| Conflict: | Battle of Thikriwala |
| Place: | Thikriwala (Barnala) |
| Partof: | Mughal-Sikh Wars |
| Date: | 1730 or 1731 |
| Result: | Sikh victory |
| Combatant1: | Khalsa Fauj |
| Combatant2: | Raikot Supported by Mughal Empire |
| Commander1: | Nawab Kapur Singh Ala Singh |
| Commander2: | Rai Kalha Dalel Khan Kutbuddin Khan Jamal Khan Chief of Malerkotla Asad Ali Khan Fateh Khan of Talwandi |
The Battle of Thikriwala, also known as the Battle of Barnala, was fought in 1730 or 1731 by Sikh forces led by Ala Singh against Raikot and Mughal forces led by Rai Kalha.
Ala Singh and his army were trying to extend their territory by attacking the villages of Rai Kalha.[1] After Rai Kalha's brother in law died, the Sikhs under the command of Ala Singh's son Sardul Singh conquered the village of Nima. Sohnde Khan owned that village.[2] An enraged Rai Kalha started preparations for a battle. Ala Singh caught on and started preparing for the battle as well.[3] Kalha managed to collect a large force led by Dalel Khan, Kutbuddin Khan, Jamal Khan, Nawab of Malerkotla State, Asad Ali Khan and several other leaders.
A hard battle occurred. The battle destroyed the walls of Barnala.[4] The Sikhs managed to win the battle. Asad Ali Khan was killed and his troops were routed by the Sikhs. Soon the rest of the army retreated. The casualties for the Mughals were quite heavy, and many Mughals were imprisoned. The Sikhs also plundered all the resources the Mughals left behind which included goods, war material, and horses.[1]
The successful battle increased the fame of Ala Singh and frightened the nearby chieftains. It also materially strengthened Ala Singh.