakai]]. Datar Kaur died on 20 June 1838 in her haveli in [[Sheikhupura]].
Her Samadhi is located in the royal garden, now part of the grounds of [[Government Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore]].


== Family history ==
== Family history ==
Bibi Raj Kaur was born in [[Baherwal Kalan]] into the family of the ruling [[Nakai Misl|Nakai]] [[Sardar]]s; [[Nakai Misl]] was founded by [[Sandhu]] [[Jat people|Jats]].
Bibi Raj Kaur was born in [[Baherwal Kalan]] into the family of the ruling [[Nakai Misl|Nakai]] [[Sardar]]s; [[Nakai Misl]] was founded by [[Sandhu]] [[Jat people|Jats]].


Raj Kaur was the youngest and the only daughter of [[Ran Singh Nakai|Sardar Ran Singh Nakai]] and his wife, [[Karmo Kaur|Sardarni Karmo Kaur]]. She was the grand-daughter of Sardar Natha Singh (d. 1768) brother of the legendary [[Heera Singh Sandhu]] (1706-1767), founder of the principality of Nakai Misl in 1748. She 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'''.
Raj Kaur was the youngest child  of [[Ran Singh Nakai|Sardar Ran Singh Nakai]] and his wife, [[Karmo Kaur|Sardarni Karmo Kaur]]. She was the granddaughter of Sardar Natha Singh (d. 1768) brother of the legendary [[Heera Singh Sandhu]] (1706–1767), founder of the principality of Nakai Misl in 1748. She had three elder 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'''.


Her father, Ran Singh was the third and the most powerful ruler of [[Nakai Misl]], a fierce warrior and under his leadership the misl was at its highest.<ref name="www.DiscoverSikhism.com">{{Cite book|last=www.DiscoverSikhism.com|url=http://archive.org/details/HistoryOfTheSikhsVol.IvTheSikhCommonwealthOrRiseAndFallOfSikh_648|title=History Of The Sikhs Vol. IV The Sikh Commonwealth Or Rise And Fall Of Sikh Misls|language=English}}</ref> He was an ambitious man and had exceeded his rule to the taluqas of Bucheke, Chhanga Manga, 69 kms from Lahore, Chhichha, Devsal, Fatahpur, Jethupur, Kasur, Kharral fort of Kot Kamalia, Sharakpur, Gugera pargana, 5 kms to the west of the Ravi, and Shergarh.<ref name="www.DiscoverSikhism.com"/> He had fought repeatedly against Kamar Singh, the ruler of [[Syedwala]]. Sometime before his death, he defeated him and captured Syedwala.
Her 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.<ref name="www.DiscoverSikhism.com">{{Cite book|website=www.DiscoverSikhism.com|url=https://archive.org/details/HistoryOfTheSikhsVol.IvTheSikhCommonwealthOrRiseAndFallOfSikh_648|title=History Of The Sikhs Vol. IV The Sikh Commonwealth Or Rise And Fall Of Sikh Misls|language=English}}</ref> He 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.<ref name="www.DiscoverSikhism.com" /> He had fought repeatedly against Kamar Singh, the ruler of [[Syedwala]]. Sometime before his death, he defeated him and captured Syedwala.
[[File:Painting_of_Bhagwan_Singh_Nakai,_4th_ruler_of_the_Nakai_Misl.jpg|Sardar Bhagwan Singh Nakai, 4th ruler of the Nakai Misl|alt=Sardar Bhagwan Singh Nakai, 4th ruler of the Nakai Misl|thumb]]


Ran Singh was succeeded by his eldest son Bhagwan Singh, he was unable to hold his territory against Wazir Singh, the brother of Kamar Singh and lost Syedwala to him. Bhagwan Singh realizing that he might lose all of his territory, in consultation with Sardarni Karmo Kaur, set up the engagement of the infant Raj Kaur to the four-year-old, [[Ranjit Singh]] in order to gain the powerful [[Maha Singh]] of the [[Sukerchakia Misl]] as an ally.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=www.DiscoverSikhism.com|url=http://archive.org/details/HistoryOfTheSikhMisals|title=History Of The Sikh Misals|pages=161–163|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Siṅgha|first=Bhagata|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BihuAAAAMAAJ&q=MAI+NAKKAIN+DEATH|title=A History of the Sikh Misals|date=1993|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University|location=Patiala|pages=161–162|language=}}</ref> Wazir Singh tried to break off this match, but was unable to do so.<ref name="Griffin 1865">{{Cite book|last=Griffin|first=Lepel Henry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q0ABAAAAQAAJ&q=nakka%20misl&pg=PA118|title=The Panjab Chiefs: Historical and Biographical Notices of the Principal Families in the Territories Under the Panjab Government|date=1865|publisher=T.C. McCarthy|language=en}}</ref> In an attempt to mislead her, Wazir Singh claimed that the Nakai Sandhu Jatts are superior to the Sukerchakias, but Sardarni Karmo Kaur refused to break off the match and stated as Sikhs we are all equal.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singha|first=Bhagata|title=A History of the Sikh Misals.|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.|year=1993|pages=164}}</ref>
Ran Singh was succeeded by his eldest son Bhagwan Singh, he was unable to hold his territory against Wazir Singh, the brother of Kamar Singh and lost Syedwala to him. Bhagwan Singh realizing that he might lose all of his territory, in consultation with Karmo Kaur, set up the engagement of the infant Raj Kaur to the four-year-old [[Ranjit Singh]] in order to gain the powerful [[Maha Singh]] of the [[Sukerchakia Misl]] as an ally.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|website=www.DiscoverSikhism.com|url=https://archive.org/details/HistoryOfTheSikhMisals|title=History Of The Sikh Misals|pages=161–163|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Siṅgha|first=Bhagata|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BihuAAAAMAAJ&q=MAI+NAKKAIN+DEATH|title=A History of the Sikh Misals|date=1993|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University|location=Patiala|pages=161–162|language=}}</ref> Wazir Singh tried to break off this match, but was unable to do so.<ref name="Griffin 1865">{{Cite book|last=Griffin|first=Lepel Henry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q0ABAAAAQAAJ&q=nakka%20misl&pg=PA118|title=The Panjab Chiefs: Historical and Biographical Notices of the Principal Families in the Territories Under the Panjab Government|date=1865|publisher=T.C. McCarthy|language=en}}</ref> In an attempt to mislead her, Wazir Singh claimed that the Nakai Sandhu Jatts are superior to the Sukerchakias, but Karmo Kaur refused to break off the match and stated as Sikhs all were equal.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singha|first=Bhagata|title=A History of the Sikh Misals.|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.|year=1993|pages=164}}</ref>


Later in 1785, Maha Singh was facing attacks from Sardar [[Jai Singh Kanhaiya]] of the [[Kanhaiya Misl]] and called on Bhagwan Singh and Wazir Singh to aid him. After their victory against the [[Kanhaiya Misl|Kanhaiyas]], Maha Singh began to favor Wazir Singh, which started to affect his relationship with Bhagwan Singh.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Siṅgha|first=Bhagata|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BihuAAAAMAAJ&q=MAI+NAKKAIN+DEATH|title=A History of the Sikh Misals|date=1993|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University|language=en}}</ref> Maha Singh tired to reconcile the differences between Bhagwan Singh and Wazir Singh, but they continued to engage in constant warfare and in 1789 he was killed by Wazir Singh.<ref name="www.DiscoverSikhism.com"/><ref name="Griffin 1865"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singha|first=Bhagata|title=A History of the Sikh Misals.|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.|year=1993|location=Patiala, India|pages=165}}</ref>
Later in 1785, Maha Singh was facing attacks from Sardar [[Jai Singh Kanhaiya]] of the [[Kanhaiya Misl]] and called on Bhagwan Singh and Wazir Singh to aid him. After their victory against the [[Kanhaiya Misl|Kanhaiyas]], Maha Singh began to favor Wazir Singh, which started to affect his relationship with Bhagwan Singh.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Siṅgha|first=Bhagata|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BihuAAAAMAAJ&q=MAI+NAKKAIN+DEATH|title=A History of the Sikh Misals|date=1993|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University|language=en}}</ref> Maha Singh tried to reconcile the differences between Bhagwan Singh and Wazir Singh, but they continued to engage in constant warfare and in 1789 the former  was killed by Wazir Singh.<ref name="www.DiscoverSikhism.com" /><ref name="Griffin 1865" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singha|first=Bhagata|title=A History of the Sikh Misals.|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.|year=1993|location=Patiala, India|pages=165}}</ref>


Since Bhagwan Singh had no children, he was succeeded by his brother, Gyan Singh as the head of the Nakai Misl in 1789.<ref name="Griffin 1865"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singha|first=Bhagata|title=A History of the Sikh Misals.|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.|year=1993|location=Patiala|pages=165}}</ref> With the family's old enemy Wazir Singh being killed by Dal Singh, son of [[Heera Singh Sandhu]], Gyan Singh had a relatively peaceful reign and was able to consolidate his power.<ref name="Griffin 1865"/>
Since Bhagwan Singh had no children, he was succeeded by his brother, Gyan Singh as the head of the Nakai Misl in 1789.<ref name="Griffin 1865" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singha|first=Bhagata|title=A History of the Sikh Misals.|publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.|year=1993|location=Patiala|pages=165}}</ref> With the family's old enemy Wazir Singh being killed by Dal Singh, son of [[Heera Singh Sandhu]], Gyan Singh had a relatively peaceful reign and was able to consolidate his power.<ref name="Griffin 1865" />


== Marriage ==
== Marriage ==
[[File:Fresco from the Haveli of Maharani Datar Kaur, Sheikhpura Qila (fort), Punjab 04.jpg|thumb|Fresco from the Haveli of Maharani Datar Kaur, Sheikhpura Qila (fort), Punjab]]
Ranjit Singh sought for Raj Kaur Nakain's hand in marriage- as they were betrothed for quite some time.<ref name="Griffin 1865"/> He 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.
Ranjit Singh sought for Raj Kaur Nakain's hand in marriage- as they were betrothed for quite some time.<ref name="Griffin 1865"/> He 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.


