Raja Sultan Khan Chib - The Last Independent King of Greater Bhimber

The beautiful valley of Bhimber was dominated by the Chib cadet branch of the glorious Katochs, one of the oldest ruling royal families of the world. By the mid 18th century, Bhimber was the most powerful Muslim Rajput kingdom in the Dogra hills region, it stretched from Naushahra to the outskirts of Rajouri, the historic capital of the Jammu Kashmir region.

Meanwhile, conspiracies were reaching new heights in the Punjab plains following the conquest of all other Sikh Misls by the chief who went by the name Ranjit Singh. This Sikh chief was able to conquer a large part of Bhimber but was ultimately unable to defeat Raja Sultan Khan Chib, the ruler of Bhimber. These conquered areas were given to a distant relative of Raja Sultan.

Raja Sultan was able to retake most of the lost territories after defeating and executing the treacherous relative. This angered the Sikhs. The resulting Sikh invasion was lead by Kharak Singh, son of Ranjit Singh. Kharak Singh was militarily humiliated by Raja Sultan Khan and was forced to retreat.

To save his face, Kharak Singh tried to trick the Raja. He promised that if Raja saheb accepts a negotiated settlement in Lahore, his territories would be restored. When Raja saheb went to Lahore, he was instead arrested. Bhimber was then forever lost by the Chibs. But the Rajput rule was restored when Dhian Singh, brother of Gulab Singh was able to make Ranjit Singh take Bhimber from Kharak Singh and instead give it to him.