Raja Hira Singh (1816-1844), 1844 (c)

Miniature portrait in watercolour on ivory, by a Company artist, Lahore, India, 1845 (c).

Hira Singh was the son of Raja Dhian (or Dhyan) Singh and was the favourite of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Following the assassination of Maharaja Shere Singh, the infant Duleep Singh succeeded and Raja Hira Singh was appointed his Prime Minister. Raja Hira Singh's association with his mentor, Pandit Jhilla, was very unpopular. When the Raja used excessive methods to secure his position, the resentment against him grew. In 1844 the Sikh Army turned against Raja Hira Singh and Pandit Jhilla. They attempted to flee Lahore but the army overtook them. Both men were slain and their heads cut off; these were then paraded through the streets of the city.