Saka Sirhind
Chhotte Sahibzade (Punjabi: ਛੋਟੇ ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦੇ) of Guru Gobind Singh attained martyrdom on 26 December 1705 at a very young age. This is known as Saka Sirhind. Every year on 26 December, Shaheedi Jor Mela is organised at Fatehgarh Sahib, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice at the place of their martyrdom.
Following are series of events related to Saka Sirhind:
- Eviction of Mata Gujri, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh from Anandpur Sahib siege.
- Arrest of above three at Morinda and hearing at Sirhind.
- Arguments at Sirhind Court.
- Sher Muhammad Khan defended young Sahibzadas.
- Declaration of Innocence of Sahibzadas, by Qazis and other officials.
- Provocative arguments by Diwan Sucha Nand Brahmin and young Sahibzadas to support prosecution.
- Found guilty of keeping ideology rebellious to Mughal Government and religions.
- Punishment - Bricked alive
- Aftermath
History
The Mughal forces, Hilly Rajas’ forces had laid seize to Anandgarh Fort, Anandpur Sahib for about 8 months, in 1704. The Mughals and Hilly Rajas wanted Guru Gobind Singh to leave the fort they swore on Gita and Quran to give a safe passage to Guru. The Guru decided to leave the fort. Guru Sahib, four Sahibzadas, Mata Gujri, Guru’s Mahil (wives), five Panj Piaras and a few hundred Sikhs left Anandpur Sahib on the chilly night of 20 December 1704 towards Ropar. In the intervening night of 20–21 December, the rnemy breached the vows and attacked Guru’s entourage at a site on Sarsa rivulet some 25 km from Anandpur Sahib. Guru’s family separated. This spot is now known as Parwar Vichhora. Mata Gujri with two younger grandsons, accompanied Guru family cook, Gangoo, a Brahamin, to his village, Saheri near Morinda. Guru’s Mahil left with Bhai Mani Singh, towards Delhi. Guru Gobind Singh with two elder Sahibzadas, 5 Panj Piaras and 40 Sikhs proceeded towards Chamkaur and reached there, in the afternoon of 21 December. Both are in Ropar Distt.(Pb.). The famous Chamkaur battle, took place on 22 and 23 December 1704, where two elder Sahibzadas, 3 Panj Piaras and 40 Sikhs laid down their lives. Mata Gujri and two younger Sahibzadas were arrested by Morinda Police at Saheri village. From there, they were handed over to Suba Sirhind. They were imprisoned, in the Thanda Burj (Cold Tower). A farcical Trial began, in the Kacheri, (Court) of Suba Sirhind. It lasted for three days. On 27 December 1704, a heinous and cold-blooded crime was committed in the Sarzameen of Sirhind. Guru Gobind Singh’s two younger sons, Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Zorawar Singh aged 7 and 9 years were bricked alive and later killed in the presence of the Assembly of Shaitans, presided over by Suba Sirhind, Wazir Khan. Two younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri were cremated by a devout Sikh, Diwan Todar Mal, at a spot, know known as Joyti Saroop Gurudwara.
Samat Bikrmi dates and year: Leaving of Anandpur Sahib,5 Poh 1761, Battle of Chamkaur 6, 7 and 8 Poh 1761, Saka Sirhind 11,12 and 13 Poh 1761.