Dear Editor,
A large number of Sikhs under Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Baghel Singh entered the Red Fort on March 11, 1783. The then Emperor Shah Alam and his courtiers sneaked into their abodes. The Sikhs installed Ahluwalia chief on the Mughal throne in Diwan-e-Aam as the Badshah of Delhi. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and some other Sikh sardars did not like this and both sides drew out swords. To avoid any conflict, Ahluwalia left the throne. The Sikhs then started looting articles they found there. At the behest of Begum Samru, whom the Emperor called his daughter, the Sikhs made peace with him. A large number of Sikhs left Delhi.
Baghel Singh, with his 4,000 men, remained there to build seven historical gurdwaras, including Bangla Sahib, Rakib Ganj and Sisganj. It was a remarkable achievement.
Bhagwant Singh
Via-e-mail
