Saragarhi: The Forgotten Battle of the British Empire

On September 12, 1897, a small group of Sikh soldiers stood their ground against an overwhelming force of Afghan tribesmen at the Battle of Saragarhi. This is the story of that battle and the forgotten heroes who fought in it.

Saragarhi: The Forgotten Battle (Sample)

by Jay Singh-Sohal

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	259 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	15 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Battle of Saragarhi

The Battle of Saragarhi was fought on September 12, 1897, at the Saragarhi Fort in the North-West Frontier Province of British India (now Pakistan). The fort was garrisoned by 21 Sikh soldiers of the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment. They were commanded by Havildar Ishar Singh.

On the morning of September 12, a force of 10,000 Afghan tribesmen attacked the Saragarhi Fort. The tribesmen were led by Gul Badshah, a notorious Afghan warlord. The Sikhs were outnumbered 500 to 1, but they refused to surrender.

The battle lasted for several hours. The Sikhs fought bravely, but they were eventually overwhelmed by the sheer number of their enemies. All 21 Sikhs were killed, but they inflicted heavy casualties on the Afghans.

The Aftermath of the Battle

The Battle of Saragarhi was a major victory for the British Empire. It showed that even a small group of soldiers could defeat a much larger force if they were determined to fight. The battle also helped to boost the morale of the British troops in India.

The British government awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for gallantry, to all 21 Sikhs who fought at Saragarhi. They were the first Indian soldiers to receive the Victoria Cross.

The Legacy of Saragarhi

The Battle of Saragarhi is still remembered today as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. It is a reminder that even the smallest of forces can make a difference if they are willing to fight for what they believe in.

The Saragarhi Fort has been turned into a national monument. It is now a popular tourist destination, and it is a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs from all over the world.

The Forgotten Heroes of Saragarhi

The story of the Battle of Saragarhi is a story of forgotten heroes. The 21 Sikhs who fought at Saragarhi were all ordinary men, but they did something extraordinary. They stood their ground against an overwhelming force and they died fighting for their country.

The heroes of Saragarhi should never be forgotten. Their story is a reminder that even the smallest of us can make a difference in the world.

Image Gallery

Further Reading

• The Sikh Museum
• British Battles
• The Victoria Cross

Saragarhi: The Forgotten Battle (Sample)

by Jay Singh-Sohal

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	259 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	15 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE