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{{Other uses|Ajit Singh (disambiguation){{!}}Ajit Singh}}{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Short description|Son of Guru Gobind Singh}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2007}}{{Infobox religious biography
{{More citations needed|date=August 2007}}
| religion          = Sikhism
{{Infobox religious biography
| religion          = [[Sikhism]]
| name              = Ajit Singh
| name              = Ajit Singh
| honorific prefix  = Sahibzada Baba
| honorific prefix  = [[Sahibzada]]<br>[[Baba (honorific)|Baba]]
| birth_place        = [[Paonta Sahib]], Himachal Pradesh
| birth_place        = [[Paonta Sahib]], Himachal Pradesh
| death_date        = December 23, 1704 (aged 17)
| death_date        = {{Death date and age|df=y|1704|12|07|1687|02|11}}
| birth_date        = 11 February 1687
| birth_date        = {{birth date|1687|02|11|df=y}}
| father            = [[Guru Gobind Singh]]
| father            = [[Guru Gobind Singh]]
| mother            = [[Mata Sundari]]
| mother            = [[Mata Sundari]]<ref name="The encyclopaedia of Sikhism">{{Cite book |title=The encyclopaedia of Sikhism |date=1992–1998 |publisher=Punjabi University |others=Harbans Singh |isbn=0-8364-2883-8 |volume=1 |location=Patiala |pages=33–34 |oclc=29703420 |quote=AJIT SINGH, SAHIBZADA (1687-1705), the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh, was born to Mata Sundari at Paonta on 26 January 1687.}}</ref><ref name="Raju 1999 57">{{Cite book |last=Raju |first=Karam Singh |title=Guru Gobind Singh: Prophet of Peace |publisher=Sanbun Publishers |year=1999 |isbn=9789380213644 |page=57}}</ref>
| death_cause        = [[killed in battle
| death_cause        = [[Killed in Action]]
| known_for          = [[Battle of Chamkaur]]
| known_for          = [[Battle of Chamkaur]]
| image              = Vaade Sahibzada Ajit Singh.jpg
| image              = Detail of Sahibzada Ajit Singh from a mural depicting Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons (the Sahibzadas) located within Takht Hazur Sahib.jpg
| caption            = [[Fresco]] art depiction of Ajit Singh
| caption            = Detail of Sahibzada Ajit Singh from a mural depicting Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons (the Sahibzadas) located within Takht Hazur Sahib
| native_name        = ਅਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦਾ
| native_name        = ਅਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦਾ
| native_name_lang  = pa
| native_name_lang  = pa
| native name lang  = pa
| native name lang  = pa
| honorific suffix  = Ji
| honorific suffix  = [[-ji|Ji]]
| title              = Sahibzada
| title              = Sahibzada
| relatives          = [[Jujhar Singh]] (half-brother)
| relatives          = [[Jujhar Singh]] (half-brother)
Line 23: Line 25:
[[Fateh Singh (Sikhism)|Fateh Singh]] (half-brother)
[[Fateh Singh (Sikhism)|Fateh Singh]] (half-brother)
}}
}}
'''Ajit Singh''' ([[Gurmukhi]]: ਅਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ; 11 February 1687 –23 December 1704), also referred to with honorifics as '''Sahibzada Ajit Singh''' or '''Baba Ajit Singh''', was the eldest son of [[Guru Gobind Singh]] and the son of [[Mata Sundari]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/29703420 |title=The encyclopaedia of Sikhism |date=1992-1998 |publisher=Punjabi University |others=Harbans Singh |isbn=0-8364-2883-8 |volume=1 |location=Patiala |pages=33–34 |oclc=29703420 |quote=AJIT SINGH, SAHIBZADA (1687-1705), the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh, was born to Mata Sundari at Paonta on 26 January 1687.}}</ref> His younger brothers were [[Sahibzada Jujhar Singh|Jujhar Singh]], [[Sahibzada Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]] and [[Sahibzada Fateh Singh|Fateh Singh]]. He was martyred in battle during the Second [[Battle of Chamkaur]] along with his brother [[Sahibzada Jujhar Singh|Jujhar Singh]]. His other two brothers, [[Zorawar Singh (Sikhism)|Zorawar Singh]] and [[Sahibzada Fateh Singh|Fateh Singh]], nine and seven years old, respectively, were bricked alive at [[Fatehgarh Sahib]] on order of [[Wazir Khan (Sirhind)|Wazir Khan]], governor of [[Sirhind-Fategarh]].<ref name="eos">{{cite web |url=http://www.learnpunjabi.org/eos/index.aspx
 
