Next day, Guru Ji called a meeting of his trusted lieutenants. This meeting
X nj was held on the outskirts of Paonta at a secluded place on the east side. Selected dignitaries sat and deliberated.
The first point was why the kings want to attack? The real cause seemed to be that Aurangzeb wanted to kill Guru Ji. His plan was to make the kings fight with Guru Ji.
Then they discussed how to combat with the oncoming attack from the kings so that we win and the loss should be the least.
The first item was selecting the battlefield. Battlefield is the arena where fighting takes place.
In this deliberation Daya Ram Brahmin who was one of the valiant of Guru Ji suggested: Magnificent Guru Ji! We should not make Paonta as the batdeground so that there is no loss for the inhabitants or for us.
Then maternal Uncle Kirpal Chand Ji suggested that Bhangani that is about 4 kilometers from here close to Chuharpur village across Yamuna should be the batdefield. There stands the wide road from where they have to come and cross the river and make an assault on Paonta. We should stop them there. There is a large raised plain near the bank of river Yamuna. We should not let them climb the raised plain. We should occupy it immediately and they should stay in the lower plain. We should make a slope there and shoot bullets and arrows from the top and then fight there only. We should make arrangement for getting reinforcements and ammunition there only. We should keep the slope strong.
Guru Ji endorsed the suggestion of maternal uncle. The other commanders also liked it. This technique was adopted.
Then allocation of contingents and scrutiny of ammunition was discussed.
At this point Dewan Nand Chand told that one devotee had brought one hundred horses. Bhim chand tried to prevent them from coming here but we reached on time and have brought them here.
Guru Ji was much pleased to hear this and said that we may buy all these. Tomorrow, we shall allot them to our valiant.
Then they discussed the enemy strength and their equipment. Everyone estimated, "It will be much more than ours, nevertheless we should have no doubt that victory will surely be ours because of our valor and skill in battle maneuvers as also support and faith in the Supreme Lord." It was not in the form of pride wherein the mind and strength becomes indifferent and loses the aim.
After the deliberations they got up and came to the bank where boats were waiting. They sat in boats and reached Paonta.
When they entered the fort that had been constructed with bricks and mud, then another informer came and said that Fateh Shah is prepared to fight earnestly. This news gave a better idea of the enemy strength. He also informed that along with the soldiers, village hooligans are coming who will increase the numbers.
Hooligans are villagers who follow the soldiers so that at the time of loot they get a share.
Guru Ji viewed that this type of unskilled crowd is often the cause of defeat. At the time of loot they will come forward to loot but if the soldiers lose ground then they will be the first to run back.
Then Guru Ji asked: Who are the commanders who have offered to come forward?
The informer told that there are many but prominent ones are Fateh Shah, Hari Chand, Ghazi Chand, Kulu Pat, Ram Singh Jammu, Sahib Chand Madhukar, Jaswaria, Dhadwaria and Kirpal Katochia. Besides these, Bhupal of Guler, some kings of Kot Lehar, etc. will also join.
Accordingly, one small group went across the river to keep watch and send news of the enemy side. Some contingents went to Bhangani to see the place and put up tents and make arrangements for storing groceries and horses5 stables and storage of ammunition and weapons.
It has already been mentioned that Guru Ji had employed 500 Pathans as sepoys. On Budhu Shah Ji's recommendation Guru Ji trusted them. From
the book Jang Nama' it appears that the ruler Aurangzeb instigated the hill kings to mount an attack on Guru Ji. Himself, he did not act but provoked the kings. That is why they all got together.
From the book Jang Nama' it also seems that Aurangzeb intentionally chucked out five hundred Pathans so that they get employment from Guru Ji and deceive when the time comes.
Further investigation is required but it became true that when the news of attack from the kings reached Paonta then these Pathans left their jobs and went and sided with the kings.
In the History of Sikhs is mentioned that the kings gave lot of temptation to the Pathans and they joined the kings. In Suraj Prakash it is mentioned that out of the five commanders, one Kale Khan remained faithful but Buta Shah writes that all deceived.
King Fateh Shah promised the Pathans who joined his ranks that besides salary and perks if they won, then the loot will be entirely their's. The Pathans knew all the whereabouts of Guru Ji's treasure and they felt happy that they would loot Guru Ji's treasure and then sit at home with a lot of money. In this way they deceived and joined the hill kings.
