Er. Kanwal J.S.Soodan
Guru Gobind Singh who baptised five Singhs (Pyaras) and laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth on 13th of April 1699, had four sons namely Baba Ajit Singh (Mother Mata Sundri) Age 17 Yrs, Baba Jujhar Singh, (Mother Mata Jitto) Age 13 Yrs, Baba Zorawar Singh, (Mother Mata Jitto) Age 9 Yrs, Baba Fateh Singh (Mother Mata Jitto) Age 6 Yrs.
In very early stage of life Baba Ajit Singh was cared, nurtured and trained by Bhai Jeta Singh and Maha Singh for horse riding, weaponry etc. Hilly Chiefs attacked Taragarh Fort, when Baba Ajit Singh at the age of 13 yrs fought with great courage and bravery. Juber Khan was captured alive after fierce fighting and handed him over to his father Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh were cared and nurtured by their grandmother (Mata Gujar Kour ) as their mother Mata Jitto had left for heavenly abode. In 1699 on the Baisakhi day under the guidance and support from Mata Gujri all four grandsons were baptized to the fold of Khalsa Panth.
Establishment of Khalsa Panth and their growing fame and number, frustrated Aurangzeb whose force with the active support of hilly chiefs, encircled Anandpur Sahib Fort in 1704 December so as to capture Guru Gobind Singh. Since the Mugals could not enter the Fort during 7 long months besiege, they entered into a treaty swearing over the holy book of Quran that if the Sikh force vacates Fort, they will be given safe passage. Based on this treaty the Guru Gobind Singh Ji decided to vacate the fort and move to Kiratpur.
No sooner the Guru Ji with his family and 40 Sikhs came out of the Fort the Mughal forces and those of Hilly Chiefs launched their attack breaking all the promises and pledges and there was a fierce battle at Chamkore Sahib. Guru Gubind Singh Ji’s two elder Sahibzadas Baba Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh attained martyrdom while fighting with 10 lakh army of Mughals and Hilly Chiefs. In Memory of this Shaheedi Gurudwara ‘Katalgarh Sahib’ and ‘Garhi Sahib’ are still there at Chamkor Sahib. Guru ji on the order of 5 Piyaras moved to Machhi wara.
Guru Ji’s family was scattered while crossing Sirsa River and younger to Sahibzadas Jorawar Singh and Fateh Singh alongwith Mata Gujri Ji reached village Saheri where they met their old cook Gangu Ram. Mata Gujri requested him to take them to Kiratpur but instead he took them to his own home and later handed over to Mughal forces after snatching their valuable belongings. Mughals arrested Mata Gujri and two younger Sahibzadas and kept them in Morinda Kotwali on 24th December 1704 where Gurudwara Kotwali Sahib still exists.
Suba Wazir Khan asked the Sahibzadas to adopt Islam but the Sahibzadas refused. He tried to lure them by offering with most attractive offerings but they did not accept anything. Finally they were buried alive in the wall though it was anti Islamic Act as told by Nawab Malerkotla to Subedar Wazir Khan. Both these Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri attained martyrdom on 28th December, 1704.
Yogi Allah Yar Khan writes.
“Bus ek hind me Tirath hai yatra ke liye.
Kataye Bache Baap ne jahan Khuda ke liye”
(There is only one pilgrimage in India where father has sacrificed his own sons for the sake of righteousness and religion.
In conclusion the Martyrdom of four sons and their grandmother was the turning point in Indian Sub continent which is unparallel in the history till date. Their contribution and recognition which is highest of the times and even today for the cause of truth, righteousness, honesty, integrity compassion of the times to build.
Next side Mata Gujri along with younger grandons’ Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh reached the village “SAHERI” where Mata met their old cook Gangu Ram” Mata requested Ganga Ram to lead them to Kiratpur Sahib to meet his son Guru Gobind Singh.
When Ganga Ram see some valuables with Mata ‘g’ of He got greedy then he said when Mughal forces got away I will lead you to Kiratpur Sahib. Till then you stay away with me at my place. At night he stole away all their belonging, But Mata sees all with her own eyes. Next day Mata narrated the night scene to Gangu ram. He got frustrated and furious. In retaliation Ganga Ram informed the Incharge of Suba-Sirhind at “Morinda”. That Guru Gobind Singh’s Mother and younger son are with him.
After some time the soldiers arrested all of them and imprisoned at Morinda Kotwali for a night (Next day they were taken to Sirhind. Saba-e-Sirhind was very happy to see them all. He ordered his soldiers to imprisoned all of them in high tower in open on 24th December 1704.