|title=AJIT SIHGH, SAHIBZADA (1687-1704) |last1=Ashok |first=Shamsher Singh
'''Ajit Singh''' ({{langx|pa|ਅਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ}}, pronunciation: {{IPA|pa|äːd͡ʒiːt sɪ́ŋgᵊ|}}; 11 February 1687 – 7 December 1704), also referred to with honorifics as '''Sahibzada Ajit Singh''' or '''Baba Ajit Singh''', was the eldest son of [[Guru Gobind Singh]] and the son of [[Mata Sundari]].<ref name="The encyclopaedia of Sikhism">{{Cite book |title=The encyclopaedia of Sikhism |date=1992–1998 |publisher=Punjabi University |others=Harbans Singh |isbn=0-8364-2883-8 |volume=1 |location=Patiala |pages=33–34 |oclc=29703420 |quote=AJIT SINGH, SAHIBZADA (1687-1705), the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh, was born to Mata Sundari at Paonta on 26 January 1687.}}</ref> His younger brothers were [[Sahibzada Jujhar Singh|Jujhar Singh]], [[Sahibzada Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]] and [[Fateh Singh (Sikhism)|Fateh Singh]], but they had been born to Mata Jito.<ref name="Raju 1999 57">{{Cite book |last=Raju |first=Karam Singh |title=Guru Gobind Singh: Prophet of Peace |publisher=Sanbun Publishers |year=1999 |isbn=9789380213644 |page=57}}</ref> He was killed in the Second [[Battle of Chamkaur]] along with his brother [[Sahibzada Jujhar Singh|Jujhar Singh]]. His other two brothers, [[Zorawar Singh (Sikhism)|Zorawar Singh]] and [[Sahibzada Fateh Singh|Fateh Singh]], nine and seven years old, respectively, were bricked alive at [[Fatehgarh Sahib]] on order of [[Wazir Khan (Sirhind)|Wazir Khan]], governor of [[Sirhind-Fategarh]].<ref name="eos">{{cite web |url=http://www.learnpunjabi.org/eos/index.aspx |title=AJIT SIHGH, SAHIBZADA (1687-1704) |last1=Ashok |first1=Shamsher Singh |website=Encyclopaedia of Sikhism |publisher=Punjabi University Punjabi}}</ref>
|website=Encyclopaedia of Sikhism
|publisher=Punjabi University Punjabi
}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Ajit Singh was born to [[Mata Sundari]] and [[Guru Gobind Singh]] at [[Paonta Sahib]] on 11 February 1687.<ref name="eos"/> He was brought up in [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]], where his education included religious texts, history, and philosophy. He received training from Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita) in riding and the martial arts of swordsmanship and archery.
Ajit Singh was born to [[Mata Sundari]] and [[Guru Gobind Singh]] at [[Paonta Sahib]] on 11 February 1687.<ref name="eos"/> He was brought up in [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]], where his education included religious texts, history, and philosophy. He received training from Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita) in riding and the martial arts of swordsmanship and archery.{{fact|date=August 2025}}


