Nau Nihal Singh

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Nau Nihal Singh (9 March 1821-6 November 1840) was a Sikh ruler of the sovereign country of Punjab and the Sikh Empire. He was the son of Maharaja Kharak Singh, himself eldest son and heir of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

After the death of Ranjit Singh, Kharak Singh became king but was unable to keep control of the various factions within the kingdom. Prince Nau Nihal took control of the state himself. Upon Kharak Singh's death, Nau Nihal Singh was in line to become king. However, whilst returning from his father's funeral, he was injured when a building collapsed upon him. His body was taken to a tent away from the courtiers, who were not allowed into the presence of the prince. Eyewitnesses described his initial injuries as being small blows to the head which knocked him unconscious. Later when the tent was opened Nau Nihal Singh was dead, his head having been smashed in, possibly with a rock. It is unclear whether the building's collapse was accidental or deliberate and who was responsible. The most likely culprits were the Dogra brothers, Gulab Singh and Dhian Singh.

Preceded by Kharak Singh

Nau Nihal Singh October 1839–November 1840

Succeeded by Sher Singh