2-26 Buddhu Shah’s sons Fight in the Battle/ One Dies a Martyr

Maari Chand killed another two Pathaans as he came out of the trap that the Pathaans had made.  He stunned the Pathaans with his skills and the fact that he got away.  They were upset that he killed their people and came out. 

Peer Buddhu Shah ji was fighting a battle on his front, leading a group of his Mureeds.  The Pahari Rajas also had common villagers they had brought along to fight.  They were all from around their area and were called to fight, whoever was able-bodied.  Peer Buddhu Shah surrounded the commoners by firing bullets.  He didn’t let them go anywhere else.  The villagers were arrogant as they thought they were with the Pahari Rajas.  Peer Buddhu Shah and his Mureeds tamed them by releasing arrows that were pulled to their ears before letting go.  There was a lot of yelling going on: “kill them!”  Weapons were fired from both sides.  Nagaras, conches and Ransinghas were sounding everywhere.  Dhols were played for good morale.  The soldiers yelled as they struck blows with their weapons.  At one instant, many Pahari reservists fell to the ground, but then, soldiers from both sides began to fall.  Bullets flow from both sides, like hail falling from two great big clouds.  The field of Bhangaani was coloured red with blood.  Many soldiers fell dead and many were screaming in pain.  The Devatas came from heaven and appeared in the sky to watch the intense war.   A lot of vultures came to eat the flesh of the fallen soldiers to their hearts’ content.

Both sides continued to lead charges on to the other side.  Peer Buddhu Shah stood his ground and did not back down.  Peer ji and his army bore the strength of the Pahari army.  He did not let his army back down either.  They killed many soldiers of the Paharis.  It was charge after charge; blow after blow; strike of the sword, release of the arrows, firing of the guns.  The four sons of Peer Buddhu Shah were fighting fiercely in the battlefield.  Bullets were flying.  Soldiers were falling to the ground from bullets, sword blows and arrows.  Many Paharis died and mixed into the dust.  Many Mureeds fell as well.  They all wanted to impress Guru Kalgidhar ji with their valour, might and skill.  The Mureeds used their full ability to fight.  They tested their own limits and took them to new levels.  A lot achieved martyrdom.  When the arrows finished, they unsheathed their swords and sliced the enemy with it.  The Reserves regiment of the Paharis did not get a chance to plant their feet into the ground.  They were forced to retreat or run away.  Some hid behind rocks. 

Raja Gopal Chand Gularia saw that the Pahari army was suffering great losses.  He collected his top generals and headed towards Peer Buddhu Shah’s regiment.  They showered many bullets on them.  They yelled: “kill them!”  The four sons of Peer Buddhu Shah saw Gopal Chand coming.  They charged forward towards Gopal Chand to face him.  Both sides fired their guns.  Chests were pierced and the soldiers fell to the ground.  The Muslim Mureeds of Peer Buddhu Shah raised their swords and charged the Pahari army.  Gopal Chand roared with anger towards his men: “where are you running to?  You will not be able to show your faces again.  I am with you.  Stand with me and fight.  Kill the men of Peer Buddhu Shah.”  The Pahari soldiers heard Gopal Chand and stopped running away.  They fired bullets and arrows towards Peer Buddhu Shah’s army.  A fierce charge was done.  Dhols and nagaras were sounded.  The two armies met each other and struck flows.  Many warriors fell to the ground, injured.  It was a fierce battle.  Both sides stubbornly stood their grounds.  The Paharis struck a hard charge.  This made the sons of Peer Buddhu Shah angrier.  They unsheathed their Shamshirs (type of sword) like lions and sliced through the enemy soldiers.  They went to where Gopal Chand was fighting.  The soldiers were jumping while striking their swords.  Swords and shields were waived everywhere.  The soldiers moved back and forth; left to right, as they fought.  Immense skills in Shaster Vidya of Pentras (body movement) were displayed.  The enemy tried to save themselves but the Sons of Peer ji would catch them.  Many bodies were laid on the ground.  The Paharis were surprised to see the skilled warriors.  They tried to surround the sons of Peer ji but they were not able to be controlled.  They would save themselves and strike harder.  Many soldiers saw them fighting from both sides and praised their skills.  The Sikhs near Guru Sahib saw them fighting and yelled out “Shaabaash!”  Guru ji was watching the battle from his high point.  He saw the 4 young sons of Peer ji fighting and asked one of the Sikhs: “who are they, that are fighting?”  Another Sikh answered: “they are the 4 sons of Peer Buddhu Shah ji.  They have killed many soldiers of the Pahari army.  Gularia Gopal Chand has come to fight them and has surrounded the young boys.  There are too many Pahari soldiers.  We should some help.”  Guru ji heard this and looked towards Mamma Kirpal Chand ji and said: “Mammaji, we should help them.” 

