Manglan (1816 – ?), daughter of a poor water bearer Bhai Piru, was born in a village near Kangra. At the age of 10, she was sold by her father for 25 rupees to a Doom (ministrel). When she was 14 years old, a man named Jassa purchased her in order to exploit her as a courtesan. She deserted this man and joined the household of an employee of the Lahore Darbar. Here, she was appointed as a personal attendant of Rani Jind Kaur. Soon she became one of the most trusted attendants of the Rani. She also developed intimacy with Jawahar Singh (brother of Rani Jindan). Her affairs with Jawahar Singh won her the position of the in charge of the Toshakhana (royal treasures) as well as the royal seal. Due to her alleged involvement in unsuccessful kidnapping of Maharaja Dalip Singh, the British dismissed her services in 1846. Her estate was confiscated and she was compelled to leave for pilgrimage of Haridwar, on forced exile.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)