Banda Singh Bahadur (born Lachman Dev on 27 October 1670 – 9 June 1716) was a prominent Sikh warrior and general of the Khalsa Army. At the age of 15, he left his home to become an ascetic, adopting the name Madho Das Bairagi. He established a monastery at Nānded, located on the banks of the Godāvarī River. In 1708, Banda Singh Bahadur met Guru Gobind Singh after the Guru accepted an invitation to meet Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah I in southern India. Guru Gobind Singh baptized him and gave him the name Gurbaksh Singh, later popularly known as Banda Singh Bahadur. As a blessing for his future battles, Guru Gobind Singh presented him with five arrows.

Jathedar of the First Sikh State
Reign	26 November 1709 – 7 December 1715
Predecessor	Position established
Successor	Position disestablished
Born	Lachman Dev 27 October 1670 Rajauri, Poonch, Mughal Empire (present-day Jammu and Kashmir, India)
Died	9 June 1716 (aged 45) Delhi, Mughal Empire (present-day India)
Spouse(s)	Susheel Kaur Sahib Kaur
Issue	Ajay Singh Ranjit Singh
Religious life
Religion	Sikhism
Religious career
Teacher	Guru Gobind Singh

Banda Singh Bahadur gathered a fighting force in Khanda, Sonipat, and led the Sikh struggle against the Mughal Empire. His first significant military action was the sacking of Samana, the Mughal provincial capital, in November 1709. After establishing his authority and leading the creation of the Sikh Republic in Punjab, Banda Singh Bahadur abolished the zamindari (feudal) system and granted property rights to the land tillers. He was eventually captured by the Mughals and, after being tortured, died in 1715–1716.

Early Life

Banda Singh Bahadur, born as Lachman Dev on 27 October 1670, hailed from a Hindu farming family in Rajouri (now in Jammu and Kashmir). His father, Ram Dev, is described by various sources as either a Rajput from the Bhardwaj clan or a Dogra Rajput. Despite their modest means, Banda Singh's family was not affluent. Little is known about his early life, but it is recorded that from a young age, Banda Singh developed a passion for hunting and shooting, and quickly mastered skills in horseriding, wrestling, archery, and swordsmanship.

A pivotal moment in his youth occurred when he was 15 years old while hunting. After killing a doe, he was struck with deep sorrow upon discovering that the doe’s unborn fawns were also dead. This traumatic experience led Banda Singh to abandon his worldly pursuits and embrace asceticism. He eventually encountered an ascetic named Janaki Prasad, who gave him the name Madho Das. Banda Singh went on to establish his own Dera (monastery) and gathered a following of men.

Meeting Guru Gobind Singh

In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh visited the monastery of Banda Singh, who was then known as Madho Das. Upon arrival, the Guru sat in the seat where Banda Singh, as a saint, would normally sit. Some sources even mention that Guru Gobind Singh killed the goats in the monastery, which further enraged Madho Das. Using his perceived "magic," Banda Singh attempted to flip the chair the Guru had sat on, but nothing happened. Fueled by anger, Banda Singh made his way to confront the Guru.

However, upon meeting Guru Gobind Singh, Banda Singh’s rage dissolved. After a heartfelt conversation, Banda Singh was converted and took Amrit, officially becoming part of the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh gave him the name Banda Singh. Banda Singh was then instructed in Gurbani and Sikh history.

Upon learning about the tragic deaths of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, Banda Singh is said to have been overcome with grief. Guru Gobind Singh, seeing his distress, told Banda Singh, "When tyranny had overtaken men, it was the duty of the more sensitive to fight against it and even to lay down their life in the struggle." Inspired by these words, Banda Singh expressed his determination to punish the tyrants and protect the innocent, eager to fulfill the Guru's wishes.

Military Campaigns

Beginning

After Guru Gobind Singh was stabbed by two Pathans sent by Wazir Khan, and possibly Bahadur Shah I, Banda Singh was filled with fury. The tragedy of the Guru’s attack deeply affected him, and he urgently sought permission from Guru Gobind Singh to travel to Punjab to avenge the injustices done to the Sikhs and punish the tyrants. In September 1708, Guru Gobind Singh formally appointed Banda Singh with the title of Bahadur and granted him full political and military authority to continue the struggle. He was entrusted with the responsibility of seeking justice for the murder of Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.