Mammaji rode on his horse, taking men along with him to save the young boys of Peer Buddhu Shah.  He released dangerous arrows towards the enemy soldiers.  He reached the circle and struck many blows.  He encouraged his soldiers.  The Peer’s sons saw help arriving and were filled with confidence.  They got a second wind and began to battle, with more strength.  They shot bullets and struck their swords.  It sounded like popcorn popping.  Swords and shields were waiving all over.  Buddhu Shahs two sons were surrounded but they did not let anyone strike them.  Kirpal Chand ji went to save them.  He entered the circle and broke it with his arrows and struck down the soldiers that made up the trap.  The sons did not back down and charged the enemy.  They waived their swords and chopped many soldiers.  Gopal Chand saw this and got angry.  He took his bow, mounted an arrow and released it.  The arrow flew and struck one of Peer Buddhu Shah’s sons in the heart.  The arrow went right through his body and the young boy, fighting on the field, became a martyr, fighting in the battle of Bhangaani.  As the young boy fell, soldiers from both sides tried to snatch his body.  Peer ji’s other son and soldiers charged to retrieve their fallen comrade’s body by striking spears and swords.  The soldiers had a fierce battle.  The soldiers chopped and struck swords through the bodies, like carpenters cutting wood.  Both sides stood their ground to grab the body.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji showered his arrows continuously.  He released his arrows into the direction of Gopal Chand to give his soldiers cover.  He struck down many Pahari soldiers.  There was chaos everywhere.  There was no where to stand.  The horses were running and pushing each other.  Bullets and arrows flew from the Mureeds.  Soldiers fell.  The soldiers that were near Gopal Chand were not able to stand any longer.  Mammaji and the Mureeds gave them a fierce front.  The Paharis had to save their eyes and hide behind the rocks.  Metal clashed with metal and the battle was at the height of chaos now, as both sides tried to grab the body of Peer ji’s son.  The Paharis had to run away, shameless.  Looking at Mammaji’s sharp arrows and the damage they had done, Gopal Chand was really angry.  He couldn’t tolerate his soldiers falling.  He rode his horse and released arrows towards Mammaji.  An arrow struck the saddle of Mammaji’s horse.  Mammaji saw the arrow and yelled: “Gopal Chand! You got your chance to strike.  Now it’s my turn!  I won’t let you leave now.  If you have had your mother’s milk as a child, then stay standing and taste my arrows.  Either you or your horse will die.”  Gopal Chand heard Mammaji and rode away to save himself and his horse.  The arrow flew from Mammaji’s bow.  It was a black arrow that looked like a flying snake.  The arrow struck the horse of Gopal Chand.  It went through one ear and out the other.  The horse fell to the ground.  Gopal Chand hit the ground and ran away, leaving his dead horse.  He hid between his soldiers, fearing Mamma ji.  The Pahari soldiers started to move back as well.  The Paharis could not move forward.  The body of the martyred son of Peer Buddhu Shah was retrieved by the Mureeds, with great strength.  Mammaji had helped, but one son was martyred.  The body was placed on the horse to return to the camp.  Mammaji said: “keep firing bullets and arrows.”  Both sides were firing but there was distance now between both sides.  Mammaji consoled Peer Buddhu Shah and encouraged him to continue fighting.  The Mureeds also consoled Peer ji and said sweet words to him.  Peer ji was still in high spirits after seeing his son die, and had the same wish and enthusiasm to fight the war.  Mammaji then went back to Guru Gobind Singh ji.  He told his sister’s son: “the horse of Gopal Chand was killed and Gopal Chand fled on foot.  Gopal Chand did get another horse and came back to the field.”  He told Guru ji the whole story about Peer ji’s son being killed as well.  Kalgidhar ji said: “shaabaash!  Peer Buddhu Shah is a great warrior who displayed great valour.  He gave his son to the Guru and stayed true to his honor.”

The Handooria and Chandaria Rajas gathered their Dals and wanted to come and fight where Guru ji was.  They fired bullets and arrows at Guru ji’s army.  The five brothers stood firmly in their way and fought them.  Big nagaras were sounding on both sides and they all yelled: “kill them!”  Satguru ji saw the battle from his place.  The soldiers were using their might to kill each other with bullets and arrows. 

2-27 Kirpal Mahant kills Hayaat Khan

Fateh Shah sent a messenger to Bheekhan Khan, Hayaat Khan and Nijaabhat Khan.  The messenger told them: “Raja ji is asking why you aren’t going to the front lines to fight?  Why are you trying to save yourselves in the back?  Why aren’t you firing bullets and arrows?  You said that the Guru had only a bunch of farmers and labourers to fight who don’t know how to use weapons.  Why don’t you charge at the Guru’s army?  You have been given an agreement to loot Paonta as much as you want.”  Bheekhan Khan responded: “tell Raja ji that it won’t be long now, we will win the field.  The Guru has only about 20 good warriors.  We will kill them soon.  We will make the charge and win.  There are many strategies to use.  We are waiting for the right one.  You need not to worry.”  Bheekhan Khan took his best warriors and told them: “let’s go and charge the Sikhs with a strong force.”  Hayaat Khan pumped himself with anger and got ready to charge along with Bheekhan Khan and Nijaabhat Khan.   The Khans rode their horses fast and made a charge.  They released arrows towards the Sikhs.  The Pathaans yelled out: “shoot the bullets and fire the arrows!”  They moved left and right and all around.  Whoever came forward, they struck them down with an arrow.  A fierce battle started with the Nagaras sounding.  The earth was red with the blood of the warriors.  It became muddy because of the blood.  The guns fired and the soldiers yelled “kill them!”  The bullets would hit the soldiers in the head.  The heads would explode like clay pots.  There were cut limbs on the ground with chopped heads all over.  The heads looked like clay pots and the limbs looked like pouring spoons and spatulas.  The shields looked like trays.  The food was the blood and flesh.  The Kaljognis and the Prayts ate the flesh of the dead warriors to their hearts’ content.  They drank their blood along with the vultures and other scavengers.  The vultures shrieked.  The war entered the Rudra Ras phase (the point where chaos is at its maximum point in war and soldiers are no longer aware of their own defence.  It is full offence at this point) Many soldiers are injured and laying on the ground.  Their clothes were drenched in blood.  Many Khans and Sikhs had been killed.  The Warrior Spirit is radiant and the swords are shining. 

