Chaar Sahibzaade: The Untold Story of Courage, Faith, and Sacrifice in Sikh History

Chaar Sahibzaade—Sahibzaade Ajit Singh Ji, Jujhar Singh Ji, Zorawar Singh Ji, and Fateh Singh Ji - Photo - Chaar Sahibzaade Movie

While much of the world is immersed in Christmas celebrations and New Year preparations, followers of Punjabiyat and the Sikh Panth across the globe enter a period of deep remembrance. These days mark the supreme sacrifices of the Chaar Sahibzaade—Sahibzaade Ajit Singh Ji, Jujhar Singh Ji, Zorawar Singh Ji, and Fateh Singh Ji—the four sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Between December 21 and December 27, 1704 AD, these young warriors embraced martyrdom, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched courage, valour, and spiritual strength. Their sacrifice remains a defining chapter of Indian history and Sikh heritage.

The sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji are lovingly known as the Sahibzaade—“Sahibzaade” signifying noble sons, and “Chaar” meaning four. On the freezing night of December 20, 1704, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with Mata Jeeto Ji, their four sons, Mata Gujri Kaur Ji, the Panj Piaras, and devoted Sikh warriors, departed from the fort of Anandpur Sahib. This departure followed solemn oaths by the Mughal forces and the Pahaadi kings, sworn upon the Quran and the sacred cow respectively, promising not to attack. Those oaths were soon broken.

During the night of December 20–21, Mughal forces launched a sudden assault near the Sarsa rivulet, around 25 kilometres from Anandpur Sahib. This tragic event, remembered as Pariwar Vichora, led to the painful separation of the Guru’s family. A Gurdwara, now known as Gurdwara Pariwar Vichora Sahib, stands as a memorial to this moment. Amid the chaos, Mata Gujri Ji and Bhai Mani Singh Ji moved towards Delhi, while the Guru continued his journey under dire circumstances.

By the afternoon of December 21, Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Chamkaur with the two elder Sahibzaade, Ajit Singh Ji and Jujhar Singh Ji, along with five Panj Piaras and forty devoted Sikh warriors. On December 22, the historic Battle of Chamkaur unfolded. Facing an overwhelming Mughal force numbering in the thousands, the Khalsa fought with extraordinary resolve. The two elder Sahibzaade, later known as the Vadde Sahibzaade, attained martyrdom at the tender ages of 18 and 14. Alongside them, forty Sikh warriors and three Panj Piaras also laid down their lives.

To safeguard the Guru, Sangat Singh—who bore a striking resemblance to him—took his place, allowing Guru Gobind Singh Ji to escape under cover. By the next morning, the remaining warriors were captured and executed. During this turmoil, the two younger Sahibzaade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, along with their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji, were separated from the main group.

On the morning of December 21, 1704, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji, and Mata Gujri Ji were apprehended by Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar, officials of Morinda. They were later sent to Sirhind and confined in the Cold Tower (Thanda Burj) of the fort—today commemorated by Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib. On December 23, the young Sahibzaade were presented before Nawab Wazir Khan, the faujdaar of Sirhind, and Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan of Malerkotla.

Despite their tender age, the Sahibzaade displayed unshakable faith. Tempted with riches and status and threatened with death, they were urged to abandon their beliefs and convert to Islam. They refused without hesitation. Even when Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan pleaded for mercy on behalf of the innocent children, Wazir Khan remained unmoved. The Sahibzaade were kept for two more days in the bitter cold of Thanda Burj, seated in the lap of their elderly grandmother during the harsh winter.

Ultimately, Wazir Khan ordered a brick wall to be built around the two children. Buried alive, Sahibzaade Zorawar Singh Ji and Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom, choosing faith over life. Upon learning of her grandsons’ brutal execution, Mata Gujri Ji was unable to bear the grief and departed from this world the same day.

On December 26, 1704, one of the most heart-wrenching crimes in history was committed on the soil of Sirhind. The Chotte Sahibzaade, aged just 6 and 9, were martyred by the Mughal authorities. The site is now revered as Jyoti Swaroop Gurdwara Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. Each year from December 21 to December 27, the Shaheedi Jor Mela is observed at Fatehgarh Sahib, honouring the supreme sacrifices of the Sahibzaade.

These days stand as a powerful reminder of extraordinary bravery, moral strength, and sacrifice. Veer Bal Diwas calls upon people around the world to remember these young martyrs and reflect on the timeless values they embodied—fearlessness, righteousness, and unwavering faith in the face of oppression.

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