Sikh history is full of stories with great sacrifices of the Guru sahib and martyrs, where Sikhs have given their lives to protect justice, dharma or righteousness and their faith. One such moment is the Battle of Chamkaur, where the tenth Sikh guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and a small group of 40 Sikhs stood bravely against a huge army of tens of thousands of Mughals and their allies at the small fortress of Chamkaur.
The Battle of Chamkaur, also known as the Chamkaur Di Garhi, is one of the most inspiring and heroic chapters in Sikh history, where courage, sacrifice and faith triumphed over all the odds. This battle was not just a fight, but a powerful example of the strong spirit of the Khalsa. It showed how doing what is right and staying determined can stand against injustice, no matter how difficult the challenge.
From leaving Anandpur Sahib Kila, crossing the Sarsa River, separation of the family to the sudden attack of the Mughal forces on the Sikh army and martyrdom of the Sikhs soldiers including Chaar Sahibzaade, this battle represents the ultimate sacrifice and unbeatable spirit of the Khalsa Sikhs.
Before getting into more detail about the Battle of Chamkaur, let’s first know about the Guruji and the formation of the Khalsa Army.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji – Protector of Faith and the Embodiment of Courage
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the tenth Sikh guru and a pivotal figure in Sikh history, born on 5 January 1666 in Patna, Bihar. He was the son of the ninth Sikh guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Mata Gujri Ji.
During his young age, he displayed exceptional leadership qualities, including wisdom, bravery and a deep sense of spirituality. He started his formal education early and was well-versed in Sanskrit, Persian and other subjects.
In 1675, his father Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life for Kashmiri Hindu Pandits that were being forcefully converted to Islam by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. At nine, Guru Gobind Singh Ji(also known as Gobind Rai) was appointed the 10th Guru of the Sikhs on 29 March 1676.
With such great responsibility and high spirit, after the martyrdom of his father, he established the Khalsa in 1699 to protect the innocent people. Khalsa is known as the community of initiated Sikhs mainly dedicated to justice and righteousness.
Formation of Khalsa – Army of Warriors to Protect Innocent People from Violence
Khalsa is a Sikh Army that formed in 1699 during the occasion of Baisakhi on 30th March. It is marked as an important moment in Sikh history, as a group of dedicated warriors focused on protecting innocent people was created to stand up for justice.
Guruji started Khalsa to help the people of the Sikh community and others who were suffering due to the violence of Mughal rule. Once the Khalsa was formed, the Sikhs were becoming a threat to the Mughal rulers and hill chiefs.
Sikhs have always fought for dharma and righteousness, not for money or to gain territories. With true and pure intention, Sikhs under Guru Gobind Singh Ji defeated the Mughals as well as the hill kings in several battles.
But after the Battle of Anandpur in 1700, Sikhs defeated the Mughals and then the opponents realized the military power of the Sikhs. Then, Aurangzeb decided to finish the Sikhs once and for all.
Battle of Chamkaur – Moral Victory for the Khalsa
The Battle of Chamkaur is the major Sikh event in history ever where Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his 40 Sikhs bravely fought against the vast army of the Mughals and hill chiefs in 1704.
Before the battle, the Mughals and Hill Rajas surrounded Anandpur Sahib, where Guruji, his family and other Sikhs were residing. The Sikhs defended the fort for several months, suffering extreme hardships, including a severe shortage of food and supplies.
It is also said that for seven months, the Sikhs stood firm against the enemy’s siege, despite suffering hunger and harsh struggle. Then, Mughals and hill chiefs offered the Guru a safe passage if the Guru and his followers vacated the fort, swearing on the holy Quran.
Guru Sahib knew that Mughals and hill chiefs would attack him despite swearing on the holy Quran, but prioritizing the safety of his family and the followers Guru Sahib was advised by ‘Panj Pyaras’ to vacate the fort.
However, as soon as they left Anandpur Sahib, Mughal forces betrayed their promise and did a sudden attack on the Sikhs, which led to the Battle of Chamkaur. Let’s further know about the battle in detail.
- The Siege of Anandpur Sahib
As embraced above, the battle of Chamkaur began due to the events at Anandpur Sahib in 1704. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his followers were surrounded by a large army of Mughal forces and the local hill rajas for several months. The enemies though promised on the holy Quran and offered safe passage to the Guru Sahib, saying if they vacated the fort, they would not be harmed.
Though Guru Gobind Singh knew about their fake promise, but still prioritized the safety of his family and followers running out of food and supplies, he agreed and finally left the fort.
- Separation at the Sarsa River
After leaving Anandpur Sahib, Guru Ji and his Sikhs were betrayed. As they crossed the Sarsa River, the vast army of Mughal forces and hill rajas made a sudden attack on them.
