THE KHALSA GENERALS Canadian Sikh Study & Teaching Socicty P.O. Box 67653, Vancouver, B.C. CANADA VSW 3VI Published by SIKH MISSIONERY COLLEGE (REGD.) 1051/14, Field Gan, Ludhiana - 8 INDIA Page 1 www-sikhbookclub.comJ vay aH ufs weete 1 AG fig we Sct ofr II Do ws fas on wheat 33 Nl edt fare oe pe was I afe 3 FS ye we 1 t 3 Ge sues Il vrares ma) Be Beg Wet MI TS Ste Bahama I pad af fits at wat Waves eH He Tews I Lord. You are our Master. we pray to You. By Your grace were given soul, and body, too. |We are Your children. Father and Mother are You, . [All peace we enjoy. You bestow. |How great You are no one can know. The whole creation listens and obeys Your command.| | Whatever is created abides by Your hand. Your greatness is known only to You. Nanak, Your pupil, sacrifices his all to You. Page 2 www.sikhbookclub.comGurtloeksh Singh Canadian Sikh Study & Teaching Society P.O. Box 67653. Vancouver, B.C. CANALA VS5W 3V1 Published by : Sikh Missionary College (Regd.) 1051, Kucha - 14, Fielc Ganj, Ludhiana - 8. INDIA. Page 3 www.sikhbookclub.com‘THE KHALSA GENERALS By Gurbaksn Singh —1927 Canadian Sikh Study & Teaching Society P.O. Box 67653, Vancouver, B.C. CANADA VSW 3VI Published by: ! Sikh Missionary College (Regd.) 1051, Kucha - 14, Field Gasj, Ludhiana - 8. INDIA Page 4 www.sikhbookclub.comTABLE OF CONTENTS SARDAR JASSA SINGH AHLUWALIA, SULTANUL KAUM.. SARDAR JASSA SINGH FAMGARHIA, AKALIPHOOLA SINGH... MAHARAIA RANJEET SINGH. GLOSSARY Page 5 www.sikhbookclub.comPREFACE ‘The Sikh community all over the world received a big shock in June 1984 when the Aarimandar Sahib at Amritsar, famous as the Golden Temple, was stormed by the Indian Army. Thousands of people worshipping in the Gurdwara were ‘murdered during the attack in which even tanks and helicopters ‘were employed. This third genocide of the Sikhs by the Indian government reminded. them of wo earlier massacres in 1746 ‘and 1762. ‘The suggerings of the Sikhs and the sacrifices made by them for human rights have been recorded by many cye- witness writers and appreciated by many scholars. The author discussed this heritage of the Sikh nation and Sikh philosophy with the trainces at Sikh youth camps in North America. The youth offered a very positive and encouraging response to these lectures .and the feelings expressed by them appeared in the press. One such report regardirg the 1987 Sikh youth camp in North Carolina was mentioned in the July 25 Washington Post: “alarays before’ said Pushyinder Kaur, 17, I felt ike I wvanted to be a Christian, a regular Americin ». Now Ine really proud to be a SRG" Such feelings are quite yrevalent among the Sikh youth altending the camps and many times were also expressed to the author. These media reports were noted by the members of the Canadian Sikh Study and Teaciing Socicty. They decided to publish the contributions of the Sikh nation and their sacrifices during the 18th century in the form of a booklet for educating Sikhs, particularly the youth in North America. ‘The 18 century is a golden period of the Sikh nation. The people adored Sikhs for their ideal character and the sacrifices made by them for securing human rights for the helpless and downtrodden, ‘The Mughal army and police ii Page 6 www.sikhbookclub.comhunted Sikhs to destroy them but instead they became the rulers of the land through their service 1 the people. ‘The CS.S.1.S. therefor felt that the Sikh youth must know their heritage in order to uxderstand the greatness of their, nation and then enjoy the honor of belonging to it. They thought that the publication cf the achievements of \their ancestors will help the modem day Sikh youth feel dignified, rather than getting embarrassec, by appearing as Sikhs and living as Sikhs. ‘The purpose of this book will be served when the youth become aware of their great and reroic past, feel proud of being connected 10 it and are inspired to live their lives as brave Sikhs committed to their faith, ‘The book will also meet ihe needs of those persons who are interested in having an overall view of the Sikh struggle for human rights during the 189 century. ‘Canadian 5h Study and ‘Teaching Sociery P.O. Box 67653, Vancouver, B.C. VSW3V1 Canada Page 7 www sikhbookclub.comPage 8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ‘The Canadian Sikh Study & Teaching Society appreciates the sci vives uf the Sikh Missionary College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India ‘or providing Sikh literature to the public in simple language. This booklet has been compiled from the information obtained mostly from small Punjabi bulletins publish:d by the College. We are indebted tc S, Gurbakhsh Singh, Ph.D. (Ohio), formerty Dean of Funjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, who agreed to author this booklet. Sukhbinder Kaur aad Jaspaul Singh, two youths of Burnaby, B.C., Canada deserve our thanks not only for typing the manuscript but also for revising it to meet the necde of the North American Othls youll, Tt io Wack commitment to the Sikh cause that helped us present this booklet to the readers. Mrs. Surjit Kaur of McLean, ‘Virginia, U.S.A. kindly agreed to edit it. Taranjit Singh unlertook the responsibility of preparing the print ccpy of ‘The xfatse generals by incorporating the editorialchangesin the manuscript. He planned and prepared the format to help ue publish thia book for the benefit of the Sikhs in general and the youth in particular. They are cbliged to him for his devoted services. www.sikhbookclub.comINTRODUCTION, ‘This book describes briefly the development of the Sikh community from a congregation of holy fakirs to the masters of ‘the Punjab. They brought peace ind the rule of justice to the state. To appreciate the sacrifices of the Sikh nation, the Khalsa, one needs to understand the administrative set up ‘against which they had to otruggle for human rights of the weak and the poor. ‘The rulers of Tran and Afghanistan considered India a gold mine owned by a weak, timii and divided people. They looted and robbed it at their wil, In the 16t" century, tho ‘Mughals established a regular government in India and started ruling the country as if it was their own land. They did not allow the Hindu people, who forned about 90 percent of the population, their due civil rights. In the Punjab region, they had appointed three Subedars (Suta is equivalent to state and Subedars wore like modera goververs) at Lahore, Birhind and Multan, At Jallandar, another important center in the Punjab, was a Faujdar, a military adminisrator, under Lahore. There were many smaller counties ruled by local Nawabs or mayors, appointed by the Governors. ‘The Subedar ruled on behalf of the. federal government, He assigned officials to small counties and villages to collect revenues. The Subedar was also required to keep an ermy and a Police force to protect his state and run his administration according to the command of the Emperor of India. The government was nothisg more than an organization for collecting money for their pleasures, The officials were