The relationship between Afghanistan and the Indic region (encompassing modern day India, Pakistan, etc.) has had an often-fractured past.  In modern times it is widely accepted that Afghanistan is an almost impossible land to conquer due to the harshness of its terrain and the steadfast nature of its inhabitants.  One of the very few to establish dominance in this area was Hari Singh Nalwa, the great general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh empire.

Hari Singh Nalwa’s reputation was unmatched and continues to be to this day.  Even now mothers in that region warn their children to behave otherwise Nali Bhoot (the ghost “Nali” meaning Hari Singh Nalwa) will come after them. 

Against this backdrop in the town of Jamru, a local woman Begum Bano sought darshan of the 45-year-old general.  Unmarried and hence having no children, she presented herself in full bridal attire and impressed upon Hari Singh her admiration for him and for the Sikh cause.  Her wish was to give birth to a son who possessed the same qualities as Hari Singh Nalwa.

Hari Singh had no desire to take on another wife, but nor could he turn Begum Bano away from Guru Nanak’s house.  And thus, was born the proclamation whereby Hari Singh Nalwa declared himself the son of Begum Bano.