Battle of Saragarhi

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Saragarhi?

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Battle of Saragarhi

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A legendary last-stand battle fought by 21 Sikh soldiers against overwhelming Afghan forces.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Saragarhi was a last-stand battle fought before the Tirah Campaign between the British Indian Empire and Afghan tribesmen. On 12 September 1897, an estimated 12,000–24,000 Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen were seen near Gogra, at Samana Suk, and around Saragarhi, cutting off Fort Gulistan from Fort Lockhart. The Afghans attacked the outpost of Saragarhi where thousands of them swarmed and surrounded the fort, preparing to assault it. Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the 21 soldiers in the fort—all of whom were Sikhs—refused to surrender and were wiped out in a last stand. The post was recaptured two days later by another British Indian contingent.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

All of the 21 soldiers involved in the battle were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, which was the highest gallantry award that an Indian soldier could receive at the time. The Indian Army's 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment commemorates the battle every year on 12 September as Saragarhi Day. Saragarhi was a small village in the border district of Kohat, situated on the Samana Range, which was located in the North-West Frontier Province of British India (present-day Pakistan). On 20 April 1894, the 36th Sikhs of the British Indian Army was created under the command of Colonel J. Cook, entirely composed of Jat Sikhs. In August 1897, five companies of the 36th Sikhs under Lieutenant Colonel John Haughton were sent to the northwest frontier of British India (modern-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and were stationed at Samana Hills, Kurag, Sangar, Sahtop Dhar, and Saragarhi.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The British had partially succeeded in getting control of this volatile area, but tribal Pashtuns continued to attack British personnel from time to time. Thus, a series of forts, originally built by Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Sikh Empire, were consolidated. Two of the forts were Fort Lockhart (on the Samana Range of the Hindu Kush mountains), and Fort Gulistan (Sulaiman Range), situated a few miles apart. Fort Lockhart is located at 33.5562°N 70.9188°E / 33.5562; 70.9188. Due to the forts not being visible to each other, Saragarhi was created midway, as a heliographic communication post.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1894: 1894 Milestone — On 20 April 1894, the 36th Sikhs of the British Indian Army was created under the command of Colonel J.
2. 1897: 1897 Milestone — On 12 September 1897, an estimated 12,000–24,000 Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen were seen near Gogra, at Samana Suk, and around Saragarhi, cutting off Fort Gulistan from Fort Lockhart.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Saragarhi

True or False: “The 21 Sikh soldiers defending Saragarhi were part of a unit originally composed entirely of Jat Sikhs.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The 36th Sikhs, which included the defenders, was created on April 20, 1894, and was described as being 'entirely composed of Jat Sikhs'.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alphonse Daudet — Historical peer (Died in 1897) (1897): French novelist celebrated for his evocative short stories and novels.
• Amelia Earhart — Historical peer (Born in 1897) (1897): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• Adolphe Sax — Historical peer (Died in 1894) (1894): Belgian inventor who created the saxophone and revolutionized wind instruments.
• Albert Facey — Historical peer (Born in 1894) (1894): Australian writer and World War I veteran, best known for 'A Fortunate Life'.

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