ਸਰਦਾਰ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਟਾਰੀਵਾਲਾ | Sham Singh Attari (circa 1785–1846) was a distinguished general in the army of the Lahore Darbar under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was born into a Jatt family from the Sidhu Clan, being the only son of Sardar Nihal Singh Attari (who passed away in 1817) and the grandson of Sardar Gaur Singh Attari (d. 1763). His family played a significant role in the rise of Sikh power, with his grandfather being one of the first to embrace Sikhism during the early days of Sikh political dominance.
Sham Singh’s father, Nihal Singh, earned a reputation for his martial skills and deep loyalty to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In 1817, Sham Singh followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the Maharaja’s military. His service to the Sikh Empire began with his participation in important military campaigns starting in 1818, including operations in Peshawar, Attock, and Multan. He also fought in the region of Kashmir in 1819, further showcasing his military capabilities.
One of his most significant achievements came in the 1820s when he led Sikh forces against Sayyid Ahmad of Bareilly, who had launched a relentless campaign against the Sikhs in the trans-Indus region. From 1826 to 1831, Sayyid Ahmad’s forces presented a serious challenge to Sikh rule, but Sham Singh played a key role in defeating him. On 6 May 1831, Sayyid Ahmad and his chief lieutenant, Muhammad Ismail, were killed, bringing an end to their crusade against the Sikhs.
Sham Singh Attari’s leadership and courage were crucial to the defense and expansion of the Sikh Empire during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. His legacy as a loyal and capable general remains an important part of Sikh military history.