Sawan Mal

Sawan Mal was the Diwan (governor) of Multan. He was originally from Gujranwala, the region where Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Misl, the Sukerchakias held sway.He was son of Hushnak rai who worked under Dal Singh of Akalgarh and had two brothers,Diwan Nanak Chand and Diwan Gurumukh Rai. Along with Hari Singh Nalwa, he was one of the top commanders in Ranjit Singh's army. As a general under Ranjit Singh, he wrested the 'subah' (province) of Multan from the Durrani Afghans in 1823, after which he was made governor of the region, instituting improvements in agricultural production through irrigation schemes. In 1844 he signed an agreement on behalf of the Maharaja with Sardar Mir Bahram Khan, the Chief of the Mazari tribe, thereby ending the long war between the Sikhs and the Mazaris. He was succeeded to the governorship of Multan by his son, Diwan Mul Raj.

Descendants

Diwan Sawan Mal instituted vast improvement in agriculture, while his son, Dewan Mulraj was instrumental in leading the revolt against the British to prevent the annexation of the Sikh Empire into East India Companys territory.Descendents of Diwan Sawan Mal settled in Akalgarh Distt Gujranwala and were known as Diwans of Akalgarh. Diwan Sawan Mal's grandson, Harmohan Singh Rai Bahadur had betrayed the Lahore Durbar and joined hands with the regents of the British Crown and earned a Knighthood and the title of Rai Bahadur in the process. He was a general and the Jagirdar of Mithankot during the British Raj. They later migrated to India after the Partition. One of his Great Great Grandson is Believed to be living in Bangalore, by the name of Bakshi Yadavendra Singh Chopra. Diwan Mulraj's Grandson Diwan Sri Ram was the Governor of Gujranwala, Akalgarh, later migrated to India, Punjab after the partition. Another of his Great Grandson (son of Diwan Sri Ram) lived in Delhi, by the name of Diwan Bhim Sen - Om Prakash Chopra. He died in the year 2001 at the age of 91. His sons Pawan Chopra, Canadian national, is residing in Toronto, Canada and Dr. Arun Chopra in Hamburg, Germany. Dr. Deepak Chopra with his "The Chopra Center - the path to wellness begins here" is living in San Diego, USA.Dr. Arun Chopra is instrumental in setting-up major British, German, French and US-American companies in India and at the same time bringing Indian investors to these countries e.g. Dr. Arun Chopras "Planet Health-Worldwide Project". Thus Chopras are improving business, health care, educational and cultural relationship between Europe, USA and India on daily basis. There are four royal daughters namely Neha Chopra, Mallika Chopra, Sita Chopra and Sarah Chopra-Stari. The youngest of Chopra family's royal son Diwan Vernay Chopra (Great Great Grand Son of Rai Bahadur) currently resides in Canada.

Trivia

There is a city in Punjab (Pakistan) called "Diwan Sawan Mal", which has been named after the Diwan.