See, one side these five hundred Pathans went away. Second side, Mahant Kirpal who was a meditative lived with Guru Ji. He was the Head of the Udasi sect and had about five hundred disciples who lived with him. In those days some Udasi sadhus also practiced fighting and possessed arms. The name 'Akhara' meaning arena is derived from these sects. These five hundred young sadhus were rabust and skilled fighters. But when they saw that five hundred Pathans have left and joined the enemy side and the rest here are those whom Guru Ji has trained to fight, they are new and much less, on the other side the enemy armies are very large, they thought that Guru Ji is surely going to lose, the enemy side is already quite strong and now another five hundred have joined them, then these sadhus also slipped away in the night.
In the morning when the news reached Guru Ji that the Udasis have also left in the night, then Guru Ji asked: All have gone or anyone remains?
Then somebody said: The disciples have all slipped away but the Mahant is sitting. Then Guru Ji smiled and said: Wonderful! The roots remain. When life is saved everything is saved. If the Mahant had also gone then the connection with Guru Ji would have broken. Now it remains. Why bother about such disciples who have usurped their Mahant and gone away. Disciples will come afresh. Go and call Kirpal.
When the Mahant came, he bowed and sat down.
Guru Ji asked: Mahant dear! Where are your disciples?
The Mahant replied: Guru Ji and disciples, all are your servants, good or bad, you are the support. You are the image of the Lord and powerful. It is a great fortune to have met you. The suffering of births and deaths has gone. Brahma, Sanak, Shesh Nag could not find your limit Ascetics and saints like Narad sing your praises. They worship your lotus feet. That is their ascetic practice. We are very fortunate. We can see you with these eyes. Vedas and scriptures say that He is beyond intellect but we see Him in your handsomeness. O Magnificent Guru Gobind Singh Ji! Whoever meets you how can he leave you? Even the gods have longing for your lotus feet. Your servants have done wrong. Please forgive them.
Guru Ji smiled and said: Where the root is green everything is green.
It is worth thinking how much demoralizing and despondency would be the effect on the rest of the army when five hundred valiant defect. Not only defect instead join the enemy camp. Then another five hundred soldiers walk away. How much heart-break and discouragement it would cause. The defection of one thousand soldiers at the last moment when the battle is imminent is not a small thing but Guru Ji's own unbending mind is in high spirits. He has imbibed high spirits in his soldiers. None is in despair. Everyone is more than ready. Everybody is preparing for the battle with fervor. Everybody has full faith that they will win. The true Guru Ji's devotee-soldiers have firm faith that they are going to fight for righteousness. To fight for righteousness is the biggest strength of the mind. So everybody is in high spirits with a strong mind.
We have mentioned earlier that on the eve of the marriage of the daughter of the King of Garhwal and the son of the King of Bilaspur the hill kings had decided to invade Paonta where Guru Ji lived and now they started from Srinagar the capital of Garhwal to mount an attack.
In the book Bachitar Natak Guru Ji has said that King Fateh Shah of Garhwal mounted an attack on us without any reason or provocation from our side.
This side Guru Ji never wanted to fight but to remain a coward, enfeebled or to run away or bow down to the enemy in case of a battle forced on Guru Ji was against Guru Ji's ideal of bravery.
Ideal of bravery means: To fight with a brave heart, with exultation to fight, stand to fight and not fall back when a battle is forced on someone.
So here now, all preparations were underway. We have earlier mentioned that Guru Ji had decided, "The battle be fought at Bhangani. Our contingents should be posted from where they have to cross the river Yamuna".
Flowing through the hills when the river Yamuna enters the plains, then towards the east i.e. from where the sun rises in the valley called Dehradun and on the west where the sun sets is the valley of Sirmaur. Guru Ji lived at Paonta that is in the Sirmaur valley. Bhangani village is situated about ten kilometers from Paonta upstream Yamuna. When we cross the Yamuna at Bhangani we come to Chuharpur village. Here is a landing place for boats.
Landing place means: Here one can cross the river on boats.
The hill kings planned to cross the Yamuna from here and then attack Paonta. But Guru Ji decided to occupy this place and engage the enemy here only so that they are not able to reach Paonta and no destruction would happen.