Gyan Singh agreed for the nuptials of Raj Kaur and Ranjit Singh and the couple were wedded in 1798, some sources say they were married in 1797.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Atwal|first=Priya|date=2020-11-01|title=Royals and Rebels|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001|doi=10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-754831-8}}</ref> She is said to be only 12 at the time of her wedding to the 17-year-old Ranjit Singh.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Malik Tayyab Bhai Pheru, Phool Nagar|url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=233583405446207&id=100063836478329|access-date=2021-09-27|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Sheikh|first=Majid|date=2021-04-25|title=Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1620259|access-date=2021-09-27|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref> This marriage was the first political alliance of the Sukarchakia Misl and the Nakai Misl.
Gyan Singh agreed for the nuptials of Raj Kaur and Ranjit Singh and the couple were wedded in 1792.<ref name="dx.doi.org">{{Cite journal|last=Atwal|first=Priya|date=2020-11-01|title=Royals and Rebels|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001|doi=10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-754831-8|url-access=subscription}}</ref> She is said to be only 12 at the time of her muklawa to the 16-year-old Ranjit Singh in 1797.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Malik Tayyab Bhai Pheru, Phool Nagar|url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=233583405446207&id=100063836478329|access-date=2021-09-27|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Sheikh|first=Majid|date=2021-04-25|title=Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1620259|access-date=2021-09-27|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref> This marriage was the first political alliance of the Sukerchakia Misl and the Nakai Misl.
 
Though the nuptials of Datar Kaur and Ranjit Singh were arranged for political reasons, the two shared a close and loving relationship. Her known physical and personal attributes describe her as being doe eyed and beautiful  <ref>{{Citation |last=Singh |first=Gurharpal |title=India, Pakistan and the Sikhs |date=2023-01-19 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003281849-7 |work=Global Sikhs |pages=111–132 |access-date=2023-12-21 |place=London |publisher=Routledge |doi=10.4324/9781003281849-7 |isbn=978-1-003-28184-9|url-access=subscription }}</ref> along with being vivacious, independent, artistic, intelligent. She was also very religious.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Atwal|first=Priya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LPcTEAAAQBAJ&q=royals+and+rebels+independent|title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire|date=2021-01-15|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-756694-7|language=en}}</ref> She is said to have been a patron of mystics and mendiants.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ross (C.I.E.) |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bH4BAAAAQAAJ&dq=david+ross+raj+kaur&pg=PA138 |title=The land of the five rivers and Sindh |date=1883 |publisher=Chapman and Hall |language=en}}</ref>


Though the nuptials of Datar Kaur and Ranjit Singh were arranged for political reasons, the two shared a close and loving relationship. Her known physical and personal attributes describe her as being beautiful, vivacious, independent, good-natured, affectionate, artistic, and exceptionally intelligent.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Atwal|first=Priya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LPcTEAAAQBAJ&q=royals+and+rebels+independent|title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire|date=2021-01-15|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-756694-7|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Since Raj Kaur was the name of her mother-in-law, as well as Ranjit Singh's aunt, [[Charat Singh]] and [[Desan Kaur]]'s daughter; To avoid confusion, the wife of Ranjit Singh, Raj Kaur Nakai was given the name "Datar" (ਦਾਤਾਰ) (داتار) which means 'Giver', due to her maternal gentleness and understanding in dealing with the wayward Ranjit Singh. He lovingly called ''Mai Nakain,'' <ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Khushwant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D068dKeyGW4C&pg=PR7|title=Ranjit Singh|date=2009-03-24|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-306543-2|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Griffin|first=Lepel Henry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z1UoAAAAYAAJ&q=Datar+kaur&pg=PA388|title=The Panjab Chiefs: Historical and Biographical Notices of the Principal Families in the Lahore and Rawalpindi Divisions of the Panjab|date=1890|publisher=Civil and Military Gazette Press|language=en}}</ref> sometimes affectionately addressed her as Taara.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U2FRAAAAYAAJ&q=datar+kaur|title=Journal of Sikh Studies|date=2001|publisher=Department of Guru Nanak Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University.|language=en}}</ref> Datar Kaur brought sweetness and light into Ranjit Singh’s life and provided for him a focus of interest in his home.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Fakir|first1=Syed Waheeduddin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DEnRAAAAMAAJ&q=rani+raj+kaur+had+legendary+influence+over+ranjit+singh|title=The Real Ranjit Singh|last2=Vaḥīduddīn|first2=Faqīr Sayyid|date=1965|publisher=Lion Art Press|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Singh 2019">{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Sarbpreet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aWUoygEACAAJ|title=The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh|date=2019|publisher=Tranquebar by Westland Publications Private Limited|isbn=978-93-88689-47-2|language=en}}</ref> Even though Ranjit Singh had many marriages, Datar Kaur remained his favourite.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tibbetts|first=Jann|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lsHLDAAAQBAJ&q=Datar+kaur&pg=PT461|title=50 Great Military Leaders of All Time|date=2016-07-30|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-93-85505-66-9|language=en}}</ref>
Since Raj Kaur was the name of her mother-in-law, as well as Ranjit Singh's aunt the daughter of [[Charat Singh]] and [[Desan Kaur]]; To avoid confusion, the wife of Ranjit Singh, Raj Kaur Nakai was given the name "Datar" (ਦਾਤਾਰ) (داتار) which means 'Giver', due to her maternal gentleness and understanding in dealing with the wayward Ranjit Singh. He lovingly called ''Mai Nakain,''<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Khushwant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D068dKeyGW4C&pg=PR7|title=Ranjit Singh|date=2009-03-24|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-306543-2|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Griffin|first=Lepel Henry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z1UoAAAAYAAJ&q=Datar+kaur&pg=PA388|title=The Panjab Chiefs: Historical and Biographical Notices of the Principal Families in the Lahore and Rawalpindi Divisions of the Panjab|date=1890|publisher=Civil and Military Gazette Press|language=en}}</ref> sometimes affectionately addressed her as Taare.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U2FRAAAAYAAJ&q=datar+kaur|title=Journal of Sikh Studies|date=2001|publisher=Department of Guru Nanak Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University.|language=en}}</ref> Datar Kaur brought sweetness and light into Ranjit Singh's life and provided for him a focus of interest in his home.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Sarbpreet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IiXREAAAQBAJ&pg=PT151&dq=raj+kaur+brought+sweetness+and+light+into+his+life&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwim7d7u26uQAxXNJkQIHW3VA6kQ6AF6BAgOEAM#v=onepage&q=raj%20kaur%20brought%20sweetness%20and%20light%20into%20his%20life&f=false |title=The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh |date=2023-06-26 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |isbn=978-93-5708-133-7 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Fakir|first1=Syed Waheeduddin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DEnRAAAAMAAJ&q=rani+raj+kaur+had+legendary+influence+over+ranjit+singh|title=The Real Ranjit Singh|last2=Vaḥīduddīn|first2=Faqīr Sayyid|date=1965|publisher=Lion Art Press|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Singh 2019">{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Sarbpreet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aWUoygEACAAJ|title=The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh|date=2019|publisher=Tranquebar by Westland Publications Private Limited|isbn=978-93-88689-47-2|language=en}}</ref> Even though Ranjit Singh had many marriages, Datar Kaur remained his favourite.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tibbetts|first=Jann|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lsHLDAAAQBAJ&q=Datar+kaur&pg=PT461|title=50 Great Military Leaders of All Time|date=2016-07-30|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-93-85505-66-9|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Khushwant |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D068dKeyGW4C&pg=PA8&dq=wayward+Ranjit+Singh&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj4nZXkvuCPAxUuFDQIHYpyKw8Q6AF6BAgHEAM#v=onepage&q=wayward%20Ranjit%20Singh&f=false |title=Ranjit Singh |last2=Singh |first2=Kushwant |date=2009-03-24 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-306543-2 |language=en}}</ref>


