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ਜਪੁ | Jup
ਸੋ ਦਰੁ | So Dar
ਸੋਹਿਲਾ | Sohilaa
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ | Raag Siree-Raag
Gurbani (14-53)
Ashtpadiyan (53-71)
Gurbani (71-74)
Pahre (74-78)
Chhant (78-81)
Vanjara (81-82)
Vaar Siri Raag (83-91)
Bhagat Bani (91-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਝ | Raag Maajh
Gurbani (94-109)
Ashtpadi (109)
Ashtpadiyan (110-129)
Ashtpadi (129-130)
Ashtpadiyan (130-133)
Bara Maha (133-136)
Din Raen (136-137)
Vaar Maajh Ki (137-150)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ | Raag Gauree
Gurbani (151-185)
Quartets/Couplets (185-220)
Ashtpadiyan (220-234)
Karhalei (234-235)
Ashtpadiyan (235-242)
Chhant (242-249)
Baavan Akhari (250-262)
Sukhmani (262-296)
Thittee (296-300)
Gauree kii Vaar (300-323)
Gurbani (323-330)
Ashtpadiyan (330-340)
Baavan Akhari (340-343)
Thintteen (343-344)
Vaar Kabir (344-345)
Bhagat Bani (345-346)
ਰਾਗੁ ਆਸਾ | Raag Aasaa
Gurbani (347-348)
Chaupaday (348-364)
Panchpadde (364-365)
Kaafee (365-409)
Aasaavaree (409-411)
Ashtpadiyan (411-432)
Patee (432-435)
Chhant (435-462)
Vaar Aasaa (462-475)
Bhagat Bani (475-488)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੂਜਰੀ | Raag Goojaree
Gurbani (489-503)
Ashtpadiyan (503-508)
Vaar Gujari (508-517)
Vaar Gujari (517-526)
ਰਾਗੁ ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ | Raag Dayv-Gandhaaree
Gurbani (527-536)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਹਾਗੜਾ | Raag Bihaagraa
Gurbani (537-556)
Chhant (538-548)
Vaar Bihaagraa (548-556)
ਰਾਗੁ ਵਡਹੰਸ | Raag Wadhans
Gurbani (557-564)
Ashtpadiyan (564-565)
Chhant (565-575)
Ghoriaan (575-578)
Alaahaniiaa (578-582)
Vaar Wadhans (582-594)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੋਰਠਿ | Raag Sorath
Gurbani (595-634)
Asatpadhiya (634-642)
Vaar Sorath (642-659)
ਰਾਗੁ ਧਨਾਸਰੀ | Raag Dhanasaree
Gurbani (660-685)
Astpadhiya (685-687)
Chhant (687-691)
Bhagat Bani (691-695)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਤਸਰੀ | Raag Jaitsree
Gurbani (696-703)
Chhant (703-705)
Vaar Jaitsaree (705-710)
Bhagat Bani (710)
ਰਾਗੁ ਟੋਡੀ | Raag Todee
ਰਾਗੁ ਬੈਰਾੜੀ | Raag Bairaaree
ਰਾਗੁ ਤਿਲੰਗ | Raag Tilang
Gurbani (721-727)
Bhagat Bani (727)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੂਹੀ | Raag Suhi
Gurbani (728-750)
Ashtpadiyan (750-761)
Kaafee (761-762)
Suchajee (762)
Gunvantee (763)
Chhant (763-785)
Vaar Soohee (785-792)
Bhagat Bani (792-794)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ | Raag Bilaaval
Gurbani (795-831)
Ashtpadiyan (831-838)
Thitteen (838-840)
Vaar Sat (841-843)
Chhant (843-848)
Vaar Bilaaval (849-855)
Bhagat Bani (855-858)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੋਂਡ | Raag Gond
Gurbani (859-869)
Ashtpadiyan (869)
Bhagat Bani (870-875)
ਰਾਗੁ ਰਾਮਕਲੀ | Raag Ramkalee
Ashtpadiyan (902-916)
Gurbani (876-902)
Anand (917-922)
Sadd (923-924)
Chhant (924-929)
Dakhnee (929-938)
Sidh Gosat (938-946)
Vaar Ramkalee (947-968)
ਰਾਗੁ ਨਟ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ | Raag Nat Narayan
Gurbani (975-980)
Ashtpadiyan (980-983)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਲੀ ਗਉੜਾ | Raag Maalee Gauraa
Gurbani (984-988)
Bhagat Bani (988)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਰੂ | Raag Maaroo
Gurbani (889-1008)
Ashtpadiyan (1008-1014)
Kaafee (1014-1016)
Ashtpadiyan (1016-1019)
Anjulian (1019-1020)
Solhe (1020-1033)
Dakhni (1033-1043)
ਰਾਗੁ ਤੁਖਾਰੀ | Raag Tukhaari
Bara Maha (1107-1110)
Chhant (1110-1117)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕੇਦਾਰਾ | Raag Kedara
Gurbani (1118-1123)
Bhagat Bani (1123-1124)
ਰਾਗੁ ਭੈਰਉ | Raag Bhairo
Gurbani (1125-1152)
Partaal (1153)
Ashtpadiyan (1153-1167)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ | Raag Basant
Gurbani (1168-1187)
Ashtpadiyan (1187-1193)
Vaar Basant (1193-1196)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਾਰਗ | Raag Saarag
Gurbani (1197-1200)
Partaal (1200-1231)
Ashtpadiyan (1232-1236)
Chhant (1236-1237)
Vaar Saarang (1237-1253)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਲਾਰ | Raag Malaar
Gurbani (1254-1293)
Partaal (1265-1273)
Ashtpadiyan (1273-1278)
Chhant (1278)
Vaar Malaar (1278-91)
Bhagat Bani (1292-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਾਨੜਾ | Raag Kaanraa
Gurbani (1294-96)
Partaal (1296-1318)