Banda Singh was given several significant gifts, including a Nagara (war drum), Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag), and five arrows from Guru Gobind Singh as symbols of his mission. He was accompanied by a group of devoted Panj Pyare—Ram Singh, Binod Singh, Kahan Singh, Baj Singh, and Daya Singh—as well as 20 other Singhs to assist him in his military campaigns. The Guru instructed Banda Singh to uphold honesty and purity, remain humble, and avoid ego-driven behavior. He was to follow the advice of the Panj Pyare in all matters, conduct himself as a servant of the Khalsa, and never form his own sect or call himself a Guru.

In addition, Banda Singh received Hukamnamas from Guru Gobind Singh urging all Sikhs to join him in his mission against the Mughal Empire. With these instructions and the title of Jathedar of the Khalsa, Banda Singh set out for Punjab with a cavalry force of 300 soldiers, with the Guru’s blessings.

During his journey to Punjab, Guru Gobind Singh passed away on 7 October 1708. Banda Singh, in order to protect himself from detection, used a disguise and followed the same route the Guru had taken through Maharashtra and Rajputana. He traveled at a steady pace of 16 kilometers per day, and after a year of traveling, he finally reached Punjab.

Early Conquests

Banda Singh Bahadur soon reached present-day Haryana, where he quickly garnered the support of the local population. He advanced towards the region of Bagar, where he succeeded in subduing local dacoits (bandits) and robbers. Banda Singh distributed the spoils of his victories, including stolen goods, among the impoverished, which earned him widespread fame. The locals honored him by waving scarves in recognition of his actions.

Banda Singh continued his campaign, moving towards the villages of Sehri and Khanda. It was during this time that he sent letters to the Sikh communities in the Majha, Doaba, and Malwa regions of Punjab, urging them to join him in his struggle against the Mughal authorities. In these letters, Banda Singh reminded the Sikhs of the tragic deaths of Guru Gobind Singh’s two younger sons, who had been executed under the orders of Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of Sirhind. This call to action resonated with the Sikhs, leading many to support Banda Singh's cause.

As a result of his efforts, Banda Singh was joined by several key figures, including Fateh Singh, Karam Singh, and Dharm Singh. Tilok Singh and Ram Singh Phulkian provided both soldiers and financial aid, while Ali Singh and Mali Singh, former servants of Wazir Khan, also lent their support to Banda Singh's campaign.

Conquest of Sonipat and Kaithal

Banda Singh, leading a force of 500 soldiers, launched an attack on Sonipat, a city located near the imperial capital of Delhi. The Faujdar (military commander) of Sonipat was defeated by the Sikhs, resulting in the city's occupation. Banda Singh plundered the imperial treasury and the wealth of the rich, distributing the spoils among his men. This victory, so close to Delhi, was seen as an open challenge to the Mughal Empire.

Banda Singh next focused his efforts on Samana. On the way, he led an attack on a Mughal detachment near Kaithal that was carrying imperial treasure destined for Delhi. Banda Singh successfully seized the treasure from the Mughal authorities. The Amil (Governor) of Kaithal, enraged by the loss, mounted a counterattack on the Sikhs. Despite being outnumbered and at a disadvantage, as the Mughal forces had cavalry while the Sikhs were mostly foot soldiers, Banda Singh devised a clever strategy.

He led his men into a forest filled with thorns, forcing the Mughal cavalry to dismount. Once the Mughals were on foot, the Sikhs emerged from the forest and captured their horses. A fierce battle ensued, with many Mughal soldiers being slaughtered, and others surrendering. The Amil was captured but was released after promising to allow the Sikhs to keep the horses. The loot taken from the Mughals was then distributed among Banda Singh's followers.

