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• “It is no exaggeration to record that the armies which possess the valiant Sikhs cannot face defeat in war” - Queen Victoria, British Parliament 1897

• 21 vs 10,000. To the last man, with the last round.

The authors of this article are

Saragarhi village lies beyond Peshawar, near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border

Parvesh Sharma | These facts about The Battle of Saragarhi will leave you stunned! | JAN 20, 2016 | Speaking Tree Mr Sharma is the author of Saragarhi: The Forgotten Battle. He wrote this article in 2016, more than three years before the release of Kesari

The Battle of Saragarhi | Australian Sikh Heritage (Australian Sikh Heritage)

Ahead of Akshay Kumar’s Kesari, here’s the true story of Battle of Saragarhi | Mar 19, 2019 | Hindustan Times

Shibaji Roychoudhury |Before you watch Akshay Kumar’s Kesari, here are 10 facts about the Battle of Saragarhi | Mar 21, 2019 | Times Now News

The real story of Kesari: when 21 Sikh soldiers fought 10,000 Afghan warriors at the Battle of Saragarhi | FEB 21, 2019 |Condé Nast Traveller

A summary

Twenty-one Jat Sikhs of 36 Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army were stationed at Saragarhi, North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) [now the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan] as part of Tirah campaign. This was an Indian frontier war, fought in 1897-98 in an attempt by the British to subdue the western frontier of the British Empire. These men were led by Havildar Ishar Singh. ‘‘Hindustan Times ‘‘

In terms of the ratio on the odds faced, only a few battles come close to those faced by Sikh soldiers of the [4th Battalion of the] 36th Sikhs [36th Sikh Regiment] in Saragarhi. On September 12, 1897 these 21 Sikh soldiers were up against approximately 10,000 - 14,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribes of the Pashtun. The staggering ratio of 1:500 stacked against the Sikhs is both unmatched and unprecedented, ensuring their "last stand" will never be forgotten in history. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

The battle took place nearly two decades after the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The British Army, trying to gain control of the hilly Central Asian provinces, was in a long-standing conflict with local tribes and clans. Many battles were fought, with hundreds of Indian foot-soldiers martyred towards the British cause. (Condé Nast Traveller)

The Battle of Saragarhi will definitely go down as one of the fiercest last-stands in history. A last-stand is when a defensive army holds on to a fort against an opposing army in much bigger numbers.‘‘Hindustan Times ‘‘

The Afghan tribal army, with 10,000 warriors couldn’t breach the Saragarhi Fort, in northwest frontier of India at the time, for over 7 hours (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

It was said that the Afghans were so in awe of the Sikh soldiers that they tried to not only bribe them to give up the fort but also offered them to join the Afghan army. Of course, the Sikh soldiers lead by Havildar Ishar Singh had other plans. (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

The forts, and Saragarhi’s importance

The British had taken control of forts, originally built by the great Emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh, dotting the hilly terrain, during his Western campaign. These included Fort Gulistan and Fort Lockhart in the Kohat region of frontier province. Since, these two forts were miles apart, Saragarhi fort was built in between which also served as ‘heliographic’ communications centre.‘‘Hindustan Times ‘‘

Saragarhi was a communication relay post between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan (also known as Fort Cavagnari) in the Sulaiman Range of the NWFP. Since Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan were not in a visual line of sight due to geographical attributes a midway heliograph communication post was built at Saragarhi. Heliography is a communication technique used by reflecting sunlight with a mirror and transmitting it via [Morse] coded messages. Saragarhi was vital in ensuring the survival of these two forts and the defence of the region. Saragarhi consisted of a small block house with loop-holed ramparts and a signaling tower. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

1897: a Pashtun uprising

Between August and September that year [1897], a general uprising of Pashtuns took place, wherein they attacked Fort Gulistan, which was repulsed. On September 12, an estimated 10000 strong force of Pashtun tribesmen attacked Fort Saragarhi.‘‘Hindustan Times ‘‘

September 12, 1897

On that fateful morning when Havildar Ishar Singh (the detachment commander) peered through his binoculars from the watch tower of his post, he saw columns upon columns and rows upon rows of Pathans. Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, the detachment signaler, went up the signaling tower to set up his heliograph and began signaling to Fort Lockhart about their predicament: "ENEMY APPROACHING THE MAIN GATE...NEED REINFORCEMENT". (Australian Sikh Heritage)

Despite repeated communications sent to Fort Lockhart for reinforcements, none arrived. There were attempts to break open the gate but they were unsuccessful. Later, one of the walls was breached. What followed thereafter is considered by many as one of the fiercest hand-to-hand combat.‘‘Hindustan Times ‘‘

It is also said that once the Afghans had breached the walls of the fort, platoon leader Havildar Ishar Singh asked his team members to retreat further inside the fort and took two of his best soldiers to face the Afghans face-to-face. (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

Lt Col Haughton, Commanding Officer of the 36th Sikhs, attempted to rush his troops to assist the outnumbered Sikhs however it was too late. The Pathans had systematically cut-off the supply route between Fort Lockhart and Saragarhi. Fort Lockhart transmitted back: "UNABLE TO BREAKTHROUGH...HOLD POSITION". (Australian Sikh Heritage)

