T( A Then Dilawar' s son narrated to his father that Khanzada has lost in the y v battle with the Guru, then grinding his teeth he looked this side and that said. Then Dilawar's one lieutenant whom he had employed in the army felt enraged and said: If you give me army I will loot Anandpur and also recover taxes from the hill kings. If -they don't give then I shall bring their heads pierced in spears.
Dilawar: Well said! I give you a contingent of two thousand soldiers.
Hussain: Oh! This is more than enough. With this much army I shall show you my worth.
Dilawar: You are brave but the Guru also is a valiant. It is not a joke to win him. Alaf Khan has seen his valour. He fought the battle at Nadaun and lost. My suggestion is that I should send him along with you. He being acquainted will be helpful to you. What do you say Alaf Khan?
Alaf Khan: Whatever you order. I am at your service.
Hussain: That is wonderful.
Dilawar: Should I send any more chief?
Hussain: No. That is sufficient.
Alaf Khan: The stronger we become the better. Firstly, the Guru is a powerful valiant. In the battle at Nadaun, the arrows shot by his left hand were so accurate that many of our valiant were hit and fell down dead. Secondly, O Khan! He has Supernatural power also.
Hussain: Supernatural power is no match to the sword.
Alaf Khan: But he has Supernatural power as also the sword. His sword matches the sword and his Supernatural power augments.
Dilawar: Alaf Khan! Don't lose heart even before leaving.
Alaf Khan: I did not mean to lose heart. You had asked whether more troops axe required. So what I mean is that the maximum army that we can take, we should take. The enemy is strong. When we go we should not come back after losing. Well! There is nothing to be afraid of. The coffin of sailors is in waters always and the soldier's coffin is in the blood always. When we have decided to fight, then it is do or die. Why fear?
Dilawar went into thought. After sometime he spoke: Whatever Alaf Khan has said is true. If we go for deer hunting, we should go prepared for lion hunting. I am sending letter to Chandan Singh, King of Noorpuria, Shamsher Khan and Krita Ram. They should join you. Firstly, the strength will increase. Secondly, they shall be a support for suggestion. Thirdly, the Hindu prominent persons will be helpful in taking advantage of the disunity of the Hindu Kings.
Hussain: That is very good. Your orders are welcome.
Alaf Khan: That is good. The king of Kangra hills (katochia) is a friend of mine. If you permit, I shall write to him to come and meet and should try to bring Bhim Chand along. It should not happen that Bhim Chand joins the Guru's camp. He is friendly with the Guru because the Guru helped him in the battle at Nadaun. But when Bhim Chand made an agreement with us stealthily without the Guru's knowledge then the Guru did not like that. Bhim Chand is outwardly maintaining friendly relations with the Guru. But when Katochia tells him that this battle is with the Guru, then his self-interest will surely make him join us. With this authoritative position all kings big and small will bend down. No wonder! Even the Guru may not like to fight.
Dilawar: Oh Wonderful! Alaf Khan! You are a perfect diplomat. Everybody is afraid of your diplomacy. Hussain will take your advice.
Hussain: I shall do whatever you suggest but I believe more in the power of the sword. One gets quick results by being a tyrant.
Dilawar: Yes, Love gets lot of things done. But the wand gets everything done. However, hypocrisy cuts even the stones.
Hussain: You are right. Alaf Khan will be my adviser. We want to succeed whatever way.
Dilawar: O Typist! Write letters to all whom I named that they should meet Hussain and Alaf khan. Regarding Katoch and Bhim Chand, Alaf Khan himself shall take care.
Hussain accompanied by the army and the Chiefs started off. He was a barbarian. The moment he entered the hilly terrain he started looting whichever
village came on the way. Either they paid taxes or he looted and killed. When they reached Dadhwal, there the king fought but since he was alone he lost and paid taxes to save his life. On receipt of Alaf Khan's letter and the news of his three day's atrocities, Kirpal of Katoch also came with some soldiers. Now their strength increased.
Now Alaf Khan who had already planned to pull Bhim Chand to his side manipulated. Inspite of the fact that Bhim Chand had made a promise to the Guru that both sides will help each other's armies when needed and the Guru had already helped and saved Bhim Chand from losing the battle at Nadaun but now Bhim Chand deceived and instead of siding with the Guru he joined the other camp i.e. Hussain, Alaf Khan & other kings who wanted to mount an attack on the Guru. This was the character of the Hindu brave warriors. Not only they refused help, instead they joined the foreign enemy and became enemies of their own people and ready to kill them.
When so many armies got together, then all the hill kings became afraid, came forward and paid taxes. Those who had arrears to pay also came and paid.
Ill
Magnificent Guru Gobind Singh, the great swordsman is sitting in a secret meeting With his army commanders and deliberations are going on.
At this time respected mother, some prominent Cash Collectors and his three nephews arrived.
On listening that Hussain is planning to mount an attack, mother said: He is coming with a large army. Bhim Chand has also joined him. You have not done any preparations. If you are able to do, even then our army is not large. It is difficult to match his strength. It might be better if we send some prominent Cash Collector who should settle a compromise formula so that battle is averted and Anandpur remains unharmed.
