1. Baba Banda Singh Bahadar
ਬਾਬਾ ì§çÅ ÇÃ§Ø ìÔÅçð
Sikh History
(1707-1716)
by
Cdr Balvir Singh
2. Baba Banda Singh Bahadar
A Sikh General who challenged Mughal empire in north India, punished the
perpetrators of crime on Sikh Gurus , Sahibjades, various Sikhs and established
Sikh raj in Punjab within a short period of two years from the death of Sri Guru
Gobind Singh.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708 baptised him at Nanded and dispatched him to
Punjab with a few brave men to punish the tormentors of Sikhs and killers of
Sahibzade’s. He reached Punjab in 1709 and was joined by many Sikhs and
Hindus. They fought along side him to establish Sikh’s Raj which extended from
north of Delhi, through whole of Punjab and up to the foothills of Kashmir.
In a short period of 6 years, He not only established Sikh Raj across whole of the
Punjab from Karnal (near Delhi) to Lahore, He also took far-reaching
administrative decisions of abolishing Jimidari system and allotted of land to the
farmers. All his actions transformed the life of common citizens. He inspired Sikhs
to continue struggle which resulted in weakling of the Mughal raj in India and
growing influence of the Sikh Misls and eventually a Sikh Raj of Maharaja Ranjit
Singh by 1799. Let’s know more about this great Sikh warrior……………………
3. Life of Banda
He was born on 27th Oct 1670 and named as Laxman Das.
His father Ram Dev Ji was a landlord of Rajori (J&K).
Once during his hunting expedition, he hunted a mother
Deer, he regretted to see the pain of Deer while dying.
This incident moved him so much that he became a
Sanyasi.
He joined a group of sadhus lead by Janki Prasad. His
mentor named him “Mado Das Bairagi”. Later he joined
Aughar Nath at Nasik and learned use of celestial (ਸਵਰਗੀ)
powers. On death of Aughar Nath his guru, he reached
Nanded and made the bank of “Godavari” his abode.
4. Meeting Guru Gobind Singh Ji
In 1708 Guru Gobind Singh Ji joined Bahadar Shah on his mission to South India.
Bahadar Shah had given an assurance to Guru Ji to punish the Nawab of Sirhind
for his barbaric act and murder of Sahebzeda Jughar Singh and Sahebzeda
Jorawar Singh Ji . After travelling with him over a few months , Guru Ji felt that
Bahadar Shah is non committal on his promises. He disassociated himself from his
company and moved independently towards Nanded.
He went to the bank of Godavari where Madho Das had his abode. He sat on the
charpoi of Madho Das. Madhow Das was annoyed and tried to throw him from
the charpoi with his powers. When he failed to do that, he requested Guru Ji to
know “ who he is” ?
Guru Gobing Singh told him that “ I am the one for whom he is looking for all
these years”. Madho Das bowed to Sri Guru Gobind Singh and became his Sikh.
He took Amrit (Pahul) and was named Banda Singh by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
He learned Gurbani, history of Sikh Gurus, killing of Sahibzades by Wazir Khan and
atrocities on Sikhs by the Mughal rulers.
5. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji made him the leader of a small group of
prominent Sikhs. This group had Baba Binod Singh, Baba Khan Singh,
Baba Bajh Singh , Bhai Daya Singh and Bhai Ran Singh and twenty other
Sikhs soldiers. Under the command of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar they
were asked to leave for Punjab and establish Khalsa Raj.
Guru Gobind Singh gave him his five arrows, a Nishan Sahib and advised
him to take decisions in consultation with five Sikhs. Guru Ji also issued
Hukamnama’s to Sikh Sanagt to rally around Baba Banda Singh Bahadar.
On reaching near Delhi, he send Guru Ji’s Hukamnama’s to Sikh Sangat
and gave a call to unite under the banner of “Khalsa”. A large army of
Sikhs stood up in a very short time.
6. Sonipath and Kaithel
Baba Ji’s Sikh army attacked Sonipath and defeated the
Nawab without much resistance. Here he got the news
that Mughal revenue officials at Village Bhuna are
having a large amount of cash, he seized this cash and
moved to Kaithal.
