MAZHAR 'ALĪ, an artillery officer in Sikh times who commanded the horse battery of Mahārājā Raṇjīt Siṅgh's Topkhānā-i-Khās. For a time, he served under General Ghaus Khān with command of a battery of 10 light guns. He took part in the Attock operations in 1813 under the command of Dīwān Muhkam Chand. The Mahārājā often called upon him to display on ceremonial occasions the skill and effectiveness of his artillery. He is described in contemporary chronicles as a skilful gunner who served his royal master with devotion and loyalty.