She had significant influence over her husband, the royal family and the royal court.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Duggal|first=Kartar Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4udb8LsF3-oC&q=rani+raj+kaur&pg=PA65|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms|date=2001|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-410-3|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k4PXAAAAMAAJ&q=raj+kaur+had+legendary+influence+over+ranjit+singh|title=The Sikh Review|date=1982|publisher=Sikh Cultural Centre|language=en}}</ref>  There is no record of any friction or mutual differences between Datar Kaur or the other wives of Ranjit Singh, but there were instances of tension between her and Mehtab Kaur after the she bore Ranjit Singh's first child. This left Mehtab Kaur in a very difficult position as Datar was her junior. This also left [[Sada Kaur]]'s plans to secure the future of her daughter and the Kanhayas in tatters.<ref name="Singh 2019"/> Ranjit Singh and Mehtab 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.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Khushwant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D068dKeyGW4C&q=Datar+Kaur|title=Ranjit Singh|date=2009-03-24|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-306543-2|language=en}}</ref>
She had significant influence over her husband, the royal family and the royal court.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Duggal|first=Kartar Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4udb8LsF3-oC&q=rani+raj+kaur&pg=PA65|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms|date=2001|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-410-3|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k4PXAAAAMAAJ&q=raj+kaur+had+legendary+influence+over+ranjit+singh|title=The Sikh Review|date=1982|publisher=Sikh Cultural Centre|language=en}}</ref>  There is no record of any friction or mutual differences between Datar Kaur or the other wives of Ranjit Singh, but there were instances of tension between her and Mehtab Kaur after the she bore Ranjit Singh's first child. This left Mehtab Kaur in a very difficult position as Datar was her junior. This also left [[Sada Kaur]]'s plans to secure the future of her daughter and the Kanhaiyas in tatters.<ref name="Singh 2019"/> Ranjit Singh and Mehtab 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.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Khushwant|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D068dKeyGW4C&q=Datar+Kaur|title=Ranjit Singh|date=2009-03-24|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-306543-2|language=en}}</ref>


In some historical accounts, mistakenly, marriage of Ranjit Singh has been mentioned with two daughters of Nakai Misl i.e. Raj Kaur and Datar Kaur. However, she was one and the same person.
In some historical accounts, mistakenly, marriage of Ranjit Singh has been mentioned with two daughters of Nakai Misl i.e. Raj Kaur and Datar Kaur. However, she was one and the same person.


=== Issue and Descendants ===
=== Issue and descendants ===
In 1801, she gave birth to [[Crown prince]] [[Kharak Singh]], the [[heir apparent]] of the [[Sikh Empire]] earning her the title of his [[queen consort]]<ref name="Peter Owen Publishers"/> thus ensuring her position as the future [[Queen mother]] of [[Sikh Empire|Punjab]]. In 1805, she gave birth to another son, [[Prince Rattan Singh|Rattan Singh]].<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc0L06O1eac</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Aug 18|first1=Yudhvir Rana / TNN /|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=20:52|title=Seventh generation descendent of Maharaja Ranjit Singh writes to Imran {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/seventh-generation-descendent-of-maharaja-ranjit-singh-writes-to-imran/articleshow/85432426.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=May 1|first1=Yudhvir Rana / TNN / Updated|last2=2015|last3=Ist|first3=19:49|title=Descendants of Maharaja Ranjit Singh stakes claim on Gobindgarh Fort {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/descendants-of-maharaja-ranjit-singh-stakes-claim-on-gobindgarh-fort/articleshow/47123514.cms|access-date=2021-09-17|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> According to the pedigree table and [[Duleep Singh]]'s diaries that he kept towards the end of his life mention two daughters were born to Mai Nakain. Not much is known about them, perhaps passed away in infancy.<ref>{{Citation|title=Postscript: Maharaja Duleep Singh|date=2017|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9781350986220.0008|work=Emperor of the Five Rivers|publisher=I.B.Tauris|access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref>
In 1801, she gave birth to [[Crown prince|Crown Prince]] [[Kharak Singh]], the [[heir apparent]] of the [[Sikh Empire]] earning her the title of Ranjit Singh's [[queen consort]].<ref name="Peter Owen Publishers"/>


In 2020, Sandeep Singh Sukerchakia, 7th generation great-grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharani Datar Kaur from their son Rattan Singh, wrote a detailed letter to [[Narendra Modi]], the [[Prime Minister of India]] insisting the inclusion of Punjabi Language in the New [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] official Language Bill of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=https://mobile.twitter.com/theabhitai/status/1305185183348350976|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/theabhitai/status/1305185183348350976|access-date=2021-09-24|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=https://mobile.twitter.com/kanwalsinghjk/status/1319946905250451456/photo/1|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/kanwalsinghjk/status/1319946905250451456/photo/1|access-date=2021-09-24|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>
According to the pedigree table of the Lahore Royal Family she bore Ranjit Singh two other sons [[Prince Rattan Singh|Rattan Singh]]<ref>{{cite AV media |url-status = live |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/fc0L06O1eac |archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc0L06O1eac |title = Mahanian Koharan Tehsil .Amritsar District .AmritsarState .Punjab |website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 18, 2021|first=Yudhvir|last=Rana|title=Seventh generation descendent of Maharaja Ranjit Singh writes to Imran|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/seventh-generation-descendent-of-maharaja-ranjit-singh-writes-to-imran/articleshow/85432426.cms|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 1, 2015|first=Yudhvir|last=Rana|title=Descendants of Maharaja Ranjit Singh stakes claim on Gobindgarh Fort|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/descendants-of-maharaja-ranjit-singh-stakes-claim-on-gobindgarh-fort/articleshow/47123514.cms|access-date=2021-09-17|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and Fateh Singh, who died in infancy.<ref name="Postscript: Maharaja Duleep Singh">{{Citation|title=Postscript: Maharaja Duleep Singh|date=2017|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9781350986220.0008|work=Emperor of the Five Rivers|publisher=I.B.Tauris|doi=10.5040/9781350986220.0008|isbn=978-1-78673-095-4|access-date=2021-10-20|url-access=subscription}}</ref>


Her other descendants include- Late Lt Gen Jagdishwar Singh Nakai who joined the Indian army just when the Second World War broke out and served in the Burma Campaign. He 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. Lt Gen Nakai was a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. Former [[Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan)]], [[Arif Nakai|Sardar Arif Nakai]] and [[Pakistani]] [[politician]], [[Sardar Asif Nakai]] are also the direct descendants of the [[Nakai Misl|Nakais]].
In 2020, Sandeep Singh Sukerchakia, 7th generation great-grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharani Datar Kaur from their son Rattan Singh, wrote a detailed letter to [[Narendra Modi]], the [[Prime Minister of India]] insisting the inclusion of Punjabi Language in the New [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] official Language Bill of 2020.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=The Karmveer |user=TheKarmveerD |number=1305185183348350976 |date=13 September 2020 |title=The 7th Generation directed descendent of Sher-I-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh from his 2nd Wife Maharani Datar Kour through his second son Commandant Rattan Singh have written a detailed letter to PM Narendra Modi demanding inclusion of Punjabi Language in the New J&K |language=en |access-date=27 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last=Singh |first=Kanwal |user=KanwalSinghJK |number=1319946905250451456 |date=24 October 2020 |title=@nagotrk @Jobanpr74737905 @DAkkhar @mkandharii The random link is to tell you about the seventh generation Descendant ie Sandeep Singh. This is the last page of the letter with complete address attached with his jagir. https://t.co/XVhKhhl5CA |language=en |access-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024102119/https://twitter.com/KanwalSinghJK/status/1319946905250451456 |archive-date=24 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Her other descendants include- Late Lt Gen Jagdishwar Singh Nakai who joined the Indian army just when the Second World War broke out and served in the Burma Campaign. He 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. Lt Gen Nakai was a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. Former [[Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan)]], [[Arif Nakai|Sardar Arif Nakai]] and [[Pakistani]] [[politician]], [[Sardar Asif Nakai]] are also the direct descendants of the [[Nakai Misl|Nakais]].{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}