Hayaat Khan was firing his arrows.  He was pushing away the Sikhs and killing many.  He was saving himself and riding his horse through the Sikh’s lines, killing many.  He showed his strength and skills on the field.  His arrows would not go empty.  Mahant Kirpal Das ji Udaasi was standing near Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Mahant ji saw Hayaat Khan kill many Sikhs.  He was filled with the warrior spirit himself and said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, this Nimak Haraami is riding his horse and killing many Sikhs.  Please give me permission to fight him.  I will show him my strength and will not back down.  He has killed many Sikhs and saved himself.  I will kill him and then come back to see you.”  Kalgidhar ji smiled and said: “your words have much radiance and weight in them.  It was your holy words that prophesised the win of the Guru’s house in this battle.  You said the enemy will die.  This is the tradition of saints like you: whatever you say, comes out to be true.  If you bless or curse anyone, it comes out to be true.”  Mahant ji heard Guru ji’s words and spoke, filled with the warrior spirit: “Guru ji, it is only you who is fighting.  You are with me and will do everything.  I can’t stand this Nimak Haraami who ate from us and is now killing the Sikhs.  I can’t tolerate his strength.  He is terrorizing our army.”  Kalgidhar ji listened to Mahant ji and said: “Babaji, which weapon will you use to kill Hayaat Khan?  You don’t have a sword, gun or spear.  You have no bow, arrow or shield to stop the enemy.  How will you fight?”  Kirpal Das ji looked towards Guru ji and Mamma Kirpal Chand ji.  He said to them: “what use is this Kutka (think stick carried by Sadhoos) on my shoulder for?  This is a huge weapon whose execution I have perfected.  I will kill Hayaat Khan with this.  I have your blessing, Guru ji.  I do not have an ounce of fear in me because I know it will be you, doing everything through me.  Hayaat Khan can run as much as he wants but he can’t hide.  I will find him in the caves of the mountains if I have to.  I will only strike him once and burst his head.”  Mammaji looked towards Guru ji and said: “it is all your radiance and blessing.  Please give Kirpal Das ji permission to go.  I want to see him fight the Pathaans.”  Prabhoo ji smiled and said: “go forth.  Go and kill Hayaat Khan.  Your Kutka will be famous, just like Bheem Sen’s Ghudda (mace) is famous.  The Khalsa will do Katha of your Kutka and sing ballads about it.”  Mahant ji heard Guru ji’s words and was really happy.  With great strength, he placed his Kutka on his shoulder.  His body was strong and bulky.  His stomach was big from sitting in mediation for long periods of time.  He was a celibate and was chaste from birth, this made his body extremely strong and powerful.  His arms were huge and strong.  The Udaasis preached Sikhi with full devotion as they did not have families to worry about.  They were devoted to the message of Sikhi and best suited in teaching the Sikhs.  They were great and powerful people due to their immense and strict mediations regimen. 

Mahant ji’s dreadlocks were tied in a top knot.  He had bipooti (ash) all over his body.  He asked Guru ji for a horse.  He mounted the horse and shouted out a Jaikara.  He headed towards the Pathaans.  He liked scary like Bhairav (a fierce incarnation of Shiva).  His eyes were red and filled with the warrior spirit.  He was fearless and went right up to the Pathaans.  He roared out loud, challenging Hayaat Khan.  He said: “Hayaat Khan!  Where are you running to?  Come here and face me.  Unsheathe your sword and fight me.  You killed many of our Sikh warriors.  Gather your courage and fight me.”  Hayaat Khan heard the challenge and turned around.  Both warriors stood in front of each other.  Hayaat Khan took his sword out with anger.  Mahant ji lifted his Kutka.  Warriors from both sides stood to watch this interesting view.  The Paharis and the Pathaans were watching.  Mahant ji was a sadhoo with a great big dreadlocked top knot who only did Simran.  Everyone wanted to see what the Mahant was about to do.  The Pathaans said: “this is unique.  How is a saint going to fight?  He has a Kutka in his hands and Hayaat Khan has a sword in his.”  Everyone stopped to watch this unique battle.  Hayaat Khan rode his horse fast.  Mahant ji stood still, with his Kutka in hand.  Totally fearless.  He was waiting for Hayaat Khan to come to him.  Hayaat Khan came closer and swung his sword with all his strength.  Mahant ji put his Kutka in front and blocked the strike.  The Damascus sword of Hayaat Khan broke in two and fell to the ground.  The Mahant roared like a lion as everyone watch.  He prepared to swing his Kutka by gathering every bit of strength from his body, focusing from his toe to the top of his head and transferring the energy to his arms.  He got up from his saddle, standing firmly on the stirrups and swung the Kutka.  The Kutka landed with great force on top of Hayaat Khan’s head, smashing it to pieces.  The fat and brain matter sprouted out from Hayaat Khan’s head and splashed everywhere, including onto Mahant ji’s body.  His head was in pieces.  The Pahari Rajas, Pathaans, Sikhs and Guru Gobind Singh ji, all saw this amazing blow.  Guru ji wrote about this heroic event in his Bachiter Natak, outlining the strike by Mahant Kirpal Das ji.  It was like Krishan ji smashing a pot full of churned butter; like Bheem’s Ghudda breaking Duryodhana’s thighs.

Bachiter Natak Patshahi 10

Bhujang Chund:

Kirpal took his Kutka and struck the head of the stubborn Hayaat Khan with all his might.  A “chich” sound came as the fat came out of his head, just as Krishan would burst the pot of churned butter..7..

