The Battle of Anandpur was fought by the Sikh forces led by
Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh (; born Gobind Das; 22 December 1666 – 7 October 1708) was the tenth and last human Sikh gurus, Sikh Guru. He was a warrior, poet, and philosopher. In 1675, at the age of nine he was formally installed as the leader of the ...
and the Kahlur forces led by
Bhim Chand. This was also the first battle fought by Guru Gobind Singh.
Background and Battle
Bhim Chand, the ruler of Kahlur did not like the large Sikh gatherings and war-like activities near his capital.
He also did not like how Guru Gobind had done many ceremonies which were symbols of sovereignty.
The
raja
Raja (; from , IAST ') is a noble or royal Sanskrit title historically used by some Indian subcontinent, Indian rulers and monarchs and highest-ranking nobles. The title was historically used in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
T ...
objected to this practice. The Guru ignored this and continued his activities.
This led to the Battle of Anandpur in 1682. Bhim Chand demanded elephants and tents as a loan and with the obvious intention of not repaying the loan.
The Guru knowing his intention declined to give the loan. This caused Bhim Chand to lead an attack on
Anandpur. Guru Gobind Rai was only 16 years of age at the time.
Bhim Chand and his men were defeated by the Sikhs.
Aftermath
Relations between the Guru and Bhim Chand of Kahlur remained tense. Frequent skirmishes occurred after the Battle.
Therefore, he planned with the Rajas of
Kangra and
Guler to launch another campaign against the Guru. They attacked Anandpur in the early 1685 but were repulsed.
See also
*
Nihang
The Nihang (also spelt as Nihung lit. "Crocodiles") or Akali (lit. "Immortals"), also known as '' Dal Khalsa'', is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent. Nihangs are believed to have originated either from Fateh Sin ...
*
Martyrdom and Sikhism
References
Battles involving the Sikhs
1682 in India
Conflicts in 1682
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