Battle of Lohgarh 1710-1716
Unpublicized in history the Battle of Lohgarh is largest and longest expedition made by the Mughals against any opponent in their regime of 300 years and just after the battle of Lohgarh the mighty Mughal empire gradually decline. Battle almost continued for 6 years with intermittent break. Banda Singh Bahadur being perfect master was very skillfully and tactfully shifted the theater of war from Dabar Hills to Lahore and other parts of Jalandar Doab, thus putting the Mughal army in confusion, disorder and precarious situation. During Aurangzeb and Bahadur Shah life times, victories in the south expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent, ruling over more than 150 million subjects, nearly one quarter of the world’s population at the time, with a GDP of over $90 billion. At its height, the empire was the world’s largest economic power, with 24.4% of the world economy. The Mughal economy was large and prosperous for its time. The gross domestic product (GDP) of Mughal India in 1600 was estimated at about 22.4% of the world economy, the second largest in the world, behind only Ming China.
By 1700, the GDP of Mughal India had risen to 24.4% of the world economy, the largest in the world, ahead of Qing China. India’s GDP growth increased under the Mughal Empire, with India’s GDP having a faster growth rate during the Mughal era than in the 1,500 years prior to the Mughal regime. As late at the beginning of the eighteenth century the Mughal Emperor was still regarded as one of the most powerful king in the world in 1686 and 1687 Emperor Aurangzeb (1658-1707) had destroyed the last independent Muslim kingdoms of and Golconda in the South of the subcontinent. With the execution of the Maratha rebel leader, Shambaji, in 1689 and the capture of the Maratha capital Satara in 1700 the threat of the rival power in the Deccan seemed to have been overcome. When Aurangzeb died in 1707, the Mughal Empire had reached its farthest extent, encompassing almost the entire Indian subcontinent and with a population of 160 million, India constituted about 20 per cent of the population of the entire world.
By the end of 17 century the Mughal army was the world largest and strongest army. The following figures give an idea of the size of the Mughal army. In 1707 the imperial army consisted of a total of 400,000 stipendiary cavalrymen: 8000 mounted mansabdars, about 285,000 cavalry maintained by the princes, the great nobles (amirs) and other mansabdars and 7000 imperial household cavalry (ahadis) and matchlock-bearers directly employed by the emperor and stationed at the court: 40,000 artillery and 40,000 infantry. In addition about 4.7 million retainers including 3,00,000 horsemen were employed by zamindars. The Mughal nobility was multi-ethnic. Athar Ali identifies the major groups.
Turanis (central Asian), Iranis (Persian), Afghans, Shaikhzadas (Indian Muslims, consisting of a number of sub-groups), and the Rajputs, etc. Later on, in the 17 century, with the advance of . Mughal power in the Decca, there was an influx of the Decanis, i.e. Bijapuris, Haiderabadis, and Marathas. The army commanders were mainly Mongols, Turks, Uzbegs, Persian, Afghans, Arabs, Rajputs and other Hindus and Feringhis. In addition the Mughal nobles had diverse religious backgrounds. Sunnis (Turains and most of the Shaikhzadas) shia (including many Iranis) and Hindus (Rajputs). The only group that was directly tied to the idea of empire and personally bound to the Mughal emperor was the core of about 8,000 mansabdars constituting the imperial elite. Even the members of the mansabdars households, their servants and military retainers were bound only indirectly, through their patrons, to the empire. The total number of people who depended for their livelihood on employment in the armed service and associated activities has been estimated the some 26 million, a remarkably large figure for a population estimated at some 26 million, a remarkable large figure for a population estimated at a mere 160 million at that time.
Long era of war for 6 years, which was planned by the Sikhs under the leadership of Sikh Gurus, made the resources of Mughal’s exhausted and lead to economic crisis resulting in decline of Mughal Empire . Yet several symptoms of crises started visible just as the tenure of war crossed more than 6 years at Lohgarh. The constant military campaigns against the Sikhs excessively tried the imperial finances. Mughal nobility which was involved in the expedition against Baba Banda Singh Bahadur starting demanding more Jagir’s (salary assignment to state official in the form of fiscal rights over a certain track of land) and the realization of the revenue from these Jagirs, at same time dispute arose extended claims and the Sikh revolts under Baba Banda Singh Bahadur , in the heartland of empire removed the Mughal authority from the plains of Punjab, became a significant factor for decline of Mughal Empire. The long standing liability of the Mansabdari system whose’s support of the Mughal Empire had played such a vital role in its consolidation since Akbar’s regime , seriously diminished.
The Sikh army had no shortage of supplies of essential food grains and commodities because these were accumulated long back at fort Lohgarh in well planned manner anticipating a prolonged big war, on other hand the supplies to Mughal army were badly affected as the Banjaras , who use to supply the food grain and other items to them, withdrew their supplies and became sikh warriors . Even after deploying mammoth army of about 5 lacs Mughals found it difficult to capture the Sikh fort. The elimination of Mughal empire from the country is attributed to Sikh revolution at Lohgarh fort in 1710.
Archaeological evidences along with ‘Time and Motion study’ of Lohgarh fort reveals that it took about 70 to 80 years for completion of the fortification work of such a large area of 7000 acres. Lohgarh Trust Yamuna Nagar collected the evidences by hiring archaeologists and engineers of Time and Motion study experts. For construction of such a vast fort heavy men forces both skilled and unskilled in the shape of laborers, masons & architects were required. Construction materials i.e. bricks, stones of different gravel sizes, sand and crushed stones were the requirement with heavy quantities.
One of the fifty two bastions of Lohgarh. (Azizpur Kalan ,30°19’7.14″N, 77°13’30.50″E)
The mission was supposed to be completed secretly without disclosing its objectives to common man. Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara was the main hero behind this mission designed the main strategy to accomplish the divine task under the guidance and blessing of Sikh Guru Sahbians. He arranged every logistics required for the construction of fort Lohgarh. He invested in the number of chunks of land near the vicinity of Lohgarh and inhabited 52 Sikh populated villages to accomplish the fortification work of Fort Lohgarh.
These villages were later on fortified by the Sikhs, before the start of battle Lohgarh. Kafi Khan make references of these 52 bastions in some of the Persian returns.The size of these fortress varies from 5 to 10 acres and 5-10 cannons were installed on each of them .Each satellite fortress of Lohgarh were located in such a manner that they reinforced each other in time of need. Cooperation, teamwork and sharing of dangers, burdens, risks and opportunities among these fortress in every aspect made preparation of Sikh army much more superior to their opponents. These fortress formed a web in front of Lohgarh and resisted the mammoth army of Mughals as a part of war strategy .
One of the most important feature of Sikh military organization was the strategic fortifications in offensive & defensive warfare at Lohgarh fort. Sikh Generals and their troops were stationed at key points from which they defended and attacked Mughal army and the most important were 52 bastions of Sikhs on the forehead of fort Lohgarh. Fort Lohgarh served as the main base for 52 defense posts and was used as supply depots for campaigns against the Mughals.
Moreover a well organized network of satellite fortress of Lohgarh had a high strategic value for offensive and defensive operations. These fortresses not only offered safe shelter for temporary retreats, but also they were also useful in the preparation of more extensive expeditions from there enemy communications could be disturbed in advance, traffic on roads and river could be observed and obstructed, army men and provisions stockpiled to support the main troops and the flanks.
Archaeological evidences related to Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara (born on 1580 death on 1680) at Lohgarh indicates that he had contributed from 1624 to 1680 for completing the holy mission. So far 55 wells aligned with stone and lime masonary have been found in the vicinity of Lohgarh and all these wells were dug by Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara for the Sikh population settled in the vicinity of Sadhura and Lohgarh. There are plates in the each well on which the name of Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara is inscripted. After the perusal of old revenue records of 1852 these wells were suitated on passages and near some abdi. Now these wells are in open fields and abdi near by, although archeological evidences of inhabitant are found in the fields near by, so there is clear inference that these villages were destroyed by the Mughals after caturing Fort Lohgarh in 1716 and later in late 19th century this area was rehabitated by one Kale Rai (rangar) , first Land Consolidation Officer appointed by the Bristhers.
Well at Budhi, YamunaNagar coordinates- 30°24’59.27″N, 77°18’11.16″E
Well at Thaska , YamunaNagar
coordinates- 30°27’26.73″N, 77°14’49.32″E
On 28th March 1624, a Sikh smelan was held at ‘Guru-Da-Chakk’ where a large gathering of Sikhs were present. The smelan was also attended by rulers of Bilaspur (Raja Kalyan Chand 1619-1649), Raja of Handur (Dharam Chand 1619-1701), Raja of Garwal (Pirthi Chand 1619-1662), Raja of Nahan (Karam Chand 1619-1630). All of these rulers were released from Gwalior prison in 1619 along with Sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Kalyan Chand the ruler of Bilaspur requested Guru Sahib to establish his headquarter in his territory. All these Rajas offered large lands as a free gift to Guru Sahib for this purpose. Guru Sahib was already interested to acquire a strategic defense site in hilly area to combat with Mughal but he (Guru Sahib) refused to accept a piece of land as a free gift. He (Guru Sahib) paid the price of land to Hills Chiefs through Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara and Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana, although Rajas insisted not to accept it. Guru Sahib toured the area around Satluj river and selected some territory of the villages of Kalyanpur, Bhatoli and Jiowal. Similarly for establishing different forts in the area of Handur Nahan and Garwal number of pieces of lands were identified and acquired.
Lohgarh siteis suitated in the terriority of erstwhile Nahan State, vernacularly called as Dabar .This site was selected for high level fortification, in anticipation of a big war against Mughals by Guru Har Gobind Sahib . Prices of lands was paid by both Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara and Baba Makhan Shah Labana on the behalf of Guru Sahib. For the inhabitation of Banjara Sikhs he (Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara) also purchased number of chunk of land around Lohgarh fort area in Dabar hill which falls near the proximity of town Sadhaura and Khizrabad. He established villages for their settlement and inhabitation at these places. Numbers of industries were also established at these villages to fabricate all construction materials along with different paraphernalia gadgets required for the construction of fort.
Staying of Guru Har Rai Sahib (seventh Sikh Guru) at Lohgarh from 1645 to 1658 , along with 2200 cavalry, birth of Guru Har Krishan Sahib (eight Sikh Guru) in 1656 at Lohgarh , Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib staying at Lohgarh from 1644 to 1664 and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib stay at Poanta Sahib 1685 to 1688 are attributed to construction of Fort Lohgarh. Sikh Guru Sahibans gathered accurate and correct information regarding the Mughal warfare, thereafter defenses of Lohgarh fort was planned and constructed.
Satellite picture of Lohgarh
Guru Amar Das Sahib ( third Sikh Guru,1552-74), we find major innovations in the political and ideological organization of the Sikh panth , innovation generally associated with Guruship and which dealt with problems arising from expansion of the religion . First was the establishment of manji admimistration syatem, later developed into the masand system, which enabled the leader of the pamnth tto delegate authority to appointed deputieswho acted as intermediaries between himself and the various groups of disciples or congregation, which is called sangat. These masand and manjis were located in different parts of Indian Sub-Continent and it covered all the parts of the country. Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara and Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana were also masand of Guru Sahibians. These loyal masand not only collected disband for Sikhism, but also gather important information regarding Mughals. This information was intelligently used at Lohgarh to curb them. Howver the masand custom was abolished by 10th Master Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Fort Lohgarh- Khalsa Rajdhani
In ancient times the nature was used as defense in many case, dense forest was called as Vanh Durg and hills/mountains were called Parvh Durg. In case of Lohgarh and its battle field both the concept of Vang Durg and Parvh Durg exist here which was a great advantage to Sikh forces . The geographical location is such that, this place had dense forest on its North and South, the cumulative width of which is 14 k.m. Lohgarh Fort was eastablished as Sikh State Capital, by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in Dec 1709. The fort Lohgarh is in the revenue estates of Lohgarh (HP), Haripur (HP), Jhil (HP), Mehtawali (HP), Palori (HP), Sukron (HP), Maharonwala (HP), Bhagwanpur Nathauri(Haryana), Dhanaura (Haryana), Nagli (Haryana) and Mohindinpur (Haryana) etc.
The elevated ridges (1200 to 1900 feet) of Dabar (lowest hills of Shivalik) were chosen as battle field which extend from Udhamgarh (near Kala Amb) to Kalesar and exact centre point of the ridges was chosen for fort Lohgarh. On the North side i.e. near Udhamgarh Markanda river flows which emerged from Shivalik hills and flow to plain area after passing about 20 km along the hills boundaries of Dabar Hills, touching its foot. The width of river while emerging into plain area is more than 100 meter but as it goes into and towards Dabar hills its width goes on decreasing and become more deep with more and more high brims on both sides more and more high brims on both sides in hilly area. As a part of strategy laid seizer in 1710-1716, but the imperial failed to achieve the stereotyped objective . Now a days, along the side of Markanda river, a metalled road has been constructed from Nahan to Pounta Sahib through these hills. Dense forest having thorny bushes, cactai, sub-tropical grasses, marshy meadows extend from the boundary of river up to Lohgarh Fort wall. The area between wall of fort and Markanda river is thus thickly covered with impassable forest and Sikh army made ramparts trenches at weak points to plug the entry of enemy. These thick thorny forest were also used as hide points of Sikh army so that enemy may be attached suddenly in case of their entry from this side.
Remnants of Fortification wall in sector C-12 of Lohgarh
It was impossible for the Mughals to make the estimate of arrangements made by the Sikhs in anticipation of big war. There are many Khols such as Haripur Khol, Lohgarh Khol which falls into Som River and makes it a medium size river.
There is again a river named Boli Nadi in South side of fort which touches the Dabar Hills foot beyond 10 km before it emerged in plain area. This river is a seasonal one which flow heavily in rainy season, sand down the hill in the river bed. This sand has gold particles and even today the district Administation Yamuna Nagar, leases out the river beds for driving out the gold. Hill side of the river, having steep rise and some weak points here also were plugged with heavy entrenchment upto the approach of Lohgarh Fort. There are other Khols such as Nagli Khol, which forms a big river called Pathrala, which make heavy discharge (30000 c.c.per second) of water in rainy season.
Southern side of Lohgarh Fort faces towards plain and this area was used to produce food grains by the Sikhs. In between plain area and hilly area of Lohgarh fort, Som Nadi flows which finally make its discharge in Yamuna river. It touches about 10 Km from west with the feet of hills which made the fortification of Lohgarh more strong because from the edge of Som Nadi, hill slope were steep and having abrupt rise, thus make approach to Lohgarh fort more tough. Khols and rivulets are passages which make approaches towards Lohgarh Fort. Heavily ramparts entrenchment were constructed by Sikh army to inflict heavy damage to enemy in case of attack from this side. Number of high pickets/garhis were raised , so that enemy movement can be viewed from a distance. The view of Som Nadi and its adjacent plain area, are visible from high pickets/garhis many rivulets, ravines and many khols emerging out from Dabar Hills flow of which falls in Som Nadi which ultimately emerged into Yamuna river. Light towers on the hillocks were constructed, with objective to guide gurilla Sikh fighters in night so that after making raids on Mughals camp, they could safely reteive back to fort. The cotton seeds were burnt in a small pond on the tower, this process generated the light, which was of high luminous and can be seen from far distance.