(DGGS 60)

Hayaat Khan fell from his saddle and fell to the ground.  His horse left him and ran away, far.  It panicked in shock and climbed on top of another Khan.  Another Khan then grabbed the horse.  All the warriors saw the battle.  The horse jumped around and killed another Khan by kicking them with its hind legs.  Many Khans came towards Mahant ji and tried to surround him.  Their horses were all around Mahant ji.  As one Khan came forward to strike Mahant ji, Mahant ji swung his Kutka and hit the Khan’s horse in the head.  The horse fell to the ground along with the rider.  Jeet Mal ji, the younger brother of Sangho Shah ji, then came for Mahant Ji’s help and brought him out of the trap.  The Pathaans fired bullets and the Sikhs released arrows.  A fierce battle began from both sides.  The horses were empty and neighing away.  Soldiers were injured and yelling on the ground.  Many conches, nagaras and ransinghas were sounding.  The vultures shrieked and ate the flesh of the warriors.  The Kaljognis came and drank the blood.  The battle was in its most chaotic state and many soldiers were dying.  The fields of Bhangaani were red with blood and filled with dead bodies of warriors and horses. 

2-28 Sahib Chand, Daya Ram and Nand Chand fight

One of the Khan leaders out of the three was now dead.  A lot of Pathaans were killed, along with their horses.  The Khans were angry now and fought vigorously with their arrows.  No one was able to stand in their way.  Some were shot in the head.  Some blocked arrows with their shields.  Spears were thrown to kill the enemy.  Arms were cut, legs were broken, heads fell and lay on the ground.  The swords danced; the dirt turned to mud; soldiers were injured; on the ground, they yelled out in pain.  The horses were running, trampling soldiers.  Warriors fought with their swords and shields.  Charge upon charge; yelling: “kill them;” bodies lay on the ground; the dirt mixing with blood.  The warriors showed their strength to their masters.  Losing their lives; going to heaven.  Their limbs were cut but they did not back down.  The Khans were fighting but were being killed by the Sikhs.  Bullets were fired; heads exploding; chests pierced; fountains of blood; bodies falling.

In Kanshi, there was a fort named Chinaargarh.  There was a wise Sikh that lived there.   His name was Ram Singh.  He had taken permission from Guru ji to come and fight.  He had made a canon by hollowing out a thick piece of wood.  He placed gunpowder into the barrel of the cannon and stuffed it with boulders.  With Guru ji’s permission, he fired the canon.  When it fired, it sounded like thunder and lightening flashing.  Wherever the boulder went, it ripped apart anyone and anything in its way.  He fired the canon where there was a concentration of the Pahari soldiers.   The bolder blow up a soldier and its horse to pieces.  It caused immense damage to the five or six people standing next to the blown-up soldier and horse.  The Paharis began to run around in chaos, knowing that Guru ji is now firing cannons towards them.  The soldiers began to scatter.  The Sikhs began to shout out Jaikara saying: “Satguru ji has won!”  Ram Singh fired another shot from the cannon, stuffing gunpower and boulders.  He fired towards the Paharis again.  The Paharis were amazed to see a wooden cannon.  Many Paharis were killed.

There was a warrior named Sahib Chand (known to be the older brother of Mata Sahib Deva ji), who headed towards the battle.  Seeing the Pathans advancing he spoke to Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, please give me permission to fight these Pathans coming towards us.  Your five brothers are fighting a fierce battle already and Fateh Shah’s army is advancing this way.  They are firing arrows and bullets towards us.”  Listening to Jathedar Sahib Chand, Satguru ji spoke: “take some soldiers with you and fight Fateh Shah’s army.  Fire bullets and arrows and stop the advancing army that is killing everyone in its path.”  Sahib Chand ji took warriors and charged ahead, firing bullets like popcorn.  He released arrows onto the enemy by pulling them up to his ears.  Bheekhan Khan, Nijaabhat Khan and Fateh Shah were advancing.  Soldiers would fall to the ground.  It was a fierce battle.  Some fled, afraid of death.  Bheekhan Khan noticed some of his Khans fleeing the field as the Sikhs fired back.  The Guru’s army was advancing now and the Khans were backing down.  Bheekhan Khan was upset that Hayaat Khan was killed and their mission was not successful.  He wondered who the Sadhoo was, that killed Hayaat Khan.  A sadhoo sent him to the realm of the dead.  He yelled to his Pathaans: “why are you running like cowards?  Keep your family’s honor.  Why are you losing from the Sikhs?  We are here to kill the Guru.  You lost the ways of the Pathaans and are losing from Sadhoos.  The Paharis are going to laugh at us if we don’t win.”  Bheekhan Khan pulled the reins on his horse and advanced forward along with Nijaabhat Khan.  He yelled out again: “these are all low caste people who don’t know how to fight.  You’ve seen them before.  They don’t even know how to hold a weapon yet.”  Bheekhan Khan lifted his arms and shouted out loud: “go forward.  Fight with honor.”  Nijaabhat Khan and Bheekhan Khan fired arrows and pierced the Sikhs’ chests.  As they advanced, Sahib Chand saw them coming.  He came towards the Khans.  His arrows were so fierce that they would pass through human and horse.  He made many tall Pathaans fall.  Bullets and arrows were firing from both sides.  There was yelling everywhere. 

