ÇÃ¾Ö ÇÂÇåÔÅÃ

1699 - 1708 AD

Sikh History
1699-1708 AD
By - Commander Balvir Singh
 Disclaimer

• Guru Gobind Singh in 1708 conferred the title of Guru of the

Sikhs upon the Adi Granth. Sikhs since then have accepted the
Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture, as their eternal-living
guru, as the embodiment of the ten Sikh Gurus.
• Sikhs do not worship any pictures or Idols of Gurus. In this
booklet Some un-verified pictures of Sikh Gurus have been
used just to understand history / teachings of Gurus.
 History of Anandpur Sahib
• Anandpur Sahib was founded on a piece of land purchased by
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji in June 1665.
• After the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji by the order of
Aurangzeb on 11th November 1675, Guru Gobind Singh stayed
at Anandpur Sahib till Dec 1699.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji constructed forts for the defence of the
city. During this period it became most important religious centre
of Sikhs.
• Guru Gobind Singh gave a new concept of “Saint and
Soldier” to the Sikhs. Sikhs while following the path laid by Sri
Guru Nanak prepared themselves to be physically strong by
participating in various Games, Horse riding and training on use
of weapons.
 Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib

*Image via Bing

 @ Anandpur Sahib
• Neighbouring Pahari Rajas, the Nawabs of the Mughal Empire saw
the growing popularity of Tenth Guru and strength of Sikhs as a treat
to their rule. As a result, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was drawn into many
battles.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji fought 14 battles during his lifetime. Some of
the important battles before 1699 AD were fought at Bangni, Nadun,
Guler / Husani and first battle of Anandpur Sahib. After 1699 AD 2nd
battle of Anandpur, Chamkaur, Basuli and Mukatsar were fought by
him. It is a fact that even after winning all battles not an inch of
enemy land was taken over by the Sikhs.
• Seeing the growth of Sikhism under Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji ,
Aurangzeb in 1693, issued an order banning all large gatherings of
Sikhs such as during the festival of Baisakhi, Hola mahala and near
Diwali. The Sikhs who visited him from far-off places were harassed
and looted enroute.
Pragtiyo Khalsa Parmatam Ki Mauj*
• Guru Ji had a plan to create Khalsa from all sections of society
including from the downtrodden. A Khalsa who will have a distinct
appearance, live with self respect, neither threatens nor fear from
anybody, truly a combination of Saint and Soldier.
• He send message to Sikhs all across India to come to the Anandpur
Sahib on the Baisakhi (13th April 1699).
• After the morning devotions and Kirtan, he suddenly stood up with a
drawn sword in hand and to quote Bhai Santokh Singh, from “Sri Gur
Suraj Prakash Granth” said: “The entire sangat is very dear to me;
but is there a devoted Sikh who will give his head to me here and
now? A need has arisen at this moment which calls for a head
(Sacrifice).”
------------------
* The heading literally means Khalsa came into its existence by
the will of God.
Bhai Daya Ram a Khatri native of Lahore came forward and offered his head.
He walked behind the Guru to a tent. After a while Guru Gobind Singh
returned with his sword dripping blood and demanded an another head
Guru Gobind Singh Ji repeated his calls. This time Dharam Das, a Jat from Hastinapur,
emerged from the audience and followed the Guru. He gave three more calls, Muhkam
Chand, a cloth-printer from Dwaraka, Himmat Rai, a water-bearer from Jagannath, and
Sahib Chand, a barber from Bidar, stood up one after another and came forward to offer
their heads.

