From Jammu to Glory: Dogra Warriors in the Court of Ranjit Singh An Examination of Power, Loyalty, and Expansion in the Sikh Empire

Abstract

This paper explores the pivotal role played by the Dogra dynasty of Jammu in the military, political, and administrative consolidation of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Tracing their rise from regional chieftains in the hills of Jammu to influential courtiers and commanders in the Lahore Darbar, the study highlights how Dogra leaders—most notably Gulab Singh, Dhian Singh, and Suchet Singh—combined martial prowess with astute diplomacy to secure their place at the heart of imperial power. Through a detailed analysis of their contributions to territorial expansion, internal governance, and strategic alliances, the paper examines how the Dogras balanced loyalty to Ranjit Singh with their own dynastic ambitions. In doing so, it sheds light on the complexities of power-sharing, identity, and regional dynamics within the broader framework of the Sikh Empire. Through their contributions to territorial conquests, governance reforms, and foreign policy initiatives, the Dogras became indispensable actors in the empire’s expansionist vision, particularly in frontier regions such as Ladakh, Baltistan, and Gilgit. The paper draws from archival sources, historical accounts, and contemporary scholarship to assess the lasting impact of the Dogra ascendancy on the political landscape of 19th-century North India.