=== The Ranghars of Nuh ===
=== The Ranghars of Nuh ===
He was given his first military assignment when barely 12 years old. A [[Muslim]] tribe, the Rangers of prophet Noh, had attacked and looted a Sikh ''Sangat'' (congregation) coming from the [[Pothohar]] region of northwest [[Punjab (region)|Punjab]]. Guru Gobind Singh sent Ajit Singh in command of 100 men to the village, which was a short distance from Anandpur across the River [[Satluj]]. Ajit Singh reached the village on 23 May 1699, recovered the looted property, and punished the offenders.<ref name="eos"/>
He was given his first military assignment when barely 12 years old. A [[Muslim]] tribe, the [[Ranghar]]s of prophet Noh, had attacked and looted a Sikh ''Sangat'' (congregation) coming from the [[Pothohar]] region of northwest [[Punjab (region)|Punjab]]. Guru Gobind Singh sent Ajit Singh in command of 100 men to the village, which was a short distance from Anandpur across the River [[Satluj]]. Ajit Singh reached the village on 23 May 1699, recovered the looted property, and punished the offenders.<ref name="eos"/>


=== Anandpur and Nirmohgarh ===
=== Anandpur and Nirmohgarh ===
In 1700 Anandpur was attacked by hill chiefs assisted by troops provided by the Mughal [[faujdar]] of [[Sirhind]]. Guru Gobind Singh had erected five [[Qila]] (forts) on the outskirts of the city. Ajit Singh, assisted by Bhai Udai Singh, a seasoned soldier, was put in charge of the defense of the Qila Taragarh Sahib. On 29 August the hill chiefs made the fort the target for their first attack, which was successfully repulsed. For four days the chiefs attacked the fortresses around the citadel, without success.<ref name="eos"/>
In 1700 Anandpur was attacked by hill chiefs assisted by troops provided by the Mughal [[faujdar]] of [[Sirhind]]. Guru Gobind Singh had erected five [[Qila]] (forts) on the outskirts of the city. Ajit Singh, assisted by Bhai Udai Singh, a seasoned soldier, was put in charge of the defense of the Qila Taragarh Sahib. On 29 August in the [[Battle of Taragarh]] the hill chiefs made the fort the target for their first attack, which was successfully repulsed. For four days the chiefs attacked the fortresses around the citadel, without success.<ref name="eos"/>


On 15 March 1701, a Sikh Sangat coming from the Darap area (near [[Sialkot]]) was waylaid by [[Gujjars]] and Rangers. Ajit Singh led a successful expedition against them.
On 15 March 1701, a Sikh Sangat coming from the Darap area (near [[Sialkot]]) was waylaid by [[Gujjars]] and Rangers. Ajit Singh led a successful expedition against them.{{fact|date=August 2025}}


In 1702, Ajit Singh along with the Sikh army defeated the Mughals in the [[Battle of Nirmohgarh (1702)]] and later in the [[Battle of Basoli]].
In 1702, Ajit Singh along with the Sikh army defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Nirmohgarh (1702) and later in the [[Battle of Basoli]].


=== Restoring a Brahmin's wife ===
=== Restoring a Brahmin's wife ===
[[File:Guru Gobind Singh with His Four Sons.jpg|thumb|Guru Gobind Singh (right) with his four sons]]
[[File:Guru Gobind Singh with His Four Sons.jpg|thumb|Guru Gobind Singh (right) with his four sons]]
In March 1703, Dewki Das, a Brahmin came to Anandpur and requested the Guru to help him in getting back his wife whom Chowdhry Jabar Khan, the chief of Dera Bassi, had taken away forcibly; the Guru asked Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Bhai Udey Singh to help the Brahmin. On 7 March 1703, both of them, joined by about one hundred Sikhs, went to Bassi Kalan; they put siege to the village and sent a message to Jabar Khan to return the Brahmin's wife; but Jabar Khan, instead of returning the Brahmin's wife, asked his soldiers to attack the Sikhs; it was followed by a full-fledged battle, in which Jabar Khan was killed; the Brahmin's wife was restored to him. When this news reached the people, they praised the Sikhs for their role.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Sikh_Reference_Book/mRpuAAAAMAAJ|title=The Sikh Reference Book|author=Harajindara Siṅgha Dilagīra|publisher=Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark |year=1997|isbn=9788190065023|page=133}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Sikhs_in_History/PWUwAQAAIAAJ|title=Dictionary of Battles and Sieges|author=Sangat Singh|publisher=Uncommon Books |year=2001|isbn=9788190065023|page=75}}</ref>
In March 1703, Dewki Das, a Brahmin came to Anandpur and requested the Guru to help him in getting back his wife whom Chowdhry Jabar Khan, the chief of Dera Bassi, had taken away forcibly; the Guru asked Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Bhai Udey Singh to help the Brahmin. On 7 March 1703, both of them, joined by about one hundred Sikhs, went to Bassi Kalan; they put siege to the village and sent a message to Jabar Khan to return the Brahmin's wife; but Jabar Khan, instead of returning the Brahmin's wife, asked his soldiers to attack the Sikhs; it was followed by a full-fledged battle, in which Jabar Khan was killed; the Brahmin's wife was restored to him. When this news reached the people, they praised the Sikhs for their role.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mRpuAAAAMAAJ|title=The Sikh Reference Book|author=Harajindara Siṅgha Dilagīra|publisher=Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark |year=1997|isbn=9788190065023|page=133}}</ref>
 
