Akali Nihang Baba Binod Singh & Bhai Baaj Singh Bandai

[Niranjana]

Gur Fateh!

Over the weekend, a Gyani at our local Gurdwara during his Katha made some references to Banda Singh Bahadur, most of which was common themes, however he mentioned some passing comments concerning (Akali Nihang) Baba Binod Singh and also Bhai Baaj Singh (Bandai Khalsa). According to the Gyani, Banda Singh Bahadur had given Akali Nihang Baba Binod Singh ‘Subadhari’ of the Trarari area for protection with this jatha of (Nihang) Singhs and Bhai Baaj Singh was given the command to defend a fortress (Loh Garh, from what I recall, however please correct me if otherwise).

Whilst the remainder of his Katha dwelt on other points, I was intrigued by these references, since he did mention that Bhai Baaj Singh (Bandai) held ground and swore an oath that he and his men would hold ground as per the hukam of Banda Singh Bahadur, however he didn’t make any further comments thereafter. Please could the forum help me with the following points or direct me to a suitable source:-

1.What happened to Bhai Baaj Singh and his Jatha (presumably all Bandai Khalsa?) and in which text is this recorded?

2. What happened at Trari Village when the Moghul forces arrived and how long did the ensuing battle/skirmish last between the invading army and the jatha of Akali Nihang Baba Binod Singh? As Baba Jee is the first Jathedar of the Buddha Dal, this would be an interesting battle to know the details of, as most descriptions do mention the heroes of event and key figures, which will certainly help understand more about the origins of the Buddha Dal (given that this has been a topic on the forum of late).

Thanks,

Niranjana

[tSingh]

From what I remember the Bandai Khalsa still have their dera in Jammu somewhere

[Amrit1972]

Bhai Baaz Singh Ji was martyred in Delhi along with other Bandai Sikhs and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji.

'Bansavalinama' by kesar singh chhibbar, 'Pracheen Panth Parkaash' by Ratan Singh Bhangu, 'Twareekh Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian Singh tells about Bhai Baaz Singh Ji.

[The Khalsa Fauj]

Baba Binod Singh was also surrounded in the fort at Gurdaas Nangal when Baba Banda Singh was arrested. Baba Binod Singh was telling Baba Banda Singh to leave the fort because there wasn't enough man power, food and artillery but Baba Banda Singh didn't agree. Baba Banda Singh said that he wasnt to fight and get Shaheedi if that is the case. Baba Binod Singh decided to leave and left with his son and his jatha. No food was left, not enough army to get out and also weapons were short. Baba Banda Singh was arrested and taken to Delhi along with Bhai Baaj Singh.

Those who cut hair, take drugs, commit adultry, or eat halal meat aren't Sikh so if you want to be Sikh, get rid of these evils inside you and take Khanday Ki Pahul.

[Amrit1972]

What happened at Trari Village when the Moghul forces arrived and how long did the ensuing battle/skirmish last between the invading army and the jatha of Akali Nihang Baba Binod Singh?

Not sure. Perhaps Binod singh fought for one or two hours. Perhaps more.

We should keep it in mind that Binod Singh had only 4000 (four thousand) horsemen. On the other hand, Mughal Army was in a big number. Full 5000 (five thousands). :roll:

[Niranjana]

Further to Khalsa Fauh's cryptic message, please could Veer Narsingha and other learned Nihangs please help me on this point, unfortunately from the limited resources I have, I haven't been able to gather too much about Baba Binod Singh in this instance.

Thanks,

Niranjana

[Niranjana]

Veer Amritpal Singh,

As you have been the only one to suggest some information in relation to Akali Nihang Baba Binod Singh in this instance, please could you provide some further clarification on your comments.

As the original Khalsa of Guru Gobind Singh were the Akali Nihang Khalsa Panth, maintained in its purest form by the Nihangs today, the split between the Bandai Khalsa (whom many modern historians are keen to forget and simply relay the more positive aspects of Banda Singh Bahadur's personalities) and the Tat Khalsa is of paramount importance to get an appreciation of the orgins of the Buddha Dal at the time of its first Jathedar and during its hey days of the 18th century, so to speak.

[challenge_everything]

Hopefully das will be able to get hold a copy of a panth parkash teekha by baba santa singh which should help to answer these queries.

[Amrit1972]

Veer Amritpal Singh,

As you have been the only one to suggest some information in relation to Akali Nihang Baba Binod Singh in this instance, please could you provide some further clarification on your comments.

1.What happened to Bhai Baaj Singh and his Jatha (presumably all Bandai Khalsa?) and in which text is this recorded?

2. What happened at Trari Village when the Moghul forces arrived and how long did the ensuing battle/skirmish last between the invading army and the jatha of Akali Nihang Baba Binod Singh?

It is a well known fact that Bhai Baaz Singh Ji were martyred in Delhi alongwith other Bandais, like Bhai Aali Singh Ji of Salaudi. About 700 Bandais were martyred at that time.

Baba Binod Singh Ji was appointed in Taraavari by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji. Baba Binod Singh had 4000 armymen. When Moguls decided to defeat Baba Banda Singh Ji, they sent 5000 army. Baba Binod Singh Ji was supposed to face them at Taraavari. As the history books tell, Baba Binod Singh Ji could not face them and ran away to Sirhind, which was a part of Khalsa kingdom established by Baba Banda Singh Daler.

When Binod Singh ran away, Moguls chased him towards Sirhind. Now, Binod Singh and other Singhs diployed in Sirhind ran away to present Kharar. Moguls chased again and Singhs were defeated again. Now, Singhs decided to ran away towards present sector 44 of Chandigarh. When Singhs reached there, suddenly Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji reached there and started to kill Moguls. After a few moments, Moguls ran away. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur occupied Sirhind Again.

For more, see 'Twareekh Guru Khalsa' by Gian Singh.

[amardeep]

Could it be said that Banda Singh bahadur as one of those avatars who come to earth to kill an enemy and then leave again? Like narsingha..i remember his last words were something similiar to "When tyrants rise, God send people like me to fight tyranny"

[Malwe Da Sher]

This is a very interesting area of history. According to panth parkash Baba Binod Singh and Baba Kahn Singh and there jatha had already fought battles with the Bandai Sikhs, so would not have been present with them in the fortress when their was a seige. Infact, they were stationed at Amritsar. Where does the story of Baba Binod Singh leaving during the seige come from?