==Maharani of the Sikh Empire ==
==Maharani of the Sikh Empire ==
'''Datar Kaur''' took interest in political affairs, and her husband seeked her advised in important stately matters. Even though she was his second wife she soon became his principal wife and chief consort.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sood|first=D. R.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8hw-AAAAMAAJ&q=datar+kaur|title=Ranjit Singh|date=1968|publisher=National Book Trust, India|language=en}}</ref> On many different occasions, she served as her husband's ambassador; even acting as a political proxy for him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Book Review: The Hidden History of Female Agency in the Sikh Empire|url=https://thewire.in/books/book-review-royals-and-rebels-priya-atwal|access-date=2021-08-28|website=The Wire}}</ref>
[[File:Fresco of Maharani Datar Kaur martially training Kharak Singh.jpg|thumb|Fresco of Maharani Datar Kaur martially training her son, [[Kharak Singh]]]]
'''Datar Kaur''' took interest in political affairs, and her husband sought her advice in important stately matters. Even though she was his second wife she became his principal wife and chief consort.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sood|first=D. R.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8hw-AAAAMAAJ&q=datar+kaur|title=Ranjit Singh|date=1968|publisher=National Book Trust, India|language=en}}</ref> On many different occasions, she served as her husband's ambassador; even acting as a political proxy for him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Book Review: The Hidden History of Female Agency in the Sikh Empire|url=https://thewire.in/books/book-review-royals-and-rebels-priya-atwal|access-date=2021-08-28|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Atwal |first=Priya |date=2020-11-01 |title=Royals and Rebels |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001 |doi=10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-754831-8 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> It is said that Datar Kaur wielded a legendary influence on Maharaja Ranjit Singh.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k4PXAAAAMAAJ&q=raj+kaur's+legendary+influence&dq=raj+kaur's+legendary+influence&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjF5qGL5M-PAxV9M0QIHcDmPCgQ6AF6BAgKEAM#raj%20kaur's%20legendary%20influence |title=The Sikh Review |date=1982 |publisher=Sikh Cultural Centre. |language=en}}</ref>


Mai Nakain took control of the [[Sheikhupura Fort]] when her six-year-old son, [[Kharak Singh]] had conquered it.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Atwal|first=Priya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvcTEAAAQBAJ&q=stewardess+of+Sheikhupura+Fort+from+1811.+By+the+end+of+the+1810s,+Ranjit+Singh+had+established&pg=PA75|title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire|date=2021-01-15|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-756693-0|language=en}}</ref> In 1811, she was officially granted the [[jagir]] of [[Sheikhupura]] by [[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bansal|first=Bobby Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jUiwDAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT96&dq=raj+kaur+a+favorite+queen+of+ranjit+singh&hl=en|title=Remnants of the Sikh Empire: Historical Sikh Monuments in India & Pakistan|date=2015-12-01|publisher=Hay House, Inc|isbn=978-93-84544-93-5|language=en}}</ref> Around the same time she started residing in the [[Sheikhupura Fort]] and held her own court.<ref name="Atwal">{{Cite book|last=Atwal|first=Priya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LPcTEAAAQBAJ&q=mai+nakain&pg=PA82|title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire|date=2021-01-15|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-756694-7|language=en}}</ref> She enjoyed hunting and often accompanied her husband on his hunting trips. Sheikhupura has a vicinity of good hunting places.
[[File:Fresco from the Haveli of Maharani Datar Kaur, Sheikhpura Qila (fort), Punjab 11.jpg |thumb|Fresco of Maharani Datar Kaur holding her court at Sheikhupura]]


In 1816, she took over her son's training for 18 months for his [[Battle of Multan|Expedition of Multan]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Karnail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xDluAAAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=and+even+summoned+the+most+favoured+queen+,+Raj+Kaur+,+to+court+to&q=and+even+summoned+the+most+favoured+queen+,+Raj+Kaur+,+to+court+to&hl=en|title=Fragments of Half a Century|date=2005|publisher=Institute of Sikh Studies|isbn=978-81-85815-25-1|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CgpDAAAAYAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=raj+kaur+a+favorite+queen+of+maharaja+ranjit+singh&q=raj+kaur+a+favorite+queen+of+maharaja+ranjit+singh&hl=en|title=The Panjab Past and Present|date=1980|publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University.|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Karnail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmE_AAAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=raj+kaur+most+favoured+queen&q=raj+kaur+most+favoured+queen&hl=en|title=Winston Churchill's Account of Anglo-Sikh Wars and Its In-side Tale|date=1984|publisher=Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee|language=en}}</ref> Since his birth, her son was the [[heir]] of Ranjit Singh. But [[Sada Kaur]] only viewed him as [[heir presumptive]] as her daughter, [[Mehtab Kaur]] was the first queen of Ranjit Singh. However in 1816, to put an end to all intrigues Ranjit Singh officially announced Kharak Singh as his [[heir apparent]] and anointed him "Tikka Kanwar" ([[Crown prince]]).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh [Author|first=Ranjit|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ilZJDQAAQBAJ&q=kharak+singh+1816&pg=PT115|title=Golden Crystal|date=2013|publisher=Unistar Books|isbn=978-93-5113-048-2|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Archives|first=India (Republic) National|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tugJAQAAIAAJ&q=in+1816+kharak+singh+to+put+an+end|title=Maharaja Kharak Singh, June 27, 1839-November 5, 1840: Select Records Preserved in the National Archives of India, New Delhi|date=1977|publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University|language=en}}</ref>
Mai Nakain took control of the [[Sheikhupura Fort]] when her six-year-old son, [[Kharak Singh]] had conquered it.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Atwal|first=Priya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LvcTEAAAQBAJ&q=stewardess+of+Sheikhupura+Fort+from+1811.+By+the+end+of+the+1810s,+Ranjit+Singh+had+established&pg=PA75|title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire|date=2021-01-15|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-756693-0|language=en}}</ref> In 1811, she was officially granted the [[jagir]] of [[Sheikhupura]] by [[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bansal|first=Bobby Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jUiwDAAAQBAJ&dq=raj+kaur+a+favorite+queen+of+ranjit+singh&pg=PT96|title=Remnants of the Sikh Empire: Historical Sikh Monuments in India & Pakistan|date=2015-12-01|publisher=Hay House, Inc|isbn=978-93-84544-93-5|language=en}}</ref> Around the same time she started residing in the [[Sheikhupura Fort]] and held her own court.<ref name="Atwal">{{Cite book|last=Atwal|first=Priya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LPcTEAAAQBAJ&q=mai+nakain&pg=PA82|title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire|date=2021-01-15|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-756694-7|language=en}}</ref> She enjoyed hunting and often accompanied her husband on his hunting trips. Sheikhupura has a vicinity of good hunting places.


Mai Nakkain was a brave woman<ref>{{Cite book|last=www.DiscoverSikhism.com|url=http://archive.org/details/StatusOfWomenInSikhism|title=Status Of Women In Sikhism|language=English}}</ref> and In 1818, she accompanied her son as a fellow commander to Multan. The [[Sikh Khalsa Army]] was under her command during the [[Siege of Multan (1818)|Battle of Multan (1818)]].<ref>{{Citation|title="Shady Character, Hidden Designs, and Masked Faces": Reflections on 'Vilayati' Sikh Marriages and Discourses of Abuse|date=2013-01-01|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/9789004257238_012|work=Sikh Diaspora|pages=231–259|publisher=BRILL|doi=10.1163/9789004257238_012|isbn=9789004257238|access-date=2021-08-28}}</ref><ref name="Atwal"/> She played a considerable role in popularizing handicrafts like [[Phulkari]] knitting and fine arts in [[Punjab]].<ref name="Atwal"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Duggal|first=Kartar Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4udb8LsF3-oC&q=As+the+mother+of+Prince+Kharak+Singh+,+who+was+going+to+succeed+to+the+throne+,+Rani+Raj+Kaur+wielded+a+good+deal+of+influence+on+the+Maharaja&pg=PA66|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms|date=2001|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-410-3|language=en}}</ref> Mai Nakain was also a patron of religious mystics and mendicants.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ross (C.I.E.)|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bH4BAAAAQAAJ&q=favourite&pg=PA138|title=The land of the five rivers and Sindh|date=1883|publisher=Chapman and Hall|language=en}}</ref>
Since his birth, her son was the [[heir]] of Ranjit Singh. When Kharak Singh was merely an year old he was paraded through the streets of Lahore as his father’s heir and Punjab's prince.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sood |first=D. R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8hw-AAAAMAAJ&q=Ranjit+Singh+Made+Him+heir-+apparent&dq=Ranjit+Singh+Made+Him+heir-+apparent&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmn7z18c-PAxUble4BHb3wMLUQ6AF6BAgHEAM#Ranjit%20Singh%20Made%20Him%20heir-%20apparent |title=Ranjit Singh |date=1968 |publisher=National Book Trust, India |language=en}}</ref> In 1816, Ranjit Singh crowned Kharak Singh as his [[heir apparent]] and anointed him "Yuvraj Shri Tikka Kanwar" ([[Crown prince]]).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Ranjit|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ilZJDQAAQBAJ&q=kharak+singh+1816&pg=PT115|title=Golden Crystal|date=2013|publisher=Unistar Books|isbn=978-93-5113-048-2|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tugJAQAAIAAJ&q=in+1816+kharak+singh+to+put+an+end|title=Maharaja Kharak Singh, June 27, 1839-November 5, 1840: Select Records Preserved in the National Archives of India, New Delhi|date=1977|publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University|language=en}}</ref> The same year she took over her son's training for 18 months for his [[Siege of Multan (1818)|Expedition of Multan]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Karnail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xDluAAAAMAAJ&q=and+even+summoned+the+most+favoured+queen+,+Raj+Kaur+,+to+court+to|title=Fragments of Half a Century|date=2005|publisher=Institute of Sikh Studies|isbn=978-81-85815-25-1|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CgpDAAAAYAAJ&q=raj+kaur+a+favorite+queen+of+maharaja+ranjit+singh|title=The Panjab Past and Present|date=1980|publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University.|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Karnail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmE_AAAAMAAJ&q=raj+kaur+most+favoured+queen|title=Winston Churchill's Account of Anglo-Sikh Wars and Its In-side Tale|date=1984|publisher=Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee|language=en}}</ref>  
 