As the fierce battle took place, Hari Chand Handooria, the expert archer, came towards the battle.  He released many arrows and pushed the Sikhs back.  He killed many Sikhs and horses.  Bheekhan Khan was happy to see Hari Chand fight.  Bheekhan Khan came to Hari Chand and complimented him: “you have fired many arrows towards the Sikhs.  They are falling back, fearing your arrows.”  Sahib Chand came towards Hari Chand and his army to stop them.  He encouraged the Sikhs and told them to release the arrows and that Guru ji was on their side but it was too much for them to handle.  Hari Chand and Bheekhan Khan were firing too many arrows.  Devan Nand Chand ji was standing near Guru ji at the high point.  Nand Chand ji said: “Prabhoo ji, please give me permission to go.  I’ve seen the state of our army.  Look, Handooria on top of his “surkha” (white with blue tint) horse.  He is with Bheekhan Khan, the Nimak Haraami, and is causing a lot of damage to the Sikhs.  They have killed many Sikhs.  They can’t be stopped.  The Paharis are coming as well, with arrogance.  We need to face them.  Sahib Chand is not able to hold them either.  He is trying, but he is alone.”  Sri Kalgidhar ji got up and observed the whole battle scene to a far distance.  He said to Daya Ram ji and Nand Chand ji: “Pandit ji, take Devan ji and fight the enemy.  Nijaabhat Khan and the others are advancing.”  Both generals mounted their horses and lead their regiments to battle.  They were filled with the warrior spirit.  Daya Ram ji was a strong and skilled warrior.  They were filled with anger.  Daya Ram ji released many arrows and encouraged the Sikhs to move forward.  Daya Ram ji stopped the Pathaans with his arrows.  Nand Chand was filled with rage and charged with his horse forward, carrying a sharp spear in his hand.  He rode his horse fast and struck a Pathaan in the chest and rode onwards.  It was as though a vada (lentil dumpling) was stuck on a prong, like shish kebob.  The spear shined and was stuck into the Pathaan’s chest.  The Pathaan fell off his horse.  The other Pathaans attacked Nand Chand to avenge their fallen comrade.  Nand Chand ji took out his sword and chopped the next approaching Pathaan’s head.  The edge was very sharp on his sword.  Another Pathaan approached him and held out his rifle.  Nand Chand ji struck his sword on the Pathaan’s rifle but the sword broke off.  His strike was empty.  Nand Chand ji got angrier.  He took out his kataar from his kumerkassa and stabbed it into the same Pathaans belly, killing him.  Daya Ram ji came to Nand Chand to cover him.  Daya Ram ji killed many Pathaans.  The warriors that were advancing were now backing down and hiding behind the trees to save themselves. 

Hari Chand went to another side after encouraging Bheekhan Khan.  Hari Chand went where the five brothers were fighting and released arrows towards them.  Sango Shah and the brothers saw Hari Chand coming towards them.  His eyes were red.  He was killing the Sikhs in his way.  Sango Shah ji mounted sharp arrows to his bow and released them towards Hari Chand’s army.  Hari Chand was a skilled warrior and dodged the arrows.  His horse was very clever as well.  Sango Shah killed many of Hari Chand’s soldiers though.  This battle raged on.

The king of Chundail, Madhukar Shah came into the battle with his army.  He charged towards Daya Ram ji and Nand Chand ji.  Bullets and arrows flew.  The battle was huge.  It was covering a great distance.  Guns were being fired.  The ramrods of the rifles were stuffing the bullets, the gunpower was added.  The soldiers aimed and fired.  The arrows were released with great force.  Fateh Shah watched the battle.  When his soldiers ran back, he would stop them and tell them to fight.  Guru ji observed the whole battle as well and strategized.  The soldiers that came ahead were killed. 

Buddhu Shah’s 700 Mureeds were fighting.  He lost one son but his courage did not fall.  He fought with enthusiasm, as he was fighting for the Guru.  The enemy came forward but died by Buddhu Shah’s weapons.  His second son was fighting but was severely injured.  He soon succumbed to his injuries and went to Heaven.  Two sons of Buddhu Shah ji were now martyrs.  Thus, the battle raged on, with many soldiers dying.  They took bullets and fired them as well.  Many had died but the warrior spirit was alive. 

2-29 Halvaee Sikh/ Jeet Mal dies/Fateh Shah runs and hides

Where Guru ji was sitting, there was a Halvaee (cook) named Laal Chand with Guru ji.  He folded his hands and said: “oh ocean of wisdom, please listen to me: I have a wish in my heart to go into battle and be useful to you.  I have never held weapons before, though.  I have never held a spear, gun, sword or shield.  I still have a wish to fight.  I request you to bless me, so that I may go and kill some soldiers of the enemy.  Please give me a horse, sword and shield so I may go.”  Sri Kalgidhar ji heard Laal Chand and smiled.  There were “kotal” (reserved) horses tied up.  Kotal horses were used for backup.  Guru ji called one of those horses.  Guru ji blesses everyone, poor and weak.  As the horse came, Guru ji said: “Laal Chand, mount this horse.”  Laal Chand Halvaee mounted the horse and said: “Guru ji, please give me a weapon.  Spear, gun or arrows will do.  A sword to kill the enemy would be great.”  Guru ji smiled and gave him a sword and shield.  Laal Chand picked up the shield with his right hand and the sword with his left hand.  Holding the weapons, he asked Guru ji: “Guru ji, what do you do with these?  Am I holding this right?  How do I kill with this?”  The soldiers from both sides were watching and laughing.  They were amazed.  The Sikhs were amazed of how the Guru makes sparrows fight hawks.  Satguru ji said: “hold the shield in your left hand and the sword in your right.  Ride your horse towards the enemy lines.  If the enemy strikes you, protect yourself with your shield.  If they don’t strike, then swing your sword with all your might.  Win the enemy in this way like a lion.”  Laal Chand took Guru ji’s instructions and headed towards the battle with courage and bravery.  He rode with full attention.

