Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 12 Abdus Samad Khan, Zakariya Khan and Mir Mannu: Their Relations with the Sikhs Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 12 Abdus Samad Khan, Zakariya Khan and Mir Mannu: Their Relations with the Sikhs
Long Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Write a note on Abdus Samad Khan.
Or
Explain Abdus Samad Khan’s relations with the Sikhs from 1713 to 1726.
Answer:
The Mughal emperor Farrukh Siyar appointed Abdus Samad Khan the Governor of Lahore in 1713 A.D. to crush the growing power of the Sikhs. Abdus Samad Khan succeeded in 1715 A. D. in arresting Banda Singh Bahadur and some of his Sikh companions. It enhanced the prestige of Abdus Samad Khan. Emboldened by his success, he opened a new chapter of perpetuating tyranny on the Sikhs. Every day the Sikhs were arrested, taken to Lahore, and put to the sword.
The Mughal emperor Farrukh Siyar was pleased with the success of Abdus Samad Khan and honored him with the title ‘Sword of the State’. In order to escape his tyranny, the Sikhs took shelter in the forests and hills. Later on, the Sikhs started guerilla warfare against the Mughals. Consequently, Abdus Samad Khan failed to check their power. As a result, he was removed from his post in 1726A.D.
Question 2.
What is meant by Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa? How were their differences resolved?
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What was the difference between Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa? Who compromised them?
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What do you mean by Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa? Explain.
Answer:
After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Sikhs were divided into two Dals-Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa. The followers of both the Dais had faith in the doctrines of Sikh religion but they differed in their practical actions. The Sikhs who continued to follow the principles of Guru Gobind Singh Ji came to be known as Tat Khalsa (True Khalsa) while those who followed the principles of Banda Singh Bahadur came to be known as Bandai Khalsa. Bandai Khalsa accepted Banda Singh Bahadur as their Guru while Tat Khalsa accepted Guru Granth Sahib as their Guru.
Followers of Bandai Khalsa used the words ‘Fateh Dharam’ and ‘Fateh Darshan’ when they met one another while the followers of Tat Khalsa used ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’. Bandai Khalsa wore red robes while Tat Khalsa wore blue robes. In 1721 A.D. Bhai Mani Singh Ji, Head priest of Sri Harmandir Sahib, resolved the differences between them. As a result of this Bandai Khalsa merged into Tat Khalsa.
Question 3.
Describe the tyrannies inflicted on the Sikhs during the time of Zakariya Khan.
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How did Zakariya Khan try to deal with the Sikhs?
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Describe briefly the persecution of Sikhs under Zakariya Khan.
Answer:
Zakariya Khan became the Governor of Punjab in 1726 A.D. He adopted a tough policy to deal with the Sikhs. He arrested the Sikhs in a large number and martyred them. But when he did not succeed in crushing the Sikhs completely, he planned to placate them. Zakariya Khan gave Sardar Kapoor Singh the title of Nawab and a big Jagir. The Sikhs made use of the opportunity and began to organize their power once again. After some time the Sikhs once again started looting the Mughals. Zakariya Khan confiscated the Jagir that he had given and ordered their persecution.
He announced many awards in this regard. As a result, the massacre of the Sikhs started once again. Famous personalities like Bhai Mani Singh, Mehtab Singh Ji, Bhai Taru Singh Ji, and llaqiqat Rai Ji were martyred. But these martyrdoms infused a new spirit into the Sikhs. Despite his best efforts, Zakariya Khan could not succeed in crushing the Sikh power till his death in 1745 ‘ A.D.
Question 4.
Who was Tara Singh Van? What is the importance of his martyrdom in Sikh History?
Answer:
Tara Singh was a resident of village Van in district Amritsar. He was very popular among the Sikhs for his bravery and services to the Sikh Panth. He had taken an active part in the battles of Banda Singh Bahadur. Now he had taken to farming in his village. The Chaudhary of Naushehra, Sahib Rai, used to let loose his horses into the farms of the Sikhs, so as to damage their crops. When the Sikhs objected to it, he used to insult them. The Sikhs could not tolerate this insult. One day, Tara Singh Van caught hold of a mare of Sahib Rai and sold it. He bought grain with that money and gave it in the ‘langar’. When Sahib Rai came to know about it, he sought help from Zakariya Khan. Zakariya Khan sent a troop of 2200 cavaliers under the command of his General Moman Khan.
Tara Singh Van and his 22 companions inflicted a heavy loss on the Mughal force throughout the night. It was only in the morning that the Mughals came to know of the actual strength of the Sikhs. All these Sikhs became martyrs while fighting. Before their martyrdom, they killed 300 Mughal soldiers and wounded many more. This event took place in February 1726 A.D. The martyrdom of Tara Singh Van infused new confidence among the Sikhs.
Question 5.
Who was Bhai Mani Singh Ji? What was the impact of his martyrdom in Sikh History?
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What were the causes of the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji?
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What do you know about Bhai Mani Singh Ji and his martyrdom?
Or
Write a short note on Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Answer:
The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji was the most significant event of Zakariya Khan’s period. Bhai Mani Singh Ji was the Head Priest of Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. He was greatly respected among the Sikhs. Zakariya Khan imposed a ban on the Sikhs visiting Sri Darbar Sahib. Bhai Mani Singh Ji got a sanction from Zakariya Khan for the Sikhs to gather at Sri Darbar Sahib on the eve of Diwali by promising to give him Rs. 5000. The Sikhs started assembling at Amritsar in a large number. But a day before Diwali, Zakariya Khan attacked Amritsar. It created pandemonium among the Sikhs and they could not assemble on the eve of Diwali. Zakariya Khan arrested Bhai Mani Singh Ji and demanded the stipulated sum.
Bhai Mani Singh Ji could not pay this amount as Diwali festival could not be held. He was asked to either Embrace Islam or to face death. When Bhai Mani Singh Ji refused to accept Islam, he was ruthlessly martyred at Lahore in 1738 AJD. The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh caused deep resentment among the Sikhs. So they resolved to uproot the Mughal empire.
Question 6.
Who was Bhai Taru Singh Ji and what is the significance of his martyrdom in Sikh History?
Or
Write a short note on Bhai Taru Singh Ji.
Answer:
Bhai Taru Singh Ji belonged to Puhla village in Majha region’ His profession was agriculture and he used to help the Sikhs with his income. It was a great offence in the eyes of the government. Harbhagat, a man from Jandiala got him arrestetl. He was brought to Lahore where Zakariya Khan asked him to shave off his hair and accept Islam. He was offered all the comforts of the world. Bhai Taru Singh Ji refused to accept both the proposals.
At this Zakariya Khan ordered Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s hair to be scrapped off his scalp. Complying with the orders, the executioner started tearing his skull. At that time Bhai Taru Singh Ji was reciting Japji Sahib. His whole body was drenched in blood but he did not budge. After 22 days, on July 1,1745 he merged with Immortal. This supreme sacrifice of Bhai Taru Sing ;h Ji infused a new spirit among the Sikhs.
Question 7.
Who was Nadir Shah? What was the effect of his invasion on Punjab?
Or
Give a brief account of Nadir Shah’s invasion of Punjab and its impact.
Answer:
Nadir Shah was the emperor of Iran. He invaded India in 1739 A.D. During this invasion, his forces ravaged and ransacked many cities of India including Delhi. It spread: ruin and disorder throughout India and Punjab in particular. Nadir Shah was so ruthless that enemies trembled on hearing his name. When he was returning through Punjab, the Sikhs suddenly pounced upon him and seized a large amount of booty. Nadir Shah was wonder-struck.
He enquired about these Sikhs from Zakariya Khan, the Governor of Punjab. He warned him that if he did not take stern steps immediately against the Sikhs, they would one day get hold of Punjab. As a result, Zakariya Khan stepped up his tyranny over the Sikhs. But after the invasion of Nadir Shah, lawlessness spread in Punjab. Availing themselves of this opportunity, the Sikhs started consolidating their power.
Question 8.
Write a brief note on Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
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When were Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal o.rganised? What is their importance in Sikh History?
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What do you mean by ‘Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal’?
Answer:
After the settlement with the Mughals in 1733 A.D., the Sikhs got a golden chance to consolidate their power. Nawab Kapur Singh sent messages to the Sikhs to return to their homes from forests and hills. In this way,’ the persecution of the Sikhs which had continued during the last two decades came to an end. They heaved a sigh of relief. In 1734 A.D. Nawab Kapoor Singh formed two Jathas or Dais with a view to strengthening the Sikh power. These two Jathas came to be known as Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal. The Sikhs above 40 were included in Buddha Dal and below 40 years were included in Taruna Dal.
Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups, each of which had 1300 to 2000 Sikhs. Each group had a separate leader and a flag. Buddha Dal looked after the religious places while Taruna Dal fought against the enemies of the Sikhs.
Question 9.
Who was Yahiya Khan? Give information about his rule?
Answer:
After the death of Zakariya Khan, Yahiya, Khan became the Governor of Lahore in 1746 A.D. He remained on this post till 1747 A.D. In the matter of committing oppressions on the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan did not lag behind his father, Zakariya Khan.
1. Activities of the Sikhs : When Yahiya Khan assumed t;he charge, the atmosphere of anarchy was prevalent in the Punjab. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Sikhs had organised their power. They attacketd many villages and killed their Chaudharis and Muqaddams for co-operating witk i the government and taking actions against the Sikhs. The Sikh jathas intensifie d their activities in many regions of Punjab.
2. Death of Jaspat Rai: In 1746 A.D. a Sikh jatha which wai3 proceeding on a pilgrimage to Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad took away a few goats and sheep from the village Gondlawala. On the complaint of the people, Jaspat Rai, ordered the Sikhs to return the goats and sheep . The Sikhs refused to do so. Consequently, Jaspat Rai with some of his soldiers attacked the Sikhs. In the course of action, Jaspat Rai was killed. With the death of Jaspat Rai hisi soldiers ran for their lives.
3. Actions of Lakhpat Rai against the Sikhs : Diwan Lakh pat Rai’s blood began to boil on hearing the news of his brother Jaspat Rai’s de ath. He took a pledge that he would annihilate the Sikhs. He ordered Diwan Lakhpat Rai to crush the Sikhs. Those who defied these orders were sentenced to death. Many Sikhs inhabiting Lahore were arrested and executed.
4. First Holocaust: With a view to decimate the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan and Lakhpat Rai raised a huge army. This army, unexpectedly, besieged 15,000 Sikhs at Kahnuwan. The Mughal soldiers gave them a hot chase. Here the Sikhs were trapped in a difficult situation. In this attack, 7000 Sikhs were martyred and 3000 arrested. These Sikhs were butchered at Lahore. It was the first occasion in Sikh history, when the Sikhs suffered such a heavy loss of life. That is why this event is known as first Ghallughara or small holocaust in history. This holocaust took place in May 1746 A.D.
Question 10.
What do you know about the First Holocaust of 1746 or the Chhota Ghallughara?
Or
Write a short note on Chhota Ghallughara?
Or
What do you know about ‘First Holocaust?
Answer:
Yahiya Khan and Lakhpat Rai had raised a vast army in order to wipe out the Sikhs. This army suddenly surrounded about 15000 Sikhs at Kahnunwan. The Sikhs escaped from there and took refuge in the hills of Basoli. Here -they were trapped in an awkward situation. On the one side there were steep mountains and on the other Ravi, river was in full spate. The Mughal forces were hotly chasing them from behind while the hill chiefs and people in front were their sworn enemies. The Sikhs had no provisions. Their horses were also in a miserable condition due to the shortage of fodder.
In this attack 7,000 Sikhs were martyred and 3,000 were taken prisoners. These were martyred at Lahore. It was the first instance in Sikh history when the Sikhs suffered such a heavy loss of life. That is why this event is known as First Holocaust or Chotta Ghallughara in Sikh history . It occurred in May, 1746 A.D. Despite this bloody holocaust, morale of the Sikhs remained high and buoyant.
Question 11.
Who was Mir Mannu? What steps did he take against the Sikhs during his period of rule?
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How did the rule of Mir Mannu help in the rise of Sikh power?
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Study the persecution of the Sikhs by Mir Mannu.
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What do you know about the relations between Mir Mannu and the Sikhs?
Or
Write briefly the relations of Mir Mannu with the Sikhs.
Answer:
Mir Mannu was also known as Muin-ul-Mulk. He remained the Mughal Governor of Punjab from 1748 A.D. to 1752 A.D. and the Afghan Governor from 1752 A.D. to 1753 A.D. He represented Ahmad Shah Abdali. Mir Mannu was the sworn enemy of the Si£hs. He issued strict orders to crush the power of the Sikhs and sent military contingents at various places in Pvinjab. As a result, everyday the Sikhs were arrested and brought to Lahore for execution. They were executed in thousands at Shahid Ganj. They were hard pressed. Consequently, they had to take shelter in forests and hills.
When the soldiers of-Mir Mannu could not get hold of the Sikhs, they started arresting Sikh women and children. The cruelty with which they were tortured cannot be explained in words. Despite his extreme cruelty, Mir Mannu could not crush the Sikh power till his end.
Question 12.
Why did Mir Mannu fail to crush the Sikh power?
Or
What were the causes of the failure of Mir Mannu against the Sikhs? Write any five causes.
Answer:
1. Organisation of the Dal Khalsa: The main cause of Mir Mannu’s failure was the organisation of Dal Khalsa. The Sikhs greatly respected Dal Khalsa and were always ready to make any sacrifice at its call. As a result, it became difficult for Mir Mannu to crush the power of the Sikhs.