Guru Ji had decided to fight the enemy from here near the bank of the river. Near the bank of the river there was a long plain field. Adjacent to this was another high plain. Guru Ji's soldiers made a slope there so that soldiers could come and go and military equipment could easily be transported. The idea was that Guru Ji's soldiers should occupy the higher plain and when the enemy troops cross the river and come on to the lower plain, then Guru Ji's soldiers should shoot guns and arrows from the high plain. When it comes to hand to hand fight, then Guru Ji's soldiers should go down, fight and come back and then go down again to fight. Guru Ji got the slope made and put guards there.
It has been mentioned earlier that five hundred Udasi soldiers who were staying with Guru Ji got scared of the hill kings and slipped away in the night only. The five hundred Pathans that Saint Budhu Shah Ji had recommended, they also ran away and joined the hill Chiefs.
Guru Ji went on with the preparations and was not the least nervous. But he thought it proper to inform Saint Budhu Shah Ji about the defection of Pathans. So, he wrote a letter to the saint, "The five hundred Pathans that you had recommended have deceived and joined the hill kings."
After sending the letter, he got ready to go to Bhangani. He left some soldiers at the small fort at Paonta and ordered that they have to guard it in earnestness.
Then he got information that the initial arrangements that were required at Bhangani are all done.
Guru Ji's paternal aunt's five sons were brave. They were the Commanders in Guru Ji's army. All five were brave warriors and were
expert in all types of fighting skills. All five were much devoted to Guru Ji. Amongst the five, eldest was Sango Shah Ji. He was all rounder in shooting, swordsmanship, horse riding and was a known valiant, second was Jeet Mai, third was Gulab Rai Ji, fourth Ganga Ram and fifth was Mahri Chand. They were in exuberance and their contingents were in high spirits. They were almost ready to go to Bhangani when the news came that King Fateh Shah's army in heading nearer.
After taking blessings from Guru Ji, at once they marched towards Bhangani with their armed contingents. -The moment they reached, they entrenched themselves in the entire area. Guru Ji also now rode on his horse accompanied by his armed contingent.
Poet Santokh Singh writes as under: The shouting of slogans was so loud that the entire hill echoed. Great, brave and handsome valiant loaded with armaments rode their horses. Their hearts were in exuberance. They looked forward to fighting. They accompanied Guru Ji with the tapping of heels of the horses. The dust rose from the ground so much that the sun hid itself and it became dark. The horses leapt and jumped with smartness. The valiant moved forward riding horses and shouted slogans of killing very loudly. They shouted, "Hill soldiers killed. They are killed". The army moved swiftly as the breeze moves swiftly. As the torrential rain water flows like a flood, similarly the army soldiers moved fast but in marching style and in rows.
After reaching Bhangani Guru Ji inspected the entire site, made plans and put his Commanders and soldiers at strategic places.
Poet Senapati in his book 'Gur Shobha' writes: Guru Ji himself came to Bhangani riding on his horse to join in the battle. The sound of drums was very loud. The small drums being sounded in front of the soldiers looked beautiful. Guru Ji came to the battleground at Bhangani, inspected the entire army and deployed the Commanders with their contingent at all strategic places. Then fighting tunes were played that prompted to fight. The music infused the mind of army men so much that their faces became red.
Ill
From the opposite side the enemy troops came. Their army was large. Their valiants were selected ones. King Fateh Shah of Garhwal was the Commander. He was a rich king, a clever person and his soldiers were in large numbers. He was in the good books of Aurangzeb. King Bhim Chand in-law made him the leading Kong for the battle. King Bhim Chand himself also was considered a master of fighting skills. Then King Hari Chand who was considered a
master of archery had some Lieutenants who were good fighters. Most importantly the five hundred Pathan strong fighters who had the classified information of Guru Ji's army were with them they were full of greed to loot Guru Ji's treasury.
Their army crossed the river and reached this side and stood in rows ready to attack.
From this side Guru Ji critically observed the enemy. Bhai Daya Ram Ji was also with Guru Ji in this observation. It was like this:
Hari Chand Handuria was in the front row. On his left side were the Pathans who had deceived. On his right side were Commanders of other kings. Fateh Shah was at the extreme back and was holding more army to send re-enforcements and was the overall Commander.