There was a Pathaan named Meer Khan, who was fed Jalabees made by Laal Chand when they were both in Paonta Sahib.  They recognized each other on the battlefield.  Meer Khan had defected to the Paharis becoming a Nimak Haraami.  The Halvaee yelled out: “you traitor Nimak Haraami Pathaan!  Stay there.  You ate my ladoos and Jalabees.  Now eat my sword.”  He roared like a lion.  Bheekhan Khan yelled to Meer Khan: “Meer Khan, this Halvaee is from the Arora caste.  He does not know how to fight.  The Guru just gave him a sword and shield.  Kill him and take his horse.  He does not know how to use a weapon.  He only knows how to weigh food and sell it.  Khuddah sent weapons and a horse for you today, Meer Khan.  Take them, they are yours now.”  Meer Khan gathered his strength and pulled his sword from its sheath.  He rode his horse and came up to Laal Chand.  He swung his sword with all his might but Laal Chand blocked the strike with his shield.  Laal Chand then gathered his strength and looked for an opening on Meer Khan’s body to strike his sword with.  It was the power of Guru ji’s words that was in play.  He swung his sword and took off Meer Khan’s head like a fruit falling of a branch.  Meer Khan’s body fell off the horse and the horse ran away.  His head and body lay on the ground, separated.  The Sikh soldiers rejoiced and yelled out jaikaras.  Sikhs laughed at the Pathaans and played the Nagaras louder.  They said: “you Pathaans have lost all your shame.  You died from a cook who weighs food.  He killed a Pathaan warrior who thought he was really strong.”  Bheekhan Khan and Nijaabhat Khan spoke to the Khans with anger: “what is wrong with your strength?  Go and fight the enemy, fiercely.  These Sikhs do not know how to hold weapons.  You are being defeated by them.  Be alert and fight them.”  Hari Chand, Madhukar Shah from Chundail along with the Pathaans attacked the Sikh army with bullets and arrows.  They threw spears and swords.  It was a fierce charge.  Many soldiers began to die.

Devan Nand Chand ji and Daya Ram ji Purohit, the strong along with Sango Shah, Jeet Mal, Mahant Kirpal Das, Ganga Ram, Maari Chand, Gulab Chand, the warrior; all took the army and charged ahead.  They fired bullets and released arrows.  Mammaji was leading the charge.  Mammaji was the wisest warrior.  He pierced the enemy’s chests with his arrows.  The Paharis fell one-by-one on to the earth.  The Sikhs stood on the field like flags.  Jeet Mal faced Hari Chand in battle.  The two warriors were strong and skilled fighters.  They struck blows towards each other.  Both their horses were clever.  Sango Shah faced Nijaabhat Khan.  The brave warriors fought intensely.  Jeet Mal’s eyes were red and he was firing his arrows continuously.  Both warriors fired at each other, moving around; sometimes moving left and sometimes right.  They were proud warriors and skilled in Shaster Vidya.  Jeet Mal mounted a sharp arrow and pulled it hard.  He aimed at Hari Chand and released it to kill him.  Hari Chand moved away and dodged it.  Jeet Mal’s arrows went without a victim.  Jeet Mal got angry and yelled: “Hari Chand!  Where will you go?  I won’t let you run away.  This arrow of mine will end your life.”  He mounted another arrow.  Hari Chand mounted an arrow as well and released it.  Both arrows struck each other’s horses’ foreheads.  Both horses fell and died.  Jeet Mal and Hari Chand both jumped and came to the ground.  Both were equally skilled warriors in archery.  Both were filled with the warrior spirit.  They mounted arrows on to their bows.  They released their arrows which flew with great speed.  The arrows hit both soldiers in their arms.  Blood sprouted from their arms which coloured their clothes red.  They did not lose strength or courage.  They continued to fight on, unaware of their injuries.  Everyone on the field stopped to watch this battle.  They were two injured lions.  Jeet Mal mounted another arrow and looked towards Hari Chand.  Both warriors had strong bows.  There was anger in their eyes.  Jeet Mal pulled the arrow up to his ears.  The string on his bow made a stretching noise “chirr, chirr” as he pulled it.  Hari Chand mounted an arrow as well and released it.  Hari Chand’s arrow came flying fast and struck Jeet Mal in the heart.  The arrow passed right through his body, out the other end.  As Jeet Mal’s heart was now pierced, his pain was unbearable.  He clenched his teeth and moved forward to attack his opponent but there was blood in his eyes and his lips quivered now.  He fell forward.  A warrior never falls backward.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “Dhan is his father Bhai Sadhoo ji and Dhan is his mother Bibi Veero ji, who gave birth to such a great warrior.”  The arrow had struck a critical part of Jeet Mal’s heart which caused his death.  The arrow went through his body.  Hari Chand was also hit with an arrow from Jeet Mal.  He spun around and landed on the ground unconscious.  He couldn’t stabilize himself and lost his senses.  He laid on the ground as if he was asleep.  The Paharis picked up Hari Chand and pulled out the arrow from his body.  They took Hari Chand back to their camp and dressed his wounds.  They gave him water and fanned his face.  They rubbed his feet and gave him medicine.  Jeet Mal’s body was picked up by the Sikhs.  Jeet Mal’s soul headed to Sach Khand but Hari Chand was still alive.  Jeet Mal’s body was placed before Guru ji.  Everyone praised Jeet Mal saying “Dhan is Jeet Mal!”  Guru ji looked at Jeet Mal and said: “he fulfilled his duty greatly as a Kshatriya.”  When Jeet Mal went to heaven, Hari Chand was unconscious.  Sango Shah and Nijaabhat Khat were fighting fiercely.  Vultures, crows and scavengers were eating the flesh of the fallen soldiers.  They ate the flesh and made noise.  They were satiated with the food.  The female vultures were making noises as they had the flesh.