The treaty on the pages of Quran on 22nd December 1704 was written. They appealed Guru Gobind Singh to leave Anandpur Sahib you will be given safe passage. Then Guru ji ordered all their men to move towards Kiratpur Sahib, Mother of Guru Gobind Singh ji, wife, four sons, and forty Singhs left the fort for Kiratpur Sahib. On their way to Kiratpur Sahib, Mughal army breaking all their promises made Guru ji to surrender or all of your were killed, so with full faith and strength Baba Ajit Singh and Singhs decided not to surrender them. A battle was fought on the banks of River Sarsa and when the river was over flowing and all their family separated from each other.
Guru Gobindji along with two elder sons Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh and remaining Singhs reached Chamkor Sahib.
Mata Guruji and younger sons Baba Zorwar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh reached Village Saheri. Guru Gobind Singh wife and Bhai Mani Singh reached Delhi. Guru Gobind along with elder sons and 40 Singhs reached Chamkor Sahib. Next day long battle was fought with Mughal forces under the leadership of Wazir Khan with 10 lakh soldiers whole battle was seen from the top by Guru Gobind Singh , Baba Ajit Singh requested his father to sent him to battle field. Bhai Daya Singh requested Guru to move to some safer place form the battle field with their sons as there is no comparison for the enemy force of 10 lakhs. Guru replied what one you talking about all Singhs are my Sahibzaadas. Everybody will fight till their last breath. Fierce battle fought forwhole day with enemy forces till sunset and both their sons Baba Ajit Singh, Bab Juzar Singh Martyred. After sunset remaining Singhs requested Guru to leave as their leadership is much required for the Panth and people to lead. The 5 Singhs ordered Guru Ji to leave the field Guru left with 03 soldiers towards Machiwara Jungles.
All the remaining Singhs fought with full courage and bravery and attained Martyrdom.
Wazir Khan ordered not to give them any food and water and whosoever do that he will be punished severely. Bhai Moti Ram Mehra a cook in the Mughal forces was very fond of Guru Ji when he hear the news about all this he got very upset. Then defying the wazir order, he gave them hot milk for 2 nights and when the news reached Wazir Khan he executed the whole family of Moti Ram Mehra by crushing them in rolling wooden logs.
On 25th of December 1704 both sons Baba Zoarawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh were taken to the court of Wazir Khan. While entering the Courtroom both Sabizada’s presented themselves with great spirit and courage ( Jo Bole So Nihal, Satsriakal) Guru name is the only truth. Nawab Sucha Nand asked both to bow down in front of Wazir Khan they denied that they only bow before “God”.
Wazir Khan got furious on seeing all these happenings. All the people in the Courtroom got damaged to see all the happenings in the Court. Wazir Khan told them that all your family have been killed in the battle. Better to be in the fold of “Islaam” or you will be killed. We will spare your life if you embrace “Islaam” But or no anvil. They sent them again to Mata Gujri at Cold high tower prison. They narrated the whole story of courtroom to Mata. Mata held both of them by her arm and told them kept the spirit of your grandfather and father alive. GOD bless you both with spirit of righteousness and courage. little one’s promised Dadi not to worry.
On 20th of December again they were taken to courtroom where certain privileges were promised if you converted to “Islaam” Then Wazir Khan said, what you do if you were set free. They said we again reassemble the Singh’s and fought against the oppression Mughal forces for the cause of Panth and people. On hearing there Wazir Khan got furious. Courtroom was full of peace to see amazing events happen. Then Nawab of “Malerkotla” appealed to Wazir Khan spare them. This is against the spirit of Islaam. What is their fault. Your animation is with their father But of No Anvil.
Wazir Khan ordered to buried them alive in brick wall. When brick wall was progressing. Again Wazir Khan asked them to Bow down to “Islaam” fold they denied. Then he ordered to cut off their heads. “Jallad” denied that it is against “Islaam”. So they called the imprisoned Sashe lBeigh, and Bashel Beigh” to cut off their heads. Moti Ram Mehra who was there to see all the events run away to inform Mata Gujri Ji about all this, but she already have taken journey to heaven.
“Diwan Todar Mal” played a pivotal role in acquiring the land for the dignified and honourble burial of Mata Gujri Ji, and grandsons. Wazir Khan laid a surprised demand to put Gold coins in vertical position instead of horizontal position for acquiring the land for burial. The price was paid by Diwan for an amount of 2 Billions (50 Crores) making it most expensive land purchased to date for such and small area. Sikhs Bow their heads and holds Dewan Todarmal in the highest regards and acknowledge his Supreme generosity displayed by him for acquiring the land for Burial of great Martyr.