lime passed. The hill Kings did not pay taxes to Aurangzeb. Then Alaf j\. Khan came with troops to fight and recover dues. The brief account of this battle is as follows:
During the rule of Aurangzeb, deliberations are going on injammu State Government Office.
Mian Khan: See Brother! The battles in the south have put our Majesty the King in great entanglement. The battles are going on since years. The treasuries are becoming empty but the battles do not tend to end.
Here taxes are not coming. Kings are not paying taxes. What shall we do so that Majesty's order for recovery of taxes is obeyed and no blood is spilled?
Alaf Khan: Sir! The almond does not come out till you break it and the oil does not come out without squeezing the sesame plant. These idol worshippers, stupid hill kings will not shell out anything without using force. They are imagining that His Majesty is entangled in the south and in his absence there shall be anarchy but to my mind it appears that His Majesty's kingdom has strengthened.
Mian Khan: Time will tell whether the strength is going up or coming down. It might be better if His Majesty had outwardly kept up with the kings of southern states and encouraged their internal differences and their disunion. Along with it he should have strengthened his power that is already on the peak instead of spending on battles. But well, this is for His Majesty to think about or their respected ministers. For us the order is to collect taxes from Hill kings and send. Now you tell how do we go about it? K we fight with the kings, then we shall have to incur heavy expenses and the collection will
come down. Besides, many lives will be lost. We should adopt a method by which we succeed without a fight.
Alaf Khan: See intently! We tried our best to negotiate amicably, we sent a counsel, we sent letters of compassion, we tried to impress them with the King's authority but no one sent even a penny. Everybody said: We are passing through times of scarcity. We are unable to collect taxes from the farmers. Then how shall we pay? Give us exemption or waive a portion of taxes and accept in installments. These are lame excuses. They will not agree to pay unless we use force.
Mian Khan: You do like this: Some concession, some diplomacy and some authoritative talk, combine all three and sort it out. For the time being I shall stay here at Jammu. I shall do some collection here. You go and move from Kangra to Bilaspur and try to collect the maximum. Take some soldiers. Try to split the kings, make someone as friend to add to your strength. Once they are split, they will become weak. They will relent seeing your authoritative position.
Alaf Khan: All the kings have become like iron pillars. I shall have to fight. Alright! I shall go.
Mian Khan: What you say is correct but the unity of the kings of this country is not too deep. Could the Pathans or Mughals put their feet in their country if they had lived in unity? They are most selfish. They do not see what is beneficial to the country as a whole, their vision moves within the circle of 'I and me' and see only what happens today and do not see beyond that
Alaf Khan: There are enough educated people amongst them. They have wisdom, they have wealth. Kings are in hundreds but what you have said is right. The selfishness blunts their wisdom.
Mian Khan: Take it in humour. If they were in love of one God, then they would have been broad-minded. By believing in one idol, they have become narrow-minded. Then they have hundreds of different idols. They do not have one idol for everyone to worship. Their vision does not have one single target. Everyone has his own idol. That is why there is infighting amongst them self that makes them weak.
Alaf Khan: Yes! It is like that but the basis is selfishness. But excuse me. I tell you, a new monster is coming up in them. They are Sikh believers.
Alaf Khan: Yes, you are right. They are holy people but now they have picked up the sword. Their unity and will to sacrifice is beyond limit but I hope when His Majesty returns from south (May God make him victorious soon!) he will finish them. He will catch them as he caught the Satnamias.
Note: [This is the name of a sect. Aurangzeb got them assassinated.]
But there is one problem. They are spread from south to Balakh-Sukhara and they are in millions. How many could be killed. Maybe if some are tortured brutally, others my get subdued.
Alaf Khan: I have seen one or two happenings where they were involved. That is why I feel afraid of them.
Mian Khan: Well! At this time there is no conflict with them. Diplomacy is that the Kill kings and these should not be allowed to unite. We shall try to finish this growing seedling through them only. We shall not have to do anything ourselves. When the enemy's own hands can break his forehead, then why should we put our hands on the trigger of the gun? At present His Majesty's ploy is like that.
Now you get ready, take some selected soldiers and go fast as an arrow and catch Katochia. There you catch a couple of Chiefs and make them friends and move forward. Show this king that your threat is serious, then quickly become soft and give him concessions. Then he will forget his brothers and become your friend.
Alaf Khan: You have said it right.
The Minister comes to the King's palace in the middle of the night. Minister: O Guard! Is His Excellency asleep or still awake?
Guard (with both hands folded): Sir! His Excellency is asleep.
Minister: Wake him up.
Guard (Hesitatingly): I shall be punished.