Guru Ji had scrutinized the enemy and was now standing and deliberating when Nand Chand came and informed that one army is coming fast from our back side. Initially, he was wary but then their messenger reached and informed that Saint Budhu Shah Ji with his sons and seven hundred of his disciple soldiers is coming to join you.
On hearing this, Guru Ji was pleased and he sent an order to Commander Sango Shah Ji that he should fix up this contingent with his own contingent and he should convey thanks to Saint Budhu Shah Ji.
The news of the arrival of Budhu Shah Ji's army spread in Guru Ji's army. With this news everybody got doubly exhilarated. Sango Shah Ji in consultation with Guru Ji had already chalked out the strategy of the battle and had pitched the battle flag.
Now it was discussed whether we should attack or wait and see whether they attack or first talk.
Soon they mounted an attack.
Sango Shah Ji and his contingent were in readiness. His soldiers rained arrows on the oncoming enemy. At this time a strong breeze blew that was going towards the oncoming enemy with force. Thus the smoke from guns and cannons was making them blind. Most of their aims missed. But the aims of Guru Ji's soldiers struck well. But nonchalant they went on advancing in the thinking that with their large numbers they will penetrate into Guru Ji's army but they reached near a place where Guru Ji's gunners were sitting in hiding. Guru Ji's soldiers rained bullets from their guns. Three to four hundred soldiers lay dead there. With so much loss of life the enemy hesitated and stopped. They were about to move forward again when Guru Ji's soldiers again gunned down more than five hundred enemy soldiers. Seeing their loss
Haxi Chand withdrew his soldiers back and went to the left side. Fateh Shah asked him: O Hari Chand! From where has Guru Ji got these skilled army men? Their guns are creating havoc. The Pathans have defected from there and joined here.
Hari Chand said: These Pathans have all the classified information of Guru Ji's side. Let us put them ahead.
Fateh Shah called Bheekan Shah and said: You know all secrets of Guru Ji's army. Go ahead and have a hand-to-hand fight. The loot of Guru Ji's treasury is all yours. We won't ask a share. You take all and enjoy. With that temptation he brought the Pathans in the front and the contingent of Pathans attacked Sango Shah Ji's contingent with great force.
Sango Shah Ji was a gallant Commander. His contingent welcomed the Pathans with gunshots. The gunshots rained. The swiftness with which they thought that they would win Guru Ji's soldiers, they could not. Now it was hand-to-hand fight from both sides.
Seeing this, Guru Ji sent Nand Chand and Daya Ram as reinforcement to Sango Shah Ji. They rained arrows so sharply that whoever was targeted did not survive.
At this site now the fighting became fierce. Lai Chand boatman was standing close to Guru Ji. He was a stout wrestler and a strong man. He took permission from Guru Ji and went at the site where Sango Shah Ji was fighting the enemy. His rain of arrows shot from his bow killed many. Both sides hailed his archery.
It is written: On seeing the valor of Lai Chand boatman one Lai Chand sweet-meat seller picked up weapons and reached there. The Pathans knew that the first one is a bQatman but the second one is a sweet-meat seller. How has he got the courage to fight?
Now Mahri Chand advanced and got caught amidst the enemy soldiers. With his valor and in exuberance he killed many Pathans. Now his horse was injured and he himself was in danger but Sango Shah Ji saw that his brother is caught amidst the enemy. Swiftly he reached with his soldiers and came back with the same swiftness and brought Mahri Chand out. The Pathans were amazed to see how he could slip out alive from their ring. This was considered a first step towards victory of Guru Ji.
Fierce fighting went on in the middle sector. Both sides were fighting in frenzy. Little downwards there was lot of pressure from the enemy side but Budhu
Shah's soldiers did not let them move forward. The aim was to keep the enemy here and not go where fierce fighting was going on. This downside plain was very long and the deployment of enemy soldiers was also large. Budhu Shah Ji's soldiers kept them engaged. The enemy tried to advance but when they saw that Budhu Shah Ji's soldiers are fighting valiantly and not letting them advance, the enemy mounted a fierce attack. Initially all four sons of Budhu Shah Ji pushed them back in defensiveness but now that the attack was fierce, they fought back so bravely that hundreds of enemy -soldiers in the front layers lay flat on the ground. Seeing their companions dying the others shuddered with fear.