2. Uncommon qualities of the Sikhs: Another factor responsible for the failure of Mir Mannu was the uncommon qualities of the Sikhs. They had firm determination, unlimited zeal, bravery and spirit of sacrifice for their Panth. They never lost heart despite big hurdles. Mir Mannu subjected Sikh women and children to numerous persecutions, but they remained firm like a rock. It was not an easy task to crush such a community.
3. Guerilla tactics of the Sikhs: The Sikhs adopted guerilla tactics because of their limited resources. According to this policy, whenever the Sikhs found an opportunity, they would attack the Mughal forces, plunder their regions and again take shelter in forests and hills. Since the Sikhs did not confront Mir Mannu in the open field, he failed to crush their power.
4. Cooperation of Diwan Kaura Mai to the Sikhs : Diwan Kaura Mai was an adviser of Mir Mannu. He was a Sahijdhari Sikh. So, he was compassionate towards the Sikhs. Whenever Mir Mannu decided to take any strict action against the Sikhs, Kaura Mai persuaded him to adopt a soft attitude towards the Sikhs. Owing to this valuable co-operation, the Sikhs used to call him ‘Mitha Mai’. This co-operation of Kaura Mai proved helpful in the rise of the Sikh power.
5. Problems of Mir Mannu: During his rule, Mir Mannu was surrounded by several problems, because of which he could not pay his undivided attention to crush the power of the Sikhs. His greatest problem was the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali. For fear of these invasions, Mir Mannu had to postpone action against the Sikhs. Secondly, the Wazir of Delhi, Safdarjang, was jealous of Mir Mannu. So, he was always busy hatching conspiracies to remove Mir Mannu from his post. Consequently, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs.
Essay Type Questions:
Abdus Samad Khan 1713-26 A.D.
Question 1.
What was the condition of the Sikhs after the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur? How did Abdus Samad Khan tackle the Sikhs?
Or
What steps were taken by Abdus Samad Khan to crush the powers of the Sikhs during 1713-1726 A.D.?
Or
What were the relations of the Sikhs with Abdus Samad Khan from 1713 to 1726 A.D.?
Answer:
Abdus Samad Khan was made the Governor of Lahore by the Mughal emperor, Farrukh Siyar in 1713 A.D. He was appointed to this post with the aim of completely crushing the power of the Sikhs. He started his administration with an iron hand. After defeating Banda Singh Bahadur in the battle of Gurdas Nangal in 1715 A.D. he arrested him along with many other (740) Sikhs. They were brutally martyred in Delhi on 19th June 1716 A.D. Farrukh Siyar was very happy over Abdus Samad Khan’s action. He honored Abdus Samad Khan with many rewards. Abdus Samad Khan remained on this post till 1726 A.D. The main events of his rule were as follows :
1. Farrukh Siyar’s Edict: In 1716 A.D., the Mughal emperor Farrukh Siyar, issued a royal edict. In this edict, he ordered the Mughal officials to kill any Sikh they could lay their hands on, but pardon those who embraced Islam. All the Hindus were ordered to shave off their heads and beards. He, who violated this order, was to be treated as a Sikh and to be killed. Even those, who gave help or provided shelter to the Sikhs, were also to be killed. Any person, who gave any clue about the whereabouts of any Sikh or helped the government in arresting the Sikhs, was to be amply rewarded.
2. Steps taken by Abdus Samad Khan against the Sikhs: After the issuance of the edict, Abdus Samad Khan started torturing the Sikhs in various ways. Hundreds of innocent Sikhs were daily arrested and brought to Lahore. They were tempted to embrace Islam in exchange for their life but the Guru’s Sikhs preferred death to this type of life. The executioners killed such Sikhs after subjecting them to untold tortures. In order to escape this bloody policy of Abdus Samad Khan, many Sikhs took shelter in the jungles and in the Shivalik hills.
There they had to face many hardships. In this way during the early years of Abdus Samad Khan’s rule, this policy paid rich dividends. Feeling happy with him Farrukh Siyar honoured him with the title of ‘Sword of the State’.
3. Split among the Sikhs: After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Sikhs were divided into two chief sects “Tat Khalsa’ and ‘Bandai Khalsa’. Tat Khalsa’ were the firm advocates of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s religious principles. ‘Bandai Khalsa’ began to regard Banda Singh Bahadur as their leader. The followers of Tat Khalsa used to greet each other with ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa and Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’, while those of Bandai Khalsa used to greet each other with ‘Fateh Darshan’ and ‘Fateh Dharam’.
The disciples of Tat Khalsa wore blue robes, while those of Bandai Khalsa wore red ones. As a consequence of their differences the Sikhs could not jointly resist the cruelties of Abdus Samad Khan.
4. Change in Circumstances: After 1720 A.D, things began to change and events turned in favour of the Sikhs. The royal court had become a den of conspiracies. In view of political instability, the central govt, could not pay due attention towards the Sikhs. In Punjab too, Abdus Samad Khan was involed in crushing the revolts of Isa Khan and Hussain Khan. Therefore, laxity crept into the action against the Sikhs. In 1721 A.D., with the efforts of Bhai Mani Singh Ji a compromise was made between ‘Tat Khalsa’ and ‘Bandai Khalsa’ at Amritsar on the occasion of Baisakhi. Consequently, Bandai Khalsa merged itself into Tat Khalsa. Thus, they were united.
5. Activities of the Sikhs: The changed circumstances and the newly achieved unity gave a new impetus to the Sikhs. They formed Jathas consisting of one hundred Sikhs each and started looting the Mughal provinces. They began to inflict heavy punishments on those Hindus and Muslims, who had handed over the Sikh women and children to the Mughals and had seized their property. In order to teach the Sikhs a lesson, Abdus Samad Khan sent a force under Aslam Khan to Amritsar. The Sikhs launched a surprise attack and gave a crushing defeat to the imperial forces. Har Sahai was killed in this battle, and Aslam Khan and Dev fled for their lives.
6. Failure of Abdus Samad Khan: Despite his best efforts, Abdus Samad Khan failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. There were many reasons for it. Firstly, Abdus Samad Khan had started aging, so-he lacked the enthusiasm of his youthful days. Secondly, the Sikhs had forged unity. So they were able to counter the cruelties of Abdus Samad Khan. Thirdly, Abdus Samad Khan became the victim of the conspiracies of the Mughal nobles. So, Abdus Samad Khan was removed from his office in 1726 A.D.
Question 2.
What measures were adopted by Zakariya Khan to crush the powers of the Sikhs? How far did he succeed in his efforts?
Or
Describe briefly the persecution of the Sikhs in the reign of Zakariya Khan.
Or
Discuss the relations of Zakariya Khan with the Sikhs.
Or
How did Zakariya Khan treat with the Sikhs?
Answer:
After Abdus Samad Khan, his eldest son Zakariya Khan succeeded him as the Governor of Lahore in 1726 A.D. He continued to occupy this post till 1745 AiD. Zakariya Khan was even a greater tyrant than his father. That is why he was honoured with the title of ‘Khan Bahadur’.
1. Harsh measures against the Sikhs: Immediately after assuming his office, Zakariya Khan started taking repressive measures against the Sikhs. In order to crush the power of the Sikhs completely, he recruited 20,000 soldiers in his army. The villagers were warned against giving shelter to the Sikhs. They were required to inform the Government, if they sighted any Sikh. Through an order, it was declared that anybody who gave information about a Sikh, got him arrested, handed him over to the Government or presented his head to the Government, would be awarded Rs. 10, Rs. 25, Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 respectively. Hundreds of Sikhs began to be martyred everyday at Delhi gate in Lahore. Therefore the place began to be called ‘Shahid Ganj’.
2. Martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van: Bhai Tara Singh Ji was a resident of village Van in district Amritsar. He was very popular among the Sikhs for his bravery and services to the Sikh Panth. He had taken active part in the battles of Banda Singh Bahadur. The Chaudhary of Naushera, Sahib Rai, used to let loose his horses into the farms of the Sikhs, so as to damage their crops. When the Sikhs objected to it he used to insult them.
The Sikhs could not tolerate this insult. One day Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van caught hold of a mare of Sahib Rai and sold it. He bought grain with that money and gave it to the ‘langar’. When Sahib Rai came to know about it, he sought help from Zakariya Khan. Zakariya Khan sent a troop of 2200 cavaliers under the command of his General Moman Khan. Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his 22 companions inflicted a heavy loss on the Mughal force. All these Sikhs became martyrs while fighting. Before their martyrdom they had killed 300
Mughal soldiers and wounded many more. This event took place in February, 1726 A.D. In the words of S.S. Seetal, “The news of his martyrdom deeply moved the feelings of the Sikhs.”
3. Retaliatory measures of the Sikhs: All the Sikhs of Punjab were provoked to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his companions. The Sikhs who had hidden themselves in jungles and hills took a pledge to end the Mughal rule. They began to raid and loot the government treasuries. Besides, they attacked certain places and killed the government henchmen. Whenever, Zakariya Khan sent his soldiers to take action against the Sikhs, they would at once take shelter in jungles and hills.
4. Incident of Haidri Flag : Zakariya Khan was greatly disturbed due to the growing activities of the Sikhs. He raised the slogan of ‘Jihad’ to crush the Sikhs. As a result, thousands of Muslims gathered under the banner of Innayatullah Khan. The command of this army was entrusted to Inayatulla Khan. On the auspicious day of Id, they were given a Haidri flag and it was proclaimed that God would certainly bestow victory on those who fought under this flag. One day about seven thousand Sikhs suddenly attacked these Ghazis and caused havoc in their ranks. Thousands of Ghazis were killed. It gave a great jolt to the Government.
5. Agreement of Zakariya Khan with the Sikhs : Now, Zakariya Khan realised that it was not easy to annihilate the Sikhs. So, he adopted the policy of placating the Sikhs; In 1733 A.D., he sent a message that if the Sikhs stopped their anti-government activities, they would be given ‘Jagir’ which would yield an annual revenue of one lakh rupees, and their leader would be honoured with the title of ‘Nawab’. At first the Sikhs were opposed to this compromise, but later they accepted it. The Sikhs gave this honour of receiving the ‘Jagir’ and the title of Nawab to Sardar Kapoor Singh Faizalpuria.
6. Organisation of Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal: The compromise with the Mughals gave the Sikhs a golden opportunity to organise their power/ Nawab Kapoor Singh sent a message to the Sikhs that they should return to their homes from their hideouts in jungles and hills. Thus, the two decade old struggle between the Mughals and Sikhs came to an end. The Sikhs heaved a sigh of relief. In order to strengthen the power of the Sikhs Nawab Kapoor Singh organised them in two groups in 1734 A.D. These groups were known as Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
The Sikhs above the age of 40 were recruited in the Buddha Dal and below the age of 40 in the Taruna Dal. The Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups. Each group had its own leader and banner. The Buddha Dal looked after the religious places and the Taruna Dal fought with the enemies.
7. Renewed struggle between the Mughals and the Sikhs: After organising their power, the Sikhs again started creating disturbance in Punjab. They again began to plunder the government treasuries. This enraged Zakariya Khan and in 1735 A.D. he confiscated the ‘Jagir’ which he had given to the Sikhs. He again announced awards for getting the Sikhs arrested or killed. He gave full freedom to the Hindus and the Muslims to burgle Sikh houses. The Sikhs again began to be arrested and killed. Thus, the Sikhs were once again compelled to take shelter in forests. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Mughals took possession of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
8. Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji: The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji occupies a significant place in the Sikh History. He had been the head priest of Harmandir Sahib since 1721 A.D. The Sikhs were greatly perturbed when the soldiers of Zakariya Khan occupied Harmandir Sahib. In 1738 A.D. Bhai Mani Singh Ji requested Zakariya Khan to allow the Sikhs to enter Sri Harmandir Sahib on the Diwali festival and he would offer him Rs. 5000. Zakariya Khan readily accepted the offer. In fact, he hatched a plan. According to this plan he wanted to make a surprise attack and completely decimate the Sikhs who were supposed to gather at Amritsar on Diwali.
Zakariya Khan took the Sikhs unawares and killed a large number of them. Consequently, the festival of Diwali could not be observed at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Afterwards Zakariya Khan demanded Rs. 5000/- as promised by Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Because the government had prevented the Sikhs from entering Sri Harmandir Sahib, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was unable to pay the stipulated amount. On his inability to pay, the government arrested Bhai Mani Singh Ji and sent him to Lahore. Bhai Sahib Ji was asked to embrace Islam but he refused. Therefore, he was cut to pieces limb by limb in 1738 A.D. This martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji supplied the much.needed fillip to the Sikh struggle for independence. In the words of Khushwant Singh, “The killing of the pious and venerable head priest caused deep resentment among the Sikhs.”
9. Sikhs robbed Nadir Shah : The Sikhs were on the look out for a golden opportunity to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji. They got this opportunity in 1739 A.D. at the time of Nadir Shah’s invasion on India. After ruthless looting in Delhi, he was going back to Iran via Punjab. When the Sikhs came to know of it, they suddenly attacked and made away with most of the booty. Nadir Shah made enquiries from Zakariya Khan about these Sikhs and warned him that the day is not distant, when the Sikhs would rule in Punjab.
10. Zakariya Khan’s actions against the Sikhs : Nadir Shah’s warning had made a deep impact on Zakariya Khan’s mind. So, he decided to annihilate the Sikhs. The Sikhs again began to be killed ruthlessly daily as before. Here is given a brief description of some prominent martyrs :
(a) Bhai Bota Singh Ji : Zakariya Khan killed many Sikhs. In haughtiness, he announced that he had annihilated all the Sikhs. In order to show the existence of the Sikhs, Bhai Bota Singh Ji had set up a toll-post at Sarai Nurdin and began to charge one anna as toll-tax per cart and one paisa per donkey-load. When Zakariya Khan learnt of it, he could not tolerate it. He sent some soldiers under Jalal Khan. Jalal Khan asked him to surrender, but the brave warrior refused to do so. He fought valiantly with the enemy and finally achieved martyrdom.