<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PWUwAQAAIAAJ|title=Dictionary of Battles and Sieges|author=Sangat Singh|publisher=Uncommon Books |year=2001|isbn=9788190065023|page=75}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=November 2023}}


==Second Battle of Chamkaur==
==Second Battle of Chamkaur==
{{Main articles|Second Battle of Chamkaur (1704)}}
{{Main|Second Battle of Chamkaur (1704)}}
When Mughal forces besieged Anandpur in 1704, during which a long stalemate occurred, the Mughal [[faujdar]] gave his assurances that he only wanted the fort of Anandpur and would let the population of the town go unharmed. Anandpur was vacated on the night of 5th and 6 December 1704. Ajit Singh was given the command of the rearguard. As the besiegers, violating their solemn promises, attacked the column, he stoutly engaged them on a hill-feature called ''Shahi Tibbi'' until he was relieved by Udai Singh. Ajit Singh crossed the Sirsa rivulet, then in spate, along with his father, younger brother, Jujhar Singh, and some others. Further reduced in numbers by casualties at the hands of pursuing troops from [[Ropar]], the column reached Kotla Nihanga and then proceeded to [[Chamkaur]] on the night between 6th and 7 December 1704. There they rested for some hours in the fortress of Budhi Chand Rawat.<ref>Harjinder Singh Dilgeer, Sikh History in 10 Volumes, vol. 1</ref> But, in the afternoon the Muslim soldiers from [[Malerkotla]] and Sirhind reached there, surrounded the fortress, and threw a tight ring around it. The Sikhs too took up position. An unequal but grim battle started. The Sikhs had exhausted the meagre stock of ammunitions and arrows, hence they made sallies in batches of five each to engage the encircling host, of the much larger army, with sword and spear. There were only 40 Sikhs.
After leaving [[Anandpur Sahib]], [[Guru Gobind Singh]] and his Sikhs faced a desperate situation. They were surrounded by enemies—Mughal forces behind them and the hill chiefs who had betrayed them on their left. The Guru and his followers kept moving towards [[Chamkaur]], but the Mughal army was fast approaching. Realizing the danger, the Guru halted near Chamkaur and sent two Sikhs into the village to find a safe place to stay. They found a small, two-story mud house with a large open courtyard. The house had two owners, and one of them offered his portion for shelter. Without delay, [[Guru Gobind Singh]] and his men quickly entered the house on the evening of 21 December 1704, just before the enemy could reach them. By the next morning, 22 December, the Mughals had completely surrounded the house. [[Guru Gobind Singh]] divided his men into three groups—one was assigned to guard the main entrance, another took positions in the upper story to observe enemy movements, and the rest defended the surrounding walls to prevent the enemy from climbing over.<ref name="Singh2004">{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Khushwant|title=A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MD9uAAAAMAAJ|access-date=1 April 2011|edition=2nd|date=11 October 2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-567308-1|page=87-88}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last=Gupta |first=Hari|title=History of the Sikhs Vol I The Sikh Gurus, 1469-1708|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd. |page=293-296|year=2008 |isbn=978--81-215-0276-4}}</ref>


