In the freezing nights of the month of Poh, the Tenth Master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with His entire family and thousands of devoted Singh warriors, risked their lives and created a chapter of history unmatched in the world. There is no example anywhere in world history of martyrdom like that of the Guru’s family. The elder Sahibzade — Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji — attained martyrdom while fighting fiercely in the Battle of Chamkaur. The younger Sahibzade — Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji — were bricked alive by the Mughal regime. Mata Gujar Kaur Ji also drank the cup of martyrdom. Guru Ji accepted all of this as the sweet Will of the Almighty — teaching the world the supreme meaning of sacrifice. Among all battles fought against tyranny and injustice, the Battle of Chamkaur is regarded as one of the most unique and unprecedented battles in the history of the world. The background of this battle begins at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where in Poh 6–7, 1704, though Guru Sahib clearly understood the conspiracies of the hill kings and the Mughal rulers, He decided to leave Anandpur Sahib and Anandgarh Fort permanently. Long before the martyrdom of Mata Gujar Kaur Ji and the four Sahibzade, Guru Gobind Singh Ji — at the age of nine — had already sent His father, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, to Delhi to offer their life for the protection of tilak and sacred thread. After this martyrdom, the Guru fully understood the fanatic policy of the Mughal empire. Therefore, on Vaisakhi 1699, Guru Ji created the Khalsa Panth, preparing a fearless army — whose spirit and courage the Mughal soldiers could not match. The enemy understood this very quickly. Instead of direct battle, the Mughal and hill armies laid siege to Sri Anandpur Sahib. All routes were blocked. Food and water became scarce, cattle and horses starved, and even the water channel supplying the fort was diverted. Many horses and warriors became martyrs due to hunger. It was a test of unshakable faith. Even though the Mughals repeatedly announced that any Sikh who wished to leave empty-handed would be allowed to go, not a single Sikh abandoned the Guru for fear of death. But hunger weakens the human body — and out of unbearable physical suffering, about 40 Singhs decided helplessly to leave. They bowed before the Guru and requested permission to depart. Guru Ji said, “If you wish to leave, then go — but write and sign that you are breaking away from your Guru.” They wrote the Bedaava and left. But as they moved farther from Anandpur, the pain of separation from the Guru began to crush their hearts. By the time they reached home, shame and regret had overpowered them — but time had passed. Meanwhile, the siege of more than eight months continued. Food and water inside the fort were nearly finished. Four Singhs went out at a time — two became martyrs fighting the enemy, while two brought back whatever food and water they could. The enemy kings and Mughal generals were exhausted by the long war. Then came a conspiracy — A letter supposedly under the name of Emperor Aurangzeb, sworn upon the Quran, was sent to Guru Sahib. Hill chiefs sent letters sworn upon the cow. All claimed that if the Guru left Anandpur, there would be no attack. Guru Sahib understood the deceit clearly. He loaded a cart with bones, covered it in fine silk, and sent it outside the fort. As soon as the enemy violated the oath and looted the cart, Guru Sahib showed the Sikhs the true nature of the Mughals. Yet, on the strong request of the Sikhs, Guru Sahib agreed to leave Anandpur. Preparations began. Mata Gujar Kaur Ji, Mata Sundari Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji were busy preparing. Anandpur was full of memories — weapons training, the laughter of the Sahibzade playing, Ajit Singh stepping into youth, battles of practice, every moment of life decorated with pearls of love. To be separated from such a place shook the heart — tears filled the eyes. Finally, on the midnight between Poh 6 and 7, Guru Sahib left the fort with the family and began the journey toward Kiratpur Sahib.
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