Brave Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur repelled Mughal invaders, and regained and extended Sikh territories that were illegally taken.
Vivek Raina
On October 26, 1670, a brave boy, Lachman Dev, was born in Hindu farming family who later fought against the Mughal invaders. The brave boy was none other than Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. His journey from a young farmer’s son to a revered military leader and martyr is a testimony of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice in Indian history.
He displayed remarkable skills in horsemanship, wrestling, archery, and swordsmanship from a young age. These talents later served him well in his crucial role in challenging the cruelty of Mughal rule in Bharat. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, a Sikh general, played a pioneering role in the 18th century fight against Mughal invaders’ despotism and bravely defended Bharat from the Jihad imposed by the Mughals. His military initiatives not only expanded Sikh territory but also addressed fundamental injustices wreaked during the Mughal era. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s legacy endures as a symbol of bravery and resistance against autocracy.
Life Journey: Baba Banda Singh Bahadur
Lachman Dev’s life changed drastically when he was 15 years old and saw the heartbreaking demise of a pregnant deer; this event inspired him to give up on the worldly things and become a Bairagi sadhu. Following his departure from his family as a monk, he met Bairagi Sadhu Janaki Das and took up his teachings. Banda Singh’s name was changed from Lachman Dev to Madho Das by Bairagi Sadhu Prasad. Following a few men, Banda Singh Badhur founded his own (ashram) monastery at Nānded, on the banks of the Godāvarī river. He gained magical abilities known as siddhis and riddhis from many spiritual gurus, but he was still unhappy until he met Guru Gobind Singh.
Guru Gobind Singh paid a visit to Madho Das, also known as Banda Singh Bahadur, in 1708 at his monastery located on the banks of the Godāvarī river near Nānded. Banda Singh was profoundly affected by an occurrence involving a chair and the spiritual presence of the Guru. He accepted defeat and was moved to ask for pardon, stating in a humble manner, “I am your banda (slave)”. and after that, he followed Guru Gobind Singh’s advice. Banda Singh, guided by the Guru, accepted his Khalsa status and committed himself to studying Sikhism, including Gurubani, Sikh history, and the core beliefs of the religion.
Inspired by Guru Gobind Singh’s teachings on righteousness and bravery, Banda Singh was tasked with a mission to challenge the oppressive Mughal rulers.
Endowed with a hukam-nama from the Guru, he rallied Sikhs across Punjab, swiftly gaining support and initiating a campaign against tyranny. Under his leadership, Sikhs liberated several towns and regions in Punjab from Mughal control, establishing Khalsa rule and abolishing the exploitative zamindari system.
Military Campaign for Sikh Sovereignty
From 1709 onwards, Banda Singh led daring military campaigns, capturing key territories like Samaana, Sonepat, Thaska, and others. A significant event in Sikh history occurred during the siege of Sirhind in 1710, when Sikh troops led by Banda Singh Bahadur besieged, assaulted, and took the city. They vanquished and decapitated Wazir Khan after winning the Battle of Chappar Chiri, which was a major success in their war against the Mughal Empire.
This victory marked a significant turning point in Sikh history, asserting their military prowess and determination against the Mughal Empire’s dominance. With each conquest, Banda Singh strengthened Sikh sovereignty by abolishing the Zamindari system and granted property rights to the tillers of the land in Punjab, fostering a sense of unity and self-governance among Sikhs. He also introduces the Nanak Shahi coins. His administration focused on justice and equality, promoting Sikh principles and traditions while ensuring protection for the common people against oppression.
Beacon of Hope for Justice
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur exemplified hope and justice, especially when he learned about the heroic sacrifice of Bibi Anoop Kaur. After the siege of Anandpur Sahib, instead of being forced to convert, she defiantly chose imprisonment and died, symbolizing her deep respect and love for the Sikhs. Muhammad Khan of Malerkotla buried her body quietly. But upon hearing her story, Banda Singh was deeply moved. He arrived unopposed at Malerkotla, carried out Anoop Kaur’s body and performed a ceremonial ardanas before cremating her with utmost respect.
This act not only honored Anoop Kaur’s bravery but also strengthened Banda Singh’s reputation as a beacon of justice and mercy. His actions resonated deeply with the people, cementing his role as a symbol of Sikh resilience and steadfast respect for principles. Through such deeds, Banda Singh Bahadur continues to inspire generations and embodies the Sikh spirit of bravery and justice in the face of adversity.