Ajit Singh led one of the sallies and laid down his life fighting in the thick of the battle. Gurdwara Katalgarh now marks the spot where he fell, followed by [[Jujhar Singh]] who led the next sally. Their bodies and the bodies of the other martyr Sikhs were cremated by [[Bibi Sharan Kaur Pabla|Sharan Kaur Pabla]]. An annual fair known as Shaheedi Jor Mela is held to remark their martyrdoms in December - January.
Before attacking, the Mughal commanders sent a messenger to persuade the Guru to surrender. They warned him that he was not fighting weak and disorganized hill chiefs anymore but the mighty Mughal Empire, ruled by Aurangzeb, who was known as "the king of kings" and "the protector of the world." They demanded that Guru Gobind Singh stop fighting, submit to [[Aurangzeb]], and convert to Islam. When the messenger delivered this message, Ajit Singh, could not tolerate the insult. He immediately drew his sword and warned the messenger that if he spoke another word, he would cut him into pieces. Enraged, the messenger returned to the Mughal camp with this defiant reply.<ref name="Singh2004"/><ref name=":8"/>
[[File:Diorama sculptural monument of Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Tega Singh Ji, Chand Purana, Bagha Purana tehsil, Moga district, Punjab, India, April 2023 02.jpg|thumb|Diorama sculptural monument of Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh firing an arrow at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Tega Singh Ji, Chand Purana, Bagha Purana tehsil, Moga district, Punjab, India, April 2023 02.jpg]]
Soon after, the battle began. The Sikhs, dressed in their new uniforms prescribed by the Guru, stood firm despite being heavily outnumbered. The Mughals attacked with cannons and muskets, while the Sikhs responded with arrows and gunfire from behind the walls, windows, rooftops, and even through small gaps in the doors. The sound of gunfire and the clash of weapons filled the air as the Sikhs bravely defended themselves. The Mughal soldiers were struck down one after another, but the Sikhs also suffered heavy losses. [[Guru Gobind Singh]] later described the battle in a letter to [[Aurangzeb]], saying that his small group of warriors had fought against thousands who had broken their oaths. He personally shot an arrow at Nahar Khan, a Mughal officer, forcing him to retreat. Many other Mughal leaders also fled from the battlefield, proving that their earlier boasts were empty.<ref name="Singh2004"/><ref name=":8"/>


== Commemoration ==
As the battle raged on, Guru Gobind Singh watched his men fight to their last breath. Ajit Singh, led a charge against the enemy, cutting down many soldiers before he was eventually overwhelmed and killed. His Younger brother, [[Jujhar Singh]], who was still in his early teens, also fought bravely, refusing to back down despite facing trained soldiers. One by one, the Sikhs fell, their bodies piling up in the courtyard and around the house. The battlefield was covered in blood, with severed heads and limbs scattered like broken toys. The sun set early on that short winter day, and by nightfall, only five Sikhs remained alive with Guru Gobind Singh.<ref name="Singh2004"/><ref name=":8"/>


[[Ajitgarh]], one of the largest cities in Punjab lying adjacent to its capital [[Chandigarh]], has been named in the memory of Sahibzada Ajit Singh, [[Ajitgarh]] ('Home of Ajit'). It is located in the district of the state which is also named after him [[Mohali district|Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-13/chandigarh/31054495_1_mohali-deputy-commissioner-varun-roojam-sas-nagar | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130803152011/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-13/chandigarh/31054495_1_mohali-deputy-commissioner-varun-roojam-sas-nagar | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2013-08-03 | work = [[The Times of India]] | title = Mohali is now Ajitgarh |access-date = 2012-08-09 }}</ref>
As [[Guru Gobind Singh]] reflected on the day's sacrifices, the five surviving Sikhs made a bold decision. They declared themselves the Guru and ordered him to escape for the survival of the Khalsa. Obeying their command, he left at midnight with three Sikhs, while Sant Singh, who resembled him, stayed behind wearing the Guru’s clothes. When the enemy attacked again, they killed Sant Singh, believing him to be the Guru. This sacrifice allowed Guru Gobind Singh to escape, making the Battle of Chamkaur a symbol of Sikh bravery and resilience.<ref name="Singh2004"/><ref name=":8"/>
 
