Sirdar Karora Singh Virk, was a resident of village Barki (district Lahore). According to a source, he had been forcibly converted into Islam during the period of Zakaria Khan (who ruled the Punjab from 1726 to 1745). Later, he got re-initiation from the Punj Piaray, under the leadership of Diwan Darbara Singh. He formed his own Jatha and made active participation in the Sikhs’ struggle for sovereignty. When, on March 29, 1748, all the 66 Sikh Jathas were reorganised into 11 Misls, his Jatha was named KarorSinghia Misl, under his leadership. Sirdar Karora Singh occupied a large area between Hoshiarpur and Kangra. In 1759, he fought a battle against Bishambhar Das, a minister of Adina Beg. In this Bishambhar Das was killed. Sirdar Karora Singh captured a large amount of ammunition. By 1760, his Misl had its rule over Hoshiarpur, Hariana, and Sham Churasi etc. In 1761, he attacked Kunj Pura. A battle was fought at Tarawari (near Karnal). In this battle Sirdar Karora Singh was killed. Also see: KarorSinghia Misl.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)