*Image via Bing

*Image via Bing

The Guru then prepared Amrit. He put water into an iron bowl, stirred the water
with a Khanda (Double edged sword) while reciting sacred verses the Japji Sahib,
Jap Sahib, Anand Sahib, Swayye and the Chaupai Sahib. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji put
puffed sugar in the bowl.
*Image via Bing

The Amrit was ready and the Guru asked the five to repeat
"Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh" while he took the
Amrit in the palms of his hands and gave them. He gave them a new
name - 'Singh’ to be affixed with their name.
*Image via Bing

Then he himself sought to be given Amrit by Panj Piyare. He became

a Guru and Sikhs at the same time. He established a principle of
supremacy of Five (Panj Piyare) in the Sikh religion.
 Unique identity of Khalsa
• Guru gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable and distinct identity.
The Guru gave the gift of Bana (distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear).
• He also offered five emblems representing purity and courage. These
symbols worn by all baptized Sikhs sexes are known as Five Ks: Kesh
(unshorn hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (iron bracelet) , Kirpan
(sword) and Kachera (underwear). By being identifiable, no Sikh could
never hide behind cowardice again.
• A set of rules to do and not to do in their life was taught to Sikhs.
• This was the greatest gift of the Guru Gobind Singh to uplift the society
and eliminate the anomalies caused by the Caste system and Political
tyranny. This event strengthened the path of Sikhism laid by Sri Guru
Nanak Dev Ji.
 Unique Identity – Cont.
• The constitution of the Panj Piyare was furthered the cause of Sikhism
which flourished now as the words fifth and newest religion.
• The people from the high and low castes were amalgamated into one
Khalsa. Among the Panj Piyare, there was one Khatri (shopkeeper); one
Jat (farmer); one Chhimba (calico printer/tailor); one Ghumar (water-
carrier) and one Nai (barber) .
• The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took
the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind
Singh.
• He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them
the surname Kaur (Princess).
• With the distinct Khalsa identity and consciousness of purity Guru
Gobind Singh gave all Sikhs the opportunity to live lives of courage,
sacrifice, and equality.
 First Battle of Anandpur
• The event of 13 April 1699 triggered Aurangzeb and his local
chieftain and Hindu kings around Anandpur to oppose Guru
Gobind Singh as a very large number of people were coming in
the fold of Sikhism. This led to a number of battles fought at
Anandpur Sahib.
• First Battle of Anandpur (1700), was fought by Sikhs defending
themselves from the Mughal army of Aurangzeb, who had sent
10,000 soldiers under the command of Painda Khan and Dina
Beg.
• In a direct combat between Guru Gobind Singh and Painda
Khan, the latter was killed. His death led to the Mughal army
fleeing the battlefield.
The Siege of Anandpur Sahib