Amir of Kaithal came forward to fight. His soldiers were
no match to the Sikh army. The Amir gave away all
horses and arms to Baba Ji and saved his life .
As soon as Baba Ji reached the area of Malwa in
Punjab, A large number of people came under his
banner
7. Capture of Samana
Samana is a historical town from the period of Mughal rule in India. It
was a prominent center of Muslim religious study. Most of the princes
of Delhi were send here for religious study. It is said that Sher Shah Suri
and Humayun got their education at this place.
Jallad Jallaludin who killed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar ji at Chandni Chok.
Ali Hussain who attacked Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s cavalcade while he was
leaving Anandpur Sahib with family and Sikhs also belonged this town.
Ali Hussain had taken oath of Koran for not harming Guru Ji if Anandpur
Sahib is vacated.
Jallad Sashal Beg and Jallad Bashal Beg who tortured and killed
Sahibzada Jorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji also belonged
to this place.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadar and his men attacked and ransacked the
town of Samana on 26 Nov 1709. 22 families of Jallad’s responsible for
killing of Guru’s family were punished and killed. Samana was a ruined
city now.
8. Damla to Sadhura
From Samana his forces moved to Village Damla. This is the village of
Five hundred Pathans who on the recommendation of Peer Budhu Shah
Ji were enrolled into the Sikh forces by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
During the battle of Bhangani they deserted Guru Ji and joined the
forced fighting against Guru Ji. Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Ji singled
them out and punished them for their act of treachery.
Continuing his victory march Baba Ji attacked and took control of
Ghuram, Thaska, Shahbad , Kunjpura, Mustafabad and Kapuri. From
these victories he accumulated a lot of ammunition and wealth. He was
able to pay his soldiers and other expenses of standing Army.
From Here Baba Ji moved towards Sadhura.
9. Sadhura
Usman Khan the Amir of Sadhura was responsible for Killing Peer Budu
Shah Ji for helping Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is important to know that as
the news of desertion of 500 Pathans reached Peer Ji, he along with his
four sons and seven hundred disciples reached the battle ground of
Bhangani. Two of his sons and a large number of his disciples laid down
their life in this battle. The battle was won by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Saudhara was attacked to avenge the act of Usman Khan for torturing
and killing Peer Budu Shah Ji. Usman Khan was hanged to death by the
Sikh forces.
Town of Mukhlisgarh was also won by Khalsa army in quick sucession.
The speed and brutal forces of the victorious Sikhs lead by Baba Banda
Singh Bahadar had created fear among the Mughal rulers of north.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Ji was now prepared for final assault on the
ruler of Sirhind.
10. Preparation for the assault on
Sirhind
Sirhind as the name suggest means “Crown (Head) of India”, Sirhind was
administering a largest territory of the Mughal empire between the Sutlej
and Yamuna thus a very well defended city of of Mughals. The Nawab of
Sirhind Wazir Khan was responsible for attacks on Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
at Anandpur Sahib , Battle of Chamkaur Sahib where Sahibzada Ajit Singh
and Sahibzada Jughar Singh laid their life defending their religion and
execution of Sahibzada Jorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh at Sirhind.
It was time to defeat Suba Sirhind Wajir Khan.
Baba Ji mobilized all Sikhs to fight for Sirhind fateh. He send out
Hukamnana’s to Sikhs in Malwa, Doaba and Majha to join. Sikhs from all
over moved fast to join his forces. He was aware this battle was going to be
decisive and had to be won at any cost.
He planed to fight Suba Sirhind on the plains of Chapar chiri which is about
35 Km from Sirhind. A victory in this battle will mean less resistance at
Sirhind during the final assault. He waited for Wazir Khan to come out of
Sirhind to the grounds of Chapar chiri.
11. Battle of Chapar chiri – 12 May 1720
The enemy had their own plan, They infiltrated into Sikh forces as the
nephew of Sucha Nand joined Baba Banda Singh army. They planned to
desert Sikhs during battle and create chaos. Suba Sirhind took support of
Rajput Rajas of hill estates and their soldiers were at his command. He
also gave a call for Jehad to arouse religious feeling of his men.
