|
 The
brave and fearless Sikhs of guru Gobind
Singh were engaged for months together
in a prolonged battle with the Mughal
army outside the fort of Anandpur. Emperor
Aurungzeb sent a message on Oath that
if the Guru and his Sikhs left the fort
they would be allowed to go whereever
they please.
Guru Gobind Singh had his doubts, but
on being persuaded by his devoted Sikhs,
he reluctantly agreed to leave the fort.
However it happened exactly as the Guru
had apprehended. As soon as Sikhs came
out of the fort the Mughal Army pounced
upon them. A fierce battle was fought
on the banks of Sirsa River. The Valiant
Sikhs faced the enemy with unparalled
courage. Each one of them killed quite
a few Moghul soldiers before sacrificing
himself.
 In
the dust and din of battle, members
of the family of Guru Gobind Singh got
separated from each other. The two younger
sons Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada
Fateh Singh, proceeded along with Guruji's
revered old mother Mata Gujri Ji. They
passed through thick forests and difficult
terrains. They came across wild animals
saw lions and snakes on the way but
the brave Sahibzadas walked on and on
fearlessly in the company of their grand
mother, reciting the holy psalms of
their Gurus. The grand mother related
to them stories from Sikh History. They
were thus able to cover journey comfortably.
The two elder brothers, Sahibzada Ajit
Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, accompanied
their father Guru Gobind Singh. After
Crossing Sirsa river, they stayed for
the night at Roper and reached the Chamkaur
Fort early next morning. After an arduous
journey Mata Gujri Ji along with the
two Sahibzadas, reached the hut of a
Muslim water carrier, Kuma. On seeing
Mataji he rushed out and, with folded
hands, requested Mataji to bless his
humble cottage by staying therein. Mataji
was pleased with his devotion. Since
it was getting dark, she decided to
halt there for the night.
On getting duet the old Guru's domestic
servant, Gangu arrived the next morning.
He requested Mataji to go with him to
his village. He assured her that their
whereabouts will not be known to the
Emperor's officials and they would be
quite safe there. Mataji was a little
reluctant but on his persistent requests
she agreed. After getting their luggage
loaded on a pony, all of them set out
for his village. The two Sahibzadas
went walking along with their grand
mother. Off and on, they would enquire
about their father and the elder brothers,
Sahibzadas Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh.
After trekking the whole day, they
reached village Kheri in the evening.
On arrival in Gangu's house Mataji put
her bag and baggage in a corner of one
of the rooms. Sahibzadas Zorowar Singh
and Fateh Singh changed their clothes
and set their beddings, recited the
holy evening prayer and went to sleep
in their grand-mother's embrace.
At midnight Gangu quietly stole into
their room, looked at Mataji who was
resting in her bed with her eyes shut.
Presuming that she was fast asleep,
he bent down, put his hands into the
bag, removed the gold coins and slipped
out of the room. Mataji heard the sound
of footsteps but she just slept over
it and continued resting as usual. When
she got up the next morning, she asked
Gangu, "Our things are lying scattered
about, I hope the outer door was closed.
Wnere are the-gold coins?" Gangu
just looked blank. Without uttering
a word he rushed out of the house and
started shouting for help to trace the
thief. Mataji called him in and asked
him not to make unnecessary fuss. Gangu,
however, persisted in saying that the
thief must be found out. Mataji tried
to pacify him and asked him to keep
the gold coins if he so wished. At this
Gangu flew into rage, "So you are
suspecting me. How ungrateful of you.
I have given you refuge and this is
the reward I get." Mata Gujri made
every effort to persuade him to see
reason. Gangu, however, would not listen
to any advice. He left his house and
headed straight for the Police station
at Morinda. On arrival at Morinda, he
went straight to the Kotwal. After paying
his respects he told him that he desired
to convey some confidential information.
On an enquiry by the Kotwal, Gangu confided
to him in a low voice that Guru Gobind
Singh's mother and his two young sons
were hiding in his house. The Kotwal
was pleased to get this news. He called
his constables and sent them along with
Gangu to his house to arrest them.
When the constables reached Gangu's
house, some neighbours peeped out. The
constables ran to the back of the house
and were surprised to see Mata Gurji
ji and the two Sahibzadas sitting unconcerned.
They apprised them of the Kotwal's orders
to arrest them. Mata Gujri ji embraced
the two Sahibzadas who were ready to
go. Sahibzada Zorawar singh and Sahibzada
Fateh Singh and Mata Gujri ji accommpanied
the constables. A small crowd had collected
outside the house Ganga was standing
aside with downcast eyes. People were
cursing him for his dishonesty and betrayal.
A woman remarked "How trecherous!