In 1818, she accompanied her son to the campaign of Multan as a commander to.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Siṅgha|first=Bhagata|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVduAAAAMAAJ&q=datar|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh and His Times|date=1990|publisher=Sehgal Publishers Service|isbn=978-81-85477-01-5|language=en}}</ref> The [[Sikh Khalsa Army]] was under her command during the [[Siege of Multan (1818)|Battle of Multan (1818)]].<ref>{{Citation|title="Shady Character, Hidden Designs, and Masked Faces": Reflections on 'Vilayati' Sikh Marriages and Discourses of Abuse|date=2013-01-01|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/9789004257238_012|work=Sikh Diaspora|pages=231–259|publisher=BRILL|doi=10.1163/9789004257238_012|isbn=9789004257238|access-date=2021-08-28 |last1=Thandi |first1=Shinder S. |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="Atwal"/>  
 
She played a considerable role in popularizing handicrafts like [[Phulkari]] knitting and fine arts in [[Punjab]].<ref name="Atwal" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Duggal|first=Kartar Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4udb8LsF3-oC&q=As+the+mother+of+Prince+Kharak+Singh+,+who+was+going+to+succeed+to+the+throne+,+Rani+Raj+Kaur+wielded+a+good+deal+of+influence+on+the+Maharaja&pg=PA66|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms|date=2001|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-410-3|language=en}}</ref> Mai Nakain was also a patron of religious mystics and mendicants.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ross|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bH4BAAAAQAAJ&q=favourite&pg=PA138|title=The land of the five rivers and Sindh|date=1883|publisher=Chapman and Hall|language=en}}</ref>
 
Though Emily Eden or Fanny Eden never met the Maharani as she met the royal family of Lahore in November 1838 after the death of Mai Nakain. But her daughter in law, [[Chand Kaur]] describes her as being as auspicious and beautiful as [[Rati|Goddess Lakshmi]],<ref>{{Citation |last=Singh |first=Gurharpal |title=India, Pakistan and the Sikhs |date=2023-01-19 |work=Global Sikhs |pages=111–132 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003281849-7 |access-date=2023-12-21 |place=London |publisher=Routledge |doi=10.4324/9781003281849-7 |isbn=978-1-003-28184-9|url-access=subscription }}</ref> along with being vivacious, independent, artistic, intelligent and religious.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Sheikh |first=Majid |date=2021-04-25 |title=Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1620259 |access-date=2021-09-27 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Atwal |first=Priya |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LPcTEAAAQBAJ&q=royals+and+rebels+independent |title=Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire |date=2021-01-15 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-756694-7 |language=en}}</ref> Ranjit Singh described her as a chaste noble woman who filled his life with light and sweetness.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Sarbpreet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IiXREAAAQBAJ&dq=raj+kaur+sweetness&pg=PT152 |title=The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh |date=2023-06-26 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |isbn=978-93-5708-133-7 |language=en}}</ref>
 
She is said to have been a patron of mystics and mendiants.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ross (C.I.E.) |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bH4BAAAAQAAJ&dq=david+ross+raj+kaur&pg=PA138 |title=The land of the five rivers and Sindh |date=1883 |publisher=Chapman and Hall |language=en}}</ref>


== Sukerchakia-Nakai relationship ==
== Sukerchakia-Nakai relationship ==
Even though his favourite Rani was from the house of the Nakais, Ranjit Singh's relationship with the Nakais was somewhat rocky. Nakais did not find the alliance with Ranjit Singh much useful to them.<ref name="Griffin 1865"/>
Even though his favourite Rani was from the house of the Nakais, Ranjit Singh's relationship with the Nakais was somewhat rocky. Nakais did not find the alliance with Ranjit Singh much useful to them.<ref name="Griffin 1865"/>


After Ranjit Singh had declared himself the Maharaja of Punjab in 1801 he had kept consolidating majority of the Misls. The ambitious Maharaja had been eyeing the Nakai territory, but had spared it till the death of Sardar Gyan Singh in 1807. But soon after suggested [[Kahan Singh Nakai|Sardar Kahan Singh Nakai]], who succeeded his father as the sixth chief of the [[Nakai Misl|Nakais]] to join the [[Lahore]] [[Durbar (court)|Darbar]], which the proud newly crowned Nakai chief steadily refused to obligate. Finally, in 1811, Ranjit Singh sent Kharak Singh to annex all the Nakai territories; Sardar Kahan Singh came back from Multan to find his cousin Kharak Singh has taken over his misl. Diwan Hakim Rai, the administer of the Nakai Chief, immediately approached Ranjit Singh with the request that it was not proper for the Lahore forces to take military action against his nephew's misl. Sohan Lai Suri notes that the Maharaja, very poliety, said ''"I have nothing to do in this matter, Kunwar Kharak Singh is the maternal grandson of the Nakais and only he knows as to what is to be done."''
After Ranjit Singh had declared himself the Maharaja of Punjab in 1801 he had kept consolidating majority of the Misls. The ambitious Maharaja had been eyeing the Nakai territory, but had spared it out if respect for his brother-in-law, Sardar Gyan Singh. However after his death in 1807 he suggested [[Kahan Singh Nakai|Sardar Kahan Singh Nakai]], who succeeded his father as the sixth chief of the [[Nakai Misl|Nakais]] to join the [[Lahore]] [[Durbar (court)|Darbar]], which the proud newly crowned Nakai chief steadily refused to obligate. Finally, in 1811, Ranjit Singh sent Kharak Singh to annex all the Nakai territories; Sardar Kahan Singh came back from Multan to find his cousin Kharak Singh has taken over his misl. Diwan Hakim Rai, the administer of the Nakai Chief, immediately approached Ranjit Singh with the request that it was not proper for the Lahore forces to take military action against his nephew's misl. Sohan Lai Suri notes that the Maharaja, very politely, said ''"I have nothing to do in this matter, Kunwar Kharak Singh is the maternal grandson of the Nakais and only he knows as to what is to be done."''  


Before having his estates seized Kahan Singh was successful in conquering Pakpattan. Ranjit Singh granted Kahan Singh jagir at [[Baherwal Kalan|Baherwal]] while his brother-in-law, Khazan Singh was granted a jagir at Nankot. Sardar Kahan Singh continued to live in Baharwal and the Nakais remained loyal to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Before having his estates seized Kahan Singh was successful in conquering Pakpattan. Ranjit Singh granted Kahan Singh jagir at [[Baherwal Kalan|Baherwal]] while his brother-in-law, Khazan Singh was granted a jagir at Nankot. Sardar Kahan Singh continued to live in Baharwal and the Nakais remained loyal to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.