Baba Ji had divided his force in three groups. First group was led by Bhai
Fateh Singh, Bhai Karam Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Ala Singh .
The second group was led by men of Bhai Binod Singh, Bhai Baj Singh,
Bhai Raj Singh and Bhai Sham Singh. The remaining forces were in the
command of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar.
On 12 May 1710 - Battle of “ Chapar Chiri” was Fought between the
two powerful forces of the Sikhs and Moughal’s.
12. Chapar chiri
As the battle began both side were attacking other with vengeance. Baba
ji had kept eye on the battle from a far off raised mound.
During the battle as the movement of nephew of Sucha Nand became
suspect, he was killed by Baba Baj Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh in the
battle field.
The battle continued for full day and there were heavy losses of life from
both sides. As the day was closing soldiers of both side were visibly tired.
Baba Banda Bahadar Ji seized this opportunity and charged into the battle
ground with his men.
His speed and ruthlessness against Mughal army charged up the battle
again. In the first attack Sher Mohd Khan and Kwaja Ali of Malerkotla
were killed. Next on the target was Suba Sirhind Nawab Wazir Khan who
was also killed by Baba Banda Bahadar Ji. The morale of Mughal forces
was shattered and seeing imminent defeat, they all ran away from the
battle field. Khalsa was victories. The war cry of “Bole So Nihal Sat Sri
Akal” was the defining the moment of glory.
14. Sirhind Fateh – 14 May 1710
Sirhind was won after two days. All the remains of the Muslim
rule were reduced to rubbles. Baba Banda Singh Bahadar unfurled
Nishan Sahib on the fort of Sirhind. He laid the foundation of
Khalsa Raj in Punjab.
Sucha Nand the perpetrator of death to Sahibzade was killed.
Baba Baj Singh was made ruler of Sirhind and Baba Fateh Singh
was made ruler of Samana.
It is note worthy of Khalsa army even in such a strong and
victorious position did not damage a single place of worship of
Muslims.
Like all victories Kings, He also showered gifts to his fighting
soldiers their family of martyred soldiers.
16. Civil reforms -1710
He abolished Jimidari system in Punjab and allotted the land to all the
farmers. This is considered to be most important and social reforming
act of Baba ji. This changed the life of poor and landless laborers for
ever. It is important to know that Jimidari system continued in the
other parts of India till 1947. This was abolished only after India
attained its freedom from British.
Baba Banda Bahadar started Land revenue system in Punjab.
He also started a system of Justice for common man through civil
courts.
The above decisions brought much needed changes in the society and
all residents of Punjab (Sikhs, Hindu and Muslims) were feeling safe
and protected under his rule.
17. Prosperity of New Generation
Waris Shah, ਵਾਰਰਸ ਸਾਹ (1722–1798) wrote that when the landless Jats
became owner of land which were tilling for generations, a new social system
evolved which brought general happiness and fulfilment among masses.
“jdoN dyS dy j`t srdwr hoey, Gro GrI jw nvIN bhwr hoeI ”
18. Extensions of Khalsa Raj
Annexation of of Gang- Doab area of Saharanpur, Jallalabad, Karnal
and Panipat was to Khalsa domination was the next step.
Rahon in Jalandhar Doab was won over on 12 Oct 1710. Hoshiarpur,
Jalandhar and Phagwara also came under the control of Khalsa Raj.
Majha Sikhs took charge and established their governance all over
Majha except Lahore & Kasoor.
Area of Pathankot, Dooen, Basoli and Parol also came under Khalsa
Raj in quick succession. ,
19. Delhi’s awakening
By 1710 all the area between Lahore to Karnal was under the
control of Khalsa. Seeing this as a great threat Bahadar shah
returned to Delhi and send his select Generals Mahabat Khan
& Feroz Khan to capture Punjab and eliminate Baba Ji.
First Battle between Royal Mughal forces and Khalsa took
place near Karnal at Ladawa. Khalsa army fought with bravery
but were out numbered. They pulled back to Sirhind and
Lohgarh.
