After Banda Singh Bahadur was martyred, when it was the turn of the remaining Sikhs, Farrukhsiyar said, “I’ve heard of one Baaj Singh among them — bring him before me.” The soldiers brought Baaj Singh before the emperor under the shadow of bayonets. Farrukhsiyar looked at him and mockingly said, “I’ve heard you’re very brave — show some of that bravery before you die.” Baaj Singh replied fearlessly, “Bravery is not magic that I can display while bound in chains. Free me from these shackles, and then I’ll fulfill your deepest wish.” The emperor ordered the chains to be loosened. The soldiers removed the heavy collar around his neck and the shackles from his feet. As soon as they unlocked one handcuff, Baaj Singh forcefully snatched the remaining chain from the soldier, and with lightning speed, struck him down. He killed three instantly and left others half-dead. When Baaj Singh turned his fierce eyes toward the emperor, Farrukhsiyar, terrified, fled to a distance and shouted, “Kill this infidel!” The soldiers rained arrows and bullets upon him. Baaj Singh’s entire body was riddled with wounds, and he was martyred standing tall before finally collapsing. The remaining Singhs shouted their final cry: “Bole So Nihal… Sat Sri Akaal!” Even after being starved and tortured for days, Baaj Singh displayed such unparalleled courage that the Mughal army was thrown into chaos.
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