4-16 Battle after Jamtulla Dies/ Resting at Night

Bhai Maan Singh ji was holding the great Nishan in his hands.  He came to plant the Nishan Sahib where Jamtulla’s body was, marking the area as a line for the Khalsa to block.  He came to that area and set the new line.  The Gujjars and Rangars charged fiercely.  A fierce battle took place.  The Singhs came to the front and blocked the line.  They had Karachol Teghas in their hands with arrows, spears and Tomars.  They killed many Gujjars and piled their bodies up.  The Singhs killed many soldiers there as the Gujjars and Rangars attempted to recover Jamtulla’s body.  They fired many bullets.  Ghamand Chand (son of Kirpal Chand) of Katoch came to the line and tried to push ahead.  He released many arrows and called many soldiers to come with him.  They were all trying to get to Jamtulla’s body.  He said to his soldiers: “grab the Nishan of the Singhs.  Take it along with the body of Jamtulla.  Kill whoever comes in your way.”  Bhai Maan Singh ji defended the area with strength there with patience.  He had a Tegha in his hand and protected the Nishan Sahib.  Bhai Maan Singh ji was great follower of Rehit.  His lifestyle was of the highest standards and he always kept his word.  Bhai Maan Singh ji shot arrows to anyone who came close.  The Rangars and Gujjars came in thousands to attack.  They shouted and attacked.  The dhols and conches sounded.  They had spears and swords in their hands.  They played the Ransinghas and Napheeryas in a loud way.  They attacked with eagerness.  They attacked the Nishan Sahib and wanted to take it.  They tried their best but they couldn’t take anything at this point.  Their mounted soldiers were protecting themselves from the bullets of the Singhs.  They wouldn’t face the Singhs head on.  They saw the rain of bullets.  If some of them did come foreword, they would get shot and fall to the ground from their horses.  The foot soldiers attacked.  The Singhs shot their guns, standing around the Nishan.  The body of Jamtulla was right behind the Nishan.  A fierce battle raged on.  The Paharis roared and forced ahead.  Nobody stayed back.  They fought with their swords and shields.  They protected themselves with their shields.  Their blood-drenched swords danced on the field.  The Singhs came jumping like lions, pouncing on their prey.  The bullets and arrows rained down like downpour in the rainy season.  They engaged in hand-to-hand combat.  Whoever was injured would yell and fall to the ground.  They attacked in groups and jumped high.  The Singhs’ moustaches were raised.  They fought with their chests out.  The brave and handsome warriors fought with courage.  They stopped the strikes of the enemy with their shields.  The bodies of the enemy were eaten by scavengers.  When the Singhs would fall, they would still look like they were fighting.  Their clothes become red from blood.  The Singhs fought by jumping on to the field.  The warriors in Kacheras and Kesh, the Bhujhangis, were radiant on the field.  The Paharis tried but they were unsuccessful in taking the body of Jamtulla.  They had lost many men in that attempt.  Bhai Maan Singh ji remained standing beside the Nishan Sahib.  He had the power of the Guru, which kept him going.  The Singhs protecting the area of the Nishan Sahib well.  The Singhs made a line in front of the Nishan Sahib and didn’t let anyone come ahead.  The Paharis decided not to go for the Nishan Sahib or the body of Jamtulla.  They began to move back, losing the charge.

It was evening and the sun came down.  It was tradition to stop fighting when the sun came down.  How can a fierce battle be described by one quill?  After fighting 9 hours straight, they all stopped and went back to their camps.  The soldiers and horses were tired.  Thousands had died.  They took their injured soldiers and went back to their camp.  The Khalsa had won the battle that day as they didn’t let Jamtulla’s body go.  The Singhs went back to their respective battalion camps.  It was night and so bullets were still being fired as warning shots.  The Injured were tended to.  The Singhs that died on the field went straight to Sach Khand, to the feet of Guru ji.  Some injured Singhs walked back.  The Khalsa met Guru Gobind Singh ji and felt at peace.  They told Guru ji the Katha of the battle: “we did not let the Paharis take Jamtulla’s body.  Bhai Maan Singh ji stood there with the Nishan and didn’t let anyone forward.  It was your radiance by which we fought.  Nobody could come close to us.  They lost and retreated.  Satguru ji, you gave glory to our words.  The Nishan Sahib did, however, gave its final salute in the battle.”  Guru ji said: “Parmeshwar did good.  Jamtulla bothered the Sangat a lot.  He attacked the Sangat when they were headed here.  You have made the travelling Sikhs peaceful by killing him.  In regards to the Nishan Sahib: I will make a Nishan that will never break.  One will fly in the hand of a Sikh and the other will be on top of the Sikh’s head.  A Blue Farla (plume) will radiate brightly from their Dastaars.”  Guru ji called five Singhs: Bhai Aalam Singh ji, Bhai Dharam Singh ji, Bhai Maan Singh ji and other Singhs.  He made a Farla come out of their Dumaalaas and then illuminated a Farla on his own Dumalla as well.  Guru ji gave rewards to the Singhs.