Guru Ji himself was keeping a watch on all blockades. Riding his handsome horse he moved sometimes in the down side plain, sometimes in the upper plain, some times this and that side. He checked all. He saw the bravado of Budhu Shah Ji and his sons and Guru Ji devotees shouted praises for Budhu Shah Ji, his sons and his disciple-soldiers. When Budhu Shah Ji was victorious on the front line of the enemy, then the enemy stood and withdrew backwards. At this time Budhu Shah Ji with his second contingent mounted an attack on them. The effect of the attack was that the soldiers moved back and then ran away. This' would have affected the other soldiers that 'we have lost and we should run away'.
King Gopal Guleria noticed this and hurriedly he tried that somehow I must stop this. He himself came with his contingent and occupied the space vacated by the runaways and engaged the forces of Budhu Shah Ji. Guleria's expertise in shooting arrows and the bravery of his soldiers matched the bravery of Budhu Shah Ji's soldiers. They reached so near that hand to hand fighting started that was with swords. The saint's soldiers fought back with extreme courage. Both sides fought bravely. None withdrew backwards. Observing the extreme fight Guru Ji sent maternal uncle along with his contingent to reinforce Budhu Shah Ji's contingent. Maternal uncle and his soldiers shot arrows from the top and Budhu Shah Ji's soldiers fought with swords. Gopal's army withdrew backwards.
Budhu Shah Ji's soldiers then again started shooting arrows. The withdrawal by Gopal's army was diplomacy but it helped Budhu Shah Ji's soldiers. Now maternal uncle's soldiers and Budhu Shah Ji's soldiers shot arrows with speed. Seeing his soldiers losing courage Gopal aimed an arrow at Maternal Uncle. It came straight but struck maternal uncle's horse. Gopal wished to go back after shooting. But Maternal Uncle shouted: O Bravado! If you have aimed, then wait for the return aim. He shot an arrow at speed. Gopal was a skilled fighter. He was moving his horse this way and that way. In this way he saved
himself but the arrow shot at the ears of the horse and the horse fell down dead. Gopal also fell down but hurriedly got back into his contingent and stood there.
In this battle one son of Budhu Shah Ji was killed. Since the enemy had stepped back from here, the current fighting had stopped in this area. Maternal uncle went forward and brought the dead body of Budhu Shah Ji's son.
In this way after winning over GopaFs contingent and making them go back Maternal Uncle came to the place where Guru Ji was commanding and told him about winning over Guleria and Gopal and bringing the dead body of Budhu Shah Ji's son.
Fateh Shah was overall In-charge of the enemy troops. He was looking after the placement of troops. When he saw that their own soldiers are not able to move forward rather they are withdrawing backward, he sent a message to Pathan chieftains: Why don't you fight in the battle field with all your might? Why are you trying to save yourself? Where are your arrows and bullets? Now is the time to attack. Why don't you come forward when we have offered you the entire loot? Loot Guru Ji's treasures and keep diem all.
Listening to this Hyat Khan and Nijabat Khan came forward with their contingents and started shooting arrows. Poet Santokh Singh writes:
This way or that way riding their horses they killed whoever came near them. They shouted at the top of their voice: Kill. EjIL They shot bullets like rain. The heads of soldiers broke like pitchers and fell. The arms of the soldiers flew like spatulas. This they did to Guru Ji disciples. From Guru Ji's side also arrows shot in torrents and many Pathans lay dead. Hyat Khan challenged and howled, played tricks and attacked.
Seeing this, Udasi saint Kirpal flared in anger and asked Guru Ji: Hyat Khan is creating terror. His arrows are awesome to our soldiers. If you permit, should I give a lesson to this traitor?
Guru Ji smiled and said: You do not have weapons. How will you kill him?
Then the saint said: I have this club on my shoulder. I have kept this weapon all my life. I will kill Hyat Khan with one hit of this club. With your blessings I won't be the least afraid. If he tries to run away I will break his head in one hit.
Guru Ji smiled and said: As you please. Go and kill Hyat Khan. As Bheem Sen's knobbed club is well known in the world, similarly, the world will know your club and praise you.