== Legacy ==
[[File:Painting of Guru Gobind Singh seated with a young adolescent, possibly his eldest son Baba Ajit Singh.jpg|thumb|Painting of Guru Gobind Singh seated with a young adolescent, possibly his eldest son Baba Ajit Singh]]
[[Mohali]], one of the largest cities in Punjab lying adjacent to its capital [[Chandigarh]], has been named as [[Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar]] in the memory of Sahibzada Ajit Singh. It is located in the district of the state which is also named after him [[Mohali district|Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Mohali-is-now-Ajitgarh/articleshow/11866205.cms | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130803152011/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-13/chandigarh/31054495_1_mohali-deputy-commissioner-varun-roojam-sas-nagar | url-status = live | archive-date = 2013-08-03 | work = [[The Times of India]] | title = Mohali is now Ajitgarh |access-date = 2012-08-09 }}</ref>
 
[[Narendra Modi|Prime Minister Narendra Modi]] has paid homage to the Chaar Sahibazde on various occasions, particularly during the celebration of their bravery and sacrifice on Veer Bal Diwas (Day of Brave Children). Veer Bal Diwas is observed in honour of the Chaar Sahibzaade, who are remembered greatly amongst Sikhs across the globe.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Veer Bal Diwas 2022: History, significance and everything you need to know |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/veer-bal-diwas-2022-history-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-2313689-2022-12-26}}</ref>
 
==Battles==
 
* [[First siege of Anandpur]]
* [[Battle of Taragarh]]
* [[Battle of Basoli]]
* Siege of Bassi Kalan
* [[First Battle of Anandpur (1704)]]
* [[Second Battle of Anandpur (1704)]]
* [[Battle of Sarsa]]
* [[Battle of Chamkaur]]


== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Jujhar Singh]]
*[[Jujhar Singh]]
*[[Sahibzada Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]]
*[[Sahibzada Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]]
*[[Sahibzada Fateh Singh|Fateh Singh]]
*[[Sahibzada Fateh Singh|Fateh Singh]]
*[[Martyrdom in Sikhism]]


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Ajit}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Ajit}}
[[Category:Indian Sikhs]]
[[Category:Punjabi Sikhs]]
[[Category:Sikh martyrs]]
[[Category:Sikh warriors killed in action]]
[[Category:Sikh warriors]]
[[Category:Family members of the Sikh gurus]]
[[Category:Family members of the Sikh gurus]]
[[Category:History of Punjab]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:1687 births]]
[[Category:1687 births]]
[[Category:1704 deaths]]
[[Category:1704 deaths]]
[[Category:17th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:18th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:Sikh martyrs]]

Latest revision as of 03:49, 22 February 2026


Sahibzada
Baba

Ajit Singh

Ji
ਅਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦਾ
Detail of Sahibzada Ajit Singh from a mural depicting Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons (the Sahibzadas) located within Takht Hazur Sahib
TitleSahibzada
Personal
Born(1687-02-11)11 February 1687
Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh
Died7 December 1704(1704-12-07) (aged 17)
Cause of deathKilled in Action
ReligionSikhism
Parents
Known forBattle of Chamkaur
RelativesJujhar Singh (half-brother)

Zorawar Singh (half-brother)

Fateh Singh (half-brother)

Ajit Singh (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., pronunciation: pa; 11 February 1687 – 7 December 1704), also referred to with honorifics as Sahibzada Ajit Singh or Baba Ajit Singh, was the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh and the son of Mata Sundari.[1] His younger brothers were Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, but they had been born to Mata Jito.[2] He was killed in the Second Battle of Chamkaur along with his brother Jujhar Singh. His other two brothers, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, nine and seven years old, respectively, were bricked alive at Fatehgarh Sahib on order of Wazir Khan, governor of Sirhind-Fategarh.[3]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Ajit Singh was born to Mata Sundari and Guru Gobind Singh at Paonta Sahib on 11 February 1687.[3] He was brought up in Anandpur, where his education included religious texts, history, and philosophy. He received training from Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita) in riding and the martial arts of swordsmanship and archery.[citation needed]

