Sirdar Gulab Singh (? – 1759), son of Bhai Shardha Ram, was born at village Dallewal. When he grew up, he started a small grocery shop in his village. He was an active person. He was attracted by the stories of the chivalry of the Sikhs. One day, he visited Amritsar and met Nawab Kapur Singh. He asked Nawab Kapur Singh to enrol him in the Sikh army. Nawab Kapur Singh asked him to first grow hair, learn sword-wielding and horse-riding. Bhai Gulaba returned home and followed the instructions of Nawab Kapur Singh. The following year, he went to Amritsar. Nawab Kapur Singh was pleased to see him in the form of a Sikh soldier. Bhai Gulaba was initiated and was named Bhai Gulab Singh. He formed a Jatha and began participating in the Sikh struggle. In 1739, when Nadir Shah attacked Punjab, his Jatha fought bravely. During the Chhota Ghallughara (the smaller carnage) he played remarkable role. On March 29, 1748, all the 65 Jathas of the Sikh army were merged to form 11 Misls. His Jatha became a part of the Misl Dallewalia. When Ahmed Shah Durrani attacked the Punjab, his Misl, along with the other Misls, attacked the camp of Ahmed Shah Durrani several times. Sirdar Gulab Singh, later, attacked Hansi, Hissar and Panipat and plundered the royal treasures and arsenals. In 1759, he died while fighting against the chief of Kalanaur (district Gurdaspur).
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)