(b) Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji: Chaudhary Massa Rangar of village Mandiala, District Amritsar had desecrated Sri Harmandir Sahib by his activities. Therefore, the blood of the Sikhs was boiling for revenge. They wanted to teach Massa Rangar a lesson. Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji hatched a plan. They packed some bags with pieces of stone and covered them with some coins, and reached Sri Harmandir Sahib. When enquired by the soldiers, they told them that they had brought revenue which they wanted to present to Massa Rangar.
Seeing the bags full of coins, they were allowed to go in. At that time, Massa Rangar was busy in merry-making. He was immensely pleased to see the bags full of coins. The moment he bowed forward to receive the bags, Mehtab Singh beheaded him with his sword. Later on Bhai Mehtab Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh were arrested and martyred mercilessly in 1740. A. D.
(c) Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji : Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was the resident of Sialkot. One day a Muslim boy uttered some words, which were derogatory to the Hindu deities. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji could not tolerate it. He said some offensive words about Prophet Mohammad and his. daughter Fatima. So, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was arrested. In order to, save himself, he was asked to embrace Islam. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji spurned this offer. As a result, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was beheaded in 1742 A.D. The martyrdom of Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji inflammed the feelings of the Hindus and the Sikhs.
(d) Bhai Taru Singh Ji: Bhai Taru Singh Ji was the resident of village Puhla in the Majha region. He did farming and hepled the Sikhs with his incdme. In the eyes of the government, it was a blatant crime. He was brought to Lahore. Here Zakariya Khan offered him the usual choice of Islam or death. Bhai Sahib Ji refused to embrace Islam. Complying with the order of Zakariya Khan, the executioners removed his skull. When Bhai Sahib Ji’s skull was being removed, he was reciting Japji Sahib. This unique martyrdom in 1745 A.D. deeply stirred the Sikhs.
Zakariya Khan undoubtedly committed great cruelties on the Sikhs till his end. However, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. Zakariya Khan died on 1st July, 1745 A.D. In the words of Patwant Singh, “No one persecuted the Sikhs with greater zeal than Zakariya Khan.”
Question 3.
Briefly describe the relations of Abdus Samad Khan and Zakariya Khan with the Sikhs.
Answer:
Abdus Samad Khan was made the Governor of Lahore by the Mughal emperor, Farrukh Siyar in 1713 A.D. He was appointed to this post with the aim of completely crushing the power of the Sikhs. He started his administration with an iron hand. After defeating Banda Singh Bahadur in the battle of Gurdas Nangal in 1715 A.D. he arrested him along with many other (740) Sikhs. They were brutally martyred in Delhi on 19th June 1716 A.D. Farrukh Siyar was very happy over Abdus Samad Khan’s action. He honored Abdus Samad Khan with many rewards. Abdus Samad Khan remained on this post till 1726 A.D. The main events of his rule were as follows :
1. Farrukh Siyar’s Edict: In 1716 A.D., the Mughal emperor Farrukh Siyar, issued a royal edict. In this edict, he ordered the Mughal officials to kill any Sikh they could lay their hands on, but pardon those who embraced Islam. All the Hindus were ordered to shave off their heads and beards. He, who violated this order, was to be treated as a Sikh and to be killed. Even those, who gave help or provided shelter to the Sikhs, were also to be killed. Any person, who gave any clue about the whereabouts of any Sikh or helped the government in arresting the Sikhs, was to be amply rewarded.
2. Steps taken by Abdus Samad Khan against the Sikhs: After the issuance of the edict, Abdus Samad Khan started torturing the Sikhs in various ways. Hundreds of innocent Sikhs were daily arrested and brought to Lahore. They were tempted to embrace Islam in exchange for their life but the Guru’s Sikhs preferred death to this type of life. The executioners killed such Sikhs after subjecting them to untold tortures. In order to escape this bloody policy of Abdus Samad Khan, many Sikhs took shelter in the jungles and in the Shivalik hills.
There they had to face many hardships. In this way during the early years of Abdus Samad Khan’s rule, this policy paid rich dividends. Feeling happy with him Farrukh Siyar honoured him with the title of ‘Sword of the State’.
3. Split among the Sikhs: After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Sikhs were divided into two chief sects “Tat Khalsa’ and ‘Bandai Khalsa’. Tat Khalsa’ were the firm advocates of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s religious principles. ‘Bandai Khalsa’ began to regard Banda Singh Bahadur as their leader. The followers of Tat Khalsa used to greet each other with ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa and Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’, while those of Bandai Khalsa used to greet each other with ‘Fateh Darshan’ and ‘Fateh Dharam’.
The disciples of Tat Khalsa wore blue robes, while those of Bandai Khalsa wore red ones. As a consequence of their differences the Sikhs could not jointly resist the cruelties of Abdus Samad Khan.
4. Change in Circumstances: After 1720 A.D, things began to change and events turned in favour of the Sikhs. The royal court had become a den of conspiracies. In view of political instability, the central govt, could not pay due attention towards the Sikhs. In Punjab too, Abdus Samad Khan was involed in crushing the revolts of Isa Khan and Hussain Khan. Therefore, laxity crept into the action against the Sikhs. In 1721 A.D., with the efforts of Bhai Mani Singh Ji a compromise was made between ‘Tat Khalsa’ and ‘Bandai Khalsa’ at Amritsar on the occasion of Baisakhi. Consequently, Bandai Khalsa merged itself into Tat Khalsa. Thus, they were united.
5. Activities of the Sikhs: The changed circumstances and the newly achieved unity gave a new impetus to the Sikhs. They formed Jathas consisting of one hundred Sikhs each and started looting the Mughal provinces. They began to inflict heavy punishments on those Hindus and Muslims, who had handed over the Sikh women and children to the Mughals and had seized their property. In order to teach the Sikhs a lesson, Abdus Samad Khan sent a force under Aslam Khan to Amritsar. The Sikhs launched a surprise attack and gave a crushing defeat to the imperial forces. Har Sahai was killed in this battle, and Aslam Khan and Dev fled for their lives.
6. Failure of Abdus Samad Khan: Despite his best efforts, Abdus Samad Khan failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. There were many reasons for it. Firstly, Abdus Samad Khan had started aging, so-he lacked the enthusiasm of his youthful days. Secondly, the Sikhs had forged unity. So they were able to counter the cruelties of Abdus Samad Khan. Thirdly, Abdus Samad Khan became the victim of the conspiracies of the Mughal nobles. So, Abdus Samad Khan was removed from his office in 1726 A.D.
After Abdus Samad Khan, his eldest son Zakariya Khan succeeded him as the Governor of Lahore in 1726 A.D. He continued to occupy this post till 1745 AiD. Zakariya Khan was even a greater tyrant than his father. That is why he was honoured with the title of ‘Khan Bahadur’.
1. Harsh measures against the Sikhs: Immediately after assuming his office, Zakariya Khan started taking repressive measures against the Sikhs. In order to crush the power of the Sikhs completely, he recruited 20,000 soldiers in his army. The villagers were warned against giving shelter to the Sikhs. They were required to inform the Government, if they sighted any Sikh. Through an order, it was declared that anybody who gave information about a Sikh, got him arrested, handed him over to the Government or presented his head to the Government, would be awarded Rs. 10, Rs. 25, Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 respectively. Hundreds of Sikhs began to be martyred everyday at Delhi gate in Lahore. Therefore the place began to be called ‘Shahid Ganj’.
2. Martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van: Bhai Tara Singh Ji was a resident of village Van in district Amritsar. He was very popular among the Sikhs for his bravery and services to the Sikh Panth. He had taken active part in the battles of Banda Singh Bahadur. The Chaudhary of Naushera, Sahib Rai, used to let loose his horses into the farms of the Sikhs, so as to damage their crops. When the Sikhs objected to it he used to insult them.
The Sikhs could not tolerate this insult. One day Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van caught hold of a mare of Sahib Rai and sold it. He bought grain with that money and gave it to the ‘langar’. When Sahib Rai came to know about it, he sought help from Zakariya Khan. Zakariya Khan sent a troop of 2200 cavaliers under the command of his General Moman Khan. Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his 22 companions inflicted a heavy loss on the Mughal force.
All these Sikhs became martyrs while fighting. Before their martyrdom they had killed 300 Mughal soldiers and wounded many more. This event took place in February, 1726 A.D. In the words of S.S. Seetal, “The news of his martyrdom deeply moved the feelings of the Sikhs.”
3. Retaliatory measures of the Sikhs: All the Sikhs of Punjab were provoked to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his companions. The Sikhs who had hidden themselves in jungles and hills took a pledge to end the Mughal rule. They began to raid and loot the government treasuries. Besides, they attacked certain places and killed the government henchmen. Whenever, Zakariya Khan sent his soldiers to take action against the Sikhs, they would at once take shelter in jungles and hills.
4. Incident of Haidri Flag : Zakariya Khan was greatly disturbed due to the growing activities of the Sikhs. He raised the slogan of ‘Jihad’ to crush the Sikhs. As a result, thousands of Muslims gathered under the banner of Innayatullah Khan. The command of this army was entrusted to Inayatulla Khan. On the auspicious day of Id, they were given a Haidri flag and it was proclaimed that God would certainly bestow victory on those who fought under this flag. One day about seven thousand Sikhs suddenly attacked these Ghazis and caused havoc in their ranks. Thousands of Ghazis were killed. It gave a great jolt to the Government.
5. Agreement of Zakariya Khan with the Sikhs : Now, Zakariya Khan realised that it was not easy to annihilate the Sikhs. So, he adopted the policy of placating the Sikhs; In 1733 A.D., he sent a message that if the Sikhs stopped their anti-government activities, they would be given ‘Jagir’ which would yield an annual revenue of one lakh rupees, and their leader would be honoured with the title of ‘Nawab’. At first the Sikhs were opposed to this compromise, but later they accepted it. The Sikhs gave this honour of receiving the ‘Jagir’ and the title of Nawab to Sardar Kapoor Singh Faizalpuria.
6. Organisation of Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal: The compromise with the Mughals gave the Sikhs a golden opportunity to organise their power/ Nawab Kapoor Singh sent a message to the Sikhs that they should return to their homes from their hideouts in jungles and hills. Thus, the two decade old struggle between the Mughals and Sikhs came to an end. The Sikhs heaved a sigh of relief. In order to strengthen the power of the Sikhs Nawab Kapoor Singh organised them in two groups in 1734 A.D. These groups were known as Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
The Sikhs above the age of 40 were recruited in the Buddha Dal and below the age of 40 in the Taruna Dal. The Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups. Each group had its own leader and banner. The Buddha Dal looked after the religious places and the Taruna Dal fought with the enemies.
7. Renewed struggle between the Mughals and the Sikhs: After organising their power, the Sikhs again started creating disturbance in Punjab. They again began to plunder the government treasuries. This enraged Zakariya Khan and in 1735 A.D. he confiscated the ‘Jagir’ which he had given to the Sikhs. He again announced awards for getting the Sikhs arrested or killed. He gave full freedom to the Hindus and the Muslims to burgle Sikh houses. The Sikhs again began to be arrested and killed. Thus, the Sikhs were once again compelled to take shelter in forests. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Mughals took possession of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
8. Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji: The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji occupies a significant place in the Sikh History. He had been the head priest of Harmandir Sahib since 1721 A.D. The Sikhs were greatly perturbed when the soldiers of Zakariya Khan occupied Harmandir Sahib. In 1738 A.D. Bhai Mani Singh Ji requested Zakariya Khan to allow the Sikhs to enter Sri Harmandir Sahib on the Diwali festival and he would offer him Rs. 5000. Zakariya Khan readily accepted the offer. In fact, he hatched a plan. According to this plan he wanted to make a surprise attack and completely decimate the Sikhs who were supposed to gather at Amritsar on Diwali.
Zakariya Khan took the Sikhs unawares and killed a large number of them. Consequently, the festival of Diwali could not be observed at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Afterwards Zakariya Khan demanded Rs. 5000/- as promised by Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Because the government had prevented the Sikhs from entering Sri Harmandir Sahib, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was unable to pay the stipulated amount. On his inability to pay, the government arrested Bhai Mani Singh Ji and sent him to Lahore. Bhai Sahib Ji was asked to embrace Islam but he refused. Therefore, he was cut to pieces limb by limb in 1738 A.D. This martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji supplied the much.needed fillip to the Sikh struggle for independence. In the words of Khushwant Singh, “The killing of the pious and venerable head priest caused deep resentment among the Sikhs.”
9. Sikhs robbed Nadir Shah : The Sikhs were on the look out for a golden opportunity to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji. They got this opportunity in 1739 A.D. at the time of Nadir Shah’s invasion on India. After ruthless looting in Delhi, he was going back to Iran via Punjab. When the Sikhs came to know of it, they suddenly attacked and made away with most of the booty. Nadir Shah made enquiries from Zakariya Khan about these Sikhs and warned him that the day is not distant, when the Sikhs would rule in Punjab.