Fort Lohgarh- Khalsa Rajdhani
Eastern side which is the rear side of Fort is completely under forest cover which is now declared as National Forest park and now falls in Himachal Pradesh. From Lohgarh fort up to Pounta Sahib and Nahan cities there is thick wooded forest having bushes and sub-tropic grasses where wild animals like bear, chita, leopard, tiger in those days were often spotted and hunters used to hunt them in those days. At present all these wilds are kept protected in hedge made of thorny steel wires and tourists usually visit them through particular passages.
In those days, approximately width of this forest was 8 km from the wall of the fort. There were many secret passages to reach Lohgarh and used for suppling essentials to Sikh Army and in case of besieger they acted as safe exit routes.. From these passages Banda along with its troops used to move towards Anandpur Sahib, Jammu and Chamba hills and also to plain area of Punjab for assault on Punjab cities Mughal were never aware of these routes.
In case one sector is captured by enemy, the other men sitting in the adjacent sectors can inflict heavy damage to them with their gunshot, as the area comes direct under their range due to higher contours. Many areas of Lohgarh are still under exploration because it can be inspected by cutting wild plants. Outer wall of the Lohgarh Fort is not found continuous. The foundation are clearly visible at vulnerable points which is about 2.5 to 3 meter wide and this foundation is not visible where wall join steep rise of hill. The outer circumference of the wall including hill width is about 50 k.m. How can this huge fort which is further defended by fort wall around each sector can be conquered by Mughal army in one throw and one day as narrated by historians in Sikh History. As the strategy of war the Mughal army used to lay seizer of the enemy posts thus cut their supplies of essential material required for sustain of lives and compelling them to surrender but incase of Lohgarh seizer was not possible , so the question of shortage of supplies and further surrounding of Sikh never happened. Here the geographical location and topography of the Lohgarh area is such that the seizer of the Mughal was not possible atleast from three sides i.e. Eastern, Northen and Western sides. The area having high contours hills with undulated land with thorny forest covers on one side and steep rise of hills on second side surrounded by seasonal rivulets flowing along with its foot which make it highly defensive. Bahadur Shah the Mughal emperor himself reached Lohgarh in 1710 to free this fort from the hand of Sikh army.
Lohgarh Trustee making survey of Fort Lohgarh. It is stone and lime made wall.
After reaching this place he understood the gravity of the situation i.e. the defensibility and invincibility of the fort and was compelled to move back Lahore without capturing it. Now the fear of collapse of vast Mughal Empire hovered in his mind as a result of which depression caused to him due to which he became insane and died after some time. Here Mughal army was about 5 Lack where as Sikh army was also about 1.5 lacs. But Sikh army was having strong advantage of defense with difficult terrain to traverse for the enemy.
In 1709, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, captured Sonepat, Kaithal, Samana, Ghuram, Sanour, Thaska, Thanesar, Dahmala, Shahabad, Mustafabad, Kunjpura and Kapori and Sadhaura and reached Lohgarh in Dec, 1709 and declared it as capital of Khalsa Raj (most of the historians have wrongly mentioned that Lohgarh was made Sikh capital in june 1710, after capturing Sarhind). In May 1710, he captured Sirhand, Buria and Saharanpur. In later years he conquered Ropar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Jammu, Pathankot, outer parts of Lahore, Batala and Kalanaur and became the ruler of land from Yamuna to Beas.
The alacrity and swiftness with which Banda Singh Bahadur moved from one place to another, coupled with his power to strike the Mughals centers of power, was a serious challenge to the Mughal authority.
Banda Singh Bahadur striked at the Mughals over a very wide area ,extending from Jalandhar Doab in Punjab to Bareilly in Suba Delhi.(Page 169 The crisis of Empire in Mughal North India, Muzaffar Alam) With the help of the Srinagar-Garhwal Chiefs and the Banjaras, the Banda marched and aspired to invade as far as the territory of sarkar Moradabad and Chakla Bareilly in suba Delhi. Akhbarat FS 1st and 2nd ry . I pp 259 and 327.
The first news of the Sikh outbreak in Punjab was brought to the knowledge of Bahadur Shah on the 2nd Rabi II. 1122 (30th May. 1710), when he was approaching Ajmer on his return from the Daccan. A peace was forthwith patched up with the Rajputs and attention was diverted to the new trouble created by Sikhs. Some difference of opinion seemed to have arisen between Bahadur Shah and Munim Khan, who was his wazir. The emperor wished to make a rapid march with heavy troops against Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Munim Khan, wanted that it is not necessary to move against Banda Singh in so haste has he is a weak enemy, whose name had never heard before.
Since Bahadur Shah had been closely associated with Guru Gobind Singh , therefore he was well known about the spirits of Sikhs .Bhai Nand Lal ji who remained Persian teacher of Bahadur Shah during the regime of Auranzeb had great respect in eye of Bahadur Shah , as Nand lal ji was master of Persian and had a great knowledge of Holy Qoran. Later when Auranzeb came know about the highly intellectual Nand Lal , he forcefully insisted him to join Muslim religion , but Bhai Sahib preferred to quit the job and join the services of 10th master Guru Gobind Singh .
Bahahdur Shah receiving Guru Gobind Singh in 1707.
Hired Killers of Emperor attacking 10th Master Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Bhai Nand Lal himself introduced the Bahadur Shah about the Sikhism and their fearless attitude towards oppression and their great love for God and Guru Sahibans. Bahadur Shah underestimated Guru Gobind Singh and his proposal of peace under the influence of Naqshbandi. He not only denied the proposal of Guru Gobind Singh but also was indulged in killing of 10th Master of Sikhs. Now this wrong decision not only costed him his empire, but also he lost his life under mysterious conditions. Bahadur Shah had never thought that the Sikhs had made such a kind of preparation to uproot Mughal Empire. Now when the Sikhs made organized attack on Mughals in heartland of Mughal empire and reports of intensity of attck was made by Mughal intelligency agencies stating that this is serious threat to Mughal Kingdom and this created panic on the mind of Emperor Bahadur Shah and he ignored the advise of Munim Khan.
In short, at this time the Emperor [Bahadur Shah], after finishing the campaign against the late [Prince] Muhammad Kam Bakhsh, had reached Ajmer [on his return march]. It was reported to Emperor -The desolated peasantry of Sahrind and Thanesar, and the poor people, deprived of livelihood and money, and the pir zadas [members of Muslim sufi families] of Sahrind and Sadhaura, being ruined, appeared at the Imperial Court and raised a hue-and-cry over the oppression suffered by them, lodging a bitter complaint. The Mughal nobility in the empire’s heartland was almost killed on the hand of Sikhs under the leadership of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Akhbar-i-Darbar-i-Mualla also reported that common muslim and general public remain unharmed by Sikhs in their expedition against Mughals. Though the Emperor’s major object, then, was to suppress and punish the mischievous Rajputs, he, of necessity, postponed it for another occasion, and directed his attention to securing the destruction of this dissolution-deserving sect. On June 21, 1710 Bahadur Shah patched up with the Rajputs and thereafter devoted his full attention to quell the Sikh uprising in the Punjab.Under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Sikhs had not only expelled the Mughals officials, subsequently to establish their own authority in and around Sarhind but had also subdued the Hill-Chiefs who had allied with Wazir Khan against Guru Gobind Singh. Patching up an unsatisfactory arrangement with the Rajputs, Bahadur Shah moved towards Sadhaura.
He did not even enter the capital Shahjahanabad Delhi, but the victorious camp passed on along a line ten or fifteen kurohs away from it. It was proclaimed through the public carrier that no one should go out from the imperial camp to any village, and the sky-reaching Imperial banners should be carried directly to Sadhaura and Lohgarh . High nobles like Firoj Khan Mewati and Mahabat Khan, son of Khan-I Khanan Bahadurshahi, were sent forward in the van. From Mahabat Khan, no action was seen that could suit the honour of his father or himself. Firoj Khan, on the other hand engaged in a bitter battle close to Ainkheda [ var. Amingarh], a high village on the route, in the neighborhood of Talaori- Azimabad and Thanesar. After great effort and exertion the Mughal army successful,in moving forward to Thanesar. From Bayazid Afghan of Qasur, faujdar of the Jammu Hills, who becoming the leader of a caravan of some thousand persons, had been stranded at Panipat owing to the closure of the route, much exertion was seen at this time. His brother’s son, Shams Khan, with a large army, from Jalandhar Doaba and Bajwara, the faujdari of which district was in his charge, came to Sahrind to give resistance to the Sikhs under Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. There were continues reports that suitation in Punjab is getting grim day by day and no Mughal noble can dare to face Sikhs and their leaders , the evacuation of Mughal noble was difficult and it is sure that all mughal noble present in Punjab will certainly be killed on the hands of Sikhs.
‘The Imperial Camp had been pitched number of time in Dabar tract, which was the appointed hunting ground of Jannat Makani Jahangir and Firdaus Makani Shahjahan, a Rang Mahal on the Bank of river Yamuna was constructed for emperor was as called Muklishgarh.
On June 22nd 1710, the emperor got news that Banda Singh Bahadur has stationed himself in Lohgarh fort. A week earlier he rode an elephant and left the fort for Gulabnagar, the name given by Banda Singh to Buria, a town about 12 km away from Lohgarh. He was escorted by two and a half thousand horsemen and more than ten thousand infantry soldiers on foot. At Buria, he came to know that the Sikh soldiers have returned to Sharanpur after their defeat at the hands of Jalal Khan. Here, he (Banda Singh) met Amar Singh, the new Sikh police chief. Banda Singh twice stroked his (Amar Singh’s) face with his spear and said: ‘Whydid you flee from the battle against the Afghans?’ Amar Singh told him that the Hindu Chowdhry Lal Kanwar Gujjar had deceived them. At this Banda Singh said: “ We have begun this crusade for righteousness. What to talk of Gujjars, all the Hindu shall approach us for job.” After this Banda Singh addressed Jan Mohammad, the Zamindar of Buria and said, “We have forgiven you all your sins and have appointed you the chief of the pargana. Now, you should take Sardar Khan, the chief of Chandla with you and march to defeat Jalal Khan.” The emperor was also told that Qazi Shah Mohammad, the chief of Buria, has been arrested. His property has been confiscated and he has been interned in Lohgarh fort. In his place, now, Gurbakhsh Singh was the chief of army and administration at Buria and Kishore Singh is his deputy. Banda Singh has re-named Buria as Gulabnagar.
On the 28th of August 1710, in the court of Bahadur Shah, a news reader read out a letter, saying: “What to talk about the secret treasures of Sarhind, the bankers have reported that no money has come even from Doaba. It is only the Khalsa which collects the money and cart-loads of this money are being carried to Dabar (Lohgarh) which they have established as their capital. On one day, they took (wealth in) three hundred carts. Bareilly to Lahore is none who can stop them.”
The scenario in the Punjab was very frightening for the Mughal and Afghan elite; five provinces of the Mughal Empire had been captured by the Sikhs; from Delhi to Lahore, it was all Sikh supremacy; the hill chiefs too had accepted the Sikhs suzerainty. Mohammad Hashim Khafi Khan (in Muntakhab-ul-Lubab) narrates the situation:
“Here, between a couple of encampments before the capital Shahjahanbad (Delhi) and there up to Lahore territory, all the towns and prominent cities had been plundered and crushed under the feet of the unholy Sikhs. The world (zone) had been destroyed by the onslaught of the Kafirs (Sikhs) and innumerable number of people (Muslims) had embraced ‘martyrdom’ (died). Most destroyed were the towns of Sadhaura and Karnal as well as villages around them, where their army chiefs along with innumerable number of Muslim companions had drunk nectar of martyrdom (had died).”
After making unpleasant settlements with Rajisthani’s Rajput Rajas, the Emperor after returning from Deccan, moved towards Lohgarh without visiting Delhi and he also order that no Mughal army personal shall visit Delhi, before the battle of Lohgarh. Khafi Khan says: “When emperor reached Ajmer, he received more news of the turmoil created by the Sikhs.
This made him nervous and sad. By this time some unmraa of Sarhind and the Pirzaadas of Sadhaura too had reached there. Having learnt about their plight, the emperor became very despondent. When they narrated the events, all the persons present were frightened.” Emperor was so frightened of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, that he took many precautionary measure, such as Hindu’s employed in the imperial offices to shave off their beards. The Sikhs began to retreat from thanas on his approach. Sikh forces were reinforced under Banda Bahadur who showed defiance.
On military campaign against Baba Banda Singh Bahadur the Emperor Bahadur Shah moved with his entire court around him, it was a huge mobile imperial capital. The mobile camp capital had the advantage that the Emperor on his frequent travels and campaigns in the vast country was able to continue his daily routine of administration and at the same time conduct and supervise imperial policy. But at Lohgarh, selection of camping grounds for imperial camps of sufficient size and the protection was a herculean task , continue attack of sikh army there by caused hindrance in making military- strategies.
Although advance troops of Mughals army were sent to Lohgarh before the arrival of Emperor , but they failed to assess the situation at Lohgarh and provide requisite information about the Sikh preparation of war. This could not be done as the Mughal’s warfare generally tended to be rather inflexible when confronted with guerilla tactics and the frequent attacks after intervals , which did not resulted in open battle.
In the absence of information about the Sikh strategies Emperor adopted old style of warfare against the Sikhs at Lohgarh, without knowing the facts that old strategies of warfare are obsolete in context of present situation. The aim of large scale military exercise was not always a direct confrontation but to show military presence and superior fighting force to impress the Sikh’s and induce Baba Banda Singh Bahadur to surrender without wasting energy by engaging in battle. But this never happened in case of Lohgarh, highly motivated Sikh Army was in no mood to surrender and seizer was not possible .
It was reported to the court that Shamsuddin Khan, faujdar of Doaba Bet Jalandhar, engaged the rebels in a battle on 19 Sha’ban [ 13 October 1710], putting many to the sword and obtaining victory. The Emperor observed ; “This is put to his credit.”
Rustam Dil Khan Bahadur reported that on the fourth of the present month [Ramzan, = 27 October 1710], Firoj Khan Mewati engaged the rebels in battle between Indri and Karnal. Cutting of three hundred heads, he sent them to the court. The Emperor observed : “Put this to his credit.” In reward of his good performance he was appointed faujdar of Sahrind, and six robes of honour were conferred on him and his colleagues.
On the 18th [ of Ramzan=`10 November 1710], the Imperial camp was set up at the masonry bridge of Karnal. Rustam Dil Khan submitted that the followers of that man [ Banda Bahadur], who had established themselves at Thanesar and other towns and village, have fled upon the approach of the Imperial army. The Bakhshiu’l Mamalik “Amiru’l Umara Nusrat Jang was ordered to prepare a roll of the troops, this being as follows : in the train of the elder prince: 31000 horses; in the train of each of the three other Princes: 15000 horses; with Jumdatu’l Mulk [Mun’im Khan]: 11000 horses; with Mahabat Khan: 7000 horses.
On 22nd of that month [ 14 November 1710] the Imperial camp was set near A’zamabad Talaori, which had been renamed ‘Alamgirpur. Rustam Dil Khan presented to the Emperor a gold-embossed shield to the Court. He reported that the said [Firoz] Khan, beating and repulsing the rebels, had advanced from Thanesar to Shahbad…
On the sixth of Shawwal [28 November 1710], the Emperor marched from the vicinity of Shahabad to encamp near village Aukala. Muhammad Amin Khan Chin Bahadur was ordered to chastise the accursed ones. It was reported that the wretch Banda Bahadur has sent three thousand horse and three thousand foot from Sadhaura to this side to establish entrenchments. Rustam Dil Khan Bahadur reported that the base rabble marching into the garden of Ya’qub Khan, fought a battle with the Afghans, ‘Umar Khan and Zaid Khan, and being discomfited, have fled into the fort of Sahrind. Orders were issued that Muhammad Amin Khan Chin Bahadur should march immediately and lay siege to Sahrind.
