Banda Singh Bahadur | Punjab State (PPSC) PSC: Preparation - PPSC PCS (Punjab) PDF Download

Introduction

In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Sikh Guru, appointed Banda Singh Bahadur as his military lieutenant to challenge the oppressive Mughal rule. Shortly after, while in Nanded, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was assassinated by a Pathan. Following his death, Banda Singh Bahadur embarked on a mission to Punjab to lead a rebellion against the Mughals.

Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716 CE)

• Banda Singh Bahadur was born on December 27, 1670, in Rajauri, Kashmir. After meeting Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Nanded, he converted to Sikhism and was given the name 'Banda Singh.' Guru Ji also appointed him an advisory council of five Sikhs and ordered him to reconquer Punjab, issuing a letter commanding all Sikhs to join him.
• Banda Singh Bahadur initiated an agrarian uprising by breaking up large estates owned by zamindar families and redistributing the land to impoverished Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim peasants. He commenced his rebellion with victories over Mughal armies at Samana, Sadhaura, and Sirhind.
• He established control over the territory between the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers, with a capital in the Himalayas at Lohgarh. He introduced a new calendar, minted coins, and created official seals in the names of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He also abolished the zamindari system.
• Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah grew alarmed by Banda Singh's rising influence and ordered his capture. In December 1715, Mughal forces captured Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions. He was taken to Delhi and offered the choice between Islam and death. Refusing Islam, he was tortured to death, along with his four-year-old son. After his death in 1716, the Sikhs lacked a prominent leader.

Sikhs after Banda Singh Bahadur

Period of Turmoil (1716-1799 CE):

• The time after Banda Singh Bahadur's death in 1716 was marked by extreme violence and turmoil in Punjab, both politically and militarily. Banda Bahadur was executed on June 19, 1716, and without a prominent leader, the struggle against the Mughals became a collective effort by the people.

Control of Amritsar:

• Sikh warriors appointed Bhai Mani Singh to oversee the affairs of Harimandir Sahib, and they established control over Amritsar, which became a central hub for the Sikhs.

Mughal Governance:

• The Mughal Governor, Zhakariya Khan, attempted a dual approach of firmness and kindness. He recognized Kapur Singh, the leader of Sarbat Khalsa, as the leader of the Sikhs and offered him the title of Nawab.

Nadir Shah's Invasion (1738):

• When Nadir Shah invaded Punjab in 1738, the Khalsa responded by looting his baggage, train, and camels. Nadir Shah warned Zhakariya Khan about the growing power of the Khalsa. In retaliation, Zhakariya Khan and his son Yahya Khan subjected the Sikhs to severe torture.