==Death==
==Death==
Datar Kaur passed away in [[Sheikhupura]] on June 20, 1838. Sohan Lal Suri in Umdat-ut-Tawarikh, writes that both the Maharaja and Maharani returned from a hunting trip to Sheikhupura and fell ill. While Ranjit recovered, she passed away. Kharak Singh was inconsolable by the death of his mother.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Archives|first=India (Republic) National|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dw3X8eXMm0AC&q=kharak+singh|title=Maharaja Kharak Singh, June 27, 1839-November 5, 1840: Select Records Preserved in the National Archives of India, New Delhi|date=1977|publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University|language=en}}</ref> The Royal Lahore Garden was chosen for her [[Samadhi (shrine)|Samadhi]], the site was chosen by Ranjit himself and Suri mentions for the first time he saw the Maharaja cry. Ranjit Singh wanted the finest for his wife, hence the Royal Garden was chosen and the ashes of Mai Nakain were placed.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sheikh|first=Majid|date=2021-04-25|title=Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1620259|access-date=2021-08-28|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref> It is also the resting place of her daughter-in-law, [[Chand Kaur|Maharani Chand Kaur]] and grand daughter-in-law, [[Sahib Kaur]] wife of [[Nau Nihal Singh]]. Today the site has become part of Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore grounds.
Datar Kaur died in [[Sheikhupura]] on June 20, 1838. Sohan Lal Suri in Umdat-ut-Tawarikh, writes that both the Maharaja and Maharani returned from a hunting trip to Sheikhupura and fell ill. While Ranjit recovered, she died. Kharak Singh was inconsolable by the death of his mother.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Archives|first=India (Republic) National|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dw3X8eXMm0AC&q=kharak+singh|title=Maharaja Kharak Singh, June 27, 1839-November 5, 1840: Select Records Preserved in the National Archives of India, New Delhi|date=1977|publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University|language=en}}</ref> The Royal Lahore Garden was chosen for her [[Samadhi (shrine)|Samadhi]], the site was chosen by Ranjit himself and Suri mentions for the first time he saw the Maharaja cry. Ranjit Singh wanted the finest for his wife, hence the Royal Garden was chosen and the ashes of Mai Nakain were placed.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sheikh|first=Majid|date=2021-04-25|title=Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1620259|access-date=2021-08-28|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Qaiṣar|first=Iqbāl|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y3nXAAAAMAAJ&q=maharani+datar+kaur|title=پاكستان وچ سكھاں دياں تواريخى پوتر تھاواں|date=1998|publisher=Punjabi History Board|language=pa}}</ref>
 
 
It is also the resting place of her daughter-in-law, [[Chand Kaur|Maharani Chand Kaur]] and grand daughter-in-law, [[Sahib Kaur]] wife of [[Nau Nihal Singh]]. Today the site has become part of Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore grounds.
 
Ranjit Singh and Datar Kaur shared a very loving and close relationship. After her dealth, Ranjit Singh fell sick and died shortly.
The missionary reported,<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5bHnf1rieYQC&q=%22The+Maharajah+was+never+the+same+person+again.+He+was+no+longer+able+to+mount+his+horse+himself+and+had+to+be+lifted+into+the+saddle.+His+recovery+was+retarded+by+the+death+of+Mai+Nakain,+his+favourite+wife+and+companion+of+over+forty+years+.+He+took+the+Nakain's+death+to+heart+and+brooded+over+it+a+long+time%22&dq=%22The+Maharajah+was+never+the+same+person+again.+He+was+no+longer+able+to+mount+his+horse+himself+and+had+to+be+lifted+into+the+saddle.+His+recovery+was+retarded+by+the+death+of+Mai+Nakain,+his+favourite+wife+and+companion+of+over+forty+years+.+He+took+the+Nakain's+death+to+heart+and+brooded+over+it+a+long+time%22&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwihlo3X6NmPAxXxIkQIHVmzETMQ6AF6BAgIEAM#%22The%20Maharajah%20was%20never%20the%20same%20person%20again.%20He%20was%20no%20longer%20able%20to%20mount%20his%20horse%20himself%20and%20had%20to%20be%20lifted%20into%20the%20saddle.%20His%20recovery%20was%20retarded%20by%20the%20death%20of%20Mai%20Nakain,%20his%20favourite%20wife%20and%20companion%20of%20over%20forty%20years%20.%20He%20took%20the%20Nakain's%20death%20to%20heart%20and%20brooded%20over%20it%20a%20long%20time%22 |title=The Missionary |date=1963 |publisher=Hardev Bahadur Singh |language=en}}</ref>
<blockquote>"The Maharajah was never the same person again. He was no longer able to mount his horse himself and had to be lifted into the saddle. His recovery was retarded by the death of Mai Nakain, his favourite wife and companion of over forty years . He took the Nakain's death to heart and brooded over it a long time"</blockquote>
 


[[Claude Martin Wade]] had brought the [[Tripartite Treaty of 1838]] to be signed at her funeral.<ref name="Atwal"/>
[[Claude Martin Wade]] had brought the [[Tripartite Treaty of 1838]] to be signed at her funeral.<ref name="Atwal"/>
Line 107: Line 134:
* Ganda Singh, ed., Maharaja Ranjit Singh (First Death Centenary Memorial Volume)
* Ganda Singh, ed., Maharaja Ranjit Singh (First Death Centenary Memorial Volume)


{{authority control}}
{{Sikh Empire}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaur, Datar}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaur, Datar}}
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:1780s births]]
[[Category:18th-century births]]
[[Category:1838 deaths]]
[[Category:1838 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian Sikhs]]
[[Category:Year of birth uncertain]]
[[Category:Punjabi Sikhs]]
[[Category:Indian female royalty]]
[[Category:Indian female royalty]]
[[Category:Women of the Sikh Empire]]
[[Category:Women from the Sikh Empire]]
[[Category:People from the Sikh Empire]]
[[Category:18th-century Indian women]]
[[Category:18th-century Indian women]]
[[Category:18th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:18th-century Indian royalty]]
[[Category:Indian queens consort]]
[[Category:Wives of Ranjit Singh]]

Latest revision as of 11:32, 17 February 2026


Datar Kaur
Maharani Sri Datar Kaur Mai Nakain Sahiba of Sarkar-i-Khalsa
Maharani of Punjab
Maharani of Lahore
Maharani of Kashmir
Painting of Maharani Datar Kaur with an attendant
Maharani consort of the Sikh Empire
Tenure12 April 1801 – 20 June 1838
PredecessorRaj Kaur
SuccessorChand Kaur
Sardarni of Sukerchakia Misl
TenureApril 1797 – 11 April 1801
PredecessorRaj Kaur
BornBibi Raj Kaur Nakai
c. 1784
Baherwal Kalan, Nakai Misl, Sikh Confederacy
(present-day Kasur District, Punjab, Pakistan)
Died20 June 1838 (aged 53–54)
Sheikhupura Fort, Sheikhupura, Punjab, Sikh Empire
(now Punjab, Pakistan)
Burial
Royal Garden, Lahore (Samadhi)
(present day Islamia College Civil Lines)[1]
Spouse
​
(
m. 1797)
[2][3]
IssueMaharaja Kharak Singh[4]
HouseNakai (by birth)
Sukerchakia (by marriage)
FatherSardar Ran Singh Nakai
MotherRani Karman Kaur[5]
ReligionSikhism

Maharani Datar Kaur (born Bibi Raj Kaur Nakai; (c. 1784– 20 June 1838) was the queen consort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,[6][7][8] the founder of the Sikh Empire and the mother of his successor, Maharaja Kharak Singh. She was the daughter of Sardar Ran Singh Nakai, third ruler of the Nakai Misl and Sardarni Karman Kaur.

Datar Kaur was betrothed to Ranjit Singh in childhood; the Anand Karaj took place when the couple were still young. Though Ranjit Singh married several times for political reasons, Datar Kaur remained his favorite and most respected wife. He lovingly addressed her as Mai Nakain.[9][10][11]

In 1801, she gave birth to Kharak Singh, the heir apparent of Ranjit Singh. She took an active interest in the affairs of the State and was given command during the Battle of Multan (1818) alongside her son, Kharak Singh. She was the grandmother of Maharaja Nau Nihal Singh (1821–1840) and aunt of Sardar Kahan Singh Nakai. Datar Kaur died on 20 June 1838 in her haveli in Sheikhupura.

Her Samadhi is located in the royal garden, now part of the grounds of Government Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore.

Family history[edit | edit source]

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

Raj Kaur was the youngest child of Sardar Ran Singh Nakai and his wife, Sardarni Karmo Kaur. She was the granddaughter of Sardar Natha Singh (d. 1768) brother of the legendary Heera Singh Sandhu (1706–1767), founder of the principality of Nakai Misl in 1748. She had three elder 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.

Her 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.[12] He 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.[12] He had fought repeatedly against Kamar Singh, the ruler of Syedwala. Sometime before his death, he defeated him and captured Syedwala.

Sardar Bhagwan Singh Nakai, 4th ruler of the Nakai Misl
Sardar Bhagwan Singh Nakai, 4th ruler of the Nakai Misl

Ran Singh was succeeded by his eldest son Bhagwan Singh, he was unable to hold his territory against Wazir Singh, the brother of Kamar Singh and lost Syedwala to him. Bhagwan Singh realizing that he might lose all of his territory, in consultation with Karmo Kaur, set up the engagement of the infant Raj Kaur to the four-year-old Ranjit Singh in order to gain the powerful Maha Singh of the Sukerchakia Misl as an ally.[13][14] Wazir Singh tried to break off this match, but was unable to do so.[15] In an attempt to mislead her, Wazir Singh claimed that the Nakai Sandhu Jatts are superior to the Sukerchakias, but Karmo Kaur refused to break off the match and stated as Sikhs all were equal.[16]

Later in 1785, Maha Singh was facing attacks from Sardar Jai Singh Kanhaiya of the Kanhaiya Misl and called on Bhagwan Singh and Wazir Singh to aid him. After their victory against the Kanhaiyas, Maha Singh began to favor Wazir Singh, which started to affect his relationship with Bhagwan Singh.[17] Maha Singh tried to reconcile the differences between Bhagwan Singh and Wazir Singh, but they continued to engage in constant warfare and in 1789 the former was killed by Wazir Singh.[12][15][18]

Since Bhagwan Singh had no children, he was succeeded by his brother, Gyan Singh as the head of the Nakai Misl in 1789.[15][19] With the family's old enemy Wazir Singh being killed by Dal Singh, son of Heera Singh Sandhu, Gyan Singh had a relatively peaceful reign and was able to consolidate his power.[15]

Marriage[edit | edit source]

Fresco from the Haveli of Maharani Datar Kaur, Sheikhpura Qila (fort), Punjab

Ranjit Singh sought for Raj Kaur Nakain's hand in marriage- as they were betrothed for quite some time.[15] He 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.

