Haidari Flag crusade

The Haidari Flag crusadeTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn or War of the Haidari FlagTemplate:Sfn was a series of clashes in 1710 between Sikh forces and a coalition of Muslim crusaders, Mughal provincial troops, and local allies in the Majha and Lahore region. The fighting formed part of the wider Sikh rising that followed the Sikh victory at Sirhind. The principal engagements were fought at Qila Bhagwant Rai, Kotla Begam, and Bhilowal. The campaign ended with the defeat and dispersal of the crusading force and the extension of Sikh control across much of Majha and Riarki, although Lahore itself was not occupied.

Background

The Sikh victory at Sirhind was followed by a broader rising in the Punjab. Hukamnamas were issued in the name of Banda Singh Bahadur to the Khalsa north of the Sutlej to devastate Mughal territories, and Sikh groups from Majha and neighboring areas assembled at Amritsar before moving into the countryside.Template:Sfn

The first Sikh advances were directed toward the north-east rather than against the stronger centres of Lahore and Kasur. Sikh forces occupied Batala and Kalanaur, removed government officials, and established their own thanas there. Some groups also moved farther north and occupied the town and territory of Pathankot.Template:Sfn

After securing Batala and Kalanaur, Sikh forces moved toward Lahore. Their raids extended up to the Shalamar Garden and the outer limits of the city.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Mobilization at Lahore

The Sikh advance caused alarm in Lahore. Sayyad Aslam Khan, the deputy of Prince Muiz-ud-Din, did not initially move out to oppose them in open battle.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Religious leaders and other notables in Lahore then organized a Jihad against the Sikhs. A green standard, described as the Haiadri Flag or Haidari Jhanda, was raised near the Idgah mosque, and support was gathered from merchants, preachers, and other leading Muslims. Some Hindu officials also joined the movement.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn Aslam Khan eventually sent a force of cavalry and infantry under Ata Ullah and Muhib Khan Kharal to join the crusading host.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Siege of Qila Bhagwant Rai

The Sikh forces were divided into four jathas, assigned respectively to Majha, Riarki and Kandhi, the investment of Lahore, and a reserve column.Template:Sfn The Lahore section established itself at a small brick fort in the village of Bharat on the Ravi, built by Bhagwant Rai, the qanungo of the parganah. The position served as a base and defensive post.Template:Sfn

The crusaders and Mughal troops closely invested the fort. The defenders replied with musket fire from the walls and bastions and inflicted losses on attackers who came near the gates.Template:Sfn As the besieging force was too large to be driven away, the Sikhs abandoned the fort during the night and broke through the encirclement.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn The besiegers returned to Lahore without destroying the Sikh force.Template:Sfn

Battle of Kotla Begam

After the return to Lahore, members of the crusading force insulted Hindus in the city and threatened Mughal officials.Template:Sfn The Sikhs then gathered again at Kotla Begam, near Chamiari, and resumed ravaging the surrounding area. A second crusade was proclaimed, and another large force marched out against them.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

On the march to Kotla Begam, parts of the crusading host plundered villages and abused the rural population. Several offenders were executed by order of their own leaders, but discipline did not improve.Template:Sfn When the force reached Kotla Begam, the Sikhs came out to meet it in the open and a hard-fought engagement followed. Both sides suffered heavy losses.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

The battle turned when Afghan horsemen withdrew from the field. The remaining crusaders were unable to maintain their position, and the force collapsed by nightfall.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn The fighting at Kotla Begam was one of the three principal battles of the campaign.Template:Sfn

Sikh counter-offensive

The defeated crusading force began to withdraw toward Lahore and halted for the night at Bhilowal. Regular troops were lodged in the fort, while many others slept in the open.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn The Sikhs secretly followed the retreating force and attacked before daybreak from nearby cover.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

The crusaders failed to form a united front. The retreat became a rout, and large numbers were cut down. Several hundred men were killed, including Murtaza Khan and the grandson of Todar Mal, the leader of the Hindu allies. Horses and property also fell into Sikh hands.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn Bhilowal is identified in the sources as the third principal engagement of the campaign.Template:Sfn

Aftermath

The defeat at Bhilowal ended the campaign. The crusading force dispersed, and its leaders returned to Lahore in defeat.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn After these victories, Sikh forces extended their control across Majha and Riarki, while Lahore proper remained outside their occupation.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Bibliography

• Sikhs in the Eighteenth Century: Their Struggle for Survival and Supremacy{{#if:Gandhi|, Gandhi}. Singh Bros.(1999). ISBN 9788172052171
• History of the Sikhs: Evolution of Sikh Confederacies, 1708–1769{{#if:Gupta|, Gupta}. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers(1978)
• Banda Singh Bahadur and Sikh Sovereignty{{#if:Sagoo|, Sagoo}. Deep & Deep Publications(2001). ISBN 9788176293006
• Life of Banda Singh Bahadur: Based on Contemporary and Original Records{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University(1990)
• The Encyclopedia of Sikhism (over 1000 Entries){{#if:Singha|, Singha}. Hemkunt Press(2000). ISBN 9788170103011