Campaign in Haryana and East

Banda Singh turned his attention eastward towards Kiratpur to liberate the Sikhs of Majha and Doaba, who were being held in Malerkotla and Ropar. Along his path, he captured Ghurman and Thaska. Ghurman put up only minor resistance, while Thaska surrendered without any opposition. Banda Singh then advanced towards Kunjpura, the native village of Wazir Khan. Wazir Khan had stationed troops and artillery there, but they were defeated by Banda Singh's forces.

Banda Singh then set his sights on Shahabad, a Muslim-inhabited town known for its notorious reputation for raping women. The town was destroyed by Banda Singh and his troops. He also ravaged Damala, the home of the Pathans who had abandoned Guru Gobind Singh during the Battle of Bhangani. Banda Singh continued his march towards Mustafabad, where the Faujdar sent 2,000 imperial troops along with two cannons to halt the Sikhs' advance. However, Banda Singh and his forces defeated the Mughals, leaving behind the cannons in their retreat. Mustafabad was plundered, and the Faujdar was punished for his tyranny and oppression.

Battle of Kapuri

Banda Singh received reports about the immoral and oppressive rule of Qadam-ud-din, the Zamindar of Kapuri. Qadam-ud-din was infamous for persecuting Hindus and Sikhs, kidnapping young brides, and committing heinous acts of violence. Enraged by his actions, Banda Singh immediately launched an attack on Kapuri. He killed Qadam-ud-din and captured his fort, seizing a significant amount of war material and booty in the process.

Battle of Sadhaura

Banda Singh's next target was Sadhaura, which was ruled by Osman Khan, a tyrant who had executed the Muslim saint Syed Pir Budhu Shah for assisting Guru Gobind Singh during the Battle of Bhagnani. Osman Khan had also committed numerous atrocities against Hindus, including slaughtering cows in front of their homes and preventing them from performing religious rites. The cruelty he inflicted upon the local population made Sadhaura a prime target for Banda Singh.

As Banda Singh advanced towards the town, the locals, including peasants, joined him in revolt. The mob quickly became uncontrollable, killing the Sayyids and Shaikhs, and ultimately hanging Osman Khan. Sadhaura was captured, and the town was freed from the tyrannical rule of Osman Khan.

Ropar

Wazir Khan became aware that Sikhs from Majha had gathered at Kiratpur Sahib to join Banda Singh. As the Sikhs advanced towards Ropar, they encountered Sher Mohammad Khan, along with Khizar Khan, Nashtar Khan, and Wali Mohammad Khan, who had been sent to block their passage and offer them battle. The Mughal forces were better armed and had a larger cavalry, while the Sikhs were fewer in number and lacked sufficient weapons.

The two sides clashed in a bloody battle. A fierce dust storm forced both armies to retreat for the night. On the following day, a fresh contingent of Sikhs arrived to reinforce Banda Singh's forces. During the battle, Khizar Khan was struck in the head by a bullet, causing confusion among the Mughal forces. Nashtar and Wali Mohammad Khan attempted to retrieve Khizar Khan's body but were killed in the process. Sher Mohammad Khan, seriously wounded, fled the battlefield, and with most of their leaders killed, the remaining Mughal forces retreated to Sirhind. The Sikh forces in Ropar then joined Banda Singh Bahadur to prepare for the next phase of their campaign against Sirhind.

Conquest of Sirhind

Preparations

The Sikhs were preparing for a decisive dharamyudh (righteous war) against Sirhind, its Governor Wazir Khan, and Dewan Sucha Nand, to avenge the Mughal oppression and the execution of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh. This was the primary goal of Banda Singh.

Before the battle began, Wazir Khan and Sucha Nand devised a plot to deceive the Sikhs by sending Sucha Nand's nephew with 1,000 men, pretending to have deserted the Mughals and joined the Sikh cause. Meanwhile, Wazir Khan's army was formidable, comprising over 20,000 men, including ghazis, artillery, musketeers, and elephants.

