Nawab Kapur Singh (1697 – 7.10.1753), son of Bhai Dalip Singh, was born at village Kaloke (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan). When he grew young he captured the village Faizalapur (later, he named this village as Singhpur); hence he came to be known as Kapur Singh Faizalapuria (Singhpuria). In 1721, he got initiation from the Punj Piaray, under the leadership of Bhai Mani Singh. After the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh of Dal-Waan, in 1726, he joined the battalion of Diwan Darbara Singh, the leader of the Sikh army. Soon, he became deputy leader of the Sikh army. When Jagir (sub-nationhood) was offered to the Sikh nation, by Zakaria Khan, the Governor of the Mogul Punjab, on March 29, 1733, he was granted the title of Nawab. Nawab-hood included the Jagir of the divisions of Dipalpur, Kanganwal (district Montgomery, now Sahiwal, Pakistan) and Jhabal (district Amritsar). Sirdar Kapur Singh was also presented a robe of honour. It included a sword, a turban, a shawl, a jewelled Kalgi (plume), two Karas (bangles), a necklace, a brocade garment etc. But, Nawab Kapur Singh never wore these things. When Diwan Darbara Singh died, in 1734, Nawab Kapur Singh was chosen as the leader of the Sikh army. In 1734, the Sikh army was split into two sections: Buddha Dal (the veterans) and Taruna Dal (the younger-ones). Nawab Kapur Singh was the over-all leader. Bhai Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was the leader of the Taruna Dal. Nawab Kapur Singh’s Misl was known as Misl Faizalapuria/Singhpuria. Within a few months, the Sikhs found that they had made mistake by accepting the Jagir. Soon, the agreement was broken and the struggle began again. Sirdar Kapur Singh gave a great lead to the Sikh nation. He was a great general, a great organiser, a great warrior and a great leader. He died in 1753. He had no son, so after his death his nephew Bhai Khushal Singh became the leader of the Misl Faizalapuria/Singhpuria. Also see: Singhpuria Misl.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)