True Guru: Dear Mother! There is no need to feel uneasy. I am not doing this work on my own. Whose work it is, he is himself setting it right. The timeless Lord is himself protecting and he will not let Hussain reach here. Hussain will die on the way. He will not reach here. The Cash Collectors feel nervous. They are right. They do not understand the intricacies of battles. They think of their own and my comfort. They do not realize that I have not come to this earth to live in comfort. I have come to allay the suffering of the world. I have come to take discomfort on myself and give comfort to the world.
Nand Chand: Your words are true and shall ever remain true. But the tradition of the world is to do some pondering before it is too late. Mughal rule is like a rising sun. It might be better if there is no conflict.
On listening to this the true Guru (in a thundering voice) said: I shall finish their rule. They are tyrants. They give suffering to the people. O Nand Chand! listen with ears open. Get ready for a battle. If they reach here kill them with cannons. Send a detective to get latest news. On listening to the thundering but serious words, mother was satisfied. She knew that whatever the true Guru utters that always becomes true. She became sure in her heart that Hussain will be killed on the way. He will not reach Anandpur.
Nand Chand was satisfied that true Guru has ordered that troops be ready for a battle if it comes on us. At least he will not kill us in unpreparedness. But in his mind he worried: What will happen in the battle? However, he was enthusiastic to speed up preparation for the battle. The Guru's three nephews who were commanders were ready for a battle. They understood that whatever the Guru utters is always true but whenever he utters in a thundering tone those words are true like a missile that never misses the target. But the Cash Collectors went in dejection. Their objective was that life should go on without any interruption or discomfort.
One detective named Chattar Singh was sent to keep track of enemy movement and inform on day to day basis. In the history of Khalsa is written that this Chattar Singh was a master of Persian, hilly and Pathani languages. In this way preparations were made to meet any challenges at Anandpur. After the Cash Collectors left the Guru deliberated on all aspects with his commanders and took decisions.
After a few days Chattar Singh informed that Hussain's army at present is out to put their foot on Guler. If Guler accepts his subjugation, then they shall attack Anandpur otherwise first they will mount an attack on Guler. It is secretive news that Guler is preparing to fight but also he may compromise if some concessions are given to him. Bhim Chand and Katochia are the intermediaries. Guler is also hoping on help from you. He might shortly send a messenger to you.
Hussain is sitting under a big tent. His lieutenants have also come and are discussing about Guler. Meanwhile a reply to Hussain's letter was received. It said that King Gopal of Guler does not wish to fight. He is ready to pay taxes. If you agree he shall come.
Hussain thought it was good luck. So he said: Alright.
King gopal of Guler had very friendly relations with one King Ram Singh. King Ram Singh was a superb valiant.
Both of them came to meet Hussuin and brought some money also as taxes. After exchanging greetings, King of Guler kept the money in front of Hussain.
Hussain: Respected King! The tax that you have to pay is quite much. This money is too little.
King: What you say is alright. But times were bad. There was famine. Collections did not come. You accept this money. I have come in humility.
Hussain: It was like what you say but how can I accept less than what is due.
Katochia: The arrears from your kingdom is ten thousand rupees.
Ram Singh: Long live the Emperor! If you cannot waive off then you make it in installments. King will send the money in short durations. ■ Katochia: This is not acceptable.
Hussain: Who can bring armies every day? Since the Emperor has gone to south you people have not paid taxes. Now you must pay in lump sum.
King of Guler: What should I do if I am not able to pay a lump sum?
Katoch: These are lame excuses. King of Guler has plenty of money in his treasury. (Looking towards Hussain) King of Guler has lot of money. The moment you reach Guler, taxes will come automatically.
Hussain: King Gopal! Either you pay in lump sum or we mount an attack. Why should we waste time in arguments? I want to reach Anandpur as soon as possible.
King Ram Singh and King Gopal gestured to each other. On the other side Hussain and King of Katoch whispered something in each other's ears.
Meanwhile King Gopal asked his men to pick up the bundles of money and said to Hussain: You give me two day's time. I shall bring lump sum. If you cannot make any concession or make installments, then I lose in arguments and agree to your terms.
King of Katoch: Respected King! At this time diplomacy is in paying lump sum and joining us. Then you come with us and join the battle at Anandpur. Why should you fight in your kingdom? See the killing at your neighborhood.
Hussain: King of Guler! You are great. You are wise. You have accepted my terms. I am very happy with you.
King of Guler thanked everyone, picked up his bundles of money and accompanied by his friend King Ram Singh went to his kingdom.
Later Hussain came to know that King Gopal has entered his Jdngdom and he will not come to pay a lump sum.
With his shrewdness he has returned safely to his kingdom with his money. He is ready to fight if I insist.
