Shaheed Bhai Baz Singh: The Heroic Saga of a True Soldier of the Guru
Across the world, Sikhs have always fought against oppression with unparalleled martial skills, valor, and humanity. During the intense efforts of Islamization in India, Shahid Baz Singh, with his bravery, forced the ruler Farrukhsiyar to flee from his throne. This is the history that is still remembered today.
The Cruelty of Emperor Farrukhsiyar in the Pages of History
Emperor Farrukhsiyar, whose full name was Abul Muzaffar Mohammad Shah Farrukhsiyar, ruled in Delhi from 1713 to 1719. Farrukhsiyar carried out extreme atrocities against the Sikhs, killing 740 Sikh warriors in just seven days. More than a hundred Sikhs were martyred each day. These Sikh heroes fearlessly embraced martyrdom to protect their faith.
Baz Singh’s Bravery and Valor
When Farrukhsiyar saw the horrifying image of these martyrs, he heard of a great warrior among the Sikhs, Baz Singh, known for his courage and valor. Farrukhsiyar ordered that Baz Singh be captured and presented before him. Baz Singh was brought to the court locked in a cage.
Farrukhsiyar said to Baz Singh, “We have heard that you are a great warrior, but now you are locked in my cage. Where has your bravery gone?”
Baz Singh replied, “Cages are not for lions, but for sheep and goats. We, the lions, are born to show you fear. If you want to see my bravery, let me out of this cage and free my hands. I will show you what a true Sikh of the Guru can do.”
Farrukhsiyar accepted Baz Singh’s challenge and ordered his soldiers to free Baz Singh from the cage and remove only one of his handcuffs.
An Example of Determination and Valor
As soon as one of Baz Singh’s hands was freed, he demonstrated his unmatched martial skills. He immediately seized the swords of the nearby soldiers and killed 13 Mughal soldiers one after the other. Seeing this courageous act, Farrukhsiyar was terrified and fled even in front of his army of 25,000 soldiers.
Baz Singh roared like a lion, challenging Farrukhsiyar, “Where are you running? You have only removed one of my handcuffs, there is still another to be freed.”
However, tragically, the Mughal army surrounded Baz Singh, and despite his heroic struggle, he was martyred.
The Martyrdom and Legacy of Baz Singh
Baz Singh was the same warrior who Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji had sent as one of his five Sikhs. He was the same Sikh who, along with Bhai Fateh Singh, attacked Wazir Khan and achieved victory over Sirhind. The bravery and martyrdom of Baz Singh should be remembered by every Sikh.
Shahid Baz Singh, along with his three brothers—Ram Singh, Sham Singh, and Sukh Singh—gave their lives for the Guru Panth Khalsa. Between June 7 and 9, 1716, Shahid Baz Singh was martyred.
Conclusion
The martyrdom of Bhai Baz Singh serves as a source of inspiration for us. His courage, sacrifice, and dedication teach us that whenever it comes to protecting faith and truth, one should never hesitate to lay down one’s life. This glorious history of martyrs shows that bravery does not only manifest on the battlefield but also in staying steadfast to one’s principles.
Here is the translation of the story of Shahid Bhai Baz Singh into Punjabi:
