After the dismissal of Abdus Samad Khan in 1726 A.D., his eldest son Zakariya Khan rose to power as the Governor of Lahore. He ruled for nearly two decades, until 1745 A.D., and quickly earned a reputation as an even greater tyrant than his father. His relentless persecution of the Sikhs and harsh policies made him infamous across Punjab.
So notorious was his rule that he was honoured with the chilling title of “Khan Bahadur”, symbolizing his iron‑fisted authority and merciless governance. Zakariya Khan’s era marked one of the darkest chapters in Sikh history, yet it also became a turning point that strengthened Sikh resilience against Mughal oppression.
Zakariya Khan’s Harsh Measures Against the Sikhs (1726–1745)
Immediately after assuming office as Governor of Lahore in 1726 A.D., Zakariya Khan unleashed a wave of repressive policies aimed at crushing Sikh power once and for all. Determined to succeed where his father Abdus Samad Khan had failed, Zakariya Khan expanded his military strength by recruiting 20,000 soldiers, arming them with swift horses, camels, and light guns to chase Sikh fighters across Punjab.
His administration issued strict warnings to village Muqaddams, Chaudharis, and Zamindars, forbidding them from sheltering Sikhs. Instead, they were ordered to report sightings immediately. To incentivize betrayal, Zakariya Khan announced cash rewards:
- ₹10 for information,
- ₹25 for arrest,
- ₹50 for handing over a Sikh,
- ₹100 for presenting a Sikh’s head.
This brutal bounty system intensified persecution. Hundreds of Sikhs were executed daily at Naksh near Delhi Gate in Lahore, a site that came to be known as Shahid Ganj — the “Martyrs’ Place.” Facing relentless oppression, Sikhs were once again forced to retreat into forests and hills, continuing their struggle for survival and freedom.
Martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van (February 1726)
Among the countless sacrifices during Zakariya Khan’s tyranny, the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van stands out as a defining moment in Sikh resistance. A resident of village Van in Amritsar district, Bhai Tara Singh Ji was renowned for his bravery and unwavering service to the Sikh Panth. Having fought alongside Banda Singh Bahadur in earlier battles, he later took to farming, but his spirit of defiance never faded.
Conflict arose when Sahib Rai, the Chaudhary of Naushehra, repeatedly let loose his horses into Sikh farmlands, destroying crops and insulting the community. Refusing to tolerate this humiliation, Bhai Tara Singh Ji seized one of Sahib Rai’s mares, sold it, and donated the proceeds to the langar. Enraged, Sahib Rai sought help from Zakariya Khan, who dispatched 2,200 Mughal cavaliers under General Moman Khan.
With only 22 companions, Bhai Tara Singh Ji fought valiantly through the night, inflicting heavy losses. By dawn, the Mughals realized they had been resisted by a mere handful of Sikhs. Before embracing martyrdom, the Sikhs killed 300 Mughal soldiers and wounded many more. This heroic stand took place in February 1726 A.D., deeply moving the Sikh community.
Retaliatory Measures of the Sikhs (1726 A.D.)
The martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and his companions in February 1726 A.D. ignited a wave of anger across Punjab. Determined to avenge these sacrifices, the Sikhs who had taken refuge in jungles and hills pledged to overthrow Mughal rule.
They organized themselves into separate squads (jathas) and launched daring retaliatory actions:
- Raiding Government Treasuries: Looting Mughal wealth to weaken state power.
- Targeting Officials: Killing henchmen and collaborators who oppressed Sikh families.
- Guerrilla Warfare: Retreating swiftly into forests and hills whenever Zakariya Khan’s forces advanced.
These bold measures caused consternation in the Mughal administration, exposing its inability to crush Sikh resistance despite harsh policies. The Sikhs’ resilience and tactical brilliance ensured that Zakariya Khan’s tyranny was met with constant defiance.
Incident of the Haidri Flag (1726–1745)
As Sikh resistance intensified, Zakariya Khan grew increasingly disturbed by their growing strength. In desperation, he raised the slogan of “Jihad” to rally Muslims against the Sikhs. Thousands gathered under his banner, and command of this force was entrusted to Inayatulla Khan.
On the auspicious day of Id, the army was given a Haidri flag, symbolizing divine assurance of victory. It was proclaimed that those fighting under this sacred banner would surely triumph. However, the Sikhs, masters of guerrilla tactics, initially withdrew to their hideouts. Then, in a sudden counter‑attack, nearly 7,000 Sikhs stormed the Ghazi ranks, causing havoc.