In contrast, Banda Singh's army was poorly equipped with long spears, swords, arrows, and no artillery or elephants. Their force was smaller, but it was made up of three distinct groups. The first group consisted of devoted Sikhs committed to avenging the tyranny of the Mughals. The second group included paid soldiers, recruited by chieftains sympathetic to Banda Singh's cause. The third group comprised irregulars, such as professional robbers and bandits, eager to plunder the city. These irregulars were unreliable and prone to deserting at signs of defeat.

Historians have different interpretations of the makeup of Banda Singh's army. According to Ganda Singh, the first group were devoted Sikhs, the second were paid soldiers, and the third were opportunistic bandits. Hari Ram Gupta, however, classified the groups as Sikhs seeking to punish Wazir Khan, Sikhs fighting to defend their faith, and non-Sikh allies like Hindu Jats, Gujars, and Rajputs, motivated by the prospect of plunder.

Battle of Chappar Chiri

The decisive battle between the Sikh forces, led by Banda Singh, and the Mughal army took place on 12 May 1710 at Chappar Chiri. Initially, when the Mughal artillery was fired, the third class of Banda Singh's army—comprising bandits and irregulars—fled the battlefield. Soon after, Sucha Nand's nephew and his 1,000 men also took flight. This prompted Baj Singh to inform Banda Singh of the retreat.

Banda Singh, determined to lead his forces, entered the frontlines himself, rallying the Sikhs with a call to action. His presence reinvigorated the troops, and they charged fiercely at the Mughal army, shouting "Waheguru ji ki Fateh" (Victory belongs to the Wondrous Enlightener). Armed with swords, the Sikhs managed to kill two Mughal elephants. The Mughals suffered heavy casualties during the clash, including the death of the Nawab of Malerkotla, Sher Mohammad Khan, and Mughal general Khawaja Ali.

Wazir Khan attempted to rally his forces, firing arrows at the Sikhs, but he was confronted by Baj Singh. In a duel, Wazir Khan threw a spear at Baj Singh, injuring his horse. Wazir Khan shot Baj Singh in the arm with an arrow, but before he could strike the final blow, Fateh Singh charged forward and decapitated Wazir Khan. Some sources, including the Suraj Granth and Macauliffe, suggest that Banda Singh himself shot Wazir Khan with an arrow from the Guru. Upon Wazir Khan's death, the Mughal forces began to flee.

The retreating Mughal forces left behind their horses, cannons, tents, and ammunition, all of which were captured by the Sikhs. The Sikhs celebrated their victory with war cries of "Sat Sri Akaal" (True is the Timeless Lord) as they marched towards Sirhind. They reached the city by nightfall, only to find the gates closed and cannons positioned to defend it. The Sikhs rested for the night, while Wazir Khan's family and other Mughal officials fled to Delhi.

On the following day, 13 May, 500 Sikhs were killed in attempts to breach the city. Finally, on 14 May, the Sikhs entered Sirhind, claiming victory.

Aftermath

Following the victory at Sirhind, Banda Singh and his Sikh forces were filled with rage and a desire for revenge. They began systematically destroying and razing the city to the ground. Sucha Nand, the Mughal official responsible for many of the atrocities committed against Sikhs and Hindus, was captured and executed. The entire booty of Sirhind was seized by Banda Singh and his forces.

Banda Singh abolished the zamindari (feudal) system in the region and distributed the land to the peasants. His orders were clear: land ownership should be granted to the peasants, allowing them to live with dignity and self-respect. This move was a significant shift in the socio-economic structure of the region, as it empowered the common people and weakened the feudal system that had long oppressed them.

With the conquest of Sirhind, Banda Singh extended his control over the entire province, which included 28 parganas (administrative divisions). This territory spanned from the Sutlej to the Yamuna River, and from the Shivalik hills to Kunjpura, Karnal, and Kaithal. The province yielded an annual revenue of 3,600,000 rupees, which helped solidify Banda Singh's power.

Banda Singh appointed his trusted lieutenants to govern the newly acquired territories. Baj Singh was made the Governor of Sirhind, with Ali Singh of Salaudi serving as his deputy. Fateh Singh was assigned the governorship of Samana, and Ram Singh took charge of Thanesar. To further cement his rule, Banda Singh also issued coins bearing his name, marking the rise of Sikh power in the region.

