Banda's Conquest on Sirhind
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Vir Banda Bahadur. (1901). [Miniature Painting, 36 x 29 cm] New Delhi, India: Academy of Fine Arts and Literature. |
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
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ਵੈਸਾਖ ੩੦ (May 12): The Conquest of Sirhind
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ਵੈਸਾਖ ੩੦ (May 12): The Conquest of Sirhind
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The twelfth day of May, according to the Gregorian Calendar, is a very significant date in Sikh history; this date is officially recognized as the day Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur won the battle of 'Chappar Chiri' and conquered the city of Sirhind. It is on this day that Wazir Khan was punished for the grave sin he committed when he ordered the execution of the two youngest sons of Srī Gurū Gobiʼnḏ Siʼngẖ Ji. When Gurū Ji heard the news of the martyrdom of their sons, they placed a curse upon the city of Sirhind. Whatever Gurū Ji say comes true, and so the days of Wazir Khan's rule and the reign of the Turks were now numbered. Later, after a meeting with the Gurū, it was determined that Baʼnḏā would be the one to bring justice to sinners like Wazir Khan and fulfill the Gurū's prophecy by destroying and ransacking the city of Sirhind. Both the city and the sinners had earned this fate when they allowed the occurrence of such an unlawful deed.
On the topic of Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur, it is important to note that despite proving such an excellent warrior and doing so much for the good of Sikhī, he remains a very controversial figure in Sikh history. All major Sikh historical pieces of literature present evidence of Baʼnḏā going against many tenets of Sikhī such as 'proclaiming himself the eleventh Gurū,' 'marrying multiple women,' 'becoming egoistic of his power,' 'distorting the Sikh greeting,' etc. Many scriptures express not only varying opinions on Baʼnḏā but also varying accounts of events such as the killing of Wazir Khan and the ransacking of Sirhind. Upon speculation, it is also noted that the dates for events such as the occupation of Sirhind vary among these scriptures. The 'Sri Gur Panth Prakash' of Rattan Singh Bhangoo, 'Sri Gur Panth Prakash' (Naveen), and 'Twarikh Guru Khalsa' of Giani Gian Singh all present incorrect dates for this event, as the years and months do not align when viewed with the context of Gurū Sāhib's departure for Sachkẖaʼnd. Some scriptures do not even mention a date. The date currently recognized for this event is the one presented by Dr. Ganda Singh, who has done extensive research on the history of Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur. Going back to the topic of Baʼnḏā's controversial actions, some scriptures may present certain facts as a form of bias against Baʼnḏā. In the eighteenth century, there seemed to be a split among the Khalsa on opinions of Baʼnḏā; the 'Tat Khalsa' was strictly against him. It is a possibility that this had influenced some Sikh scriptures such as the 'Sri Gur Panth Prakash' of Rattan Singh Bhangoo. This scripture is infamous for being very anti towards Baʼnḏā; so much so that it defames him in places not appropriate. The 'Panth Prakash' states that Baʼnḏā did not even destroy the city of Sirhind and kept it as it was; which has been proven factually incorrect. Alas, one cannot bash a scripture for mistakes like these; there are minor mistakes present in pretty much all historical scriptures. No scripture has been written completely accurately. I, like other scholars, will decide not to further challenge the writings of Rattan Singh Bhangoo. Going back to the 'Baʼnḏā' issue; although there are vast amounts of criticism of his various actions; it still is not completely confirmed whether Baʼnḏā was such an egoist and rebellious person after all. Ganda Singh published an amazing book on Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur based on sources outside of the Sikh Paʼnth which state that Baʼnḏā was on very good terms with the Khalsa Paʼnth. This book is hailed as one of the most accurate depictions of Baʼnḏā's history to date.