Ashtpadiyan (1308-1312)
Chhant (1312)
Vaar Kaanraa
Bhagat Bani (1318)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਲਿਆਨ | Raag Kalyaan
Gurbani (1319-23)
Ashtpadiyan (1323-26)
ਰਾਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ | Raag Prabhaatee
Gurbani (1327-1341)
Ashtpadiyan (1342-51)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਜਾਵੰਤੀ | Raag Jaijaiwanti
Gurbani (1352-53)
Salok | Gatha | Phunahe | Chaubole | Swayiye
Sehskritee Mahala 1
Sehskritee Mahala 5
Gaathaa Mahala 5
Phunhay Mahala 5
Chaubolae Mahala 5
Shaloks Bhagat Kabir
Shaloks Sheikh Farid
Swaiyyae Mahala 5
Swaiyyae in Praise of Gurus
Shaloks in Addition To Vaars
Shalok Ninth Mehl
Mundavanee Mehl 5
ਰਾਗ ਮਾਲਾ, Raag Maalaa
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Beyond Chamkaur: Wars, Battles & Memories
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<blockquote data-quote="Chaan Pardesi" data-source="post: 204946" data-attributes="member: 7047"><p>I don't know where in the air, has IJ Singh plucked that "some writers" say these two battles were a "defeat" for the small arising Sikh community.No Sikh has ever said or accepted that Anandpur Sahib or the Battle of Chamkaur was a "defeat" as claimed by IJ Singh.IJ Singh's failure to offer references to who said what , how and where such was said is testimonious that nothing such really has ever been said by honourable and reputable serious writers.</p><p></p><p>However, the biased and right wing Hindu facist writers have written more than often such nonsensical myths, without an iota of truth nor understanding of reality.These are not writers and cannot be claimed to be, worth a nickel for dried up onions.Similar writers are responsibile for false literature created and attained to Guru Gobind Singh; to belittle the Guru and halt the transformational awakening of Sikhi.</p><p></p><p>This idea is - to create doubts in the minds of Sikhs, about Guru Gobind SIngh ji and the reallity of history. Similar doubts as have been created by the alleged writings in a book called dasam.</p><p></p><p>Many top academics have been claiming that Banda Singh Bahadur was the first great Sikh General- a fact that I challenge strongly and say he was not the first great Sikh general.</p><p></p><p>The very first Sikh general was Guru Hargobind Sahib, who for the very first time organised Sikhs into a fighting force and took on four wars, culminating in his victory in all.</p><p></p><p>The next to be greater than GREATEST Sikh General was GURU GOBIND SINGH -The Magnificent GURU-and His Majesty continues to top the list of the greatest general of the Sikhs.His valour, bravery and courage is known to all and yet little is really understood by even the Sikhs about his military skiils.</p><p></p><p>The story of Guru Gobind Singh ji has been little shared by Sikhs with the rest of the world despite the fact he gave the Sikhs the undeniably unique identity that Sikhs are known for the world over.The beautiful known dimensions of the Tenth Master of Sikhism are many, but strangely few applaud it and fewer still follow them, as they lack the understanding and knowledge!</p><p></p><p>Guru Gobind Singh Ji's forty two brief earthly years were filled with multi- sided activity.His versatility would baffle many historians and readers, as well people of religion.Different aspects of his characterismatic genius may have been pondered and studied, many in minute details repeatedly often.There is already a considerable body of written material that exists, treating him as a spiritual leader, a poet,a social revolutionary, a maker of history, an upholder of moral values in war and peace aand so on.But what has constantly remained scant and received scant attention from qualified scholars is an appreciation of his military ingenuity.</p><p></p><p>No one has ever tried to understand his great leadership, personality,character and the magnitutude of his greatness.