Hadi Kamvar Khan, who was accompanying the royal caravan, writes : “ I saw that the camel-riding Rajput soldiers were present in the whole area. Thousands of them were there, but the emperor was accompanied by just four sons and a few courtiers only.” It means that the Rajput rulers were fully ready to react to any untoward incident, and, had Bahadur Shah taken any wrong step, he too would have been eliminated.
[Mughal reaches of Lohgarh, under the Bahadur Shah] On 10 November 1710, Emperor reach Lohgarh with huge Mughal army of 5 lacs, to face the brave and determined Sikh army.. On the same day, the agent of the ruler of Amber, in a letter to his master, wrote:
“The agent of the governor of Sarhind has told me that we should not under estimate the riots of this cult (the Sikhs). About one and a half lacs persons (the Sikhs) have gathered at Sadhaura. They recite the name of Guru and also say that a holy man has joined us from heaven. (They) have destroyed the parganas of Doaba and have established their supremacy up to Fatehbad (Beas River). On receiving letter from Wazir Khan, Nawab Nizam-ul-Mulk Asad Khan has written to the Governor of Hissar to join him in his expedition against the Sikhs. But they too are awe-stricken. Let us see what the will of God is. Some people of this organisation have created a commotion in Lahore (zone) too. They have killed several of them and it is said that they have put siege to Saharnpur too…To sum up, the power of this cult is increasing day by day. Nawab Asif-ud-Daula has sent letters to Mohammad Amin Khan and Khan Durran Bahadur to immediately march against the Sikhs. They have told him (Nawab) that if he marches (against the Sikhs), they too would join him. As the situation is not undergoing any change, Nawab has decided to send Abdullah Khan (Khwaja) to discuss it with Wazir Khan. He has also written letters to the army chiefs of the surrounding areas asking them to ‘deliberate among themselves to deal with this cult (Sikhs)’. The Emperor too has told the army chiefs of the surrounding areas (To take action against the Sikhs). (The Emperor) has also ordered to grant twenty-five thousand aalat-i-nukra (silver coins) to Abdullah Khan and (has commanded) to grant fifty thousand rupees to Abdullah Khan for his expedition against the Sikhs. Khan Sahib himself is passing through bad days but he has accepted the order (of the emperor) under compulsion”.
Elephants and oxen used to transport Heavy cannon to Lohgarh by Mughals
The Mughal brought broad array of gunpowder weapons larger than personal firearms, rockets and mobile guns to an enormous cannon, over 14 feet long, once described as the “largest piece of ordnance in the world to Lohgarh.
Extremely heavy artillery was used to control Sikh army by Mughal. The canvas of large carriage-mounted cannons were drawn by bullock teams and pushed from behind by the royal elephants and master gunners sitting on each cannon giving directions to assembled at Lohgarh. Elephants were widely used for extreme lifting and pushing, and heaving the artillery along was all in their day’s work. Mughal cavalrymen mainly depend upon the short arms (kotah-yaraq) for close quarter combat at Lohgarh . They are classified into five categories: swords and shields, maces, battle-axes, spears and daggers. Weapons used for long range attacks were the bow and arrow (Kaman & Tir), the matchlock (Banduq or Tufanq) and the pistols. Rockets were also used by the artillerymen in battle of Lohgarh (Topkanah). No single army man of Mughal carried all these weapons at one time, but in a large army all of them were in use by someone or other. Zumbouruckchee or Camel Artillery men, from Zurmbooruck, a piece of Ordnance of small Calibre, was in intensively used at Lohgarh against Sikh.
Camel-mounted swivel gun (zamburak) of Mughal Army.
Swords of different category mainly named as Shamsher, Dhup, Khanda, Sirohi, Pata & Gupti was brought by Mughal forces to fight with Sikh army. On horseback sword belt were worn on a belt hanging over the shoulder, otherwise a Soldier carried his sword by three straps hanging from a waist-belt. A shield always accompanied a sword as part of the swordsman’s equipment, both by the Sikh Mughals and Soldiers. Carried on the left arm, or when out of use, slung over the shoulder, shields were made of steel or hide and were generally from 17 to 24 inches (430 to 610 millimeters) in diameter. Some types of shields were made of sambar deer, buffalo, nilgau, elephant, or rhinoceros hide, the last being the most highly prized used at Lohgarh. Battle-axe with a longer handle, called tarangalah, was also used. The shafts of the tabar ranged from 17 to 23 inches (430 to 580 mm) in length with a head from 5 to 6 inches (130 to 150 mm) one way and 3 to 5 inches (76 to 127 mm) the other. Some heads were crescent shaped with one of the shafts hollow for storage of a dagger. Cavalry troops generally used a lance with other types of spears used by foot soldiers and guards surrounding the emperor’s audience hall. Nezah the cavalry lance with a small steel head and a long bamboo shaft carried by nezah-bazan (lance-wielders), this weapon featured prominently in Sikh equipment with no enemy cavalry said to be able to withstand them.
In battle some 20,000 to 30,000 lances were arranged against the enemy, packed closely together so as not to leave any space between the bearer’s heads. If horsemen tried to ride the lance-wielders down, the points of their spears impacted with the oncoming riders, who were then unhorsed.
When used during a cavalry charge, the nezah struck against the Mughals weapons by Sikhs, making so much noise that it frightened the opponents’ horses such that they turned around and bolted. In normal use, a Sikh on horseback held his spear above his head at the full length of his arm, made up of bamboo and steel. Other kind of spear used in battle of Lohgarh were Barchhah, Sang , Sainth, Selarah, Ballam, Pandi-ballam, Panjmukh, Alam etc. Bows and arrows, matchlocks, pistols and cannons made up the four categories of missile weapons. Cavalry were mainly equipped with the bow with Mughal horsemen noted for their archery. Personal weapons were ranked in the following order: the dagger, the sword, the spear and the soldier’s with the top weapon the bow and arrow.
Matchlock barrels, covered with elaborate damascened work, had their stocks adorned with embossed metal work or with various designs either in lacquer, paint, or inlays of different materials was used at Lohgarh.
The barrel was generally attached to the stock by broad bands of metal or by wire made of steel, brass, silver or gold. The broad bands were sometimes of perforated design and chased. The stocks were of two designs, the first narrow, slightly sloped, and of the same width throughout and the second sharply curved and narrow at the grip, expanding to some breadth at the butt. When not in use, matchlocks were kept and carried about in covers made of scarlet or green by Mughals.
The Military system of the Mughal reflected in many respects the entire organizational structure of the empire and so illustrates particularly clearly the virtues as well as some of the structure deficiencies and weaknesses of the imperial system. Likewise, the Mughal army had offensive and defensive functions. It was an instrument of the imperial centre deployed to fight external enemies, to defend against invaders and to pursue its expansionist imperial policy. It was also used in internal politics, as an important means by which to check internal rivaling powers and autonomous movements, to put down assistant by individual officers and all forms of rebellions, and often simply as a police force maintain law and order.
The Mughal army comprised cavalry infantry and artillery. The cavalry (including horses and war elephants) was its most important tactical force. Carefully light and heavy cavalry was readily adaptable and contributed decisively to the army’s mobility. Horsemen wore protective body armor and shields and carried weapons for long and short-range combat (bows and arrows, spears, lances, swords and daggers). However the special importance of the cavalry had at least two critical side- effects concerning supplies. In the first place it needed an extensive supply of horses which had to be imported from Turkestan, Persia Arabia and afghanistan. Although the mughal encouraged horse-breeding in India there a remained in high dependence on imported animal which sometimes posed serious problems, especially when trade on the Indian Occan, which was not military controlled or secured by the Mughals, was disturbed secondly, on extended military campaigns the army had to carry a large supply of fodder, fresh water tanks, reserve horses, etc. which placed limitations on mobility.
The Mughal infantry occupied a subordinate position. Its functions were considered of minor importance and as a apart of fighting strength of the empire, this arm of the service was significant. The infantry was divided into different units: matchlock, bearers, porters, guards, couriers (runners), swordsmen, wrestlers, boxers, stone-throwers, litter-bearers, foot soldiers (who also served as carpenters, blacksmiths, water- carries, pioneers etc) and slaves specially trained to fulfill many vital tasks about the camp.
On other hand Sikhs also installed arm factories near Lohgarh. It is estimated that these factories were installed some where 1634 when Sikh were invited by Guru Hargobind Sahib to Punjab for making up of arms. While surveying the area of Lohgarh Fort a chunk land of round two acres found where residues left after making iron weapons from iron ores are lying in heap. These huge quantities of residues left indicates that at this place a big weapon factory used to exist. At Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh also had a Lohgarh Fort where arms and weapons were fabricated. A group of people who were engaged in weapon fabrications and its development were called Sikligars. Here in Yamuna nagar Lohgarh Fort, it shows that these Sikligars along with Banjaras were engaged for weapon fabrications. Weapon industries & Sikh Armories were established in the revenue estate of village Vansantoor & Shahjadwala, pargana Khizrabad, Sakar Sarhind, Suba Delhi presently in District Yamuna Nagar. Sikh Tandas brought here iron and copper ores from Orissa mines. Damascened steel swords were fabricated here. Sikligars Sikhs were the lohars (ironsmiths/blacksmiths) who once specialized in the craft of making and polishing weapons.
A big heap of iron residues left in the furnaces after fabrication of swords, arrows, spears, shields, barrels of gun and cannon etc. are available at site. Banda Singh Bahadur during his expedition against Mughals at places of most of resources, storehouses and large fortresses had brought many looted big guns and cannons of Mughals here in Lohgarh Fort. Sikligars were very expert to prepare similar gun by copying, cannon of their own on the similar technology.
As most of the war between Mughal and Banda’s army were fought with artillery, cannons & spear, muskets, swords, arrows etc. These guns were fabricated from Lohgarh factory for Sikh army. Sikligars all know the heat treatment process of weapon. These ores of iron were heated in a furnace to such a high temperature that residues of impurities are left behind from the ores. Residues contain ferrous sulfate, carbonates of Magnesium, Calcium etc. and other impurities. Iron available after removing residues material contain too much content of carbon, which is further processed to reduce its carbon contents. The iron which contain carbon from 2% to 5% are called cast iron which is brittle, is not suitable for weapons such as swords, barrels etc. So in order to get iron below 2% carbon content Sikligars were expert to get it heated in another special designed furnace made of lime material using lime material as catalyst so that carbon may be removed from iron as carbonates. Once carbon content reduced below 2%, the iron become tough i.e. strong and non-brittle. The iron with carbon content 1-2% are suitable for making weapons of swords, spears, shields etc. For making barrels of the gun or cannon and its body, carbon content further reduced below 1% which further become malleable and tough so that during firing of shot from gun, its barrel will not burst into pieces.
The iron of specific qualities from above heat treatment then put in special types of mould so that it may be shaped into swords, spear or in any shape of khazar, barsa etc. These weapons of specific shapes weapons are tempered at different temperature in different solution including water. Sikligars used to temper the fabricated vessel in vinegar solution. Weapon heated to a particular high temperature then suddenly cool in water or any other solution such as vinegar, kept at room temperature, In tempering iron becomes quite tough. Tough means strong and ductile which is difficult to break during strike with any other weapon, that it can withstand its blow. After the analysis of the residues available at site it is concluded that there was a big factory of weapons, in which all the process of heat treatment of iron ores were used to done to extract iron from its ores. Similarly from the copper ores pure copper was extracted to make caps of bullets and gun shots. These caps were filled with propellant which generate gas after firings. These gases throw the bullet/shots at distance with thrust force behind it i.e. at its base.
Bullets/Shots normally made from lead materials. But at Lohgarh Banda also used small iron/stone fragment in special made case made of ductile iron behind which a cap filled with propellant was fixed. Burning of propellant generate gas of high pressure within a very shot time, which throw fragments at desire distance. For more distance to cover for fragment more quantity of propellant was used. Banda’s men acquired their capability and skill to hit the enemy from a distance by developing guns/cannons of with its different calibre.
Because of the spirit to throw tyrannical regime of Mughal out of country, there were big determination, enthusiasm, feeling of self-sacrifice to achieve the ambition among every man of Banda’s army. Sikh made preparation for weapon long before the battle of Lohgarh. In some of returns it is found that weapons of Sikhs were more superior to Mughal weaponry. Sikh Tanda mainly of Banjara Sikhs played a significant role for collection of arms, horse, construction materials, food grains etc at Fort Lohgarh.
Tanda of Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara used to supply food grains and other trading materials as general carriers for the conflicting armies also. He enjoyed as a sought of immunity (comparable to the present red cross) during the wars as his Tanda was never attacked or harmed by the conflicting armies-whether Mughals, Rajputs or Marathas. These armies used to purchase grains, tents, weapons, horses, goats, sheeps, etc and his Tanda also acted as transporter for shifting of camps. Tanda had a strong contingent of forty to fifty thousand bullock carts and the dogs to safeguard them. Tanda encamped for safety every evening in a regular square by forming of the bags of the grains of which they construct a breastwork. Banjaras remains in the center and the oxen were made to fast outside. But in case of Lohgarh banjara not only supplied the materials and weapons to Sikh army, but they also fought against Mughals in front to uproot their oppressions.
As the Sikhs came to know that Emperor Bahadur Shah has planned to reaching Lohgarh with gigantic monarchial horde , the Sikhs began to retreat from thanas on his approach and got ready to face the enemy. Sikh army at Lohgarh is estimated to be more 1.5 lacs to confront with colossal Mughal army.
Emperor Bahadur Shah reached near Sadhaura, where the Lohgarh fort was situated, on 10 November 1710. The Emperor came by the route Delhi to Panipat to Thanesar to Shahbad to Barara to Mauza of Sadhaura. The Emperor encamped in village Sarwana and he ordered Rustam-dil-Khan and prince Rafi-us-Shah to make the survey of preparation made by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
aura, where the Lohgarh fort was situated, on 10 November 1710. The Emperor came by the route Delhi to Panipat to Thanesar to Shahbad to Barara to Mauza of Sadhaura. The Emperor encamped in village Sarwana and he ordered Rustam-dil-Khan and prince Rafi-us-Shah to make the survey of preparation made by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
The area of Dabar hill, Lohgarh Fort and the battle field on the south side was so vast and had 52 defense fortress , and undulated contours, and dense forest was favouring the Sikh army. On fort Lohgarh muskets and rahkala installed on its towers. But in 1710, seizer of Sadhaura was not possible for Mughals & what to talk about Lohgarh. Mughals failed to execute their important strategy of seizers on satellite 52 fortress of Lohgarh, mission to check supply of Sikh army gradually cease to function and therefore no pressure was mounted on the Sikhs for surrending before the mammoth army of Mughals. There was ample amount of amenties in Lohgarh fort and depot were established long back in anticipation of big war . More over and there was continue supply of required material though the secret route of Lohgarh just on the northern side of the fort. It can be safety presumed that this seizer strategy of Mughal warfare was kept in mind was while construction of fort Lohgarh by Sikh Guru Sahibans and Bhai Lakhi Rai Banjara. Besides being in large number the Mughal Army, has no plans to attack the Sikh forces. In these dense forest area, it was not only difficult to advance, but also was suicide attempt by the Mughal army. Sikhs were good gourilla fighters and the nature paid advantage to Sikh forces and left the world strongest force of that time unanswered.