He brought them to his house and then
went and informed the authorities".
They were wondering why the young innocent
boys and respected old lady were being
escorted to the police station. They
were impressed by the divine looks and
the graceful bearing of Mata ji.
 On
arrival at the police station Mata Gujri
ji and the two Sahibzadas were lodged
in the Kotwali for the night. Both brothers
listened to the tales of bravery of
the followers of Guru Nanak, story of
the unique martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev
and Guru Tegh Bahadur from their dear
and affectionate grand mother. All three
joined in reciting the sacred evening
Sikh prayer, Rahras and Kirtan Sohila
- before going to bed. Early next morning
they were taken in a bullock cart to
Bassi police station. News of their
arrest had spread far and wide. Large
crowds collected everywhere on the way.
People were surprised that the young
innocent boys had been put under arrest
along with their venerable grand mother.
The fearless looks of the Sahibzadas
aroused their admiration and they observed,
"They are the brave sons of their
brave father". The remarks of the
on-lookers made the constables panicky
and they started walking fast. The cart-driver
also whipped the bullocks so that they
could reach Sirhind quickly. On arrival
at Sirhind, they were lodged for the
night in a cold room in the tower. At
a great risk to his life, one of the
devotees of Guru, Bhai Moti managed
to send milk for Mataji and the Sahibzadas.
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh
listened to episodes from Sikh History
related to them by their grand-mother.
On hearing about the ideals set by the
Gurus the two Sahibzadas assured Mata
Gujri ji that they would stand by their
faith and follow in the foot steps of
their illustrious father. Mataji was
pleased to hear this and admired her
grand children's courage and firm determination.
 Next
morning the police constables appeared
again and told Mataji that they had
orders for taking the two boys to the
Nawab's court. On an enquiry by Mataji
as to why they were called there, they
answered that they were not aware of
the reasons, their duty was to obey
orders only. Mataji embraced her grandsons,
blessed them and asked them to uphold
the sacred traditions of the Gurus.
The two Sahibzadas pledged to do so
and departed cheerfully. The two Sahibzadas
walked to the court boldly along with
the constables. As they reached the
Court they noticed that the big gate
was closed and there was only a small
window for gaining entry to the Court.
It was setup so that the Sons of Guru
Gobind Singh would have to bow to Quran
which Qazi was holding in his hands
across the door. The intelligent Sahibzadas
saw through the game. They put their
feet forward and jumped inside through
the window without bowing their heads.
 The
Nawab's court was in session. As the
two Sahibzadas stepped inside, they
greeted the courtiers with the Sikh
salutation -- Wahguru ji ka Khalsa,
Wahguru ji ki Fateh "The Khalsa
is God's own Victory be to God"
The court resounded with their greeting.
All the courtiers were greatly impressed
by their fearless behaviour. Dressed
in saffron shirts with Kirpans worn
round their wrists, the Sahibzadas looked
very sweet. Nawab Wazir Khan addressed
them in an affectionate tone: "What
sweet and brave faces! Islam will be
proud to have you within its fold. Just
recite Kalma (Muslim benediction) and
we shall welcome you in our midst. You
will get anything for the asking"
The two sahibzadas shouted back in
one voice. "we care not for the
worldly wealth. We shall not renounce
our religion at any cost" The nawab
got annoyed at their reply but just
kept quiet. Adressing the qazi the nawab
said, "Have you observed the insolent
behaviour of these boys! Don't regard
them as innocent. They are the rebellious
sons of a rebel. They will have to be
punished." The qazi told the nawab
that, according to islamic law, the
two boys were not guilty of any crime.
They could not be held responisble for
their father's actions. The nawab observed,
however, "They are rebels too.
Haven't you heard their rude statements!".
The Qazi answered, "But they have
not committed any crime". Nawab
Wazir Khan was taken aback at the Qazi's
unexpected reply. Nawab Wazir Khan again
tried to pursued them and said "
You are still young and innocent. It
is your age for enjoyment and fun. If
you listen to our advice, you will enjoy
life to your heart's content in this
world and be blessed with a glorious
life in Paradise"
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh spoke fearlessly.
"We are fighting against tyranny
and injustice. We are the sons of Guru
Gobind Singh, the grand sons of Guru
Tegh Bahadur and descendants of Guru
Arjan Dev. We shall follow in their
footsteps. We are ready for all sacrifices
for the protection of our faith"
In a low voice the Nawab observed, "How
proud of their faith!" One of the
officials of the Moghul government Dewan
Sucha Nand, who happened to be there,
walked up to the Sahibzadas and asked
them, "If you are released, where
will you go?" Sahibzada Zorawar
Singh said, "We shall go to the
forests, gather together a few Sikhs,
get hold of any good horse and then
come and face you and your army on the
battlefield." On hearing this,
Dewan Sucha Nand observed, "Do
you know that your father has been slain?"
