Saragarhi : Famous Last Stand of 21 Sikhs

Battle of Saragarhi (1897) was famous for the last stand of 21 Sikh soldiers of British Indian Army against the Afghan tribesmen over six thousands. The Afghans attacked the fort but repelled twice by the Sikh soldiers guarding it. They attacked again and the defenders were killed but they bought the time for the reinforcements to arrive and end  the uprising. The Sikh soldiers who gave their lives in that battle were commemorated with the highest bravery award of British India government. Which was equivalent to Victoria cross.

Soldiers of 36th Sikhs

Prelude : The Battle of Saragarhi was happened during the Tirah Campaign or Tirah Expedition (1897-1898) of British India. To neutralize the uprising of Afghan Tribes (Afridi and Orakzais) the British Indian Army started this campaign to secure the North Western Frontier Province (Khhyber Pakhtunkhawa in Pakistan). 36th Sikhs under Lt. Colonel Houghton took charge of five frontier forts including Saragarhi Fort. It was situated between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan (Both built by Sikh Emperor Ranjit Singh). Because of the terrain the visibility was blocked between the two forts. So, British Government built Fort Saragarhi in the middle to maintain the communication between the forts. The situation was already volatile in that region and Afghan tribes already attacked several places. When the Fort Saragarhi was attacked only 21 non commissioned Sikh soldiers were stationed there.

The Map of Saragarhi

Armies : The 36th Sikhs soldiers were armed with Martini-Henry rifle with bayonets on top. The afghan tribesmen also got the rifles and used those against the imperial troops. In Saragrhi Fort only 21 Sikhs were stationed to hold the fort against 6000-10000 Afghans.

Saragarhi

The Battle : The battle started on 12th September, 1897. Though a series of attacks were already made by the afghans to capture the fort but repelled by the 36th Sikh regiment. But in the morning of 12th September around 6000 afghans attacked the fort. Sepoy Gurumukh Singh signaled to Fort Lockhart about the attack. Col. Houghton signaled back and stated that they were unable to send force immediately. After receiving that news those 21 brave soldiers decided to fight to the death to prevent the enemy from taking the fort. Battle started and they fought valiantly but the number was against them. Sepoy Bhagwan Singh died first. Others retreated to the inner layer. Afghans were succeeded in breaking a portion of the wall. Then they attempted to talk them out by making promises of safe passage upon surrender but all went in vain. They made two attempts to break open the gate but repelled by the defenders. After a series of attempt the wall was breached and a bloody hand to hand combat started. It was reported that Havilder Ishar Singh ordered his soldiers to retreat to the inner layer while himself holding the enemy to buy the time for them. However, all his soldiers except one died because of the breach. Sepoy Gurumukh Singh was the last defender and he was in charge of communication with Col Houghton. Report said he defended his post bravely and killed 20 Afghans. Afghans set fire on the post to kill him. He fought to the last and died. The Afghans took the fort and the battle ended.

Sikh Soldiers

Aftermath : The Afghans then attacked Fort Gulistan but the reinforcements arrived and the attackers were defeated by the artillery fire. The British Indian Army retook Saragarhi. The valiant effort of 21 Sikhs bought the valuable time for the reinforcements to arrive. Those 21 brave soldiers were commemorated with the highest honor of the British Indian Army. They are still remembered. The Indian Army celebrated 12th September as Saragarhi Day.  

Sikh Regiment of Indian Army