Sardar Nidhan Singh ‘Panj Hathha Singh’: The Immortal Tale of Bravery and Sacrifice
India is a land of countless stories of courage and sacrifice. Among them is the saga of Sardar Nidhan Singh, known as ‘Panj Hathha Singh.’ During the reign of ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Punjab stood as a strong and united state, owing much to the valiant commanders in his army who selflessly gave their lives to protect their motherland. Sardar Nidhan Singh was one such immortal warrior.
The Battle of Nowshera and the Title of ‘Panj Hathha Singh’
On March 14, 1842, a fierce battle was fought over control of the Peshawar Valley between ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Pashtun tribes (referred to as Ghazis). Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself led this battle, accompanied by great commanders like Akali Phoola Singh, Sardar Nidhan Singh, and Sahibzada Khadak Singh.
The Ghazi army, equipped with cannons and firearms, numbered 3,500, while the Sikh army consisted of only 1,500 brave warriors. Despite being outnumbered, the Sikh army stood firm under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, displaying exceptional war strategies and unmatched valor.
During the battle, Sardar Nidhan Singh demonstrated extraordinary courage. Mounted on horseback, he broke through the enemy lines. A bullet struck his horse, causing it to collapse. Undeterred, Sardar Nidhan Singh leapt to the ground, drew his sword, and charged at the enemy, slaying several Ghazis with his khanda (a broad, double-edged sword).
A Display of Unique Combat Skills Against Five Ghazis
The Ghazi forces were thrown into disarray. Five Ghazi warriors conspired to attack Sardar Nidhan Singh simultaneously. Their plan was to decapitate him and trample his severed head underfoot. However, Sardar Nidhan Singh roared, “You have yet to witness the might of the warriors of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji!”
With a shield in one hand and his khanda in the other, he displayed such mastery that all five Ghazis fell to the ground, lifeless. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who witnessed this incredible feat, was astounded. When Sardar Nidhan Singh presented the weapons of the five slain Ghazis to the Maharaja, the latter embraced him and proclaimed, “From this day forward, you shall be known as ‘Panj Hathha Singh.’”
The Maharaja honored him with the title ‘Panj Hathha Singh’ and gifted him a jagir (estate) worth 5,000 rupees. The Sikh army emerged victorious in the battle, forcing the Ghazis to retreat. However, this battle also witnessed the martyrdom of the great commander Akali Phoola Singh.
Other Tales of ‘Panj Hathha Singh’s Valor
In 1832, when Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa visited the British Governor in Shimla, ‘Panj Hathha Singh’ accompanied him. The Governor had heard tales of his bravery and requested to meet him. Upon seeing Sardar Nidhan Singh, the Governor was astonished by his powerful physique and the scars covering his body.
Mockingly, the Governor asked, “You have only two hands; why are you called ‘Panj Hathha Singh’?”
Sardar Nidhan Singh replied, “Sahib, I may have only two hands, but when I wield them, it feels as if five hands are at work, and my enemies find themselves in the other world.”
The Battle of Jamrud and Martyrdom
The Pathan forces launched an attack on the Jamrud Fort, and Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa and Sardar Nidhan Singh valiantly faced them. Among the Pathan forces was a formidable warrior, Mohammad Akbar Khan, who taunted, “Where is your ‘Panj Hathha Singh’? I wish to fight only him.”
Accepting the challenge, Sardar Nidhan Singh declared, “You don’t deserve to see the might of all five hands; one is enough for you.” With swift and powerful strokes of his sword, he reduced Akbar Khan to pieces. The Sikh army not only triumphed in the battle but also seized 18 cannons from the Pathans.
Tragically, while pursuing the fleeing Pathan forces, Sardar Nidhan Singh was injured by a barrage of bullets fired by Pathans hiding in the mountains. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight until he breathed his last, sacrificing his life to protect his motherland.
Tribute to the Brave
The story of Sardar Nidhan Singh ‘Panj Hathha Singh’ and countless other Sikh warriors reminds us that sacrificing one’s life for the motherland and one’s faith is the ultimate duty. Their courage and sacrifices remain a source of inspiration for generations. We bow in reverence to such great warriors.