Both the brothers reacted in an angry
tone, "No one can kill our respected
father. He will never fall into your
hands." The two Sahibzadas shouted
back, "We don't need any advice
from you. Listen carefully. Until this
tyrannical government is completely
wiped out, we shall go on fighting.
Dewan Sucha Nand was taken aback at
their reply. Addressing the Nawab he
said, "Sir killing the serpent
and feeding his young ones would not
be wise. When these young kids grow
up, they will rebel against the government.
They must be punished and should, on
no account, be released." The Nawab
listened to what Dewan Sucha Nand said.
The two Sahibzadas were in a playful
mood, talkin to each other fearlessly
and quite unconcerned when the Nawab,
the Qazi and Dewan Sucha Nand were engaged
in this conversation. The courtiers
were quite amazed at the lack of any
fear or anxiety on their faces even
though it was a question of life and
death for them. The Nawab said to the
Qazi again, "You have heard the
impertinent answers given by them to
Dewan Sucha Nand. It would not be safe
to release them. They are sure to raise
the banner of revolt, like their father
when they grow up.
 The
Qazi had listened to the conversation
that took place between Dewan Sucha
Nand and the two bold sons of Guru Gobind
singh. After some deliberations he pronounced
the judgement and ordered that they
be bricked up alive in a wall. (a standard
punishment taken straight from Quran
for "seditious activities against
muslim state") Sahibzadas heard
the sentence without dismay but the
courtiers were taken aback on hearing
the judgement. The Qazi advised the
Nawab further that they be handed over
to the Nawab of Malerkotla for carrying
out the sentence since his brother met
his end at the hands of the Guru so
that he can have his revege by getting
his sons buried alive.
Nawab Wazir Khan called Sher Mohammad
Khan, the Nawab of Malerkotla, and conveyed
the Qazi's orders to him, "Your
brother lost his life at the hands of
Guru Gobind Singh. Here is an oppurtunity
for you to wreak your vengeance. The
Qazi has sentenced these two sons of
Guru Gobind Singh to death and has further
ordered that they be bricked alive.
We are handing them over to you for
doing the needful" On hearing this
Sher Mohammad Khan was dumb founded.
After some pause he said to the Nawab
in a faltering voice, "This is
cruelty! my brother was killed on the
battlefield. These innocent boys are
not responsible for his death. If we
have to take revenge it shall be from
the father. God save us from this sinful
act." Saying this he got up and
remarked in a mournful tone, "O
God, how cruel!"
Thereafter the Nawab ordered that both
the boys be sent back to the tower.
He directed his officials to arrange
for executioners who would brick them
alive in between two walls, which may
be constructed immediately. The sahibzadas
reached the tower and gave a report
of the proceedings of the court to their
grand mother. She embraced her grandsons
patted them on their backs for their
courageous and bold stand and said,
"You have rightly upheld the dignity
and honour of your revered grand-father
and your valiant father May God ever
abide with you."
Next morning they were taken to the
Nawab's court. The Nawab asked them
again, "I do hope you have made
up your mind to embrace Islam, otherwise,
as you know, you will be bricked up
alive." Both the Sahibzadas proclaimed
fearlessly, "we shall never give
up our faith, whatever may be the consequences.
Death has no meaning for us." The
Nawab was simply amazed at their determined
annd firm reply. One of his officials
stepped forward, and said to the Nawab,
"Sir the two royal executioners
of Delhi, Shisal Beg and Vishal Beg,
are present in the court for hearing
of their cacse. They are prepared to
carry out your orders for bricking up
these boys alive if they are granted
pardon." The nawab called them
and told them, "Your request for
pardon has been granted on condition
that you brick up these two sons of
Guru Gobind Singh alive in a wall."
The constables took away both the Sahibzadas.
A large crowd had collect Nawab that
the two young innocent sons of Guru
Gobind Singh were to be bricked alive.
"What crime have they committed?
" Said one "How cruel and
inhuman. O God! " exclaimed another.
"But they are not terrified,"remarked
a lady in the crowd. "They are
brave sons of their brave father, Guru
Gobind Singh,"Pat came the remark
by her companion.
The constables who were escorting the
two Sahibzadas, were getting perturbed
on hearin such observations from the
crowd and were rushing forward.
 The
Sahibzads were brought to the spot where
a wall was bring raised. Both of them
were made to stand side by side. The
Qazi arrived there soon after and tried
to pursuade them to accept Islam and
not to cut short their lives. Even the
executioners tried to prevail upon them
but they were both unflinching in their
determination and told the executioners,
"Raise the wall fast and bury the
Moghul Raj Quickly. Don't delay for
a minute." Thereafter both of them
started reciting Japji while the wall
was going up brick by brick.