As he watched from Fort Lockhart, Haughton counted at least 14 enemy standards (each representing 1,000 tribesmen) facing the 21 Sikh soldiers. Sepoy Gurmukh Singh passed on this message to Havildar Ishar Singh. As he assessed the grim situation facing him and his men, Havildar Ishar Singh called upon his men to seek their consultation on whether to hold the fort or abandon their post in the hope of surviving. The Sikhs unanimously agreed to hold the position. Saragarhi flashed back: "UNDERSTOOD". (Australian Sikh Heritage)

A devout Sikh and fatherly figure to his unit, the troops under Havildar Ishar Singh’s command knew full well the ability of this NWFP veteran. Havildar Ishar Singh understood this terrain very well, especially the character and fighting ability of the Pathans. As the Pathans moved to begin their attack, one of the Sepoys sounded the bugle as per Havildar Ishar Singh's command and the Sikhs formed two lines abreast, one row in a squatting firing position and the other standing. Havildar Ishar Singh held his order to fire until the enemy closed in within 250m from his post. The .303 calibre was deadly and effective at this range, coupled with the grouping shots formed by the line abreast formation. The first line of the Pathan advance was completely decimated. However, there was no time to reflect upon their success. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

News of the event shot around the world as demonstrated by this article (one of many) in this Australian newspaper. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

The Pathans planned for a massive assault on all flanks - a multi-pronged attack designed to divide the outnumbered Sikhs into much smaller groups. The tribesmen attacked in two formations, one towards the main gate and the other towards the gap at the fort. Undeterred, Havildar Ishar Singh yelled their regiment battle cry together with his troops "JO BOLEY SO NIHAAL! SAT SRI AKAAL!" Whoever utters the following phrase shall be fulfilled! True is the timeless being! The tribesmen's attack was repulsed once again by the Sikhs. At this stage some tribesmen had fallen just yards away from the Sikh position. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

The Sikh soldiers' ranks and ammunitions were now beginning to dwindle. Out of the full strength of 21 soldiers at the start of the battle, there now were 10. The battle had gone on from 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs with the Sikhs having fought off seven charges by the tribesmen. The ever inspiring Havildar Ishar Singh was still leading his men despite being gravely injured by bullets and sabre slashes. At 1400 hrs, Sepoy Gurmukh Singh signaled Fort Lockhart Battalion HQ: "LOW ON AMMO...NEED AMMO...URGENTLY". Lt Col Haughton attempted to send his personal orderly to try and pass the ammunition to the trapped Sikhs, but again to no avail. As the Pathans attacked again, the Sikhs with less than 10 men put up a stiff resistance and managed to repel the attack once again. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

The tribesmen resorted to a traditional tactic. They set fire to the bushes and scrubs around Fort Saragarhi. Clouds of smoke blanketed the fort, making it impossible for the Sikhs to see the enemy. Soldiers at Fort Lockhart could clearly see the approach of the tribesmen due to their elevated position above Saragarhi. Lt Col Haughton frantically signaled Saragarhi: "ENEMY APPROCHING…THE BREACH". Havildar Ishar Singh was severely injured by this time and ordered the remaining Sikhs to fall back into the inner wall. He then ordered two Sepoys to drag him towards the breach to buy some time for his men. Out of ammunition all three of them fixed their bayonets and charged the tribesmen. With this act Havildar Ishar Singh provided the final lesson of true leadership to his men. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

Even after a hefty number of soldiers in the Pashutan army, after approximately 9-12 hours [?], there were still 10 Sikh solders left, fighting bravely with heart and soul!! (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

By the time the tribesmen breached the fort, only five Sikhs remained alive. Four in the inner building and Sepoy Gurmukh Singh at the signaling tower. The Sikhs did not give up. Instead they formed an all-round defensive position with their backs against each other and their bayonets pointing outwards. In this remarkable display of bravery four more Sikhs fought hand to hand inside the fort. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

At 1530 hrs Sepoy Gurmukh Singh transmitted: "MAIN GATE BREACHED...DOWN TO ONE...REQUEST PERMISSION TO DISMOUNT AND JOIN THE FIGHT". Orders came back: "PERMISSION GRANTED". Sepoy Gurmukh Singh disassembled his heliograph device, picked up his rifle and came down the signaling tower to join the fight. Soldiers at Fort Lockhart saw him disappear into the thick of battle right into the tribesmen line. His last words echoed "JO BOLEY SO NIHAAL! SAT SRI AKAAL!" Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, the youngest of the Sikhs at 19 years old was credited to have taken down 20 tribesmen single-handedly before succumbing. He was the last to fall at Saragarhi. (Australian Sikh Heritage)

What was the Tirah Campaign?