Bahadur Shah also called for help from Raja Jai Singh, Raja Chhattar Sahib, Raja Ajit Singh, Raja Amar Singh and to reach Lohgarh at the earliest, to help so that the Mughal Empire may be safe guarded.
The leaders and the generals of Mughal and Sikh army who participated in the battle of Lohgarh is as below:-
Emperor Bahadur Shah-1 leader of Mughal Army
| SR. NO. | Name of General | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prince Rafi-us-Shah | Prince |
| 2 | Prince Azimushan | Prince |
| 3 | Prince Jahan | Prince |
| 4 | Prince Shah | Prince |
| 5 | Prince Khuzishta Akhtar | Prince |
| 6 | Rustam Dil khan | Mansabdar of 2500 |
| 7 | Amiru-l-Umra-Nushrat-Jang | Mansabdar of 2500 |
| 8 | Raja Chhatrsal Bundela | Mansabdar of 4000 |
| 9 | Raja Churamani Jatt | Mansabdar of 4000 |
| 10 | Prince Udit Singh Bundela | Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 11 | Raja Ajit Singh (Jodhpur) | Mansabdar of 10000 |
| 12 | Raja Jai Singh Swai (Amber, Jaipur) | Mansabdar of 7000 |
| 13 | Raja Amar Singh (Ajmer) | Mansabdar of 5000 |
| 14 | Munaim Khan | (Khan Khana) Mansabdar of 2500 |
| 15 | Mahabat Khan | Son of Munaim Khan Mansabdar of 7000 |
| 16 | Zaman Khan | Son of Munaim Khan, Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 17 | Islam Bahadur | (Mir Aatish), Mansabdar of 5000 |
| 18 | Hamid-ud-Khan | (Gurj bardar), Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 19 | Sarfraz Khan Bahadur | Rank bakshi, Mansabdar of 5000 |
| 20 | Saif-ulla-Khan | Son of Sarfraz Khan Bahadur rank 2nd bakshi, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 21 | Ahitman Khan | Rank baksh, Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 22 | Lutf-ulla-Khan | Rank 2nd bakshi, Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 23 | Mohammed Amin Khan | Governor Moradabad , Mansabdar of 4000 |
| 24 | Qamar-ud-Din Khan | Prime Minister of Sarkar of Delhi, Mansabdar of 10000 |
| 25 | Zulfiqar Khan | Rank (Bakhshi-ul-mulk), Mansabdar of 6000 |
| 26 | Kokaltash Khan Bahadur | Rank Mir Aatish, Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 27 | Khawaza Hassan Khan | Rank Mir Aatish, Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 28 | Shakrulla Khan | Rank Mir Aatish, Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 29 | Ibrahim Khan | Rank Mir Aatish, Mansabdar of 6000 |
| 30 | Sayyad Abdullah Khan | Rank Governor Allahabad, Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 31 | Sayyad Hussain Ali Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 32 | Sayyad Wajih-ud-Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 33 | Rustam Dil Khan | Rank Bakshi Mansabdar of 6000 |
| 34 | Sultan Kuli Khan | Rank Bakshi Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 35 | Abdus Samad Khan | Governor Jammu , Mansabdar of 4000 |
| 36 | Zakaria Khan | Governor Lahore, Mansabdar of 4000 |
| 37 | Chugatta Khan | Rank Bakshi, Mansabdar of 7000 |
| 38 | Shah Niwaz Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 6000 |
| 39 | Afrasiyab Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 40 | Shafshikan Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 41 | Firoz Khan Mewati | Governor Sarhind, Mansabdar of 5000 |
| 42 | Zain-ud-Din Ahmad Khan | Governor Sikanderabad, Merrut and later Sarhind), Mansabdar of 4000 |
| 43 | Mohammed Rustam Ghazi Khan | Governor Sarhind, Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 44 | Hakim Moitmad-ul-Mulk | Rank Bakshi, Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 45 | Rehman Yar Khan | Rank Bakshi, Mansabdar of 1500 |
| 46 | Ata Ulla Khan | Rank Bakshi Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 47 | Fateh Ulla Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 48 | Mohtam Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 49 | Ran Araian | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 50 | Jani Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 51 | Fidvi Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 52 | Abdul Karir Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 53 | Aqidat Khan | son of Amir Khan, 1000 |
| 54 | Mohammed Ali Khan | Bakhshi Jahandar Khan, Mansabdar of 2500 |
| 55 | Abu-ul-Qasim | Deputy Governor Sarhin, Mansabdar of2 500 |
| 56 | Mohammad Baqa | Governor Fatehabad, Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 57 | Mohammed Amin | Faujdar Rajauri, Mansabdar of 6000 |
| 58 | Jalal Khan | Army Chief Rohtak, Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 59 | Saif-ud-Din Ahmed Khan | Faujdar Gujrat, Mansabdar of 1500 |
| 60 | Azhar Khan | Faujdar Wazirabad, Mansabdar of 1500 |
| 61 | Iradatmand Khan | Faujdar Eimanabad, Mansabdar of, 1000 |
| 62 | Nur Mohammed Khan | Faujdar Aurangabad and Pasrur, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 63 | Sultan Khan | Faujdar Jammu, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 64 | Sultan Khan | Governor Kashmir, Mansabdar of 3000 |
| 65 | Mohammed Ali Khan | Deputy Governor Kashmir, Mansabdar of 2500 |
| 66 | Jalal Khan | Army Chief Jalalabad, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 67 | Nizamul Mulk Asad Khan | Delhi, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 68 | Afzal Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 69 | Khan Bahadur Shamsher Khan | Mir Bakshi , Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 70 | Abdullah Khan | Mir Bakshi , Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 71 | Shamas Khan | Faujdar Sultanpur, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 72 | Uma Khan | Faujdar Kasur, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 73 | Saif Khan | Faujdar Sultanpur, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 74 | Usman Khan Karawal | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 75 | Nursat Khan | Rank Bakshi, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 76 | Sayyad Hassan Khan | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 2000 |
| 77 | Zorawar Khan, | Rank Bakshi , Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 78 | Ranbaz Khan, Sher Khan | Rank Bakshi, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 79 | Pir Mohammed Taqi | Muslim Jehadis, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 80 | Musa Begh | Muslim Jehadis, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 81 | Shah Inayatulla | Muslim Jehadis, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 82 | Mohammed Jaman Ranghar | Muslim Jehadis, Mansabdar of 1000 |
| 83 | Mulla Mir Mohammed | Muslim Jehadis, Mansabdar of 1000 |
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur leader of Sikh Army
| SR. NO. | Name of General | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sardar Balwant Singh | Ealier he was Bahagu Banjara and was a mansabdar of 5000 sarwars/ zat in the army of Aurangzeb. He was son of Bhai Lathia Bhangeshwari. |
| 2 | Sardar Baz Singh | Son of Bhai Lathia Bhangeshwari. |
| 3 | Sardar Kuir Singh | Son of Bhai Lathia Bhangeshwari. |
| 4 | Sardar Rann Singh | Son of Bhai Lathia Bhangeshwari. |
| 5 | Sardar Sham Singh | Son of Bhai Lathia Bhangeshwari. |
| 6 | Sardar Sukha Singh | Son of Bhai Lathia Bhangeshwari. |
| 7 | Sardar Nihar Singh | Son of Sardar Baz Singh |
| 8 | Sardar Sher Singh | Son of Sardar Baz Singh |
| 9 | Sardar Albela Singh | Son of Sardar Baz Singh |
| 10 | Sardar Nait Singh | Son of Bhai Sukhia Mand and Bibi Malukhi |
| 11 | Sardar Jeetha Singh | Son of Bhai Mai Dass and brother of Bhai Mani Singh Ji and great maternal grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara |
| 12 | Sardar Mehbab Singh | Son of Uday Singh and grandsons of Bhai Mani Singh and great maternal grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara |
| 13 | Sardar Bagh Singh | Son of Uday Singh and grandsons of Bhai Mani Singh and great maternal grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara |
| 14 | Sardar Albela Singh | Son of Uday Singh and grandsons of Bhai Mani Singh |
| 15 | Sardar Mohar Singh | Son of Uday Singh and grandsons of Bhai Mani Singh and great maternal grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara |
| 16 | Sardar Kesho Singh | Son of Bhai Chittar Singh and grandsons of Bhai Mani Singh and great maternal grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara |
| 17 | Sardar Siana Singh | Son of Bhai Chittar Singh and grandsons of Bhai Mani Singh and great maternal grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara |
| 18 | Sardar Ram Singh Parmar | Son of Bhai Bachittar Singh and grandsons of Bhai Mani Singh and great maternal grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara |
| 19 | Sardar Agraz Singh | Son of Bhai Nagaiya and grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara. |
| 20 | Sardar Faraz Singh | Son of Bhai Nagaiya and grandsons of Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara. |
| 21 | Sayad Mohammad Baksh | Son of Peer Budhu Shah |
| 22 | Sayad Shah Hussain | Son of Peer Budhu Shah |
| 23 | Sardar Fateh Singh | Governor Moradabad , Mansabdar of 4000 |
| 24 | Sardar Karam Singh | Prime Minister of Sarkar of Delhi, Mansabdar of 10000 |
| 25 | Sardar Dharam Singh | Rank (Bakhshi-ul-mulk), Mansabdar of 6000 |
| 26 | Sardar Aalli Singh | Belongs to salaudi |
| 27 | Sardar Malli Singh | Belongs to salaudi |
| 28 | Sardar Nasir Singh | Embraced Sikhism and were the sons of Jalal Khan (Subedar of Jalalabad) |
| 29 | Sardar Janar Singh | Embraced Sikhism and were the sons of Jalal Khan (Subedar of Jalalabad) |
| 30 | Sardar Vinod Singh | Latter became a traitor and betrayed Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, in connivance with Mughals |
| 31 | Sardar Kahan Singh | Latter became a traitor and betrayed Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, in connivance with Mughals. |
| 32 | Sardar Gulab Singh | Close associate of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. |
| 33 | Sardar Rai Singh Hajuri | A nephew of Bhai Mati Dass and is from Gautam Chhiber family. |
| 34 | Sardar Gurbaksh Singh | Son of Bhai Bakhtu |
| 35 | Sardar Ram Singh | Son of Bhai Phula Singh |
| 36 | Sardar Param Singh | Son of Bhai Rupa |
| 37 | Sardar Dharam Singh | Son of Bhai Rupa |
| 38 | Sardar Kesho Singh | Bhatt family |
| 39 | Sardar Hari Singh | Bhatt family |
| 40 | Sardar Desa Singh | Bhatt family |
| 41 | Sardar Narvad Singh | Bhatt family |
| 42 | Sardar Tara Singh | Bhatt family |
| 43 | Sardar Sewa Singh | Bhatt family |
| 44 | Sardar Deva Singh | Bhatt family |
| 45 | Sardar Jetha Singh | Chhabil Singh family |
| 46 | Sardar Dharam Singh | Chhabil Singh family |
| 47 | Sardar Bajraz Singh | Rathore family |
| 48 | Sardar Persum Singh | Rathore family |
| 49 | Sardar Anoop Singh | Rathore family |
| 50 | Sardar Mohar Singh | Rathore family |
| 51 | Sardar Chanan Singh | Rathore family |
| 52 | Sadar Amar Singh | Police chief of Buria , appointed by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. |
In the month of January 1711, the Emperor planned to siege the area from Markanda to Yamuna river by dividing his army into seven groups, but Mughal army had no clue how to break the web of 52 bastions before reaching Lohgarh. Experienced Generals of Mughal army failed to perform in these difficult conditions as the preparation and principals of war adopted by Sikh army was very complicated and secured invincible position in those days.
The Prince Rafi-ul-Shah incharge of first group along with general Ahitman Khan, Sarbrah Khan, Firoz Shah Mewati and his son, Zakaria Khan, Shafshikan Khan, Azhar Khan, Afzal Khan, Shamas Khan, Usman Khan Karawal, Musa Begh, Mulla Mir Mohammad, with an army of 60000, comprising of cavalry, artillery, horses, camels and elephants. This group was suppose to cover area of present Sadhaura village, Laharpur, Udhamgarh, Thaska, Nizampur, Firozpur Raiyan, Kalyanpur Antari, Banda Bahadurpur, Salepur . This area was properly fortified by the Sikhs and Mughal army after reaching Sadhura became clueless.Baba Banda Singh Bahadur captured Sadhuara in 1709 and it took few hours to accomplish this task . But the Mughal army under the leadership of Emperor Bahahdur Shah remained around Sadhaura for more than 7 months but could not recapture the town . This show the level of preparation made by Sikhs to defend the assault of Mughal army. More over during this time there was no shortage of supplies of food, grain and other essential commodities to Sikh army. On other hand Mughal during this period was undergone shortage of amenties many times. The high morale among the Sikhs soldier remain unmatched and feeling of successful to uproot the Mughals always remained high among the Sikhs. Sardar Balwant Singh, Sardar Nihar Singh, Sardar Mohar Singh, Sardar Sayyad Mohammed Baksh, Sardar Nasir Singh, Sardar Ram Singh, Sardar Tara Singh, Sardar Anoop Singh along with the relatives of Peer Budhu Shah were defending this area with an army of 20000 Sikh Soldiers. Sikh army made optimum use of its resources and defending their post on advantage position was a big cause of concern for Mughals. Mughal never thought in dream the kind of preparation made by Sikh for the battle. Planning and preparation made during number of years by Sikhs under the direct guidance of Sikh Guru Sahians paid during the battle of Lohgah. Heavy causalities to the Mughals and lack of supplies lead to demoralization of Mughal army and it was matter of great concern from which emperor Bahahdur Shah could not escape and feeling of decline of Mughal empire slowly and slowly effected the mind of Emperor.
As per the Persian records, the Emperor Bahadur Shah became so frightened, that he took his camp 12 kouhs, away from the area of the battle field to protect his life. 12 kouhs means 48 k.m, it is presumed that the emperor stationed back to the Shahabad or Thanesar.
According to Kamvar Khan who claimed to have seen the battle with his own eyes:
“This humble man was present in the army units of prince Rafiushan. I Saw with my own eyes: From among those wicked people each one would jump to the field and fight with the royal forces; and after attempting show of great bravery, would become a food (would die) of the merciless sword of the holy warriors. At this time the royal army and the armies of the famous umraa attacked them from all sides and surpassed the acts (of bravery) of Rustam and Isfandyaar (the two warriors who fought so bravely that they are quoted as the greatest fighters of the history). About two and a half thousand persons of that unprincipled occult (Sikhs), along with their leaders became food of the swords of the brave men (Muslims). Among the victorious forces nephew of Firoz Shah Mewati was killed and his (Mewati’s) son was wounded”
The Prince Azimushan in-charge of second group along with General Lutf-ulla-Khan, Ibrahim Khan, Sultan Kuli Khan, Afrasiyab Khan, Hakim Moitmad-ul-Mulk, Mohtam Khan, Mohammed Ali Khan, Sultan Khan, Khan Bahadur Shamsher Khan, Saif Khan, Ranbaz Khan, Sher Khan, Mohammad Jaman Ranghar, with an army of 50000, comprising of cavalry, artillery, horses, camels and elephants This group was given the task to capture the Sikh bastions at Mirzapur, Nathanpur, Sabilpur, Rattuwala, Chanchak, Todarpur, Sangholi. Sardar Baz Singh, Sardar Sher Singh, Sardar Kesho Singh, Sardar Sewa Singh, Sardar Mohar Singh and other Sikhs were defending this area with an army of 18000 Sikh soldiers. The topography of this area was undulated and contours of land varies from 15 to 30 feets and this area was covered with thorny jungle. Even if the Mughals brought huge arms and large army which outnumbered the Sikhs , But the natural defense of the area were in favour of Sikhs . Mughal army was not able to move freely in that area. There are two rivulets flowing in this area , but normally they are dry except in rainy season. Only source of water were wells and the wells were situated inside the fortress of Sikhs, therefore Mughals soldiers had no access to water. Since each bastion was working in coordination with other, therefore any shortage of supply in any of fortress was immediately fulfilled for Sikhs. Well coordinated effort of Sikh army , shocked the Mughals Generals. The Sikhs soldiers, most of them born at Lohgarh , were familiar to terrain of the region and were good fighters on undulated land. Therefore Mughals failed to invite the Sikhs for direct fight and Sikhs being gorilla warriors inflicted heavy causalities on Mughals. Most of the time Mughal army spent time in saving lives of their Generals and princes.