The Ranghars of Nuh[edit | edit source]

He was given his first military assignment when barely 12 years old. A Muslim tribe, the Ranghars of prophet Noh, had attacked and looted a Sikh Sangat (congregation) coming from the Pothohar region of northwest Punjab. Guru Gobind Singh sent Ajit Singh in command of 100 men to the village, which was a short distance from Anandpur across the River Satluj. Ajit Singh reached the village on 23 May 1699, recovered the looted property, and punished the offenders.[3]

Anandpur and Nirmohgarh[edit | edit source]

In 1700 Anandpur was attacked by hill chiefs assisted by troops provided by the Mughal faujdar of Sirhind. Guru Gobind Singh had erected five Qila (forts) on the outskirts of the city. Ajit Singh, assisted by Bhai Udai Singh, a seasoned soldier, was put in charge of the defense of the Qila Taragarh Sahib. On 29 August in the Battle of Taragarh the hill chiefs made the fort the target for their first attack, which was successfully repulsed. For four days the chiefs attacked the fortresses around the citadel, without success.[3]

On 15 March 1701, a Sikh Sangat coming from the Darap area (near Sialkot) was waylaid by Gujjars and Rangers. Ajit Singh led a successful expedition against them.[citation needed]

In 1702, Ajit Singh along with the Sikh army defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Nirmohgarh (1702) and later in the Battle of Basoli.

Restoring a Brahmin's wife[edit | edit source]

Guru Gobind Singh (right) with his four sons

In March 1703, Dewki Das, a Brahmin came to Anandpur and requested the Guru to help him in getting back his wife whom Chowdhry Jabar Khan, the chief of Dera Bassi, had taken away forcibly; the Guru asked Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Bhai Udey Singh to help the Brahmin. On 7 March 1703, both of them, joined by about one hundred Sikhs, went to Bassi Kalan; they put siege to the village and sent a message to Jabar Khan to return the Brahmin's wife; but Jabar Khan, instead of returning the Brahmin's wife, asked his soldiers to attack the Sikhs; it was followed by a full-fledged battle, in which Jabar Khan was killed; the Brahmin's wife was restored to him. When this news reached the people, they praised the Sikhs for their role.[4]

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Second Battle of Chamkaur[edit | edit source]

Main article: Second Battle of Chamkaur (1704)

After leaving Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh and his Sikhs faced a desperate situation. They were surrounded by enemies—Mughal forces behind them and the hill chiefs who had betrayed them on their left. The Guru and his followers kept moving towards Chamkaur, but the Mughal army was fast approaching. Realizing the danger, the Guru halted near Chamkaur and sent two Sikhs into the village to find a safe place to stay. They found a small, two-story mud house with a large open courtyard. The house had two owners, and one of them offered his portion for shelter. Without delay, Guru Gobind Singh and his men quickly entered the house on the evening of 21 December 1704, just before the enemy could reach them. By the next morning, 22 December, the Mughals had completely surrounded the house. Guru Gobind Singh divided his men into three groups—one was assigned to guard the main entrance, another took positions in the upper story to observe enemy movements, and the rest defended the surrounding walls to prevent the enemy from climbing over.[6][7]

Before attacking, the Mughal commanders sent a messenger to persuade the Guru to surrender. They warned him that he was not fighting weak and disorganized hill chiefs anymore but the mighty Mughal Empire, ruled by Aurangzeb, who was known as "the king of kings" and "the protector of the world." They demanded that Guru Gobind Singh stop fighting, submit to Aurangzeb, and convert to Islam. When the messenger delivered this message, Ajit Singh, could not tolerate the insult. He immediately drew his sword and warned the messenger that if he spoke another word, he would cut him into pieces. Enraged, the messenger returned to the Mughal camp with this defiant reply.[6][7]

