Banda Singh Bahadur will remain an intriguing and enigmatic personality in Indian history. He was a soldier, an enlightened soul and a rebel against the mighty Mughals who played a key role in the foundation of the first Sikh Empire. His journey from Lachman Dev to Banda Singh Bahadur also would rightly be known as the harbinger of Sikh sovereignty from Mughals. This is a remarkable story of his political and spiritual awakening.
Early Life-
Lachman Dev was born in 1670 in the Mughal era. Lachhman Dev belonged to a Rajput family and had a privileged upbringing. However, his destiny took a different turn after an important encounter during hunting in a Forest. He witnessed death of a pregnant deer and its fawns triggered a very deep and profound spiritual awakening within him. Lachhman Dev then decided to abandon his worldly affairs and live life as a wandering monk taking the name Madho Das because he felt guilty for what he had done. He sought guidance from different spiritual leaders even resorting to mystical practices, but true solace remained elusive. Fate intervened when Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, visited the region where Madho Das resided. This chance meeting between the two proved to be a defining moment. Recognizing Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s divine presence, Madho Das acknowledged his shortcomings and surrendered to the Guru’s guidance.
Madho Das transformed into Banda Singh by virtue of being baptized through Amrit Sanchar (Sikh baptism). The new name, which meant “slave of the divine,” was a sign of his total commitment to Sikhism and Guru’s preaching. Bandha Singh developed the principles of Sikhi including social equality, selfless service and courage to fight against injustice under the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guided by his newfound purpose, Banda Singh Bahadur emerged as a fierce and visionary leader driven by this purpose. He played an important part in creating the first self-governing Sikh state in Punjab, challenging the oppressions of the Mughal Empire. His triumphs included freeing Sirhind that inspired millions to be hopeful again and to fight for liberty together with fairness.
Major victories against the Mughals:
Early Campaigns: After receiving Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s blessings, Banda Singh Bahadur conducted a series of successful campaigns against the Mughal outposts in Punjab. This established a strong base for the Sikhs after victories at Samana, Sadhaura and Chappar Chiri.
- Battle of Sirhind (1710): This decisive battle near Sirhind stands as a testament to Banda Singh Bahadur’s tactical brilliance. Such was the brilliance of his tact that he lured the Mughal army into a disadvantaged position, inflicting heavy casualties and losses which lead ultimately to the defeat of Mughal army. This victory liberated Sirhind, which was the hotbed of Mughal oppression, thus paving the way for Sikh rule in this area.
- Further Expansion: The influence of Banda Singh Bahadur extended to the whole of Punjab and included expeditions to Saharanpur, Jammu, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. These forays unsettled Mughal authority and offered hope for the oppressed communities of India that time especially Hindus and Sikh communities.
Life beyond the battlefield:
- Social Reforms: Recognizing the plight of the common people, social reforms were introduced by Banda Singh Bahadur that included doing away with an oppressive zamindari system and setting up a fairer land distribution system.
- Establishment of the Khalsa Raj: These victories laid the foundation for the first independent Sikh state in Punjab ushering in a period of self-rule and religious tolerance.
Death
Banda Singh Bahadur met his death in 1716 in a brutal and horrifying manner, one of the most tragic events in Sikh history. This is further elaborated below:
- Capture and Imprisonment: After fighting several victorious battles against Mughals, Banda Singh Bahadur and his followers were besieged inside “Gurdas Nangal” a strong fortress in 1715. This prolonged siege went on for almost eight months where Sikhs trapped inside had to endure starvation and extreme deprivation. Eventually, due to exhaustion coupled with lack of supplies they had no other options but to surrender. Consequently, along with hundreds of his associates, Banda Singh Bahadur fell into enemy hands.
Legacy of Martyrdom:
His death, cruel as it was, inspired the Sikh community and Bharatiya’s with unshakable determination. In this manner Banda Singh Bahadur became a martyr and a symbol of Sikh resistance due to his extraordinary bravery in the face of immense savagery. His martyrdom instilled Sikhs with greater resolve in coming years and greatly contributed to the subsequent decline of the Mughal Empire in Punjab.