1704
(May to Dec 1704)
 The Siege
• After the defeat of Mughal army led by Saiyad Khan and then by Ramjan
Khan in early 1704 AD, Aurangzeb sent a larger army with two generals,
Wazir Khan and Zaberdast Khan in May 1704 to eliminate the Sikh
resistance.
• The hill chiefs Raja Ajmer Chand of Kahlur, Rajas of Kangra, Kullu,
Kionthal, Mandi, Jammu, Nurpur, Chamba, Guler, Garhwal, Bijharwal,
Darauli and Dadhwal joined Mughal forces at Anandpur Sahib. They
were also joined by the Gujars and the Ranghars of the area, and all of
them formed a formidable force.
• The imperial army of the Nawab of Sirhind, Lahore and Kashmir also
joined the Mughal forces.
• The approach the combined forces was to lay a protracted siege of
Anandpur and defeat Sikhs. The siege was started in May and continued
till December 1704.
 The Siege-2
• This siege continued over a period of 6 months resulted in cutting off
food and other supplies to Anandpur Sahib. After some time the Food
position became extremely critical, Sikhs were then driven to undertake
some dangerous expeditions to snatch provisions from the besiegers.
• However, the Sikhs displayed exemplary courage to defend Anandpur
Sahib from Mughal’s. History has recorded many stories of individual
bravery by Sikhs during that period.
• A long siege without any achievement was a concern for the enemy
forces as Jahangir was expecting a quick victory over Guru Gobind
Singh. Raja Ajmer Chand sent his envoy to Guru Gobind Singh and
conveyed that if Guru Ji leaves Anandpur they will not be harmed, The
Mughals will withdraw and he could return to Anandpur whenever he
pleased. The Guru did not pay any heed to this proposal as he was sure
of their bad intentions.
 The Siege -3
• At last came a letter duly signed by the Aurangzeb to the Guru.
He writes “I have sworn on the Quran not to harm you. If I do,
may I not find a place in God’s court hereafter. Cease warfare
and come to me. If you do not desire to come hither, then go
whithersoever you please.”
• The Emperor’s envoy promised that he would not harm the
Guru. The hill Rajas also swore by the cow and called their idols
to witness, that they would allow safe passage to the Guru.
• During the siege some Sikh men also deserted the Guru during
Anandpur siege in 1704, and escaped to their homes. (Their
women led by Mata Bhago Ji shamed them and they re-joined
the Guru's army and died fighting for him at Muktsar Sahib).
 Stories of
Individual bravery
of Sikhs
 Bhai Udai Singh Ji
• He was son of S Mony Ran Ji and
brother of Bhai Baichter Singh Ji .
He was always with Guru Gobind
Singh Ji and participated in all the
battles during siege of Anandpur
Sahib.
• He killed Raja Balia Chand when he
attacked Guru Gobind Singh. He
also killed Raja Kesari Chand during
the period of siege.
• When Guru ji left Anandpur , He
accompanied him and was
martyred saving Baba Ajit Singh Ji
near Sirsa river.
 Bhai Baichter Singh Ji
• He single handedly
turned back a drunken
elephant sent by the
Mughals to attack Sikh
army.
• Bhai sahib with his
Nagni (weapon) rode a
horse and turned it
back towards them.
Bhai Khania Ji íÅÂÆ Øé·ÂÆÁÅ ÜÆ
• During the daily skirmishes at Anadpur
Bhai Kanhaiya carried a mashak (a water
jacket made of leather) in the battle field
to serve water to anyone who was thirsty
irrespective of whether he was Sikh or
Mughal.
• When Some Sikh soldiers brought it to the
notice of Guru Ji. Guruji was pleased with
his action and asked him to carry
medicines for the wounded soldiers as
well.
• Bhai Khanya Ji laid foundation of equally
treating wounded, surrendered or fallen
soldiers of both side at Anandpur Sahib.
Later this model was adopted by Red Cross
and Geneva convention for the soldiers at
war between countries in 19’s .
 Leaving Anandpur on
20th Dec 1704

• Towards the end, the Guru Ji accepted the offer of Aurangzeb

of safe passage out of Anandpur.
• On the fateful night of 20th December 1704 Guru Ji vacated
Anandpur Sahib in two Groups were.
• The first consisted of the family and Guru Ji's two younger
sons. A large volume of literature and manuscript prepared by
Guru Ji were also being transported. Bhia Uday Singh and 200
Sikhs were given the responsibility to protect them.
• The second consisted of Guru Ji, his two elder sons, Panj Piarye
and 400 Sikhs.
 Hot pursuit by Mughal’s

• The moment the enemy got the news of Guru’s departure, they
forgot all their pledges and set out in hot pursuit of Guru Ji
immediately.
• The rear guard of the convey was protected under the command
of Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Bhai Udai Singh. A bloody battle was
fought at the Shahi Tibbi near Kiratpur Sahib.
• While the battle of Shahi Tibbi was in progress, the Guru had
reached the bank of Sirsa river in early hours of day. They
stopped there for Asa Di war and Nitnem, news of enemy troops
reaching the site was received.
• Bhai Jiwan Singh, a Rangretta Sikh, was given a band of one
hundred warriors to stop the enemy. The remaining reached on
the bank of Sirsa, The Guru and Sikhs had to cross the flooded
Sirsa river.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji crossing the Sirsa river
with family & his Khalsa’s
 Crossing Sirsa river (20/21 Dec 1704)

