Battle of Lahira

Battle of Lahira
Date 15 October 1634 [1] or 1631 [2] Location Bathinda Result Sikh victory [3]
Belligerents
Akal Sena (Sikhs) Kangra State	Mughal Empire
Commanders and leaders
Guru Hargobind Bidhi Chand  (WIA) Bhai Jetha  † Bhai Jati Mal (WIA) Painde Khan Rai Jodh (WIA)	Shah Jahan Lala Beg  † Kamar Beg  † Kasam Beg  † Samas Beg  † Kabul Beg  † [2]
Strength
3,000 Sikhs 1,000 Kangra soldiers [4]	Unknown
Casualties and losses
1,200 killed or wounded [5]	Heavy, more numerous then the Sikhs [5]

The Battle of Lahira, also known as the Battle of Gurusar or the Battle of Mehraj, was fought between the Mughal Empire and Sikhs assisted by the Kangra State in 1631 or 1634. ^[6]

Background

One of Guru Hargobind devoted Sikhs, Sadh (also called Sadah or Sadhu), was assigned to bring horses from Central Asia. According to Mohsin Fani, just after Sadh left Amritsar, he received news that his young son had fallen seriously ill and was asked to return home. However, Sadh was so dedicated to the Guru that he refused, saying that if his son died, there was enough wood at home for his cremation. He continued his journey, and although his son passed away, he did not turn back. Sadh first traveled to Balkh but did not find the quality of horses he was looking for. He then went to Iraq, where he bought three fine horses. On his way back, he traveled with Mohsin Fani from Kabul to Lahore. Mohsin Fani described Sadh as someone who remained happy in good times and did not lose heart in difficult situations. ^{[7] [8]}

At Lahore, the Governor, Khalil Beg, seized two of Sadh’s horses, Dilbagh and Gulbagh. Another Sikh, Bidhi Chand, was assigned to recover them. Mohsin Fani mentions that Bidhi Chand had been a thief in his early life. The Guru often sent him to punish wrongdoers. He once told Bidhi Chand that his disciples would not have to justify their actions on Judgment Day. Bidhi Chand disguised himself and took a job in the Lahore fort, first as a groom and then as a tracker. Over time, he managed to escape with both horses, one after the other. The Guru later renamed them Janbhai and Suhela. Guru Hargobind also recruited a Pathan soldier, Paindah Khan, for five rupees a day. Paindah Khan’s mother had been the Guru’s wet nurse, and he had been a childhood friend of Hargobind. The Guru treated him well, giving him a house and a buffalo for milk. ^{[8] [7]}

Battle

Knowing the Mughal Empire’s strength and his own limited resources, the Guru anticipated an attack. He took refuge in the Lakhi Jungle between Firozpur and Bhatinda. As expected, the Lahore Governor sent a strong force after him. Kamar Beg and Lal Beg led an army that crossed the Sutlej River, but their soldiers suffered due to a lack of food and the tough journey. The Guru retreated deeper into the region of the Brar Jats, a strong warrior community who supported the Sikhs because of Guru Amar Das’s missionary system. The Sikhs ambushed the enemy and won the battle but lost 1,200 soldiers. This fight took place near Lahara Gaga on December 16, 1634. ^{[8] [7]}

Afternath

The Guru then moved north, with the Mughals still chasing him. Another battle took place, and at that site, he built a water tank called Gurusar Sahib, near the village of Nathana. Mohsin Fani wrote that Khalil Beg’s unjust actions did not bring him success. That same year, his son, who had played a role in the incident, died, and Khalil Beg himself faced humiliation and disgrace. ^{[8] [7]}

References

1. Dalbir Singh Dhillon (1988). Sikhism, Origin and Development. Atlantic Publishers. p. 119.
2. Gurbilas Patashai 6 Chapter 19
3. Surjit Singh Gandhi (2007). History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. pp. 820–821. ISBN   9788126908585.
4. Gandhi, Surjit Singh (2007). History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. ISBN   978-81-269-0858-5.
5. Gandhi 2007, p. 541.
6. Pruthi, Raj (2004). Sikhism and Indian Civilization. Discovery Publishing House. ISBN   978-81-7141-879-4.
7. Gupta, Hari (2008). History of the Sikhs Vol I The Sikh Gurus, 1469-1708. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 168-169. ISBN   978--81-215-0276-4.
8. Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 62-63. ISBN   978-0-19-567308-1 . Retrieved 1 April 2011.