Rani Sada Kaur Walia is one of the eminent women in Sikh history. She is better known as Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s mother-in-law. She was a brave woman equipped with intelligence and wisdom. It was these qualities that helped Maharaja Ranjit Singh to capture the province of Lahore (now in Pakistan). Her contribution in establishing the Sikh kingdom is notable.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the illustrious ruler of Punjab, was invited by the Emperor Jamaan of Kabul and the residents of Lahore to take control of the city, which was plagued by a lack of constant rule. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was however in a predicament since he did not have enough soldiers required for the campaign. To seek help he visited Batala, which was ruled by his mother-in-law. She offered him her soldiers, which unfortunately did not add up to the required numbers. She pacified the dismayed king and thought up of a strategy to capture Lahore. The strategy involved approaching Lahore secretly, so as to avoid any hostility on the way, and contacting the residents of the city for their assistance. The strategy succeeded and the Sikh army entered the city. This army however faced resistance from the general controlling the fort inside the city. This problem was also tackled in a very intelligent manner by Rani Sada Kaur Walia.
Even when faced with a formidable enemy possessing large amounts of ammunition, Rani Sada Kaur Walia did not lose heart. She always relied on her wisdom and intelligence. Even a great ruler like Maharaja Ranjit Singh had sought her advice in times of adversity. Her guidance proved beneficial in the many battles he fought for the establishment of the Sikh kingdom.
