Vadda Ghallughara – Part 1

The events described here took place in February 1762 CE. A large Sikh force was moving toward the Malwa region, consisting of almost all the prominent Sikh leaders of the time—Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Charhat Singh Shukarchakkia, Jai Singh Kanheya, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Tara Singh, and Saan Singh Narlivala. Along with this force was a large caravan (Vahir) comprising women, children, and elderly people. At that time, the Malwa region was known as the “forest land.” The objective of the Sikhs was to escort the caravan into this forested territory and leave it in a safe and protected area. This movement was reported to the rulers of Malerkotla. They summoned Zain Khan from Sirhind and simultaneously sent messengers to Ahmad Shah Abdali in Lahore, informing him that all the major Sikh leaders, along with their families and children, were gathered in one place. The message stated that if Abdali truly wished to destroy the Khalsa, this was the opportunity, and that he should immediately march toward Malerkotla with a large army, as the Sikhs were present there. Upon receiving this news, Ahmad Shah Abdali advanced rapidly toward Punjab with a massive force, accompanied by his famous generals Jahan Khan and Sarbuland Khan. On the other hand, the Sikhs had no knowledge that Abdali was approaching from this direction. As the Sikh force neared Malerkotla, Zain Khan and the Malerkotla forces launched a sudden attack. The Sikhs fought back fiercely and decided that, because they were accompanied by the caravan, they should move toward the Ludhiana–Majha side. They had no idea that Abdali’s army was advancing from the same direction. After traveling a few miles, the more experienced Sikhs sensed that something was wrong. At that very moment, Abdali’s army fell upon them. The Sikh leaders themselves moved to the front lines to confront Abdali’s forces. Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Charhat Singh Shukarchakkia, and the other leaders decided that the caravan should be sent toward Barnala, into the territory of Baba Ala Singh, which was considered a safe region. Their guiding principle became: “Advance while fighting; fight while advancing.” The Sikhs of Malwa were instructed to escort the caravan toward Barnala, while all the major Sikh leaders remained behind to confront Abdali’s army. They continued fighting while gradually retreating—loading their muskets, firing, falling back, and reloading again—inflicting continuous losses upon the enemy. The caravan had moved only a short distance when Zain Khan and the Malerkotla forces attacked it. The Malwa Sikhs escorting the caravan were few in number, and Zain Khan’s troops began slaughtering the unarmed people. When the Sikh leaders learned of this, Saan Singh Narlivala rushed forward with his force to stop Zain Khan and protect the caravan. A seasoned and fearless general, Saan Singh Narlivala charged in, pushed back the Malerkotla and Sirhind forces, and opened a passage for the caravan. The caravan then slowly resumed its movement toward Barnala. Meanwhile, although the Sikh leaders were fighting with exceptional bravery and inflicting heavy damage on Abdali’s army, the arrival of additional advance units, followed by a massive assault led by Jahan Khan and Sarbuland Khan, caused the Sikh lines to falter. Abdali’s forces began pushing the Sikhs backward, driving them closer and closer to the caravan. At this critical moment, Ahmad Shah Abdali himself entered the battlefield, mounted on horseback and accompanied by a powerful contingent. His arrival unleashed an attack so fierce that it felt like a violent storm or raging tempest. Dust and smoke filled the air; visibility vanished in every direction. The Sikhs appeared like grains of salt in a mound of flour, yet the Khalsa had no intention of surrendering. They were fighting to preserve their faith and their very existence. At the point where Abdali’s attack was strongest—directly in front of Abdali himself—stood the Khalsa’s supreme leader, “Sultan-ul-Qaum” Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, fighting with unwavering resolve. The other Sikh leaders also held their positions, determined to block the enemy advance. Filled with rage and resolve, the Sikh leaders clenched their teeth and launched relentless attacks with muskets, arrows, and swords. Piles of bodies formed on the battlefield, yet the struggle remained unequal. Abdali’s army was vast like an ocean—no matter how many waves were struck down, new waves continued to surge forward. (To be continued in the next post) ✍️ Malvinder Singh Bamal