Gyan Singh agreed for the nuptials of Raj Kaur and Ranjit Singh and the couple were wedded in 1792.[2] She is said to be only 12 at the time of her muklawa to the 16-year-old Ranjit Singh in 1797.[20][21] This marriage was the first political alliance of the Sukerchakia Misl and the Nakai Misl.

Though the nuptials of Datar Kaur and Ranjit Singh were arranged for political reasons, the two shared a close and loving relationship. Her known physical and personal attributes describe her as being doe eyed and beautiful [22] along with being vivacious, independent, artistic, intelligent. She was also very religious.[21][23] She is said to have been a patron of mystics and mendiants.[24]

Since Raj Kaur was the name of her mother-in-law, as well as Ranjit Singh's aunt the daughter of Charat Singh and Desan Kaur; To avoid confusion, the wife of Ranjit Singh, Raj Kaur Nakai was given the name "Datar" (ਦਾਤਾਰ) (داتار) which means 'Giver', due to her maternal gentleness and understanding in dealing with the wayward Ranjit Singh. He lovingly called Mai Nakain,[25][26] sometimes affectionately addressed her as Taare.[27] Datar Kaur brought sweetness and light into Ranjit Singh's life and provided for him a focus of interest in his home.[28][29][30] Even though Ranjit Singh had many marriages, Datar Kaur remained his favourite.[31][32]

She had significant influence over her husband, the royal family and the royal court.[33][34] There is no record of any friction or mutual differences between Datar Kaur or the other wives of Ranjit Singh, but there were instances of tension between her and Mehtab Kaur after the she bore Ranjit Singh's first child. This left Mehtab Kaur in a very difficult position as Datar was her junior. This also left Sada Kaur's plans to secure the future of her daughter and the Kanhaiyas in tatters.[30] Ranjit Singh and Mehtab 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.[35]

In some historical accounts, mistakenly, marriage of Ranjit Singh has been mentioned with two daughters of Nakai Misl i.e. Raj Kaur and Datar Kaur. However, she was one and the same person.

Issue and descendants[edit | edit source]

In 1801, she gave birth to Crown Prince Kharak Singh, the heir apparent of the Sikh Empire earning her the title of Ranjit Singh's queen consort.[6]

According to the pedigree table of the Lahore Royal Family she bore Ranjit Singh two other sons Rattan Singh[36][37][38] and Fateh Singh, who died in infancy.[39]

In 2020, Sandeep Singh Sukerchakia, 7th generation great-grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharani Datar Kaur from their son Rattan Singh, wrote a detailed letter to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India insisting the inclusion of Punjabi Language in the New Jammu and Kashmir official Language Bill of 2020.[40][41]

Her other descendants include- Late Lt Gen Jagdishwar Singh Nakai who joined the Indian army just when the Second World War broke out and served in the Burma Campaign. He 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. Lt Gen Nakai was a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. Former Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan), Sardar Arif Nakai and Pakistani politician, Sardar Asif Nakai are also the direct descendants of the Nakais.[citation needed]

Maharani of the Sikh Empire[edit | edit source]

Fresco of Maharani Datar Kaur martially training her son, Kharak Singh

Datar Kaur took interest in political affairs, and her husband sought her advice in important stately matters. Even though she was his second wife she became his principal wife and chief consort.[42] On many different occasions, she served as her husband's ambassador; even acting as a political proxy for him.[43][44] It is said that Datar Kaur wielded a legendary influence on Maharaja Ranjit Singh.[45]

Fresco of Maharani Datar Kaur holding her court at Sheikhupura

Mai Nakain took control of the Sheikhupura Fort when her six-year-old son, Kharak Singh had conquered it.[46] In 1811, she was officially granted the jagir of Sheikhupura by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.[47] Around the same time she started residing in the Sheikhupura Fort and held her own court.[48] She enjoyed hunting and often accompanied her husband on his hunting trips. Sheikhupura has a vicinity of good hunting places.

Since his birth, her son was the heir of Ranjit Singh. When Kharak Singh was merely an year old he was paraded through the streets of Lahore as his father’s heir and Punjab's prince.[49] In 1816, Ranjit Singh crowned Kharak Singh as his heir apparent and anointed him "Yuvraj Shri Tikka Kanwar" (Crown prince).[50][51] The same year she took over her son's training for 18 months for his Expedition of Multan.[52][53][54]

In 1818, she accompanied her son to the campaign of Multan as a commander to.[55] The Sikh Khalsa Army was under her command during the Battle of Multan (1818).[56][48]

She played a considerable role in popularizing handicrafts like Phulkari knitting and fine arts in Punjab.[48][57] Mai Nakain was also a patron of religious mystics and mendicants.[58]

Though Emily Eden or Fanny Eden never met the Maharani as she met the royal family of Lahore in November 1838 after the death of Mai Nakain. But her daughter in law, Chand Kaur describes her as being as auspicious and beautiful as Goddess Lakshmi,[59] along with being vivacious, independent, artistic, intelligent and religious.[60][61] Ranjit Singh described her as a chaste noble woman who filled his life with light and sweetness.[62]

She is said to have been a patron of mystics and mendiants.[63]

Sukerchakia-Nakai relationship[edit | edit source]

Even though his favourite Rani was from the house of the Nakais, Ranjit Singh's relationship with the Nakais was somewhat rocky. Nakais did not find the alliance with Ranjit Singh much useful to them.[15]

After Ranjit Singh had declared himself the Maharaja of Punjab in 1801 he had kept consolidating majority of the Misls. The ambitious Maharaja had been eyeing the Nakai territory, but had spared it out if respect for his brother-in-law, Sardar Gyan Singh. However after his death in 1807 he suggested Sardar Kahan Singh Nakai, who succeeded his father as the sixth chief of the Nakais to join the Lahore Darbar, which the proud newly crowned Nakai chief steadily refused to obligate. Finally, in 1811, Ranjit Singh sent Kharak Singh to annex all the Nakai territories; Sardar Kahan Singh came back from Multan to find his cousin Kharak Singh has taken over his misl. Diwan Hakim Rai, the administer of the Nakai Chief, immediately approached Ranjit Singh with the request that it was not proper for the Lahore forces to take military action against his nephew's misl. Sohan Lai Suri notes that the Maharaja, very politely, said "I have nothing to do in this matter, Kunwar Kharak Singh is the maternal grandson of the Nakais and only he knows as to what is to be done."

Before having his estates seized Kahan Singh was successful in conquering Pakpattan. Ranjit Singh granted Kahan Singh jagir at Baherwal while his brother-in-law, Khazan Singh was granted a jagir at Nankot. Sardar Kahan Singh continued to live in Baharwal and the Nakais remained loyal to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Death[edit | edit source]

Datar Kaur died in Sheikhupura on June 20, 1838. Sohan Lal Suri in Umdat-ut-Tawarikh, writes that both the Maharaja and Maharani returned from a hunting trip to Sheikhupura and fell ill. While Ranjit recovered, she died. Kharak Singh was inconsolable by the death of his mother.[64] The Royal Lahore Garden was chosen for her Samadhi, the site was chosen by Ranjit himself and Suri mentions for the first time he saw the Maharaja cry. Ranjit Singh wanted the finest for his wife, hence the Royal Garden was chosen and the ashes of Mai Nakain were placed.[65][66]


It is also the resting place of her daughter-in-law, Maharani Chand Kaur and grand daughter-in-law, Sahib Kaur wife of Nau Nihal Singh. Today the site has become part of Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore grounds.