Minister: Don't be afraid. I shall stand by you. It is very urgent.
With heavy steps the guard went inside the palace, came back after sometime and said: His Excellency has awakened. You please come to the drawing room. He has ordered that you wait there.
The Minister went inside and sat down. After sometime His Excellency came.
King: Mr. Minister! What calamity has fallen at this hour of the night?
Minister (Bowed his head): Your Excellency! Forgive me sir! I would not have disturbed you at this hour but the sudden problem has prompted me and it cannot wait till morning.
King: You tell.
Minister: Same problem of paying taxes. One detective has arrived with the news that Mian Khan himself has camped atjammu. He will collect taxes
from that district. He has sent Alaf Khan this side to coiled taxes from here.
King: The distance between Jammu and Kangra is so much. He cannot fly and reach. Minister: Lord forbid, tomorrow by sunrise or by noon he shall he shooting guns outside our border. This is the strategy that he has adopted. He is arriving secretly so that we do not get time for consultations and preparation and he attacks suddenly.
King (nervously): Is the detective true?
Chief Minister: I have verified. He is true.
King: Call the Defence Minister.
Minister: I have brought him along. He is waiting outside. If Your Excellency wishes to discuss anything particular with me, then we may discuss or I shall call him.
King: Call him and what about Finance Minister?
Minister: I sent a messenger' before I started from my house. He should be here by now. I shall call him too.
The Chief Minister went out and ordered the maid: Go outside and call the Defence Minister and Finance Minister. They should come to the drawing room.
The maid bowed and went. Soon both the Ministers came to the drawing room.
King: Well Minister! How this trouble has arisen suddenly?
Defence Minister: Your Excellency! Detectives were employed since you had sent a reply to Jammu. Today one messenger has arrived saying that Mian Khan and Alaf Khan have kept their plans secret. Even senior officers were told that the army is going towards Vidharba. Suddenly Alaf Khan moved in this direction. The soldiers do not know whether they have to march to Pathankot or Kangra. But the detective took great risks and somehow has been able to get the secret that Kangra is the first destination and probably they should reach by tomorrow morning.
King: But now time is short. We were not expecting. We thought that Mian Khan's lieutenant has taken bribe. He will manage that we are not attacked. The arrangement was that if there was any chance of an attack, then he will inform us. But he took his bribe money and deceived also.
Minister: There is no sanctity of the oath of a Muslim for a Rajput.
Minister (heaving a sigh): May the Lord save us!
King: What is the plan now?
Defence Minister: You give orders. I shall see that the soldiers occupy strategic positions. Before sunrise all army contingents will take strategic positions. One contingent should go forward and stop them.
Here, we send messages to all kings to come with their armies.
I shall go forward and try to negotiate peace with Alaf Khan. A few days shall pass in talks. In this way we shall get time for all kings to get together. When Alaf Khan sees that all kings have got together and their armies are in readiness, then he will agree to the terms that we dictate. Taxes shall be paid in installments. Some concession he will give and a peaceful agreement will be made. If he doesn't agree and we have to fight, then we shall surely defeat him. Our area is hilly, it is our kingdom. He is a foreigner. Aurangzeb is entangled in the south. He will not like a large scale fighting. He will like to finish with threats. If his Commander starts fighting on a large scale, he will not appreciate. Alaf Khan must have understood this.
Chief Minister: You have said right. It is worth deliberating.
Minister: But we should see farsightedly. Say, we settle with A. Khan. Then B. Khan will come. Then C. Khan will come. There is no end to these Khans. Then he is a Super King. We are small hill kings. For how long shall we fight and sustain. In the end we shall lose. Then we shall beg to them, offer them princely girls sitting in palanquins and give them surcharges. Why should we not think of something tangible in the first instance only?
King: It is alright that bravery is our duty but we can be diplomatic also.
Minister: The Minister's suggestion is worth considering but a lot of intellect and patience is required to negotiate. We must keep in mind that we should not fight. Keep up threats only. We should pay the minimum agreed amount
Minister: Yes, we should not prompt a battle but if it comes on us then we should not sit with bangles on like cowards. We are so many kings with armies. Then the unity means a lot.
King: But we should not take unity as granted. Kahlur King is envious of us. We do not know what game he plays.
Minister: That is why we should gain time, a few days say about ten days. If Kahlur King does riot join then we may agree to Alaf Khan's demand. At least once we must know whether we can unite or not.
Minister: His Excellency is inimical to King Bhim chand. Why not take revenge at this time.
King: This seems better.
Minister: Time is passing. We should start preparations. It should not happen that Alaf 'Khan brings his army right into the city like kitten following the cat. For the time being let us do the following three things: Our preparations and to stop him. Then send emissary to negotiate and gain time somehow. Next to call the kings.