• Guru Ji with remaining people plunged into the flooded Sirsa

river. The flood was so strong that many were drowned and
others scattered in different directions.
• Mata Gujri Ji with two younger sons of Guru Ji Baba Zorawar
Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji were separated from the main
group and were in company of Gangu (their cook).
• Guru ke Mahal Mata Sundri Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur landed at a
far off place with a few Sikhs. They headed for Delhi.
• The Guru Ji accompanying his two eldest sons and some Sikhs
reached the village Ghanaula on the other side of Sirsa river.
Guru Ji decided to face the enemy from the Garhi of Chamkaur.
• There was a heavy loss of valuable, literature and property
while crossing the river.
@ Chamkur di Garhi
Mughal forces surrounded the Garhi
 Battle of Chamkaur Sahib
21 Dec 1704
• Guru Gobind Singh defended his position with 42
Sikhs in a day long battle with a very large Mughal
forces who had surrounded his position.
• As a part of strategy a group of only five Sikh warriors
were sent out of the Garhi at a time who fought
bravely till achieving martyrdom.
• After a few batches attained martyrdom Baba Ajit
Singh (18 Years) elder son of Guru Gobind Singh elder
son took his fathers permission to lead the next group
and attain martyrdom.
Sahibzada (Baba) Ajit Singh Ji at Chamkaur
(21 Dec 1704)
 Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji

• Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji was Guru Ji's eldest son, born to Mata
Sundhri Ji on 9th November 1686 at Anandpur Sahib. He
received Amrit from the Panj Piyare in 1699.
• In the battle of Sirsa he had commanded the rear guard of Guru
Ji's camp. At the Chamkaur fortress S.Ajit Singh Ji had seen the
Sikh warriors go out in fives and die heroic deaths. He
approached his father and asked if he could be next. Guru Ji took
him in his arms and blessed him. Guru Ji sent him out with five
Sikhs - Alim Singh, Jawahar Singh, Dhyan Singh, Sukha Singh and
Bir Singh.
• The enemy fell before them as shrubs in a wind storm as they
fought with great valour. When their arrows had been spend and
swords broken they fell one by one. Sahibzada Ajit Singh at the
tender age of 18 years died in the battle.
Sahibzada (Baba) Jujhar Singh Ji
(21 Dec 1704)
 Sahibzada (Baba) Jujhar Singh Ji

• Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji was Guru Gobind Singh Ji's second son.
Born on 27th November 1690 to Mata Jito Ji at Anandpur Sahib.
He received Amrit from the Panj Piyare in 1699.
• By the time Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji had fallen in battle at
Chamkaur there were only 10 Sikhs left in the fortress. Sahibzada
Jujhar Singh Ji had watched his brother and Sikhs attaining
Martyrdom approached his father and asked him to follow his
brother.
• Guru Ji embraced him and blessed him to go to battle field with
other five Sikhs. The enemy dropped on them like the monsoon
rains. Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji leapt into the enemy ranks and
fought fearlessly.
• Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji at the tender age of 14 years on 21
Dec1604 fell in battle as befitting a son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
 Martyrs of Chamkaur Sahib
• Guru Gobind Singh's warrior sons and a handful of Sikhs could hold their
position against a much larger and strong Mughal forces in a day long
battle speaks volumes about their skills and courage.
• They fearlessly embraced Martyrdom rather than to surrender. The names
of those who embraced Martyrdom at Chamkaur Sahib will remain etched
in the history of Sikhs with golden letters.
• Daan Singh, Dhyan Singh, Khazan Singh, Mukham Singh, Himmat Singh
(both among Panj Piare), Deva Singh and Ishar Singh, Amolak Singh, Anand
Singh, Lal Singh, Kesar Singh, Kirat Singh, Muhar Singh, Ajit Singh, the 18-
year old, eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh, led a charge with Alim Singh, Bir
Singh, Dhyan Singh, Jawahir Singh, Sukha singh and Bir Singh flanking him.
Last to leave the Gari to fight was Zarowar Singh, the 14-year-old, second
son of Guru Gobind Singh were prominent among those who attained
martyrdom.
 Decision of Panj Piara
• As the daylight on 21 Dec 1704 faded into dusk, the remaining
warriors desired Guru Gobind Singh to make a safe get away.
The Guru declined, expressing his wish to remain with his
beloved devotees until his last breath.
• Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Man Singh, Sangat Singh,
and Sant Singh, held a council and formally ordered Guru
Gobind Singh to leave the Garhi for the Chardi Kala of
the Khalsa Panth.
• Bhai Sangat Singh dressed in the robe of Guru Gobind Singh
remained in the Garhi to disguise enemy about Guru Gobind
Singh’s presence there.
 Sangat Singh Ji
(22 Dec 1604)