Banda Singh became widely known as "The defender of the faith and the champion of the oppressed." His victory over the Mughals and his subsequent reforms earned him a reputation as a leader who fought not only for justice but also for the welfare and dignity of the common people.

Military Invasions

After establishing his capital in the village of Mukhlisgarh, which he renamed Lohgarh ("Fortress of Iron"), Banda Singh Bahadur began to solidify his rule and even minted his own coins to reflect his authority. His coin inscription described Lohgarh as "Struck in the City of Peace, illustrating the beauty of civic life, and the ornament of the blessed throne." Banda Singh briefly ruled over a state in Punjab for about half a year, and his reach extended as far as Uttar Pradesh, where his Sikh forces took control of Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and surrounding areas.

However, the Sikhs' control over the entire eastern Punjab region, especially their blockade of communication between Delhi and Lahore, posed a significant threat to the Mughal Empire. This concerned Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah I, who, in response, shifted his focus from subduing rebels in Rajputana to confronting Banda Singh. The entire Mughal army was mobilized, and an order was issued for all Hindus to shave off their beards to prevent any Sikh spies from infiltrating the army.

In Banda Singh's absence, the Mughal army, led by Munim Khan, recaptured Sirhind and the surrounding areas. The Sikhs, retreating to Lohgarh, prepared for their final stand. Despite a successful initial defense against the Mughal forces, the Sikhs were eventually surrounded by 60,000 troops, leading to a siege of the fort. During this time, one of Banda Singh's men, Gulab Singh, disguised himself as Banda Singh in an attempt to mislead the enemy. Banda Singh, however, managed to escape the siege by leaving the fort under the cover of night, taking refuge in the hills and Chamba forests. This surprising escape shocked Emperor Bahadur Shah I, who ordered that any Sikh found should be killed on sight.

Banda Singh Bahadur sent out Hukamnamas to the Sikhs, urging them to reorganize and join him once more. In 1712, the Sikhs defeated Raja Ajmer Chand, who had played a significant role in opposing Guru Gobind Singh. After the death of Bhim Chand, the remaining Hill Rajas recognized Banda Singh's authority and began paying him revenue.

Amid internal turmoil in the Mughal Empire, Banda Singh recaptured Sadhaura and Lohgarh. However, by 1713, the Sikhs relocated to the remote hills of Jammu, establishing Dera Baba Banda Singh. During this period, they faced severe persecution by the Mughal authorities, particularly in the Gurdaspur region. In response, Banda Singh launched a campaign and captured Kalanaur and Batala, locations in modern-day Gurdaspur district.

Siege in Gurdas Nangal

In March 1715, Banda Singh and his forces, under the command of Abd al-Samad Khan, the Mughal Governor of Lahore, were driven into the village of Gurdas Nangal, near Gurdaspur. The Mughals laid siege to the village for eight months, subjecting the Sikh defenders to harsh conditions. Despite their best efforts, the Sikhs were eventually overwhelmed, and on December 7, 1715, the Mughals breached the fort's defenses. Banda Singh and his companions were captured, marking the end of his military resistance for the time being.

Execution of Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur was subjected to brutal treatment after his capture. He was placed in an iron cage, and alongside him, the remaining Sikh prisoners were shackled. In a macabre display of power, Banda Singh and 780 other Sikh prisoners were paraded to Delhi, with the heads of 2,000 slain Sikhs mounted on spears and 700 cartloads of their heads sent along, intended to terrorize the populace. Upon arrival in Delhi, the prisoners were confined in the Red Fort and subjected to intense pressure to convert to Islam. Despite repeated threats and coercion, they resolutely refused to abandon their faith.

As punishment for their steadfastness, the Mughal authorities began executing 100 Sikhs every day, and this continued for about seven days. Banda Singh was even ordered to kill his own four-year-old son, Ajai Singh. However, he refused, and his son was executed in front of him. In a gruesome act, Ajai's heart was removed and forced into Banda Singh's mouth. Despite enduring such horrors, Banda Singh remained unbroken.