On listening to this the saint hit his heels to his horse and like a breeze went and stood near Hyat Khan and challenged: If you are a warrior come and fight with me. Don't show your back. Come in the fore and let us have a hand-to-hand fight
Hyat Khan who was going backwards turned this side.
Poet writes: Hyat Khan turned this side like if you press the snake's tail, then in rage he turns back. Enraged Hyat Khan pulled his sword out of the sheath and came in the forefront. Now both the warriors stood opposite each other.
Seeing this wonder everybody stopped their arrows and swords and were amazed and watched who is he, who has come with a club to fight Hyat Khan. Meanwhile, Hyat played a trick and with the speed of an eagle hastened his horse and reached the saint and waved his sword and attacked the saint like an electric current but the saint held his club as a shield and the sword hit his club and broke into two pieces. Hyat Khan now tried to save himself. The saint however was too swift for him. So swift that it was a thunder. With both feet in the stirrups he hit the horse with his heels and swiftly reached where Khan was standing. With both hands he held the club, stood up in the stirrups, bent a little and hit the club with full force aiming at Hyat's head. It hit the head with so much force that Khan's head split and he fell down.
Guru Ji himself has mentioned this: Kirpal enraged, held the club and hit it so hard on the egoistic and tyrant Khan that his head split as if Krishna broke the pitcher. The splash of the marrow from his head came out like the splash of yogurt or butter and spread.
The battle was so fierce that it became difficult to judge who would win. Both sides were fighting with full strength when Hyat Khan fell down to the hit of the Udasi Saint's club. The falling down of Hyat Khan tired out the rest of the Pathans. Meaning the morale of the Pathans went down.
It was likely that the Pathans might have run away but Bheekan Khan saved the situation and came to the contingent where the Pathans were feeling tired out and shouted loudly in a challenging tone: O Pathans! Bravados! Be brave. Let us now attack with more force. If you runaway now, people will say the Pathans are cowards. See, you have lost from the Sadhus, saints and low caste Hindus. The world will say phew! Fie on you! Then, you see we have to loot Guru Ji's treasures after winning. All of you will go home carrying millions. Come lions, come forward and many victory.
Hearing his prompt, his contingent started fighting again. Nijchat Khan also joined them. Fateh Shah also noticed that the morale of Pathans is going down. He sent his troops to join the Pathans and boost their morale. Hari Chand Handooria shot arrows with great stamina. He was a master of archery in his times. His arrows killed many soldiers of Guru Ji, so much so that there was turmoil in Guru Ji's camp. Sahib Chand and his contingent were fighting with full force but their efforts were not bearing fruit. Guru Ji noticed and sent Nand Chand with his contingent as reinforcement. Daya Ram also took his contingent to hold back Nijabat Khan's soldiers. They and their contingents shot sharp arrows and the enemy soldiers fell down in large numbers.
When Nand Chand and Daya Ram came forward then the soldier's morale boosted and everybody fought in exuberance. Nand Chand now went forward and pierced his spear into a Pathan's body and he'fell down. Second time his spear hit the horse and his spear got stuck. Now Nand Chand took out his sword and in a rage killed many Pathans. In this fighting his sword broke into two pieces. Now he took out a small spear from his belt and killed another Pathan. The enemy soldiers were amazed to see his tenacity. The enemy shot arrows and attacked but from this side Daya Ram reached with his soldiers. Guru Ji sent maternal uncle Kirpal also. Maternal uncle mounted a forceful attack on the enemy line. The enemy shot arrows at him but none could kill. Even after being wounded he kept on fighting. He killed many Pathans and many were injured.
In this way, this side Guru Ji's soldiers came to a winning position and the enemy who was advancing went back.
Now what Hari Chand did? He deployed Bheekan Khan here and he himself after moving back a little went and hurriedly attacked Sango Shah Ji's contingent.
Guru Ji has himself written in Bachitar Natak as we have mentioned earlier.
Watching all this Fateh Shah crossed the river and reached this side and stood behind his army who were fighting. He observed the fighting. He prompted the runaway soldiers to fight back and over-saw the entire operations. With his reinforcements the pressure on Sango Shah Ji increased. The enemy pressure increased towards Budhu Shah Ji's contingent also. Budhu Shah Ji's one more son was killed. But the saint was not nervous, He did not loose courage and went on fighting with a strong mind.