King: This is all right. But plan something in a way that the snake and enemy fight and we remain spectators. If both die, it is all right. If one dies, it is all right. Alaf Khan and Kahlur king should fight. Whoever dies let him die. At least we are saved.
Minister: Yes sir Your Excellency.
Minister: What you said might be right. It is good diplomacy but it requires deep thought.
King: What do you think?
Minister: Alaf Khan is an enemy and Bhim Chand is also an enemy. The first one is an enemy of ages. The second one is an estranged brother. To seek a way to kill an estranged brother through an enemy of ages is against religion and it is no diplomacy.
Minister: Sir Your Excellency! At this time we are deliberating on the sudden problem. You -are the Master, we are your servants. But we are servants who are ready to sacrifice. Where your sweat drops, our blood will drop. So please excuse me. It is my duty to speak the truth. With Bhim Chand our enmity is in the community. It is better if it is settled in the community. After all we are brothers. Alaf Khan is an enemy of our community. To kill an estranged brother through him is no valour. Far sightedness is that we forget all differences amongst ourselves. We should become united. We should get the maximum concession from Alaf Khan. We need not fight. Let us first take Alaf Khan down our head then we can decide how to deal with each other. This is the diplomacy to unite that Guru Gobind Singh who has picked up a sword is teaching that we should be united. See! We are kings and he is a saint. Is it a dream that he says "I shall finish this tyrannical rule"? We who have kingdoms should also think the same way.
Minister: Shall he blow off the forts by puffing?
Minister: Even I am astonished. I am not able to understand. But see! He has set a goal and is doing so well.
Minister: Setting a goal is alright but one requires armaments.
Minister: Well! He is acquiring the best armaments. He is not doing any rituals that are supposed to have a magical effect. See! In the battle at Bhangani King Fateh Shah tried his best and the kings who went in the bridegrooms party King Bhim Chand and others tried their best. They even pulled out five hundred Pathans from the Guru's army and employed them in their own army. Even then the saint whom who call a Puff Master defeated them. His diplomacy was excellent. The skill of his soldiers was excellent. His command of the army was excellent. His strategy to deploy the soldiers was very well
planned. His soldiers fought with the idea of do or die. See! He won and all the kings were put to shame. One cannot count the tombs built for th?*princely wives who burnt themselves after their husbands were killed in the battle.
King; He has some Supernatural powers. Then if he wins, he wins laurels. If he loses, he loses nothing. For a saint what does he lose? His water container and long tong musical player that he shall possess always. We are kings. How can we risk losing our kingdom? For us it is a great risk.
Minister: Sir! Your Excellency! You have said it truly. This is just what we talked that the kingdom should ever remain. If you permit I shall say something. Guru Gobind Singh is not a saint who carries a water bowl and a long tong musical player. Once I went to see him in disguise. He is a great personality.
Minister: At this moment we are in jeopardy. Let us come to a final conclusion.
Minister: We should make immediate preparation then negotiate with Alaf Khan. Give him a place to stay at some distance. Next is, whether a battle or peace? For that we should invite King Bijharwal and if King Kehlur joins, then we can make friendship with the Guru also.
King: But this is an opportunity to degrade King Bhim chand. His pride should come down. We should not lose this opportunity. Everybody should give importance to this point.
In this way, everybody went. The program of a conference remained pending.
The Defence Minister started preparation and gave command to deploy the army at strategic positions.
The Chief Minister and Home Minister again sat for deliberations.
Ill
At a distance of a few kilometers from Kangra Alaf Khan has camped and Minister of Katoch arrived in the camp.
Alaf Khan: Dear Minister! Welcome, how do you do?
Minister (Katochia): It is your benevolence.
Alaf Khan: Come! Sit down. I am sure the king is fine.
Minister: Lord is great.
Alaf Khan: Thanks to the Lord.
Minister: I am sure you are fine. Your family is fine. All is well. Alaf Khan: Thanks to the Lord. All is well.
Minister: Have you received the groceries and fodder for horses and are you satisfied with our hospitality or do you have any problem on that account?
Alaf Khan: Your men are very good. Everything is fine. Dear minister, now let us discuss the main issue. Yesterday your message came that you do not want to fight and that you want to settle amicably. You must have taken a final decision in this regard. His majesty's wish is that we should keep up our cordial relations.
Minister: It is so good of His Majesty. We thought the same. Accordingly, we have welcomed you as a fiiend. You also reciprocate our friendship. Then we. can finalize. We have to give tax. We do not say "No" but these are days of famine. You give some concessions and agree to a smaller amount. You should be happy and we should be happy.
