Conquests of Banda Bahadur against the Mughals were several. He fought in several battles against the Mughal Dynasty in the early 18th century. He made extensive use of war tactics. It was the combined effect of the spirit of sacrifice in the Sikh volunteers and the war strategies of Banda Bahadur that made Sikhs win many battles. Banda Bahadur proclaimed that he would undertake to protect the poor and the helpless against all professional robbers and official tyrants. He fought several battles against well fortified town like Sonipat, Samana, Ghuram, Sadhaura and Kapuri.
Banda Singh Bahadur, also known as "Laxman Das" was a Sikh Military Commander. He was born on 27 October 1670 in the house of Ramdev, an ordinary ploughman and a Rajput of the Bhardwaj at Rajouri in Poonch district of Jammu. He was given the name Banda Singh Bahadur by Guru Gobind Singh. He had spent almost 20 years as a "bairagi".
The several battles fought by Banda Singh Bahadur have been described below:
Battle of Chhaparh Jhiri
When Banda Singh Bahadur met Guru Gobind Singh, he commissioned him to go to Punjab and fight against Wazir Khan. Banda devoted three months in organizing his civil and military administration to fight against Wazir Khan. The battle was fought on 22 May 1710 when the Mughal army came out to face the Sikhs. Wazir Khan had a large number of elephants, mounted gunnery, archers, lancers and swordsmen. However, Banda Bahadur had no elephants or artillery but his soldiers had long spears, arrows, swords and unbounded courage to fight the war. On 24 May 1710 the Sikh army emerged victorious and entered Sirhind.
Haidri Flag Crusade
The Muslim religious leaders rose against the Sikhs and proclaimed a jehad i.e. crusade against them. They named their green flag as "The Haidri Flag". A fierce battle took place between the two that led to the defeat of the crusaders. The Sikhs then took over the whole of Majha and Rearki except Lahore city.
Battle of Rahon
The Doaba of Bist Jullundur being on the border of the province of Sirhind, had been conquered by Banda Bahadur. Later they came to the town of Rahon and also conquered it. The battle of Rahon was fought on 11 October 1710.
Conflict with Bahadur Shah
Bahadur Shah received the news of the Sikh outbreak under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur on 30 May 1710. The emperor organised an army to fight against the Sikhs. In this battle, the Sikh forces were greatly outnumbered by the imperial forces commanded by Feroze Khan.
Battles of Sadhaura and Lohgarh
On 4 December 1710, Rustam Dil Khan along with other commanders moved towards Sadhaura fort to face the Sikhs. It was a fierce battle and finally the Sikhs emerged victorious. Bahadur Shah reached Lahore in June 1711 where he died. Banda Bahadur reoccupied Sadhaura and Lohgarh and its surrounding territories in the first half of 1712.
Banda Singh"s rule, though short lived, had a far-reaching impact on the history of the Punjab. They continuously fought with the Mughals but at the end they began running out of ammunition and food. On 17th December, 1715, Abdus Samad told that he would not allow any killing by his men, if Banda opened the gate to the fortress. When Banda ordered the gate be opened, the Mughals rushed in to spear or stab as many as 300 of the half dead and helpless defenders. Banda Singh has imprisoned in an iron cage. He was tormented and then brutally killed on 9th June, 1716.