</p><p></p><p>When we consider, the Tenth Master's sole aim in life and of life , like his predessors was the elevation of man in a nation that was down trodden; and depressed of social beings that were forever, at the receiving end of cruelity and harshest treatment from the powers that be.In such trying times, Guru Gobind Singh ji's message presented a challenging idea,a ray of hope and a feature of which was the charateristic valour.It was Guru Gobind Singh Ji's unique personality which refused the idea of defeat in his fight for defending the rights & claims of conscience.The magnetic spirit of fighting for the cause of righteousness infused in his disciples by Guru Gobind Singh Ji,enabled the common folk to endure hardship, imprisonment, torture and death in a lighter vein.With the guidance given by Guru Gobind Singh ji, the Sikhs became a community that remains defiant and vibrant in face defeat, and vibrantly over comes all odds at the thickest of times known to them in history.</p><p></p><p>Guru Gobind Singh ji rightly and successfully tackled all odds thrown at him by the tyrant rulers and powers.No matter how cruel and harsh they became, his career and achievements remained rightly focussed.The strategy of war adopted by him and his leadership traits remained judiously righteous and fair.Guru Gobind Singh Ji's intellect and wisdom gave him comprehension of the highest truth, his warm heart led him to devote and sacrifice his sons, wealth aand his own life, to save his countrymen suffering from the tyranical injustices.With such broad and clear thinking his military genius created world reknowned marvellous soldiers.</p><p></p><p>Strangely even among the Sikhs, his military genius has received very little appreciation.The term "military genius"should not be taken within any narrow sense because Guru Gobind Singh Ji not only led his floowers in battle and won spectacular victories against untold heavy odds, but also almost miraculously created out of an incombatant commonality , a body of men of saintly soldiers and leaders who continued to perform marvellous deeds of sacrifice aand valour even after he, himself had passed through the world.</p><p></p><p>Very few Sikh historians and scholars have actually studied or tried to understand how Guru Gobind Singh Ji planned his tactics and strategy.Any academic interest on such a theme should be very interesting , eye opening and academically inspiring for current and future Sikh generations, but sadly this area has remained very little explored, and thus deprived Sikhs of great pride and knowledge about such a marvellous saviour of humanity and Guru.</p><p></p><p>Some narrations and evaluation of a few military actions fought by Guru Gobind Singh ji would expose his professional expertise in the science of war.Guru Gobind Singh Ji's forty two brief earthly years were filled with multi- sided activity.His versatility would baffle many historians and readers as well people of religion.</p><p></p><p>In this what is common, is that both the historical and non historical works of the earlier writers and that of modern day writers is the remarkable trait of bravery of Guru Gobind Singh and his Sikhs, which distinguishes them from others.</p><p></p><p>BRAVERY, here does not merely mean fighting by brave soldiers in the battlefield, it is the broad sense covering the courage , determination, the fortitude and the heroism shown by these people in and out of the battle field.It is in this context we remember the battle of Chamkaur, and the battle of Anandpur sahib.</p><p></p><p>Such is heroic contribution of a community that numbered merely no more than 2000 people in the whole of the Punjab by 1750s, that the distinguishing names of their heros, within mere 316, will be so many that it will push into significance , the history of any other nation or people.</p><p></p><p>A Moslem sufi poet Bulle Shah of that period has rightly said,</p><p></p><p>ਨਾ ਕੰਹੂ ਅਬ ਕੀ ਨਾ ਕੰਹੂ ਤਬ ਕੀ</p><p></p><p>ਗਰ ਨਾ ਹੋਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ</p><p></p><p>ਤੋ ਸੁਨੱਤ ਹੋਤੀ ਸਭ ਕੀ ਸੁਨੱਤ</p><p></p><p>I dont say of now, nor say of then,</p><p>But truth is, had the Guru</p><p>not appeared, every body would have been</p><p>circumcised and converted to islam.</p><p></p><p>Shows just the depth of honesty and courage of the Guru ji.