Ajit Singh (11 February 1687 – 23 December 1704), also honored as Sahibzada Ajit Singh or Baba Ajit Singh, was the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sundari. His younger brothers were Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, who were born to Mata Jito. Ajit Singh met his martyrdom in the Second Battle of Chamkaur, where he fought bravely alongside his brother Jujhar Singh. Meanwhile, his younger brothers, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, aged nine and seven respectively, were bricked alive at Fatehgarh Sahib by the orders of Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind.
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| Personal life | |
| Born | 11 February 1687 Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh |
| Died | 23 December 1704 (aged 17) |
| Cause of death | Killed in Action |
| Parents |
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| Known for | Battle of Chamkaur |
| Relatives | Jujhar Singh (half-brother) Zorawar Singh (half-brother) Fateh Singh (half-brother) |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
Early Life
Ajit Singh was born on 11 February 1687 at Paonta Sahib to Mata Sundari and Guru Gobind Singh. He was raised in Anandpur, where he received an education that encompassed religious scriptures, history, and philosophy. Additionally, he trained in horseback riding and martial arts, including swordsmanship and archery, under the guidance of Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita).
The Ranghars of Nuh
Ajit Singh was entrusted with his first military mission at the age of just 12. A Muslim tribe, the Ranghars of Nuh, had attacked and looted a Sikh congregation traveling from the Pothohar region of northwest Punjab. In response, Guru Gobind Singh appointed Ajit Singh to lead a group of 100 men. On 23 May 1699, Ajit Singh successfully reached the village, which was located just across the River Satluj from Anandpur, and recovered the stolen property. He also ensured that the offenders were appropriately punished for their actions.
Anandpur and Nirmohgarh
In 1700, Anandpur was attacked by the hill chiefs, who were supported by troops from the Mughal faujdar of Sirhind. Guru Gobind Singh had fortified the outskirts of the city by constructing five forts, and Ajit Singh, along with Bhai Udai Singh, a skilled soldier, was assigned to defend the Qila Taragarh Sahib. On 29 August 1700, during the Battle of Taragarh, the hill chiefs targeted the fort as their primary objective, but Ajit Singh and his forces successfully repelled the attack. The hill chiefs continued their assault on the surrounding fortresses for four days, but without success.
On 15 March 1701, a Sikh congregation traveling from the Darap area near Sialkot was ambushed by Gujjars and Rangers. Ajit Singh led a retaliatory expedition against them, which proved successful.
In 1702, Ajit Singh played a key role in the victory of the Sikh army over the Mughals at the Battle of Nirmohgarh, followed by another significant victory in the Battle of Basoli.
Restoring a Brahmin's Wife
In March 1703, Dewki Das, a Brahmin, came to Anandpur seeking the Guru's assistance to recover his wife, who had been forcibly taken by Chowdhry Jabar Khan, the chief of Dera Bassi. Guru Gobind Singh entrusted Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Bhai Udey Singh with the task of helping the Brahmin. On 7 March 1703, Ajit Singh and Bhai Udey Singh, accompanied by about one hundred Sikhs, laid siege to Bassi Kalan and sent a message to Jabar Khan demanding the return of the Brahmin's wife.
However, instead of complying, Jabar Khan ordered his soldiers to attack the Sikhs, leading to a full-scale battle. The confrontation resulted in the death of Jabar Khan, and the Brahmin's wife was successfully returned to him. This victory earned the Sikhs widespread praise from the people for their role in restoring justice.
Second Battle of Chamkaur
In 1704, during the Mughal siege of Anandpur, a stalemate ensued when the Mughal faujdar assured the defenders that he only wanted the fort and promised safe passage for the town's population. On the night of 5th and 6th December 1704, the inhabitants of Anandpur vacated the town, and Ajit Singh was given the command of the rearguard. Despite the promises, the Mughal forces violated their oath and attacked the retreating Sikhs.
Ajit Singh, along with his father Guru Gobind Singh, younger brother Jujhar Singh, and others, engaged the Mughal forces on the hill-feature Shahi Tibbi until he was relieved by Udai Singh. After crossing the swollen Sirsa rivulet, the Sikh column, which was reduced by casualties, reached Kotla Nihang and then proceeded to Chamkaur, where they rested in the fortress of Budhi Chand Rawat.
By the afternoon, the Mughal forces from Malerkotla and Sirhind surrounded the fortress. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Sikhs defended their position valiantly. With limited ammunition, they launched sallies in groups of five, engaging the larger enemy force with swords and spears. Ajit Singh led one of these sallies and laid down his life fighting courageously in the thick of the battle. His brother Jujhar Singh followed and led the next sally but was also martyred.