Diorama sculptural monument of Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh firing an arrow at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Tega Singh Ji, Chand Purana, Bagha Purana tehsil, Moga district, Punjab, India, April 2023 02.jpg

Soon after, the battle began. The Sikhs, dressed in their new uniforms prescribed by the Guru, stood firm despite being heavily outnumbered. The Mughals attacked with cannons and muskets, while the Sikhs responded with arrows and gunfire from behind the walls, windows, rooftops, and even through small gaps in the doors. The sound of gunfire and the clash of weapons filled the air as the Sikhs bravely defended themselves. The Mughal soldiers were struck down one after another, but the Sikhs also suffered heavy losses. Guru Gobind Singh later described the battle in a letter to Aurangzeb, saying that his small group of warriors had fought against thousands who had broken their oaths. He personally shot an arrow at Nahar Khan, a Mughal officer, forcing him to retreat. Many other Mughal leaders also fled from the battlefield, proving that their earlier boasts were empty.[6][7]

As the battle raged on, Guru Gobind Singh watched his men fight to their last breath. Ajit Singh, led a charge against the enemy, cutting down many soldiers before he was eventually overwhelmed and killed. His Younger brother, Jujhar Singh, who was still in his early teens, also fought bravely, refusing to back down despite facing trained soldiers. One by one, the Sikhs fell, their bodies piling up in the courtyard and around the house. The battlefield was covered in blood, with severed heads and limbs scattered like broken toys. The sun set early on that short winter day, and by nightfall, only five Sikhs remained alive with Guru Gobind Singh.[6][7]

As Guru Gobind Singh reflected on the day's sacrifices, the five surviving Sikhs made a bold decision. They declared themselves the Guru and ordered him to escape for the survival of the Khalsa. Obeying their command, he left at midnight with three Sikhs, while Sant Singh, who resembled him, stayed behind wearing the Guru’s clothes. When the enemy attacked again, they killed Sant Singh, believing him to be the Guru. This sacrifice allowed Guru Gobind Singh to escape, making the Battle of Chamkaur a symbol of Sikh bravery and resilience.[6][7]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Painting of Guru Gobind Singh seated with a young adolescent, possibly his eldest son Baba Ajit Singh

Mohali, one of the largest cities in Punjab lying adjacent to its capital Chandigarh, has been named as Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar in the memory of Sahibzada Ajit Singh. It is located in the district of the state which is also named after him Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District.[8]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid homage to the Chaar Sahibazde on various occasions, particularly during the celebration of their bravery and sacrifice on Veer Bal Diwas (Day of Brave Children). Veer Bal Diwas is observed in honour of the Chaar Sahibzaade, who are remembered greatly amongst Sikhs across the globe.[9]

Battles[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Vol. 1. Harbans Singh. Patiala: Punjabi University. 1992–1998. pp. 33–34. ISBN 0-8364-2883-8. OCLC 29703420. AJIT SINGH, SAHIBZADA (1687-1705), the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh, was born to Mata Sundari at Paonta on 26 January 1687.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Raju, Karam Singh (1999). Guru Gobind Singh: Prophet of Peace. Sanbun Publishers. p. 57. ISBN 9789380213644.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Ashok, Shamsher Singh. "AJIT SIHGH, SAHIBZADA (1687-1704)". Encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University Punjabi.
  4. ↑ Harajindara Siṅgha Dilagīra (1997). The Sikh Reference Book. Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark. p. 133. ISBN 9788190065023.
  5. ↑ Sangat Singh (2001). Dictionary of Battles and Sieges. Uncommon Books. p. 75. ISBN 9788190065023.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 87-88. ISBN 978-0-19-567308-1. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Gupta, Hari (2008). History of the Sikhs Vol I The Sikh Gurus, 1469-1708. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 293-296. ISBN 978--81-215-0276-4.
  8. ↑ "Mohali is now Ajitgarh". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  9. ↑ "Veer Bal Diwas 2022: History, significance and everything you need to know". India Today.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

Singha, H.S. (2009). The encyclopedia of Sikhism. Hemkunt Press. p. 32. ISBN 978-81-7010-301-1.

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