Early Life
Sahibzada Ajit Singh, also known as Baba Ajit Singh, was born on 11 February 1687 at Paonta Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sundari. He was the eldest of the four sons, with Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh as his younger brothers. From a young age, Ajit Singh received a well-rounded education, studying philosophy, Sikh history, and religious scriptures in Anandpur Sahib. He was also trained in martial arts, including archery and swordsmanship, and learned horse riding under the guidance of Bhai Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita).
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| Personal life | |
| Born | 11 February 1687 Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh |
| Died | 23 December 1704 (aged 17) |
| Cause of death | Killed in Action |
| Parents |
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| Known for | Battle of Chamkaur |
| Relatives | Jujhar Singh (half-brother) Zorawar Singh (half-brother) Fateh Singh (half-brother) |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
Early Military Engagements
At just twelve years old, Ajit Singh took on his first military mission. A Muslim tribe known as the Ranghars of Nuh had attacked and looted a Sikh group traveling from the Pothohar region. Guru Gobind Singh entrusted Ajit Singh with a hundred men to retrieve the stolen goods and punish the culprits, which he did successfully on 23 May 1699.
In 1700, Ajit Singh defended Anandpur Sahib against repeated attacks by the hill chiefs allied with the Sirhind Mughal forces. Alongside the skilled warrior Bhai Udai Singh, he was assigned to guard Qila Taragarh Sahib. During the Battle of Taragarh on 29 August 1700, Ajit Singh and his men successfully repelled the attackers, ensuring the fort remained under Sikh control.
He also led retaliatory expeditions against Gujjars and Ranghar raiders near Sialkot in 1701 and played a key role in the Battle of Nirmohgarh (1702) and the Battle of Basoli, aiding Sikh victories against Mughal and hill chief forces.
Restoring Justice
In March 1703, a Brahmin named Dewki Das sought Guru Gobind Singh’s help after his wife was abducted by Chowdhry Jabar Khan of Dera Bassi. Ajit Singh, along with Bhai Udai Singh and about 100 Sikhs, besieged Bassi Kalan and forced Jabar Khan’s army into defeat, successfully rescuing the Brahmin’s wife. This action won widespread admiration for the Sikhs and highlighted Ajit Singh’s dedication to justice.
Second Battle of Chamkaur
During the siege of Anandpur in 1704, the Mughal army and hill chiefs launched an assault on the fort. After the Sikhs evacuated Anandpur on 5–6 December 1704, Ajit Singh was entrusted with the rearguard to protect the fleeing Sikhs. Despite being vastly outnumbered, he fought bravely at Shahi Tibbi, covering the retreat and later at Chamkaur Fort, where he and his brother Jujhar Singh led courageous sallies against the Mughal forces.
In the Second Battle of Chamkaur, Ajit Singh fell martyrdom at the age of 17, while fighting to defend the Sikh cause. His younger brothers, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were later captured and executed by being bricked alive at Fatehgarh Sahib on the orders of Sirhind’s governor, Wazir Khan.
Legacy
Ajit Singh’s bravery and leadership have left a lasting mark in Sikh history. The city of Ajitgarh (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar) in Punjab is named in his honor, commemorating his courage and sacrifice. The site of his martyrdom at Chamkaur is marked by Gurdwara Katalgarh, where the annual Shaheedi Jor Mela is held to remember the valiant sacrifice of Ajit Singh, his brother Jujhar Singh, and other Sikh martyrs.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders have paid tribute to the Chaar Sahibzaade (the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh), particularly during Veer Bal Diwas, a day dedicated to honoring the bravery, selflessness, and devotion of these young Sikh warriors.
Major Battles Involving Ajit Singh
- First Siege of Anandpur (1700): Played a key role in defending Anandpur against hill chiefs.
- Battle of Taragarh (1700): Guarded Qila Taragarh and repelled the enemy attack.
- Battle of Basoli (1702): Contributed to Sikh victory over Mughal forces.
- Bassi Kalan (1703): Freed a Brahmin’s wife from abduction.
- First and Second Battles of Anandpur (1704): Assisted in the fort’s defense and evacuation.
- Battle of Sarsa (1704): Led Sikh forces in retreat and held off Mughal pursuers.
- Second Battle of Chamkaur (1704): Martyred while defending the Sikh cause alongside his brother Jujhar Singh.
Sahibzada Ajit Singh remains an enduring symbol of valor, leadership, and sacrifice in Sikh history, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to justice, faith, and the protection of his people.
Death :
Sahibzada Ajit Singh died a martyr during the Second Battle of Chamkaur in 1704. At the age of 17, he was leading Sikh forces alongside his younger brother Jujhar Singh, defending the fortress of Chamkaur against the vastly larger Mughal army. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Ajit Singh courageously led several sallies against the enemy.
He fought bravely to protect Guru Gobind Singh and the retreating Sikh forces. Ultimately, he was killed in combat, sacrificing his life for the defense of the Sikh faith and the honor of his people. His younger brothers, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were later captured and executed by being bricked alive at Fatehgarh Sahib by Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind.
Ajit Singh’s martyrdom is commemorated at Gurdwara Katalgarh, Chamkaur, and his courage is remembered as a symbol of unwavering valor and selfless sacrifice in Sikh history.
References
- Ajit Singh (Sikhism) (2025) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajit_Singh_(Sikhism) (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Baba Ajit Singh Ji eldest son of guru gobind Singh Ji: Guru Pics, Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh (2017) Pinterest. Available at: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/467811480035979649/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Khalsa, S.K. (2023) Sahibzada Ajit Singh (1687-1705), SikhNet. Available at: https://www.sikhnet.com/news/sahibzada-ajit-singh-1687-1705 (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Munde, A.S. (no date) Martyrdom of Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Sikh Missionary Society (U.K.). Available at: https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smsarticles/sikhmartyrs/ajitsinghandjujharsingh/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh (no date) Sahibzada Ajit Singh - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sahibzada_Ajit_Singh (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh & jujhar singh (no date) ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ. Available at: https://sridarbarsahibsriamritsar.com/sikh-history/sahibzada-ajit-singh-jujhar-singh/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Shaheedi Diwas – Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji & Sahibzada jujhar Singh Ji – 23 December (no date) Dasmesh Darbar Gurdwara Sahib. Available at: https://dasmeshdarbar.ca/shaheedi-diwas-sahibzada-ajit-singh-ji-sahibzada-jujhar-singh-ji-23-december/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Bravery and sacrifice of elder Sahibjade Baba Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh: Sanskriti - hinduism and Indian culture website (2014) Sanskriti. Available at: https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/bravery-sacrifice-elder-sahibjade-baba-ajit-singh-jujhar-singh/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
- Meru, E. (2021) Sahibzada Ajeet Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar singh ~ unforgotten, SikhNet. Available at: https://www.sikhnet.com/news/unforgotten-sahibzada-ajeet-singh-and-sahibzada-jujhar-singh (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