20. Battle of Lohgarh – Dec 1710
Mughal forces reached near Sadhura on 04th Dec 1710. Khalsa forces
challenged them, Muslim Historian Mr Kar Khafi Khan who was eye witness
writes that “Khalsa was in total command and Mughal forces suffered
heaviest casualty so far in any battle with Sikhs. It appeared that Mughal
Forces will loose however, arrival of additional forces from Delhi saved
them from defeat in this battle”.
Khalsa army was out numbered and retreated to Lohgarh fort, Baba ji on
11th Dec 1710 decided to leave the fort which was under heavy siege by
over 60000 Mughal troops and left to Nahan forest area.
Mugal rulers were not able to capture Baba Ji and were disappointed. It
angered them so much that they imprisoned the ruler of Nahan Raja Bhup
Prakash and Bhai Gulab Singh who had also fought with Mughal army with
a small force after the escape of Baba Ji form Lohgarh.
---
Lohgarh (लोहगढ़) is a historic town in Bilaspur (then in Distt Yamnanagar). It
was the capital of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar from 1710 to 1715.
21. Baba Ji wrote Hukamnamas on 12th Dec 1710 to Sikhs across Punjab to
unite again and a large number of youth joined him immediately.
Kaluhar (ਕਾਲੂਹਾਰ) hill estate was attacked by Khalsa. Raja Bhim Chand lost
the battle. Seeing fall of Kaluhar, remaining small hill states accepted
Baba Ji’s supremacy with out any fight. By 04th June 1711 Jammu,
Bilaspur, Raipur area was taken over by Khalsa army. Khalsa recaptured
Lohgarh again.
Regrouping of Khalsa (1710-1715)
22. Challenging time for Khalsa
Bahadar shah died on 18th Feb 1712. There was brief lull due to struggle
for Delhi throne. Furakshair became King of Delhi in 1713. Abdul Samad
was named Suba Lahore and his son Zakaria Khan was named Suba
Jammu. They were ordered to recapture all the lost area of Mougals.
Suba Lahore called for support from Hindu Pahari Rajas to fight against
Baba Ji , which they obliged. Imminent battle resulted in defeat of Baba Ji
who withdrew to Garhi (fort) of Gurdas Nangal. He was surrounded at the
Garhi by Mugal troops and a siege was laid. This siege was laid in April
1715 and continued for 8 months,Mughal forces could not capture him
for next eight months from a Garhi in the small area of the forest land.
23. Khalsa @ Gari of Kathu Nangal- Nov 1715
Towards the end of November
1715, the defenders of Khalsa Raj
were running out of ammunition
and food. A total lack of food and
other provisions compelled
Banda Singh and his companions
to surrender on the assurance of
Mughal General Abdus Samad
that they will not be attacked if
gate of Garhi is opened.
24. Arrest of
Baba Banda Singh Bahadar
On 17th December, 1715 as the gates were opened, the Moughals
rushed in with spears and swords, they killed about three hundred half-
dead and helpless defenders of Garhi. 200 were captured alive and
handcuffed.
Banda Singh was chained around his ankles, wrists, and was then
locked in an iron cage. The Mughals still feared that he might escape
and therefore the cage was well guarded.
The iron cage was placed on an elephant and he was taken first to
Lahore and then to Delhi. The movement of captured Sikhs to Delhi was
slow as they were paraded in all the towns enroute.
26. Zakaria Khan, the son of the Lahore Governor in order to give the
Emperor a bigger present, he ordered his men to cut off heads of Sikhs
who were living in villages on the both side of GT road and loaded them
on to the carts.
The march to the imperial capital was a grisly sight , Baba Banda Bahadar
Ji was mockingly attired in a colorful dress and seated in an iron cage on
the back of an elephant. He was followed by 740 prisoners in heavy
chains, The procession also had seven hundred cartloads of the heads of
the Sikhs with more than 200 heads of Sikhs stuck upon spears.
Grisly sight of procession @ Delhi
27. On 26th February 1716, this
procession neared Delhi, and
Farukh Siyar ordered his
Minister Mohammed Amin
Khan to go out to receive them
and prepare them for a suitable
display in the town.
Moughal Commanders,
Mohammed Amin Khan, his son
Kamar-ud-Din Khan, and his
son-in-law Zakaria Khan were
leading flanked by their army
men lined both sides of the
streets.