Moving away from tangents, I would now like to introduce the verses that have been translated for this event, as is always done on this blog. I believe that before making a conclusion on what is the most accurate and factual depiction of history, it is important to ensure that all perspectives of history are provided. I mentioned previously that a lot of Sikh scriptures present varying accounts of events such as the Battle of 'Chappar Chiri,' the killing of Wazir Khan, and the ransacking of Sirhind. I also covered that many of these scriptures also present inaccurate or no dates for these events, as well as descriptions of the misdeeds of Baʼnḏā; either factual or meant to defame his character. Bhangoo's 'Panth Prakash' tells the narrative from his perspective, as he had heard from his ancestors. The 'Suraj Prakash' of Kavi Santokh Singh presents narratives with history collected from a countless selection of sources as well as oral tradition. One particular perspective of the victory over Sirhind is often unheard of or spoken about. The 'Mahima Prakash' Granth of Sarup Das Bhalla offers a telling of this event in Punjabi verse. Although the particular excerpt from this scripture which tells of Wazir Khan's death and the victory over Sirhind is quite short, it does not fail to capture the essence of the narrative as well as provide an interesting perspective to the event. This is also one of the earliest known depictions of Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur's life. The 'Mahima Prakash' was written in 1776 AD while some of the better known scriptures such as the 'Panth Prakash' and 'Suraj Prakash' were written in the mid-1800s. Although there is mention of Baʼnḏā in even earlier scriptures such as the 'Gurbilas Patshahi 10,' this, as far as my research goes, is probably the first historical Sikh scripture to describe Baʼnḏā's history in detail. Hence, we shall now commence with an excerpt from 'The Tale of Baʼnḏā' according to the 'Mahima Prakash' Granth of Sarup Das Bhalla:
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On the topic of Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur, it is important to note that despite proving such an excellent warrior and doing so much for the good of Sikhī, he remains a very controversial figure in Sikh history. All major Sikh historical pieces of literature present evidence of Baʼnḏā going against many tenets of Sikhī such as 'proclaiming himself the eleventh Gurū,' 'marrying multiple women,' 'becoming egoistic of his power,' 'distorting the Sikh greeting,' etc. Many scriptures express not only varying opinions on Baʼnḏā but also varying accounts of events such as the killing of Wazir Khan and the ransacking of Sirhind. Upon speculation, it is also noted that the dates for events such as the occupation of Sirhind vary among these scriptures. The 'Sri Gur Panth Prakash' of Rattan Singh Bhangoo, 'Sri Gur Panth Prakash' (Naveen), and 'Twarikh Guru Khalsa' of Giani Gian Singh all present incorrect dates for this event, as the years and months do not align when viewed with the context of Gurū Sāhib's departure for Sachkẖaʼnd. Some scriptures do not even mention a date. The date currently recognized for this event is the one presented by Dr. Ganda Singh, who has done extensive research on the history of Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur. Going back to the topic of Baʼnḏā's controversial actions, some scriptures may present certain facts as a form of bias against Baʼnḏā. In the eighteenth century, there seemed to be a split among the Khalsa on opinions of Baʼnḏā; the 'Tat Khalsa' was strictly against him. It is a possibility that this had influenced some Sikh scriptures such as the 'Sri Gur Panth Prakash' of Rattan Singh Bhangoo. This scripture is infamous for being very anti towards Baʼnḏā; so much so that it defames him in places not appropriate. The 'Panth Prakash' states that Baʼnḏā did not even destroy the city of Sirhind and kept it as it was; which has been proven factually incorrect. Alas, one cannot bash a scripture for mistakes like these; there are minor mistakes present in pretty much all historical scriptures. No scripture has been written completely accurately. I, like other scholars, will decide not to further challenge the writings of Rattan Singh Bhangoo. Going back to the 'Baʼnḏā' issue; although there are vast amounts of criticism of his various actions; it still is not completely confirmed whether Baʼnḏā was such an egoist and rebellious person after all. Ganda Singh published an amazing book on Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur based on sources outside of the Sikh Paʼnth which state that Baʼnḏā was on very good terms with the Khalsa Paʼnth. This book is hailed as one of the most accurate depictions of Baʼnḏā's history to date.
Moving away from tangents, I would now like to introduce the verses that have been translated for this event, as is always done on this blog. I believe that before making a conclusion on what is the most accurate and factual depiction of history, it is important to ensure that all perspectives of history are provided. I mentioned previously that a lot of Sikh scriptures present varying accounts of events such as the Battle of 'Chappar Chiri,' the killing of Wazir Khan, and the ransacking of Sirhind. I also covered that many of these scriptures also present inaccurate or no dates for these events, as well as descriptions of the misdeeds of Baʼnḏā; either factual or meant to defame his character. Bhangoo's 'Panth Prakash' tells the narrative from his perspective, as he had heard from his ancestors. The 'Suraj Prakash' of Kavi Santokh Singh presents narratives with history collected from a countless selection of sources as well as oral tradition. One particular perspective of the victory over Sirhind is often unheard of or spoken about. The 'Mahima Prakash' Granth of Sarup Das Bhalla offers a telling of this event in Punjabi verse. Although the particular excerpt from this scripture which tells of Wazir Khan's death and the victory over Sirhind is quite short, it does not fail to capture the essence of the narrative as well as provide an interesting perspective to the event. This is also one of the earliest known depictions of Baʼnḏā Siʼngẖ Bahadur's life. The 'Mahima Prakash' was written in 1776 AD while some of the better known scriptures such as the 'Panth Prakash' and 'Suraj Prakash' were written in the mid-1800s. Although there is mention of Baʼnḏā in even earlier scriptures such as the 'Gurbilas Patshahi 10,' this, as far as my research goes, is probably the first historical Sikh scripture to describe Baʼnḏā's history in detail. Hence, we shall now commence with an excerpt from 'The Tale of Baʼnḏā' according to the 'Mahima Prakash' Granth of Sarup Das Bhalla:
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ਸਾਖੀ ਬੰਦੇ ਕੀ :--
"The Tale of Baʼnḏā"
ਆਪ ਨੇ ਬੰਦੇ ਕੋ ਜੋ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਭੇਜਾ ਥਾ।
ਅਬ ਉਸ ਕੀ ਕਥਾ ਸੁਨੋ।
"Thou [Gurū Gobiʼnḏ Siʼngẖ] hath sent Baʼnḏā to Punjab;
hence [the reader] shall listen to his tale."
