Bhai Kapura, after initiation Kapur Singh (1628 – 1708), son of Bhai Lala, was the chief of the present day area of Kotkapura, Muktsar, Faridkot etc. In 1643, he succeeded his uncle Bhallan, as the chief of his estate as well as Brar brotherhood. At first he used to live at village Punj Garain but later, in 1661, he moved to a place now known as Kot Kapura (after his name). Once Guru Har Rai Sahib visited the area. Bhai Kapura served Guru Sahib with dedication. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib revealed Khalsa, Bhai Kapura got initiation and became Bhai Kapur Singh. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached Kotkapura, on December 27, 1705, Bhai Kapur Singh welcomed Guru Sahib. He presented Guru Sahib a horse, a sword and a shield, along with five gold-Mohars. Within a short time of the arrival of Guru Sahib at his place, Bhai Desa Singh, of village Dina, reached there and told Guru Sahib that the army of Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind, was advancing towards that side with more than 5000 soldiers. Guru Sahib decided to leave Kotkapura for Dhilwan. When the Mogul army reached there, he played trick and stopped the advance of the Mogul army by warning them that they (the Mogul army) won’t be able to get drinking water beyond that area. This was enough to stop Wazir Khan from proceeding further. (Before Wazir Khan could return, he had to fight 40 Sikhs at Khidrane-Di-Dhab, on December 29, 1705). In 1708, Issa Khan, the chief of neighbouring state, treacherously killed Bhai Kapur Singh. Later, his sons Sukkha, Sema and Mukhia avenged his murder by killing Issa Khan and capturing his territory.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)