10. Zakariya Khan’s actions against the Sikhs : Nadir Shah’s warning had made a deep impact on Zakariya Khan’s mind. So, he decided to annihilate the Sikhs. The Sikhs again began to be killed ruthlessly daily as before. Here is given a brief description of some prominent martyrs :
(a) Bhai Bota Singh Ji : Zakariya Khan killed many Sikhs. In haughtiness, he announced that he had annihilated all the Sikhs. In order to show the existence of the Sikhs, Bhai Bota Singh Ji had set up a toll-post at Sarai Nurdin and began to charge one anna as toll-tax per cart and one paisa per donkey-load. When Zakariya Khan learnt of it, he could not tolerate it. He sent some soldiers under Jalal Khan. Jalal Khan asked him to surrender, but the brave warrior refused to do so. He fought valiantly with the enemy and finally achieved martyrdom.
(b) Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji: Chaudhary Massa Rangar of village Mandiala, District Amritsar had desecrated Sri Harmandir Sahib by his activities. Therefore, the blood of the Sikhs was boiling for revenge. They wanted to teach Massa Rangar a lesson. Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji hatched a plan. They packed some bags with pieces of stone and covered them with some coins, and reached Sri Harmandir Sahib. When enquired by the soldiers, they told them that they had brought revenue which they wanted to present to Massa Rangar.
Seeing the bags full of coins, they were allowed to go in. At that time, Massa Rangar was busy in merry-making. He was immensely pleased to see the bags full of coins. The moment he bowed forward to receive the bags, Mehtab Singh beheaded him with his sword. Later on Bhai Mehtab Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh were arrested and martyred mercilessly in 1740. A. D.
(c) Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji : Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was the resident of Sialkot. One day a Muslim boy uttered some words, which were derogatory to the Hindu deities. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji could not tolerate it. He said some offensive words about Prophet Mohammad and his. daughter Fatima. So, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was arrested. In order to, save himself, he was asked to embrace Islam. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji spurned this offer. As a result, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was beheaded in 1742 A.D. The martyrdom of Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji inflammed the feelings of the Hindus and the Sikhs.
(d) Bhai Taru Singh Ji: Bhai Taru Singh Ji was the resident of village Puhla in the Majha region. He did farming and hepled the Sikhs with his incdme. In the eyes of the government, it was a blatant crime. He was brought to Lahore. Here Zakariya Khan offered him the usual choice of Islam or death. Bhai Sahib Ji refused to embrace Islam. Complying with the order of Zakariya Khan, the executioners removed his skull. When Bhai Sahib Ji’s skull was being removed, he was reciting Japji Sahib. This unique martyrdom in 1745 A.D. deeply stirred the Sikhs.
Zakariya Khan undoubtedly committed great cruelties on the Sikhs till his end. However, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. Zakariya Khan died on 1st July, 1745 A.D. In the words of Patwant Singh, “No one persecuted the Sikhs with greater zeal than Zakariya Khan.”
Yahiya Khan 1746-47 A.D.
Question 4.
What steps were taken by Yahiya Khan to crush the power of the Sikhs?
Answer:
After the death of Zakariya Khan, Yahiya Khan became the Governor of Lahore in 1746 A.D. He remained on this post till 1747 A.D. In the matter of committing oppressions on the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan did not lag behind his father, Zakariya Khan.
1. Activities of the Sikhs : When Yahiya Khan assumed the charge, the atmosphere of anarchy was prevalent in the Punjab. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Sikhs had organised their power. They attacked many villages and killed their Chaudharis and Muqaddams for co-operating with the government and taking actions against the Sikhs. The Sikh jathas intensified their activities in many regions of Punjab.
2. Death of Jaspat Rai: In 1746 A.D. a Sikh jatha which was proceeding on a pilgrimage to Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad took away a few goats and sheep from the village Gondlawala. On the complaint of the people, Jaspat Rai, who was the Faujdar of Eminabad, ordered the Sikhs to return the goats and sheep . The Sikhs refused to do so. Consequently, Jaspat Rai with some of his soldiers attacked the Silkhs. In the course of action, Jaspat Rai was killed. With the death of Jaspat Rai his soldiers ran for their lives. This event happened in March 1746 A.D.
3. Actions of Lakhpat Rai against the Sikhs,; Diwan Lakhpat Rai’s blood began to boil on hearing the news of his brother Jaspat Rai’s death. He took a pledge that he would annihilate the Sikhs. Yahiya Khan was already thinking of crushing the power of the Sikhs. He ordered Diwan Lakhpat Rai to crush’the Sikhs. Lakhpat Rai imposed many restrictions on the Sikhs. Thereafter, no one could utter the word ‘Guru’. He told the people to use ‘Rori’ for ‘Gud’ because the word ‘Gud’ sounded like ‘Guru.’ Likewise, he ordered to use the word ‘Pothi’ for the ‘Granth’. Those who defied these orders were sentenced to death. Many Sikhs inhabiting Lahore were arrested and executed.
4. First Holocaust: With a view to decimate the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan and Lakhpat Rai raised a huge army. This army, unexpectedly, besieged 15,000 Sikhs at Kahnuwan. The Sikhs escaped from there and took shelter in the hills of Basoli. The Mughal soldiers gave them a hot chase. Here the Sikhs were trapped in a difficult situation. On one side there were high hills, while on the other the river .Ravi was in full spate. The Mughal soldiers were chasing them from behind while in front they were faced by the Hill Chiefs and, those people, who were their bitter enemies.
The Sikhs were short of food-stuffs. Owing to the shortage of fodder, the horses too were suffering from starvation. In this attack, 7000 Sikhs were killed and 3000 arrested. These Sikhs were butchered at Lahore. It was the first occasion in Sikh history, when the Sikhs suffered such a heavy loss of life. That is why this event is known as first Ghallughara or small holocaust in history. This holocaust took place in May 1746 A.D. Gurbaksh Singh aptly says, “This devastating blow to the Sikhs in 1746 made them more determined than ever to put an end to the genocide.”
5. Fall of Yahiya Khan: In November 1746 A.D., the younger brother of Yahiya Khan, Shah Nawaz Khan, raised the banner of revolt. It resulted in a civil war between the two brothers. This war continued till 1747 A.D. In this war, Shah Nawaz Khan ultimately succeeded and he threw Yahiya Khan and Diwan Lakhpat Rai into the prison on 17 March, 1747 A.D. In this way, their cruelties came to an end, but they could not put an end to the Sikhs.
Question 5.
What steps were taken by Zakariya Khan and Yahiya Khan from 1726-1746 A.D. in order to crush the power of the Sikhs?
Or
Describe the persecution of the Sikhs during the rule of Zakariya Khan and Yahiya Khan.
Answer:
After Abdus Samad Khan, his eldest son Zakariya Khan succeeded him as the Governor of Lahore in 1726 A.D. He continued to occupy this post till 1745 AiD. Zakariya Khan was even a greater tyrant than his father. That is why he was honoured with the title of ‘Khan Bahadur’.
1. Harsh measures against the Sikhs: Immediately after assuming his office, Zakariya Khan started taking repressive measures against the Sikhs. In order to crush the power of the Sikhs completely, he recruited 20,000 soldiers in his army. The villagers were warned against giving shelter to the Sikhs. They were required to inform the Government, if they sighted any Sikh. Through an order, it was declared that anybody who gave information about a Sikh, got him arrested, handed him over to the Government or presented his head to the Government, would be awarded Rs. 10, Rs. 25, Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 respectively. Hundreds of Sikhs began to be martyred everyday at Delhi gate in Lahore. Therefore the place began to be called ‘Shahid Ganj’.
2. Martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van: Bhai Tara Singh Ji was a resident of village Van in district Amritsar. He was very popular among the Sikhs for his bravery and services to the Sikh Panth. He had taken active part in the battles of Banda Singh Bahadur. The Chaudhary of Naushera, Sahib Rai, used to let loose his horses into the farms of the Sikhs, so as to damage their crops. When the Sikhs objected to it he used to insult them.
The Sikhs could not tolerate this insult. One day Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van caught hold of a mare of Sahib Rai and sold it. He bought grain with that money and gave it to the ‘langar’. When Sahib Rai came to know about it, he sought help from Zakariya Khan. Zakariya Khan sent a troop of 2200 cavaliers under the command of his General Moman Khan. Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his 22 companions inflicted a heavy loss on the Mughal force.
All these Sikhs became martyrs while fighting. Before their martyrdom they had killed 300 Mughal soldiers and wounded many more. This event took place in February, 1726 A.D. In the words of S.S. Seetal, “The news of his martyrdom deeply moved the feelings of the Sikhs.”
3. Retaliatory measures of the Sikhs: All the Sikhs of Punjab were provoked to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his companions. The Sikhs who had hidden themselves in jungles and hills took a pledge to end the Mughal rule. They began to raid and loot the government treasuries. Besides, they attacked certain places and killed the government henchmen. Whenever, Zakariya Khan sent his soldiers to take action against the Sikhs, they would at once take shelter in jungles and hills.
4. Incident of Haidri Flag : Zakariya Khan was greatly disturbed due to the growing activities of the Sikhs. He raised the slogan of ‘Jihad’ to crush the Sikhs. As a result, thousands of Muslims gathered under the banner of Innayatullah Khan. The command of this army was entrusted to Inayatulla Khan. On the auspicious day of Id, they were given a Haidri flag and it was proclaimed that God would certainly bestow victory on those who fought under this flag. One day about seven thousand Sikhs suddenly attacked these Ghazis and caused havoc in their ranks. Thousands of Ghazis were killed. It gave a great jolt to the Government.
5. Agreement of Zakariya Khan with the Sikhs : Now, Zakariya Khan realised that it was not easy to annihilate the Sikhs. So, he adopted the policy of placating the Sikhs; In 1733 A.D., he sent a message that if the Sikhs stopped their anti-government activities, they would be given ‘Jagir’ which would yield an annual revenue of one lakh rupees, and their leader would be honoured with the title of ‘Nawab’. At first the Sikhs were opposed to this compromise, but later they accepted it. The Sikhs gave this honour of receiving the ‘Jagir’ and the title of Nawab to Sardar Kapoor Singh Faizalpuria.
6. Organisation of Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal: The compromise with the Mughals gave the Sikhs a golden opportunity to organise their power/ Nawab Kapoor Singh sent a message to the Sikhs that they should return to their homes from their hideouts in jungles and hills. Thus, the two decade old struggle between the Mughals and Sikhs came to an end. The Sikhs heaved a sigh of relief. In order to strengthen the power of the Sikhs Nawab Kapoor Singh organised them in two groups in 1734 A.D. These groups were known as Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
The Sikhs above the age of 40 were recruited in the Buddha Dal and below the age of 40 in the Taruna Dal. The Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups. Each group had its own leader and banner. The Buddha Dal looked after the religious places and the Taruna Dal fought with the enemies.
7. Renewed struggle between the Mughals and the Sikhs: After organising their power, the Sikhs again started creating disturbance in Punjab. They again began to plunder the government treasuries. This enraged Zakariya Khan and in 1735 A.D. he confiscated the ‘Jagir’ which he had given to the Sikhs. He again announced awards for getting the Sikhs arrested or killed. He gave full freedom to the Hindus and the Muslims to burgle Sikh houses. The Sikhs again began to be arrested and killed. Thus, the Sikhs were once again compelled to take shelter in forests. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Mughals took possession of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
8. Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji: The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji occupies a significant place in the Sikh History. He had been the head priest of Harmandir Sahib since 1721 A.D. The Sikhs were greatly perturbed when the soldiers of Zakariya Khan occupied Harmandir Sahib. In 1738 A.D. Bhai Mani Singh Ji requested Zakariya Khan to allow the Sikhs to enter Sri Harmandir Sahib on the Diwali festival and he would offer him Rs. 5000. Zakariya Khan readily accepted the offer. In fact, he hatched a plan. According to this plan he wanted to make a surprise attack and completely decimate the Sikhs who were supposed to gather at Amritsar on Diwali.
Zakariya Khan took the Sikhs unawares and killed a large number of them. Consequently, the festival of Diwali could not be observed at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Afterwards Zakariya Khan demanded Rs. 5000/- as promised by Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Because the government had prevented the Sikhs from entering Sri Harmandir Sahib, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was unable to pay the stipulated amount. On his inability to pay, the government arrested Bhai Mani Singh Ji and sent him to Lahore. Bhai Sahib Ji was asked to embrace Islam but he refused. Therefore, he was cut to pieces limb by limb in 1738 A.D. This martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji supplied the much.needed fillip to the Sikh struggle for independence. In the words of Khushwant Singh, “The killing of the pious and venerable head priest caused deep resentment among the Sikhs.”
9. Sikhs robbed Nadir Shah : The Sikhs were on the look out for a golden opportunity to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji. They got this opportunity in 1739 A.D. at the time of Nadir Shah’s invasion on India. After ruthless looting in Delhi, he was going back to Iran via Punjab. When the Sikhs came to know of it, they suddenly attacked and made away with most of the booty. Nadir Shah made enquiries from Zakariya Khan about these Sikhs and warned him that the day is not distant, when the Sikhs would rule in Punjab.
10. Zakariya Khan’s actions against the Sikhs : Nadir Shah’s warning had made a deep impact on Zakariya Khan’s mind. So, he decided to annihilate the Sikhs. The Sikhs again began to be killed ruthlessly daily as before. Here is given a brief description of some prominent martyrs :
(a) Bhai Bota Singh Ji : Zakariya Khan killed many Sikhs. In haughtiness, he announced that he had annihilated all the Sikhs. In order to show the existence of the Sikhs, Bhai Bota Singh Ji had set up a toll-post at Sarai Nurdin and began to charge one anna as toll-tax per cart and one paisa per donkey-load. When Zakariya Khan learnt of it, he could not tolerate it. He sent some soldiers under Jalal Khan. Jalal Khan asked him to surrender, but the brave warrior refused to do so. He fought valiantly with the enemy and finally achieved martyrdom.
