When Wazir Khan’s deceitful tactics failed once again on the battlefield.
Author name- arpan Kaur
The victory of Sirhind is one of the most glorious and golden chapters in Sikh history. It was the historic battle after which the Khalsa Raj was proclaimed for the first time and the Sikh flag was raised. This victory was not merely a military triumph, but also a symbol of the courage, unity, and sense of justice of the Khalsa Panth against oppression and tyranny.
The Historic Battle of Chappar Chiri
The battle for the conquest of Sirhind was fought on the battlefield of Chappar Chiri, located about ten koh from Sirhind. The battle lasted for three days and changed the course of Punjab’s history forever.
From the south, Madho Das Bairagi, who had been transformed into Banda Singh Bahadur through the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, arrived in Punjab as a great general. He carried deep anger in his heart against the atrocities of Wazir Khan. As soon as he reached Punjab, he delivered Guru Sahib’s letters to the Sikhs and organized a powerful army.
Formation of the Army and Battle Preparations
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur divided his army into two sections. One group was led by Fateh Singh, Karam Singh, Dharam Singh, and Ali Singh, while the second group included Baba Binod Singh, Baj Singh, Ram Singh, and Sham Singh.
On 12 May 1710, the Mughal and Sikh armies stood face to face. However, the cunning Wazir Khan once again resorted to deceit. He sent Ganda Mal, the nephew of Sucha Nand, along with 1,000 soldiers to Banda Singh Bahadur. Ganda Mal claimed that he was ashamed of his uncle’s actions and wished to join the Sikh army in repentance.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur allowed him to join, but instructed Baj Singh to keep a close watch on him.
Wazir Khan’s Plot Fails
As soon as the battle began, Ganda Mal treacherously attacked the Sikh soldiers. But Baj Singh immediately understood the conspiracy and, with a single strike, severed his head from his body. Seeing their leader fall, his companions fled the battlefield. Thus, Wazir Khan’s first scheme backfired against him.
From Cannons to Hand-to-Hand Combat
The Sikhs did not possess cannons, but the foresight of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur changed the course of the battle. He ordered the Sikh army to launch a direct assault on the Mughal artillery. With great bravery, the Sikhs captured the Mughal cannons.
After this, the battle turned into fierce hand-to-hand combat. The clash of swords, heaps of corpses, and streams of blood flowing across the battlefield reflected the horror of war.
Wazir Khan, mounted on an elephant, was encouraging his troops, while Baba Banda Singh Bahadur observed the battle from a high mound. But when the situation became critical, he himself entered the battlefield and began striking down enemies with his sword.
The End of Wazir Khan
Seeing Baba Banda Singh Bahadur fighting in the battlefield greatly boosted the morale of the Sikhs. During the conflict, Baj Singh and Fateh Singh surrounded Wazir Khan. With a powerful strike, Fateh Singh severed his arm, causing him to fall to the ground.
The Sikhs captured him alive. Seeing their governor trapped, panic spread through the Mughal army, and they fled the battlefield, abandoning their cannons, horses, and wealth.
The Sikhs celebrated the victory of Sirhind with loud cries of triumph and performed the last rites of the Sikh warriors who had been martyred in the battle.
The Fate of Sucha Nand
After entering Sirhind, the Sikhs punished Wazir Khan and Sucha Nand for their deeds. Sucha Nand was the same person who had venomously spoken against the Sahibzadas in the court of Sirhind.
His mansion was demolished, and he was handed over before the people. Eventually, he too met his end.
Proclamation of Khalsa Raj
After conquering Sirhind, the Sikhs thanked Akal Purakh and proclaimed the rule of the Khalsa for all people alike. For the first time, the Sikh flag was raised on the very land where the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji had been martyred.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur assumed responsibility as the national general. Baj Singh was appointed the governor of Sirhind, and Ali Singh was appointed as the minister.
The Great Contribution of Historian Ganda Singh
Most of the information about Sirhind Victory Day and the great battle fought at Chappar Chiri comes from the renowned historian Ganda Singh. Sikh historical sources contain very limited references to this battle, but Persian historical records provide extensive accounts.
Historian Ganda Singh collected, studied, and analyzed various Persian and historical documents and presented the history of this great battle before the Sikh community. His contribution in preserving this golden history and passing it on to future generations is unparalleled.
A Golden Chapter of History
The victory of Sirhind was not merely the triumph of a battle. It laid the foundation of the Khalsa Raj and inspired new hope and dreams among the Sikhs. Under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Sikhs proved that history can be shaped through justice, courage, and unity.
Even today, this victory is regarded as one of the proudest chapters in Sikh history.