The injured Singhs were tended to.  Guru ji tended to their wounds himself.  The pain would be gone instantly and they would be perfect by the next day.  They would be ready to take their weapons and go for war.  It was night time.  Many torches were lit.  Sikhs came to see Guru ji.  Karah Prashaad was made and given to everyone.  Baba Ajit Singh ji ate Karah Prashaad.  He fought with his weapons with great skill.  Bhai Uday Singh ji praised the Sahibzada: “Guru ji, the Sahibzada killed many soldiers today.”  Karah Prashaad was sent to the Singhs to their camps.  Everyone was told to stay in their camps and do Simran of Satnam.  The Paharis were not to be trusted at night time.  Satguru ji instructed all to keep watch.  The Shaheed Singhs were cremated at Shaheedi Bhaag, Anandpur Sahib.  They achieved the Param Padhvi.  They went to Sach Khand.  There was nothing better than this.  Singhs ate Langar and stayed in their battalions.  Some Singhs stood at guard on watch.  Half would stay awake and half would sleep.  They would switch after a while. 

The night was a scary time.  The battlefield was scary.  Dead bodies were still on the field.  Scavengers were out and eating the flesh.  Vultures, hyenas, dogs and other animals could be heard.  They ate the flesh and howled.  Bhoots and Prayts were dancing and singing on the field.  They were happy to be on the field.  The 64 Joganis came with their hair open.  They danced and drank blood.  The 11 Rudras came with their Ghans.  They danced in their scary ways.  The pyres were burning.  The crackling of the fires could be heard.  The fires roared as they swayed against the wind in the night.  The earth was full of blood.  There was mud everywhere.  Some injured soldiers on the field were still waiting for death.  The horses laid dead on the field.  The eyes were open.  Swords could be seen with cut hands still holding the hilts.  Cut limbs could be seen on the field.  Body parts and organs were scattered on the field.  Kataars laid on the ground.  The earth was scary to look at.  Cowards could not look at this sight.  The Singhs in their camps shouted out the Fateh.  They would roar “Sat Sri Akaal, Gurbar Akaal.”  Their Fatehs echoed in the valley for the Paharis to hear.  They did not mourn their fallen Singhs.  They celebrated their Shaheedis (attaining martyrdom).  They were eager to fight the next day.  They said: “we will fight and kill the enemy tomorrow.”

Over at the Paharis camps, the Paharis Rajas and the soldiers were worried.  They were embarrassed at their performance.  Listen to the Katha foreword, of how the night of the Paharis went by. 