(b) Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji: Chaudhary Massa Rangar of village Mandiala, District Amritsar had desecrated Sri Harmandir Sahib by his activities. Therefore, the blood of the Sikhs was boiling for revenge. They wanted to teach Massa Rangar a lesson. Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji hatched a plan. They packed some bags with pieces of stone and covered them with some coins, and reached Sri Harmandir Sahib. When enquired by the soldiers, they told them that they had brought revenue which they wanted to present to Massa Rangar.
Seeing the bags full of coins, they were allowed to go in. At that time, Massa Rangar was busy in merry-making. He was immensely pleased to see the bags full of coins. The moment he bowed forward to receive the bags, Mehtab Singh beheaded him with his sword. Later on Bhai Mehtab Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh were arrested and martyred mercilessly in 1740. A. D.
(c) Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji : Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was the resident of Sialkot. One day a Muslim boy uttered some words, which were derogatory to the Hindu deities. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji could not tolerate it. He said some offensive words about Prophet Mohammad and his. daughter Fatima. So, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was arrested. In order to, save himself, he was asked to embrace Islam. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji spurned this offer. As a result, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was beheaded in 1742 A.D. The martyrdom of Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji inflammed the feelings of the Hindus and the Sikhs.
(d) Bhai Taru Singh Ji: Bhai Taru Singh Ji was the resident of village Puhla in the Majha region. He did farming and hepled the Sikhs with his incdme. In the eyes of the government, it was a blatant crime. He was brought to Lahore. Here Zakariya Khan offered him the usual choice of Islam or death. Bhai Sahib Ji refused to embrace Islam. Complying with the order of Zakariya Khan, the executioners removed his skull. When Bhai Sahib Ji’s skull was being removed, he was reciting Japji Sahib. This unique martyrdom in 1745 A.D. deeply stirred the Sikhs.
Zakariya Khan undoubtedly committed great cruelties on the Sikhs till his end. However, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. Zakariya Khan died on 1st July, 1745 A.D. In the words of Patwant Singh, “No one persecuted the Sikhs with greater zeal than Zakariya Khan.”
After the death of Zakariya Khan, Yahiya Khan became the Governor of Lahore in 1746 A.D. He remained on this post till 1747 A.D. In the matter of committing oppressions on the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan did not lag behind his father, Zakariya Khan.
1. Activities of the Sikhs : When Yahiya Khan assumed the charge, the atmosphere of anarchy was prevalent in the Punjab. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Sikhs had organised their power. They attacked many villages and killed their Chaudharis and Muqaddams for co-operating with the government and taking actions against the Sikhs. The Sikh jathas intensified their activities in many regions of Punjab.
2. Death of Jaspat Rai: In 1746 A.D. a Sikh jatha which was proceeding on a pilgrimage to Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad took away a few goats and sheep from the village Gondlawala. On the complaint of the people, Jaspat Rai, who was the Faujdar of Eminabad, ordered the Sikhs to return the goats and sheep . The Sikhs refused to do so. Consequently, Jaspat Rai with some of his soldiers attacked the Silkhs. In the course of action, Jaspat Rai was killed. With the death of Jaspat Rai his soldiers ran for their lives. This event happened in March 1746 A.D.
3. Actions of Lakhpat Rai against the Sikhs,; Diwan Lakhpat Rai’s blood began to boil on hearing the news of his brother Jaspat Rai’s death. He took a pledge that he would annihilate the Sikhs. Yahiya Khan was already thinking of crushing the power of the Sikhs. He ordered Diwan Lakhpat Rai to crush’the Sikhs. Lakhpat Rai imposed many restrictions on the Sikhs. Thereafter, no one could utter the word ‘Guru’. He told the people to use ‘Rori’ for ‘Gud’ because the word ‘Gud’ sounded like ‘Guru.’ Likewise, he ordered to use the word ‘Pothi’ for the ‘Granth’. Those who defied these orders were sentenced to death. Many Sikhs inhabiting Lahore were arrested and executed.
4. First Holocaust: With a view to decimate the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan and Lakhpat Rai raised a huge army. This army, unexpectedly, besieged 15,000 Sikhs at Kahnuwan. The Sikhs escaped from there and took shelter in the hills of Basoli. The Mughal soldiers gave them a hot chase. Here the Sikhs were trapped in a difficult situation. On one side there were high hills, while on the other the river .Ravi was in full spate. The Mughal soldiers were chasing them from behind while in front they were faced by the Hill Chiefs and, those people, who were their bitter enemies.
The Sikhs were short of food-stuffs. Owing to the shortage of fodder, the horses too were suffering from starvation. In this attack, 7000 Sikhs were killed and 3000 arrested. These Sikhs were butchered at Lahore. It was the first occasion in Sikh history, when the Sikhs suffered such a heavy loss of life. That is why this event is known as first Ghallughara or small holocaust in history. This holocaust took place in May 1746 A.D. Gurbaksh Singh aptly says, “This devastating blow to the Sikhs in 1746 made them more determined than ever to put an end to the genocide.”
5. Fall of Yahiya Khan: In November 1746 A.D., the younger brother of Yahiya Khan, Shah Nawaz Khan, raised the banner of revolt. It resulted in a civil war between the two brothers. This war continued till 1747 A.D. In this war, Shah Nawaz Khan ultimately succeeded and he threw Yahiya Khan and Diwan Lakhpat Rai into the prison on 17 March, 1747 A.D. In this way, their cruelties came to an end, but they could not put an end to the Sikhs.
Question 6.
Explain in brief the persecution of the Sikhs during 1716 to 1747 A.D.
Or
What steps did the Mughal Governors take to crush the Sikhs between 1716-1747 A.D.? Why did the Mughal Governors fail to suppress the Sikhs?
Answer:
Abdus Samad Khan was made the Governor of Lahore by the Mughal emperor, Farrukh Siyar in 1713 A.D. He was appointed to this post with the aim of completely crushing the power of the Sikhs. He started his administration with an iron hand. After defeating Banda Singh Bahadur in the battle of Gurdas Nangal in 1715 A.D. he arrested him along with many other (740) Sikhs. They were brutally martyred in Delhi on 19th June 1716 A.D. Farrukh Siyar was very happy over Abdus Samad Khan’s action. He honored Abdus Samad Khan with many rewards. Abdus Samad Khan remained on this post till 1726 A.D. The main events of his rule were as follows :
1. Farrukh Siyar’s Edict: In 1716 A.D., the Mughal emperor Farrukh Siyar, issued a royal edict. In this edict, he ordered the Mughal officials to kill any Sikh they could lay their hands on, but pardon those who embraced Islam. All the Hindus were ordered to shave off their heads and beards. He, who violated this order, was to be treated as a Sikh and to be killed. Even those, who gave help or provided shelter to the Sikhs, were also to be killed. Any person, who gave any clue about the whereabouts of any Sikh or helped the government in arresting the Sikhs, was to be amply rewarded.
2. Steps taken by Abdus Samad Khan against the Sikhs: After the issuance of the edict, Abdus Samad Khan started torturing the Sikhs in various ways. Hundreds of innocent Sikhs were daily arrested and brought to Lahore. They were tempted to embrace Islam in exchange for their life but the Guru’s Sikhs preferred death to this type of life. The executioners killed such Sikhs after subjecting them to untold tortures. In order to escape this bloody policy of Abdus Samad Khan, many Sikhs took shelter in the jungles and in the Shivalik hills.
There they had to face many hardships. In this way during the early years of Abdus Samad Khan’s rule, this policy paid rich dividends. Feeling happy with him Farrukh Siyar honoured him with the title of ‘Sword of the State’.
3. Split among the Sikhs: After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Sikhs were divided into two chief sects “Tat Khalsa’ and ‘Bandai Khalsa’. Tat Khalsa’ were the firm advocates of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s religious principles. ‘Bandai Khalsa’ began to regard Banda Singh Bahadur as their leader. The followers of Tat Khalsa used to greet each other with ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa and Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’, while those of Bandai Khalsa used to greet each other with ‘Fateh Darshan’ and ‘Fateh Dharam’.
The disciples of Tat Khalsa wore blue robes, while those of Bandai Khalsa wore red ones. As a consequence of their differences the Sikhs could not jointly resist the cruelties of Abdus Samad Khan.
4. Change in Circumstances: After 1720 A.D, things began to change and events turned in favour of the Sikhs. The royal court had become a den of conspiracies. In view of political instability, the central govt, could not pay due attention towards the Sikhs. In Punjab too, Abdus Samad Khan was involed in crushing the revolts of Isa Khan and Hussain Khan. Therefore, laxity crept into the action against the Sikhs. In 1721 A.D., with the efforts of Bhai Mani Singh Ji a compromise was made between ‘Tat Khalsa’ and ‘Bandai Khalsa’ at Amritsar on the occasion of Baisakhi. Consequently, Bandai Khalsa merged itself into Tat Khalsa. Thus, they were united.
5. Activities of the Sikhs: The changed circumstances and the newly achieved unity gave a new impetus to the Sikhs. They formed Jathas consisting of one hundred Sikhs each and started looting the Mughal provinces. They began to inflict heavy punishments on those Hindus and Muslims, who had handed over the Sikh women and children to the Mughals and had seized their property. In order to teach the Sikhs a lesson, Abdus Samad Khan sent a force under Aslam Khan to Amritsar. The Sikhs launched a surprise attack and gave a crushing defeat to the imperial forces. Har Sahai was killed in this battle, and Aslam Khan and Dev fled for their lives.
6. Failure of Abdus Samad Khan: Despite his best efforts, Abdus Samad Khan failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. There were many reasons for it. Firstly, Abdus Samad Khan had started aging, so-he lacked the enthusiasm of his youthful days. Secondly, the Sikhs had forged unity. So they were able to counter the cruelties of Abdus Samad Khan. Thirdly, Abdus Samad Khan became the victim of the conspiracies of the Mughal nobles. So, Abdus Samad Khan was removed from his office in 1726 A.D.
After Abdus Samad Khan, his eldest son Zakariya Khan succeeded him as the Governor of Lahore in 1726 A.D. He continued to occupy this post till 1745 AiD. Zakariya Khan was even a greater tyrant than his father. That is why he was honoured with the title of ‘Khan Bahadur’.
1. Harsh measures against the Sikhs: Immediately after assuming his office, Zakariya Khan started taking repressive measures against the Sikhs. In order to crush the power of the Sikhs completely, he recruited 20,000 soldiers in his army. The villagers were warned against giving shelter to the Sikhs. They were required to inform the Government, if they sighted any Sikh. Through an order, it was declared that anybody who gave information about a Sikh, got him arrested, handed him over to the Government or presented his head to the Government, would be awarded Rs. 10, Rs. 25, Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 respectively. Hundreds of Sikhs began to be martyred everyday at Delhi gate in Lahore. Therefore the place began to be called ‘Shahid Ganj’.
2. Martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van: Bhai Tara Singh Ji was a resident of village Van in district Amritsar. He was very popular among the Sikhs for his bravery and services to the Sikh Panth. He had taken active part in the battles of Banda Singh Bahadur. The Chaudhary of Naushera, Sahib Rai, used to let loose his horses into the farms of the Sikhs, so as to damage their crops. When the Sikhs objected to it he used to insult them.
The Sikhs could not tolerate this insult. One day Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van caught hold of a mare of Sahib Rai and sold it. He bought grain with that money and gave it to the ‘langar’. When Sahib Rai came to know about it, he sought help from Zakariya Khan. Zakariya Khan sent a troop of 2200 cavaliers under the command of his General Moman Khan. Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his 22 companions inflicted a heavy loss on the Mughal force.
All these Sikhs became martyrs while fighting. Before their martyrdom they had killed 300 Mughal soldiers and wounded many more. This event took place in February, 1726 A.D. In the words of S.S. Seetal, “The news of his martyrdom deeply moved the feelings of the Sikhs.”
3. Retaliatory measures of the Sikhs: All the Sikhs of Punjab were provoked to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his companions. The Sikhs who had hidden themselves in jungles and hills took a pledge to end the Mughal rule. They began to raid and loot the government treasuries. Besides, they attacked certain places and killed the government henchmen. Whenever, Zakariya Khan sent his soldiers to take action against the Sikhs, they would at once take shelter in jungles and hills.
4. Incident of Haidri Flag : Zakariya Khan was greatly disturbed due to the growing activities of the Sikhs. He raised the slogan of ‘Jihad’ to crush the Sikhs. As a result, thousands of Muslims gathered under the banner of Innayatullah Khan. The command of this army was entrusted to Inayatulla Khan. On the auspicious day of Id, they were given a Haidri flag and it was proclaimed that God would certainly bestow victory on those who fought under this flag. One day about seven thousand Sikhs suddenly attacked these Ghazis and caused havoc in their ranks. Thousands of Ghazis were killed. It gave a great jolt to the Government.
5. Agreement of Zakariya Khan with the Sikhs : Now, Zakariya Khan realised that it was not easy to annihilate the Sikhs. So, he adopted the policy of placating the Sikhs; In 1733 A.D., he sent a message that if the Sikhs stopped their anti-government activities, they would be given ‘Jagir’ which would yield an annual revenue of one lakh rupees, and their leader would be honoured with the title of ‘Nawab’. At first the Sikhs were opposed to this compromise, but later they accepted it. The Sikhs gave this honour of receiving the ‘Jagir’ and the title of Nawab to Sardar Kapoor Singh Faizalpuria.