VII
Some happenings in this battle were such that the Pathans and Kings were amazed. Those who had never fought in a war, they showed immense bravery. The effect of Guru Ji's high spirits and enthusiasm was so much that Daya Ram Brahmin became a valiant. Well! He got training and became an expert in the use of weaponry. One Udasi saint got up and killed one prominent Pathan with his club. One sweet-meat seller named Lai Chand saw the fighting and jumped into the battle arena. He accosted one Amir Khan Pathan and killed him in a hand-to-hand fight. Then he kept Hari Chand and Najabat Khan engaged in fighting at one place. Later he went to where Sango Shah Ji was fighting. He judged that if Sango Shah Ji's contingent was overpowered then we would surely lose. Sangho Shah was fighting fierce-fully and killing the enemy. Seeing this Hari Chand hurriedly reached this side. Madhukar Shah Chandel also reached this side. Hari Chand shot arrows with great strength. Whoever was hit fell down. Thenjeet Mai saw Hari Chand addressing and came this side and fought face to face with arrows and swords. Now on a hint from Fateh Shah, Nijabat Khan also reached this side and accosted Sango Shah Ji. Jeet Mai aimed an arrow at Hari Chand but he moved his horse tactfully and was saved. Then again both aimed at each other but both the arrows hit the horses. Both fell down but were up again. Again they aimed at each other. Hari Chand's arrow hit the target and Jeet Mai fell dead but Jeet Mai's arrow did hit Hari Chand, he swooned and his soldiers carried him back. Guru Ji's soldiers also brought back the dead body of Jeet Mai.
Guru Ji praised his bravery and blessed him. On the other side when they carried the unconscious Hari Chand back, then Fateh Shah became very sad. More soldiers came and surrounded him. Bhim Chand was also nearby when Ram Singh, the canon-shooter of Guru Ji shot a canon. That injured many in that crowd and the rest fled in fear. Fateh Chand Ji also went back, crossed the river, rode a horse and left the battlefield. Seeing him fleeing, even Mudhukar Shah Dadhwalia and Jaswalia also left the battlefield along with their contingents.
VIII
These hill kings fled like cowards but Hari Chand who had become unconscious, regained consciousness but he did not flee. Along with him was Gazi Chand Chandel who thought it better to die while fighting. The Pathans also did not flee. They stood stubbornly.
Now, all of them jointly attacked. From Guru Ji's side, Daya Ram, Nand Chand, Gulab Rai Ji, Ganga Ram and other valiant fought courageously. In this
way the fighting became fierce-full. Ghazi Chand Chandel, in rage, kept on advancing. He had a long spear in hand that pierced and killed mn^* soldiers and advanced and accosted Sango Shah Ji but could not compete with him and fell to the ground in pieces. Meaning he fought to his last, that is the duty of a soldier.
After Ghazi Chand' s death Najabat Khan was more enraged. He swiftly advanced with his Pathan soldiers and accosted Sango Shah Ji who was the Commander of Guru Ji's army. At one time Najabat Khan and Sango Shah Ji practiced weaponry together in Guru Ji's army and they knew each other well. They fought with each other so bravely that the soldiers shouted bravo! Bravo! Later Najabat's sword made a killing cut and Sango Shah Ji was badly injured but in enthusiasm he waved his sword with valor and Najabat was killed. But Sango Shah Ji also fell down a heroic death.
The valor that Sango Shah Ji displayed today in fat* sightedness, steadfastness and stubbornness in not retreating was the fruit of his gallantly. Guru Ji was so pleased on his bravely that he awarded him the honor of 'King of the Battle5.
After the heroic death of the 'King of the Battle' Guru Ji now took the reins of command in his own hands. He advanced with his bow and arrows. After Sango Shah Ji's killing the morale of enemy soldiers had increased and after Najabat Khan's killing their rage had also increased. Now they advanced with rage but were still at a distance from the river crossing. Guru Ji now shot an arrow from the height that hit one Pathan and he fell dead. Second arrow he shot at Bheekan Khan. It hurt Khan and pierced his horse. His horse fell dead and Khan rem back. Guru Ji's third arrow also killed one more enemy.