</p><p></p><p>BEFORE the seize of Anandpur, the Guru Ji had successfully fought the battle of Bhangani.He selected a place 10 kilometres north east of Paonta to meet the invaders.With small numbers of Sikhs, the invading enemy takes flight, despite that some Pathan soldiers of Pir Buddhu Shah abandonned the battle mid way and fled.This triggered Pir Buddhu Shah and his four sons to enter on side of this Guru ji.The enemy soldiers fled with heavy causailties.Some account of this battle is found in the alledged writings of bachiter Natak.</p><p></p><p>Then came the battle of Nadaun, where again Guru Ji with small numbers of Sikhs defeated the Hill rajas and their Mughal partners.</p><p></p><p>Then there is the battle of Nirmoh,again a combined force fought against the Guru ji and his very small band of Sikhs for two days, without success.From here the Guru ji crossed over to Basoli across the Satluj River.</p><p></p><p>There were only 10,000 force of Sikhs, at Anandpur, while Moghuls had massed in excess of 300,000 by conservative estimates.It is said, many big names of the Mughals and hill rajas fell in the battle at Anandpur.</p><p></p><p>It is said, General Said Khan, was wonder stuck, to see the valour of the small number of Sikhs , facing the combined Imperial and Hill raja armies, number into several hundered thousands.When he realised that the Guru was not an enemy of the Musalmaan,but a divine personality, considering everyone his brother,and the war was thrust upon the Guru, he surrendered before the Guru ji and gave up fighting for ever.</p><p></p><p>Guru sahib's strategy was of great military genius.To fight at Anandpur the Guru Ji constructed five forts,where he deployed 500 Sikhs in each of the Forts.These were Keshgarh,Anandgarh, Holgarh,Lohgarh and Agampura.</p><p></p><p>When the enemy marched from Ropar, the Sikhs engaged them outside Anandpur with view to check their advance.One of the most terrifying war was fought at Anandpur.Havoc was caused by small bands of Sikhs falling upon the enemy, just before night time or day break.</p><p></p><p>The seize lasted for over several months.No attempt by the enemy would break the Morale of the Guru and Sikhs.However, when water started running short, Sainapat writes:-</p><p></p><p>Char Singh paani ko javan,</p><p>do jhojhen, do pani liawan</p><p></p><p>Four Sikhs were going to get water, two engaged with the enemy, and two would successfully bring in the water.</p><p></p><p>When the Sikhs realised they were running short of food supplies, they rationed their food intake, to prolong the fight.However, the number of enemy dying in battle was much higher, as the Sikhs chose to engage when and how.</p><p></p><p>The Sikhs would come out in the night, attack the heart of the enemy encampment, snatch food and arms from their enemy and retreat back into the fort.The enemy became very panicky and shifted their supplies outside of their camps, making it difficult for themselves.</p><p></p><p>The enemy could not prolong their seize, as the local people were getting angry and there was fear they would turn against the army.AFTER, swearing upon the cow, and koran a safe passage to ensure peace for all,was offered to the Guru sahib , if the Guru ji left the Fort WAS GIVEN.</p><p></p><p>Eventually, when the Sikhs ordered the Guru ji accept and evacuate the fort, the promises were broken, and the enemy started chasing the Sikhs, looking for an opportune moment to attack.Eventually, they clashed with the Sikhs at Shahi Tibbi, where few Sikhs took on an estimated force of 30,000 men of Wazir Khan of Sirhind.by the end of the day as hundereds of enemy lay dead, few Sikhs including the the Guru's sons' baba Ajit Singh successfully crossed the River Sirsa, where another battle took place, and the Sikhs, Guru Ji and his family became separated from each other.</p><p></p><p>Thus, this was never a battle lost, or a defeat for Sikhs.It was all part of a guerilla warefare Sikhs had introduced to Asia.</p><p></p><p>The essence of CHARDHI KALA was victorious living far above ordinary in continuous stream of life was the victory in essense for the Guru and the his Sikhs.</p><p></p><p>One final point,making comparison between the Gurus battles and current day Saragarhi are two different issues.The battles by the Guru were fought with greater, zeal and energy and spiritual thought, than at Saragarhi-where the only incentive was to ensure the Sikh carried out his duty fully.The difference than was, while the Sikhs failed to tell the world,about our battles at Chamkaur, and Anandpur etc, the BRITISH made sure THEY told the world the heroics of their Sikh soldiers.That is where we failed the battles of Chamkaur and Anandpur, sahib which were fought with greater energy and determination by the Gurus Sikhs.