4-17 The Paharis have Discussions During the Night

Bheem Chand was upset and observed his dead soldiers.  He thought he was going to win in a matter of a few hours.  His wishes were upset.  Thousands of soldiers of the Pahari army tried but couldn’t retrieve the body of Jamtulla Bhao.  He was shocked of how few in numbers the Khalsa were but the Pahari army could not take them on.  He thought to himself: “we charged and charged in many ways but we did not succeed in taking their forts or arrest the Guru.  The Singhs were not moving back.  They mounted their Nishan and we couldn’t push them back.”  The Paharis wondered if their army was able to fight.  It was night time and they had discussions with each other.  All of the Rajas were in their own camp.  The dead warriors were still on the field.  There were too many to take.  The injured soldiers were taken back and tended to.  All of the soldiers and horses were tired.  They all had long faces as they were disheartened.  The army was not eager to fight.  Many had lost their relatives in this battle.  They were depressed and mourning their dead.  The wise ministers of the Pahari Rajas came to Bheem Chand.  They were respected and seated.  Bheem Chand’s minister was seated next to Bheem Chand.  The tent was beautiful, lit with lamps and torches of oil.  Kesri Chand, Katochia, Handooria and other Rajas were seated.  Their Viziers were present as well.  The tent was full.  Bheem Chand spoke out: “listen all: you are all wise.  They way the battle went today, if it carries on like this, our army will be destroyed in a few days.  Thousands of our soldiers died fighting.  We tried to take Jamtulla’s body but lost thousands in the attempt to get it back.  The Khalsa fought with courage.  The Sikhs fired their guns vigorously.”  Katochia heard this and Handooria spoke: “everyone has fought the Guru before, now do what you please.  You should see all the ways and figure out how to fight.  Let’s weigh our options and fight.”  The Raja of Mandi said: “I have told you before but you don’t listen to me.  The only reason I came is because I am part of your community.  The Guru’s house is high.  Nobody can compare to it.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s radiance is too big.  Guru Gobind Singh ji is the 10^th incarnation.  It is better to meet the Guru and be on good terms with him.  The Guru’s house is full of power and blessings.  The Guru can do whatever he wants to do in an instance.  The seat of Guru Nanak Dev ji is present and radiant.  Guru Nanak Dev ji is Narayan Parmeshwar.  No one can compare to him.”  Handooria heard this and said: “listen, the things of kingdoms and politics is different.  Sons and fathers get into conflicts over this.  The loved ones become the worst enemies.  If you want to let go of the kingdom and become a Sadhoo, then it’s good to think the way you do.  The Guru is our enemy.  How can we avoid this war?  We will need to fight because he is a threat to us.”  Kesri Chand Jasvaar spoke with pride: “what are these Singhs in front of us?  When we fight them, they won’t be able to stand in front of us.  Don’t worry if we lost in the past.  Its not uncommon to lose the first battle.  We didn’t know what we were against.  We will fight again tomorrow.  We will charge together.  How long can the Khalsa fight us?  They have no land, no kingdom and no money.  We are all Rajas.  We have no shortage of wealth, soldiers and forts.  We won’t leave Anandpur without destroying it.”  Bheem Chand spoke in anger: “Kesri Chand, it is true what you say, but consider the situation: Paindey Khan came with a great force.  Look how he was killed and his army was made to run away.  10,000 mounted warriors came to fight.  I got scared after watching the battle today.  Many of our men were killed.”

One of the Viziers of the Kahiloori Raja spoke with his hands folded: “all of you Rajas have come together.  You will have to fight.  What else can you do?  You are Kshatriyas.  You can’t back down.  You know the past.  Many kings have fought and established their kingdoms when they were victorious.  If they died, they went to heaven.  Those warriors are still remembered today.  Fighting battles are what kings and Kshatriyas do.”  When Bheem Chand heard this, he said: “we are not going to back down.  Let’s surround and block all paths to Anandpur.  Nobody should be allowed to go in and out of Anandpur.  Let’s surround the city.  Don’t let food or other things in or out.  Be alert and stay on guard.  We will set up lines in front.  Keep attacking with cannons.  Shoot down anyone you see coming out of the fort.  Force them to surrender.  If you see any Sikh, kill them.  Keep a strict surrounding.  Nobody should come in or out.  This is the best option I can think of.  We won’t be able to kill the Singhs on the field.  We will have to starve them out.”  Everyone heard this and agreed with Bheem Chand.  They weren’t going to fight.  They were regretting their decision of coming.  They knew they couldn’t win the Guru by fighting. 

Many of the Paharis did not sleep in fear.  Half of them slept and the other half kept watch.  The Rajas ate and went to sleep.  The ones that were on watch, fired their guns after some time to give warning shots.  When the sun came up, everyone got ready and donned their weapons.  The Dhundhabs played and the armies got ready.  Conches, Napheeryas and Dhols played.  The army gave each other hope.  The regiments all spread out and surrounded Anandpur.  They set up their camps in different areas around the city.

Satguru ji had canons fire, including the “Bhaagan Toop.”  Guru ji fired the “lamchurs” (long rifles), which had a far reach.  The Singhs aimed at the Paharis’ camps and fired.  They figured out the Pahari’s strategies and pushed them back.  The Singhs went on to the fields and took cover behind boulders as they fired on.  The Khalsa was ready to fight and they didn’t like the strategy the Paharis were taken on.  The Singhs camped out as well.  The bullets kept firing at distances.  The Singhs shot the soldiers and destroyed them.  Whatever horse or soldier they saw, they shot and made them fall.  They kept their guns ready to fire at all times.  There were battles breaking out all around the border.  The Singhs killed many in this way.  They fired at the camps.  Some were on horses and some were of foot.  They killed whoever they saw.  They wouldn’t let the enemy come close to Anandpur.  Guru ji fired the canons and pushed the enemy back.  When the canons fired, the Paharis mounted their horses and went back further.  Their foot soldiers moved back too, as many had died.  When one would die, the others would run back.  There was firing from both sides.  They all took cover and fought in this way.  Hundreds fell to the ground.  Many were injured.  There were fierce battles that broke out.  Blood spilled and puddles were formed.  This carried on until the afternoon.  The soldiers were in their trenches or covered places.  The guns were aimed and fired.  The ones that came to attack were killed by the Singhs.  The Pahari army tried to surround them.  It looked like the ocean had come.  They spread like the water of a flood, far off into the distance.  Anandpur looked like an island in the middle of an ocean of soldiers. 

