Date: 12 September 1897
Location: Saragarhi, North-West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan)
Forces Involved:
Britis
h Indian Army: 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment
Opposing Forces: Over 10,000 Afghan Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen
---
Introduction – A Story of Unmatched Bravery
The Battle of Saragarhi is one of the most iconic last stands in military history. On 12 September 1897, 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment defended the small communication post of Saragarhi against an onslaught of over 10,000 Afghan tribesmen. Outnumbered nearly 500 to 1, these soldiers fought to their last breath, holding the fort until every single man fell. Their courage became a symbol of valor, sacrifice, and honor—echoing through history as one of the greatest examples of bravery in the face of impossible odds.
---
Background – Why Saragarhi Was Important
Saragarhi was a small signaling post located between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the rugged North-West Frontier Province (modern-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan). The area was strategically crucial during the Tirah Campaign, as it allowed heliograph communication (a mirror-based signaling system) between the two forts.
In 1897, tensions between the British Empire and the fiercely independent Afghan tribes were at their peak. The Orakzai and Afridi tribes, known for their fierce resistance, launched coordinated attacks to capture the forts and cut off British communication lines. Saragarhi, being the link between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, became the first target.
---
The Sikh Soldiers – 21 Against an Army
The fort was manned by 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment under the command of Havildar Ishar Singh. The names of these warriors are forever etched in history:
1. Havildar Ishar Singh (Post Commander)
2. Naik Lal Singh
3. Lance Naik Chanda Singh
4. Sepoy Sundar Singh
5. Sepoy Ram Singh
6. Sepoy Uttar Singh
7. Sepoy Sahib Singh
8. Sepoy Hira Singh
9. Sepoy Daya Singh
10. Sepoy Jivan Singh
11. Sepoy Bhola Singh
12. Sepoy Narayan Singh
13. Sepoy Gurmukh Singh (Signalman)
14. Sepoy Jivan Singh
15. Sepoy Bhagwan Singh
16. Sepoy Khazan Singh
17. Sepoy Hukam Singh
18. Sepoy Mahan Singh
19. Sepoy Lal Singh
20. Sepoy Dhan Singh (Cook)
21. Sepoy Ratan Singh
Their orders were simple yet grave—hold the post at any cost.
---
The Attack – 12 September 1897
At 9:00 AM, scouts reported dust clouds rising in the distance. Soon, the enemy came into view—thousands of Afghan tribesmen armed with rifles, swords, and sheer determination to storm the fort. The first wave of attacks was repelled by disciplined rifle fire from the Sikhs.
The Afghans then tried to set fire to the surrounding grass to create a smoke screen, but the defenders continued firing accurately. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Sikh soldiers maintained their positions, refusing to retreat or surrender.
---
The Turning Point – Breaching the Walls
By midday, after hours of relentless fighting, the Afghans managed to breach a portion of the wall. The Sikhs fought hand-to-hand, using bayonets and swords when ammunition ran low. Havildar Ishar Singh, already wounded, is said to have charged into the enemy with his sword, cutting down foes before being overpowered.
Inside the fort, Signalman Gurmukh Singh remained at his heliograph station, sending updates to Fort Lockhart about the situation. His final message reportedly read:
> “The enemy is inside… last man, last round.”
---
The Last Stand
One by one, the defenders fell. By the afternoon, only Gurmukh Singh was left, manning his post despite the fort being engulfed in flames. Witnesses from Fort Lockhart later recalled seeing him fire his rifle repeatedly until he, too, was overwhelmed.
All 21 soldiers were killed, but they took an estimated 600 enemy fighters down with them—a staggering number given their odds.
---
Aftermath and Legacy
The fall of Saragarhi delayed the Afghan advance long enough for reinforcements to arrive at Fort Gulistan. The courage of the 21 Sikhs was recognized throughout the British Empire. In an unprecedented honor, all 21 soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest award for gallantry at the time (equivalent to today’s Param Vir Chakra).
---
Saragarhi Day – Remembering the Heroes
Saragarhi Day is observed every year on 12 September by the Indian Army, particularly the Sikh Regiment, to honor the memory of these brave warriors. The story is also taught in military academies worldwide as an example of discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice.
---
Cultural Impact
The tale of Saragarhi has inspired books, documentaries, and films. The most famous cinematic adaptation is "Kesari" (2019) starring Akshay Kumar, which dramatized the events and brought the story to a global audience. The battle is often compared to other legendary last stands, such as The Battle of Thermopylae.
---
Why the Battle of Saragarhi Still Matters
More than 125 years later, the Battle of Saragarhi remains a source of pride not just for Sikhs but for all Indians. It exemplifies how a small group of committed soldiers can change the course of events through sheer bravery and determination. It’s a reminder that honor and duty often outweigh the fear of death.
---
Conclusion – Immortality Through Sacrifice
The 21 soldiers of Saragarhi knew they were walking into certain death, yet they stood their ground. Their stand delayed the enemy, safeguarded their comrades, and etched their names in history. Today, their story resonates as a beacon of courage, inspiring generations of soldiers and civilians alike.
---
Battle of Saragarhi, 12 September 1897, Saragarhi Day, Sikh Regiment, 36th Sikh, Havildar Ishar Singh, last stand battles, Indian military history, bravery in battle, Saragarhi fort, Afghan tribesmen attack.
---
Comments
Post a Comment