Conflict: | Battle of Kiratpur |
Partof: | Early Mughal-Sikh Wars |
Place: | Kharkar to Kiratpur Sahib route |
Date: | 1638 |
Result: | Sikh victory |
Combatant1: | Akal Sena (Sikhs) |
Combatant2: | Mughal Empire |
Commander1: | Guru Hargobind Tegh Bahadur |
Commander2: | Ruler of Ropar[1] |
Strength1: | 23 (during the siege - later reinforced with larger army) |
Strength2: | Unknown (Larger than Sikh army during the siege) |
Casualties1: | Unknown |
Casualties2: | Unknown, but high |
The Battle of Kiratpur, also known as the Battle of Kiratpur Sahib, took place between the Sikhs, commanded by Guru Hargobind, and the Mughals, commanded by the Ruler and Pathans of Ropar. It was the last skirmish between the Sikhs and the Mughals.[2]
The Mughals, Pathans, Gujjars and other locals at Ropar were jealous of Guru Hargobind's popularity and wanted to avenge an earlier defeat of theirs. The Pathans launched a surprise attack on Guru Hargobind who was only accompanied by 22 Sikhs.[3]
Guru Hargobind was forced to take shelter in Brahman Majra where he and the Sikhs held off the Mughal and coalition forces until reinforcements from Kiratpur could arrive.[4]
A gurdwara was constructed at the location of the battle by Sant Kartar Singh Bhindranwale in 1975.