6. Organisation of Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal: The compromise with the Mughals gave the Sikhs a golden opportunity to organise their power/ Nawab Kapoor Singh sent a message to the Sikhs that they should return to their homes from their hideouts in jungles and hills. Thus, the two decade old struggle between the Mughals and Sikhs came to an end. The Sikhs heaved a sigh of relief. In order to strengthen the power of the Sikhs Nawab Kapoor Singh organised them in two groups in 1734 A.D. These groups were known as Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
The Sikhs above the age of 40 were recruited in the Buddha Dal and below the age of 40 in the Taruna Dal. The Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups. Each group had its own leader and banner. The Buddha Dal looked after the religious places and the Taruna Dal fought with the enemies.
7. Renewed struggle between the Mughals and the Sikhs: After organising their power, the Sikhs again started creating disturbance in Punjab. They again began to plunder the government treasuries. This enraged Zakariya Khan and in 1735 A.D. he confiscated the ‘Jagir’ which he had given to the Sikhs. He again announced awards for getting the Sikhs arrested or killed. He gave full freedom to the Hindus and the Muslims to burgle Sikh houses. The Sikhs again began to be arrested and killed. Thus, the Sikhs were once again compelled to take shelter in forests. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Mughals took possession of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
8. Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji: The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji occupies a significant place in the Sikh History. He had been the head priest of Harmandir Sahib since 1721 A.D. The Sikhs were greatly perturbed when the soldiers of Zakariya Khan occupied Harmandir Sahib. In 1738 A.D. Bhai Mani Singh Ji requested Zakariya Khan to allow the Sikhs to enter Sri Harmandir Sahib on the Diwali festival and he would offer him Rs. 5000. Zakariya Khan readily accepted the offer. In fact, he hatched a plan. According to this plan he wanted to make a surprise attack and completely decimate the Sikhs who were supposed to gather at Amritsar on Diwali.
Zakariya Khan took the Sikhs unawares and killed a large number of them. Consequently, the festival of Diwali could not be observed at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Afterwards Zakariya Khan demanded Rs. 5000/- as promised by Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Because the government had prevented the Sikhs from entering Sri Harmandir Sahib, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was unable to pay the stipulated amount. On his inability to pay, the government arrested Bhai Mani Singh Ji and sent him to Lahore. Bhai Sahib Ji was asked to embrace Islam but he refused. Therefore, he was cut to pieces limb by limb in 1738 A.D. This martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji supplied the much.needed fillip to the Sikh struggle for independence. In the words of Khushwant Singh, “The killing of the pious and venerable head priest caused deep resentment among the Sikhs.”
9. Sikhs robbed Nadir Shah : The Sikhs were on the look out for a golden opportunity to avenge the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji. They got this opportunity in 1739 A.D. at the time of Nadir Shah’s invasion on India. After ruthless looting in Delhi, he was going back to Iran via Punjab. When the Sikhs came to know of it, they suddenly attacked and made away with most of the booty. Nadir Shah made enquiries from Zakariya Khan about these Sikhs and warned him that the day is not distant, when the Sikhs would rule in Punjab.
10. Zakariya Khan’s actions against the Sikhs : Nadir Shah’s warning had made a deep impact on Zakariya Khan’s mind. So, he decided to annihilate the Sikhs. The Sikhs again began to be killed ruthlessly daily as before. Here is given a brief description of some prominent martyrs :
(a) Bhai Bota Singh Ji : Zakariya Khan killed many Sikhs. In haughtiness, he announced that he had annihilated all the Sikhs. In order to show the existence of the Sikhs, Bhai Bota Singh Ji had set up a toll-post at Sarai Nurdin and began to charge one anna as toll-tax per cart and one paisa per donkey-load. When Zakariya Khan learnt of it, he could not tolerate it. He sent some soldiers under Jalal Khan. Jalal Khan asked him to surrender, but the brave warrior refused to do so. He fought valiantly with the enemy and finally achieved martyrdom.
(b) Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji: Chaudhary Massa Rangar of village Mandiala, District Amritsar had desecrated Sri Harmandir Sahib by his activities. Therefore, the blood of the Sikhs was boiling for revenge. They wanted to teach Massa Rangar a lesson. Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji hatched a plan. They packed some bags with pieces of stone and covered them with some coins, and reached Sri Harmandir Sahib. When enquired by the soldiers, they told them that they had brought revenue which they wanted to present to Massa Rangar.
Seeing the bags full of coins, they were allowed to go in. At that time, Massa Rangar was busy in merry-making. He was immensely pleased to see the bags full of coins. The moment he bowed forward to receive the bags, Mehtab Singh beheaded him with his sword. Later on Bhai Mehtab Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh were arrested and martyred mercilessly in 1740. A. D.
(c) Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji : Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was the resident of Sialkot. One day a Muslim boy uttered some words, which were derogatory to the Hindu deities. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji could not tolerate it. He said some offensive words about Prophet Mohammad and his. daughter Fatima. So, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was arrested. In order to, save himself, he was asked to embrace Islam. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji spurned this offer. As a result, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was beheaded in 1742 A.D. The martyrdom of Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji inflammed the feelings of the Hindus and the Sikhs.
(d) Bhai Taru Singh Ji: Bhai Taru Singh Ji was the resident of village Puhla in the Majha region. He did farming and hepled the Sikhs with his incdme. In the eyes of the government, it was a blatant crime. He was brought to Lahore. Here Zakariya Khan offered him the usual choice of Islam or death. Bhai Sahib Ji refused to embrace Islam. Complying with the order of Zakariya Khan, the executioners removed his skull. When Bhai Sahib Ji’s skull was being removed, he was reciting Japji Sahib. This unique martyrdom in 1745 A.D. deeply stirred the Sikhs.
Zakariya Khan undoubtedly committed great cruelties on the Sikhs till his end. However, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. Zakariya Khan died on 1st July, 1745 A.D. In the words of Patwant Singh, “No one persecuted the Sikhs with greater zeal than Zakariya Khan.”
After the death of Zakariya Khan, Yahiya Khan became the Governor of Lahore in 1746 A.D. He remained on this post till 1747 A.D. In the matter of committing oppressions on the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan did not lag behind his father, Zakariya Khan.
1. Activities of the Sikhs : When Yahiya Khan assumed the charge, the atmosphere of anarchy was prevalent in the Punjab. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Sikhs had organised their power. They attacked many villages and killed their Chaudharis and Muqaddams for co-operating with the government and taking actions against the Sikhs. The Sikh jathas intensified their activities in many regions of Punjab.
2. Death of Jaspat Rai: In 1746 A.D. a Sikh jatha which was proceeding on a pilgrimage to Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad took away a few goats and sheep from the village Gondlawala. On the complaint of the people, Jaspat Rai, who was the Faujdar of Eminabad, ordered the Sikhs to return the goats and sheep . The Sikhs refused to do so. Consequently, Jaspat Rai with some of his soldiers attacked the Silkhs. In the course of action, Jaspat Rai was killed. With the death of Jaspat Rai his soldiers ran for their lives. This event happened in March 1746 A.D.
3. Actions of Lakhpat Rai against the Sikhs,; Diwan Lakhpat Rai’s blood began to boil on hearing the news of his brother Jaspat Rai’s death. He took a pledge that he would annihilate the Sikhs. Yahiya Khan was already thinking of crushing the power of the Sikhs. He ordered Diwan Lakhpat Rai to crush’the Sikhs. Lakhpat Rai imposed many restrictions on the Sikhs. Thereafter, no one could utter the word ‘Guru’. He told the people to use ‘Rori’ for ‘Gud’ because the word ‘Gud’ sounded like ‘Guru.’ Likewise, he ordered to use the word ‘Pothi’ for the ‘Granth’. Those who defied these orders were sentenced to death. Many Sikhs inhabiting Lahore were arrested and executed.
4. First Holocaust: With a view to decimate the Sikhs, Yahiya Khan and Lakhpat Rai raised a huge army. This army, unexpectedly, besieged 15,000 Sikhs at Kahnuwan. The Sikhs escaped from there and took shelter in the hills of Basoli. The Mughal soldiers gave them a hot chase. Here the Sikhs were trapped in a difficult situation. On one side there were high hills, while on the other the river .Ravi was in full spate. The Mughal soldiers were chasing them from behind while in front they were faced by the Hill Chiefs and, those people, who were their bitter enemies.
The Sikhs were short of food-stuffs. Owing to the shortage of fodder, the horses too were suffering from starvation. In this attack, 7000 Sikhs were killed and 3000 arrested. These Sikhs were butchered at Lahore. It was the first occasion in Sikh history, when the Sikhs suffered such a heavy loss of life. That is why this event is known as first Ghallughara or small holocaust in history. This holocaust took place in May 1746 A.D. Gurbaksh Singh aptly says, “This devastating blow to the Sikhs in 1746 made them more determined than ever to put an end to the genocide.”
5. Fall of Yahiya Khan: In November 1746 A.D., the younger brother of Yahiya Khan, Shah Nawaz Khan, raised the banner of revolt. It resulted in a civil war between the two brothers. This war continued till 1747 A.D. In this war, Shah Nawaz Khan ultimately succeeded and he threw Yahiya Khan and Diwan Lakhpat Rai into the prison on 17 March, 1747 A.D. In this way, their cruelties came to an end, but they could not put an end to the Sikhs.
Mir Mannu 1748-53 A.D.
Question 7.
Discuss the persecution of Sikhs under Mir Mannu. Explain the causes of his failure also.
Or
Describe Mir Mannu’s relations with the Sikhs. Why did he fail to achieve his objective?
Or
Who was Mir Mannu? What were the causes of his failure to crush the Sikhs?
Or
Describe the relations between Mir Mannu and the Sikhs.
Or
What were the main reasons of the failure of Mir Mannu against the Sikhs?
Or
Why did Mir Mannu fail to crush the Sikhs?
Or
Explain the causes of failure of Mir Mannu.
Answer:
Mir Mannu who was also known by the name of Muin-ul-Mulk, was the son of Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah Rangila’s Wazir Qamar-ud-Din. He was known for his bravery, strict discipline and wise diplomat. He remained the Governor of Punjab from 1748 to 1753 A.D. According to Harbans Singh, “Mir Mannu proved a worse foe of the Sikhs than his predecessors.”
1. Difficulties of Mir Mannu: When Mir Mannu became the Subedar of Punjab he had to face many uphill tasks. Owing to the struggle for power between Yahiya Khan and Shah Nawaz Khan anarchy had prevailed in Punjab. The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali further complicated the political situation of Punjab. Taking advantage of this situation, the Sikhs had intensified their activities of looting. Besides these, the state treasury was almost empty. Mir Mannu paid special attention to overcome these difficulties.
2. Action against tjie Sikhs: Mir Mannu first of all turned his attention towards the Sikhs. In order to crush the Sikhs, he. sent military troops to different regions of Punjab. He issued strict orders to Adina Beg* the Faujdar of Jalandhar Doab, to take severe action against the Sikhs. As a result, the Sikhs were arrested and martyred daily in Lahore. In June 1748 A.D. in a battle between Adina Beg and the Sikhs, 600 Sikhs were martyred. For their self-defence the Sikhs took shelter in their hideouts in hills and forests.
3. Siege of Ram Rauni Fort: The Sikhs had assembled at Amritsar orr the occasion of Diwali in October 1748. When Mir Mannu came to know about it, he decided to take action against the Sikhs. On hearing this news 500 Sikhs took shelter in the Ram Rauni fort and others fled to their hideouts. Mir Mannu besieged the Ram Rauni fort. This siege continued for four months. Under such trying times, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia came to the help of the Sikhs.
His arrival encouraged the morale of the besieged Sikhs. At that time Mir Mannu got the information that Ahmad Shah Abdali was about to attack Punjab. Therefore, Mir Mannu compromised with the Sikhs and lifted the siege. According to the compromise, Mir Mannu gave the estate of Patti to the Sikhs so that they might give up their activities of looting and live peacefully.
4. Second Invasion of Abdali: Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab for the second time in December 1748 A. D. In the absence of any help from Delhi, the defeat of Mir Mannu was certain. Acting wisely, Mir Mannu entered into a pact with Abdali. According to this pact, Mir Mannu agreed to give Abdali the revenue of four mahals (districts) that included Sialkot, Gujarat, Pasrur and Aurangabad.
5. Persecution of the Sikhs: The second invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali gave an excellent opportunity to the Sikhs to indulge in looting. Taking advantage of Mir Mannu’s absence from Lahore, the Sikhs under the leadership of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, ruthlessly looted Lahore. When Mir Mannu came to know about it, he flew into a rage. He took a pledge to annihilate the Sikhs completely. He confiscated the estate, which he had given to the Sikhs. Awards were announced for arresting and killing the Sikhs. Thus, the persecution of the Sikhs was started once again with full vigour.
6. Revolts of Nasir Khan and Shah Nawaz Khan: At the instigation of Wazir Safdarjang of Delhi, Nasir Khan, the Faujdar of four mahals revolted against Mir Mannu. He was defeated near Sialkot by Mir Mannu and succeeded in fleeing to Delhi. At the insistence of Safdarjang, Shah Nawaz Khan, the Governor of Multan also revolted. Shah Nawaz Khan instigated the Sikhs to create disturbance in the region around Lahore. Mir Mannu could not tolerate it. He sent Kaura Mai to crush the revolt of Shah Nawaz Khan. In this battle, Shah Nawaz Khan was defeated and killed.
7. Third Invasion-of Abdali: ‘Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab for the third time towards the end of 1751 A.D. A fierce battle was fought near Lahore between the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali and Mir Mannu on 6th March, 1752. A.D. In this battle Kaura Mai was killed and Mir Mannu was arrested. In this way, Ahmad Shah Abdali took possession of Punjab in 1752 A.D. and annexed it to his kingdom. Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed Mir Mannu as the Governor of Punjab and ordered him to take strict action against the Sikhs.
