History is shaped by acts of profound bravery and sacrifice, and the martyrdom of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji—the tenth Sikh Guru—is one such act that changed the course of time. On December 26, 1704, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (aged nine) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (aged seven) were martyred by Wazir Khan, the Mughal Governor of Sirhind. Their story stands as a testament to courage, righteousness, and unwavering faith.
The Betrayal at Anandpur Sahib
The month of December holds immense significance for the Sikh community. It was during this month in 1704 that Guru Gobind Singh Ji, his family, and his followers were deceitfully drawn out of the Anandpur Sahib fortress by the combined forces of the Mughals and the small hill principalities. These forces, led by Wazir Khan, promised safe passage on the Quran but treacherously attacked them once they exited the fort.
Amid this chaos, the young Sahibzadas and their grandmother, Mata Gurjar Kaur, were separated from the main Sikh contingent. Seeking refuge, they trusted an old retainer, Gangu, in his village Sahedi. However, Gangu betrayed them, handing them over to the Mughal administration at Sirhind—an act of utter treachery.
The Fortitude of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Meanwhile, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the remaining Sikhs made a valiant last stand at the Battle of Chamkaur. The Guru’s elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, attained martyrdom in this battle. Despite his wish to fight to the end, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was persuaded by his Khalsa to escape and continue the struggle for justice.
The Ordeal of the Sahibzadas
In Sirhind, the young Sahibzadas and Mata Gurjar Kaur were subjected to inhuman conditions. They were imprisoned in a Thanda Burj (cold tower), a place designed to trap cool breezes in summer but unbearably frigid during the harsh winters. Refusing food from the Mughal kitchen, Mata Gurjar Kaur demonstrated resilience, even as the young princes endured severe hardships.
Despite the risks, Moti Ram Mehra, a devotee of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, secretly provided milk and water to the captives, showcasing humanity in the darkest of times.
The Trial and Defiance
Wazir Khan attempted to coerce the Sahibzadas into converting to Islam, promising them riches and safety. However, the young princes stood firm, rejecting the offer with resolute faith. Their courage infuriated Wazir Khan, who subjected them to a mock trial. When Sher Mohammad Khan, the Nawab of Malerkotla, was asked to pass judgment, he refused, citing the unethicality of punishing children and women.
The Unparalleled Sacrifice
Wazir Khan’s barbarity reached its peak when he ordered the Sahibzadas to be bricked alive. Even as the wall was built around them, the young boys remained fearless and unyielding. When the wall collapsed, the boys were mercilessly executed. On hearing of their martyrdom, Mata Gurjar Kaur also passed away.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh became a rallying cry for justice. Guru Gobind Singh Ji entrusted Baba Banda Singh Bahadur with avenging the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom. In 1710, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur defeated Wazir Khan in the Battle of Chappar Chiri, signaling the decline of Mughal dominance and laying the foundation for the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The legacy of the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom transcends time. Their story has inspired generations to stand against oppression and uphold righteousness. Today, the Sikh community remains at the forefront of every national endeavor, drawing strength from the sacrifices of these young martyrs.
Veer Bal Diwas: Honoring the Brave Princes
To ensure the story of the Sahibzadas reaches every corner of the world, December 26 is now observed as “Veer Bal Diwas.” Schools, colleges, and communities narrate the tale of the young princes, inspiring youth with their courage and commitment to justice.
The martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh is not just a chapter in Sikh history but a universal lesson in bravery, faith, and the triumph of righteousness over tyranny. Their sacrifice continues to ignite the flame of justice and humanity in hearts across the globe.