The wall went up higher and higher until
it reached their chests. The Nawab and
Qazi approached them and said to them
in an affectionate tone, "There
is still time for you to save your lives,
just recie the Kalma and the wall will
be pulled down immediately."
The Sahibzadas shouted loudly, "We
shall not give up our faith death does
not frighten us."
Both the Nawab and Qazi were amazed
at their steadfast determination. Tears
flowed from the eyes of onlookers, as
they observed, "Blessed be their
mother who gave birth to such children."
The wall went up still higher and it
ws shoulder high. Sahibzada Zorawar
Singh said to his younger brother, "They
are putting us to test. They do not
know that the Sikhs of Guru Nanak are
fearless. Our Fifth Guru Arjan Dev faced
martyrdom cheerfully on burning iron
pans. Whereas he guided humanity to
the path of a truthful and noble life,
he also set an example of facing death
boldly and with full faith in God."
The younger brother Sahibzada Fateh
Singh remarked, "The martyrdom
of our revered grand father, Guru Teg
Bahadur was also unique. We shall soon
join him. He is waiting us." Later
both the Sahibzadas became unconscious.
The executioners became nervous and
consulted each other. "They are
now nearing their end. There is no need
to raise the wall further. Why not cut
short their agony by beheading them?
It is already getting dark." The
wall was pulled down. They brought the
unconscious Sahibzadas out laid them
flat on the ground and, in an instant,
martyred them. People in the crowd were
shocked at this ghastly act. They sighed
in dismay, "what cruelty!"
As soon as the two Sahibzadas attained
martyrdom, Mata Gujri ji, who was sitting
in meditation in the tower, breathed
her last. The messenger who came with
the news of the martyrdom of the Sahibzads
found that Mata-Ji had already attained
salvation. There was great commotion
in the town of Sirhind. Everyone was
furious at the atrocious crime. They
were unanimous in their view that this
heinous act would herald the doomsday
of the Moghul Empire. They admired the
courage and steadfastness of the brave
sons of Guru Gobind Singh and remarked,
"What determination at this young
age! They did not budge an inch from
their position in spite of several allurements
by the Nawab and Qazi."
The same evening Dewan Todar Mal, a
jeweller reached Nawab Wazir Khan's
court for permission to cremate the
dead bodies of the two Sahibzadas and
Mata Gurji.
The Nawab agreed on condition that the
dewan paid for the required piece of
land by spreading as many Gold coins
as would cover the entire spot. The
dewan accepted the terms and brought
bagfulls of Gold coins. He marked the
site and spread coins on entire piece
of land he selected for cremation.
The two martyred young sons of Guru
Gobind Singh were cremated with full
honours along with their grand mother.
There is no parallel to the martyrdom
of such young boys in the annals of
human history. Sahibzada Fateh Singh
was less than Six years old (born 1699)
and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh was just
over eight (born in 1696). They laid
down their lives in December 1705. They
were bricked alive but did not bow before
the tyranny of the Moghul government.
Guru Gobind Singh was at the time in
the forests of Machhiwara when the news
of the martyrdom of his younger sons
reached him. On hearing this he pulled
out a plant with the tip of his arrow
and prophesized that this tragedy will
herald the uprooting of Moghal Empire
in India. And to the Emperor he wrote:
"It matters little if a jackal
through cunning and treachery succeeds
in killing two lion's cubs, for the
lion himself lives to inflict retribution
on you."
Guru Gobind Singh addressed his followers
thus: "I have sacrificed four sons
for the survival of the thousands of
my sons who ar still alive." (All
Sikhs are Guru Gobind Singh's sons and
daughers). A wave of anguish gripped
the country at the news of the martyrdom
of the Sahibzadas. After some time the
recluse Banda Bairagi came under the
influence of Guru Gobind Singh ji, and
was made Khalsa as Banda Singh Bahadur.
He shook the Moghul empire and the town
of Sirhind was reduced to the utter
ruins.
The renowned Hindi poet, Maithli Saran
Gupta in his well known book Bharat
Bharati said: "Whatever their present
position, the future of the community
whose sons can thus lay down their lives
for their faith, is bound to be glorious."
Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, martyrdom
place of Sahibzades
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Copyright © Prof. Jagdish Singh"Supreme
Sacrifice of Young Souls"
Painting Artist: Devinder Singh
Art Work by : Shri Bodh Raj
Publisher : Manjit Singh Calcutta, S.G.P.C.
Amritsar
|
