Braveheart Tara Singh Wan: A Unique Example of Sikh Valor
Tara Singh Wan, the braveheart, was born in the village of Wan in Amritsar district of Punjab. His father, Shri Gurdas Singh Ji, was a humble farmer, but his son Tara Singh became a symbol of Sikh courage and sacrifice in the future.
The village’s Chaudhary, Saheb Singh Rai, was infamous for his arrogance and tyranny. He despised Sikhs and would let his horses graze freely in their flourishing fields. Despite repeated humble requests from the Sikhs to stop ruining their fields, Saheb Singh Rai ignored their pleas and threatened them instead. In his arrogance, he declared,
“Whoever dares to stop my horses, I will make ropes out of his hair to tie them.”
For Sikhs, hair is not merely an identity but a priceless gift from their Guru. Saheb Singh Rai’s words deeply wounded the Sikhs’ pride. Enduring the loss of their crops was tolerable, but they could not tolerate such religious disrespect. This dispute gradually turned into a significant conflict.
Tara Singh Wan: A Pillar of Support for the Sikhs
When the oppression exceeded all limits, the Sikhs sought help from the brave servant of the Guru, Tara Singh Wan. Tara Singh resolved, along with his fellow Sikhs, to confront the Chaudhary’s tyranny and stop his horses.
Meanwhile, Saheb Singh Rai falsely accused the Sikhs of theft and complained to Subedar Zafar Baig, claiming that the Sikhs had become rebels against the government. He specifically mentioned Tara Singh Wan, knowing his valor could challenge the authorities. This complaint reached Zakariya Khan, who was already seeking an opportunity to wage war against the Sikhs.
Battle and Sacrifice
On December 24, 1725, Zakariya Khan launched an attack on the village of Wan with a massive army led by commanders like Mohammad Khan, Zafar Baig, and Taqi Khan. The force consisted of 2,200 cavalrymen, 5 elephants, and a large infantry.
A handful of Sikhs, under Tara Singh Wan’s leadership, displayed extraordinary courage and strategy to face this massive army. This battle was not merely a clash of strength but a sacrificial fight to protect religion and honor.
In this war, Tara Singh Wan and his 21 brave companions sacrificed their lives. However, the enemy suffered significant losses, with nearly 100 soldiers killed. The bodies of the martyred Tara Singh Wan and his companions were taken to Lahore, impaled on spears, and paraded throughout the city. This spectacle became a symbol of both grief and pride for the Sikhs.
The First Gurmatta in Sikh History
This war resulted from betrayal by Sikh informants. After the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, this was the first major battle for the Sikhs. Deeply aggrieved by this incident, the Sikh community convened a special Sarbat Khalsa under the leadership of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in 1726 CE. A resolution was passed to impose severe punishment on those who betrayed the Sikhs in the future. This decision was a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of Sikh lives and property.
Conclusion
The sacrifice of braveheart Tara Singh Wan has become an eternal symbol of courage and defense of faith in Sikh history. His unique contribution proved that Sikhism is not only imbued with the spirit of self-sacrifice but also embodies the courage to stand firmly against injustice and tyranny.
The saga of this sacrifice continues to inspire the Sikh community today. Heroes like Tara Singh Wan strengthened the foundation of Sikh honor and freedom with their blood.
“One who sacrifices their life for the protection of faith and honor becomes immortal.”
