Banda Singh Bahadur stands as one of the most remarkable figures in Sikh and Punjab history. Born as Lachhman Dev in 1670 at Rajouri, Kashmir, he lived the early life of a humble farmer’s son before destiny turned him into a revolutionary leader. His transformation from a wandering ascetic, Madho Das Bairagi, to a baptized Sikh warrior under the guidance of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708 A.D. marked the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s struggle against Mughal tyranny.
With unmatched courage, Banda Singh Bahadur not only defeated oppressive rulers but also established a just Khalsa‑based administration. He uplifted the poor, abolished the exploitative Zamindari system, and delivered justice without discrimination. His short yet impactful reign reshaped Punjab’s political and social landscape, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, equality, and sacrifice.
Early Career of Banda Singh Bahadur
Birth and Parentage
Banda Singh Bahadur, originally named Lachhman Dev, was born on 27 October 1670 A.D. in the small village of Rajouri, located in the district of Poonch, Kashmir. His father, Ram Dev, was a poor farmer who lived a simple life, working hard to provide for his family.
Growing up in these humble surroundings, Lachhman Dev experienced the struggles of poverty from an early age. His family had very limited resources, and his father’s occupation as a farmer meant they lived a modest life, dependent on the land for survival. Despite these challenges, this rural upbringing shaped his character with qualities of hard work, resilience, and simplicity.
This background is important because it shows how Banda Singh Bahadur, who later became a fearless Sikh warrior and leader, started his journey from the most ordinary roots. His rise from a farmer’s son to a revolutionary figure in Punjab’s history is a story of transformation, courage, and destiny.
Childhood of Banda Singh Bahadur
Banda Singh Bahadur, known in his childhood as Lachhman Dev, grew up in an extremely poor family. Because of this poverty, he never had the chance to go to school. In those days, there was no school in his village Rajouri, and his father could not afford to send him to another place for education.
As a young boy, Lachhman Dev helped his father in farming. He worked in the fields, learning the struggles of agriculture and the value of hard work. Despite the hardships, he developed strength and discipline through this rural lifestyle.
In his free time, Lachhman Dev enjoyed hunting. With a bow and arrow, he practiced regularly and soon became a skilled hunter and sharp shooter. This early training gave him courage, focus, and physical ability, which later played an important role in shaping him into a fearless warrior.
His childhood, though marked by poverty and lack of education, built the foundation of resilience, bravery, and determination that defined his future as Banda Singh Bahadur.
Turning Point in Banda Singh Bahadur’s Life
When Lachhman Dev was about 15 years old, an incident occurred that completely changed the direction of his life. One day, while hunting in the forest, he shot a pregnant deer with his arrow. The deer died in great pain, and when Lachhman Dev cut open her belly, he saw two unborn fawns who also died before his eyes.
This heartbreaking scene left a deep mark on his mind. Witnessing the suffering of the innocent animals filled him with guilt and sorrow. From that moment, Lachhman Dev decided to give up hunting forever. He also chose to renounce worldly pleasures and live a life of simplicity and spirituality.
This incident became the turning point in his career. It transformed him from a carefree village boy into a seeker of truth, setting the stage for his later journey as Madho Das Bairagi and eventually as the fearless Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur.
As a Bairagi – Banda Singh Bahadur’s Spiritual Journey
After renouncing worldly life, Lachhman Dev came into contact with a saint named Janki Prasad, who was a Bairagi (recluse). Inspired by his teachings, Lachhman Dev also chose the path of ascetic life and joined his group. Following the tradition of the Bairagis, his name was changed to Madho Das.
The band of Bairagis wandered from place to place and eventually reached Panchwati (Nasik). Here, Madho Das met a famous Yogi named Aughar Nath, who was well‑known for his deep knowledge of Tantric Science (Occultism). Madho Das became his devoted disciple, serving him with dedication. Impressed by his devotion, Aughar Nath taught him the secrets of occult practices. Before his death in 1691 A.D., Aughar Nath appointed Madho Das as his successor.
After some time, Madho Das moved to Nanded, where he established a small hermitage. Because of his knowledge of occult sciences, he soon became popular among the local people. His hermitage gradually grew into a regular monastery, attracting followers and giving him recognition as a spiritual figure.
This phase of his life shows how Madho Das Bairagi gained spiritual knowledge and leadership experience, which later prepared him for his transformation into Banda Singh Bahadur, the fearless Sikh warrior.
Meeting with Guru Gobind Singh Ji
In 1708 A.D., Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji visited Nanded. At that time, he heard about the spiritual powers of Madho Das Bairagi (earlier known as Lachhman Dev). Curious, Guru Ji went to Madho Das’s monastery along with some of his Sikhs.
During their meeting, a deep conversation took place. Madho Das was so moved by the personality, wisdom, and spiritual strength of Guru Gobind Singh Ji that he immediately bowed at his feet and said, “I am your Banda (slave).”
Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptized him according to Sikh tradition and gave him a new name – Banda Singh Bahadur. From that moment, Madho Das was no longer a wandering ascetic. He became a true Sikh warrior, ready to dedicate his life to the service of the Khalsa and the fight against tyranny.
This meeting was the turning point that transformed Banda Singh Bahadur from a recluse into one of the greatest leaders in Sikh history.
Banda Singh Bahadur’s Mission to Punjab
After being baptized by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Banda Singh Bahadur’s life changed completely. He was no longer Madho Das the recluse, but a devoted Sikh warrior ready to fight for justice.
When Banda Singh Bahadur heard about the cruelties against Sikhs in Punjab and the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, his heart was filled with anger and determination. He sought Guru Ji’s blessings to go to Punjab and punish the Mughal tyrants. Guru Gobind Singh Ji agreed and prepared him for this mission.
Before sending him to Punjab, Guru Ji gave Banda Singh Bahadur:
- A sword and five arrows as symbols of strength.
- A council of five Piaras – Binod Singh, Kahan Singh, Daya Singh, Ram Singh, and Baj Singh.
- Twenty brave Sikhs to support him.
- Hukamnamas (orders) addressed to Sikhs in Punjab, urging them to join Banda Singh Bahadur’s campaign.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji also gave him important instructions:
- Always think, speak, and act on truth.
- Serve the Khalsa faithfully and follow its will.
- Do not create a separate sect of your own.
- Do not let victories or pride make you arrogant.
Banda Singh Bahadur promised to obey these commands. With courage and faith, he set out for Punjab in October 1708 A.D., beginning his historic mission to challenge Mughal power and establish Khalsa rule.