Martyrdom and Legacy
The Mughal Emperor Farrukh Siyar ordered all governors of north India to either execute or capture Baba Badhur Singh. Following six years of warfare, Mughal forces led by Abd al-Samad Khan, the then-governor of Lahore, surrounded Banda Bahadur and the Sikh army in Punjabi hamlet of Gurdas Nangal in March 1715. Following eight-month siege, Mughals eventually stormed into the famished camp in December 1715, taking Banda Singh and seven hundred Sikh warriors’ prisoner after they put up a fierce fight.
The remaining Sikhs were chained, taken to Delhi in a procession, and placed in the Delhi fort, also known as the Red Fort. Banda Singh was placed within an iron cage. Sikh soldiers were under pressure to convert to Islam and give up their beliefs, but they refused to back down. These soldiers were taken out of the fort and executed in public every day for several days after they refused to convert to Islam. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was then brutally slain. Banda was decapitated after having his skin taken, limbs severed, and eyes gouged out.
Cultural Impact & Historical Reverence
Beyond Sikhism, Banda Singh’s legacy resonates in Indian history and culture. His life has been commemorated in literature, art, and poetry across various regions of India, particularly in Bengal where poets like Rabindranath Tagore immortalized his bravery in their works. The enduring admiration for Banda Singh Bahadur underscores his status as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and a beacon of courage and self-sacrifice. This poem “Bandi Bir” clearly depicts the valor of Banda Singh and his companions against unimaginable brutality, touching profoundly not just the Sikh community but also the fans of bravery and rebellion across the globe. The poem follows as below:
.
Pancha nadir tirey
Beni pakaiya shirey
Dekhite dekhite Gurur mantre
Jagiya uthhechhe Sikh
Nirmam, nirbhik.
Hajar konthe Gurujir Joy
Dhoniya tulechhey dik
Nutan jagiya Sikh
Nutan ushaar Surjer paane
Chahilo nirnimikh.
Sabha holo nistabdha
Banda’r deho chhinrilo ghaatak
Shanraashi koriya dagdha
Sthir hoye Bir morilo
Na kori ekti katar shabda.
Darshak-jan mudilo nayan
Sabha holo nistabdha.
English translation of the poem:
The Mughals and Sikhs together kicked up
the dust of Delhi thoroughfares;
Who will offer his life first?
There was a rush to settle this;
In the morning hundreds of heroes
offered heads to the executioner,
calling “Glory be to Guruji”;
The Kazi put into Banda’s lap one of his sons;
Said… must kill him with own hands;
Without hesitation, saying nothing,
slowly Banda pulled the child on his breast;
Then slowly drawing the knife from the belt, looking at the boy’s face,whispered
“Glory be to Guruji”, in the boy’s ears.
The young face beamed;
The court room shook as the boy sang,
“Glory be to Guruji;”
Banda then threw the left arm around his neck
and with the right plunged the knife into the boy’s breast;
The boy dropped on the ground,
smiling, saying “Glory be to Guruji”.
The court was dead silent.
The executioner tore apart Banda’s body
with a pair of red-hot tongs;
Standing still the hero died,
not uttering a sound of agony;
The audience closed their eyes;
The court was dead silent
Conclusion
Banda Singh Bahadur is still honored for his courage and dedication to Guru Gobind Singh, yet his role as a leader also led to discussions among Sikhs. His adoption of fresh traditions and ways of saying hello, like “Fateh Darshan,” showed his dream of a cohesive Sikh identity, but encountered opposition from those who stuck to the old ways. However, his impact continues to be a representation of sacrifice, steadfast belief, and the unyielding fight for fairness.
The life of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur stands as a symbol of the eternal fight for liberty and fairness against those who oppress. His path from a lone seeker of truth to a powerful military figure is a permanent part of Sikh history and highlights the lasting ideals of bravery, self-sacrifice, and perseverance. As we consider his legacy, we are brought back to his deep influence on forming Sikh identity and motivating future generations to embrace the values of honesty and kindness. At its core, the story of Banda Singh Bahadur goes beyond the present and continues to motivate people around the globe to oppose wrongs and oppression, reflecting the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh: “When oppression prevails over humanity, it is the responsibility of the good to fight back, even to the point of death.”[I]
(Author Vivek Raina is Manager Outreach & Dissemination at CIHS)