8. Renewal of Sikh Persecution : Mir-Mannu once again pledged to annihilate the Sikhs. Prices (awards) were fixed for the heads of the Sikhs. Severe punishments were awarded to those who gave shelter to the Sikhs. In March 1753 A.D. on the occasion of Hola Mohalla the Sikhs assembled at Makhowal (Anandpur Sahib), Adina Beg suddenly attacked them and killed many Sikhs. Mir Mannu sent his troops to different places of Punjab in order to quell the power of the Sikhs. When they could not lay hand on the Sikhs, these troops arrested large number of women and children and took them to Lahore.
The atrocities committed on these women and children defy description. Despite such fierce persecution, the number of the Sikhs continued to increase rather than showing the downward trend. The following couplet was in vogue :
“Mannu is our sickle,
We the fodder for him to mow,
The more he reaps the more we grow.”
9. Death of Mir Mannu : Mir Mannu’s actions against the Sikhs had reached their climax. On November 3,1753 A.D. when he received the information that some Sikhs had hidden themselves in a sugarcane farm, he immediately rode on a horse to teach sikhs a lesson. His horse frightened by the bullet shots of the Sikhs went berserk and overturned Mir Mannu, but one of his feet was trapped in the stirrup. The horse kept on dragging Mir Mannu leading to his death. Thus, nature avenged Mir Mannu’s cruelties. Famous historian, Dr. N.K. Sinha has rightly written, “Indirectly Mir Mannu was responsible for the growth of the power of the Sikhs.”
Causes of the Failure of Mir Mannu:
Question 8.
What were the main reasons for the failure of Mir Mannu against the the Sikhs?
Or
Why did Mir Mannu fail to crush the Sikhs?
Or
Explain the main reasons of the failure of Mir Mannu.
Answer:
During his rule of five years, Mir Mannu left no stone unturned to crush the growing power of the Sikhs. Despite all this, he failed in his objective. The following were the chief factors, which contributed to his failure :
1. Organisation of the Dal Khalsa: The main cause of Mir Mannu’s failure was the organisation of Dal Khalsa. There were 65 Jathas of the Sikhs before 1748 A.D. Now they had regrouped themselves into 12 Jathas to resist the cruelties of Mir Mannu. The Sikhs greatly respected Dal Khalsa and were always ready to make any sacrifice at its call. As a result, it became difficult for Mir Mannu to crush the power of the Sikhs.
2. Uncommon qualities of the Sikhs: Another factor responsible for the failure of Mir Mannu was the uncommon qualities of the Sikhs. They had firm determination, unlimited zeal, bravery and spirit of sacrifice for their Panth. They never lost heart despite big hurdles. Mir Mannu subjected Sikh women and children to numerous persecutions, but they remained firm like a rock. It was not an easy task to crush such a community.
3. Guerilla tactics of the Sikhs: The Sikhs’ Guerilla tactics contributed a great deal to defeat the purpose of Mir Mannu. The Sikhs adopted guerilla tactics because of their limited resources. According to this policy, whenever the Sikhs found an opportunity, they would attack the Mughal forces, plunder their regions and again take shelter in forests and hills. Since the Sikhs did not confront Mir Mannu in the open field, he failed to crush their power.
4. Cooperation of Diwan Kaura Mai to the Sikhs : Diwan – Kaura Mai was an adviser of Mir Mannu. He was a Sahijdhari Sikh. So, he was compassionate towards the Sikhs. On the other hand, Mir Mannu too had deep faith in him. He did not take any action against the Sikhs. Whenever Mir Mannu decided to take any strict action against the Sikhs, Kaura Mai persuaded him to adopt a soft attitude towards the Sikhs. It was because of Kaura Mai that Mir Mannu gave an estate to the Sikhs. Owing to this valuable co-operation, the Sikhs used to call him ‘Mitha Mai’. This co-operation of Kaura Mai proved helpful in the rise of the Sikh power.
5. Dual Policy of Adina Beg: Mir Mannu also failed to crush the Sikh power owing to the dual policy of Adina Beg. He was the Faujdar of Jalandhar.Doab and dreamt of becoming the Governor of Punjab after Mir Mannu. So, whenever Mir Mannu ordered him to take strict action against the Sikhs, he left the action incomplete. He had made a secret alliance with the Sikhs to create disturbance off and on. He knew it well that if he took strict action against the Sikhs, the atmosphere of unrest will continue. Then, his dream to become the Governor of Punjab would not come true.
6. Problems of Mir Mannu: During his rule, Mir Mannu was surrounded by several problems, because of which he could not pay his undivided attention to crush the power of the Sikhs. His greatest problem was the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali. For fear of these invasions, Mir Mannu had to postpone action against the Sikhs. Secondly, the Wazir of Delhi, Safdarjang, was jealous of Mir Mannu. So, he was always busy hatching conspiracies to remove Mir Mannu from his post. It was at his instigation that Nasir Khan and Shah Nawaz Khan raised the banner of revolt against Mir Mannu. Mir Mannu remained busy in crushing these revolts. Consequently, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs.
Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Write a note on Abdus Samad Khan.
Or
Briefly explain the repressions done on the Sikhs by Abdus Samad Khan.
Answer:
Abdus Samad Khan remained the Governor of Lahore from 1713-1726 A.D. Abdus Samad Khan succeeded in 1715 A. D. in arresting Banda Singh Bahadur and some of his Sikh companions. With this opened a new chapter of perpetrating tyranny on the Sikhs. The Mughal Emperor Farrukh Siyar was pleased with the success of Abdus Samad Khan and honoured him with the title ‘Sword of the State’. However, Abdus Samad Khan failed to check the of the Sikhs power. As a result, he was .removed from his post in 1726 A. D.
Question 2.
What is meant by Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa? How were their differences resolved?
Or
How were the differences between Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa finished?
Or
What was the difference between Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa? Who compromised them?
Or
What was the position of the Sikhs after the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur?
Answer:
After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Sikhs were divided into two Dals-Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa. The Sikhs who continued to follow the principles of Guru Gobind Singh Ji came to be known as Tat Khalsa while those who followed the principles of Banda Singh Bahadur came to be known as Bandai Khalsa. In 1721 A.D. Bhai Mani Singh Ji, Head priest of Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji, resolved the differences between them.
Question 3.
Describe the tyrannies inflicted on the Sikhs during the time of Zakariya Khan.
Or
How did Zakariya Khan try to deal with the Sikhs?
Or
Discuss the persecution of the Sikhs under Zakariya Khan.
Or
Describe briefly the persecution of Sikhs under Zakariya Khan.
Or
What measures were adopted by Zakariya Khan to crush the power of the Sikhs?
Or
What measures were adopted by Zakariya Khan to crush the power of Sikhs? How far did he succeed in his efforts?
Answer:
Zakariya Khan became the Governor of Punjab in 1726 A.D. He adopted a tough policy to deal with the Sikhs. He arrested the Sikhs in a large number and executed them. But when he did not succeed in crushing the Sikhs completely, he planned to placate them. After some time the Sikhs once again started their activities against the Mughals. So Zakaria Khan had to change his policy towars the Sikhs. He started massacre of the Sikhs once again.
Question 4.
Who was Tara Singh Van? What is the importance of his martyrdom in Sikh History?
Or
Write a short note on Tara Singh Van.
Answer:
Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van was very popular among the Sikhs for his bravery and services to the Sikh Panth. The Chaudhary of Naushera, Sahib Rai, used to let loose his horses into the farms of the Sikhs, to damage their crops. One day, Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van caught hold of a mare of Sahib Rai and sold it. He bought grain with that money and gave it in the ‘langar’. When Sahib Rai came to know about it he attacked the Sikhs to teach them a lesson. Bhai Tara Singh Van and his 22 companions became martyrs while fighting in Feb, 1726. It deeply moved the feelings of the Sikhs.
Question 5.
Who was Bhai Mani Singh Ji? What was the impact of his martyrdom?
Or
What were the causes of the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji?
Or
What do you know about Bhai Mani Singh Ji and his martyrdom?
Or
Write a note on martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Or
Write any three causes of the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Or
Who was Bhai Mani Singh Ji? What were the causes of his martyrdom?
Answer:
Bhai Mani Singh was the Head Priest of Sri Darbar Sahib, Anlritsar. Zakariya Khan imposed a ban on the Sikhs visiting Sri Darbar Sahib. Bhai Mani Singh Ji got a sanction from Zakariya Khan for the Sikhs to gather at Sri Darbar Sahib on the eve of Diwali by promising to give him Rs. 5000. But one day before Diwali, Zakariya Khan attacked Amritsar. Bhai Mani Singh Ji could not pay this amount. He was ruthlessly executed at Lahore in 1738 A.D. His martyrdom infused a new confidence among the Sikhs.
Question 6.
Who was Bhai Taru Singh Ji and what is the significance of his martyrdom in Sikh History?
Or
Write a short note on Bhai Taru Singh Ji.
Answer:
Bhai Taru Singh Ji belonged to. Puhla village in Majha region. His profession was agriculture and he used to help the Sikhs with his income. It was a great offence in the eyes of the government. So Bhai Taru Singh was arrested. He was asked to accept Islam but Bhai Taru Singh Ji refused to accept. On the orders of Zakaria Khan he was martyred on July 1, 1745. His unique martyrdom deeply stirred the Sikhs.
Question 7.
Who was Nadir Shah? When did he invade India? What was the effect of his invasion on the Punjab?
Or
Give a brief account of Nadir Shah’s invasion on Punjab and its impacts.
Answer:
Nadir Shah was the emperor of Iran. He invaded India in 1739 A.D. During this invasion his forces ravaged and ransacked many cities of India including Delhi. When he was passing through Punjab, the Sikhs suddenly pounced upon him and seized a large amount of booty. Nadir Shah was wonder struck. He warned Zakaria Khan that if he did not take stern steps immediately against the Sikhs, they would one day get hold of Punjab. As a.result, Zakariya Khan stepped up his tyranny over the Sikhs.
Question 8.
Write a brief note on Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
Or
When were Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal organised? What is their importance in Sikh History?
Or
What do you mean by ‘Buddha Dal’ and ‘Taruna Dal’?
Or
Write a short note on Taruna Dal.
Answer:
In 1734 A.D. Nawab Kapoor Singh formed two Jathas or Dais in order to strengthen the Sikh power. These two Jathas came to be known as Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal. The Sikhs above 40 were included in Buddha Dal and below 40 years were included in Taruna Dal. Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups. Buddha Dal looked after the religious places while Taruna Dal fought against the enemies of the Sikhs.
Question 9.
Who was Yahiya Khan? Give information about his rule.
Answer:
Yahiya Khan became the Governor of Punjab in 1746 A.D. and remained on this post upto 1747 A.D. He followed the policy of persecution of the Sikhs. In a battle with the Sikhs in 1746 A.D. Jaspat Rai, the brother of Diwan Lakhpat Rai of Lahore, was killed. In order to take revenge on the Sikhs, Lakhpat Rai perpetrated tyranny on the Sikhs. As a result, 7000 Sikhs were killed and 3000 were taken prisoners. This ghastly massacre is known as Chhota Ghallughara (Small Holocaust) in Sikh History. In 1747 A. D. Yahiya Khan was toppled.
Question 10.
What do you know about the First Holocaust of 1746 or the Chhota Ghallughara?
Or
What do you know about First Holocaust?
Or
Write a short note on Chhota Ghallughara?
Or
What do you know about the ‘Chhota Ghallughara’?
Answer:
Yahiya Khan and Lakhpat Rai had raised a vast army in order to wipe out the Sikhs. This army suddenly surrounded about 15000 Sikhs at Kahnuitwan. In this attack 7,000 Sikhs were killed and 3,0 00 were taken prisoness. The Sikhs suffered a heavy loss of life. That is why this event is known as First Holocaust or Chotta Ghallughara in Sikh History. It occurred in May, 1746 A.D. Despite this bloody holocaust, morale of the Sikhs remained high.
Question 11.
Who was Mir Mannu? What steps did he take against the Sikhs during his period of rule?
Or
Describe briefly the Sikh persecution under Mir Mannu.
Or
Study the persecution of the Sikhs by Mir Mannu.
Or
What do you know about the relations between Mir Mannu and the Sikhs?
Or
Write briefly the relations of Mir Mannu with the Sikhs.
Answer:
Mir Mannu remained the Governor of Punjab from 1748 A. D. to 1753 A. D. Everyday the Sikhs were arrested and brought to Lahore for execution. They were executed in thousands at Shahid Ganj. They were hard pressed. Consequently, they had to take shelter in forests and hills. When the soldiers of Mir Mannu could not get hold of the Sikhs, they started arresting Sikh women and children. The cruelty with which they were tortured cannot be explained in words. Despite his extreme cruelty, Mir Mannu could not crush the Sikh power till his end.
Question 12.
Why did Mir Mannu fail to crush the Sikh power?
Or
What were the causes of the failure of Mir Mannu against the Sikhs?
Or
Write any three causes of the failure of Mir Mannu against the Sikhs.
Answer:
- The Sikhs never lost heart despite heavy odds. They founded Dal. Khalsa in 1748 A.D. It organised the Sikh power in 12 Jathas. All the Sikhs respected the instructions of Dal Khalsa and were ready to sacrifice everything on its directive,
- The guerilla warfare of the Sikhs played a major role in the failure of Mir Mannu’s plans,
- Mir Mannu’s Diwan Kaura Mai was sympathetic towards the Sikhs.
- The dual policy of Adina Beg, the Faujdar of Jalandhar Doab also became the cause of the failure of Mir Mannu.