Alaf Khan: I do not ask for more than what is due from you.
Minister: We expect some concessions.
Alaf Khan: This is a bit difficult. His Majesty may not agree. How can I change the agreement?
Minister: To be compassionate considering the time does not mean breaking the agreement and then you have all the power.
Alaf Khan: I have to collect taxes from all hill kingdoms. If I start giving concessions then what shall I take back and what face shall I show to my Masters.
Minister: With us you become friendly and compassionate, with others be strict. If they refuse put a penalty on them and take double.
Alaf Khan: Dear Minister! Well! You come forward with a concrete suggestion then I can make some concessions. Suppose I agree to your suggestion, then what help will you give me?
Minister: We shall help you. We shall help you in many ways.
Alaf Khan (After thinking): In what ways?
Minister: For example you give us 50% off. Then you move forward. If you need our help, then we shall fight along with you.
Alaf Khan: Well done! I am so happy but I want some more help. - Minister: What type of help?
Alaf Khan: You suggest a plan wherein my work is done quickly. Then there will be visible benefit of your friendship.
Minister: Yes! We shall tell you that secret also. Yes, something more I wish to tell you, King Dyal Chand Bijharwal is also with us. Both of us shall be to your aid. You will take 50% from both of us.
Alaf Khan: That is very good.
Minister: Then do you agree?
Alaf Khan: Yes, I agree.
Minister: Say on oath.
Alaf Khan: In the name of God I agree that I shall accept 50% taxes from both kingdoms and waive the rest 50%. In lieu of that both the hil* l-' Ags shall help me in collection of tax from other hill kings and tell some secret and join me in the battle in case I have to wage any.
Minister: I promise that I shall tell an easy way to collect taxes and both our kings shall be at your call whenever you need them.
The Minister said good bye and left. After sometime he came with bags of money and papers to be signed by both sides.
At that time Alaf Khan said: What about the secret plan?
Minister: Come to a secluded spot Both went inside the tent.
Alaf Khan: Please speak.
Minister: The most prominent king is King Bhim Chand of Kahlur. You ask from him only. If he gives in full, then it is wonderful. No other king will throw spanner in the wheel. Everyone will pay. If he is says "No,55 then declare a war. Our army, your army and BhijarwaTs army jointly shall surely win. Then he will be forced to pay. Once he pays then all others will be afraid and bow down to you. You won't have to fight any more.
Alaf Khan: That's wonderful. Dear Minister! You are a well wisher of His Majesty from the core of your heart. I am really grateful to you.
Both of them walked out of the tent and came out. The paper work, receipt etc was completed and signed.
After the negotiations were completed, the Minister felt delighted that he completed the job without giving a drop of blood and saved his kingdom. He came away.
After he left Alaf Khan talked to his subordinates: Have you seen the meanness of these Indians. This is the secret of their sufferings and our victory. Everybody is concerned about his own self. To meet one5s selfish ends, one brother is ready to kill his second brother. God is benevolent on us God believers. He is angry on these idol worshipers. The visible form of his anger is this selfishness in them and estrangement in their kinship. (Looking towards the sky) O God! It is your benevolence to us.
One subordinate: O God! You are great. Thanks! The difficult task has become easy. The devil may put them on more wrong path.
King Bhim Chand sat in his palace Court Room at Bilaspur attending to official work when a messenger came: Your Majesty! Long live the King! An emissary of Alaf Khan has come and seeks an appointment with your honour.
King (looking towards his Minister): You go and talk to him in the outside drawing room and then tell me what does he want?
The Minister went and the King outwardly remained busy in the work but inwardly he was in great thought. He finished the work quickly and asked everyone to go. Meanwhile the Minister came in.
King: Come in Minister, what is the message?
Minister: Shame to our Hindus. Kings of Katoch and Bhijarwal have conspired with Alaf Khan. They have betrayed on the agreement reached by all of us. They have accompanied Alaf Khan with their armies and are at Nadaun. It seems they have suggested to Alaf Khan that first attack King of Kahlur. After defeating him all others will bow down. I understand this from their way of talking. His message is that we should pay taxes of the last three years and bring money to Nadaun in peace and amicably otherwise I shall devastate and loot your kingdom and extract the money and take.
Bhim Chand: Hell to King of Katoch. Even if we were to agree to give, now I shall not budge, I shall not pay now. We shall fight and I will pierce King of Katoch's stomach with my spear. Then only my mind shall be at peace. O Minister! Send emissaries to all kings. Let us see who is with us?
Minister: Sir! Your Majesty! I shall send emissaries just now. But ?
