Pandit Jalla (? – 21.12.1844), a resident of Jammu, was the teacher of Hira Sinh Dogra. Later, he developed friendship with Hira Sinh. On September 17, 1843, Hira Singh became the prime minister of the Punjab. Hira Sinh made Pandit Jalla as his prime adviser. Hira Sinh always worked under the guidance of Pandit Jalla; hence Jalla considered him as super prime minister. He became arrogant and began treating the Sikh officials and the others in an aggressive manner. At this most of the courtiers and the officers turned against him. Pandit Jalla provoked Hira Sinh to confiscate the Jagirs of several officials. He even tried to poison Rani Jindan. This infuriated the Sikh army. Now, Jalla and Hira Sinh knew that the Sikhs won’t forgive them and they could be killed any time. They made a planning to flee Lahore. Hira Sinh and Pandit Jalla, along with several cart-loads of gold, silver and the other valuables, and escorted by 4000 Dogra soldiers, left Lahore on December 21, 1844. The Sikh army, led by General Sham Singh Atariwala and Jawahar Singh, overtook him near village Nekowal, about 20 km from Lahore. Hira Sinh, Pandit Jalla were killed.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)