Ranjit Singh and Datar Kaur shared a very loving and close relationship. After her dealth, Ranjit Singh fell sick and died shortly. The missionary reported,[67]

"The Maharajah was never the same person again. He was no longer able to mount his horse himself and had to be lifted into the saddle. His recovery was retarded by the death of Mai Nakain, his favourite wife and companion of over forty years . He took the Nakain's death to heart and brooded over it a long time"


Claude Martin Wade had brought the Tripartite Treaty of 1838 to be signed at her funeral.[48]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ پاكستان وچ سكھاں دياں تريخى پوتر تھاواں
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Atwal, Priya (1 November 2020). "Royals and Rebels". doi:10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-754831-8. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ↑ Atwal, Priya (2020). Royals and Rebels:The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire. London: C. Hurst Limited. ISBN 9781787383081.
  4. ↑ Lafont, Jean Marie (2002). Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Atlantic Publishers & Distri.
  5. ↑ "History of the Sikh Misals".
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Singh, Patwant; Rai, Jyoti M. (1 November 2008). Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Peter Owen Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7206-1371-1.
  7. ↑ Sood, D. R. (1981). Ranjit Singh. National Book Trust. OCLC 499465766.
  8. ↑ Suri, Sohan Lal. Umdat Ul Tawarikh.
  9. ↑ Commission, Indian Historical Records (1926). Proceedings of Meetings. Superintendent Government Printing, India.
  10. ↑ Bengal, Past & Present: Journal of the Calcutta Historical Society. The Society. 1926.
  11. ↑ The Muslim Review. 1926.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 History Of The Sikhs Vol. IV The Sikh Commonwealth Or Rise And Fall Of Sikh Misls. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  13. ↑ History Of The Sikh Misals. pp. 161–163. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  14. ↑ Siṅgha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. pp. 161–162.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Griffin, Lepel Henry (1865). The Panjab Chiefs: Historical and Biographical Notices of the Principal Families in the Territories Under the Panjab Government. T.C. McCarthy.
  16. ↑ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 164.
  17. ↑ Siṅgha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.
  18. ↑ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 165.
  19. ↑ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 165.
  20. ↑ "Malik Tayyab Bhai Pheru, Phool Nagar". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Sheikh, Majid (25 April 2021). "Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  22. ↑ Singh, Gurharpal (19 January 2023), "India, Pakistan and the Sikhs", Global Sikhs, London: Routledge, pp. 111–132, doi:10.4324/9781003281849-7, ISBN 978-1-003-28184-9, retrieved 21 December 2023{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  23. ↑ Atwal, Priya (15 January 2021). Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-756694-7.
  24. ↑ Ross (C.I.E.), David (1883). The land of the five rivers and Sindh. Chapman and Hall.
  25. ↑ Singh, Khushwant (24 March 2009). Ranjit Singh. Penguin Books India. ISBN 978-0-14-306543-2.
  26. ↑ Griffin, Lepel Henry (1890). The Panjab Chiefs: Historical and Biographical Notices of the Principal Families in the Lahore and Rawalpindi Divisions of the Panjab. Civil and Military Gazette Press.
  27. ↑ Journal of Sikh Studies. Department of Guru Nanak Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University. 2001.
  28. ↑ Singh, Sarbpreet (26 June 2023). The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-5708-133-7.
  29. ↑ Fakir, Syed Waheeduddin; Vaḥīduddīn, Faqīr Sayyid (1965). The Real Ranjit Singh. Lion Art Press.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Singh, Sarbpreet (2019). The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Tranquebar by Westland Publications Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-88689-47-2.
  31. ↑ Tibbetts, Jann (30 July 2016). 50 Great Military Leaders of All Time. Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. ISBN 978-93-85505-66-9.
  32. ↑ Singh, Khushwant; Singh, Kushwant (24 March 2009). Ranjit Singh. Penguin Books India. ISBN 978-0-14-306543-2.
  33. ↑ Duggal, Kartar Singh (2001). Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-81-7017-410-3.
  34. ↑ The Sikh Review. Sikh Cultural Centre. 1982.
  35. ↑ Singh, Khushwant (24 March 2009). Ranjit Singh. Penguin Books India. ISBN 978-0-14-306543-2.
  36. ↑ Mahanian Koharan Tehsil .Amritsar District .AmritsarState .Punjab. YouTube. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021.
  37. ↑ Rana, Yudhvir (18 August 2021). "Seventh generation descendent of Maharaja Ranjit Singh writes to Imran". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  38. ↑ Rana, Yudhvir (1 May 2015). "Descendants of Maharaja Ranjit Singh stakes claim on Gobindgarh Fort". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  39. ↑ "Postscript: Maharaja Duleep Singh", Emperor of the Five Rivers, I.B.Tauris, 2017, doi:10.5040/9781350986220.0008, ISBN 978-1-78673-095-4, retrieved 20 October 2021{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  40. ↑ The Karmveer [@TheKarmveerD] (13 September 2020). "The 7th Generation directed descendent of Sher-I-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh from his 2nd Wife Maharani Datar Kour through his second son Commandant Rattan Singh have written a detailed letter to PM Narendra Modi demanding inclusion of Punjabi Language in the New J&K" (Tweet). Retrieved 27 March 2022 – via Twitter.
  41. ↑ Singh, Kanwal [@KanwalSinghJK] (24 October 2020). "@nagotrk @Jobanpr74737905 @DAkkhar @mkandharii The random link is to tell you about the seventh generation Descendant ie Sandeep Singh. This is the last page of the letter with complete address attached with his jagir. t.co/XVhKhhl5CA" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2022 – via Twitter.
  42. ↑ Sood, D. R. (1968). Ranjit Singh. National Book Trust, India.
  43. ↑ "Book Review: The Hidden History of Female Agency in the Sikh Empire". The Wire. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  44. ↑ Atwal, Priya (1 November 2020). "Royals and Rebels". doi:10.1093/oso/9780197548318.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-754831-8. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  45. ↑ The Sikh Review. Sikh Cultural Centre. 1982.
  46. ↑ Atwal, Priya (15 January 2021). Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-756693-0.
  47. ↑ Bansal, Bobby Singh (1 December 2015). Remnants of the Sikh Empire: Historical Sikh Monuments in India & Pakistan. Hay House, Inc. ISBN 978-93-84544-93-5.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 Atwal, Priya (15 January 2021). Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-756694-7.
  49. ↑ Sood, D. R. (1968). Ranjit Singh. National Book Trust, India.
  50. ↑ Singh, Ranjit (2013). Golden Crystal. Unistar Books. ISBN 978-93-5113-048-2.
  51. ↑ Maharaja Kharak Singh, June 27, 1839-November 5, 1840: Select Records Preserved in the National Archives of India, New Delhi. Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University. 1977.
  52. ↑ Singh, Karnail (2005). Fragments of Half a Century. Institute of Sikh Studies. ISBN 978-81-85815-25-1.
  53. ↑ The Panjab Past and Present. Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University. 1980.
  54. ↑ Singh, Karnail (1984). Winston Churchill's Account of Anglo-Sikh Wars and Its In-side Tale. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
  55. ↑ Siṅgha, Bhagata (1990). Maharaja Ranjit Singh and His Times. Sehgal Publishers Service. ISBN 978-81-85477-01-5.
  56. ↑ Thandi, Shinder S. (1 January 2013), ""Shady Character, Hidden Designs, and Masked Faces": Reflections on 'Vilayati' Sikh Marriages and Discourses of Abuse", Sikh Diaspora, BRILL, pp. 231–259, doi:10.1163/9789004257238_012, ISBN 9789004257238, retrieved 28 August 2021{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  57. ↑ Duggal, Kartar Singh (2001). Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-81-7017-410-3.
  58. ↑ Ross, David (1883). The land of the five rivers and Sindh. Chapman and Hall.
  59. ↑ Singh, Gurharpal (19 January 2023), "India, Pakistan and the Sikhs", Global Sikhs, London: Routledge, pp. 111–132, doi:10.4324/9781003281849-7, ISBN 978-1-003-28184-9, retrieved 21 December 2023{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  60. ↑ Sheikh, Majid (25 April 2021). "Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  61. ↑ Atwal, Priya (15 January 2021). Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-756694-7.
  62. ↑ Singh, Sarbpreet (26 June 2023). The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-5708-133-7.
  63. ↑ Ross (C.I.E.), David (1883). The land of the five rivers and Sindh. Chapman and Hall.
  64. ↑ Archives, India (Republic) National (1977). Maharaja Kharak Singh, June 27, 1839-November 5, 1840: Select Records Preserved in the National Archives of India, New Delhi. Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University.
  65. ↑ Sheikh, Majid (25 April 2021). "Three Maharanis of the great Sikh Maharajahs". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  66. ↑ Qaiṣar, Iqbāl (1998). پاكستان وچ سكھاں دياں تواريخى پوتر تھاواں (in ਪੰਜਾਬੀ). Punjabi History Board.
  67. ↑ The Missionary. Hardev Bahadur Singh. 1963.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • Suri, Sohan Lal, Umddt ut-Twarikh. Lahore, 1885–89.
  • Ganda Singh, ed., Maharaja Ranjit Singh (First Death Centenary Memorial Volume)
Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Datar_Kaur&oldid=452274"
Discover more