Fateh Shah was standing in his place and came to see Hari Chand.  He saw that Hari Chand was being attended to.  Guru ji said to Ram Singh: “Ram Singh, look over there, where there are a lot of Pahari soldiers standing.  Fire your cannon where all the kings are.  Scare them.  Let’s kill as many as we can.”  It was where Hari Chand was laying down and the other Rajas came to see him.  Ram Singh heard Guru ji’s orders and pointed his canon into the prescribed direction.  He prepared the gunpowder and stuffed the boulder.  He lit the canon.  The canon fired.  A flash of light shown like a lightening strike and made a horribly loud sound.  The boulder went screaming towards the gathering of the kings and Hari Chand.  It blew up 4 soldiers along with their horses they were riding.  The others that were standing nearby, scattered away fearing the canon strikes.  Fateh Shah’s heart was struck with a deep fearing chill and he ran around looking for cover.  He thought: “Hari Chand was our greatest warrior but he is unconscious.”  Fateh Shah saw other warriors laying dead on the battlefield and ran away with his horse.  He didn’t even hold his bow.  He became a coward and ran away from the battlefield.  The other Pahari Rajas ran away too, seeing Fateh Shah.  Rajas such as Jasvaali, Dhadhvali and Madhukar Shah all ran away.  They ran away, throwing their honor of being men away.  Fateh Shah went so far away that no bullet or boulder could reach him now.  He and the other Rajas stood there and said: “why should we die in battle when it’s not our time yet?  Nothing was accomplished.  Why did we fight?”

2-30 Sango Shah and Hari Chand die

Fateh Shah ran away in fear.  Hari Chand Chundail saw him run away and got really angry.  He picked up a spear and headed back to battle.

Daya Ram the brave warrior, Nand Chand the patient, Ganga Ram and Gulab Rai were all fighting the battle, using all of their might.  Jeet Mal had died.  Seeing Jeet Mal laying on the ground made the other Sikhs angrier.  They charged into the battle with more strength.  They gave a fierce opposition to the Pahari army.  Hari Chand advanced into the battle, holding his spear.  He approached the other Sikh warriors, living up to his Rajput honor.  He stabbed two Sikhs and stood on the battlefield.  He took his sword and fought fiercely. 

Daya Ram, Nand Chand and the others were fighting.  They swung their swords and killed many soldiers of the enemy’s army.  They fought to impress their master.  They followed their duties as warriors and did not lose their courage.  Many soldiers were cut.  The Raja, Fateh Shah ran away and dropped his duties as the general.    

The Khans got angry and sounded their war drums and conches.  The Pathaans came to fight.  They fought hard.  Nijaabhat Khan saw Sangho Shah and Sangho Shah recognized Nijaabhat Khan.  Both warriors approached each other on the battlefield.  They had a fierce battle and did not back down.  They were together in Guru Sahib’s court at one time.  They were friends and had deep conversations many times.  They talked about war for many hours.  They were both close to Guru ji.  They would discuss battle tactics and fighting moves.  They were both considered great warriors.  They were both proud of their bravery and skills.  They were now facing each other for a fight to death.  They looked at each other and remembered their once sparkling friendship.  They fought with great agility, moving closer to each other.  They unsheathed their swords and struck each other.  They stopped each other’s strikes with their shields.  They would look at each other and try to find an opportunity to strike.  They would save their bodies as the swords flew.  The edges of the swords were sharp.  So sharp, that an ant could not crawl on the edge.  They struck each other by pulling their swords as far back as possible.  They struck each others bodies many times.  Blood was gushing from their bodies.  Their clothes were red.  It looked like roses were blossoming on their clothes.  It looked as though red flowers were adorning the bodies of the brave warriors.  They would not back down.  They were injured and swaying side to side, back and forth, as they fought.  It was like they were under the effect of intoxicants.  They were beyond the Bir Ras state.  The armies stopped to watch this battle.  Guru Gobind Singh ji was watching this battle from where he was standing.  Guru ji wrote about his older brother’s battle in his Bani:

Sri Mukhvaak

Dohra

Killing Nijaabhat Khan, Sangho became a martyr.  The world said “hai, hai,” but the heavens rejoiced and did his Jaikaar .23..305..

(DGGS 61)

Seeing such bravery of Sangho Shah, Guru ji changed his name in his Bani to “Shah Sangram” (the king of the battle).  This is referenced in the Bani of Sri Bachiter Natak Adhyaaya 8, pauri 24.306 (DGGS 61).

Both warriors were injured.  They were praised for their bravery.  Their eyebrows looked like tightened bows.  They both fell, fighting.  Their bodies bleeding.  They still did not step back.  Sangho Shah ji went to Sach Khand, where there was no remorse or sadness.  Both soldiers died.  Prabhoo ji saw the whole battle. 

Guru ji mounted his horse and came to his brother’s fallen body.  Guru ji was now filled with the warrior spirit.  Guru ji was now filled with anger.  He lifted his 9 Tonka bow.  He filled his quiver with the sharpest arrows.  He rode his horse, fast.  The saddle was made of gold with Zarri cloth attached to it.  The tassels were golden.  Anyone looking at Guru ji riding his horse, could tell it was him from miles away.  Guru ji went to where the traitor Khans were fighting.  The Pathaans saw Guru ji and Guru ji saw them.  Nagaras sounded from both sides.  The thunderous sounds from the Nagaras could be heard from miles away.  The “Shah Sultan,” the King of Kings entered the battlefield.  The Nagaras sounded, the conches blew, the battle standards blew in the wind.  The Sun was watching; the Devatas were watching; their hands folded; their heads bowed, for the master of the universe was on the battlefield.  Blessed is he, that is hit with the Guru’s arrow.  The Pathaans attacked Guru ji and yelled: “kill him!”  Guru ji mounted his arrow and pulled it to his ears.  He released his arrow and pierced many chests at one time.  The ones that ate his arrows fell to the ground.  They had no sense of where they were, once they fell.  It was like a flying snake bit them.  They did not breath a second time when they were hit.  Guru ji mounted a second arrow and pulled it.  He pulled it to his ears and shot more Khans.  The arrows went right through their heads, entering through their ears.  The Pathaans were now well aware that Kalgidhar ji was fighting. 