corrupt and concerned only with tie extraction of money from the people. The ruling Muslims provided virtually no human rights to the Hindus, who in spite of their large numbers, were harassed, tortured and even murdered if they refused to change their faith and become Muslims. The Brahmans, the Hindu 40 Page 9 www.sikhbookclub.comreligious leaders, who were «pposed to protest such statc terrorism, were themselves greedy and interested only in forcing meaningless rituals upcn their clients to obtain money from them. Guru Nanak Dev experienced all this himself, and strongly criticized both the rulers and the religious leaders for failing to perform their duty tovards the people. He expressed it in his hymns and used very harsh language to awaken the conscience of the leaders: ‘The mules behave as blood sucking Beasts and tie officials act as dogs. ‘hey prey upon the fefples pope Guru Granth, pg. 1288. ‘The judges, being biassed and cormups, do not deliver justice. The religious leaders, Brahmans asd Jygis rip off their cients for selfish motives by making them practise meiningless rituals. They do not know the path to 0 virtuous life. Tegefer, they all are responsible for the miseries of the people. Guns Grareh, pg. 662. Guru Nanak, therefore, started a movement for political and religious freedom of the people, to assure everyone of his/her political, civil and religious rights. This revolution, founded by Guru Nanak Dey. became popular under the name Sikhism. It is recognized today among the principal religions of the world. Based on numbers, they are fifth in the world, being next to Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, followed closely by Jews. Bised on their philosophy, HL. Bradshaw of the U.S.A. wrote in the Sikh Review of Calcutta, India: Sikfisns is & Universal Weld Faith... a message for all men. “This is amply illustrated in the writings of the Gurus. Sikfis must cease to think of their faith as just anofier good religion and must begin to ink, of Sikfiism being the religion for this New Age Gura Nanak’s philosopty was practised and preached by the succeeding nine Gurus resulting in the creation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tonth Guru, Gobind Singh. After the death of Gura Gobind Singh in 1708, the Khalsa passed through challenging and trying times. They were put on the "hit list” of the Mughal Government. They had to leave their homes and u Page 10 www.sikhbookclub.compass their days in the desets, forests and inaccessible * mountainous regions of the land. ‘The government was so weak that invaders from the Middle Etst repeatedly plundered India and raided its wealth. In addition, young women were taken to their country and sold there for a coin each. The corrupt and tyrannical governments in Punjab and Delh failed to provide security for the people and their property. ‘The Sikhs, though always pursued by killing squads, woud unexpectedly emerge from their hideouts to save the women pritoners from the invaders and escort them back to their mspective homes safely, thus protecting the dignity and honor of the people. This book briefly outline) the services rendered by the Khalsa to the people of the Punjeb in helping them set up their ‘own government. ‘The unique ani unparalleled sacrifices made by the Sikhs touched the hearts of the people who loved and respected them. However, the Kaalsa earned the enmity of the government and the invaders ftom the west, both of whom ‘wanted to destroy them in ordet to have a free hand 10 loot, Wholecale murder of the Sikhe was ordered in 1710, Tho Khalsa passed through very difficult times during the eighteenth century but because of their devetion and commitment to their mission, they were soon a force w be reckoned with. To face the government violence against them, all units of the Sikhs grouped themsclves into one organized body called the Dal Khalsa. ‘The Dal had two wings, Taruna Dal (the youth wing) and Budha Dal (the senion). Later, in 1748, on Baisakhi day, the Khalsa met at Amritsur and decided to reorganize themselves into five major civisions later called Misls, internally independent units of the Khalsa. Each Mist had its own commander and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was made their suprome commander. Before the tum of the century, the Misis ‘occupied most of the Punjab. Rayjeet Singh of the Sukerchakia Mis! united them al! and became Maharaja of Punjab in 1801. ‘The Sikhs ruled the state for about half a century before it was annexed by the British and made part of their Empire. 2 Page 11 www.sikhbookclub.comA brief life sketch of only the leading Khalsa generals who guided the Sikhs during the most difficult times is mentioned, ‘The achievement: of two famous generals who helped in the establishment of be Khalsa Raj are also included. This is not contended to be the most correct history of their lives. Historians differ regarding the details of the lives and accomplishments of these generals. A consensus view was taken and presented in a simple form keeping away from details and minor happenings. Incidests related to the life of two or more contemporary generals may find mention in the life of each general. This was consilcred necessary to render each biographical sketch complete and independent, The same incident, when mentioned the second time, may have different details than those mentioned ealier to make it an integrated part of that chapter. ‘The history of the folloving Generals has been included ‘in this book: 1. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716, age 46 yrs.) 2. Nawab Kapoor Singh (1697-1753. aze 56 vrs.) 3. Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (1718-1783, age 65 yrs.) 4, Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgharia (1723-1803, age 80 yrs.) 5. 6. 7. . Jathedar Akali Phoola Singh (1762-1823, age 61 yrs.) . General Hari Singh Nalva (1791-1837, age 46 yrs.) . Maharaja Ranjeet Singh (1780-1839, age 59 years) ‘Tt may be observed that many of the Khalsa leaders did not live long but they achieved significant goals. ‘Two of the Generals died during their forves, and two others during their fiftics. Only Ramgharia lived to the mature age of eighty years. ‘There have been many other brave Sikh Jathedars who Jed the Sikhs in their struggle during the 18M century, They include Shaheed Bhai Mani Sngh, Baba Deep Singh, Sardar Charhat Singh and Sardar Jai Sngh Kanahya, Contributions of such Sikh sardars andl shakeeds ae intended to be dealt with in a separate book. Page 12 www.sikhbookclub.coma = 7 i 3 = a g Rs S () Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Page 13 www.sikhbookclub.comCHAPTER I BABA BANDA SINGH BAHADUR, Shaheed Baba Banda Singh Bahadur came to the Punjab scene in 1708 when the Mughal government was planning the ‘genocide of the Sikhs, but the daring deeds of the Khalsa under his leadership made the Sikhs the rulers of the easter region of the state. Banda wa: born on 16 October 1670 at Rajori Village in Jammu, He was named Lachnan Das. Wrestling, horseback