• Guru Gobind Singh obeying the

dictate of Panj Piyara strapped his
Armor and placed his feathered
plume in the crest of the turban
of Bhai Sangat Singh.
• Sangat Singh climbed to a
prominent place where he could
be seen by the enemy in the last
remnants of the day and held the
Guru's golden tipped arrow high
over head.
• He was martyred the next day as
lone Sikh holding the fort.
 Guru Gobind Singh Ji leaves Garhi
• On the night of 21st Dec 1705 , Guru Ji releases his arrows into
the enemy camp shattering peace of enemy camp. Guru Ji
came out of the Gari and said loudly that “Hind da Peer” is
leaving.
• The three remaining Sikhs disguised themselves with fallen
Mughal soldiers garb ran through the sleeping enemy camp
calling out that the Guru had escaped. Confusion ensued and
Mughal soldiers mistakenly fell upon and slew each other in
the darkness.
• In the darkness of night Guru Ji left for Machiwara. All the
three Sikhs later joined Guru Ji at Machiwara as planned.
 ਗੰ ਜ-ਏ-ਸ਼ਹੀਦਾਂ - ਅੱ ਲ੍ਹਾ ਯਾਰ ਖ਼ਾਂ ਜਗਗੀ

Says - Alha Yar Khan Jogi

ਬੱ ਸ ਏਕ ਹਹਿੰ ਦ ਮੇਂ ਤੀਰਥ ਹੈ
ਯਾਤਰਾ ਕੇ ਲੀਯੇ । “There is just one place of
ਕਟਾਏ ਬਾਪ ਨੇ ਬੱ ਚੇ ਜਹਾਂ religious importance in India.
ਖ਼ੁਦਾ ਕੇ ਲੀਯੇ । The place where a father
sacrificed his sons for the sake
ਚਮਕ ਹੈ ਹਮਹਰ ਕੀ ਚਮਕੌਰ of Nation and religion.
ਤੇਰੇ ਜ਼ੱ ਰੋਂ ਮੇਂ,
ਯਹੀਂ ਸੇ ਬਨ ਕੇ ਸਤਾਰੇ ਗਏ Chamkaur you have the
ਸਮਾੱ ਕੇ ਲੀਯੇ । blessing of God from where
sons of Guru Gobind and set
themselves with the ever
(117) shining stars in the beautiful
sky.”
 Mata Gujri Ji and Sahibzade

• Mata Gujri Ji and two

Sahibzade were
separated from Guru Ji
while crossing the river
Sirsa. They were in the
company of Guru Ji’s
Cook Gangu a brahmin.
• He asked Mataji to
accompany him to his
village Kheri.
 Treachery of Gangu (Guru’s Cook)