The Sikhs killed thousands of Ghazis, plundered their possessions, and shattered the morale of Zakariya Khan’s forces.
This incident highlighted the fearlessness of the Sikhs and exposed the vulnerability of Mughal authority, despite its religious propaganda and numerical strength.
Agreement of Zakariya Khan with the Sikhs (1733 A.D.)
By 1733 A.D., Zakariya Khan had realized that annihilating the Sikhs through sheer force was impossible. His repeated campaigns, harsh measures, and even religious propaganda had failed to crush their spirit. Facing constant resistance, he shifted strategy and adopted a policy of placation.
On the day of Baisakhi (1733 A.D.), when the Sikhs had gathered before the Akal Takht Sahib, Zakariya Khan sent a conciliatory message through Sardar Subheg Singh. The offer was clear:
- If the Sikhs ceased their anti‑government activities,
- They would be granted a Jagir yielding ₹1 lakh annual revenue,
- And their leader would be honoured with the prestigious title of Nawab.
Initially, the Sikhs opposed this compromise, wary of Mughal deceit. However, after deliberation, they accepted the offer. In a historic decision, the Sikhs bestowed the honour of receiving the Jagir and the title of Nawab upon Sardar Kapoor Singh Faizalpuria, marking a turning point in Sikh‑Mughal relations.
Organisation of Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal (1734 A.D.)
The compromise of 1733 A.D. between Zakariya Khan and the Sikhs gave the community a rare moment of relief. With the grant of the Jagir and the title of Nawab to Kapoor Singh Faizalpuria, the Sikhs seized the opportunity to strengthen their organization. Nawab Kapoor Singh urged the Sikhs to return from their jungles and hill hideouts to their homes, ending nearly two decades of relentless struggle with the Mughals.
In 1734 A.D., Kapoor Singh reorganized the Sikh forces into two major groups:
- Buddha Dal → Comprised of Sikhs above 40 years of age, tasked with safeguarding religious places and spiritual duties.
- Taruna Dal → Comprised of Sikhs below 40 years of age, dedicated to fighting enemies and defending the Panth.
The Taruna Dal was further divided into five groups, each consisting of 1,300–2,000 Sikhs, with its own leader and banner. This structure ensured discipline, unity, and effective military action. Together, Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal laid the foundation for the Dal Khalsa, which later evolved into the powerful misls that shaped Sikh military history.
Renewed Struggle between the Mughals and the Sikhs (1735 A.D.)
The brief compromise of 1733–1734 A.D., which had allowed the Sikhs to reorganize under Nawab Kapoor Singh, did not last long. Once the Sikhs regained strength, they resumed their anti‑government activities, raiding Mughal treasuries and challenging imperial authority across Punjab.
Enraged by these renewed disturbances, Zakariya Khan retaliated in 1735 A.D. by confiscating the Jagir he had earlier granted to the Sikhs. He reinstated his harsh bounty system, announcing rewards for those who arrested or killed Sikhs. In addition, he gave full freedom to Hindus and Muslims to burgle Sikh houses, intensifying persecution.
Despite these cruelties, the Sikhs remained firm in their resolve, continuing their struggle through guerrilla tactics and refusing to bow before Mughal oppression. This renewed conflict marked the beginning of another turbulent phase in Sikh‑Mughal relations.
Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji (1738 A.D.)
The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji holds a significant place in Sikh history. Revered for his matchless service to the Sikh Panth, he was greatly respected and had served as the Head Priest of Sri Harmandir Sahib since 1721 A.D.
The Sikhs were deeply perturbed when Zakariya Khan occupied the Harmandir Sahib, establishing army posts to prevent Sikh entry. In 1738 A.D., Bhai Mani Singh Ji sought permission from Zakariya Khan to allow Sikhs to gather at Amritsar for the Diwali festival, offering ₹5,000 in return. Zakariya Khan accepted, but secretly hatched a plan to massacre the Sikhs.
When the Sikhs assembled, Mughal forces attacked suddenly, killing large numbers. The festival of Diwali could not be observed at the sacred shrine. Afterwards, Zakariya Khan demanded the promised ₹5,000, but Bhai Mani Singh Ji was unable to pay since offerings had been blocked by the government. Arrested and taken to Lahore, he was asked to embrace Islam, but he refused steadfastly.