Due to this event, Sikhs got confused and a large number of them were killed in the chaos. Also, the river flow was extreme, due to which Guru Sahib’s family got separated. His mother, Mata Gujri and younger Sahibzadas namely, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh were then left on their own.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, with a small group of Sikhs, managed to escape.
- Mata Gujri Ji and Chhote Sahibzaade
As Mata Gujri ji and Chhote Sahibzaade got separated from the Sikhs and guru ji, they managed to seek shelter on their own. On the way, they found their way to the home of Gangu Brahmin, a former servant of the Guru’s household, who initially offered them shelter, but due to his greed and search for great reward, he revealed about the stay of Mata ji and Chote Sahibzade to the local Mughal authorities.
Later, Mata Gujri and younger Sahibzaadas were arrested and later taken to Sirhind, where they were imprisoned in the Thanda Burj in such cold and shivering weather.
- Escape to Chamkaur
Guru Gobind Singh Ji and about 40 Sikhs managed to escape to a small village called Chamkaur where they took shelter in a small mud fort, owned by Chaudhari Roop Chand as well as Jagat Singh situated on a hilltop. Although they were heavily outnumbered by the Mughal forces, which were lakhs in number. Still, with faith in God and courage, the Sikhs stood ready to defend themselves from the Mughals and other forces.
- The Battle Begins
The Battle of Chamkaur started on December 22, 1704, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his 40 sikhs faced a massive army of lakhs of Mughal soldiers. Guru ji decided that the best way to fight was to send out small groups of Sikhs, who would attack the Mughal army, cause damage and then either escape or be martyred.
- Martyrdom of Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh
During the fierce battle of Chamkaur, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jughar Singh, who were elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, showed bravery.
According to the plan of Guru Sahib, to allow Sikhs to fight in the battle in groups, Baba Ajit Singh led a group of Sikhs into battle against the Mughal army. He fought very bravely and was known for his fighting skills. He faced Mughal soldiers on his own and killed several Mughal soldiers.
Though he was hit by more than 30 arrows, he kept fighting until he could no longer stand. His courage inspired his fellow Sikhs to continue battling and face the Mughal soldiers very bravely.
After Baba Ajit Singh, the next group was led by his younger brother, Baba Jujhar Singh. He also joined the fight and showed great courage. During the battle, he killed several soldiers and was hit by more than 20 arrows, but continued to fight for his beliefs and his family.
The sacrifices of Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh are a great inspiration and are very important for the Sikh community. In honor of their bravery at such young ages, Gurudwara Shri Chamkaur Sahib is built.
This holy place reminds every one of their courage and commitment to their faith. It encourages future generations about the Sikh teachings.
- Martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh
The Mughal officials at Sirhind tried to force the Chhote Sahibzaade to change their religion to Islam. However, Baba Zorawar Singh, who was 9 years old and Baba Fateh Singh, who was just 7 years old, stayed strong in their beliefs.
Even with harsh punishments from the Mughals, they both refused to give up being Sikh. Mughals became very angry and as a punishment for the bravery of Chhote Sahibzaade, they were bricked alive and sentenced to death.
Furthermore, the sacrifices made by the Guru’s sons, 40 Sikhs and other martyrs are an inspiration and strength for future generations of Sikhs, reminding them of the importance of bravery, faith and standing up for what is right.
The Battle of Chamkaur is one of the most important events in Sikh history, showing that even a small group of determined people can fight for justice when the challenges seem impossible.
Famous Sikh Gurdwaras Associated with the Battle of Chamkaur
Several Sikh gurdwaras built in honor of Guru Sahib, his followers and his family, serve as important memorials to remember their bravery and sacrifices during the Battle of Chamkaur. Here are some of the Gurudwara Sahib listed below:
- Gurudwara Shri Anandpur Sahib
- Gurudwara Shri Parivar Vichhora Sahib
- Gurudwara Shri Chamkaur Sahib
- Gurudwara Shri Thanda Burj Sahib
- Gurudwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib
- Gurudwara Shri Taari Sahib
- Gurudwara Shri Katalgarh Sahib
These Gurdwaras provide a space for prayer, reflection, and community gatherings, ensuring that the legacy of courage and faith lives on in the hearts of the Sikh community.
Flag of Bravery
The Battle of Chamkaur is a powerful symbol of bravery and sacrifice in Sikh History. The sacrifices and lives laid down by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, his family and his followers, truly inspire the Sikhs of the future generation to stay strong for what is right, help innocent people, and save them from violence, no matter how impossible or hopeless the situation is. This battle reminds us of the importance of courage, faith and loyalty. In honor of all the Sikh Martyrs, we remember that their bravery always inspires us to fight with the courage to light the path of justice and righteousness.