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Saragarhi Day
Context:
September 12 marks the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, where 21 soldiers heroically defended against 8,000 tribal militants in one of history’s greatest last stands.
Battle of Saragarhi Overview (September 12, 1897):
- Date and Significance: September 12 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, one of the greatest last stands in military history.
- Soldiers: 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4 Sikh) led by Havildar Ishar Singh defended Saragarhi post.
- Opposition: They faced 8,000-12,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribal militants.
- Outcome: The soldiers held the fort for 7 hours, killing 200 and injuring 600 militants before they were overrun.
Importance of Saragarhi:
- Communication Post: Saragarhi was a vital communication link between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, two British forts in the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan).
- Heliographic System: Saragarhi housed a heliograph system, which used mirrors to send signals between forts.
Events of the Battle:
- Morning of the Battle: At 9 am, tribal forces were spotted approaching Saragarhi.
- Sepoy Gurmukh Singh sent a Morse code message requesting reinforcements.
- Commander’s Orders: Lt Col Houghton from Fort Lockhart ordered the defenders to hold their position due to lack of reinforcements.
- Challenges: Soldiers faced limited ammunition, with only 400 rounds each, and Gurmukh Singh operated the communication system single-handedly.
Key Figures:
- Havildar Ishar Singh: Leader of the 21 soldiers, known for his bravery and leadership.
- He was a maverick in camp but a hero in the field.
- Sepoy Gurmukh Singh: The youngest soldier who continued sending messages until the fort was overrun.
- His final message was, “Permission to join the battle, Sir.”
- Non-Combatant Daad: A Pashtun sweeper who fought alongside the soldiers, killing five militants before being killed.
Recognition and Legacy:
- Posthumous Awards: All 21 soldiers were awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award for Indian soldiers at that time.
- Commemoration: September 12 is observed as Saragarhi Day, particularly by the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army.
- Memorials: Gurdwaras in Amritsar and Ferozepur were commissioned by the British to honour the martyrs.
- Cultural Legacy: The story is immortalised in Indian culture, including the 2019 film “Kesari” starring Akshay Kumar.