Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/75

Rh When Sir Henry Hardinge arrived in India, both the Rájá Sher Singh, a son of Ranjít, and also the Minister Dhián Singh, a brother of Ghuláb Singh, had recently been murdered on the same day. By means of bribes to the army, Híra Singh, a son of Dhián, obtained the succession to the post of Minister; while the infant Dhulíp, another son of Ranjít, was placed on the throne, with his mother, the Rání, as Queen-Regent. Híra Singh is thus described by Sir Henry Hardinge: — 'He is the handsomest man in the East, twenty-four years of age, and has shown considerable ability. He is brave and reckless, and it is probable that among people so ferocious he will not long escape a violent death.' ... 'Of the chief Sardárs, ten have already been destroyed; and when the expected event of Híra Singh's death takes place, some soldier of energy may possibly be found capable of controlling this turbulent army.' The same letter also contains a description of Ghuláb Singh: — 'The most remarkable man in the country is Ghuláb Singh, the uncle of Híra Singh. He was formerly a running footman in Ranjít's service. Entrusted with the task of conquering the Hill tribes, he displayed great military ability and secured for himself a revenue exceeding £600,000 a year.'

At this time Kashmír was in a state of insurrection. The Afgháns were threatening Pesháwar, while Híra Singh was endeavouring to induce Ghuláb Singh to march against them. The Governor of Múltán had lately been in conflict with the troops of the Sikh Darbár, so that the Punjab was threatened from various