GURBAKHSH SIṄGH, BHĀĪ, a holy man attached to the court of Mahārājā Raṇjīt Siṅgh, was often entrusted with diplomatic missions, especially before the rise to power of the more renowned Bhāī Rām Siṅgh. Bhāī Gurbakhsh Siṅgh exercised great influence over the soldiery and this accounted for his popularity with Mahārājā Sher Siṅgh. Prince Pashaurā Siṅgh was his ardent disciple and admirer. When he suddenly appeared at Lahore in January 1845 to stake his claim to the throne after the removal of Rājā Hīrā Siṅgh from the scene, he stayed with him (Bhāī Gurbakhsh Siṅgh). Rāṇī Jind Kaur used the Bhāī's good offices to prevail upon the Prince to leave Lahore when his presence there was proving detrimental to her son's position on the throne.