Guru Har Rai Sahib, (1645-58), during his stay at Lohgarh. constructed proper ration stores and stores for any other goods required for the war. His imagination to originate plans, practical sense and energy to carry them through was remarkable. He was observant, untiring shrewd, kindly, a watchman, generous and conservative, while constructing of Lohgarh fort. Guru Har Rai Sahib, had a real knowledge of humanity, the raw materials required for the construction of Lohgarh and most vital of all, he built fighting spirit among the Sikhs, the will to win. More than the physical and moral make up, he nurtured the mental qualities among the Sikhs i.e. common sense, knowledge of what is and what is not possible. The real sound knowledge of the mechanism of war i.e. topography, movement and supplies was well known to Sikh army and this helped the Sikhs to face Mughals at Lohgarh.
Moral being a tangible force which move a Sikh army to give their last ounce to achieve something, without counting the cost to themselves; that made them feel that they are part of something greater than themselves. If they are to feel that, their morale must be high. The foundations of Sikhism are spiritual, intellectual, and that is the order of their importance. Spiritual first because only a spiritual foundation can stand real strain. Next intellectual because men are swayed by reason as well as feelings. Material last important because the very highest kinds of morale are often met when material conditions are lowest.” Gurbani taught the Sikh to keep the moral high even in the tough conditions. In case of Lohgarh initial successful achieved by Sikh forces and it was heavy boost for the natives.
Morale of Sikhs was enlightened by Gurbani of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak transformation of milksop Indian society to audacious one. Guru Nanak has described their plight “If the powerful attack the powerful, then one is not obliged to respond. But if the frenzied lion were to fall upon a herd of cattle, the cattle, the shepherd has to answer for it.”
Need for Lohgarh fort was raised , just ater martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib . The fifth Sikh Guru, was arrested under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir . Guru Sahib was accused of helping the rebel Prince Khusaro and Guru sahib was forced to convert to Islam. He refused, was tortured and executed in 1606 CE. Guru Arjun Sahib who became first martyrdom in Sikh history as per his words in Guru Granth Sahib:-
And laters examples set by the martyrdom of Guru Arjun, Guru Teg Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, and his four sons, and other assosicates of Sikh Guru Sahians , which was of no match, removed the fear amoung the Sikhs and in the battle field Sikhs drank the nector of matrydom with grace and glory in battle field of Lohgarh.
Irvine writes, “The Mughal and Pathan soldiers were very much scared due to the rumours about Banda Singh. They had heard that Banda Singh had magical power with which he could make the spears and swords of the enemy ineffective. They had learnt that Banda Singh had given a ‘blessing’ to the Sikhs that if anyone of them died in the battle he would be reborn and would get a higher office in life. Due to such rumours the emperor and the senior generals of the Mughal army had become perplexed and disheartened.”
The Prince Khuzishta incharge of third group along with general Udit Singh Bundela, Mahabat Khan, Saif-ulla-Khan, Khawaza Hassan Khan, Sayyad Abdullah Khan, Zain-ud-Din Ahmad Khan, Ran Araian, Fidvi Khan, Saif-ud-Din Ahmed Khan, Mohammed Ali Khan, Abdullah Khan, Sayyad Hassan Khan, Shah Inayatulla, Rustam-dil-Khan and Khana Khan with an army of 70000, comprising of cavalry, artillery, horses, camels and elephants This group was given the task to capture the area of present village Muglawali, Ramgarh Sawai, Kattarwali and the fort of Lohgarh. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Sardar Krur Singh, Sardar Ran Singh, Sardar Sham Singh, Sardar Shyana Singh, Sardar Deva Singh, Sardar ChananSingh was protecting this with an army of 30000 Sikh Soldiers. The number of dead and dying of imperial troops was so large that they lost ground. The hired levies could not stand against death defying Sikh warriors. The fighting spirit of the Sikh garrison was remarkable. They continue to fire upon enemy while they were cooking and eating. In all the times Sikh did not allow the enemy to outmanoeuvre them. Whole of the Mughals received chastisement from the force of Sikh glory. The details of this incident are as follows: when Rustam Dil Khan Bahadur took the Imperial advance Camp to a distance of two kouhs, by the official measure, from the Imperial Camp, the Sikhs suddenly appeared in the plain and attacked with arrows, rockets and musket shot. The Sikhs swooped upon that the said Khan like a falcon falling on a pigeon, and boldly engaged them. After brave endeavours and heroic attacks, Sikhs laid many of them to slain and some of their chieftains also lost their lives. Sikh warriors also to tasted martyrdom and injuries.
Sikh Soldiers firing Cannon on Mughals at Lohgarh in 1710.
Sikh continually received reinforcements. I was present in the Prince’s army and saw with my own eyes that each person from amongst the Sikh came out and engaged in battle with the demoralized Imperial army. The Sikhs surrounded and attacked the Mughals from all sides, leaving Rustam and Isfandyar unanswered . A great battle and heavy slaughter took place. Around one thousand five hundred from amongst that Mughals along with two of their commanders were killed. Firoz Khan Mewati’s nephew attained martyrdom and his son was wounded. Around three or four hundred persons from amongst the Sikh soldiers were wounded or embraced martyrdom.
On Friday, 19th Shawal or 18 Azar month, 4th R.Y/AH 1122 [11 December 1710], which was a Friday, the Imperial forces under the command of Prince Rafi’u’sh Shan started for the skirt of the hills of Dabar. The royal forces were formed in the following fashion: The Prince led the van of the Imperial forces, ahead at a quarter of a kuroh.
Rao Udit Singh Bundela commanded the van of the army of the Bakshi’ul Mulk-I Khanan [Mun’im Khan], along with his sons, Bakshi’ul Mulk Mahabat Khan and Khan-I Zaman, marched in the right wing, under the guidance of some persons acquainted with that tract. In their van were the forces of Rao Satrsal Bundela and Islam Khan Bahadur, the Mir-I Atish (head of artillery). Hamiduddin Khan and Prince ‘Azimush Shan’s officers and Jahan Shah’s men also marched with them.
The Mughal army made attacks in the day light and the Sikh forces defend the attack. The attack of the Mughal forces was of poor quality, since the natural terrains advantage was on the side of Sikhs. The Sikh were fully trained to fight in dense jungle and on undulated land. And on the other hand Mughals were new to the conditions and therefore, suffered heavy causalities. The Sikh soldiers were expert in gorilla fighting and used to attacked the Mughal army in the dark, due to which there were heavy loses to the imperial troops. The Sikhs never allowed enemy to settle down and secure their position even in nights.
Around sun-set that Sikh army broke up on the Mughals as the Sikhs were great guerilla fighters. Mughals nobles who were just planning to retrieve to their safe camps for night rest was surprised by the sudden attack of Sikhs . Chased to a distance of around one and a half kurohs, the advance camp was pitched . Jumdatu’l Mulk khan-I Khanan and his son, Mahabat Khan, stood guard on the Imperial Camp. Rustam Dil Khan Bahadur, Afzal Khan and other royal officers retrieve a further half kuroh and established an assault post on the banks of the river Som to save their lives. This river had a small amount of water, and on the other side of the river was a plain full of trees. The whole night there was much strange noise of killing of Mughal soldiers, who got struck and could not get back in camp and finally got killed from the hand of Sikhs ; and full guard was mounted and vigilance exercised throughout the night. The incidence was reported to the Emperor. This was also proper since heroic deeds of Rustam Dil Khan were witnessed from him on that day. Though Mughal soldiers could not bear the brunt and had fled in different directions . Mughals soldiers were chased and killed by Sikhs . it was felt that this regiment of Mughals army would be eliminated today by Great sikh army. Rustam Dil Khan came forward to the rescue of his subordinate and were able to save life of few Mughal soldiers. This made Emperor happy, who appreciated Rustam Dil Khan. He was conferred with the title of Ghazi Khan Rustam Jang. His mansab was enhanced to 4000 from 3000.
The Raja Churamani Jatt incharge of fourth group along with general Kokaltash Khan Bahadur, Shakrulla Khan, Jani Khan, Abu-ul-Qasim, Mohammed Amin, Iradatmand Khan, Nizamul Mulk Asad Khan, Pir Mohammed Taqi, with an army of 40000, comprising of cavalry, artillery, horses, camels and elephants. This group was given the area to capture the fortress present villages of Taharpur Kalan, Chabutron, Jaitpur, Mohidinpur, Darpur. Sardar Ran Singh, Sardar Nait Singh, Sardar Jetha Singh, Sardar Ram Singh parmar, Sardar Persum Singh, was defending this area with an army 18000 Sikh Soldiers.
Kamvar has presented an eye-witness account of this battle: “When the sun has just arisen, Khan Khana, with a force of five thousand companions, attacked the Sikh position at the top of the hill. A fierce battle of guns and arrows was fought on both the sides. Khan Khana reached near the trench of the fort. Both sides fought a full-fledged battle. Trade of life-taking was at its full extreme.”
The Raja Ajit Singh (Jodhpur) became incharge of fifth group on (July 1711 )along with general Zulfiqar Khan, Sayyad Hussain Ali Khan, Abdus Samad Khan, Chugatta Khan, Firoz Khan Mewati, Fateh Ulla Khan, Sadat Khan, Jalal Khan, with an army of 50000, comprising of cavalry, artillery, horses, camels and elephants This group was given the area to capture the Sikh bastions/fortress the present villages of Khillanwala, Lahasabad, Ibrahimpur, Khizri. Sardar Sham Singh, Sardar Jetha Singh, Sardar Fateh Singh, Sardar Karam Singh, Sardar Dharam Singh, Sardar Ali Singh, Sardar Agraz Singh, Sadar Fairaz Singh and Sadar Ajit singh was defending this area with an army 22000 Sikh Soldiers.
Certainly the Mughals were demoralized, because of heavy causalities inflicted from the hands of the Sikhs. Banda Singh Bahadur, accompanied by Sikh soldiers were highly motivated to fight and resist the Mughals. Those persons who regarded the statement of their spiritual leader and chief (pir o peshwa) in the matter of transmigration of souls ( which is condemned by all scripture-believing God-praying faiths) as absolutely proved, lent their ears in agreement. Coming out of the 52 fortress with all alacrity, enthusiasm and inclination, they raised the cry of “ Fat’h Darshan”,and “ Sachcha Badshah” at the time of battle, and threw themselves upon the fire of artillery of Mughals and frightened them. They launched rank-shaking assaults of the imperial entrenchment, and every day many were killed. Large number of soldiers from both sides were killed daily . Although from the lower castes of Hindus embraced Sikhism, countless people had gathered round Banda and lost no time attacking royal troops and killing them . The plans and designs of Banda or the Sikhs, famous for their bravery, who were supporting and joining the army of that doomed one. All remaining Hindus, along with the Muslims, who were common citizen were unharmed by the Sikhs. To observers of military conflicta it is apparent that in most armies, among two or three thousand horsemen, if there are one or two hundred horsemen, who are brave and loyal to the salt to the extent of sacrificing their lives, this becomes a cause for the honour and victory of that army. Despite most of Sikh soldiers being foot-soldiers, there was hardly anyone among them, either horse or foot, who did not consider being martyrdom in the path of their spiritual leader Guru Nanak, as his own greatest wish and aspiration. This reason and their need for freedom and saving human values and rights , became a fresh factor for the Sikhs success and triumph
The Raja Jai Singh Swai (Amber, Jaipur) (July 1711) replacing his Muslim General made in-charge of sixth group along with Generals Munaim Khan, Zaman Khan, Sarfraz Khan Bahadur, Sayyad Wajih-ud-Khan, Shah Niwaz Khan, Mohammed Baqa, Jalal Khan, Uma Khan, Nursat Khan, with an army of 70000, comprising of cavalry, artillery, horses, camels and elephants. This group was given the area to capture the present villages of Tajewala, Kalesar. Sardar Mahab Singh, Sardar Baz Singh, Sardar Albela Singh, Sardar Mali Singh, Sardar Kesho Singh, Sardar Hari Singh, Sardar Desa Singh, Sardar Narvad Singh, Sardar Dharam Singh was protecting this area with an army 18000 Sikh Soldiers. Khafi Khan says, “It is difficult to narrate this battle. Faqir-like dressed Sikhs have created havoc in the royal army. So many people of the royal army were killed that it seemed that we shall all die. In this Sikh attack, Firoz Khan Mewati’s nephew and son were also killed.”
Jumdatul Mulk Khan-i Khanan along with his colleagues rapidly moved forward upon the entrenchments of the Sikh soldiers , that had been established on the hill tops. Sikhs launched an attacks from each ridge and a fierce battle ensued with cannon and musket. The Sikh warriors, not caring for the enemy’s daring in their own love for martyrdom, brought down large Mughal army under range. Sikhs was of great advantage being at height. Sikhs used arrows and musket fire against from top position. From the flashing of swords and spears, many of the Mughals died from sword thrusts of Sikhs. About noon the Khan-i-Khanan tried to advance near to Lohgarh , but did not dare much to achieve the objective. Imperial soldiers were somehow trying to fight against Sikhs, but Mughals General were cowards and were trying to save their lives.
Arzdasht no. 161 from Chaube Jethmal to Maharaja Jai Singh regarding position of Lohgarh
Much endeavour and effort was put in from both sides and the market of giving and taking life became brisk. By that time, the Imperial forces, crossing over the plain ground, reached to a distance of a quarter kouhs from the wall of Lohgarh, one or two cannon shots fired from the top of the hill fell on the Imperial army and killed number of Mughal soldiers . Amini’l Umara Bahidur Nusrat Jang never went close to Lohgarh and kept on sending the message to the Emperor that caution required one to proceed slowly. Although this appeared to be a piece of advice based on farsightedness, yet to some farsighted ones it appeared that the negligence and dilatoriness was due to the mutual ill-will and factiousness found among people of the world. The Emperor, to keep him satisfied, stopped for a short while to have his meal in his tent. It is clear the Mughals , Generals didn’t dare to face Sikhs and only sent wrong reports to Emperor , just to satisfy their leader and save their lives and jobs.
The Raja Chhatrsal Bundela incharge of seventh group along with general Islam Bahadur, Mohammed Amin Khan, Qamar-ud-Din Khan, Mohammed Rustam Ghazi Khan, Rehman Yar Khan, Ata Ulla Khan, Aqidat Khan, Zorawar Khan, with an army of 60000, comprising of cavalry, artillery, horses, camels and elephants This group was given the task to attack the Lohgarh Fort from the side of Himanchal Pradesh. Sardar Vinod Singh, Sardar Kahan Singh Sardar Gulab Singh, Sardar Rai Singh, Sardar Gurbax Singh, Sardar Bazraj Singh, Sardar Dharam Singh was protecting this area with an army 20000 Sikh Soldiers.