4-18 Sahib Ajit Singh ji Fights

While the Paharis surrounded Anandpur, the Singhs had “Bhijeeya,” Shaheedi Degh, during the afternoon and bathed.  They did the Kanga and tied their Dumaalaas.  They recited Japji Sahib and other Banis while they tied their Dastaars.  They did the Kanga of their beards and curled their moustaches.  The warrior spirit could be seen on their faces.  The Rehit of the Guru was unstained.  The Singhs saddled their horses and fastened their Khandas along with other weapons.  Baba Ajit Singh ji got ready after getting permission from his father.  He said to his father: “Prabhoo ji, I request your radiance and power to fight the battle today.  I wish to give Bheem Chand and the other Paharis a ruthless battle which will take their awareness away.  I want to give the Paharis the taste they’re looking for from war.  I want him to regret coming here.”  Guru ji heard his son’s words and was happy.  His son was like fire for the jungle.  Guru ji said: “the Khalsa is motivated by your eagerness.  The enemy does not have the power that you have.  Don’t be so eager.  Don’t move ahead of your lines.  Come back after fighting for an hour and a half.  Bring the Singhs back with you as well.  Don’t chase the enemy if they go towards their camp.  This is my strategy that has been given to me by Akaal Purakh.  The Pahari army’s ego will be destroyed slowly.  The Turks and the Paharis will be destroyed together.  The mighty Khalsa will become the kings.  They haven’t seen our fight yet.  They will lose their kingdoms soon.”  Guru ji gave his son permission to fight.  Baba Ajit Singh ji’s quiver was embellished with pearls and diamonds.  There were gems on it with golden craftsmanship.  He had a Sirohi in his gatra.  He tied two Kumerkassas.  He was wearing golden jewellery with precious gems in it.  His shield had golden craftsmanship on the wootz.  There was a shield made of rhinoceros skin tied to his back.  He had a fierce bow on his shoulder.  He bowed to Guru Gobind Singh ji’s feet and came outside of the house.  He did parkarma of his horse and bowed to its feet before mounting it.  When he jumped to mount his horse, the Nagaras and conches played.  The Singhs shouted out jaikaras in his honour.  The Dal of the Khalsa was about to charge to break the pride of the Paharis.  The Khalsa prepared their guns.  Baba ji headed towards Bheem Chand’s camp. 

Guru ji told Bhai Uday Singh ji: “the enemy will charge on hard, seeing the Sahibzada coming to battle.  Make sure the ranks are well saturated with many Singhs.  There will be more cavalry, so have the mounted Singhs saddle their horses.  Make sure the Morchas are well stocked.  Give the Paharis a good slap today and attack in the thousands.  Break the lines that are surrounding Anandpur.  Bring back victory today.  Make sure the Paharis see their people lay dead on the field.”  Bhai Uday Singh ji bowed and headed off.