The bodies of Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, and the other Sikh martyrs were cremated by Sharan Kaur Pabla. Gurdwara Katalgarh now marks the spot where Ajit Singh fell. An annual fair, Shaheedi Jor Mela, is held in December-January to commemorate the martyrdom of these valiant warriors.
Legacy
A painting depicting Guru Gobind Singh with his young eldest son, Baba Ajit Singh, is a testament to the deep bond between them.
Ajitgarh, one of the largest cities in Punjab, adjacent to Chandigarh, is named in honor of Sahibzada Ajit Singh. The city is located in the district of Punjab that also carries his name, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District.
The Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the Chaar Sahibzaade on multiple occasions, especially during the celebrations of their bravery and sacrifice on Veer Bal Diwas (Day of Brave Children). This day is observed to honor the Chaar Sahibzaade, who are greatly revered by Sikhs worldwide for their courage and sacrifice.
Battles Involving Sahibzada Ajit Singh
First Siege of Anandpur (1700): The first significant attack on Anandpur, where Guru Gobind Singh and his forces repelled the hill chiefs aided by the Mughal faujdar of Sirhind. Ajit Singh played an important role in the defense.
Battle of Taragarh (29 August 1700): Ajit Singh, along with Bhai Udai Singh, was put in charge of defending the Qila Taragarh fort against the combined forces of the hill chiefs, successfully repelling the attack.
Battle of Basoli (1702): Ajit Singh, in alliance with the Sikh army, defeated the Mughal forces at the Battle of Basoli.
Siege of Bassi Kalan (7 March 1703): Ajit Singh led a successful campaign to restore a Brahmin's wife from the hands of Chowdhry Jabar Khan, who had forcibly taken her. Ajit Singh and his forces laid siege to Bassi Kalan and defeated Jabar Khan's forces.
First Battle of Anandpur (1704): This battle took place when Guru Gobind Singh and his followers were besieged in Anandpur by the combined forces of the Mughal Empire and hill chiefs. Ajit Singh took part in the defense, and the siege ended with a truce that allowed the Sikh forces to vacate the fort.
Second Battle of Anandpur (1704): After the first siege, the second attack came from the Mughals and hill chiefs. This battle was part of the ongoing struggle to maintain control over Anandpur, where Ajit Singh contributed to the defense.
Battle of Sarsa (1704): During the retreat from Anandpur, the Sikh forces, including Ajit Singh, were pursued by the Mughal army. In the battle at the Sarsa river, the Sikhs faced a serious challenge, but Ajit Singh’s bravery in leadership played a crucial role in delaying the Mughal forces.
Battle of Chamkaur (1704): In the Second Battle of Chamkaur, Ajit Singh, along with his brother Jujhar Singh, fought valiantly despite being outnumbered. Both brothers laid down their lives in battle. The Sikhs were surrounded by the Mughal forces, and the battle is remembered as a tragic but heroic chapter in Sikh history.
References
- Ajit Singh (Sikhism) (2025) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajit_Singh_(Sikhism) (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Baba Ajit Singh Ji eldest son of guru gobind Singh Ji: Guru Pics, Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh (2017) Pinterest. Available at: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/467811480035979649/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Khalsa, S.K. (2023) Sahibzada Ajit Singh (1687-1705), SikhNet. Available at: https://www.sikhnet.com/news/sahibzada-ajit-singh-1687-1705 (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Munde, A.S. (no date) Martyrdom of Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Sikh Missionary Society (U.K.). Available at: https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smsarticles/sikhmartyrs/ajitsinghandjujharsingh/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh (no date) Sahibzada Ajit Singh - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sahibzada_Ajit_Singh (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh & jujhar singh (no date) ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ. Available at: https://sridarbarsahibsriamritsar.com/sikh-history/sahibzada-ajit-singh-jujhar-singh/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Shaheedi Diwas – Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji & Sahibzada jujhar Singh Ji – 23 December (no date) Dasmesh Darbar Gurdwara Sahib. Available at: https://dasmeshdarbar.ca/shaheedi-diwas-sahibzada-ajit-singh-ji-sahibzada-jujhar-singh-ji-23-december/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Bravery and sacrifice of elder Sahibjade Baba Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh: Sanskriti - hinduism and Indian culture website (2014) Sanskriti. Available at: https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/bravery-sacrifice-elder-sahibjade-baba-ajit-singh-jujhar-singh/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Meru, E. (2021) Sahibzada Ajeet Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar singh ~ unforgotten, SikhNet. Available at: https://www.sikhnet.com/news/unforgotten-sahibzada-ajeet-singh-and-sahibzada-jujhar-singh (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