- Mir Mannu had to face several problems during his period of the rule so he could not crush the Sikh power.
Objective Type Questions:
Question 1.
Give the name of one Mughal Governor who persecuted the Sikhs.
Or
Name anyone Mughal Governor of Punjab from 1716 A.D. to 1752 A.D.
Answer:
Abdus Samad Khan.
Question 2.
When was Abdus Samad Khan appointed the Governor of Lahore?
Answer:
1713 A.D.
Question 3.
Which was the most important success of Abdus Samad Khan?
Answer:
The defeat of Banda Singh Bahadur.
Question 4.
With which title Abdus Samad Khan was honoured by the Mughal emperor, Farrukh Siyar?
Answer:
The Sword of the State.
Question 5.
Name the two sects of the Sikhs after the death of Banda Singh Bahadur.
Answer:
Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa.
Question 6.
What was the difference between Banzai and Tat Khalsa?
Or
What do you understand by Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa?
Answer:
Tat Khalsa believed in the principles of Guru Gobind Singh Ji while Bandai Khalsa believed in the principles of Banda Singh Bahadur.
Question 7.
When were the differences between Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa solved?
Answer:
In 1721 A.D.
Question 8.
Who abolished dispute between Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa?
Answer:
Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Question 9.
Who were called Sahajdhari Sikhs?
Answer:
Sahajdhari Sikhs were those persons who believed in the principles of Khalsa but had not embraced it.
Question 10.
Who was Zakariya Khan?
Answer:
Governor of Lahore.
Question 11.
When did Zakariya Khan become the Subedar of Lahore?
Answer:
In 1726 A.D.
Question 12.
Name any one famous Sikh who was martyred during Zakariya Khan’s period as Governor.
Answer:
Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Question 13.
When did Zakariya Khan make a treaty with the Sikhs?
Answer:
In 1733 A.D.
Question 14.
Name the Sikh leader who was given the title of Nawab according to the treaty of 1733 A.D.
Answer:
Sardar Kapoor Singh.
Question 15.
Name the two Dais of the Sikhs.
Answer:
Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
Question 16.
When were Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal established?
Answer:
In 1734 A.D.
Question 17.
Where were Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal founded?
Answer:
Amritsar.
Question 18.
Who founded Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal?
Answer:
Nawab Kapoor Singh.
Question 19.
What is meant by Buddha Dal?
Answer:
Buddha Dal included the Sikhs above the age of 40.
Question 20.
What is meant by Taruna Dal?
Answer:
It included the young Sikhs.
Question 21.
During whose reign occur the incident of Haidri Flag?
Answer:
Zakaria Khan.
Question 22.
When was Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van martyred?
Answer:
1726 A.D.
Question 23.
Who was Bhai Mani Singh Ji?
Answer:
Bhai Mani Singh Ji was the Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.
Question 24.
When was Bhai Mani Singh Ji martyred?
Answer:
1738 A.D.
Question 25.
Who was Nadir Shah?
Answer:
The ruler of Iran.
Question 26.
When did Nadir Shah invade India?
Answer:
1739 A.D.
Question 27.
Who was Massa Ranghar?
Answer:
Chaudhary of Mandiala village in Amritsar district.
Question 28.
When was Haqiqat Rai executed?
Answer:
1742 A.D.
Question 29.
Why was Bal Haqiqat Rai executed?
Answer:
Because he had said some objectionable words for Bibi Fatima.
Question 30.
When did Zakariya Khan die?
Answer:
1745 A.D.
Question 31.
For how long Yahiya Khan remained the Governor of Punjab?
Answer:
1746 A.D. to 1747 A.D.
Question 32.
When did the First or Small Holocaust (Chhota Ghallughara) take place?
Or
When did First Ghallughara take place?
Answer:
1746 A.D.
Question 33.
Where did the Small Holocaust take place?
Answer:
Kahnuwan.
Question 34.
When did Mir Mannu become the Governor of Lahore?
Answer:
1748 A.D.
Question 35.
With what other name Muin-u-Mulk became popular?
Answer:
Mir Mannu.
Question 36.
Who was the last Mughal Governor of Punjab?
Or
Who was the first Afgan Governor of Punjab?
Answer:
Mir Mannu.
Question 37.
Who was Mir-Mannu?
Answer:
Son of Qamru-ud-din, the Wazir of Delhi.
Question 38.
Why did Mir Mannu oppress the Sikhs?
Answer:
Because of increasing influence of the Sikhs in Punjab.
Question 39.
Give any one reason for success of the Sikhs against the Mughals.
Answer:
Their policy of guerilla warfare.
Question 40.
Why did Mir Mannu fail in suppressing the power of the Sikhs?
Answer:
The guerilla warfare of the Sikhs.
Question 41.
When did Mir Mannu die?
Answer:
In 1753 A.D.
Question 42.
Who was Mughlani Begum?
Answer:
The Subedar of Punjab in 1753 A.D.
Question 43.
Who was the widow of Mir Manuu?
Answer:
Mughlani Begum.
Question 44.
When did Mughlani Begum become the Subedar of Punjab?
Answer:
In 1753 A.D.
Question 45.
Why did the Sikhs call Kaura Mai as Mitha Mai?
Answer:
For his sympathy towards the Sikhs.
Fill in the blanks:
1. Abdus Samad Khan was appointed the Governor of Lahore in ………………
Answer:
1713 A.D.
2. For the persecutation of Sikhs, Abdus Samad Khan was honoured with the title of ………………
Answer:
The Sword of the State
3. The names of the two sects of Sikhs after the death of Banda Singh Bahadur were ………….. and ……………
Answer:
Bandai Khalsa, Tat Khalsa
4. In 1721 A.D. the conflict between Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa came to an end with the efforts of …………….
Answer:
Bhai Mani Singh Ji
5. The Subedar of Punjab was …………….. before Zakariya Khan.
Answer:
Abdus Samad Khan
6. Zakariya Khan was appointed the Governor of Lahore in ………………
Answer:
1726 A.D.
7. Zakariya Khan compromised with the Sikhs in …………………
Answer:
1733 A.D.
8. Sardar ……………… was given the title of Nawab according to the treaty of 1733 A.D.
Answer:
Kapoor Singh)
9. Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal were organised in …………….
Answer:
1734 A.D.
10. Bhai Mani Singh Ji was martyred in ………………..
Answer:
1738 A.D.
11. Chaudhary ……………….. of Mandiala Village of Amritsar district broke the sanctity of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Answer:
Massa Ranghar
12. Chaudhary Massa Ranghar was the chaudhary of ……………… village.
Answer:
Mandiala
13. Nadir Shah invaded India in ………………..
Answer:
1739 A.D.
14. Nadir Shah was the emperor of ………………
Answer:
Iran
15. First or Chotta Ghallughara occurred in ………………
Answer:
1746 A D.
16. ……………….. was the Governor of Punjab when First Ghallughara occurred.
Answer:
Yahiya Khan
17. Mir Mannu was also known by the name of ………………
Answer:
Muin-ul-Mulk
18. Mir Mannu was elected Governor of Punjab in …………….
Answer:
1748 A.D.
19. Mir Mannu appointed …………………. as the Faujdar of Jalandhar Doab.
Answer:
Adina Beg
20. Mir Mannu died in ……………..
Answer:
1753 A.D.
True or False:
1. Abdus Samad Khan became the Subedar of Lahore in 1716 A.D.
Answer:
False
2. Mughal Emperor, Furrukh Siyar appointed Abdus Samad Khan as Subedar of Punjab.
Answer:
True
3. Abdus Samad Khan was called ‘Sword of the State.
Answer:
True
4. After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur the Sikhs of Punjab were divided into two sects Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa.
Answer:
True
5. Bhai Mani Singh Ji made a compromise between two sects i.e. Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa.
Answer:
True
6. In 1721 A.D. a compromise was made between Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa.
Answer:
True
7. Zakariya Khan was appointed the Subedar of Lahore in 1720 A.D.
Answer:
False
8. Tara Singh Ji Van was martyred in 1726 A.D.
Answer:
True
9. An agreement was made between Zakariya Khan and the Sikhs.
Answer:
True
10. Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia founded Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
Answer:
False
11. Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal were established in 1734 A.D.
Answer:
True
12. Nadir Shah invaded India in 1739 A.D.
Answer:
True
13. Zakariya Khan executed Bhai Mani Singh Ji in 1738 A.D.
Answer:
True
14. Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji was martyred in the time of Abdus Samad Khan.
Answer:
False
15. Bhai Taru Singh Ji was martyred in 1745 A.D.
Answer:
True
16. Zakariya Khan died in 1745 A.D.
Answer:
True
17. The Chotta Ghallughara happened in 1746.
Answer:
True
18. Mir Mannu became the Governor of Lahore in 1748 A.D.
Answer:
True
19. Ahmad Shah Abdali occupied Punjab in 1752 A.D.
Answer:
True
20. Mir Mannu died in 1754 A.D.
Answer:
False
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Who was the Governor of Lahore in 1716 A.D.?
(a) Abdus Samad Khan
(b) Ahmad Shah Abdali
(c) Mir Mannu
(d) Zakariya Khan
Answer:
(a) Abdus Samad Khan
2. With which title Abdus Samad Khan was honoured by Farrukh Siyar?
(a) Khan Bhadur
(b) The Sword of the State
(c) Nasir Khan
(d) Mittha Mai
Answer:
(b) The Sword of the State
3. When were the differences with .Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa solved?
(a) In 1711 A.D.
(b) In 1716 A.D.
(c) In 1721 A.D.
(d) In 1726 A.D.
Answer:
(c) In 1721 A.D.
4. With whose efforts did the conflict between Bandai Khalsa and Tat Khalsa come to an end?
(a) Baba Deep Singh Ji
(b) Nawab Kapoor Singh
(c) Bhai Mani Singh Ji
(d) Bhai Taru Singh Ji.
Answer:
(c) Bhai Mani Singh Ji
5. When was Zakariya Khan appointed the Governor of Lahore?
(a) In 1716 A.D.
(b) In 1717 A.D.
(c) In 1726 A.D.
(d) In 1728 A.D.
Answer:
(c) In 1726 A.D.
6. In whose rule the incident of Haidri flag took place?
(a) Abdus Samad Khan
(b) Yahihya Khan
(c) Ahmad Shah Abdali
(d) Zakariya Khan.
Answer:
(d) Zakariya Khan.
7. When did compromise take place between Zakariya Khan and the Sikhs?
(a) In 1721 A.D.
(b) In 1724 AD.
(c) In 1733 A.D.
(d) In 1734 A.D. .
Answer:
(c) In 1733 A.D.
8. When were Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal organised?
(a) In 1730 A.D.
(b) In 1735 A.D.
(c) In 1734 A.D.
(d) In 1733 A.D.
Answer:
(c) In 1734 A.D.
9. By whom were Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal established?
(a) Nawab Kapoor Singh
(b) Bhai Mani Singh Ji
(c) Baba Deep Singh Ji
(d) Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji
Answer:
(a) Nawab Kapoor Singh
10. When was Bhai Mani Singh Ji martyred?
(a) In 1721 AD.
(b) In 1733 AJ).
(c) In 1734 A.D.
(d) In 1738 A.D.
Answer:
(d) In 1738 A.D.
11. When did Nadir Shah invade India?
(a) In 1736 A.D.
(b) In 1737 A.D.
(c) In 1738 A.D.
(d) In 1739 A-D.
Answer:
(d) In 1739 A-D.
12. Who was Massa Ranghar?
(a) Chaudhary of Mandiala
(b) Chaudhary of Vaan
(c) Faujdar of Jalandhar
(d) Faujdar of Sirhind
Answer:
(a) Chaudhary of Mandiala
13. When was Bal Haqiqat Rai martyred?
(a) In 1739 A.D.
(b) In 1740 A.D.
(c) In 1741 A.D.
(d) In 1742 A.D.
Answer:
(d) In 1742 A.D.
14. When did Zakariya Khan die?
(a) In 1742 A.D.
(b) In 1743 A.D.
(c) In 1744 A.D.
(d) In 1745 A.D.
Answer:
(d) In 1745 A.D.
15. Where did First Ghallughara take place?
(a) Kahnuwan
(b) Kup
(c) Sirhind
(d) Mandiala
Answer:
(a) Kahnuwan
16. When did First Ghallughara take place?
(a) In 1733 A.D.
(b) In 1734 A.D.
(c) In 1739 A.D.
(d) In 1746 A.D.
Answer:
(d) In 1746 A.D.
17. When did Mir Mannu become the Subedar of Punjab?
(a) In 1748 A.D.
(b) In 1749 A,D.
(c) In 1752 A.D.
(d) In 1753 A.D.
Answer:
(a) In 1748 A.D.
18. Who was Adina Begh?
(a) Advisor of Mir Mannu
(b) Diwan of Zakariya Khan
(c) Faujdar of Jalandhar Doab
(d) Chaudhary of Mandiala Village
Answer:
(c) Faujdar of Jalandhar Doab
19. When did Mir Mannu die?
(a) In 1750 A.D.
(b) In 1751 A.D.
(c) In 1752 A.D.
(d) In 1753 A.D.
Answer:
(d) In 1753 A.D.
20. Why did Mir Mannu fail against the Sikhs?
(a) Dual policy of Adina Beg
(b) Guerilla warfare of the Sikhs
(c) Cruelity of Mir Mannu
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(d) All of the above.
21. When did Mughlani Begum become the Subedar of Punjab?
(a) In 1751 A.D.
(b) In 1752 A.D.
(c) In 1753 A.D.
(d) In 1754 A.D.
Answer:
(c) In 1753 A.D.