riding, and hunting were his major hobbies. As a young man he shot a deer and was shocked to watch the mother and her aborted doe writhing in pain and dying, After this gloomy “scene he had a change of heart. He left his home and became disciple of a Bairagi sad who gave him the name Macho Das. In the company of the sadhus he traveled to Nanded, situated on the bank of the river Godawan where he built a hut to meditate upon God. Banda joins Khalsa Panth In September of 1708, Guru Gobind Singh happened to go to Madho Das’ hut whic hunting. Madho Das was impressed by the personality of the Guru. The Guru asked him, "Who are you?" In great humiity, he replied, "Tam your banda (slave)." After taking Amrit, he was given a Sikh name, Gurbakhsh Singh -- but he rentained popular known as Banda. Historians, therefore, mention him as Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, or simply #s Banda Bahadur. Guru Gobind Singh hoved that Emperor Bahadur Shah would fulfill his promise ani do justice in the Punjab by punishing the Governor of Sirhind and his accomplices for their crime: against the people. Hnding him reluctant, the Guru deputed Banda Bahadur, under the leadership of five Sikhs, 10 6 Page 14 www.sikhbookclub.comend state terrorism in the Punjab. On his way to the Punjab, Bands punished robbers and other criminal elements which made him popular with the people. Banda possessed no army. Instead, his strength lay in the Sukerename (edict) of Guru Gobind Singh to the people of Punjab, calling them to arms unler the leadership of Banda to overthrow and destroy the oppressive rulers. This sent such a ‘wave of relief and enthusiasm among the people that some even sold their bullocks and property purchase arms. Not only the Sikhs saw Banda as their deliverer but the oppressed Muslims and Hindus also joined him in the popular revolt against the tyrants, Victories of Banda Bahadur: Banda had approximately 500 men with him when he Teached the borders of the Punjab. He easily took over two centers, Sonepat and Kaithal. Neanwhile, more people joined him. Samana, a large Mughal city famous for minting ‘coins, was conquered on 11 November 1709, About 20,000 people are said to have been killed thee. With the treasury in their hands, the Sikhs became financally stable. Two other army centers, Mustafabad and Sadhow (near Jagadhari), were also taken, These victories of the Sikhs sent a clear signal of coming events to Warir Khan, the Governor of Sishind. He knew that justice was about to be delivered and he would soon be punished for his crimes. Wazir Khan lost his sleep and started collecting his army and ammunition. He sent urgent orders to all the commanders in the region, and also recruited mercenaries. Another jatha of the Sikhs gathered near Anandpur Sahib and miarched towards Sithind but their advance was blocked by a section of the state army. A bloody battle took place at Ropar (Roop Nagar) in which both of the Mughal commanders were killed Afwrwards, there was nobody to 16 Page 15 www.sikhbookclub.comcheck the jatka from joining Banda, ‘The Sikhs were now ready for their final battle to become the rulers of the Cis-Satlej areas of the Punjab. ‘The Sikhs, although iey did not have the required arms to defeat the army, were cmoionally charged with the memory of the cold-blooded murder cf the wo youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh at Sirhind. They attacked the city on 12 May 1710 and were its masters 01 14 May. The death of Wazir Khan and his lackeys brought a long awaited relief 0 the peuple. In his fist adimissuative order, Banda gave the ‘ownership of the land to the farmers and let them live in dignity and self respect. Peity officials were also satistied wir dis change. Nawab Ameen-U! Daula mertions the new image of the Sikhs in these words: "Dindar Khar, an official of the nearby village, took Amirit and became Dindar Singh. The newspaper writer of Sithind, Mir Nasir Uddin, became Mir Nasir Singh." Founding of the Khalsa Rule In the north-east of the Punjab, between Sadhora ana Nahan, Banda developed the village Mukhlis Garh, made it his capital and renamed it Longarh (fortress of steel). He established his own mint. One side of the coin reads: The power of the sword granted by Guru Navak wom the tuto worlds. Guru Gobind ‘Singh becarwe victorious by the grice of the True Lord. The other side reads: Issued fromthe beautiful apital of Good Luck, a place of peace ‘for the world. ‘The official papers were identified by the stamp: “The authority for service wns recived from Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh. Banda sent Sikhs to ihe Utar Pardesh (U.P.), a large state to the north of Delhi, because of charges against many officials and administrators ngarding repression of the people, particularly of harassment of non-Muslims. ‘The Sikhs took ‘over Saharanpur, Jalalabad, ind other areas nearby, bringing Telief to the population. Page 16 www.sikhbookelub.com‘Also, in the west of the Satlej, and in the regions of Jallandar and Amritsar, the Sikhs started fighting for the rights of the people. They used the newly established power of the people to remove many corrupt officials, and replaced them with honest ones. ‘The march of the Emperor ‘The rule of the Sikhs overeastern Punjab obstructed the communication perween Deli and Lahore, the capital of Punjab, and it worried Emperor Bahadur Shah, He gave up his plan to subdue the rebels in Rajasthan and marched towards Punjab. ‘The entire Indian force was organized to defeat and Kill Banda Bahadur. The governors were ordered to immediately dispatch their armits to the Punjab, and new fighters were recruited. All the generals were directed to join the Emperor's army. To ensure that there were no Sikh agents in the army camps, an order was ssued on August 29, 1710 to all Hindus to shave off their beard: The emporer knew that the Sikhs loyal to their faith would not cut meir pearas, nence would Ieave his army, and would s0t be able to spy. ‘Meanwhile, the Sikhs, afic: taking Sishind and founding their capital, spread to different regions in U.P and Punjab. Banda, himself, was in U.P. whenthe army marched to Sirhind, Before the return of Banda, they tad already taken Sishind and the areas around it. The Sikhs, therefore, moved to Lohgarh for their final battle. As soon as the emperor's army reached there, the Sikhs fell upon them and defeated them. Khafi Khan writes, “The sudden attack of the fakirs (Sikhs) threatened the army serioisly. Watching their dead and wounded, one could conclude thatthe army is losing the battle.” Kanwar Khan describes the battle in these words: "I saw with my eyes every wretched Sikh jumping out of his trench, attacking the soldiers bravely and dying fearlessly.” However, ever increasing supplies of men and materials to the army goncrals fighting Barda, helped them to take over 1 Page 17 www.sikhbookelub.comthe fort, Sikhs lost two of tteir commanders and 2,500 men. Baba Bands Singh left the fort at night and went to @ secret place in the hills. ‘The