Lehna Singh Majithia (Punjabi ਲਹਿਣਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਜੀਠੀਆ) his personal name is also romanized as Lahena or Lehna, was a polymath, inventor, warrior, and statesman.[1][2] Lehna Singh was also the father of famous businessman and philanthropist, Dyal Singh Majithia. Lehna Singh Majithia, a visionary and trailblazer of his time, stands as a revered figure in history for his outstanding contribution as the founder of many important endeavours. His pioneering spirit and innovative mindset have left an indelible mark on various fields, shaping the landscape of progress and development.
Sardar Lehna Singh Majithia | |
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Died | 1854 Banaras (modern-day Varanasi) |
Known for | Various inventions: Dispoasable cannons, Moon and Sun watch, Surajmukhi cannon Sikh polymath: scientist, inventor, architect, engineer, mechanic, writer, warrior, and statesman |
Title | Administrator (Nazim) of Amritsar Governor (Nazim) of Kangra and Hill Districts |
Children | Dyal Singh Majithia |
Parent | Desa Singh Majithia (father) |
Relatives | Gujar Singh (brother) Ranjodh Singh Majithia (younger half-brother) |
Family | Majithia |
Honours | Kasir-ul-Iktidar (Chief of Exalted Dignity) Hasam-ud-Aula (the Sword of the State) |
Sardar Lehna Singh of the renowned Majithia family was the towering Sardar of Lahore Darbar who earned the maximum number of bravery titles during his time. He was described as "the wisest man", "the best", "the purest", "the most cultured", "kind and benevolent man", "the most enlightened", "the most honest and able administrator of the Sikh Chiefs". In his book "Dyal Singh Majithia: Life and Achievements", Mr. Madan Gopal wrote, "Lehna Singh Majithia was the only Sardar with a scientific bent of mind at Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Darbar.[3]
He was also a skillful mechanic and original inventor. He designed a mechanism resembling a clock, showing the hour, the date, the day of the week and the phases of moon and other constellations. At the request of the Maharaja, he also modified the calendar and made a name for himself among the Indian astronomers of the time.[4]
He had been awarded the titles of Kasir-ul-Iktidar ('Chief of Exalted Dignity') and Hasam-udaula ('the Sword of the State') by Ranjit Singh.[5]
He left Punjab in March 1844 for Haridwar, eventually settling in Banaras. He was arrested and kept under surveillance by the British from 23 January 1846 until the end of the First Anglo-Sikh War. He returned to Punjab in 1851 and stayed for two years before returning again to Banaras where he died in 1854.[6]
Desa Singh died in 1832, and was succeeded in all his estates and honours by his eldest son, Lahina Singh Majithia.
His father, Sardar Lehna Singh, a great engineer of his time, was a pious person who had installed "Dhup Ghari" (sun clock) and contributed in the extension of Darbar Sahib with his great engineering skills.