Encounter with Charles Metcalfe Akali Phula Singh

charles metcalfe, circa 1820

the british civil servant charles metcalfe met ranjit singh @ kasur , in february 1809 arrived in amritsar go ranjit singh s court signing of treaty of amritsar. metcalfe interested in creation of pastili boundary , establishing english treaty made suffledge boundaries respected between british , sikh empires. metcalfe came platoon composed of entirely shia muslims. shia muslims commemoration of muharram , took upon enact ritual in streets of amritsar. army of 100 muslim soldiers began beating breasts chants of hassan, hussein, ali , making lot of noise came near harmindar sahib complex akali phula singh , jatha staying.

akali phula singh participating in kirtan when heard noise sent 3 akali nihangs inquire going on. when nihangs approached shia group , explained disturbing sacred hymns , atmosphere of gurdwara insulted shia muslims , confrontation took place in 1 of turbans of nihangs fell ground. akali phula singh on hearing news came muslims. few nihangs confronted , attacked muslims , shots fired @ procession. maharajah ranjit singh heard of battle going on , arrived not stop rowdy nihangs , after time violence quelled. akali phula singh killed , wounded large amount of muslims , made them apologize , agree not make noise near gurdwara again. entire platoon have been killed if weren t mahajah ranjit singh conveying akalis stop fighting. maharajah sent muslims camp , went meet metcalfe staying. explained situation , how of metcalfe s army killed because of akali s perceived disrespect turban. entire complication settled day , treaty written next day.