After the fall of Saragarhi, forts Lockhart and Gulistan continued their defence until reinforcements could arrive from Hangu to clear the tribesmen. The Kohat Field Force of just over 34,000 men under General Yeatman-Biggs undertook the Tirah campaign, one of retribution, days later in response to the Pathan attacks. The 36th Sikhs took part in the campaign, alongside English units, but were mainly used as an advanced guard or in a recce role. The campaign ended with the submission of the tribes. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

The final result

At the end of it, all twenty-one Sikh soldiers were killed and an approximate 180 Pathans lay dead. While the Afghan tribes had claimed that they only lost a total of 180 men in the Battle of Saragarhi, it was reported that a total of 600 bodies of Afghan tribal warriors were found on the battlefield. (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News) However, in two days, the fort was recaptured by the British, after the Pathans came under heavy artillery fire. Post recapturing, as many as 600 bodies were counted.‘‘Hindustan Times ‘‘

All 21 soldiers laid down their life and held the fort for 7 hours. However, their sacrifice didn’t go in vain because their resistance at the Saragarhi Fort delayed the Afghan’s advancing to the Fort Gulistan and gave the time for reinforcements to reach. (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

The 21 Sikh [soldiers’ sacrifice gave] Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan enough time to prepare. (Condé Nast Traveller)

Recognition and remembrance

Heliographed details

The only reason that the world today knows about the details of the Battle of Saragarhi is because of heliographic messages, which were communicated between the Sikh troops and Lt Col John Haughton at Fort Lockhart and Major Charles Des Voeux in Gulistan. (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

The heliographed details of the heroism of those 21 Sikh souls had been telegraphed to London by a journalist, which led every newspaper in Britain to report it on the front page. In 2017, a group of 12 senior Army officials from England visited Saragarhi memorial to pay tributes to the brave souls. For those unaware, Saragarhi memorial day is observed in Britain as well. (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

Britain appreciation

Great Britain had halted its parliament during proceedings to give a standing ovation to those 21 fallen Sikh soldiers for their courage and bravery. In fact, none other than Queen Victoria herself had said at the time: “It is no exaggeration to record that the armies which possess the valiant Sikhs cannot face defeat in war. 21 vs 10,000.” (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

For a long while it was perhaps difficult to mark Saragarhi’s battle honour day in Britain because the regiment became an Indian one. But having launched his book Saragarhi: The Forgotten Battle at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2013, Parvesh Sharma worked hard to ensure we continue to mark the occasion. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

The Saragarhi Day of the Indian Army

Saragarhi Day, is a military commemoration day celebrated on 12 September every year to commemorate The Battle of Saragarhi. Sikh military personnel and Sikh non-military people commemorate the battle around the World every year on 12 September. All units of the Sikh Regiment celebrate Saragarhi Day every year as the Regimental Battle Honours Day. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

UNESCO

This death-or-glory tale is recorded in the collection of list of “8 stories of collective bravery in the history of mankind” assembled by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

Gurudwara Saragarhi memorial, Ferozepur

Gurudwara Saragarhi stands in Amritsar marking the brave sacrifices of the 21 Sikhs. The Gurdwara is located near to the Golden Temple. The names of the 21 Sikhs are engraved onto the walls of the temple. This location is relatively unknown and most people pass it by. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

The Gurudwara, named Saragarhi memorial, in Ferozepur today stands as a protected monument and is a tribute to those Sikh soldiers who sacrificed their lives. The memorial gurudwara, surrounded by half-a-dozen small and big cannons with names of the 21 brave soldiers inscribed on its walls, was built by the army with stones from theN Saragarhi post.It was declared open in 1904 by Sir Charles Revz. Saragarhi memorial is an inspiration to many a symbol of courage and bravery. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

The weapons used by the two sides

The Sikh soldiers did have a tiny advantage. Due to the fact that they were in the British Indian Army, they did have the latest rifle, which was technologically superior – the Martini Henry rifle. It was a breech-loading rifle which weighed approximately 10 pounds and could be fitted with a 20-inch bayonet for close-quarter combat. (Shibaji Roychoudhury | Times Now News)

The Sikhs were equipped with the Martini Henry, a breech-loading rifle weighing about ten pounds that could be fitted with a 20-inch bayonet for close-quarter combat. It was the most efficient rifle of the time – robust, accurate and simple to use, and had earned a reputation as such at Rorke’s Drift during the Zulu war of 1879. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

The names of the brave twenty-one

Havildar Ishar Singh, Naik Lal Singh, Naik Chanda Singh, Lance Naik Sundar Singh, Lance Naik Ram Singh, Lance Naik Uttar Singh, Lance Naik Sahib Singh, Sepoy Hira Singh, Sepoy Daya Singh, Sepoy Jivan Singh, Sepoy Bhola Singh, Sepoy Narayan Singh, Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, Sepoy Jivan Singh, Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, Sepoy Ram Singh, Sepoy Bhagwan SingH, Sepoy Bhagwan Singh, Sepoy Buta Singh, Sepoy Jivan Singh, Sepoy Nand Singh. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)

Sepoy Gurmukh Singh

The youngest of all the soldiers, aged 19, knocked down 20 tribesmen before falling to sleep forever. The commander Havildar Ishvar Singh also laid down some 20 men hand to hand before expiring. (Parvesh Sharma | Speaking Tree)