Baba Gurbaksh Singh (April 10, 1688 – December 1, 1764)

Early Life

Jathedar of Damdami Taksal
Reign	1757—1764
Predecessor	Baba Deep Singh
Successor	Bhai Soorat Singh
Born	April 10, 1688 Lil, Amritsar, Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire (Present day India)
Died	December 1, 1764 (Aged 76) Shri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, Sikh Confederacy (Present day India)
Cause of death	Killed in Action
Wars and battles	Mughal-Sikh wars Afghan-Sikh Wars Battle of Darbar Sahib (1764)
Father	Dasaundha
Mother	Mai Lachchhami

Baba Gurbaksh Singh was born on April 10, 1688, in the village of Lil, Amritsar district, Punjab, during the Mughal Empire. His parents were Dasaundha and Mai Lachchhami. He belonged to a devout Sikh family and was a contemporary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. He was initiated into the Khalsa during the historic Vaisakhi of 1699, where Guru Gobind Singh formally founded the Khalsa Panth through the Amrit Sanchar (Khalsa initiation ceremony).

Under the mentorship of Bhai Mani Singh, a prominent Sikh scholar and warrior, Baba Gurbaksh Singh gained extensive knowledge of Sikh scriptures and martial arts. His education included mastering the Gurmukhi script and the philosophy of the Sikh Gurus. He was also trained in combat, preparing him for his future military role.

Military Career

Baba Gurbaksh Singh joined the Shaheedan Misl under Baba Deep Singh, one of the most prominent Sikh military leaders of the 18th century. The Shaheedan Misl was part of the Sikh Confederacy, a group of independent Sikh warrior bands that resisted Mughal and Afghan rule during the period of Sikh resistance.

His courage and leadership earned him a reputation for valor in battle. He led a detachment of Sikh warriors known for their fearlessness in facing larger, better-equipped enemy forces. His participation in the Mughal-Sikh Wars and Afghan-Sikh Wars demonstrated his commitment to defending Sikh principles and the sanctity of Sikh shrines.

Battle of Darbar Sahib and Last Stand (1764)

In 1763-64, the Sikh Misls had expanded their territorial control across Punjab, including the strategic cities of Lahore, Multan, and Derajat, significantly weakening the Afghan hold on the region. This expansion prompted Ahmad Shah Abdali (Ahmad Shah Durrani) to launch his seventh invasion of India in 1764 to reclaim lost territories.

Abdali, accompanied by his ally Nasir Khan of the Baloch forces, led an army of approximately 30,000 troops into Punjab. After a brief confrontation with Charat Singh Sukerchakia’s forces near Lahore, the Sikhs strategically retreated towards Amritsar to avoid unnecessary casualties.

Upon arriving in Amritsar on December 1, 1764, Abdali found the city largely deserted by the main Sikh forces. However, Baba Gurbaksh Singh, along with Nihal Singh, Basant Singh, Man Singh, and 26 other Sikh warriors, chose to remain behind at Shri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) to defend the sacred shrine. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they resolved to fight to the death, protecting the sanctity of the temple.

The battle was fierce, with the Sikhs holding their ground against thousands of Afghan and Baloch troops. Baba Gurbaksh Singh and his men fought valiantly but were ultimately martyred in the intense combat.

Legacy and Memorials

Baba Gurbaksh Singh’s sacrifice has become a lasting symbol of Sikh bravery and unwavering commitment to faith and freedom. His martyrdom is commemorated annually, especially during significant Sikh religious observances.

The site where he and his fellow warriors were cremated is now marked by the memorial Shaheedganj in Amritsar. This memorial stands as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives defending the Sikh faith.

Baba Gurbaksh Singh’s story continues to inspire Sikhs worldwide, emphasizing the principles of self-sacrifice, resistance against oppression, and the protection of sacred spaces. His contributions to the Sikh community remain central to the historical narrative of the Sikh resistance during the 18th century.