Refusing to abandon his faith, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was subjected to one of the most brutal executions in Sikh history. He was cut to pieces limb by limb, a punishment intended to terrorize the Sikh community. Instead, his martyrdom became a turning point in the Sikh struggle for independence.
The legacy of Bhai Mani Singh Ji’s martyrdom endures as a symbol of unwavering faith, courage, and inspiration, reminding generations of the Sikh Panth that no cruelty could extinguish their spirit.
Sikhs Robbed Nadir Shah (1739 A.D.)
The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji in 1738 A.D. had ignited a burning desire among the Sikhs to avenge their losses. That opportunity came in 1739 A.D., during the invasion of India by Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran.
After ruthlessly looting Delhi, Nadir Shah marched back towards Iran through Punjab, carrying immense booty. The Sikhs, ever vigilant, seized this golden chance. In a daring move, they suddenly attacked his forces and made away with most of the plundered wealth.
This bold act stunned Nadir Shah, a tyrant whose very name struck fear across Asia. Amazed at the audacity of the Sikhs, he enquired from Zakariya Khan about these warriors. Nadir Shah even warned him that “the day is not distant when they will capture the whole territory under their possession.” His prophecy proved true in the decades that followed, as the Sikhs steadily rose to power in Punjab.
Zakariya Khan’s Actions Against the Sikhs (1739–1745)
The warning of Nadir Shah in 1739 A.D. left a deep impression on Zakariya Khan. Determined to annihilate the Sikhs, he intensified his persecution. Rewards were once again announced for those who betrayed Sikh whereabouts, arrested them, or brought their heads. The fort at Dallewal, built by the Sikhs, was demolished, and local officials were strictly instructed not to shelter them. Daily executions resumed, marking one of the darkest phases of Sikh‑Mughal conflict.
Prominent Martyrdoms under Zakariya Khan
(a) Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji (1740 A.D.)
- Desecration of Harmandir Sahib: Chaudhary Massa Rangar of Mandiala desecrated the sacred shrine by his immoral activities.
- Revenge Mission: Disguised as revenue collectors, Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji carried bags filled with stones covered by coins. Allowed entry, they confronted Massa Rangar.
- Execution: As Massa Rangar bent forward to receive the bags, Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji beheaded him with his sword.
- Aftermath: The daring act spread panic across Punjab. Later, both were arrested and martyred mercilessly in 1740 A.D.
(b) Bhai Taru Singh Ji (1745 A.D.)
- Background: A resident of village Phula in Majha, Bhai Taru Singh Ji supported fellow Sikhs with his farming income.
- Arrest: Betrayed by Harbhagat of Jandiala, he was arrested and taken to Lahore.
- Choice of Faith: Zakariya Khan offered him wealth and pleasures if he embraced Islam. Bhai Sahib refused.
- Execution: Ordered by Zakariya Khan, executioners removed his skull while he recited Japji Sahib. Despite unbearable pain, he remained steadfast in faith.
- Martyrdom: He succumbed to his wounds on 1st July 1745 A.D., after 22 days of suffering. His unique martyrdom deeply stirred the Sikh community.
Death of Zakariya Khan (1745 A.D.)
The cruelty of Zakariya Khan reached its peak with the martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh Ji. On the very day he ordered Bhai Sahib’s skull to be removed, Zakariya Khan himself was struck by a mysterious illness — he was unable to pass urine, and his condition became critical, “like a fish without water.”
In desperation, Zakariya Khan approached Bhai Taru Singh Ji to beg for pardon. Displaying no anger, Bhai Sahib calmly replied that it was the will of God. Soon after, Zakariya Khan succumbed to his illness on 1st July 1745 A.D..
On the same day, upon hearing the news of Zakariya Khan’s death, Bhai Taru Singh Ji also breathed his last, sealing a moment of profound symbolism in Sikh history. The tyrant and the saint departed together, marking the end of one of the most oppressive chapters in Punjab under Mughal rule.
Failure of Zakariya Khan (1726–1745)
Despite committing horrendous cruelties and martyring more than 10,000 Sikhs, Zakariya Khan ultimately failed to crush the spirit and power of the Sikh community. His relentless persecution — daily executions, confiscation of Jagirs, destruction of forts, and brutal martyrdoms — only strengthened Sikh unity and resistance.
The Sikhs never allowed Zakariya Khan any respite until his death in 1745 A.D.. His tyranny became a catalyst for Sikh resilience, laying the foundation for their eventual rise to sovereignty in Punjab.
