The Post Khalsa period (1701–1705 A.D.) marks one of the most defining chapters in Sikh history. After the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, the Sikh community rapidly grew in strength and identity. This rise alarmed the Hill Chiefs and the Mughal Empire, leading to a series of fierce battles — from Anandpur Sahib to Chamkaur and Muktsar. These conflicts were not just military engagements but spiritual struggles, showcasing unmatched courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, the heroism of Sikh warriors, and Guru Ji’s fearless leadership shook the Mughal power to its foundations and immortalized the Khalsa spirit.
Battles of the Post Khalsa Period (1701–1705 A.D.)
First Battle of Sri Anandpur Sahib (1701 A.D.)
After the Khalsa was created in 1699, many people began joining the Sikh faith. This rapid growth worried the Hill Chiefs, especially Raja Bhim Chand of Kahlur, because Anandpur Sahib was located in his territory. He asked Guru Gobind Singh Ji to leave Anandpur Sahib.
Guru Ji refused, saying that the land had been properly purchased by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, so there was no reason to vacate it. This refusal angered Bhim Chand. He joined hands with other Hill Chiefs and attacked Anandpur Sahib in 1701.
The Sikhs inside the fort were very few in number, but they fought bravely and resisted the siege for many days. Despite their combined strength, the Hill Chiefs could not defeat the Sikhs.
Finally, the Hill Chiefs pretended to make peace with Guru Ji. However, this compromise was not genuine — it was only a trick to cover their failure.
Battle of Nirmoh (1702 A.D.)
After the First Battle of Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji moved to Nirmoh, a small village near Kiratpur Sahib. His presence there again worried Raja Bhim Chand of Kahlur.
This time, Bhim Chand did not act alone. He joined hands with the Mughal forces to attack Guru Ji and the Sikhs in 1702. The combined armies thought they could overpower the Sikhs easily.
However, the Sikhs fought with great bravery and determination. Even though they were fewer in number, their courage and discipline helped them withstand the attack.
In the end, the Sikhs defeated the joint forces of Bhim Chand and the Mughals. This victory further strengthened the confidence of the Khalsa and showed that the Sikhs could resist both local rulers and the mighty Mughal Empire.
Battle of Basoli (1702 A.D.)
After the earlier battles, Dharam Pal, the ruler of Basoli, invited Guru Gobind Singh Ji to visit his state. Guru Ji accepted the invitation and went to Basoli.
Meanwhile, Raja Bhim Chand and his forces were still chasing Guru Ji. When they saw him at Basoli, they launched another attack, hoping to defeat him.
The Sikhs, however, fought with great bravery and strength. Bhim Chand’s army could not succeed and was forced to retreat.
Second Battle of Sri Anandpur Sahib (1704 A.D.)
The Hill Chiefs had suffered repeated defeats against Guru Gobind Singh Ji and wanted revenge. In May 1704, they joined hands with the Mughal forces and attacked Anandpur Sahib once again.
The combined armies tried many times to enter the fort, but the Sikh warriors bravely stopped them. The siege continued for several months, lasting until December 1704. Inside the fort, food and supplies began to run short, and starvation tested the patience of the Sikhs. Some suggested leaving the fort, but Guru Ji advised them to remain patient.
During this time, 40 Sikhs deserted Guru Ji by writing the Bedawa (Document of Denunciation). On the other side, the Mughal and Hill Chiefs also grew frustrated with the prolonged siege. To trick Guru Ji, they swore false oaths on the Quran and the cow, promising no harm if he left the fort.
Guru Ji did not trust them, but at the insistence of Mata Gujari Ji and some Sikhs, he finally agreed to leave Anandpur Sahib on 20th December 1704.
Battles of Shahi Tibbi and Sarsa (1704 A.D.)
After Guru Gobind Singh Ji left the fort of Anandpur Sahib in December 1704, the Mughal forces immediately attacked. At Shahi Tibbi, Ude Singh and 50 Sikhs bravely tried to stop the advancing army. They fought until the last breath and all became martyrs.
Soon after, another battle took place at the river Sarsa. The river was in flood, and during the fighting, many Sikhs were swept away along with valuable Sikh literature. In the confusion, Guru Ji was separated from his mother Mata Gujari Ji and his younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji (9 years old) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (7 years old).
They were taken in by Gangu, an old servant of Guru Ji. Sadly, tempted by money, Gangu betrayed them to Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind. Wazir Khan tried to force the young Sahibzadas to accept Islam. The brave children refused, choosing martyrdom instead of giving up their faith. On 27 December 1704, they were cruelly bricked alive in a wall.
When Mata Gujari Ji heard of their martyrdom, she accepted it with faith, thanked God, and passed away peacefully, merging into Eternal Light.
Battle of Chamkaur Sahib (1704 A.D.)
On 21 December 1704, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with 40 Sikhs, reached Chamkaur Sahib while being chased by Mughal forces. To protect themselves, they took shelter in a small fortress.
The next day, 22 December 1704, thousands of Mughal soldiers surrounded the fortress and a fierce battle began. In this battle, Guru Ji’s elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, fought with extraordinary bravery. They killed many enemy soldiers before sacrificing their lives.
The Sikhs inside the fortress displayed unmatched courage, fighting against overwhelming odds. When only five Sikhs were left, they requested Guru Ji to leave the fortress to save the spirit of the Khalsa. Guru Ji accepted their command, left the fortress, and boldly signaled his departure by clapping loudly to challenge the Mughal army.
The next day, the two Sikhs who stayed behind — Sangat Singh and Sant Singh — also attained martyrdom while fighting bravely.
Dr. D.K. Verma rightly remarked that the courage shown at Chamkaur Sahib was so great that even the famous Spartan warriors of Thermopylae would pale in comparison.
Guru Ji in Machhiwara (1704 A.D.)
After the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji moved towards the forests of Machhiwara. Life there was extremely difficult, as Mughal soldiers were chasing him closely.
At this critical time, two Muslim brothers, Nabi Khan and Gani Khan, came forward to protect Guru Ji. They placed him in a palanquin and disguised him as a holy man. When Mughal soldiers asked who was inside, they replied it was “Uch Ka Pir” (a saint from Uch), and in this way, Guru Ji was saved.
Battle of Khidrana / Muktsar (1705 A.D.)
After facing many hardships in the forests of Machhiwara, Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Khidrana. When the Mughal forces learned of this, the Nawab of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, prepared a large army to attack.
On 29 December 1705, the Mughal forces launched a massive assault at Khidrana. The Sikhs, though fewer in number, fought with extraordinary bravery. Their courage and determination inflicted a crushing defeat on the Mughal army, forcing them to retreat.
During this battle, the 40 Sikhs who had earlier deserted Guru Ji at Anandpur Sahib also fought and attained martyrdom. Their leader, Maha Singh, requested Guru Ji to forgive them. Moved by their sacrifice, Guru Ji tore up the Bedawa (Document of Denunciation) they had written earlier and blessed them with Mukti (salvation).
Because of this, Khidrana came to be known as Sri Muktsar Sahib — the “Pool of Liberation.”
