Ruhullah Khan of Poonch
19th-century ruler of Poonch
Ruhullah Khan (Punjabi: رُوحُ اللّٰہ خان, romanized: Rūḥullāh Khān) (died 1819) was the Raja of Poonch from 1797 to 1819. He is known for his fierce resistance against the campaigns of Ranjit Singh in Kashmir.
Early life
Ruhullah Khan belonged to the Sangu clan of Gujjars. During the reign of Raja Rustam Khan, his father Sami Mittha, migrated from Muzaffarabad and settled in Poonch, and Ruhullah entered into the service of Raja Rustam Khan.
Rise to power
During the reign of Raja Bahadur Khan, Ruhullah rose to such prominence that he was appointed the post of Wazir. In 1797, Abdullah Khan, the Nazim of Kashmir, attacked Poonch and appointed Wazir Ruhullah Khan as its ruler.
Reign
Ruhullah Khan's son, Amir Khan, assumed the kingship of Poonch, while Ruhullah Khan continued to serve as Wazir during his son's reign.
Conflict with the Sikhs
Ruhullah Khan promised assistance to Raja Agar Khan of Rajouri in case of a Sikh invasion. In 1813, Ranjit Singh attacked Rajauri, and Ruhullah Khan with all his available troops, proceeded to aid Agar Khan. A battle ensued, which remained undecided, and, in consequence, Ranjit Singh's troops returned to Lahore without success.
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