failure of the army to kill or catch Banda shocked the Emperor. On 10 December 1710 he ordered that, wherever a Sikh was found, he should be murdered. The Empcros lost his mental balance, became sick and died on 18 February 1712. Banda takos over Hill Raja Banda wrote letters 0 the Sikhs to get themselves reorganized and form group: to fight state repression. ‘The Sikhs gathered near Keeratpu: and defeated Raja Bhim Chand in the Spring of 1711. He was responsible for organising all the hill rajas against Guru Gobind Singh and instigating baules with him. Bhim having bee compietely “outed, other rajas willingly accepted their subordinate status, and paid revenues to Banda. ‘When the new Emperor, Farakhsyar, sent a strong force to arrest him, Banda moved away from the Punjab to the Jammu hills, where he stayed for about a year. Arrest of Banda Bahadur In March 1715, Basa Ji entered the Punjab near Gurdaspur. He was in the vilage of Gurdas Nangal, when the army laid siege to it. The Skhs fought bravely and defended the small fort for eight montis. Mohd Quasim writes: The brave and daring deeds of the infernal Sikfis were amazing. Iuice or thrice a day, some forty or fifty Sikfs would cone out of their enclosure to gather grass for their aximals, When the combined forces of the imperialists went to oppose them, they made an end of the Mughals with arrows, muskets, and swords. Such was the terror of the Sikhs, that the ” Page 18, www.sikhbookélub.comcommanders of tie royal armyprayed that God might so ordain things that Banda should seck his safety in flight from the village However, on 7 Decemb:r 1715, the exhausted and starving Sikhs were wicked when Banda was approached to reconcile with the Government and meet the commander 10 discuss the terms for making him the Governor of Jammu. He was arrested instead and put in an iron cage. Other Sikhs were = captured, chained and brought to Delm in a procession. Along with 700 Sikh prisoners from the Punjab, there were 2 000 Sikh hcads hung on spears at the head of the procession to terrorize the population. ‘They were put in the Delhi fort and pressured to give up their faith and become Muslims. On their firm refusal all of them were ordered to be executed. Every day, one hundred Sikhs were brought out of the fortand murdered in public. This horrible butchering of the Sikhs was witnessed and documented by many. The brave Sikhs showed no sizn of deiection or humiliation, instead they sang their sacred hymns; none feared death or gave up his faith. The British Embassy at Delhi recorded, "It ig not a little remartable with what patience they undergo their fate and to the last t has not been found that one apostatized from this new formed religion." According to a Muslim historian, a nobleman received permission to sec Banda Singh Bahadur before he was executed. He asked Banda Singh, "Il is surprising that one who shows so much acuteness in his features and so much nobility in his conduct, should have been guity of such horrors.” With the greatest composure, Banda repli, "I will tell you, whenever men become so corrupt and wicked as to relinquish the path of equity and to abandon themselves to all kinds of excesses, ther the Providence never fails to rase up a scourge like me to chastise a race so depraved; but when the measure of punishment is full then he raises 1p men like you to bring him {0 punishment 20 Page 19 www.sikhbookclub.comOn 9 June 1716, Banch's eyes were gouged, his limbs severed, his skin removed and then he was killed. Baba Banda Singh Batadur thus became a martyr. A Bairagi, having become an Anritdhari Sikh, committed hinwself to live as a protector of the rights of the people. He offered his own life while fighting the tyeanny of the state. Though his tule was short-lived, reforms >rought about by him still exist today. Banda Singh demonstrated that the people have within. them the power to topple tyramical rulers. Subsequently, the people, guided by the Khalsa, destroyed the oppressive rulers of Punjab and became the ‘masters of their state. Page 20 www.sikhbookclub.comNawab Kapoor Singh Page 21 www.sikhbookclub.comCHAPTER II NAWAB KAPOORSINGH Sardar Kapoor Singh was born in 1697 in a village near Sheikhupura, now in Pakistan. His father, Chaudhri Daleep Singh was a devoted Sikh, whose virtues were passed on to the young boy. ‘The boy memorized Gurbani Nitnem, and was taught the arts of war. He secame an Amritdhari in 1721. When the Governor of Punjab offered the Sikhs the Nawabship (ownership of an estate) and z valuable royal robe, the Khalsa accepted it all in the name of Kapoor Singh. Henceforth, he became known as Nawab Kapcor Singh. Sikhs get Organized Sardar Kapoor Singh was one of the thousands of Sikhs who were attracted to the Kinlea Panth after the eacrifire af Baai Tara Singh of the village of Van, in 1726. The murder of this devoted Sikh, popular both with Muslims and Hindus, forced the Sikhs to unite and erganize themselves to respond to state repression against them. ‘The Khalsa held a meeting to make plans for future actions. ‘They decided to appropriate government money and weapons in order to weaken ‘he administration, and to equip themselves to face the everyday attacks. Kapoor Singh was assigned to plan and execute these projects. Information was ‘obtained that money was being transported from Multan to the Lahore treasury. The Khalsa then came like hawks from nowhere, looted the money, tek over the arms and horses of the guards, and vanished in moments, leaving the guards stunned. In another raid, they took over the revenues of the Kasoor estate. A third foray, against a caravan from Afghanistan, resulted in capturing numerous arms and horses, 30 important to them in their fight against state forces. Some 23 ' Page 22 www.sikhbookelub.comwar supplies were being taken from Afghanistan to Delhi. When Kapoor Singh learned of it, he organized an attack 10 capture them. In another attack, the Khalsa recovered gold and silver which was intended to be catied to Delhi. The able leadership of lathedar Darbara Singh and Sardar Kapoor Singh strengthen:d the Khalsa and provided e them with the confidence and the strength to destroy the foreign tyrants and establish self rule. ‘The looting of the governnent treasury created a panic in Lahore. The governor approached the Emperor in Delhi for help. He sent a strong army to search for the Sikhs and kill them, but the Sikhs hid in the forests and sedges near the river beds, not easily approachable by the army. Finding no Sikhs around, the government falsely anounced in cach village with the beat of a drum, that all Sikhs tad been eliminated. This met with litle success. People knev the truth and did not stop supporting the Khalsa who were :pread all over the area, The Silehs did not face the army drectly, but adopted guerilla warfare tactics which suited their small numbers. Once. while coming to Amritsar, Sardar Kapeor Singh and his comingeat met, by chance, the roaming squads of the army near Ropar. In the ensuing skirmish the Sikhs prevailed