Hussain was by nature fast and impatient. Without any far-sightedness, hurriedly he departed and encircled Guler and stopped all entry and exit points. For full two days Guler remained encircled. The army pressed King Gopal of Guler to let them go and fight out. The king had already sent his messengers to Magnificent Guru for help. This side he had sent messengers to the enemy. He was waiting replies from both sides.
First reply came from Hussain: Pay lump sum ten thousand rupees then only I can compromise.
In the history of Khalsa is mentioned that Magnificent Guru sent three hundred soldiers and four Chiefs under the command of Bhai Sangtia for help. Then all friend Kings of King Gopal of Guler also came and brought their armies.
Hussain was full of ego and pride but Bhim Chand and Kirpal were clever. They realized that the Guru's army has arrived and some more King friends of Gopal have also brought their armies. Now it is not easy to kill King Gopal.
They thought of playing some fraud on King Gopal so that the need for fighting does not arise. Under that plan they went and met Sangtia Singh and told him: King Gopal wants to fight unnecessarily. You make him understand and bring him where we are staying. We shall also make him understand. In this way there will be a compromise.
Sangtia Singh knew that these kings know the art of deceiving well. He asked both the kings to assure on oath the safety of King Gopal then only he agreed to mediate.
The Guru had ordered Sangtia Singh that we should help King Gopal at all times.
So, in the thinking that it is good for King Gopal if a compromise solution is worked out, he agreed to mediate.
King Gopal said: My safety is your responsibility.
Sangtia Singh agreed that if no compromise is reached then I shall be responsible to bring you back safely and by the grace of the Guru we shall be victorious in the battle.
When King Gopal accompanied by Sangtia Singh reached Bhim Chand and KirpaTs place of stay then they conversed for a long time. Bhim Chand
and Kirpal both threatened him that Kussain is a tyrant. It will be your benefit to pay ten thousand rupees and make peace.
King Gopal replied; If I have to pay ten thousand rupees now, then I would have paid on the first day. I will pay only what I offered otherwise I shall fight and die. When Bhim Chand and Kirpal got a blunt reply from King Gopal, then they realized that he is not agreeable and with his newly arrived armies he can fight back tenaciously, then they gestured between themselves either to imprison King Gopal or kill him if he is stubborn.
But King Gopal observed their gestures and whispered to Sangtia Singh: You had brought me with a promise of safety and here their intention seems to be vicious.
Then Sangtia Singh was marvelously swift. Before the other kings could act, Sangtia singh and his soldiers escorted King Gopal out and went away leaving the other kings astonished and in disappointment.
Magnificent Guru has himself corroborated this: Hussain had no option now except to wage a battle. He lost the time of compromise and the plan to imprison or kill King Gopal went haywire.
The battle began. From the other side also the drum beaters started playing heroic tunes. From both sides the armies came face to face.
One side was Hussain, Bhim Chand and Kirpal Chand and on the other side King Gopal, Ram Singh, Sangtia Singh and some more.
The battle became fierce. Both sides fought bravely. At one point Hussain himself fought in the front. King of Jaiswal brought his army to counter his attack. He fought so aggressively that Hussain was terrified. Most of his soldiers fell dead. Hussain was killed. When Hussain was killed then Katochia fought bravely but many soldiers of Hussain's army ran away. Katochia and his army fought so aggressively that everybody was amazed. However he could not come out and sacrificed himself fighting with great valour.
But in this fierce fighting from the other side Himmat Khan and many other chiefs were killed. King Kirpal was slain. Kimat Khan was also killed. In this way when Hussain and King Kirpal were killed, then Bhim Chand along with his soldiers retreated and slipped away.
On this side the drummers started beating the victory tunes.
In the History of Khalsa is written that one Guru-valiant Aghri Berar along with his ten soldiers sacrificed his life in the battle. From King GopaPs . side, King Prithvi Chand, Rana Ram Chand and Amar Chand were killed. From Hussain's army, Hussain himself, Himat Kimat, Sardar Shamsher Khan, Daler Khan, King Kirpal and Hari Chand were killed. One Himat Rajput
who created all this distress, he was lying wounded. King Gopal did not wish to see him living. He was killed by King Gopal. King Gopal now came to Anandpur on the wings of victory. He presented himself in the Guru's hall of audience. He gave offerings and fell at the Guru's feet. He thanked the Guru in extreme humility and said: First your valiants came and I felt encouraged. Then when my life was in danger, they helped and brought me out, then they fought in the battle so courageously that cannot be described. Two commanders and seventeen of your soldiers were killed in the battle. I feel extremely sad for them. My victory is due to your blessings and your help. You imbibed in me your ideal that one should not lose courage. Unnecessarily we are in slavery of foreign invaders because of fear of life. We have lost our splendour. When you give help and we fight with tenacity then victory is certain.
The true Guru blessed him immensely. He blessed him and said: Whatever comes on us whether it is battle or peace, business or service, kingship or commandership, we should remain steadfast on truth and then be valiant. Remember the Lord from the core of your heart and be pious and truthful. Then one is not afraid. By remembrance of the Lord one gets true inner happiness in this world and the next world too.
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