Sep 21, 2024
BATTLE OF SARAGARHI: A HISTORIC LAST STAND IN 1897
BATTLE OF SARAGARHI: A HISTORIC LAST STAND IN 1897
1. What was the Battle of Saragarhi?
The Battle of Saragarhi took place on September 12, 1897, when 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4 Sikh) defended Saragarhi, a communication tower between two British forts in the rugged North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now in Pakistan. The Sikh soldiers, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, held back more than 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribal warriors for seven hours, killing 200 enemies and injuring many before they were overwhelmed.
2. What was the strategic importance of Saragarhi?
Saragarhi served as a crucial communication tower between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan. Both forts housed large numbers of British troops, and Fort Lockhart also hosted the families of British officers. Losing Saragarhi would have severed the communication between these two forts, isolating them during the Afridi and Orakzai assault.
3. Who were the key figures involved in the battle?
The battle was commanded by Havildar Ishar Singh, who led the 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment. Another notable figure was Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, the youngest soldier, who maintained communication throughout the battle, relaying a final message to his commanding officer, Lt. Col. John Haughton, before the garrison was overwhelmed.
4. What message was sent by the soldiers during the battle?
As the battle intensified, Sepoy Gurmukh Singh sent a message to Lt. Col. Haughton, asking for reinforcements. However, the reply came that no breakthrough was possible, and the soldiers were instructed to hold their position. Havildar Ishar Singh acknowledged the command, understanding the consequences of staying, but continued to fight with unparalleled bravery.
5. How did the battle unfold, and what was the outcome?
The battle began around 9 a.m. when the Sikh soldiers noticed a large cloud of dust approaching Saragarhi, which turned out to be the Afridi and Orakzai tribes. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Sikhs fought courageously for seven hours, with soldiers like Naik Lal Singh and Gurmukh Singh continuing to fire their weapons despite severe injuries. Eventually, the tower fell, and all 21 soldiers were killed.
6. What is the significance of the 22nd hero, Daad?
Daad was a non-combatant Pashtun who worked as a sweeper for the British. He fought alongside the Sikh soldiers at Saragarhi but was not officially recognized for his bravery. He is often referred to as the “22nd hero” of Saragarhi by historians, though he received no honours for his actions.
7. How is the heroism of the soldiers commemorated today?
The 21 fallen soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award at the time for Indian soldiers, comparable to the Victoria Cross. Each soldier also received land grants and monetary rewards. The bravery of the soldiers at Saragarhi is commemorated annually, and their actions are celebrated in both India and Pakistan as one of the most heroic last stands in military history.
8. What was the historical impact of the Battle of Saragarhi?
The battle is remembered for the unmatched courage and resilience of the Sikh soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds. The British later regained control of the region, and the bricks of Saragarhi were used to build an obelisk honouring the soldiers. The battle remains a symbol of Sikh bravery and sacrifice and continues to inspire military and civilian communities today.
“Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.”
