Misr Beli Ram, a Brahmin, joined service at the court of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh, in 1809. After the death of Basti Ram, his uncle, he was appointed as the in charge of Toshakhana (the treasury). Precious diamond Koh-i-noor was also in his custody. Beli Ram was a man of strict discipline. Once he refused Dogra Dhian Sinh permission to have a look at some precious piece of jewellery, without prior permission of Ranjit Singh. He even stopped Kanwar Naunihal Singh from entering Toshakhana without written permission of Ranjit Singh. When Ranjit Singh died, Nauhihal Singh fined him rupees five hundred thousands and imprisoned him and his five brothers. When Sher Singh became Maharaja, he restored Beli Ram and his brothers, to their positions. After the murder of Sher Singh, Dogra Hira Sinh put them again in jail. Beli Ram was under the charge of Sheikh Imam-ud-Din, who strangled him to death, on September 17, 1843. Beli Ram’s family fled Lahore to British territory but returned after the murder of Dogra Hira Sinh. Rup Lal and Sukh Raj, the two brothers of Beli Ram were also officers in Ranjit Singh’s court. Rup Lal became the chief of Jullundur in 1832. Sukh Raj became General in 1832.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)