and won the day. Sikhs befriended The rulers and the conmanders lost all hope of defeating the Sikhs through repression. To develop some other strategy, Khan went to Delhi where it was decided to befriend the Sikhs and rule in cooperation vith them. Accordingly, in 1733 the Delhi rulers withdrew all orders against the Khalsa, ‘Their torture and killing was stopped. They were permitied toown houses and lands, and 10 move freely without any state vidlence against them. To co- operate with the Khalsa Panth, ind win the goodwill of the people, the government sent in offer of an estate and Nawabship through a famous Lahore Sikh, Sardar Subeg Singh. This offer was accepted and tis honor was bestowed on : 24 Page 23 www.sikhbookelub.comKapoor Singh. During this truce, Kapoor Singh guided the Sikhs in strengthening themselves and preaching Gurmat to the peopte. He knew that peace would be short lived. As a strategy for the future, regular communication links were developed among Sikhs to unite them. ‘They were encouraged to freely visit their Gurdwaras and meet their relalives in the villages. Sikhs, thas, were able to create strong ties among themselves and with the general population. Khalsa reorganized tyelf imo two divisions: Sikhs above the age of forty years vere named Budha Dal while the younger generation formed ‘Taruna Dal, which provided the main fighting force. Budha Dal had the responsibility of the management of the Gurdwares and Gurmat preaching. They were 10 keep track of the movements of the government forces to plan their defense strategies. They also provided a reserve fighting force for the Taruna Dal. Khalsa for sell Nawab Kapoor Singh undertook several measures to secure firm footing for the Khalsa among the people and to Prepare them for self-rule in the Punjab, . ‘To establish internal rules of discipline and munal understanding, it was jointly agreed that: 1. All moncy obtained from anywhere by any Jatha would be deposited in the Common Khalsa Fund. Al provisions for different Jathas regarding their arms, horses, clothes. ‘etc. would be met out of that fund. 2. The Khalsa would have their common Langar for both the Dals. 3, Every Sikh would respect the orders of his Jathedar, Anyone going anywhere would get permission from lim and report to him on his return. Preaching by the Bucha Dal helped many persons t= »* Page 24 www.sikhbookclub.combecome Sikhs and many young Sikhs joined the Dal Khalsa. The membership of the Taruna Dal quickly increased to more than 12.000 and it soon became difficult to manage the housing and feeding of such a large number of people at one place. It was, therefore, decided to have five divisions of the Bal, cach to draw rations from the central stacks and cook it's own langar. These five divisions were stationed at five sarcvas (sacred pools) around Amritsar, namely Ramsar, Bibeksar, Lachmansar, Kaulsar and Santckhsar. The divisions later became known as Misls and their number increased to eleven, Bach took over and ruled a differeat region of the Punjab. Nawab Kapoor Singh, beng the leader of the Khalsa, ‘was assigned another responsibility by Mata Sundar Kaur, wife of Guru Gobind Singh. She sent him an emissary along with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia who was then a young boy. Her instructions were that Jassa Singh was like a son to her and the Nawab should raise him as an ided Sikh, Ahluwalia, under the guidance of Kapoor Singh, was given a good education in Gurbani and thorough training in managing Sikh affairs. Later, he became the founding Jatheda: of the Ahluwalia Misl and played an important role in leading the Sikhs to self-rule. Campaign against Sikhs In 1735, the rulers of Lahore attacked and repossessed. the estate given to the Sikhs only two years before. This was intended to check the growth of ihe Sikhs. However, it only acted as a further stimulant, Kapoor Singh decided that the whole of Punjab should be taken cver as their estate. This was endorsed by the Khalsa and all the Sikhs assured him of their full co-operation in his endeavor for self-rule. ‘The decision was taken agiinst heavy odds. Khan sent roaming squads to hunt and kill the Sikhs. Orders were issued to all administrators down to the /illage level officials to seek Sikhs, murder them, get them arrested, or report their ‘whereabouts to the government. Cnc year’s wages were offered to anyone who would murder a Sith and deliver his head to the police station. Rewards were also promised to those who % ibookclub.com Page 25helped arrest Sikhs. Persons providing food or shelter to Sikhs were severely punished. Tt was a time of unspeakable state violence against the followers of Guru Nanak. ‘These orders forced the committed Sikhs into hiding. Becoming < Sikh was like signing one’s own death warrant. If one of two brothers became a Sikh, the family presumed they had only one son; the other, they would say, is "dead." This was the period when the Sikhs were sawed into pieces, burnt alive, fed to dogs, their heads crushed ' with hammers and young children were pierced with spears before their taother's eyes To keep thei morale high, the Sikhs humorously developed their own high-sounding terminologies and slogans. For example: ‘Tree leaves boiled for food were called green dish; the parched chick-peas were almeds; the Babul tree was a rose, @ blind man was a brave max, geting on the back of a buffalo was riding an elephant. When Mir Manu intensified his attacks for the genocide of the Sikhs, they responded with the rhyme, "Manu is our sickle, we are his weeds all Innw ‘The more he cute ve the more we grow.” Sikhs respond The army pursued the Sikhs hiding near the hills and forced them to cross the rivess and seek safety in the: Malwa tract. When Nawab Kapoor Singh reached Patiala, Baba Ala Singh took Amrit and Nawib Ji helped him increase the boundaries of his state. In 1°36 the Khalsa attacked Sirhind, where the two younger son: of Guru Gobind Singh were murdered, ‘The army fought frantically to protect the city. However, the advancing tide ef the enraged Sikhs could not be checked, and the Khalsa took over the city and the treasury. ‘They established the Gurdworas at the historical places and withdrew. After this expedition Kapoor Singh returned to Amritsar. These victories of te Sikhs naturally upsct the 2 Page 26 www.sikhbookclub.comgovernment of Lahore. A huge umy was sent to recover the treasury and punish the Sikhs. Khalsa troops were camping near Amritsar when the army atacked them. Kapoor Singh entrusted the treasury to Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and told him 10 take it to a safe place. He himselfhad sufficient Sikhs with him to keep the army engaged. Wher Jassa Singh was out of the reach of the army, the Nawab ordered a strategic retreat, and they reached Taran Taaran without the army being able to do any serious damage to them. To fight the advancing arny, the Nawab sent messages to the Taruna Dal to join them n the fight. The Sikhs dug themselves into trenches and waited for the