According to Persian returns Raja Udit Singh Bundela, goaded by the taunts of his rivals like Satrsal Bundela, was moved to separate himself from the Imperial forces and rush towards that very hillock [containing Banda’s tent]. His mounted musketeers occupied a hill-top equal in height to that hillock and began firing from there. That evil one, who was in that tent with his chosen followers, became desperate and like a demon of the wild, in the depth of despair, escaped by the other side of the hillock. After his flight many of the hillocks which were infested by the rebels, became empty of them. The said Raja reached that hillock and through musket fire sent to their death many of the doomed ones who had fled to hills and valleys. Just before the afternoon , heavy smoke and a loud uproar came from the camps of the Mughals, owing to the ignorance of youth, separated from the Prince’s forces, Khidmatyab Khan, Khwaja Amanullah, Qusbegz of Prince Mul) Ammad Ibrahim, defending Sikhs as they attacked camps of Mughals. Some of Mughal troops were successful reaching near Lohgarh , a cannon balls fired from cannon installed on bastion came from the top of the hill top and fell on imperial troops, killing many Mughal soldiers all of lower ranks .
Sikhs firing muskets on Mughals
For a moment both the all Mughal horses and its riders were rendered senseless. Baluch soldiers of the Imperial forces, who had gone near the fort came out supporting the heads and shoulders. Many Afghans soldiers received burns from a gun-powder explosion launched from inside the fort. Imperial troops tried to attacked the fort and but were killed. The devoted defenders of that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur were resisting and attacking Mughal army simultaneously. Troop of Sikh soldiers had come out the fortress and started shooting arrows and muskets on Mughal soldiers.They made heavy causalities on Mughals. Mughals tried to reach the defense entrenchments of the Sikhs, but they failed and graudually got killed. The Rohila Afghans and Baluch of the Imperial Camp, and the boy-retainers from Kabul, were engaged in pillage and were making captive and taking dead bodies of the Mughal soldiers. A large ground was selected by the Mughals for the burial of their dead soldiers. While the Mughals use to pick up the dead bodies of the campaigns the Sikhs never attacked them and allowed them to pick up the fatal soldiers.
On seeing such a sight, if one had a heart, one could not but break down and wonder on the change of fortune. Wrong decision of Emperor Bahadur Shah lead to war and killing of many. Guru Gobind Singh want to avoid the voilence that is why he remained with emperor for one year ie 1707 to 1708, but under the influence of Nasqbandi, the emperor failed to understand the gravity of the situation and finally the war for independence broke under the leadership of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Rohila Afghans and Baluch were also trying to protect the Mughal supplies and were trying to keep out of reach of sikh soldiers. On other hand Sikh plundered the supplies of Mughals and there was shortage of ration in Mughal camps.
An Imperial officer, Mirza Rukn by name, came from the van and reported that fighting and killing of Mughals was going on at the passages leading to satellite fortress of Lohgarh . Rustam Dil Khan Bahadur on reaching a fortress called Sudhawala encircled it, believing that Banda himself was inside that building. But the information was wrong as the Banda Singh Bahadur sitting under that tent on that hillock and from there watching the endeavors of his devoted followers. No General of Mughals could reach Banda Singh , as he was so swift and moved from one satellite fortress to another like a light . He was himself monitoring some weak defense of Sikhs and accordingly providing them the reinforcement. The fight ensued upto the middle of March 1711 when Banda retreated as tactical move and escaped through secret route towards Shivalik hills and appeared in the plains of Punjab simply to change the theatre of war leaving a good number of Sikhs in the fort to confront Emperor army.
Farmans were sent to the chief of Srinagar [Garhwal] and the chief of Nahan [Sirmur state] that they should capture that Banda and send him [to the court].
An army of one lacs soldier remained with Emperor Bahadur Shah, the duty of which was to protect the Emperor. In the initial stage the Emperor was encamped at Sarawan village of Sadhuara Pargana, but after seeing the high casualities of Mughal army the Bahadur Shah was frightened and he ordered that no Hindu Raja fighting along with him was allowed to enter the imperial tent. The level of insecurity increased to the highest level and Emperor stopped trusting his loyal soldiers. Hadi Kamvar Khan, who was accompanying the royal caravan, writes: “I saw that the camel-riding Rajput soldiers were present in the whole area. Thousands of them were there, but the emperor was accompanied by just four sons and a few courtiers only.” It means that the Rajput rulers were fully ready to react to any untoward incident, and, had Bahadur Shah taken any wrong step, he too would have been eliminated.
[5 December 1710] after these marches, the Imperial camp was set up in the vicinity of Sadhaura. The army of the Sikh were stationed in 52 fortress and fort of Lohgarh. Elaborate preparation of war by Sikhs made heavy casualties to Mughal army and it was repeatedly represented to the Emperor by young and old nobles that the ill-fated wretches was so expert in magic and sorcery as to exceed in skill the Samaritan sorcerers. From such baseless talk the Emperor, nobles and soldiery were much worried and perplexed. A farman was issued to Rustam Dil Khan Bahadur that the advance camp (peshkhana) of the Kingshould be sent ahead, to be fixed at an appropriate place and it be guarded against the mischief of that rabble [Banda follower’s], and they should be vigilant. At the time of his departure a special ear-cap was bestowed upon him. On the fourteenth [ 6 December] it was reported to the Emperor that as per orders Jumdatu’l Mulk Khan Bahadur and Mahabat Khan Ghalib Jang, along with their troops, and Afzal Bakhshi along with the retainers of Prince Rafi’u’sh Shan had proceeded in escort of the Advance Camp.
Arzdasht No. 195; Magh Vadi 2, 1767/ Dec. 26, 1710 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh, informs that Emperor Bahadur Shah had encamped in Sadhaura; Banda Singh Bahadur had escaped into the hills of Nahan; Diwan of Raja of Nahan arrested; Sattarsal Bundera prevailed upon Raja Bhup Parkash of Nahan to present himself at the Royal court; Sattarsal got permission to depart for his country; Khan Khanan, Munaim Khan took custody of the Raja of Nahan, who was disarmed and put under arrest; pressure put upon him to produce Banda Singh Bahadur; arrival of the Rajput chiefs eagerly awaited at the Mughal Court.
Vakil Rep. No. 21; Magh Sudi 3, 1767/Jan. 10, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja jai Singh . Mughal Emperor puts pressure on the hill rajas to arrest Banda Singh Bahadur; Diwan of the Raja of Nahan, who was a Sikh of the Guru, arrested and tortured; mother of Raja of Nahan submitted petition not to dishonor his son as she is in search of Banda Singh Bahadur.
Vakil Rep No. 23; Magh Sudi 11, 1767/ Jan. 19, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Informs about incessant rain, shortage of ration in the royal camp, large scale casualties of horses and beasts of burden; epidemic type situation at the battlefield; Banda Singh Bahadur had moved further into hill, besieged in a deserted house by the soldiers of Nahan and other hill chiefs; it was rumored that he was arrested but after giving a fight he had further slipped into the hills; very difficult to arrest him.
01 Feb. 1711-The Sikh Generals has encamped near Saharanpur attacked the Sakar of Saharpur ; fear of Sikhs soldiers is so wide spread that the Mughal officials and general public do not move out of the cities.
Vakil Rep No. 27; Phagun Vadi 2, 1767/ Feb. 8, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Informs that Emperor has encamped in Buria, prince Jahandar Shah has gone on a hunting spree; Banda Singh Bahadur after giving fight to the forces of Nahan is reported to have gone towards Kulu-Bhuntar.
[As Bahadur Shah marched slowly from the vicinity of Lohgarh (Banda’s fort) towards Lahore] on the fourth of ~afar [24 March 1711), it was ordered by the Emperor that Bhup Prakash, the chief (zam’indar) of Nahan should be put in the iron cage that had been made for the ill-mannered rebel. [Banda] and be taken with all care to the capital [Delhi], to be imprisoned in the fort of Salimgarh. Piril :famid Khan Bahadur brought Bhup Prakash, son of Hari Prakash, zamindar of Nahan, to the imperial Court. His Majesty ordered that he be imprisoned. His mother had sent to the Imperial Court thirty and odd persons of that base sect [Sikhs], so as to secure her son’s release. The Emperor observed that unless she sends him [Banda] as captive, his [Bhup Prakash’s] release is difficult. Frustrated Emperor asked the Muniam Khan to hand cuff and fetter Raja of Nahan, as he was allowed Sikhs to make a fort of Lohgarh in his territory and Raja has betrayed the Mughal Empire. On response to an enquiry it reported that Raja of Nahan has been put in the prison of Salimgarh (Delhi). Emperor under high stress , deputed the forces of the princes and the nobles to protect Mughal camps from Sikh Soldiers . Sikhs exhibited bravery to the extent of their strength and power. But the stormy winds, destructive floods of the sub-montane tract and the bitterness of the cold rendered men and horses useless and weak. Fire gave no heat except in hearts of stone, and there was no dryness except in the brain of the slander; the snow had rendered excessively cold the bond [of life] of every living being, and coldness had frozen the warm spirits [lit. smoke] of the heart. The period of the siege extended to two months. What stratagem and stroke did not come from that artful deceiver! At last, owing to the disloyalty of some of the persons in the Imperial entrenchments, he made his luckless way in one direction, and going, by way of the mountain ranges of the Barfi Raja( Raja Of Nahan) , to the hills of Jammu, raised tumult there.
Vakil Rep No. 351; Chait Vadi 13, 1767/06 March 1711, sources information that Rustam Dil Khan assisted by Hamid Khan and Isfandyar Khan has been deputed to chastie Baba Banda Singh Bahadur who had appeared in the hills of Kulu; it is said that an army of 40000 soldiers at his command; The impact of Sikh uprising was very severe in the direction of Lahore. It referred to the politics at the Mughal court, dissensions and disunity among the princes; the Sikhs have established complete sway up to the outskirts of the Lahore, consequently city’s outer market has moved inside the city. Understanding these situations, by this time the Mughal forces failed to even reach near the Lohgarh, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, along with his 20 Sikh generals and army of 40000 armed horse men, planned to attack Lahore.
Till June 1711, the Mughal army badly failed to overcome the Sikh army, in fact it was the Sikh army which was in commanding position and was causing regular threats to the life of the Emperor. The Mughal Army came on the back foot and there was heavy scarcity of food and other basic amenities. More than 20 Mughal generals were killed in the span of six months. The princes also started making lame excuses, before the Emperor, to further avoid facing hardships in the battle field. Two Princes even left the battle field and went to the Samalkha (Panipat) to enjoy the hospitality of rich mansabdars.
Vakil Rep. No. 311; Chait Vadi 14, 1767 / March 7, 1711 Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It refers to the politics at the Mughal court, dissension and disunity among the princes; the Sikhs have established complete sway up to the outskirts of Lahore, consequently city’s outer market has moved inside the city. The daring action of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Sikhs, gave a big shock, to the Mughal Emperor and he became insane. It has been never done in the history, in case a capital of a king is attacked and in the counter attack the king attacks the enemies’ capital. After Baba Banda Singh Bahadur attacked on Lahore, the scenario of Lohgarh changed, the Mughal forces without even capturing the battle field of Lohgarh and 52 fortress what to talk about Lohgarh Fort, left the area to defend Lahore.
The Emperor himself rushed to Lahore. Banda Singh Bahadur who had excellent sense of statemanship and warfare technique, recaptured all the Punjab again from Mughals.
Secret report- Rathors have informed Bhandari that the Emperor is losing prestige. They do not like the two kings to join the Emperor who is ruining himself in pursuit of a Fakir (Banda).
Vakil Rep No. 266; Phagun Sudi 13, 1768/ March 10, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Banda Singh Bahadur at the head of the 4000-5000 Sikh soldier encamped in Sadhaura; people are joining his ranks and fear of him in this Pargana is vide spread; Muhammad Amin Khan has marched from Sarhind towards Sahaura with a motive to confront him.
Vakil Rep. No. 45; Chait Sudi 9, 1768 / March 17, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. The Emperor is very eager to march towards Lahore; there was news that Shamas Khan and Bayzid Khan have been killed in a battle with the Sikhs; proposal to dispatch Shahzada Jahandar Shah towards Lahore with the motive to liquidate the Sikhs; the Raja of Nahan imprisoned in the cage; strong apprehension in the Mughal circles that may more zamindars of the ilk of Raja of Nahan may join the Sikhs.
Vakil Rep. No. 46; Chait Sudi, 12, 1768 / March 20, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It confirms the death of Shamas Khan and Bayzid Khan in a battle with the Sikhs; people of Batala have fled away in the wake of Sikh attack; Emperor ordered to chopp off the head of waqia-nawis for dispatching such a nasty report; halts and stages have been fixed for Emperor’s march towards Lahore.
Vakil Rep. No. 47; Chait Sudi, 15, 1768 / March 23, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. The emperor marching rapidly towards Lahore along the Shivalik hill; ordered the imprisonment of Raja of Nahan in Salimgarh (Delhi); it is the opportune time to join the Emperor in his campaign against the Sikhs.
Vakil Rep. No. 51; Vaisakh Sudi, 11, 1768 / March 18, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. In response to an enquiry it reports that Raja of Nahan has been put in the prison of Salimgarh (Delhi); the emperor arrived in Chhat-Banur, bridge over Sutlej getting ready; animals of the people of Sadhaura taken away by the Sikhs; Banjaras of that place helping the Sikhs.
Vakil Rep. No. 260; Jeth Sudi 3, 1769/ May 9, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It states that Banda Singh Bahadur has established himself at Kalanaur; the Hindus and Muslim are joining his army; the Emperor has crossed the river Sutlej an advancing towards Kalanaur; Muhammed Amin Khan along with Raja Mohkam Singh has been assigned expedition against the Sikhs.
Vakil Rep No. 60; Asadh Vadi 14, 1768/ June 3, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Banda Singh Bahadur had moved beyond river Ravi; it is also said that he has escaped into the hills of Jammu; Muhammad Amin Khan is giving a hot pursuit; there are strong apprehensions in the official circles about the real motives of the Rajput chiefs; overall impression at the court is that they will never turn up at the Mughal court; Ajit Singh (adopted son of mata Sundri) has an audience with the Emperor; Guru-Ka-Chak (Amritsar) conferred upon him in jagir.
Kharita No. 73; Asadh Sudi 9, 1768/ June 13, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Bihari Das. It refers to a report from Agra that Kharag Singh and other Sikhs have been captured; from them a letter of Banda Singh Bahadur written to the Rajput chief was recovered; such type of negligence is very harmful and in future be careful; Banda Singh Bahadur is said to have gone towards Lakhi Jungle with a motive to reach Ajmer.
Vakil Rep. No. 66; Sawan Vadi 5, 1768 / June 24, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Divulges differences between Mughal nobles; the Mughal soldiers misbehaved with the pay master over non-payment of their pay; consequently Mahabat Khan fell from grace of the emperor, Rajas were advised to put their stay in the vicinity of Kurukshetra and wait for the grant of their Jagir; Muhammad Amin Khan, Rustam Dil Khan and other zamindars are in pursuit of Banda Singh Bahadur, rumoured that he will go towards Bareilly.