King (Impatiently): But what? I am not going to bow down to Alaf Khan. Alaf Khan does not know my arrow shooting. I am going to take revenge from King of Katoch. I know Aurangzeb is entangled in the south. He cannot rage a big fight with us. He is only fooling us with his tricks.
Minister: Sir! Your Majesty! It is true. Your anger is justified but before sending a reply to Alaf Khan we must reckon our home side. We should hold him for a few days. In that time we will get replies from the other kings and shall get time
King (Impatiendy): Of what? Say quickly. Why are you hesitating?
Minister: I beg your forgiveness. If we can get the Guru's help, then our victory is certain. But only if you like it and on the other side the Guru also agrees. I meant this only when I said we should get sometime.
King (In thought): Help from the Guru Guru's help Asking for
his help ?
Minister: Why? It is nothing that we should feel bad. Our enmity is gone. We have made an agreement of peace. Now our relations are cordial. If in times of trouble we do not ask help from friends, then who else we should call? To ask for help from a friend in times of difficulty is no slur. Although earlier our relations with him were bitter but he has no* enmity in his heart.
King: Yes, all right. His army has great valour and yes, now we have friendship. He is true to his word. He wishes good for the subjects. But will he agree? Will he himself come with us?
Minister: That you leave to me. You send me to him. His ideal is that our differences should go, the tyranny should go as well as interference in religion should go. Indians should rule India. The sufferings of the people should go. If you remember, this was the message that he had sent to everyone.
King: That is all right. You go secretly and return quickly. Keep detectives around the emissary of Alaf Khan so that he should not know our secrets. We shall reply to him when you come back. You request Honoured Guru on my behalf. He is a saint. Bowing to a saint and then in need is nothing wrong.
Minister: You have said right. So I have your permission to go?
King: Yes! You go but secretly. Send the Defence Minister. He should come and meet immediately. We should start preparations for a battle.
Minister: If you permit I shall take Parma and King Prithvi Chand along. That will impress Honoured Guru.
King (In thought): But be careful. It should be secret.
The Minister bade good bye, said very well and departed.
Magnificent Guru Gobind Singh is sitting in his personal drawing room ; when Diwan came and said: A message from Bilaspur has come that Minister Parma Nand is corning to meet you. The detective has also come to know that Parma priest and King Prithvi Chand are also accompanying him. In fact the news has leaked from Parma priest's house and reached us. Guru: Anything about the purpose.
Diwan: Yes! True Guru! The agreement that the hill kings had made that we shall not give taxes to Mian Khan or his emissary and that on seeing our unity he will either not demand or agree to reduce, that agreement has been broken. The king of Kangra and Icing of Bijharwal have given some money to Alaf Khan and allured him. They have joined him as his helpers and have camped at Nadaun and challenged King Bhim Chand. Either you pay or we fight. The ploy is that if he bows down, then all others will also bow down and if he fights, then after winning him, others will be afraid and will bow down. With two kings joining Alaf Khan they have more strength now as compared to King Bhim Chand. It appears Bhim Chand has got the message. He has more of anger in him and he is an excellent arrow shooter. His wish is to fight and the two are coming to seek your help. We may deliberate what to do before they arrive.
The Guru was quiet for some time then he spoke: Katoch and Bhijharwal have done something that is irreligious. They have broken the unity. They have joined the tyrants. They have become handles of axes to kill their brothers. This nature is really too bad. This is degradation, a sorry state. We must reform and set right this nature of the Kings and the subjects by discourse or by force. We have suggested unity several times but to no effect. Now is the time to show them the real ideal. Somehow this habit of selfishness should go. People should learn to unite for the common gain and loss of the community and sacrifice their own comforts for the good of everyone. The success of Alaf Khan is the success of the game they play when they notice the extreme selfishness in Indians. It is right to stop this game with a crushing blow. After once losing the battle Bhim Chand has made an agreement of peace with us. He bows to us and is friendly in all ways. He has sincerely fulfilled the agreement of peace with us. Thus it is our duty to help a friend. Morality is that those who had mutually agreed on friendship should help each other if a battle occurs. Then Bhim chand has sent his emissaries requesting for help. It is irreligious not to help when somebody asks for it. From all angles it seems proper to help him. If we win, then the Hill kings and their armies will become more courageous. They will feel a superiority complex that we can win the Muslims. The spell of awe of Muslims shall vanish. You tell, what are your views?
Diwan: You are the image of the Lord. Who is bom to guide you? You have an honourable nature. Whatever words you spoke are worth writing in gold. They are perfect. They combine morality, diplomacy, ethics and your honourable nature.