Bhai Daya Singh ji was with Baba Ajit Singh ji.  Bhai Mokham Singh ji was a brave warrior, who was there too.  Bhai Aalam Singh ji was full of anger.  Bhai Bachittar Singh ji had long strong arms.  He and Bhai Maan Singh ji (Bhai Mani Singh ji’s older brother who had the Farla) charged onto the field.  Mattoo Seva Singh ji, Majail, came with Bhai Dhunni Chand ji (the grandson of Bhai Salo ji) and met with Baba Ajit Singh ji.  They grabbed their weapons: bows, arrows, Tomars, spears and Saangs.  They came out of Anandpur to fight.  There was 500 Singhs with Baba ji.  The Paharis heard the Nagara of the Khalsa.  There were already fights happening at the Morchas.  This new regiment came to attack.  The Paharis, Gujjars and Rangars got ready to fight.  They gathered in lines and came face to face.  There was fighting all around Anandpur in front of Logarh, Agamgarh, Holgarh, Taragarh, and Fatehgarh.  Guns were firing and arrows were released.  Fire was spouting from the guns.  Baba Ajit Singh ji charged onto the enemy all of a sudden.  They charged the place where Bheem Chand was.  It was like a storm in Chet (March/April).  The Singhs were like the clouds in the storm.  They rained bullets onto the enemy.  The Khalsa was inspired and motivated by the presence of Baba Ajit Singh ji.  It was like hail on to the fields.  500 guns fired at once with arrows.  Heads exploded, eyes popped out, limbs were cut and rivers of blood flowed.  Bheem Chand’s army came in front, playing Dhols and Nagaras.  Baba Ajit Singh ji released many arrows and sliced the bodies of the enemy.  His arrows went through horses and soldiers.  The Paharis fell to the ground and died.  Baba ji was quick to release arrows, one after the other.  He kept mounting his arrows and releasing them.  He aimed at the soldiers’ chests and heads.  It was hard to see where Baba ji’s hand was.  It was moving so fast for anyone to see.  His horse was very obedient which quickly jumped when needed.  He would move to save Baba ji from the enemy’s arrows.

Baba Ajit Singh ji wanted victory and released arrows.  The Singhs fired their guns as well.  They killed many soldiers of the Pahari army.  Many guns would fire all at once.  The bullets hit the soldiers’ horses which fell to the ground.  Baba ji’s horse got hit with a bullet as well.  Baba Ajit Singh ji jumped off his horse and kept releasing arrows.  The Singhs came and brought him another horse.  Baba ji ran and mounted the second horse.  He rode that horse with agility and skill as well.  He continued killing many soldiers.  The Singhs shot at the enemy and did not let them come forward.  Baba Maan Singh ji had the Nishans.  He came to fight the enemy.  He attacked the enemy while the Nagaras played.  He went into the enemy lines and caused chaos.  He shot bullets and arrows, killing many.  They fell to the ground and mixed into the dust.  The swords of the Singhs bathed in the enemy’s blood.  Heads and limbs rolled to the ground.  Some ran away from the fields, not being able to stand the Khalsa’s charge.  Baba ji kept releasing arrows.  The Paharis saw an opportunity and charged.  The Khalsa charged back and broke the enemy’s jaw.  The Paharis didn’t dare come back once they were hit.  They would not look back in fear.  The ones that were saved, were only alive because they ran away. 

Kesri Chand Jasovaliay saw Baba Ajit Singh ji with the Khalsa, causing chaos on his army.  He saw Baba ji releasing his arrows.  Kesri Chand took 1,000 soldiers and came to stop Baba ji.  He was a strong warrior.  He stopped the army from running.  He wanted to win and so did the Khalsa.  Baba Ajit Singh ji, Bhai Uday Singh ji and others did not stop.  Guru ji’s blessing made the Khalsa win this day.  Baba ji then started to move back as the Paharis ran away.  He stayed in the Morcha and killed many soldiers.  The Pahari Soldiers along with the Gujjars and Rangars ran away.  The bullets were fired and the Paharis were pushed back.  They tried to take Anandpur but failed at all attempts.  They were afraid to look at Anandpur.  Thousands of soldiers were killed.  Bhoots, Prayts, Kaljognis and Beers came to eat the flesh of the warriors.  Crows cawed and vultures shrieked at the sight of flesh.  Many horses died or were injured.  Many soldiers were injured laying on the ground.  They screamed out to be taken back.  Some waited for death to come.  The dogs came to eat the dead. 

It was soon night and the sun went home.  It was dark and many had died.  Shivji came with the Ghans, Kaljognis and ghosts to roam the battlefield.  The warriors were sitting in their Morchas, keeping watch.  Bheem Chand came onto the field looking to look for his injured soldiers and brought them back.  He saw the damage done to his army and became very worried.  He was embarrassed to talk about his loss as he was the one that was eager to fight.  He knew that if the battle went on like this, he was not going to win.  The dead bodies were recovered into piles.  They were all cremated.  He spent the whole night worried about the battle.  He didn’t eat or drink anything. 