• He put them up in his house and when he saw Mata Ji

carrying some valuable items, He forgot about his
services to the family and the same night he stole the
money of Mataji and informed Kotwali of having family
of Guru in house to earn the reward money announced
to capture Guru and his family members.
• Soldiers came to arrest them on 23 Dec 1604 and took
them to Sirhind
Baba Zoravar Singh & Baba Fateh Singh with grand
mother Mata Gujri Ji were imprisoned at an
Open Cold Burj in Sirhind (24-26 Dec 1704)
Moti Mehra served milk to the sons of Guru Gobind
Singh Ji and their Grandmother
• Bhai Moti Mehra a Sikh,
risked his life, he sold his
precious holding to bribe
the security guards to serve
bowl of milk to Sahibzade
and Mata Gujri Ji.
• He did this for the three
days during their captivity in
tower at Sirhind.
• Bhai Moti Mehra and his
wife were killed by the
Nawab after he came to
know that they served Mata
Ji and Sahibzade at the Burj.
In the court of Nawab sons of Guru displayed exemplary courage rejected any offer
of appeasement to accept Islam. The role played by Sucha Nand calling them son
of snake and by the Nawab of Malerkoltla refusing to kill them to avenge killing of
their brother by Guru Gobind Singh will remain alive in the memories of Sikhs
 The two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Sahibzada Zorawar
Singh (aged 9) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (aged 5) were bricked alive
on 27th Dec1604 at Sirhind for refusing to embrace Islam.
Mata Gujri also died in Cold Burj hearing the news of
grand sons death. (27 Dec 1704)
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji @ Machiware
 Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji @ Machiware

• Gurdwara Sri Charan Kanwal Sahib marks the site of the place where
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji stopped first to drink water and rest.
• Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Mani Singh re-joined
Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Received the news of Martyrdom of
Sahibzade and Mata Ji at this place. The Jand tree that Guru Ji rested
under is on the left of the Gurdwara Sahib. It is here that the Guru
sang the shabad 'Mitra Pyare Nu’.
• Gani Khan and Nabi Khan who were Horse traders and devoted to
Guru Gobind Singh met him at this place. Sensing danger to Guruji
they took him to their house and declared that they have “Uch Da
Peer” as their gust at home. (Uch is a place in southwest Punjab)
• Gani Khan, Nabi Khan, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai
Mani Singh carried Guru Gobind Singh out of Machhiwara in a
palanquin befitting a Saint. He moved on from there toward Mukatsar
Sahib.
Carried by Muslim brothers as
“Uch Da Peer”
 Last battle @ Sri Muktsar Sahib
May 1705
• It is known as the last battlefield of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This battle
was fought in May1705 A.D. proved to be a most decisive conflict in the
military history of the Sikhs.
• Muktsar was known as Khidrane De Dhab ਹਿਦਰਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਢਾਬ).
• The news of torture to the guru’s son and Sikhs spreaded like a wild fire
and Sikhs from all over regrouped near Kidrane Di Dhab under the
command of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Mata Bhago Ji brought back a group
of 40 Sikhs led by Maha Singh who had left Guru Ji at Anandpur Sahib
during the siege to join again and fight for Guru.
• Guru Ji fought his last battle with the chasing Mughal forces at this
place. All the 40 Sikhs “Chalie Muktey” fought to death here against the
Mughals under the leadership of Guru Ji. After the war, the city was
renamed as Muktsar in their memory. The Mughal retreated never to
regroup against Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
40 Mukte : Under the command of Mai Bhago, all of them admitted their
mistake & returning back to Guru’s service. All of them sacrificed their
lives in the battle of Mukatsar. Guru Sahib forgave them & tore their
Bedawa (resignation).
Zafarnama (Gurmukhi: ਜ਼ਫ਼ਰਨਾਮਹ or ਜ਼ਫ਼ਰਨਾਮਾ, Persian: ‫ظفرنامہ‬
)means the "Declaration of Victory"