</p><p></p><p></p><p>ਅਣੱਖੀ ਰੂੱਪ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਦਾ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਜੇ,ਸਿੰਘ ਚੱੜਖੜੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਚੜਦੇ ਵੇਖੋ,</p><p>ਸਾਡਾ ਸਾਰਾ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਦਾ ਏ ,ਵੈਰੀ ਸੱਦਾ ਸਾਂਨੂੰ ਵੰਗਾਰਦੇ ਰਹੇ/</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Chaan Pardesi, post: 204946, member: 7047"] I don't know where in the air, has IJ Singh plucked that "some writers" say these two battles were a "defeat" for the small arising Sikh community.No Sikh has ever said or accepted that Anandpur Sahib or the Battle of Chamkaur was a "defeat" as claimed by IJ Singh.IJ Singh's failure to offer references to who said what , how and where such was said is testimonious that nothing such really has ever been said by honourable and reputable serious writers. However, the biased and right wing Hindu facist writers have written more than often such nonsensical myths, without an iota of truth nor understanding of reality.These are not writers and cannot be claimed to be, worth a nickel for dried up onions.Similar writers are responsibile for false literature created and attained to Guru Gobind Singh; to belittle the Guru and halt the transformational awakening of Sikhi. This idea is - to create doubts in the minds of Sikhs, about Guru Gobind SIngh ji and the reallity of history. Similar doubts as have been created by the alleged writings in a book called dasam. Many top academics have been claiming that Banda Singh Bahadur was the first great Sikh General- a fact that I challenge strongly and say he was not the first great Sikh general. The very first Sikh general was Guru Hargobind Sahib, who for the very first time organised Sikhs into a fighting force and took on four wars, culminating in his victory in all. The next to be greater than GREATEST Sikh General was GURU GOBIND SINGH -The Magnificent GURU-and His Majesty continues to top the list of the greatest general of the Sikhs.His valour, bravery and courage is known to all and yet little is really understood by even the Sikhs about his military skiils. The story of Guru Gobind Singh ji has been little shared by Sikhs with the rest of the world despite the fact he gave the Sikhs the undeniably unique identity that Sikhs are known for the world over.The beautiful known dimensions of the Tenth Master of Sikhism are many, but strangely few applaud it and fewer still follow them, as they lack the understanding and knowledge! Guru Gobind Singh Ji's forty two brief earthly years were filled with multi- sided activity.His versatility would baffle many historians and readers, as well people of religion.Different aspects of his characterismatic genius may have been pondered and studied, many in minute details repeatedly often.There is already a considerable body of written material that exists, treating him as a spiritual leader, a poet,a social revolutionary, a maker of history, an upholder of moral values in war and peace aand so on.But what has constantly remained scant and received scant attention from qualified scholars is an appreciation of his military ingenuity. No one has ever tried to understand his great leadership, personality,character and the magnitutude of his greatness. When we consider, the Tenth Master's sole aim in life and of life , like his predessors was the elevation of man in a nation that was down trodden; and depressed of social beings that were forever, at the receiving end of cruelity and harshest treatment from the powers that be.In such trying times, Guru Gobind Singh ji's message presented a challenging idea,a ray of hope and a feature of which was the charateristic valour.It was Guru Gobind Singh Ji's unique personality which refused the idea of defeat in his fight for defending the rights & claims of conscience.The magnetic spirit of fighting for the cause of righteousness infused in his disciples by