Vakil Rep No. 67, Sawan Vadi 13, 1768/ July 2, 1711 –Emperor remarked that though two encounters had taken place but the Mughal army failed to capture Baba Banda Singh Bahadur; no Mughal noble dares to march against the Sikhs; strategy to fight the Sikhs that one column of Mughal army be stationed towards the east of river Beas and another in the foot hills of Shivalik; the Emperor ordered the Rajput chiefs to take position on the left bank of river Sutlej and chastise Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in case he appear there.30 July 1711-Instead of presenting at Mughal court, the Rajput chiefs were ordered to move quickly and take position at Sadhaura.
Vakil Rep No. 75; Dutia Bhadav Vadi 2, 1768/ August 19, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Informs that during the month of Ramzan the Emperor would stay in Lahore; Banda Singh Bahadur encamped on the bank of river Beas; according to the author now it is the opportune time for the Rajas to liquidate Banda Singh Bahadur; advises the Rajas to comply with the royal edict and set out immediately for Sadhaura.
Vakil Rep No. 76; Dutia Bhadav Vadi 5, 1768/ August 22, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Negotiations of Vakil of Jaipur with Mughal officials regarding the grant of jagir to the Rajput chiefs; firstly arrive at Sadhaura then put a petition to the Emperor, only then the order of sanctioning of jagir will be issued.
Vakil Rep No. 80; Dutia Bhadav Vadi 9, 1768/ August 26, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It refers to Rustam Dil Khan’s imprisonment in the fort of Lahore; explains the reason for his disgrace that instead of supporting Muhammad Amin Khan and others who were in pursuit of the Sikh leader, he had deserted his position; it also refers that Banda Singh Bahadur has ravaged the countryside; consequently towns and cities are deserted; after giving a fight to Muhammad Amin Khan, he has escaped towards Sadhaura.
Vakil Rep No. 265; Dutia Bhadav Vadi 9, 1768/ August 26, 1711 Diwan Bhikhari Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. After yearly jashan the Emperor will depart for Delhi; month of Ramzan will be observed en route; Emperor’s annoyance with Rustam Dil Khan is in the interest of the Rajput chiefs; In this crisis no one is in good books to whom the Emperor can assign the campaign of Sadhaura; the rajas are requested to avail the opportunity and join the Mughal expedition; also refers to acute shortage of grain in the royal army; unrest amont eh ulemas of Lahore over the issue of khutba.
Vakil Rep No. 81; Dutia Bhadav Vadi 11, 1768/August 28, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It refers to Emperor’s displeasure over Raja Ajit Singh’s conduct; Banda Singh Bahdur has again established his camp in Sadhaura; it is the opportune time for the Rajas to join the expedition against him; the Raja is advised to put his petition for increase in mansab and jagir only after taking position at Sadhaura.
Vakil Rep No. 83; Dutia Bhadav Vadi 13, 1768/August 30, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. The writer advises Raja Jai Singh to prevail upon Raja Ajit Singh and counsel him to render the Mughal service with zeal; the Emperor has ordered the Rajas to confront Banda Singh Bahadur at Sadhaura, liquidate him and earn the royal favour.
Vakil Rep No. 317; Asoj Vadi 1, 1768/ September 16, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It informs that Shahzada Azim-ush-Shan enquired why the Rajas were dilly-dallying campaign assigned to them; the Vakil of the Rajas reminds the Shahzada the fate of Munaim Khan and Rustam Dil Khan that they had met during their campaign against the Sikh leader; strong apprehension in the Mughal circles that the Rajas has entered into an alliance with Banda Singh Bahadur reports of unrest in the Mughals army over non-payment of salary.
Vakil Rep No. 100; Katik Vadi 8, 1768/ October 23, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It informs that the Emperor has enquired from Mahabat Khan about the decision taken regarding the case of Rajput chiefs; it was submitted that in accordance with the royal edicts both Rajas have arrived at Sadhaura; the Emperor wanted to know why the Rajas entertain so much distrust.
Vakil Rep No. 106; Katik Sudi 6, 1768/ November 4, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It refers to the royal order that in case Banda Singh Bahadur attacks Muhammad Amin Khan, eventually the Rajas should rush to the support of him and liquidate the Sikh leader.
Vakil Rep No. 114; Maghshir Sudi 9, 1768/ December 7, 1711 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Informs that Mahabat Khan has asked the Rajas to stay for a few more days in Sadhaura in order to quell Banda Singh Bahadur; however before the gurjbardar arrives the Rajas had already departed.
Vakil Rep No. 121; Pos Sudi 10, 1768/ January 7, 1712 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It refers to efforts being made for the sanction of jagir the Maharaja after performing holy pilgrimage has left Haridwar for homeward journey.
Jan. 1712- Ajay Singh the son of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was born at Lohgarh.
Bahadur Shah had spent hundreds of thousands of rupees and used a large quantity of ammunitions and arms to quell the Sikh rebellion but had not been able to achieve any major success. Eliminating Banda Singh and crushing the Sikhs, was a matter of life and death for him. Whereas, earlier, he had succeeded in defeating and killing all his brothers; he had suppressed rebellion in Deccan; he had compelled the Hindu Rajput rulers to submit to his authority; and all these enemies of the king had large armies, arsenals and a lot of sources of wealth, power and man-force; whereas, the Banda Singh Bahadur is out of control of Mughals Empire. When Bahadur Shah had launched action against the Sikhs, he knew well about the number, their strength and position; hence, he had a feeling that he would annihilate the Sikhs in a very short time; but he was shocked at his miscalculation.
Meanwhile Emperor after seeing the bravery of Sikhs became totally insane. Bahadur Shah’s euphoria and his hopes were soon belied; he could not even reach near Banda Singh, leave alone killing or capturing him. Thousands of Mughals had been killed in dozens of battles, but, in spite of this, Sikhs had not diminished as yet; almost all the major leaders of the Sikhs were still in action. All this made Bahadur Shah despondent and almost psychic. He began mumbling and murmuring about the Sikhs in half insanity. Occasionally, he would utter the name of Banda Singh and get frightened. Bahadur Shah’s insanity went on deteriorating. Soon, he went fully out of his wits and gradually died under depression.
Minars constructed by Sikhs at Sadhura to defend Mughal army ( Historians have wrongly narrated that these minars were constructed by Bahadur Shah) .Coordinate- 30°22’56.45″N, 77°13’39.70″E
Emperor Bahadur shah who came here with 5 lac mammoth army to capture Banda was very badly failed to grab him. Historian have not narrated facts of war properly. Emperor was too much frightened from the defensibility of Banda’s army. He was so much frustrated that he ordered every Hindu soldier in his army to cut their beard and hair and did not allow any of the Hindu soldier to come into his tent. He shifted his royal tent 48 Km away from the war site. Banda after some months of fierce battle at Lohgarh entered in Punjab plain area and attacked important cities of Punjab such as Batala, Kalanaur and moved towards Lahore. He left some of his troops at Lohgarh to engage with Mughal army at Lohgarh area. This is how the theater of war was shifted from Dabar hills to plains of Punjab by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur .
The Emperor was astonished to see, how such a large fort come into being and elobrate arrangement of preparation of war was made in such a large scale in the state of Nahan. The Emperor ordered to arrest Raja of Nahan, Bhup Parkash on December 26, 1710. The Raja kept in prisoner in the fort of Salimgarh for one and a half year.
Unable to managed large Mughal army, Bahadur Shah was depressed too much, as being the Emperor of world largest Empire not capable to control Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and today his forces failed to over come an enemy that had never been heard before. Bahadur Shah became a successful in suppressing the Deccanis, Marathas, Rajputs and Jatts in central India and now when it was the time to cherish his large empire, suddenly a never heard army of Sikhs became so dangerous that they were in the mood to uproot the strongest empire of the world.
Because of this, many of the Imperial officers received censure. Indeed, out of great anger, the Emperor said in wrathful words: “The jackal has escaped from the grasp of so many dogs.” Muhammad Amin Khan Bahadur, Rustam-Dil and others were deputed to pursue that ill-starred one[Banda]. These person went forward, brisk and alert, and found him in that country only a short distance away. In order to keep the market earn [i.e not to bring matters to a conclusion], they kept there reins under control, going forward some kurohs in dread and anxiety. Rustam, behaved like Zal[an old man], and, wherever his hand reached, upon false excuse and imputation of disloyalty, seized and held captive many peasants of Khatuha[Kathua], Narowal and other pargans, and distributed them salary to his troops so that they might take them to the cattle-market of Lahore and sell them there. And that malevolent Antichrist [Banda], owing to the ill-conduct of this ass-like manikin, concealed and hid himself in mountainous country difficult to access. [ In the meanwhile] His Majesty, with case of mind, travelled and hunted through that country [Sadhaura, etc.] and cross at the fort of Rahla [var. Rahela], proceeded towards the capital city of Lahore. The emperor arrived in Chhat-Banur, bridge over Sutlej getting ready; animals of the people of Sadhaura taken away by the Sikhs; Banjaras community of that place help the Sikhs.
During those days, Bahadur Shah had issued an order: ‘if a Sikh is found anywhere, he should immediately be put to death’; he had issued orders to the Hindus to shave their beards and heads in order to save their lives Emperor issued order for wholesale massacre of Sikhs and many people were murdered and persecuted on the charges of being Sikhs or their supporters and sympathizers- Reported in Tarikh-i-Muhammaed Shah; he had killed several Sikhs in and around Lahore; but, all this could not finish off the Sikhs; their terror was ever present in his mind; this made Bahadur Shah totally mad.
Now, he began behaving in a strange manner; he would behave as an angry man, make strange statements, utter queer words and issue foolish and mad orders. In fact, Banda Singh and Sikh factor had begun affecting him right from the 13th of November 1710, when he (Banda Singh) had escaped from the siege of mammoth Mughal army at Lohgarh. Reacting to Banda Singh’s escape, he misbehaved even towards his most loyal man Munaim Khan and Khan-i-Khana, by indirectly calling him a dog. He had granted earlier this Munaim Khan the titles of Khan-i-Khana Bahadur, Jafar Jang, wafadar and Wazir-i-Aalah, and, had presented him several robes of honour; Khan-i-Khana could not brave this insult and fell ill ( and died). Bahadur Shah’s second strange command was that of the 22nd of August 1711, when he ordered to chain and imprison Ghazi Khan (the former Governor of Sarhind), and, his further declaration that if any one tried to seek mercy of Ghazi Khan would also be imprisoned immediately. Bahadur Shah, lately, had made several such decisions and had issued queer orders.
When Emperor heard Banda attacked plain area of Punjab. He was too much frustrated and frightened from Banda. He was so much depressed with the feeling in his mind that Mughal regime is going to be end now. He returned towards Lahore in 1711 without winning Lohgarh area to protect his cities from Banda. On his return to Lahore Banda again shifted to Lohgarh. Thus Banda kept Mughal army in confusion, disorder and frustration. He became mad and ordered army to kill all the dogs of city of Lahore; in fact, he used to call the Sikhs sagg (Persian word for dog) and issuing such an order perhaps he meant ‘kill all the Sikhs’; such was the fear of the Sikhs in his mind. However, his order was translated into action and within two days all the dogs had been killed and only those escaped which had fled the town.
For the next two weeks Bahadur Shah’s illness went on increasing; on the 25th of February 1712 he held his court for the last time. But even in this ceremonial gathering he did not say anything. For the next three days, he did not leave his bed; he had spleen and swelling on his face and forehead; three haqims (physicians) attempting on him all this time but there was no change in his condition; he died on the night between the 27th and 28th of February, 1712.
Bahadur Shah’s dead-body was wrapped in a coffin and it was decided that it should be buried at Delhi. The Body was given in the custody of Maulvi Muradullah, Abdukk qadir and Mehfooz Khan. But, it could not be taken to delhi due to war of succession among the son of Bahadur Shah. Finally, after a period of 43 days, on the 12th of April 1712, the dead-body of the emperor was taken to Delhi under the escort of his widow Mehar Parvar and one Mohammed Khan. It reached Delhi on the 16th of May, and, after decay and ‘insult’ of 67 days, it was buried in the compound of a mosque built by Aurangzeb, near the mausoleum of Bakhtiar Kaki, close to Qutub Minar.
Soon, Bahadur Shah was confined to bed; by January 1712, he had become totally insane; he isued his last order was on the 12th of February 1712, asking the
The Sikhs sacked Aurangabad and Parsrur across the Ravi. Bahadur Shah deputed Muhammad Amin Khan, Ghazi Khan and Hamid Khan to suppress the renewed insurrection. It was not yet suppressed when the emperor died early in 1712.
Jahandar Shah son of Emperor Bahadur Shah became emperor on 29 March 1712. He also continued his struggle to suppress the Sikh rebellion. He deputed on 29 March 1712 Mohammad – Amin- Khan with big army to quell Banda Singh Bahadur from Lohgarh Fort. He was very badly defeated by Banda’s army. He told Emperor Jahan-Shah that large forces are required to face Sikhs as that are holding strong defence in Lohgarh fort. Vakil Rep No. 286; Jeth Sudi, 1769/ May, 1712 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. It informs that Banda Singh Bahadur reoccupied Mukhlishpur; fort constructed; the Sikh thanas established; Muhammad Amin Khan has engaged him in fighting; now he is preparing for an attack on Lohgarh. From August 1712 to December 1712 whosoever generals from Mughal, was deputed against Banda Singh Bahadur passed his time by staying away from Lohgarh on one or the other pretext. Sometimes their half heartly attacks were repulsed by the Sikh forces. Jahander Shah recruited young men more than ten thousands and asked for help from all the mansabdars including hilly rajas Rai-Man-Khid-Matia. All Mughal army was engaged in the war of throne, although Jannudeen Ahmad Khan was directed to continue war at Lohgarh.
During the war of succession of the throne within Mughal princes form December 1712 to February 1713, the Mughal army from Lohgarh was withdrawn which was engaged in war between Emperor Jahander Shah and Furrikhiseyer his nephew.
Farrukhiseyer became emperor in February 1713 after killing his uncle Emperor Jahander Shah in Feb 1713. The reign of Farrukhiseyer began with a series of murders and famine in North India has been a notorious period for the most cruel policies adopted against the Sikhs. He himself was a very cowdice, who could not dare to face Banda Singh Bahadur himself. He thought, it is due to occult powers of Banda Singh Bahadur, two Mughal emperor are died in a short span of time. He very cleverly chosen Abdus – Samud – Khan, the governor of Lahore to lead the Mughal army against Banda Singh Bahadur. He directed all famous mansabdars to support Abdus-Samud-Khan which included Cheen – Bahadur, Enam-Khan, Darab Khan, Dolat Khan, Jans – Khan, Jan- V- Deen, Ahmad Khan, Hami-Disdeen, Kahn Bahadur, Kwaja -Atta – Khan, Mohazid- Khan, Abdul- Nabbi- Khan, Mir-Rehmatlah Khan, Abdul Rahim Khan, Khwaza Ahmad Khan, Janni khan, Kabkaj Khan, Araf Khan, Saheed Kuli Khan, Hussain Beg Khan, Mir Moman Khan, Meer Amin Khan, and many more mansabdars. Hilly chiefs were also came for help Abdus-Samud-Khan. Jannu-Deen-Ahmad Khan was again deputed in support of Abdus-Samud-Khan.
They put seize on Sadhaura in May 1713 in which Sikhs in thousand were present under the leadership of Bhai Baaj Singh. Here a fierce battle was fought between two groups for two months i.e. May and june 1713 and heavy causalities was inflicted on both sides. Sikhs being more daring, put every ounce of their energy in field of battle put heavy damage to imperial army.