Magnificent Guru: This concerns everyone. Better to deliberate. Discuss amongst our own people. When the emissaries come, be hospitable to them. Present them in the audience hall. Then we shall listen to them. Till such time, have some secret parleys with our own people. If there is anything else that requires a decision, then tell me.
The true Gum's assembly is full of heavenly splendour. Magnificent Guru is sitting on the throne in Royal grandeur when the emissaries of King Bhim Chand presented themselves. All three touched the Guru's feet, bowed their heads down and sat down.
Magnificent Guru: I am sure the King is fine. Say, how have you come?
Then the Minister stood up and with hands folded said: O Magnificent
Guru! The kings have rebelled. The agreement that was made amongst the hill kings to unite and say "No" to the tax demand of the rulers has been thrown to the dust by Kirpal Chand of Katoch. He has conspired with AM Khan. They have also made Dyal Chand an accomplice. All three have brought their armies and have camped at Nadaun. With great speed they are erecting a wooden fort They have sent a notice to our King, your great friend and servant, that we should pay the taxes in full otherwise they shall attack and recover the money. Our king does not wish to bend to their demand. He is ready to fight. King Prithvi Chand, King Kesari Chand, King Sukhdev, King Ram Singh Jasrotia, all will bring their armies and join us in the fight. Our one prayer is that you bestow your bless that victory be ours. Second prayer is that you send your army to help us. Third, our mouth is small and demand is big but the beggar is not ashamed to beg. I hesitate to say but excuse me for making a prayer. We are in difficulty. If you put your sacred feet and arrows from your sacred hand axe shot on the enemy, it will be the biggest benevolence.
The 'Guru with the Plume' smiled then he became serious. His eyes closed, then opened and he looked around towards his close disciples, then he looked towards the emissaries and said: Victory is certain. Our army will join. I will come with my soldiers and fight in the battle. But you tell the king that at no stage he should falter. He should remain firm. Take a firm stand and stick to your guns. If the battle becomes fierce, it will make the enemy lose.
The Minister was delighted to hear the thundering words. He bowed his Head to the true Guru's feet. I go with faith in your honourable nature. Guru Nanak's heavenly house is saviour of the world and refuge for the refuge-less. You are great. Great is your Guru-ship. Great is your disciple-ship. O Magnificent Guru! When can you arrive, after all some preparation is required?
Guru: We shall depart tomorrow. You go and reach with your army. We are following.
On listening to this, the emissaries said: You are great! You are great and departed.
VII
The river Beas is flowing and giving delight to the eyes. It is piercing the mounts and passing through the hilly scenic area of Nadaun.
Alaf Khan's and KirpaTs armies have camped on a high mount. They have erected a wooden fort so that any bullet or arrow coming would get
stuck in the wooden wall and not harm them. They would shoot arrows and guns from the top that would kill the coming soldiers. They have stored enough food to eat. One Muslim Commander and two Kings have occupied this temporary fort. King Bhim Chand's army is coming from below. He has a few Kings accompanying him. They are in high spirits because they know that the 'Guru with the Plume5 is joining them along with his soldiers.
King Bhim Chand's strategy was to suddenly attack and overpower the enemy but King Kirpal Chand's army returned the fire and made them withdraw backwards. Second time again Bhim Chand's soldiers mounted an attack but Alaf Khan prompted Kirpal and Dyal to fight and repulse the attack coming from down side.
At this time Bhim Chand got disappointed. Then he remembered the Guru and sent a message to come to their help. The Guru was already prepared. He immediately rode on his horse and accompanied by his valiant jumped into the ongoing battle.
With the Guru's exceptional planning and deployment of his soldiers and gun shooting, the enemy troops became nervous and ran for safety into their wooden fort. Then Alaf Khan, Kirpal and Dyal with their soldiers came out collectively and attacked Bhim Chand's side. Fierce fighting went on. Sometimes Alaf Khan's side seemed to be winning and sometimes Bhim Chand's side seemed winning. Again Alaf Khan's troops combined with Kirpal and Dyal made a fierce attack and Bhim Chand's side seemed to lose.
Now Bhim Chand himself came and prayed to the Guru: We are unable to hold back the enemy troops. I can only hope on you at this moment.
When the Guru heard Bhim Chand's prayer, then he picked up his bow and put it on his shoulder, picked up a gun, swiftly moved his horse ahead and challenged King Dyal: I am going to shoot you. Beware! He said this but he did not shoot the gun.
One writer has written that the Guru challenged Dyal and told him: I offer you the first shot lest you may think that the Guru unexpectedly shot me. Dyal aimed a shot at the Guru but missed. Then the Guru again said: Beware! Then he aimed his gun at King Dyal that freed Dyal's soul from the prison of the body.
