Banda Singh Bahadur: A Martyr for Sikhism

Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716) is renowned in Sikh history as a great warrior who fought for the establishment and protection of Sikhism in 18th century Punjab. He was born as Lachhman Das in the Rajouri district of Kashmir, and left home at the young age of 15 to become an ascetic, adopting the name Madho Das. He wandered and spent time with various religious leaders before establishing his ashram on the banks of the River Godavari in Nanded.

Ascension and Transformative Moments in his Life

On September 1708, Guru Gobind Singh visited his ashram and recognized Madho Das as a spiritual leader. Guru Gobind Singh renamed him Banda Bahadur and baptized him into Sikhism. He then sent Banda Bahadur, along with four other Sikh warriors, to Punjab to organize the Sikhs and create a force that would fight against oppressive rulers.

Leadership and Victories for Sikhism

Banda Bahadur organized the Sikhs and led them against the Nawab of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, and other tyrants. His army stormed Samana in 1709 as a form of revenge for the totalitarian support of the town’s sultan. Banda Bahadur’s army then moved onto Sirhind, where he led the Sikh army to execute Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind, and Dewan Suchanand, who were responsible for the persecution of Guru Gobind Singh's young sons.

In 1710, Banda Bahadur and his forces conquered Sirhind, extending his rule from the river Ravi to the Ganges and from Lahore to Panipat. His influence even reached as far as what is now Malerkotla and Nahan in the cis-Sutlej region. Banda Bahadur established his rule by granting land rights to the tillers of the land and ending Mughal laws and systems in the cities he conquered.

Challenging the Mughal Authorities

Despite the harsh conditions, Banda Bahadur managed to defeat significant Mughal troops. The Mughals, led by Abdus Samad Khan, the Governor of Lahore, besieged his army at Gurdas Nangal in March 1715, with a force of 100,000 soldiers. For eight months, Banda and his army defended the fort, surviving on tree bark until they were finally outmaneuvered and captured on 7 December 1715.

After their capture, Banda and his followers were severely tortured. Even as the Mughal authorities tortured Banda, his son Ajai Singh, who was four years old, was killed and their heads displayed for Banda to see. Despite the gruesome conditions, not a single one of the captured Sikhs converted to Islam, demonstrating the strength of their faith and devotion.

Legacy and Impact

Banda Singh Bahadur's legacy in Sikhism is profound. He fought for justice and freedom, leading the Sikh army to victory and earning the title of 'Martyr of Sikhism'. His leadership in defeating the Mughals and his impact on the Sikh world remain significant, serving as a symbol of resilience and strength.

Bibliography and Further Reading:

Research and Study of Sikh Warriors Research and Study on the Life of Banda Singh Bahadur Historical Dictionary of Sikhism Research and Study of Sikh History 1699 - 1799 The Sikhs of the Punjab Banda Singh Bahadur Life of Banda Singh Bahadur