army to attack. When they were within range, tte Sikhs showered bullets on them. The fight lasted the entire chy without either side gaining the upper hand. Finding the army exhausted and the commanders in low morale by the evening, Kapoor Singh attacked the commanding posts. This swift and daring attack by two hundred Sikhs stunned the enemy. Three generals, along with many officers, were Lilled. Whereupon the army retreated to Lahore realizing that they were no match for the adventurous and committed Sikhs. Khan called his advisors to plan another strategy to deal with the Sikhs. It was suggested that the Sikhs should not be allowed to visit the Amrit Sarovit, the fountain of thei lives and source of their strength. Accordingly, strong contingents were posted around the city and al entries to Harimandar Sahib were checked. The Sikhs, however, risking their lives, continued to pay their respects tothe holy place and take a dip in the Sarovar in the dark of night. For some Sikhs, the price of doing so was their lives. ‘One time, when Kapoor Singh went to Amritsar, he had to fight with Kazi Rehman. He hid declared that Sikhs, the so- called lions, would not dare to cone to Amritsar and face him. In the ensuing fight Kazi was killed. When his son tried to save him, he too lost his life, Later, Massa Rangar took over the contol of Amritsar. While smoking and drinking in the Harimandar Sahib, he watched the dances of the nautch girls, 2B Page 27 www.sikhbookclub.comThe Sikhs who had moved p Bikaner, a desert region, for safety, were outraged to hear of this desecrarion. Bhai Sukha Singh and Mchtab Singh, went there disguised as revenue collectors. They tied their hoses outside, walked straight into the Harimandar Sahib, cut off his head, and took it with thom, It was a lesson for the rulers that no tyrant would go unpunished. Dethi challenges Sikhs A senior royal commarder, Samad Khan, was sent from Dethi to subdue the Sikhs. Kapoor Singh learned of this and he planned his own strategy accouiingly. As soon as the army was out to hunt the Sikhs, a Jatka of commandos, disguised as messengers of Samad Khan, was sent to the armory. The commander there was told that Khan was holding the Sikhs under siege and he wanted hin, with all his force, to go and arrest them. ‘The few guards kt behind were overpowered by the Sikhs, the arms and ammunition were Jooted and brought t0 the Sikh camp. It helped the Khalsa win the big battle against the royal army. Samad Khan sent mary roaming squads to search for, and kill Sikhs. He was respossible for the torture and murder of Shaheed Bhai Mani Sisgh, the administrator of the Harimandar Sahib, ‘The Sikhs had not forgotten this violence against them. He was so afrad of the Sikhs, that he remained far behind the fighting lines 1 keep himself safe. However, Kapoor Singh had @ plan to panish him. Daring the battle, he ordered his men to reveat, drawing the fighting army with them. He then wheeled arousd and fell upon the rear of the army. Khan and his guards were lying dead on the ficld within hours. The death of the commander of such a strong army. was a message to che Punjab governor that his turn was next, He ‘was so scared that he started living in the fort. He would not even dare 10 visit the mosque »utside the fort for prayers. The governor knew that even his test guards would not be able to save him once the Sikhs located him. » Page 28 www.sikhbookclub.comProtecting the innocent from the Invaders On the request of the Budha Dal members, Kapoor Singh visited Patiala. The soxs of Sardar Ala Singh, the founder of the state, gave him a royal welcome, Kapoor Singh stormed and subdued all local administrators around Delhi who were not behaving well towards tieir people. Nadir Shah of Iran was aterror for the Delhi rulers, In 1739, he murdered more than .00 000 people in Delhi and carned off all of the gold and valuables. He added to his caravan hundreds of elephants and horses, along with thousands of young women. When Kapoo: Singh came to know of this, he decided to wam Nadir Shah that if not the locel rulers, then the Sikhs would protect the innocent women of Mustims and Hindus from being sold as slaves ‘The returning caravan wes closely watched by the Sikh informants. They planned to get the women released and to recover as much of the wealth as possible before Nadir left the Punjab. While crossing the river Chenab, Nadir relaxed his vigilance, and the Sikhs suddenly attacked the rear end of the caravan, freed many of the women, and recovered part of the treasure. ‘The Sikhs continued toharass him and lighten him of his loot until he withdrew from the Punjab. Nadir wanted to know vho the men with beards and turbans were, against whom te could not protect himself although he had already crushed the royal army. After hearing about them he observed, "The Sikhs will soon be the rulers of the Punjab.” Zakaria Khan died in 1745. His successor tightened the security around Amritsar. Kapoor Singh planned to break the siege of Amritsar. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was made the commander of the attacking Sikh forces. In 1748, the Sikhs took a do or die decision. The commander at Amritsar also had a large army to fight the Sikhs. Ahluwalia, with his commandos behind him, dashed to the army commander and cut him into two with his sword. The commander's nephew, 30 Page 29 www.sikhbookelub.comying to save him, got an arrov in his chest and fell dead to the ground. To be recognized as a power, the Sikhs built their first fort, called Ram Rauni, at Amritsar. This sent the message to the government that their days were numbered and that Sikh rule over Punjab was imminent, In December 1748, Governor Manu had wo tke his forces outside of Lahore to stop the advance of Abdali, Kapoor Singh took advantage of his absence from the capital an¢ led a contingent of top Sikh fighters to the police station in Lahore. ‘The Sikhs quickly overpowered the police defeniing the station and confiscated all of their weapons. The Navab ther: occupied the office and ordered the sheriff to rélease ill prisoners. Before leaving, he told the sheriff to inform the Governor that Nawab Kapoor Singh, the "sheriff" of God, the True Emperor, came and did what he was commanded to de. All of this was accomplished in a very short time. Before the stunned policemen could report the matter to the authorities, or the army could be called in, the Khalsa were already riding their horses back to the forest. In 1753, Kapoor Singh took control of Amritsar and called a general meeting of the Sikhs to organize the Khalsa forces for the future. He thasked them for their co-operation and told them that his end was near and that their new commander would be Jasse Singh Ahluwalia. The sword he had received from Mata Sunda: Kaur Ji was also handed over to. Ahluwalia. Before he breathed his last, the beloved jathedar thus passed on the responsibilty to another able general. The body of Nawab Kapoor Singh, the great leader who lead the Khalsa to the threshold of self-rule, was cremated near Gurdwara Baba Atal. a Page 30 www.sikhbookelub.comS. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia 32. Page 31 www.sikhbookclub.comCHAPTER III SARDAR IASSA SINGH AHLUWALIA, SULTANUL KAUM Sardar Jassa Singh was born in 1718, Unfortunately, his father, Sardar Radar Singh. dicd when Jassa Singh was only four years old. He was taught by his mother to recite Gurbani and do kiran. When his mather took him to Mata Sundari Ji at Delhi, she was impressed by his melodious singing of hymns and kept the boy with her. Later he was adopted by Nawab Kapoor Singh, the leader of the Sikh nation. Jassa Singh, thus, got into the stream of poliical leadership. This helped him develop his talents and duly become the next leader of the Sikh nation ‘The singing of the isa Ki Var in the mornings by Jassa Singh was appreciated by all in the Nal Khalea He was a handsome young man, always smiling and keeping himself busy in doing sews (volusteer service). He became very popular with the Sikhs. He leamed horseback riding and swordsmanship from experi teachers. Thus, this holy singer also became an excellent soldier. Having lived in Delhi, he used to tie his turban in th: Mughal fashion. He often used words of the Delhi dialect which became a favorite topic of discussion among the Sikhs. It provided them with many light moments, Under the leadership of Jassa Singh, the Dal Khalsa took over Lahore, the capitil of Punjab, for the first time, in 1761. They were the maste’s of the city for a few months and minted their own coins in the name of Guru Nanak, Because of his services to the Khalsa ard bringing them this success, Jassa Singh was honored with the title of Sultanul Kaum, the King of the Nation, 3 Page 32 www.sikhbookclub.comReclaiming the honor of the Goléen Temple ‘Sikhs were under great pressure because of government violence against them. They became enraged when they found that Massa Rangar, the official in crarge of the Amritsar region, drank alcohol and smoked in the Solden Temple. Two Sikhs, Sukkha Singh and Mehtab Singh, came disguised as revenue collectors and cut off his head It was a signal to the government that the Sikhs would 1ever tolerate any disrespect to their sacred Harimandar Sahib. The Governor of Lahore’ sent military squeds to kill the Sikhs. When Jaspat Rai, brother of Lakhpat Rai, the Dewan (premier) of Lahore, faced the Sikhs in a battle, one of the Sikhs held the tail of his clephart and got on his back from behind. With a quick move, he chopped off his head, giving another blow to the government's inage, Lakhpat Rai, after this incident, committed himself to destroying the Sikhs. In 1746, a new wave of violence was started against them with all of te resources available to the government. The army was sent 19 destray the Sikhs All of the village officials were ordered to co-operate in the expedition. About 15,000 Sikhs including Jassa Singh and other important leaders were camping in riverbeds in the Gurdaspur district (Kahnuwan ract). Local people were forcibly employed to search for the Sikhs to be killed by the army. An estimated 7,000 wo 10,0(0 Sikhs were thus murdered. ‘Those Sikhs who were arrested dive were taken to Lahore, tortured and executed near the Hore Market, There now stands a Gurdwara called Shaheed Ganj Even the Sikhs living in peace in the city were arrested witiout any reason. ‘They were also butchered. This first massac'e of 1746 is known as the Chhota Ghalughara (the small massacre) of the Sikhs. In 1747, Shah Nawaz took over as Governor of Lahore, To please the Sikhs, Lakhpat vas dismissed by the new Governor. Having been removed fiom office, Lakkhpat received severe punishment and was killed by the Sikhs. 34 Page 33 www.sikhbookclub.com‘The first Sikh Fort, Ram Raani In 1747, Salabat Khon became the commander. He placed police around Amritser and built observation posis 10 spot and kill Sikhs coming tothe Amrit Sarovar for a holy dip. Angered by this, the Sikhs decided to free Amritsar. Even though Sikhs were given a very heavy blow only a year before, Jassa Singh and Nawab Kapoor Singh lead the Sikhs to Amritsar. Salabat Khan was killed by Jassa Singh and his nephew was killed by the avow of Nawab Ji, After great sacrifices, the Sikhs freed the holy city of Amritsar and celebrated their Diwali gathering there By the year 1748, the Xhalsa had many brave Jathedars ‘They decided to reorganize ‘hemselves under one command. On the advice of their aging Jithedar, Nawab Kapoor Singh, the Khalsa chose Sardar Jassa Singh as their supreme leader. They also decided to declare that the Punjab belonged to them and they would be the sovereign mlers of their state. It was at this time that Sikhs built their rst fort, called Ram Rauni, at Amritsar. Its construction was a clear message to the © government that their end hac come and Sikh rule over Punjab’ would soon be a reality. at However, a new wave of stawe terrorism against” the Sikhs was soon started, Adive Beg, the Faujdar (commander and administrator of a tract under « Governor) of Jallandar, sent ‘a message to the Dal Khelsa chief to cooperate with him in the civil administration, and he wanted a meeting to discuss the matter. But in essence, this was only a trick to disarm the Sikhs and keep them under governnent control. Jassa Singh replied that their meeting place would be the bawe ground and the discussion would be carried out by their swords. Beg attacked the Ram Rauni fort at Amritsar and besieged the Sikhi-there. Dewan Kaura Mal! advised the Governor to lift the siege and prepare the army to protect the ‘aura Mal was called "Mitha Mal’ by the Sikhs because of his friendship with them, In Punjab, "Kaura” means bitter ané "Mitha” means sweet.) 35 Page 34 www.sikhbookclub.comstate from the invader, Ahmed Shah Abdali, To win the good will of the. Sikhs, Kaura Mal go: a part of the revenue of Patti area allocated for the improvement and management of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. Kaura Mal hid to go to Multan to quell a rebellion there. He asked the Siths for help and they agreed 10 join him, After the victory at Multan, Kaura came to pay his respects to the Darbar Sahib, asd offered 11,000 rupees. He also spent 3,000,000 rupees to build Gurdwaras at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Navak Dev. In 1752, Kaura was killed in a battle with Abdali. and state policy towards the Sikhs quickly changed. Mir Manu, the Governor, started hunting Sikhs again. He arrested many men and women, put them in prison and tortured them. In November 1753, when he went to kill the Sikhs hiding in the fields, they showered him with « hail of bullets, He fell from the horse and the animal dragied him to death. The Sikhs immediately proceeded to Lahore, attacked the prison, and got all the prisoners released and ledthem to safety in the forests There were twelve Misls of the Sikhs and Jassa Singh was the head of the Ahluwalia Mis] and the leader of all the Misls, jointly called Da! Khalsa. It was with his guidance and brave handling