4-19 The Battle Rages on

Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh ji won the battle of the day and engaged in collecting the injured Singhs.  He came back with the injured warriors and went to go see his father.  He bowed to his father and told him about the battle.  Bhai Uday Singh ji and Bhai Aalam Singh ji received some gashes on their bodies.  Many Singhs died that day and went to Sach Khand or Heaven.  Baba Ajit Singh ji was sitting next to Guru ji.  Bhai Aalam Singh ji came and said: “Prabhoo ji, it was a great battle!  Sri Ajit Singh ji caused chaos among the enemy lines.  He shot one arrow after the other.  His arrows spared no one in its path.  He fights with patience and bravery.  He walks in the enemy lines like a lion among the sheep.  He killed many leaders of the Pahari army.  His horse died in battle but he jumped off and kept fighting.  He jumped on a second horse.  He was able to jump off of his horse as soon as it was shot.  He has agility and courage.  He is wise in battle.  With your radiance, blessing and strength, Guru ji, the Singhs killed the enemy like a wild lion kills the deer.  Many Singhs were injured today.  They swung their swords and killed many.  This is what happened today.  It was like a carpenter cutting the trees in a jungle.  The Singhs are tired and many are injured.  Please cast your divine vision on everyone.  Please apply the “Saalpatra” paste yourself.  Please take everyone’s pain away as we need to go to battle in the morning again.  The Singhs will be eager to fight again if they are well.  Receiving your strength and blessings gives us victory.  Please continue to bless us and we will slowly finish the Pahari kingdoms.”  Satguru ji looked towards everyone and cured everyone.  Bhai Uday Singh ji was standing nearby and Guru ji looked towards him.  Guru ji applied the Saalpatra paste on to everyone.  The injured were cured right away.  The ones who were hit with bullets, their bullets were removed.  Guru ji touched them to take their pain away.  Nobody felt pain after that.  Everyone was good to go in the morning. 

Karah Prashaad was distributed to all, along with gourmet foods.  Guru ji spread his joy over all.  Everyone slept in peace.  The Singhs in the Morchas were standing on guard.  They shot warning shots all night long.  The Nagaras were played in the morning along with dhols and conches.  The Naubats were played in Anandpur.  The warriors were pumped and ready to go.  They played the conches and Ransinghas.  The Paharis played their conches and Ransinghas as well.  The Daphs and Shehnais were played along with big Nagaras.  The Rababis sang Asa Vaar in various Raags and Raagnis.  Bhai Saddhu ji and Bhai Madhu ji did Keertan.  The world would say: “the saviour of the Hindu Dharma is only Guru Gobind Singh ji.  There is joy at his door at all times.”  After the Asa Di Vaar, the Singhs said the Fateh.  The Singhs were reading Bani after bathing.  Some sat in Simran of Satnam.  Many Singhs were ready.  There were a lot of Singhs in Anandpur.  They recited Sukhmani Sahib and other Banis out loud.  The Singhs did their Kanga and tied their Dumaalaas.  They did the Kanga of their beards and curled their moustaches.  They lived by the Rehit and were fearless.  They loved war and kept their weapons close to them.  They did the Simran of Satnam with faith and devotion.  A new batch of warriors went to change the shifts of the Singhs in the Morchas that gave watch all night long.  The new batch then stood on watch in the Morchas as the first shift would go back.  The ones going back would bathe.  They met Satguru ji and updated him of the night’s events. 

Singhs from other lands would hear about the battle and come to Anandpur to fight.  They would meet the Singhs and join the lines.  They would come in groups to Anandpur.  They would bring bullets, gunpowder and food.  The Singhs would first set up camps a few kilometres outside Anandpur.  Some would hide the food and then tell the Singhs to come fight in that area so they can take the food.  The Singhs would fearlessly fight the Paharis to get to their hidden items.  They would go ahead and fight.  Bheem Chand was upset at these battles.  He thought hard but wasn’t able to come to a solution.  He tried to keep a strict surrounding but it didn’t work.  The Singhs would still be able to take the food.  Some Singhs would die and some Pahari soldiers would die.  Bheem Chand would tell his people: “keep a strict watch.  The Singhs come in hundreds to get their food.  Don’t let the Singhs leave alive.”  The Singhs would make the Paharis fight during the day and get them tired.  They would attack at night.  The Paharis tried to win but they were unsuccessful.  The Morchas would continue to shoot each other.  The Singhs wouldn’t let the Paharis move ahead.  The Paharis were stuck where they were.  If a Pahari soldier would peak out, the Singhs would shoot them dead.  The Singhs were excellent marksmen.  The Paharis didn’t dare peak out.  They made trenches to stand in.  They weren’t able to feed their soldiers in the Morchas.  The Singhs would shoot the people trying to bring food to the Paharis.  The Paharis would spend the whole day in the Morchas.  Insects would bother them too.