ਜਾਤੇ ਹੀ ਸਿਰਹੰਦ ਕੋ ਮਾਰਾ ਵ ਲੂਟਾ।
ਹਜਾਰਾਂ ਮਲੇਛਾ ਕਾ ਨਾਸ ਕੀਆ ਫੇਰ ਬਟਾਲੇ ਕੋ ਮਾਰਾ।
"Upon going, they [Baʼnḏā and his army] destroyed and looted Sirhind.
They annihilated thousands of Malecẖẖas, then they destroyed Batala."
ਏਕ ਲੜਾਈ ਚਪਾ ਚਿੜੀ ਵਿਚ ਹੋਈ।
ਦੋ ਮਲੇਛ ਬਡੇ ਮਾਰੇ ਹੋਰ ਹਜਾਰਾਂ ਮਾਰੇ। ਫੇਰ ਬਨੂੜ ਆਏ।
"A battle occurred at Chappar Chiri.
They killed many Malecẖẖas; thousands more were killed.
Then, they arrived at Banur."
ਵਜੀਰ ਖਾਂ ਪਾਤਸਾਹ ਸੇ ਤਈਨਾਥ ਹੋਇ ਕੈ ਆਇਆ ਥਾ।
ਉਸ ਨਾਲ ਬਡੀ ਲੜਾਈ ਹੋਈ।
"Wazir Khan arrived, having been appointed by the emperor.
A large battle ensued against him."
ਹਜਾਰਾਂ ਮਲੇਛ ਮਾਰੇ ਆਖਰ ਵਜੀਰ ਖਾਂ ਸੇ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ ਹੂਆ।
ਉਹ ਜੋ ਪਾਂਚ ਬਾਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੇ ਦੀਏ ਥੇ ਸੋ ਬੰਦੇ ਨੇ ਨਿਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਏਕ ਅਸਮਾਨ ਕੀ ਤਰਫ ਮਾਰਾ।
"After killing thousands of Malecẖẖas, they finally confronted Wazir Khan.
The five arrows which Gurū Sāhib had given;
Baʼnḏā took out those arrows and shot one towards the sky."
ਏਕ ਜਿਮੀਨ ਪਰ ਮਾਰਾ ਉਸੀ ਜਾਹਿਗਾ ਪੈਰੁ ਗਡਾਇ ਕੈ ਬਹੁਤ ਲੋਕਾ ਕੋ ਮਾਰਾ।
ਆਖਰ ਏਕ ਬਾਨ ਵਜੀਰ ਖਾਂ ਕਉ ਮਾਰਾ।
"He shot one at the ground; planting his feet upon the same ground, he killed many people.
At last, he shot one arrow towards Wazir Khan."
ਉਸ ਬਾਨ ਕੇ ਲਗਨੇ ਸੇ ਬੁਮੈ ਹਾਥੀ ਵਹ ਉਦਾਵ ਵਜੀਰ ਸਮੇਤ ਭਸਮ ਹੋਇ ਗਏ।
ਬੰਦੇ ਕੀ ਫਤੇ ਹੋਈ ਉਸੀ ਦਿਨ ਸੇ ਬੰਦੇ ਕਾ ਰਾਜ ਹੂਆ।
"Upon being hit by the arrow, Wazir Khan, and the elephants he sat upon, were reduced to ashes.
Baʼnḏā obtained his victory; on that same day, Baʼnḏā's reign began."
- Mahima Prakash; Kẖaʼnd 2, 'Sākẖī Baʼnḏe Kī' [The Tale of Baʼnḏā]
Author: Sarup Das Bhalla (English Translation: Parmveer Singh)
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਿਹ!
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