Arzdasht No. 145; Vaisakh Vadi 1770 / April 1713 Chaube Jeth Mal to Maharaja Jai Singh. Mughal army is preparing of attack on Lohgarh; Abdus Samad Khan has taken position there and pitched battle is expected; Banda Singh Bahadur encamped inside the fort; has made good preparation to give tough fight to the Mughal army.
Arzdasht No. 139; Bhadev Vadi 12, 1770 / August 6, 1713 Chaube Jeth Mal to Maharaja Jai Singh. Lohgarh besieged by the Mughal army; heavy down-pour; the Sikh strategy of warfare and fortification of Lohgarh; sudden Sikh attacks on the Mughals.
Arzdasht No. 161; Asoj Vadi 3-5, 1770 / August 27-29, 1713 Chaube Jeth Mal to Maharaja Jai Singh. It refers to Abdus Samad Khan’s plan to raid Lohgarh and Staragarh; clashes between the Mughals and Sikh forces and losses on the side of Mughals; impression about Abdus Samad Khan that he is a coward and there is no unity among the Mughal nobles.
Every day reports and news sent to Emperor Farrukhiseyer that war being prolonged because more and more Sikhs Jaths form Lohgarh fort are fighting in coordinating manner and breaking of 52 Sikhs bastions just around of fort Lohgarh is just impossible. Many of Mughal generals including famous general Beg-O-Beg lost lives. For next three month i.e. July, August, and September 1713 passed but Sikhs were not under control. There numbers not coming to end, inspite of heavy casualities on their side. Nobody could estimate which side is heavy. On the night of 18-19 September 1713 a jatha from Lohgarh came who inflicted heavy casualities on royal troops and take away with them all Sikh in Sandhara Fort to Lohgarh. Mughal troop did not dare to attack Lohgarh now, because sikh army sitting in 52 pucca treches around Lohgarh, were throwing heavy cannon/gun shots on Mughal army. On November 13, 1713 royal troops dare to move towards Lohgarh but in vain due to heavy shelling. Mughal army returned without conquering Lohgarh. The fighting spirit of the Sikh garrison was remarkable.
After some days , Banda Sigh Bahadur kept some Sikhs under the leadership of Bhai Vinod Singh and his son Kahan Singh in Lohgarh fort and skippedout towards Chamba hills in the beginning of 1714, as skilfully and expediently to shift theatre of war again on the plains of Punjab.
Again order was passed to eliminate all the Sikhs from North India. The official persecution of the Sikhs gave an impetus to the Mohammedans officials and other all over the country to persecute them remorselessly. The Oppression was felt most in Majha and rearki. The Sikhs under the leadership of Bhai Jagat Singh on 27 March 1714 assembled and fell upon Mohammedans of the area and slain them. Banda Singh Bahadur was ij Jammu hill at a place now called Dera Baba Banda Singh Bahadur waiting for a favourable opportunity to strike a blow for the independence of his people. Sikhs under Banda Singh Bahadur reappeared in the plains from the direction of Jammu and marched towards Kalanaur. Faujdar Suhrab Khan of Kalanaur and other levies from parganas were scattered to the wind in the first blow of Sikh. Banda passed through Achal and moved towards Batala. Sheikh Dayav faujdar of Batala came out to encounter the Sikh force. A bloody battle was fought in which many nobility of Batala was killed and Shaikh Dayal fled from the field.
Vakil Rep. No. 245; Chait Vadi 6, 1771/ February 24, 1714 Pancholi Jagjiwan Das to Maharaja Jai Singh. Refers to widespread disturbances created by the disciples of Guru Nanak; people of Lahore scared; Abdus Samad Khan assigned the expedition to punish the Sikhs.
By Now it was clear that in span for 4 years Mughals have drained their resources to suppress the Sikhs. The Mughal’s economy which was large and prosperous for its time, started declining sharply. Mughal army was the largest and the powerful of the world of its time, started drastically loosing it glory. Mughal soldiers were not paid for past number of months. The supplies to Mughals army were badly affected. Heavy causalities of Mughals from the hands of the Sikhs badly demoralized them. Emperor was so desperate to capture the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, that he regularly increasing the mansabs and Jagirs of his generals involved in the expeditions against Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. This mismanaged approach, lead to collapse of Mughal economy & performance of Mughal army declined.
Mughals tried everything to capture Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. They can started bribing the Sikhs Generals, so that important information can be drawn. Some greedy Sikhs embraced Muslim religion and they were allotted big Jagirs in the Pargana of Khizrabad. The perusal of revenue records, important information has been derived that Sikh converted to Muslim religion and became hand in gloves with Mughals in want of Jagirs. In village Garhi Banjara, some Sikhs were allotted big chunks of lands, in lieu of betraying their General Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Mughals were operative from town called Radaur, from this place all the strategies were planned and Jagir were allowed to the traitors. These traitors provided sensitive and important informations regarding Baba Banda Singh Bahadur to Mughals. This lead to the seizer of fort of Gurdas Nangal in which a meeting of all Sikh general was going on.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was captured along with his,deputies who were arrested by Mughals after the seizer of eight months. In 07 Dec 1715- Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions were arrested.
It is a fact that Banda Singh Bahadur enjoyed the support of several hill chiefs. There were strong apprehensions in Mughals circles that if the Raja of Nahan was not punished, then may more zamindars of his ilk could join the Sikhs. A close reading of these reports suggests that the Mughals officials knew well that Banda Singh Bahadur had established his contact with the Rajput Rajas with a view to forge an alliance against the Mughals Empire.
Mughal military strategy and diplomacy that have been evolved by Mughal Empire to suppress the Sikh struggle.
Historian not reflected details of war correctly. Some of Historian narrated two groups of Mughal force under Miam Khan, Ushaad Khan, scale down the hill in one day and killed all the men of Sikh army on its way upto the top of hill. Second day they fired inside the fort and did heavy casualities to Banda’s army. Banda fled away from the fort leaving behind only 200 his men to protect it. There version is wrong because they call this a small fort of Muglishgarh which was in a dilapidated condition which Banda repaired it and made suitable for protection and fight. Its name changed from Muglishgarh to Lohgarh or Iron Fort. By Banda Singh Bahadur. In fact Muglishgarh is another fort situated in adjacent area of Utter Pradesh. This place is about 35 Km away from the centre of Lohgarh Fort. It is situated about 20 Km away from Pounta Sahib on the bank of Yamuna near Hatni Kund Barrage. The total area of Muglishgarh is about 45 acre. Built up area is about one acre. It is not a fort it is palace like Bangla made by Muglis Khan, the chief constable of Emperor Shah Jahan. The Mahal was in dilapidated condition which is renovated with Rs. 2 crore by A.S.I. The palace is having every facilities of cooling system in summer One wall of the bangle is erected just on the bank of Yamuna. Water required for cooling it is derived from Yamuna river and circulated around its walls. Cool breeze of Yamuna river further enhance the cooling system of palace in summer it is equipped with every facilities of enjoyment. Muglis Khan used to pass his summer vacations in this Muglisgarh palace. For hunting purpose a lot of wild animals still spotted in nearby hills where he used to hunt. So it is a ‘ayashi bangle or palace’ not a fort as described by historians in their books. They simply picked up references from Mughal historians who deliberately distorted and altered the actual history of Lohgarh simply to suppress their weakness that such a huge fort is raised in their regime and in their area without any leak out information to them.
Banda Singh Bahadur was not only a military commander but also an astute statesman. To overthrow the Mughal Empire, which had vast resources, was not an easy task. He knew his combatant ability and limitations as well. Exhibiting the qualities of true statesman, Banda Singh Bahadur worked out a strategy to get together all the forces that were reeling under the atrocities and unjust rule of Mughlas. In the immediate neighborhood of Punjab, Banda Singh Bahadur successfully subdued those hill chiefs who had collaborated with the Mughal faujdars in their campaign against the tenth Guru. Besides annihilating several of them by force he had also entered into an understanding with some of the hill chiefs who were somewhat dissatisfied with the Mughals. Muzaffar Alam has aptly remarked that “It was with his tactfulness and statesmanship and the demonstration of use of force that Banda Singh Bahadur made the hill chiefs his allies. It provided him easy assess to the hills.
Rajput chiefs of Udaipur, Amber and Jodhpur had formed a triple alliance to fight against the Mughals. Though, Bahadur Shah had patched up with Rajputs, yet Banda Singh Bahadur knew the fragile nature of peace in Rajputana. In this situation, he took initiative to form the Sikh- Rajput alliance which was of great political consequences. Besides, it was beneficial to both the Sikhs and the Rajputs. In fact, Banda Singh Bahadur desired to capitalize upon the discontentment that was simmering in the Rajputana. Unfortunately, however, Raja Swai Jai Singh II of Amber and Raja Ajit Singh of Jodhpur were still worried over their fortunes under the Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah. Our sources confirm that soon after the occupation of Sarhind, Banda Singh Bahadur had opened his communication channels with the Rajput chiefs of Amber and Jodhpur. A news report of 28 May 1710 that appeared in the Akbar-i-Darbar-i-Mualla, states: “It was brought to the notice of the Emperor that Raja Jai Singh and Raja Ajit Singh had got the letters of Guru [Banda Singh Bahadur] and their replies had been dispatched to him. Though the contents of the above letter are not known, yet we can imagine that Banda Singh Bahadur was very anxious to form a Sikh- Rajput alliance with the sole objective of overthrowing the unjust Mughals rule.
It suggest that a letter from Banda Singh Bahadur meant for Swati Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur had fallen into the hands of the Mughals officials. Informs that Swai Raja Jai Singh II had got a letter from the Sikh leaders, namely Jai Singh, Bakhat Singh, Bhagwan Singh and Kaur Singh.
A letter in response to your letter had already been dispatched. It is hoped you might have gone through it. By the grace of God we have arrived in Kehlur that forms part (of the pargana) of Jammu. On the occasion of Dusshera [Banda Singh Bahadur] intends to give a fight to the Mughals in Kurukshetra. The Khalsa is on its march towards Lohgarh. Now it is the time for Raja (Swai Jai Singh) to put the Mughals in trouble. It is high time to act upon the Dharma. Now the time of Mughal Rule is over. The good mannered Raja is advised to reach Kurukshetra. The Raja is also requested to get in touch with the hill-chiefs of Hindur, Jaswan, Kehlur and Jammu, and prevail upon them that this is the right time to act upon the Kshatriya Dharma, and they should not extend any support to the Mughals. The Rajas wrote back that they are the servants of the Mughals Emperor and are on their way to Sadhaura. The Akhbar-i-Darbar-i-Mualla of 30 November 1711 informs that Banda Singh Bahadur wrote a conciliatory letter to the Rajas but the Rajas spurned the offer in a highly undiplomatic manner as they went on to kill the emissaries of the Sikhs, obviously to prove their fidelity to the Mughal Emperor.
It seems as soon as Swai Raja Jai Singh II and Raja Ajit Singh got new assignments of subadars of Ahmadabad and Soarath respectively besides other benefits, they left the battlefront of Sadhaura. A Vakil report of 19 December 1711 states that Raja Jai Singh and Raja Ajit Singh had departed for their country.
In history the major part of military campaign frequently consisted of an extended siege of town or fort with a few of minor skirmishes .Such operations were mainly conducted with aim of slowly starving out the besieged stronghold and winning over the dissident elements of the enemy’s camp by offering bribes and offices in the imperial administration. In case of Lohgarh seiger was not possible and there was no shortage of supplies to Sikh army till 1716, however bribes were excepted by some of Sikhs later in 1714 to 1716, and provided important informations pertaining to Sikh warfare , which led to capture of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and all his deputies together at one place called Gurdas Nangal. Gradually no Sikh General was left to lead to Sikh soldier at Lohgarh and therefore web of 52 bastioned was broken and gradually the fort Lohgarh was captured by Mughals. As the Mughal aggression increased on Lohgarh, the leader less Sikhs started to move out of the fort. In order to save their lives, they started scalling up for the hide outs in the mountains of Nahan. In a present survey conducted by Lohgarh Trust, it is found that large number of families are belonging to Banjara Sikhs and Sikhligars are residing just 20 k.m. above the fort of Lohgarh, this area presentally lies in the district Sirmour. These families are the desendants of the Sikh warriors who laid their life for the humanity. Just after Mughals the Britishers occupied Indian subcontinent and Alexander Cunningham was given the task to study the archeology and the tribes involved in uprooting the Mughals Empire. Although Cunningham must have reported about the archaeology of Lohgarh and the tribes being involved in its construction, but the Britishers deliberately kept it secret and never published this document. This inference can be made as both the Banjaras and Sikhligars were immidiately brought under Indian Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 and the richest community of India was made wealth less by the Mughals and the Britishers. Now these families are residing under below poverty line.
Now the next assignment was destroying the fort, so that the Sikhs shall not come back again to raise the revolution against the Mughals. For this purpose a nobles of higher rank was appointed for destroying the fort Lohgarh. Massa Rangar was the leader of these nobles. Large labourers were deputed for the demolishing of the fort. These labourers were mainly brought from outside and they belong to Hindu Gurjar community. These Hindu Gurjars were told that there is treasurer in the fort and they were supposed to search it by excavating the foundation of the fort. These Hindu Gurjars were later on converted to Muslims as the part of strategy of Mughals. These Mughals used to practice this strategy, so that these newly converted Muslims shall remain loyal to the imperials. Interestingly in present scenario these Muslim Gujars are still inhabitated on the foot of hills around the fort Lohgarh, which is called as Gharshetra.
Rangars Mughals under the leadership of Massa Rangar who were later killed in Darbar Sahib, Amritsar , on 11 April 1740, destroyed Lohgarh. He all with Mughals community settle near the vicinity of Lohgarh in 20 villages. In 1720 they took the task to recover their lost wealth from Lohgarh where they thought Banda might have dubbed. For this they first massacred most of Banjara inhabitants of the Lohgarh city. Some were fled to some safer places. Some were forcefully convered to Muslim which during partition time of the country shifted to Pakistan. Then these Rangar Muslim started digging the area of Lohgarh after destroying the building, houses at Lohgarh site. They continued their work for many year. All the foundation of Lohgarh wall which was wide enough i.e. between 2.5 to 3 meter are also dug quite deep but ultimately nothing came in their hand. Now after more than 300 years, soil on the hill side eroded and foundation of Lohgarh Fort wall are seen clearly with intermittent break. Lohgarh Trustee moved along the foundation about 50 Km length. There is a intermittent break where there is ravines/rivulets/rivers on the way or steep rise of mountain/hill come its way. Apart from this foundation of sectors wall are also visible on each hill. Building materials such as brick of different sizes was brought by Rangar Mughals who built their houses in the villages where they settled in proximity of Lohgarh area. Presently about 18 villages of Rangras are spotted. Mahal/Palace of Massa Rangar can be seen today in village Machhrauli near Lohgarh area in Yamuna Nagar, District of Haryana State. This palace is made up from costly dressed stones and small bricks. A deep well is existing in adjacent wall of palace and system to pick up water upto second storey of palace was also installed which can be seen today. Because Massa Rangar was a General of Mughal, being big personality, he moved to Darbar Sahib Amritsar in 1740, which was under the control of Mughal at that time. He started enjoying muzara by playing dancing ladies which were in worst language called kanjari. One day when he was enjoying the dance with a cup of wine in his hand in Darbar Sahib, two Sikh came in comflouge and cut his head with sword and moved away on 11 August 1740.