On the 29th February, Delhi
witnessed most horrendous
display of Mughal power.
28. Chardikala
Mirza Muhammad Harisi writings in IBRATNAMAH about
the Sikhs is very harsh, but he is also very lavish in his praise
of their qualities of courage and daring, their complete
indifference to death and their submission to the Will of
God by all Sikhs and Baba Banda Singh Bahadar.
Ref: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ibratnamah
29. Martyrdom
From 5th March 1716 onwards a group of Sikhs were killed
everyday . This continued for about three months . On 9th
June Baba Banda Singh Bahadar with his trusted Sikhs were
taken out of prision and were taken in a procession to Majar
of Kwaja Kutubudin Bakhtiar near Kutub Minar.
Baba Ji’s son Bhai Ajay Singh aged about Four and half year
was murdered in front of his eyes, still beating heart was
removed and pushed in the mouth of Baba ji. Baba Ji’s eyes
were removed and body skin was pulled with pliers. Later his
head was cut off and he fell on earth. Sikhs first ruler
attained martyrdom. He remained calm and composed
despite numerous atrocities on him.
31. The historians have not done justice to this great Sikh General who turned
the tide against Muslim rule after the death of Sri Guru Gobind Singh and
established first Sikh Raj. He punished perpetuator of crimes against Gurus
and Sikhs.
Stories of Sikhs deserting him because of his wrong doings, Hukamnamas of
Mata Sundari Ji living in Delhi at that time, perhaps at the instigation of
Banda’s detractors or perhaps as a result of intrigue by the Mughal emperor
were spread to shadow his glorious achievements and sacrifice. These stories
possibly were taken from the official reports of Muslim Darbar which were
written to claim their achievements. If these were correct Baba Ji would not
have died a death of a great martyr.
Professor Kartar Singh in his book Sikh History Part II (edition II), 1971, page
79 cleared all such misinformation about Babaji. Professor Satbir Singh Ji in
his book our History ,1962 has spoken high of him and called him a greatest
martyr and founder of first Sikh Raj in India.
Injustice to Baba Banda Singh Bahadar
32. Baba Banda Bahadur remained humble
till his last breath and a true Sikh
"ਰਕਸੀ ਕੀ ਰਕਆ ਮਕਦੂਰ ਥਾ ਜੋ ਮੁਝ ਕੋ ਮਾਰਤਾ॥
ਪਰ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਆਰਗਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਸੇ ਭੰਗ ਹੁਈ ਹੈ ॥"
“ How dare some on kills me, had not I forgot the path
of Guru “
(Banda Bahadur, as per Mahima Prakash)
33. Historian have concluded that the wave of
revolution in Punjab started by Baba Banda
Singh Bahadar was responsible for formation of
various Misels led by the powerful Sirdars and
later Khalsa Raj of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
We shall remain indebted to him for his
contribution and achievements to protect
Sikhism in the most difficult time of Sikh History.
34. References
1. SADA Itihas (Part II) by Satbir Singh
2. SIKH Itihas (Part II) by Kartar Singh MA
3. History of Punjab by Sayid Mohamad Latif, Page 274.
4. Nirbhay Yodha (Baba Banda Bahadar) by Giani Kartar Singh Kalaswalie in his book of 260 pages paid glowing
tribute to Baba Ji on his achievements but at the page 177 his writing about his adamant behavior has not
been supported by any research.
5. Sehje Rachyo Khalsa by Harinder Singh Mehboob. ( page no 1063- 1077)
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It is my humble effort to write on Baba Banda Singh Bahadar who with the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
punished the killers of Sahibjade and perpetuator of crime against Sikh Gurus and Sikhs challenged the Muslim
rule in India and Established an independent Sikh Raj in Punjab in a very short time after the death of Sri Guru
Gobind Singh Ji.
I hope this booklet will help understand his contribution to Sikhism in the most challenging time . Suggestion
for improvement are welcome. Thanks.
Commander Balvir Singh
e-mail to balvir57@gmail.com. 737 Urban Estate, Phase I,
Jalandhar. 144022
12 /04/2020