of the leadership that the Khalsa got nearer 10 their goal of self-rule in the Punjib. Khalsa as Rulers In May 1757, the Afghan General Jahan Khan attacked Amritsar with a huge army. The Sikhs were not prepared to face the army at that time. Therefore, they decided to withdraw to the forests. Their fort, Ram Rauni, was demolished. Harimandar Sahib was blown up, and the army desecrated the Sarovar by filling it with debris and dead animals. Baba Deep Singh Shaheed made history wten he attacked Jahan Khan to recover Amritsar from army conrol. Fatally wounded, Babs Ji cut through the army column to reach the Harimandir Sahib. Some unexpected developments took place in the state which proved favorable for the Sikhs. Adina Beg did not pay 36 Page 35 www.sikhbookclub.comrevenues to the government. Tie Governor dismissed him and appointed a new Faujdar in his place. The army was sent to arrest him and this prompted Adina to request Sikh help. The Sikhs took advantage of the situation and to weaken the government, they fought aganst the army. One of the commanders was killed by the Sikhs and the other deserted. Later, the Sikhs attacked Jallandar and thus became the rulers of all the tracts between Satlej and Beas rivers, called Doaba. ‘This raised the political status of the Khalsa. Instead of roaming in the forests, now they were ruling the cities. ‘After this, the Sikhs stated bringing more areas under their control and realizing revenue from them. In 1758, joined by the Marhattas, they conquered even Lahore and arrested many Afghan soldiers who were responsible for filling the Amrit Sarovar with debris a few months earlier. ‘They were brought to Amritsar and made ‘0 clean the Sarovar. After the cleaning of the Sarovar, the soldiers were allowed to go home with a warning that they should not do that again -- which was a navel and humane: prinishment, sl thinge raneidaredt Abdali came again in O:tober 1759 to loot Delhi. The Sikhs gave him a good fight ar killed more than 2,000 of his soldiers, Instead of getting invelved with the Sikhs, he made a rapid advance to Delhi. ‘This meant that the Khalsa were considered 2 formidable power in the Punjab. They decided to Collect revenues from Lahore # prove to the people that the Sikhs were the rulers of the sate. The Governor of Lahore knew that he could not face the Sikhs, so he closed the gates of the city and did not come out te fight against them. ‘The Sikhs laid siege to the city. After a week, the Governor agreed to pay 30,000 rupees to the Sikhs. Khalsa, the saviours of the innocent Abdali returned from Delhi in March 1761 with lots of gold and more than 2,000 beaatiful, young girls as prisoners. The Sikhs decided to save these innocent girls. Jassa Singh formulated a strategy. When Abdali was crossing the river % “ Page 36 www.sikhbookclub.com 'Beas, the Sikhs swiftly fell upon them. They freed the women prisoners and escorted them back to their homes. ‘The people felt that the Sikhs deserved to bethe rulers of the Punjab. They alone could protect the peopl: and their honor from the invaders. ‘The Sikhs took over Lahore in September of 1761, after Abdali retumed to Kabul, They parceled it up among themselves and minted their coiss in the name of Guru Nanak Dev. Sikhs, as rulers of the city, received full cooperation from the people. Jassa Singh was given the title of Sultanul Kaum. Ahmed Shah Abdali had been very much agitated for having to yield the share of the ooted wealth to the Sikhs and for having lost the young womex whom he would have sold to the Afghans in Kabul. During the winter of 1762, he brought a big, well equipped army to finish the Sikhs forever. Sikhs left the cities and were near Ludhiara on their way to the forests and dry areas of the south, when Abdali moved from Lahore very quickly and caught the Sikh; totally unprepared. They had dheit women, children and old pouple wid dsem. As many 09 20 000 10 30,000 Sikhs are said to have been murdered by the army. Jassa Singh himself received about two dozen wounds. ‘The Sikhs call it Wada Ghalugha’a, or the Great Massacre. ‘Abdali, fearing Sikh rewdiation, sont messages that he was willing to assign some arezs to the Sikhs to be ruled by them. Jassa Singh, the leader of the Khalsa, rejected his offers and told him that Sikhs own the Punjab and they do not recognize his authority at sll. Abdali went to Amritsar and blew up the Harimandar Sahib, toping to destroy the source of “life” of the Sikhs. However, within a few months, the Sikhs attacked Sirhind and moved to Amritsar. Abdali was still in Lahore and was surprised to find the Sikhs so close to him within such a short thne of haviag been dealt the greatest blow of their history. He felt forced to ight them. A terrible battle was fought between the Sikhs and the invaders on 17 October 1762. Abdali knew that if he lost that battle to the Sikhs, he could not dare to come again to the 38 Page 37 www.sikhbookclub.comPunjab. Sikhs were angered not only berause of the heavy loss of lives, but also because of the destruction of the Harimandar Sahib. It was the day of the solar eclipse, and the Sikhs fought a fierce battle with the Afghans. Finding the Sikhs taking the upper hand, the Afghans tcok advantage of the darkness and fled back to Lahore.? Army afraid of the Sikhs ‘The defeat of Abdai at the hands of the Sikhs sent shock waves to Kabul and Delhi. In 1764, the Sikhs punished another commander of the army. Jain Khan was away from Sithind recovering revenues from different Nawabs, whea Sikhs moved in to face him before he could get back into the fort. When encircled by the Sikhs, he tried to slip away leaving his men entangled with tte Sikhs. But Jassa Singh had ‘organized the attack very well. When ‘Khan was leaving the battlefield to escape, the watchful Sikhs shot him dead. The regions around Sithind were divided among the Sikh Misldars and monies recovered from the ueasury were used to rebuild the Harimandar Sahib. Gurewara Fatehgarh Sahib war built in Sirhind where the two yourger sons of Guru Gobind Singh were murdered, Sikhs took ever Lahore again in 1765. In 1767, when Abdai came again, he sent messages to the Sikhs for their co-operition. He even offered them the governorship of Punjab but 20ne of them accepted it. Instead, the Silchs continued to harass him with repeated guerilla attacks. ‘They took away his caravar of 300 camels loaded with fruits from Kabul, As soon as he crossed the river Satlej on his way to Delhi, the Sikhs were agiin in contiol of the areas between Satlej and Ravi, Jassa Singi had so well prepared his men to fight that Abdali did not dare return to Kabul through Amritsar and Lahore. He took a Ions circuitous route through Multan. 2 he third Ghalughara took placein June 1984 when the Indian army ssormed the Harimandar Sahib, Ansiisar and murdered about 10,000 Sikhs. The Prime Minister of India was hot dead in October ofthe same yeat. It may be noted that anyone who ordered the murder of Sikhs received du Punishment from them. 3 en) Page 38 www.sikhbookelub.com