After Dyal was killed the Guru put away his gun and shot arrows from his bow. He shot four arrows with his right hand and three arrows with the left hand. This rare skill of arrow shooting only the Guru had. It is not known who were the persons who were killed but obviously these were selected Commanders because after the seventh arrow it become evident that the
SRI KAL.GIDHAR CHAMATKAR (VOL.- 1)
enemy soldiers are running away. To save them they hid themselves in the wooden fort that they had built. At night they deliberated that it is due to the presence of the Guru's army that Bhim Chand is in a winning position and we are losing. It is not worthwhile to fight the Guru's army and get ourselves killed. So they decided that to continue to fight is not worthwhile. We should go back to Kangra and try to disunite these kings. In the middle of the night they left for Kangra. They left some drum-beater in the temporary wooden fort to show off that their army is still here.
VIII
Daya Ram: Magnificent Guru! We have visited the fort. Not a soul is there. Alaf Khan and King Kirpal left at night accompanied by their soldiers. They had left one or two drum-beaters. They left early in the morning. By the grace of the Lord our victory is complete.
Magnificent Guru: Yes! It is Lord's grace. Is there any information where Kirpal and Alaf Khan have gone?
Daya Ram: There is no exact information. It appears they have gone back about ten kilometres. They have left their wounded companions as also some groceries.
Magnificent Guru: How are our wounded soldiers?
Daya Ram: As per your orders, at night only they were searched with lit lamps and their wounds dressed. Amongst these some of them have died but most of them are in good state and shall be saved.
Magnificent Guru: It was the duty of the enemy troops to save their wounded. They have tried to save their own lives only. Now you send a few soldiers to bring all the wounded and provide them aid as provided to our own soldiers.
Daya Ram: In the darkness of the night we brought some enemy soldiers along with our own and at least four we identified also. As per your benevolent nature, they are being treated like our own. I shall send some soldiers again. Most of the wounded are inside the wooden fort. When they were wounded they ran up to the fort but later could not run with their companions.
Magnificent Guru: Waste no time. The sooner they are provided medical care, the better. You send one group that side and you yourself look after the soldiers here. I shall also come.
After sometime Daya Ram came again and said: Magnificent Guru! I have sent a group of soldiers that side. What are your orders for the dead who have sacrificed their life?
Magnificent Guru: Make a pyre on the bank of river Beas and light a fire. Put the ashes in the river Beas. Regarding the dead bodies belonging to the Kill kingdoms, collect them at one plice and inform them. Ask the Kings about the Hindu's dead bodies belonging to the enemy troops.
Tell the kings to cremate the body of King Dyal. Deliver his body to the Kings with respect. Dig a big grave and bury the Mohammedans and make a tomb on it.
Daya Ram: Yes sir.
After sometime Magnificent Guru got up dressed up and reached the place where the wounded were being treated. He spoke compassionately to everyone. Then he visited the enemy soldiers and said: When you become alright you will be allowed to go. We have no personal enmity with you. Then he came near the pyre of his disciples. He lit the fire himself and blessed them: "You will get eternal blossom".
Then he selected a place on the bank of the river Beas and camped there. Many Kings came to meet him. The Kings whose kingdoms were nearby invited him to their kingdoms and were hospitable to him. They felt happy to serve him.
After a week, one day Daya Ram came to the Guru and brought the news.
Daya Ram: Magnificent Guru! One detective has come back from Kangra and another who moves about in three hill towns says, "Bhim Chand has hoodwinked."
Magnificent Guru: How?
Daya Ram: Kirpal Katoch has realized that Bhim Chand's victory in the battle at Nadaun is because of you and if they fight again, then again they will lose. So they have now adopted conspiratorial diplomacy with King Bhim Chand. They have suggested that Bhim Chand should pay 50% tax and ask the rest to pay full or whomsoever Bhim Chand recommends, they may also pay less. In this way they shall make Alaf Khan agreeable. But all this conspiracy is going on secretly so that this does not leak out to you, otherwise you might feel annoyed that we fought and were victorious then we bowed to Alaf Khan and paid taxes. Maybe next time you might not come to their rescue.
Magnificent Guru: Well! Let it be! They have no valour in them. They are shrewd. They care only for money. They are not bothered about religion or self respect. They are not bothered about the suffering of the people. The country is suffering. Their brothers are suffering. Their cry of suffering has reached the heavens. The temples are being demolished. The honour of
SRj KALGIDHAR CHAMATKAR (VOL.- 1)
women has gone to dust. Selfishness, only selfishness prevails. They think only of their own gain. Well! They have hoodwinked us. They Uave not consulted us as friends while negotiating. It is against ethics to negotiate without consulting friends who have helped. Tell our soldiers to get ready to move. When they are ready then beat the marching drums. But before that, make sure of the news that you have told.