After three months of imprisonment, on June 9, 1716, Banda Singh was subjected to a horrifying execution. His eyes were gouged out, his limbs severed, and his skin was flayed from his body before he was finally beheaded.

The execution of Banda Singh Bahadur, along with 700 of his followers, was witnessed by a European diplomat of the British East India Company. In a letter to the Governor of Fort William in Calcutta, he described the execution, marking one of the earliest Western accounts of the Sikhs. This brutal event further solidified Banda Singh Bahadur's martyrdom and his legacy as a hero and a defender of Sikhism.

Revolutionary Contributions and Legacy of Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur is remembered for his revolutionary contributions to the Sikh community and his role in reshaping the socio-political landscape of Punjab. During his time in power, he abolished the traditional Zamindari and Taluqdari systems, which were feudal and exploitative. Banda Singh implemented reforms that empowered peasants by granting them proprietorship over their land. This move was a significant departure from the entrenched system of land control by feudal lords and was aimed at relieving the oppression faced by the common people.

Banda Singh's military campaigns also had a profound impact. He defeated local feudal lords and warriors, including the Sayyids and Shaikhs, in the Battle of Sadhaura. Local traditions recall how Banda Singh, in a fierce show of leadership, ordered the opening of fire on people who came seeking justice from the corrupt zamindars. This led to the defeat of these feudal groups, exemplifying Banda's determination to uphold justice and fight against oppression.

Possible Rivalry with Tat Khalsa and Legacy

Banda Singh Bahadur's role in Sikh history was not without controversy. A potential rivalry arose between his faction (the Bandais) and another Sikh faction, the Tat Khalsa, led by Guru Gobind Singh’s widow, Mata Sundari. In 1714, as Banda continued his defiance against Mughal rule, Mata Sundari attempted to persuade him to stop his rebellion in exchange for rewards. Banda, however, remained distrustful of the Mughal government, leading to his refusal. This resulted in his excommunication by Mata Sundari and a significant division within the Sikh community.

The excommunication of Banda Singh Bahadur is debated among historians. Some, like Ganda Singh, dispute its authenticity due to a lack of contemporary sources confirming the event. However, even though Banda Singh was criticized for some of his actions and ideological differences with the Tat Khalsa, his contributions to Sikhism were undeniable. He did not completely abandon the Khalsa traditions; instead, his leadership and the reforms he introduced, like his emphasis on vegetarianism and his challenge to caste rituals, reflected a distinct interpretation of the Khalsa's principles.

In modern Sikh tradition, Banda Singh’s legacy is often viewed through the lens of his resistance to Mughal tyranny. His vision of a Sikh state and the reforms he enacted are considered foundational in the development of the Sikh community's identity.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial

To honor Banda Singh Bahadur’s legacy and the Battle of Chappar Chiri, the Fateh Burj was built as a war memorial. Standing at 328 feet, it is one of the tallest structures in India and a symbol of the heroism of the Sikh soldiers who fought under Banda Singh's command. The memorial features a stainless-steel Khanda at its top, signifying the victory of the Sikhs over the Mughal forces.

In Popular Culture

Banda Singh Bahadur's life and legacy have been depicted in several films and media, illustrating his importance in Sikh history. Films like Sarbans Dani Guru Gobind Singh (1998), Rise of Khalsa (2006), and Chaar Sahibzaade: Rise of Banda Singh Bahadur (2016) focus on his struggle against the Mughals. These films help to keep his story alive, ensuring that future generations remember his contribution to Sikhism and his fight for justice.

Banda Singh Bahadur's life remains a source of inspiration, representing courage, resilience, and a fierce commitment to justice. His memory is celebrated not only for his military prowess but also for his revolutionary reforms that sought to uplift the oppressed and challenge unjust systems of power.

Battle Record of Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur's military campaigns were numerous and largely successful during his initial phase of resistance against the Mughal Empire. Below is a detailed account of his battle record, showcasing both victories and defeats.

