Raja Medini Prakash

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