Inderjeet S Bhatia “Prince”
bhatiainderjeet3@gmail.com
The history of humanity is marked by countless stories of courage, but few episodes shine as luminously as the sacrifices of the four sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Reverently remembered as the “Chaar Sahibzaade”, Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, and the younger Sahibzaade, “Baba Zorawar Singh Ji” and “Baba Fateh Singh Ji,” occupy a unique place in the annals of moral courage, youthful heroism, and unwavering faith. Their martyrdom is not merely a Sikh narrative; it is a universal chronicle of standing for righteousness even in the face of impossible odds.
A Legacy Rooted In Spiritual Resolve
Guru Gobind Singh Ji envisioned a human society based on equality, justice, and fearlessness. In 1699, when he created the Khalsa, he gave the world an order of saint-soldiers who would protect the oppressed and stand firmly against tyranny. His four sons-raised in this atmosphere of discipline, devotion, and valour-imbibed the principles of the Khalsa from their earliest years. Their upbringing was not marked by privilege, but by responsibility. From childhood, they trained in martial arts, studied scriptures, and cultivated spiritual strength. Their sacrifices would become the foundation stones of Sikh identity, inspiring generations to choose moral courage over compromise.
The Martyrdom Of Elder Sahibzaade
The turn of the 18th century was a time of intense persecution for the Sikhs. Mughal forces, in alliance with hill chieftains, sought to eliminate the growing influence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In December 1704 (or 1705 by some historical accounts).When Guru Gobind Singh Ji along with a small band of Sikhs found themselves besieged in the fortress of Chamkaur, here, the two elder Sahibzaade-Baba Ajit Singh Ji, around 18 years of age , and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, around 14 ,-etched their names permanently into history.
As the Mughal army, numbering in the tens of thousands, closed in on December 22nd of 1704, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons volunteered to face them, upholding the Khalsa code of defending righteousness. Baba Ajit Singh Ji was the first to step forward. With his father’s permission and blessings, he led a small contingent of Sikhs into battle, displaying remarkable bravery and strategic skill. Though heavily outnumbered, Baba Ajit Singh Ji fought valiantly until he achieved martyrdom.
Moments later, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, still in the early years of adolescence, asked for permission to follow his elder brother’s path. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, though a father, remained a spiritual guide first. With a steady heart, he blessed his young son. Baba Jujhar Singh Ji led another small group of Sikhs into the battlefield, fighting with astonishing courage. Eyewitnesses described him as resembling a seasoned warrior, despite his youth. He, too, attained martyrdom at Chamkaur, refusing to retreat or surrender.
Their sacrifices on 22nd of December, 1704, were not only heroic but symbolic: the message was clear-age is no barrier to courage, and righteousness demands both faith and action.
Innocence confronts tyranny
After being separated, Mata Gujri Ji and the two younger Sahibzaade came under the care of Gangu, an old servant of the Guru’s household. Pretending to help them, Gangu took them to his home in village Kheri. But driven by greed for wealth he imagined they carried, he betrayed them. Gangu informed the authorities of SIRHIND, hoping for a reward.
Soon, officials of the Suba of Sirhind arrived and arrested Mata Gujri Ji and the two young Sahibzaade on 23rd of December. They were taken to the Fort of Sirhind, placed under the custody of the cruel Nawab Wazir Khan.
The old grandmother of Chhotte Sahibzaade, Mata Gujri Ji, too was held captive and they all were made to spend nights in the freezing cold “Thanda Burz” of Sirhind, in the month of December. Though this “Thanda Burz” was used as a summer retreat by officials of Nawab, it was extremely uncomfortable in the freezing winters of December especially for elderly Mata Gujri Ji and the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
This episode stands as one of the most profound sacrifices in Sikh history, symbolizing unshakable faith, courage, and commitment to righteousness-even by children.
Now ,when the elder Sahibzaade fought on the battlefield of Chamkaur sahib and attained martyrdom, the Mughal governor, Wazir Khan of Sirhind attempted to force “Chhotte Sahibzaade” to renounce their faith and embrace Islam.
