This week marks the last week of the year—a time eagerly awaited as it brings the celebrations of Christmas followed by New Year. However, in the midst of revelry tied to these dates of the Gregorian calendar, we Indians often forget that this last week of December is deeply significant in our history. It is a week that bears witness to the unparalleled sacrifice of Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who gave their lives to uphold their faith.
But do we, amidst the celebrations and merriment of ushering in the New Year, recall the history from 21st to 27th December? This week ago, more than three hundred years ago, we witnessed the final sacrifice when Guru Gobind Singh’s family became martyrs themselves.
Battle of Chamkaur and the Supreme Sacrifice of the Sahibzadas
The year was 1705. Guru Gobind Singh had refused to bow to the supremacy of Aurangzeb. Enraged, Aurangzeb launched an attack on the Sikhs. In the fierce battle of Chamkaur, Guru Gobind Singh’s elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, were martyred. In order to save his younger sons, Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, and their grandmother, Mata Gujri Kaur, Guru Gobind Singh entrusted them to his loyal cook, Gangu. But Gangu betrayed their trust. He was lured by the gold coins Mata Gujri carried. He handed them over to the soldiers of Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind.
At that time, Sahibjada Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were only seven and five years old. Wazir Khan imprisoned them and their grandmother under an open sky in the bitter cold of December. Mata Gujri Kaur made her young grandsons bold and steadfast, telling them to remain firm in their faith.
The next morning, the Sahibzadas were presented before Wazir Khan, who tried to lure them into converting to Islam with promises of wealth and safety. However, the two young boys boldly refused, raising the cry of “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal!” Wazir Khan, frustrated by their defiance, threatened them with death if they did not comply by the next morning.
The next day, the Sahibzadas still refused. When all their attempts to make them change failed, Wazir Khan had them walled alive. On December 26, 1705, the young boys were walled up alive. When the wall reached up to their necks, they were again given the chance to save their lives by denying their faith. However, they resolutely refused. Angered, Wazir Khan had them taken from the wall and beheaded.
The news of their martyrdom reached Mata Gujri Kaur, who, overwhelmed by grief, also left her mortal body.
A tyrant ruler used all his power but could not break the will of Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh. Think about it—what is five or seven years of age? Children at this age can hardly speak properly, yet these young boys, children of Guru Gobind Singh, maintained the principles of the Khalsa. They accepted martyrdom but did not compromise on their religion.
The Legacy of Sacrifice
The sacrifice of the Sahibzadas is not just a tale of bravery; it is a testament to the strength of India’s cultural and spiritual foundation. It reminds us why, despite countless invasions and conspiracies, India’s culture and civilization have endured. As long as the stories of Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh, and Mata Gujri are remembered and their teachings passed on, no force can harm the eqssence of our culture and faith.
There was a time in Punjab when, during this week, the people symbolically slept on the ground to pay homage to the nights Mata Gujri and the Sahibzadas spent under the open sky at Sirhind Fort. For Sikhs and all Indians, this week is a sacred remembrance of sacrifice—a time to honor the Gurus and their families who gave everything to protect this land, its culture, and its values.
A Nation Forgetting Its Heroes?
But in the midst of all the excitement of Christmas and New Year celebrations, has our nation forgotten Guru Gobind Singh and the sacrifices of his family in just 300 years?
History teaches us that those who forget their sacrifices are destined to be forgotten themselves. It is our responsibility, especially to the youth and children, to narrate this story. While celebrating Christmas and New Year, let us also remember the Sahibzadas, Guru Gobind Singh, and Mata Gujri. Let us stay connected to our roots and honor our faith and culture.