Raja Medini Prakash

Raja Medini Prakash, ruler from 1684 to 1704 of Sirmur, a state situated along the river Yamuna in the Kayarda Dun valley of the Sivalik hills, was one among the hill chiefs who did not support Raja Bhim Chand of Kahlur in his designs against Guru Gobind Singh. In April 1685, he invited the Guru to spend some time with him at Nahan which had a cool climate and abounded in game. The Guru accepted the invitation and travelled to Nahan. As he reached the vicinity of the town (14 April 1685), Raja MedinT Prakash came out to receive him and took him to his palace and looked after him and his Sikhs in a most hospitable manner. Guru Gobind Singh lived in the Nahan territory for about three years and got a fort built at Paon ta. The years spent at Paonta were the most creative and significant in the Guru's career. While in the Sirmur territory, Guru Gobind Singh had also to fight a battle at Bharigani on 8 September 1688 (15 April 1688 according to some sources) against Raja Bhim Chand and his allies. Though victorious in battle, Guru Gobind Singh left Paonta for Anandpur soon afterwards. Raja Medini Prakash, who did not join the hill chiefs in their battle against Guru Gobind Singh, incurred the displeasure of both the princes and the Mughal government. He died issueless in 1704

References

1. Bachitra Natak 2. Sukha Singh, Gurbilas Dasvin Patshahi. Lahore, 1912 3. Kuir Singh, Gurbilas Patshahi 10. Patiala, 1968 4. Harbans Singh, Guru Gobind Singh. Chandigarh, 1967 5. Dhillon, D.S. and S. S. Bhullar, Battles of Guru Gobind Singh. Delhi, 1990