Introduction to the Battle of Chamkaur
The Battle of Chamkaur is one of the most heroic and inspiring battles in Indian and Sikh history. It was fought in December 1704 between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Mughal army. This battle is remembered not because of victory in numbers, but because of extraordinary courage, faith, and sacrifice.
In this battle, only about 40 Sikhs stood against thousands of Mughal soldiers (some says that 40 sikhs stood against 10 lakh of mughal soldiers). Two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) on 23 Decemeber 1704 while fighting bravely.
The Battle of Chamkaur teaches us that truth and courage are stronger than power and weapons.
Why Is the Battle of Chamkaur Important?
The Battle of Chamkaur is important because:
- It shows the supreme bravery of Sikhs
- Two vadde Sahibzade (Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Baba Jujhar Singh ji) sacrificed their lives for faith
- It proves that righteousness (Dharam) matters more than life
- It inspired future generations to stand against injustice
This battle is a key part of Shaheedi Week and is remembered with deep respect.
Historical Background Before the Battle of Chamkaur
Before the Battle of Chamkaur:
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji was staying at Anandpur Sahib
- Mughal forces and hill kings surrounded Anandpur Sahib for months
- Food and supplies were stopped
- The enemy promised safe passage if the Guru left Anandpur Sahib
Trusting the promise, Guru Gobind Singh Ji left Anandpur Sahib in December 1704. However, the promise was broken, and the Sikh group was attacked.
Date-Wise History of the Battle of Chamkaur (1704)
22 December 1704 – Arrival at Chamkaur and Siege
What happened:
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Chamkaur Sahib
- He took shelter in a small mud fort (Garhi)
- Only 40 Sikhs were with him
- Thousands of Mughal soldiers surrounded the fort
23 December 1704 – Battle Begins & Shaheedi of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji
What happened:
- Mughal army attacked the fort
- Sikhs fought in small groups
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, around 18 years old, asked permission to fight
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed him
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji fought bravely and attained Shaheedi
24 December 1704 – Shaheedi of Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji
What happened:
- Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, only 14 years old, followed his elder brother
- He fought courageously against a large army
- He attained Shaheedi on the battlefield
Night of 24 December 1704 – Guru Gobind Singh Ji Leaves Chamkaur
The night of 24 December 1704 marked a turning point in Sikh history.
After the fierce battle inside the small fort of Chamkaur, only a few Sikhs remained alive. The fort was surrounded by Mughal forces from all sides. Many brave Sikhs, including the Sahibzaade and warriors of the Khalsa, had already attained martyrdom.
Seeing the situation, the remaining Singhs pleaded with Guru Gobind Singh Ji to leave the fort so that the mission of protecting dharma could continue.
At first, Guru Sahib refused to leave.
For the Guru, martyrdom on the battlefield was victory.
But then the Panj Pyare present there exercised their authority and commanded Guru Sahib to leave:
Panj Pyare
- Bhai Daya Singh Ji
- Bhai Dharam Singh Ji
- Bhai Man Singh Ji
- Bhai Himmat Singh Ji
- Bhai Sahib Singh Ji
Hearing the Gurmat Aadesh, Guru Sahib bowed to the Khalsa and agreed to leave the fort.
To facilitate Guru Sahib’s escape, three Sikhs sacrificed themselves, taking Guru Sahib’s appearance and allowing Him to slip out unnoticed into the night.
As Guru Sahib left the fort clapping His hands, He proclaimed:
“Hind da Pir jaa riha hai, koi rok sake taan rok le!”
“The Pir of Hind is leaving—stop Him if you have the courage!”
FAQs on the Battle of Chamkaur
When did the Battle of Chamkaur take place?
The Battle of Chamkaur took place in December 1704, shortly after Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his followers left Anandpur Sahib due to prolonged Mughal siege and broken promises of safe passage
How many Sikh warriors fought in the Battle of Chamkaur?
Around 40 Sikh warriors, including Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his sons, fought in the Battle of Chamkaur against an army numbering in the thousands.
Who got shaheedi in chamkaur sahib battle in 1704?
Baba ajit singh ji and baba jujhar singh ji also known as vadde sahibzade of guru gobind singh ji maharaj attained shaheedi at battle of chamkaur on 23 December 1704 (9th poh)
What happen on 9th Poh 1704?
The two elder sons of guru gobind singh ji attained shaheedi at chamkaur sahib