Guru Gobind Singh Ji,enabled the common folk to endure hardship, imprisonment, torture and death in a lighter vein.With the guidance given by Guru Gobind Singh ji, the Sikhs became a community that remains defiant and vibrant in face defeat, and vibrantly over comes all odds at the thickest of times known to them in history. Guru Gobind Singh ji rightly and successfully tackled all odds thrown at him by the tyrant rulers and powers.No matter how cruel and harsh they became, his career and achievements remained rightly focussed.The strategy of war adopted by him and his leadership traits remained judiously righteous and fair.Guru Gobind Singh Ji's intellect and wisdom gave him comprehension of the highest truth, his warm heart led him to devote and sacrifice his sons, wealth aand his own life, to save his countrymen suffering from the tyranical injustices.With such broad and clear thinking his military genius created world reknowned marvellous soldiers. Strangely even among the Sikhs, his military genius has received very little appreciation.The term "military genius"should not be taken within any narrow sense because Guru Gobind Singh Ji not only led his floowers in battle and won spectacular victories against untold heavy odds, but also almost miraculously created out of an incombatant commonality , a body of men of saintly soldiers and leaders who continued to perform marvellous deeds of sacrifice aand valour even after he, himself had passed through the world. Very few Sikh historians and scholars have actually studied or tried to understand how Guru Gobind Singh Ji planned his tactics and strategy.Any academic interest on such a theme should be very interesting , eye opening and academically inspiring for current and future Sikh generations, but sadly this area has remained very little explored, and thus deprived Sikhs of great pride and knowledge about such a marvellous saviour of humanity and Guru. Some narrations and evaluation of a few military actions fought by Guru Gobind Singh ji would expose his professional expertise in the science of war.Guru Gobind Singh Ji's forty two brief earthly years were filled with multi- sided activity.His versatility would baffle many historians and readers as well people of religion. In this what is common, is that both the historical and non historical works of the earlier writers and that of modern day writers is the remarkable trait of bravery of Guru Gobind Singh and his Sikhs, which distinguishes them from others. BRAVERY, here does not merely mean fighting by brave soldiers in the battlefield, it is the broad sense covering the courage , determination, the fortitude and the heroism shown by these people in and out of the battle field.It is in this context we remember the battle of Chamkaur, and the battle of Anandpur sahib. Such is heroic contribution of a community that numbered merely no more than 2000 people in the whole of the Punjab by 1750s, that the distinguishing names of their heros, within mere 316, will be so many that it will push into significance , the history of any other nation or people. A Moslem sufi poet Bulle Shah of that period has rightly said, ਨਾ ਕੰਹੂ ਅਬ ਕੀ ਨਾ ਕੰਹੂ ਤਬ ਕੀ ਗਰ ਨਾ ਹੋਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਤੋ ਸੁਨੱਤ ਹੋਤੀ ਸਭ ਕੀ ਸੁਨੱਤ I dont say of now, nor say of then, But truth is, had the Guru not appeared, every body would have been circumcised and converted to islam. Shows just the depth of honesty and courage of the Guru ji. BEFORE the seize of Anandpur, the Guru Ji had successfully fought the battle of Bhangani.He selected a place 10 kilometres north east of Paonta to meet the invaders.With small numbers of Sikhs, the invading enemy takes flight, despite that some Pathan soldiers of Pir Buddhu Shah abandonned the battle mid way and fled.This triggered Pir Buddhu Shah and his four sons to enter on side of this Guru ji.The enemy soldiers fled with heavy causailties.Some account of this battle is found in the alledged writings of bachiter Natak. Then came the battle of Nadaun, where again Guru Ji with small numbers of Sikhs defeated the Hill rajas and their Mughal partners. Then there is the battle of Nirmoh,again a combined force fought against the Guru ji and his very small band of Sikhs