• Guru Gobind Singh Ji wrote a letter of Victory addressing it to

Aurangzeb. Guru Ji in the 111 verses of this letter in Persian
rebukes Aurangzeb for his weaknesses as a human being and for
excesses as a leader. Guru Ji confirms his confidence and his unflinching
faith in the Almighty even after suffering extreme personal loss.
• Of the 111 verses, the maximum numbers of 34 verses are to praise
God; 32 deal with Aurangzeb’s invitation for the Guru to meet him and
the Guru's refusal to meet the Emperor - instead Guruji
asks Aurangzeb to visit him going so far as to guarantee that no harm
will come to him.
• Though parts of the letter are an indictment of Aurangzeb and the
treachery of his Mughal Generals and forces, other parts of the letter
are like one from an older wiser brother to the other to return to the
fold of brotherly love and make things right between them again.
Guru Gobind Singh – Bhai Mani Singh Ji
• After the battle of Mukatsar, Guru
Ji came over to Talvandi Sabo a
small village and rested here for
over Fifteen months from June
1705 to Oct 1706.
• Damdama literally means resting
place. So, this place came to be
known as Damdama Sahib.
• During the period he recompiled
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by
inserting hymns of Guru Tegh
Bahadar Ji. Bhai Mani Singh Ji
wrote as Guru Ji recited .
(30th August 1706)
• This Takht was officially recognized
as the fifth Takht of Sikhism on 18
November 1966.
 Tour of North India (Oct 1606- June 1607)
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji travelled to many places in the North India after
leaving Damdama Sahib in October 1706.
• It was the period when When Bahadur Shah (Muazam )became the
Emperor after Aurangzeb he was the Governor of Kabul. His younger step-
brother, Azam Shah –the other son of Aurangzeb- was the Governor of the
south-eastern part of the empire. Azam Shah declared himself the next
Emperor and ascended a make-believe throne at Ahmadnagar though the
capital was Delhi.
• The war of succession continued for some time, during the period Bahadar
Shah sent a request to Guru Gobind Singh for military help. Guru Sahib was
by then camping at Sirsa. The request for military help was unusual. A
change of attitude was, perhaps, necessitated after the Mughal
Commanders observed the fighting tenacity of the Guru’s followers.
• Guru Gobind Singh agreed to give military support on two conditions:
Firstly, when he becomes the Emperor, he would treat all his non-Muslim
subjects as equals and Secondly, he would hand over to the Guru all those
who committed atrocities upon his Sikhs.
 towards Delhi- Agra (July 1707).
• After Muazam agreed to the two conditions, a Jatha (Group or Troop) of
Sikhs blessed by Guru Gobind Singh was sent. The crucial battle was fought
at a place called Jajuwan -north of Agra- on 19 June 1707 and Muazam was
victorious. To permanently remove any challengers to the throne, Muazam
executed his younger step-brother Azam Shah and his two sons.
• After Muazam became the Emperor, Guru Gobind Singh went from Sirsa
and to Moti Bagh in Delhi where a Gurdwara stands on the Ring Road now.
• Then, on invitation from Bahadur Shah, he went to Agra (July 1707). The
Mughal Emperor received him very courteously in the Durbar getting up
from his throne to do so and offered a seat which was never done.
• Then he presented Guru Gobind Singh with a Khilat -a trail of expensive
gifts. The Khilat also included a Saif (equivalent of the Indian Khanda or the
European Broad Sword) shown below which once belonged to Hazrat Ali,
the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. The Saif was sent to Aurangzeb by
the Caliph of Baghdad in appreciation of his efforts to spread Islam in India.
It’s now preserved among the weapons of Guru Gobind Singh at Keshgarh
Sahib Gurdwara in Punjab, India.
 Reached Nanded Sahib (Sept 1708)
• After presentation of the Khilat, Guru Gobind Singh reminded the Emperor
of the two conditions he had agreed upon, but Bahadur Shah remained
noncommittal. The Emperor requested Guru Sahib to accompany him
towards the Deccan, the southern peninsula of India, where the Mughals
were fighting the Marathas in the present-day hinterland of Bombay.