The Singhs were well in Anandpur.  They had enough food for all in Anandpur.  They didn’t let the enemy close by.  They would fight when they felt like it.  They would always decide to go after having their afternoon Shaheedi Degh.  The Morchas had many battles.  Sometimes there were charges.

One dark night, it was night with no moon.  A person could not see their own hand.  The Singhs got together and had a discussion: “it is a dark night.  Let’s attack the Pahari Morchas.  Let’s kill them today.  Don’t take your guns though.  It will make a lot of noise.  Let’s take our swords, Sippars, spears, Kataars and Saangs.  We will do a surprise attack and kill them.”  Bhai Daya Singh ji spoke up: “we haven’t received orders from Guru Sahib to do this.  How can we fight without his command, my fellow warriors?”  Bhai Aalam Singh ji said to everyone: “it is true we should only fight when we have Guru ji’s permission, but what if the foolish Bheem Chand attacks at night when Guru ji is sleeping?  Would we wait for his orders to fight back?  We need your permission, Bhai Daya Singh ji.  Guru ji is sleeping right now.”  Bhai Mokham Singh ji said: “I like this idea.  Bhai Daya Singh ji, please give the orders by which the Khalsa can easily win.”  Bhai Uday Singh ji said: “do this task for Guru Sahib carefully.  Bhai Daya Singh ji, why don’t you give the orders for this?  The Khalsa will receive victory for this.”  Bhai Maan Singh ji got up and picked up his sword, shield and spear.  Bhai Seva Singh ji Majail got up and was ready for battle.  As everyone was standing, Bhai Daya Singh ji spoke: “if this is what everyone wants, then let’s go and kill as many Pahari soldiers as we can.  I will go with you as well.”  Bhai Aalam Singh ji stopped Bhai Daya Singh ji and said: “you stay.  I will go.  Your words will give us victory on the battlefield.”  In this way, everyone got ready with their swords and shields.  The brave warriors thought of Satguru ji and headed towards the enemy Morchas.  They headed towards the place where most of Bheem Chand’s army had their Morchas set up.  The Singhs had sized up the Pahari soldiers during the day and went to them at night. 

4-20 Bhai Daya Singh ji gives the permission to Attach the Morchas at Night

The Morcha of Bheem Chand was close to Anandpur Sahib.  Thousands were sleeping in the Morcha.  Bhai Uday Singh ji and other Singhs went to attack.  They had their arrows mounted on their bows.  They had their thick Teghas and Kataars with Sirohis and Khandas.  They were ready and proceeded towards the Morcha.  Their moustaches were curled and their eyes were red.  Their horses advanced.  The Singhs gathered in one place.  They all ate together and lived together.  They were friends.  They never backed down from a fight.  They attacked towards the Morcha of the Paharis.  They fired their guns, all at once.  The Paharis all got up, hearing the guns.  They shouted out: “who goes there?  Get ready; the Singhs are coming!”  They woke each other up and got ready to defend the attack.  The Singhs came fiercely.  They yelled: “face our swords or leave the field!”  The fight started.  They swung their swords.  The Bhujhangis sliced the Paharis.  Their swords were coloured red.  They were sharp-edged swords; too sharp for an insect to walk on.  They would slice the Paharis.  They were full of energy.  They were undefeated.  It was a no-moon night.  It was very dark.  The warriors fought.  Nobody backed down.  There was shouting in the Morcha.  The bodies piled on top of each other.  The warriors swung their swords hard by pulling it far back.  The guns stopped and the Kataars and daggers came out.  They struck with their spears and pulled them back, after stabbing the enemy.  They pierced the guts of the Paharis.  They yelled out in pain and went to sleep forever.  It was a fierce charge.  The foolish Paharis hit each other and laid on the ground with great pain.  Some were afraid to take their swords out and ran away.  The Khalsa caused a ruckus in the Morcha. 