for two days, without success.From here the Guru ji crossed over to Basoli across the Satluj River. There were only 10,000 force of Sikhs, at Anandpur, while Moghuls had massed in excess of 300,000 by conservative estimates.It is said, many big names of the Mughals and hill rajas fell in the battle at Anandpur. It is said, General Said Khan, was wonder stuck, to see the valour of the small number of Sikhs , facing the combined Imperial and Hill raja armies, number into several hundered thousands.When he realised that the Guru was not an enemy of the Musalmaan,but a divine personality, considering everyone his brother,and the war was thrust upon the Guru, he surrendered before the Guru ji and gave up fighting for ever. Guru sahib's strategy was of great military genius.To fight at Anandpur the Guru Ji constructed five forts,where he deployed 500 Sikhs in each of the Forts.These were Keshgarh,Anandgarh, Holgarh,Lohgarh and Agampura. When the enemy marched from Ropar, the Sikhs engaged them outside Anandpur with view to check their advance.One of the most terrifying war was fought at Anandpur.Havoc was caused by small bands of Sikhs falling upon the enemy, just before night time or day break. The seize lasted for over several months.No attempt by the enemy would break the Morale of the Guru and Sikhs.However, when water started running short, Sainapat writes:- Char Singh paani ko javan, do jhojhen, do pani liawan Four Sikhs were going to get water, two engaged with the enemy, and two would successfully bring in the water. When the Sikhs realised they were running short of food supplies, they rationed their food intake, to prolong the fight.However, the number of enemy dying in battle was much higher, as the Sikhs chose to engage when and how. The Sikhs would come out in the night, attack the heart of the enemy encampment, snatch food and arms from their enemy and retreat back into the fort.The enemy became very panicky and shifted their supplies outside of their camps, making it difficult for themselves. The enemy could not prolong their seize, as the local people were getting angry and there was fear they would turn against the army.AFTER, swearing upon the cow, and koran a safe passage to ensure peace for all,was offered to the Guru sahib , if the Guru ji left the Fort WAS GIVEN. Eventually, when the Sikhs ordered the Guru ji accept and evacuate the fort, the promises were broken, and the enemy started chasing the Sikhs, looking for an opportune moment to attack.Eventually, they clashed with the Sikhs at Shahi Tibbi, where few Sikhs took on an estimated force of 30,000 men of Wazir Khan of Sirhind.by the end of the day as hundereds of enemy lay dead, few Sikhs including the the Guru's sons' baba Ajit Singh successfully crossed the River Sirsa, where another battle took place, and the Sikhs, Guru Ji and his family became separated from each other. Thus, this was never a battle lost, or a defeat for Sikhs.It was all part of a guerilla warefare Sikhs had introduced to Asia. The essence of CHARDHI KALA was victorious living far above ordinary in continuous stream of life was the victory in essense for the Guru and the his Sikhs. One final point,making comparison between the Gurus battles and current day Saragarhi are two different issues.The battles by the Guru were fought with greater, zeal and energy and spiritual thought, than at Saragarhi-where the only incentive was to ensure the Sikh carried out his duty fully.The difference than was, while the Sikhs failed to tell the world,about our battles at Chamkaur, and Anandpur etc, the BRITISH made sure THEY told the world the heroics of their Sikh soldiers.That is where we failed the battles of Chamkaur and Anandpur, sahib which were fought with greater energy and determination by the Gurus Sikhs. ਅਣੱਖੀ ਰੂੱਪ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਦਾ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਜੇ,ਸਿੰਘ ਚੱੜਖੜੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਚੜਦੇ ਵੇਖੋ, ਸਾਡਾ ਸਾਰਾ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਦਾ ਏ ,ਵੈਰੀ ਸੱਦਾ ਸਾਂਨੂੰ ਵੰਗਾਰਦੇ ਰਹੇ/ [/QUOTE]
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Beyond Chamkaur: Wars, Battles & Memories
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