Sawan Mal

Sawan Mal was the Khatri Diwan (governor) of Multan. He was originally from Gujranwala, the region where Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Misl, the Sukerchakias held sway. 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. He was succeeded to the governorship of Multan by his son, Mul Raj.

Inventor of the Sohan Halwa?

It is claimed that Sawan Mal invented a sweetmeat called "Sawan Halwa" or "Sohan Halwa" in 1750. This sweet was given as a gift to royal visitors and friends. It now a popular confection in the Indian subcontinent. However this story may be of dubious authenticity since Diwan Sawan Mal was not even born in 1750. Perhaps there is an error in the date mentioned.

Descendants

Diwan Sawan Mal instituted vast improvement in agriculture, while his son, Diwan Mul Raj was instrumental in leading the revolt against the British to prevent the annexation of the Sikh Kingdom into East India Company territory. 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. His progeny are supposed to have been cursed by a Hindu goddess. They later migrated to India after the Partition. Two of his Great Great Grandson is Believed to be living in Bangalore, by the name of Bakshi Yadavendra Singh Chopra. His 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 Bhim Sen Chopra, later changed his name to Om Prakash Chopra. He died in the year 2001 at the age of 91. Of his three sons two are still alive. Pawan Chopra, residing in Toronto, Canada and Dr. Arun Chopra in Hamburg, Germany. Dr.Arun Chopra married to a famous German Barbara-Christine Maria. Dr. Arun and Barbara-Christine have two royal daughters, Sita Chopra,date of birth 02.07.1993 and Sarah Chopra, date of birth 16.12.1980. Dr. Arun Chopra instituting vast improvement in global pharmaceutical, radiology imaging and medical device clinical R&D process. Dr.Arun Chopra is instrumental in setting-up major British, German, French and US-American companies in India and at the same time setting-up Indian companies in Europe. Thus Dr. Arun Chopra is improving business, educational and cultural relationship between Europe, USA and India on daily basis.

Trivia

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

External links

* [http://www.sonhalwa.com]