Bheekhan Khan, the Nimak Haraami, the traitor, was standing on the field.  Guru ji aimed for his face and released his arrow.  Was it an arrow or a poisonous, scary, black snake?  The arrow went flying, making noise.  It would strike fear into the hearts that it flew by.  Bheekhan Khan did not last with his courage.  He saw Guru ji’s scariest form and ran backwards.  He ran away but the arrows hit Bheekhan Khan’s horse.  The arrow passed right through the horse’s body.  Bheekhan Khan fell as the horse died.  Bheekhan Khan began to run on foot.  Guru ji took another arrow and released it.  Bhai Nand Chand and Pandit Daya Ram ji saw Guru ji’s warrior-spirited form and charged further, striking harder.  They were motivated further to fight harder, seeing Guru ji on the battlefield.  They both attacked the Pathaans with a fierce charge.  The Pathaans could not stand their charge.  There was chaos among the Pathaans.  The two warriors went deep into enemy lines.  The Pathaans began to move backwards.  They were afraid of Guru ji’s arrows and moved back.  The Pathaans saw Bheekhan Khan running away and began to run away themselves.  Thousands of soldiers from the Pahari army also fled.  The battle was in chaos.  Ghosts and Prayts came to eat flesh and drink blood.  The vultures shrieked in happiness.  The 64 Kaljognis came with Kaali to feast as well.  They drank blood.  Witches ate flesh and burped.  War is a frightening place.  Many dead bodies lay on the ground.  The Pathaans were afraid now.  There were bodies everywhere.  The ground was red.

Jeet Mal had died on the battlefield earlier.  Hari Chand was made unconscious by his arrow.  He came back to his senses slowly and saw the Pathaans running away.  The Sikhs were winning.  He could not tolerate it and dressed his wound to stop the bleeding.  He came back to the battlefield.  He was a great and respected warrior.   He came with great anger.  He took his bow and released arrows.  He changed the direction of the war that it was heading in.  He released fierce arrows on to the field.  He killed many Sikhs of the Guru.  He killed many that came in front of him.  Whoever ate his arrows, died instantly.  The Sikhs went to Sach Khand after dying.  They were surrounded by the “hoors” (fairies) of heaven and wedded by them as they went.  The soldiers did not back down and fought bravely against Hari Chand.  They did not move backwards.  Hari Chand saw that the Sikhs were advancing and got angry.  He mounted two arrows at a time and released them.  They went through the person or horse they hit.  He released the arrows with force and blasted many heads open.  Many Sikhs were martyred.  They would not get up after being hit.  They slept the eternal slumber.

Guru ji noticed that Hari Chand was a great warrior.  Guru ji came to Hari Chand to face him.  Hari Chand saw Guru ji coming towards him.  He saw the Kalgi on his Dastaar, the golden saddle, royal robes and knew it was the Guru himself.  Who else would have such a radiance?  Hari Chand released an arrow towards Guru ji.  He wanted to kill Guru ji but his hand slipped and the arrow hit Guru ji’s horse’s saddle.  Guru ji was not hit.  Only the horse got a little scratch.  The horse kept on going.  Hari Chand was upset that his arrow didn’t hit Guru ji.  He mounted another arrow and released it again towards Guru ji.  Guru ji saw the arrow come towards his forehead.  This arrow was also fired from a slipped hand.  It flew by Guru ji’s ear but did not touch him.  Guru ji looked towards Hari Chand.  Hari Chand was surprised that he missed a second time, despite being an expert archer and marksman.  He was wondering what was wrong with him.  He couldn’t kill Guru ji or his horse.  He was upset that his years of practice and learning of archery was gone fruitless.  Guru ji was standing solidly in front of him.  He was able to move with agility to dodge all the arrows.  Hari Chand was losing his confidence.  He mounted a third arrow and released it towards Guru ji, aiming for his chest.  He pulled it up to his ears before he let it go.  The arrow flew fast and hit Guru ji in his kumerkassa.  There was a leather strap that crossed Guru ji’s chest and held his quiver.  The arrow hit the strap and pinched Guru ji’s waist.  It was just a pinch and did not break skin.  Guru ji pulled the arrow out and threw it to the side.  Guru ji roared and said: “Shaabaash!  Hari Chand, your strength is praiseworthy.  You were proud of your skill though?  Why were you proud of this skill that makes you release light arrows?  Your aim was good but nothing happened to me.  Forget killing me, you couldn’t even injure me.  You trusted your skills and wanted to kill me but you tried three times and failed.  Now it’s my turn.  I will show you the true skills of archery.  I will show you how to mount an arrow.  I will show you how to kill.  There is a technique to kill the enemy which doesn’t give the person time to ask for water.”  Where Hari Chand’s arrow had hit, there was a drop of blood that came out.  Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji was happy to see a little of his blood come out.  He was fearless and a true Kshatriya.  He looked towards Hari Chand.  When the arrow hit Guru ji, the warrior spirit inside Guru ji took on a most extreme form.  Guru ji took his bow, the one that would fire arrows running through many chests at once.  He mounted an arrow which was sharp.  He pulled the string of his bow till his hand touched his ear.  Guru ji aimed for Hari Chand’s heart and released it.  The enemy was destroyed by the arrow of the Guru.  The arrow struck Hari Chand like a lightening strike; like the bite of a poisonous cobra.  The arrow went through Hari Chand’s chest and came out the other end, flying off further.  Hari Chand fell.  His soul flew from his body.  It was though a very old and mighty tree was uprooted by a storm.  All the soldiers saw.  The soldiers yelled.  The Pathaans attacked.  Guru ji released arrows and killed many.  Whoever came within the range of Guru ji’s arrows was not able to pass through it.  Guru ji killed many soldiers.  The enemy feared Guru ji’s arrows.  They ran away in fear.  Metal clashed with metal.  Guru ji was victorious.  It was now evident among the two sides that the Sikhs won the battle.