In the meantime, Hari Chand who had become unconscious, as we have mentioned earlier, regained consciousness, then he observed that 'we are losing'. Fateh Shah has deserted. Bheem Chand who was the root cause of this battle is not coming forward. Other kings are withdrawing, two or three Pathan chiefs have been killed and Najabat Khan has also deserted. Then he outburst for bravery and advanced accompanied by his soldiers. He showered arrows so fast that whoever was hit fell dead. He shot two two arrows in one go. Whoever they hit, soldier or hore, they fell dead. Again, both sides fought a pitched battle. Killing and advancing, Hari Chand reached a spot from where he could aim at Guru Ji. So he aimed an arrow that hit Guru Ji's horse. Second one again came and touched Guru Ji's ear and missed. Now he shot a third arrow aiming at Guru Ji. This struck Guru Ji's belt. However it did give a little prick but could not pierce or wound. Hari Chand
today felt sad on his archery skill that he shot thrice at Guru Ji hut not even one made a mark but appreciated Guru Ji's tactical defensive skill that saved him.
Guru Ji writes: When the third arrow hit me, then my wrath awakened.
To tolerate the attack of the enemy three times is the height of tolerance in a valiant. Now Guru Ji also rained arrows on the enemy. Guru Ji's soldiers advanced and shot arrows so swiftly as if rained. Guru Ji now aimed an arrow that hit Hari Chand and he fell dead. Seeing Hari Chand dead, his soldiers and the rest of the Pathans and other hill soldiers all took to their heels. The king of Kot Lahar was also killed.
The enemy soldiers now fled. Everyone is running, some on boats, some are swimming, some are throwing wooden logs and with their support crossing the river. All Pathans, Rajputs, soldiers, ruffians vanished from sight.
Guru Ji's soldiers wanted to go after them and kill more of them but Guru Ji ordered not to go after the fleeing soldiers or kill more of them.
Now the priority work was to cremate the heroically died Commanders and soldiers like Sango Shah Ji, Jeet Mai and others.
Cremation means: The dead body should not remain uncared for but put in fire and burnt.
Burying Budhu Shah Ji's sons, burying is the way of Muslims. They dig a deep grave and bury the dead body in it.
Prayers for the other soldiers who died fighting were to be held.
As per the orders of Guru Ji and his blessings all formalities were carried out in the best possible way.
After performing all the rites, Guru Ji accompanied by his victorious regiments, Saint Budhu Shah Ji and his soldiers came to Paonta.
They brought all the wounded soldiers and their treatment started.
At Paonta, that day everybody rested. Next day the devotees assembled. Guru Ji explained to the audience his high ideal, the attitude of the enemy and his courage of not bowing to the kings with folded hands and heads down. He elucidated the ideals of not threatening and not bending to threats or fear. Pie elucidated that the kings attacked us for no fault of ours. So we did not bend. We were not afraid. We did not accept defeat. We fought. This is to be brave. We are peace loving but brave also. We have shown that both should go together.
Then he said: Your inner mind should remain attached to the Lord. That keeps your character strong and keeps you in high spirits.
Then prayers were held and he blessed those who had died fighting bravely. It is written that first there was singing of divine songs, and then recitation of the scripture and lastly sacred sweet was served. Then Guru Ji blessed and gave robe of honor to those valiant who had fought and come victorious. Guru Ji gave money to all the soldiers. He blessed his aunt's three sons and those who fought bravely and were alive. Two of the dead were honored with the title of 'King of the Battle5.
Guru Ji's eldest son was born at Paonta. He was four months old. In today's assembly his name was announced as Ajit Singh Ji meaning 'always a winner5.
In the afternoon Guru Ji was getting ready after having a bath when Budhu Shah Ji came and asked for leave. Guru Ji blessed gladness of soul to Budhu Shah Ji. His companions and disciples were given five thousand rupees for sweets. Guru Ji was combing his hair when Budhu Shah Ji asked for the comb. Then Guru Ji gave him the comb. Along with it he gave one turban as a robe of honor, one dress and one 'Guru Ji writing5.
Guru Ji blessed all the valiant and soldiers. Then he blessed Udasi saint Kirpal. He got one turban of saffron color and gifted it to Kirpal. The saint tied it on his head round his cap. Guru Ji gave a shield to Daya Ram. The valiant were in exuberance and wanted to attack Fateh Shah but Guru Ji stopped the soldiers.
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