What unfolded at Sirhind remains one of the most poignant episodes in world history. The young boys, firm in their spiritual convictions, refused every threat and every inducement. They were told they would be granted royal comforts, authority, and safety if they abandoned the path of the Khalsa. Instead, they responded with calm dignity, declaring that they would never forsake the teachings of their father or the principles of Sikhism.
According to Historians, the two younger Sahibzaade were brought to the court of Wazir Khan for the 1st time on 24th December 1704 .They were offered a safe and comfortable life if they agreed to convert to Islam. However, both the princes refused the offer calmly showing no fear.At this ,a courtier, Suchanand abused them and asked Nawab Wazir Khan to show no mercy saying that the children of a snake are always venomous.
Both the young princes were again brought to the court on 25th of December 1704, The various methods adopted by the men of NAWAB to pressure Chhotte Sahibzaade to convert failed as nothing could shake the determination and faith of the Chhotte Sahibzaade.
A furious and enraged Wazir Khan ordered their execution by bricking them alive in a wall on the very next day.At this, Nawab of Malerkotla, who was present in the court opposed this cruel punishment by Wazir Khan but in vain.
It was the saddest part of the Indian history on December 26th, 1704 when the two younger sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji were bricked alive in Sirhind on the orders of Mughal Nawab Wazir Khan.
As the wall slowly rose around them, the children remained steady, recitingGurbaani and Prayers. The cruelty reached its end when the wall collapsed, unable to stand structurally on and the princes ,who were still alive but unconscious, were executed thereafter
Their grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji, hearing of their fate while held in freezing custody at ” Thanda Burz”, too left this world shortly thereafter.
Thus, the youngest martyrs, the “Chhotte Sahibzaade” ever recorded in world history shed their blood not on a battlefield but in a court of tyranny, demonstrating that spiritual resolve can be mightier than physical force.
The Sacrifices That Transcends Time
The martyrdom of the” Chaar Sahibzaade “is not a mere historical event. It is a defining moment in the narrative of human rights, resistance to oppression, and the triumph of conscience. Their sacrifices strengthened the Sikh struggle for justice and ensured that the flame of the Khalsa ideology would burn brightly through the centuries.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, despite enduring personal loss, remained steadfast. His response reflected unparalleled spiritual strength. He declared:
“IN PUTTRAN KE SEES PAR,
VAAR DIYYE SUTT CHAAR,
CHAAR MUYEE TO KYA HUA,
JEEVAT KAI HAZAAR!”
( I have sacrificed my four sons. So what if my four sons are dead, the thousands of Khalsa are alive and are my sons )
With this, he transformed personal tragedy into collective purpose.
Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib Ji stands at the site of martyrdom of Chhotte Sahibzaade, whereas Gurudwara Jyoti Sarup ji marks the place where funeral of these princes were performed by Dewan Todar Mal ji, a wealthy trader of Sirhind who sacrificed his all material possessions and wealth just to acquire a small piece of land from Wazir Khan ,required for the funeral of Chhotte Sahibzaade in Sirhind.
A Message For Modern Times
Today, in a world confronted by injustice, intolerance, and moral dilemmas, the story of the Chaar Sahibzaade offers a guiding light. Their lives remind us that:
Courage is not defined by age, size, or circumstance.
Standing for truth requires sacrifice-but sacrifice gives birth to transformation.
Faith and conviction, when pure, cannot be coerced.
Righteousness often demands the strength to withstand loneliness and adversity.
Their martyrdom remains a universal lesson: when freedom, dignity, and righteousness are at stake, even the youngest hearts can display the greatest bravery.
An eternal legacy
Three centuries later, the legacy of the Chaar Sahibzaade continues to inspire millions. Their stories are told in homes, schools, gurdwaras, and institutions around the world. Monuments and memorials honour their sacrifice, but the truest memorial is the enduring spirit of fearlessness they instilled in the Sikh community.
In remembering them, society pays tribute not just to four extraordinary children but to an idea-that truth is worth defending, whatever the cost. Waheguru ji !.
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