Early Campaigns (1709-1711)

• Late 1709: Skirmish in Narnaul – Victory against local dacoities and thieves in Narnaul, Haryana.
• Late 1709: Battle of Bhiwani – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Bhiwani, Haryana.
• October 1709: Skirmish in Bangardesh – Victory against local dacoities and thieves in Bangardesh, Haryana.
• November 1709: Battle of Sonipat – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Sonipat, Haryana.
• November 1709: Battle of Kaithal – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Kaithal, Haryana.
• 28 November 1709: Battle of Samana – Victory over the Mughal Empire at Samana, Punjab.
• December 1709: Series of battles including:
  • Battle of Ghuram at Sanaur, Punjab.
  • Battle of Thaska at Thaska, Punjab.
  • Battle of Thanesar at Thanesar, Haryana.
  • Battle of Shahbad at Shahbad-Markanda, Haryana.
  • Battle of Damala at Damala, Haryana.
  • Battle of Mustafabad at Mustafabad, Haryana.
  • Battle of Kunjpura at Kunjpura, Haryana.
  • Battle of Kapuri at Kapuri, Punjab.
• Early 1710: Battle of Sadaura – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Sadaura, Haryana.
• Early 1710: Battle of Ropar – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Ropar, Punjab.

Campaign to Sirhind (1710)

• May 12, 1710: Battle of Chappar Chiri – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Chappar Chiri, Punjab.
• May 12–14, 1710: Siege of Sirhind – Victory in the siege of Sirhind, Punjab.

Campaign in Yamuna-Ganga Doaba (1710)

• June 1710: Series of victories against the Mughal Empire:
  • Battle of Ghurnai at Ghurnai, Punjab.
  • Battle of Saharanpur at Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Battle of Behut at Behat, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Battle of Nanauta at Nanauta, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Battle of Jalalabad at Jalalabad, Uttar Pradesh.
• July–August 1710: Siege of Jalalabad – Loss to the Mughal Empire at Jalalabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Later Campaigns (1711-1715)

• Early 1711: Battle of Bilaspur – Victory at Kahlur Fort, Kahlur.
• February–March 1711: Battle of Bahrampur – Victory over the Mughal Empire in Bahrampur, Jammu.
• March–April 1711: Battle of Batala – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Batala, Punjab.
• April–May 1711: Battle of Kalanaur – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Kalanaur, Punjab.
• March 1712: Second Battle of Lohgarh – Victory at Lohgarh, Haryana.
• March 1712: Second Battle of Sirhind – Victory against the Mughal Empire at Sirhind, Punjab.

Final Campaigns (1715)

• April–December 1715: Siege of Gurdaspur – Loss to the Mughal Empire at Gurdaspur, Punjab.

Banda Singh Bahadur’s leadership and military strategy played a significant role in the initial victories against the Mughals. However, after a series of defeats in 1710–1715, his momentum began to wane, leading to his eventual capture and execution by the Mughal authorities. Despite the setbacks, his legacy as a freedom fighter and a champion of justice for the oppressed remains integral to Sikh history.

References 

• Admin and says:, K. (2022) From Lachman Das to Banda Singh Bahadur :the legend of the great sikh warrior who defeated the mughals and established the first Sikh kingdom(foundation for खालसा राज), Dharmayudh. Available at: https://dharmayudh.com/lachman-das-banda-singh-bahadur-sikh-warrior-mughals-sikh-kingdom/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
• Banda Singh Bahadur (no date) Banda Singh Bahadur - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Banda_Singh_Bahadur (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
• Buy Banda Singh Bahadur - Realism, historical, Bold painting online: Fizdi (no date) Fizdi.com. Available at: https://www.fizdi.com/banda-singh-bahadur-prt_6900_15564-canvas-art-print-20in-x-30in/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
• Sikh24 Editors                          - and Editors, S. (2019) 303rd martyrdom anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur observed, Sikh24.com. Available at: https://www.sikh24.com/2019/06/25/303rd-martyrdom-anniversary-of-baba-banda-singh-bahadur-observed/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).