During their company together Guru Gobind Singh reminded him about
his promises on several occasions, but Bahadur Shah evaded the subject.
When he found him backtracking on his word, Guru Gobind Singh parted
his company and headed towards Nanded. He reached there in Sept 1708.
• At Nanded in the first week of Sept’1708, a Bairagi Sadhu Madho Dass was
baptized to Sikhism by Guru Gobind Singh ji and was given a new name
Banda Singh Bahadur. He was blessed and tasked to go to Punjab with a
select Sikh and punish all those responsible for killing of Sikhs and
Sahibzade.
Guru Gobind Singh – Baba Banda Singh Bahadar
 Guru Gobind Singh @ Nanded
• Wazir Khan the Nawab of Sirhind, against whose army the Guru had fought
several wars, commissioned two Afghans, Jamshed Khan and Wasil Beg, to
follow the Guru's army to assassinate the Guru.
• The two secretly pursued the Guru whose troops were in the Deccan area of
India and entered the camp when the Sikhs had been stationed near
river Godavari for months.
• They gained access to the Guru and Jamshed Khan stabbed him with a fatal
wound at Nanded.
• According to Senapati in Sri Gur Sobha, the fatal wounds of the Guru was
deep below his heart. The Guru fought back and killed the assassin, while the
assassin's companion was killed by the Sikh guards as he tried to escape.
• Seeing his time coming to end, Guru Gobind Singh declared the holy Sri Guru
Granth Sahib as the successor to him and ended the line of personal
leadership at Nanded on 05th Oct 1708 two days before his death.
 Guru Gobind Singh declared the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib
as the successor to him
• He called his fellow Sikhs to come and then opened the Granth Sahib, placed
five paise and solemnly bowed to it as his successor, GURU GRANTH SAHIB.
Saying 'Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh', he walked around the
Guru Granth Sahib and proclaimed, "Agya bhai Akal ki tabhi chalayo Panth
Sabh Sikhan ko hukam hai Guru manyo Granth Guru Granth Ji manyo pargat
Guran ki deh Jo Prabhu ko milbo chahe khoj shabad mein le Raj karega
Khalsa aqi rahei na koe Khwar hoe sabh milange bache sharan jo hoe."
Translation of the above:
"Under orders of the Immortal Being, the Panth was created. All the Sikhs are
enjoined to accept the Granth as their Guru. Consider the Guru Granth as
embodiment of the Gurus. Those who want to meet God, can find Him in its
hymns. The Khalsa shall rule, and its opponents will be no more, Those
separated will unite and all the devotees shall be saved."
• A few days later, while stringing a bow, the stitches of his wound were
reopened. Eventually, on 7th October 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji breathed his
last
“Agya bhai Akal ki tabhi chalayo Panth Sabh Sikhan ko hukam
hai Guru manyo Granth” by; Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
 Khalsa Raj
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji died on 07 October 1708. His death fueled a long
and bitter war of the Sikhs with the Mughals. A very large number of
Sikhs came under the command of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar. He
demolished Mughals and captured all important towns and princely
states of Mughal in North India in very short span of time.
• On 12 May 1710 Battle of “ Chapar Chiri” was fought between the
two powerful forces of the Sikh and Mughal. Baba Banda Singh
Bahadar killed Wazir Khan the Nawab of Sirhind.
• Sirhind was won after two days on 14th May 1710. Baba Banda Singh
Bahadar unfurled Nishan Sahib on the fort of Sirhind. He established
Khalsa Raj in India in just 19 months and punished all responsible for
atrocities to the Guru and Sikhs.
…..End…
From the writer:
This booklet is dedicated to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four
Sahebzade. An effort has been made to present Sikh History between 1699 to 1708 in a
chronological order. It is hoped that this will help younger generation to understand and
encourage them to read more on subject.

You are welcome to send suggestion. If you like this small booklet, please froward to your
friends and family members. Thanks

by:
Commander Balvir Singh
737 Urban Estate Phase I, Jalandhar.
E-mail- balvir57@gmail.com

15 December 2021