Daya Ram: Magnificent Guru! The papers are shortly coming.
Meanwhile one disciple came and gave something in his hand. That was the letter that was being sent from King Bhim Chand to King of Katoch saying, "I am prepared to pay taxes on some conditions."
On seeing the papers and the King's seal, the true Guru said: Those who have become dead, they can become alive with a new life. (Looking towards the heavens) O Lord! Send a new life for our dead people.
When the beating of drums announced that Magnificent Guru is going accompanied by his valiant, then the kings understood that the Guru is leaving.
Then Bhim Chand sent Parma to find out.
The Minister came and said: Magnificent Guru! You have decided to depart so quickly. It would have been nice if you had stayed more and all kings would have gone together.
Magnificent Guru: The King does not need us anymore. Whatever help he needed, he has already got. So! It is better that we go.
Minister: If any fault has occurred, please forgive. You axe benevolent. If there is any cause of discomfort, then please tell us. All the kings are at your service.
Magnificent Guru: Dear Parma Nand, Diplomacy does not mean lies. If diplomacy and lies were the same, then what was the idea of putting the word diplomacy in the dictionary? If you consider diplomacy as broadmindedness on the basis of truth, then you tell how there is discrimination in those who fought together as friends and considered victory and loss together.
Minister: No Sir!
Magnificent Guru: Then! Whatever agreement is going on with the enemy is it with everybody's consultation or in secret. We considered it a religious duty to fight the oppressor Alaf Khan, killer of brother Kirpal and help our friend Bhim Chand. How has Bhim Chand agreed to be friends with the oppressors?
Minister: You please forgive us.
Magnificent Guru: I have no personal anger with anyone. We came for the victory of King Bhim Chand and that is accomplished. We wanted that the
kings should have life in them. They should see to the suffering of the people. They should unite and do something. But if this is not their aim, then except feeling sorry nothing more can be done. Our work is to imbibe religiousness in the people, tell them to do good deeds, teach them honour and allay their suffering. I have come for this work and I shall go for this work. I have no enmity in my mind. I am sad that the people are not fortunate as yet. All right, the Lord will make some .plan. He will send some life-giving seed that will transform the people and allay their suffering. He will Himself allay their suffering for which he has sent me.
The Minister entreated humbly, went away and told the king. Immediately King Bhim Chand came with some gifts. He bowed down and said; Your help has saved my honour, otherwise I would have lost my honour and my wealth. You treat me as your servant
Guru: Guru Nanak's house is house of benevolence. Whatever intention one has in mind, he gives according to that. It is without enmity towards anyone. Rest I pray to the Lord that besides looking after your wealth and kingship you look after the suffering of the people also.
[Alsoon]
Then the Guru departed. On the way he hunted and moved on. Moving further Magnificent Guru passed through a village named Alsoon. The villagers appeared to be high-handed. When they camped outside the village, then Daya Nand sent some men to buy groceries. The disciples who went to buy returned saying that the villagers have refused to sell their stock of groceries to us. They say they will not sell at any cost. Besides that, they talk arrogantly.
Daya Ram thought that people who do not wish to sell their groceries to a moving army even on payment are not ethical. It shall be correct to take groceries and pay even if force has to be used. Accordingly, one contingent attacked the village. The Head of the village collected his selected soldiers and came to fight. The fighters of Alsoon lost and ran for their lives. The Guru's soldiers bought the groceries and fodder etc and paid for it. At night they camped at Alsoon. Next morning they departed. After this the Guru's troops did not face any problem. In fact the Guru-disciples and other people brought groceries and other items themselves.
From the above mentioned battle it becomes clear how much keen the Guru was to allay the suffering of the people, to give life to the lifelessly living people and to give freedom of religion. The Guru who had no need to endanger his own life, stood in front of the gunshots of King Dyal Chand. He
understood the need of the hour and always tried to infuse valour in the people even if he had to face hardships. His battles were not just for fighting. He wished to rid the people from the slavery and tyranny of the foreign rulers. This could not be done till the people became brave. For that reason he was infusing valour in the minds of the people.
One side he blessed the Lord's Name and preached them to love the Lord and recite His name and remember Him always. Second side he infused valour in their minds.
This was a new miraculous touch. No diplomacy, no prosperity can benefit the world without good character. The 'Guru with the Plume's life is unique in this ideal.
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