Bheem Chand and Handooria found out that their camps were attacked.  Bheem Chand woke up and woke others up.  He yelled: “the Singhs have killed our men.  Go and quickly take command.”  The two Rajas woke up and got their armies ready.  Bheem Chand said to his generals: “go quick and save your men.  The soldiers in the Morcha are running back.”  The generals woke up with hangovers and came to fight.  They didn’t know how many Singhs there were and were afraid to kill their own.  The second army came to protect their own men but were afraid to attack.  Bhai Uday Singh ji and the Singhs destroyed the Morcha they attacked.  The Paharis that survived, only survived because they ran away.  The Paharis couldn’t breathe from running away.  They saw death come to their face.  The Khalsa punished them.  There were dead bodies on the floor.  Many Paharis were killed.  They killed thousands over night.  Bhai Uday Singh ji shouted out like a lion: “the Guru has completed our task!  Let’s go back!”  The Singhs turned and headed back to the fort.  The Singhs injured many Paharis and killed a lot.  Some Singhs died and were injured as well.  The injured were taken back.  The Singhs shouted out Jaikaras and said the Fateh.  They came back to Anandpur with bliss.  The Paharis lit their torches to see what had happened.  They tried to locate their injured and dead.  The Paharis came to the Morcha and saw the dead bodies of their soldiers.  Bheem Chand saw rivers of blood and the bodies of his dead soldiers.  The ones that ran away only survived.  The dead bodies were scary to look at.  Some had their eyes pocked out, some had their teeth smashed.  Some had their guts ripped out.  The cowards saw the dead bodies and felt sick and scared.  The earth under the Morcha was red.  Many dead bodies were on the ground. 

The other Pahari Rajas heard of the attack.  They heard that the Morcha of Bheem Chand was destroyed.  They said: “all our men died.  The Singhs all survived.”  They were surprised at how the  Khalsa attacked.  They came at night and destroyed their Morcha.  The Singhs came all of a sudden.  The Paharis began to fear them.  The morale was down in the army.  The ones that were alive were as good as dead now, fearing the Singhs.  The whole army woke up and fired their guns towards Anandpur.  They said to each other: “stay alert.  Don’t go to sleep now.  They may attack again.  Be alert in all the Morchas.  Keep shouting out: “stay awake!  If some one comes out of Anandpur, keep an eye on them.”  Bheem Chand could not sleep anymore.  Bheem Chand thought to himself: “when will I win?  Thousands of soldiers on my side are dying.  I want to win the Guru but he is hard to defeat.  I will die like this.  I have been fighting for many days.  The Guru has not surrendered.  His Singhs attacked at night and killed my men.  The Singhs are sleeping in their forts.  Where do we go?  We don’t have a fort.  We are in camps.  The Singhs are growing in numbers and our soldiers are decreasing by the day.  The Guru is in his fort with peace.  He has all he needs to eat.  He has a lot of gunpowder and ammunition.  The Singhs fight from the forts.  Our bullets don’t reach them.  Our people are dying.  It’s hard to take the fort.  Looks like I will have to run away from my kingdom.  This is depressing.  I started this war.  If I lose, it will be bad.”  Bheem Chand was awake and worried.  He was regretting his decisions.

In the morning, Satguru ji woke up and bathed.  Guru ji had his morning Shaheedi Degh.  The Rababis sang Asa Vaar.  Bhai Uday Singh ji came to Guru ji to bow.  He brought Bhai Daya Singh ji with him.  They bowed to Guru ji and said: “Maharaj, we received your permission from Bhai Daya Singh ji’s mouth.  The Khalsa went together and destroyed the Morcha at night.  We killed them all.  There is fear and mourning in the enemies’ homes.  Every Pahari home is in mourning.  We killed them all and came back.  The Singhs were well.”  Guru ji was happy to hear this.  Guru ji said: “Bhai Daya Singh ji can give the permissions.  He is a Gyani of the highest level.  He is a complete Sikh.  He is my form.  Whatever he says is my command.  These Paharis are fools and should die.  There should be mourning in their homes.  My Khalsa is strong.  Don’t worry, the Khalsa will always be strong.  They will kill the sinners of the Guru’s home.”  Guru ji said this and sat on his Singhasan.  He was the master of the universe and knew the past, present and future. 

The Singhs went to battle the Morchas.  They fired their bullets.  The Paharis fired their guns.  The Singhs took their posts in the Morchas and fought.  They fired their guns seeing the enemy.  Both sides would fight.  The dead would fall.  The soldiers picked up their dead and cremated them.  There were pyres burning all over Anandpur Sahib.  There was ash and smoke everywhere.  Some bodies stayed on the field and were eaten by dogs and vultures.  Crows and wild animals came to eat the dead bodies.

The Rajas saw this and got worried.  They were trying to think of a solution.  When it was around 10 am, it was time to eat.  Bheem Chand and the other Rajas went to eat.  They gathered to discuss on what to do next.  The ministers came with the Rajas as well to eat and talk.