Bhai Dasaundha Singh, son of Chowdhry Sahib Rai, of village Mansur (district Firozpur), was the founder of the Nishanwalia Misl. He was initiated by the Jatha of Baba Darbara Singh, the chief of the Dal Khalsa. Soon, he became a senior leader of the Taruna Dal. His Jatha used to lead the Sikh army bearing the Khalsa Nishan (flags) in the front of the army, hence the name Nishanwalias (the standard bearers). Bhai Dasaundha Singh captured several areas for the Misl, during 1764-67. It included the area between Singhanwala (district Firozpur) and Ambala. Ambala, Zira, Amloh, Doraha etc. were part of his estate. He was killed at Merrut, in a battle fought between his army and the joint army of Jahan Khan and Zabita Khan (later Dharam Singh), in May 1767. He was succeeded by his younger brother Bhai Sangat Singh. Also see: Nishanwalia Misl.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)