Battle of Anandpur (1812)

This article is about a conflict that took place in the year 1812. For other battles fought at the same location, see Battle of Anandpur.

The Battle of Anandpur was fought in 1812 by the Sikh forces led by Sodhi Surjan Singh and the Rajput forces of Kahlur led by Raja Mahan Chand.

Battle of Anandpur
Part of Hill States-Sikh Wars
Date 1812 Location Anandpur Sahib Result Sikh Victory
Belligerents
Sikh Empire	Kahlur
Commanders and leaders
Ranjit Singh Sodhi Surjan Singh Hukma Singh Chimni Bhai Mahna Singh Bhai Sukkha Singh	Raja Mahan Chand
Strength
5,000 under Sodhi Surjan Singh Unknown under Hukma Singh Chimni	Unknown

Background

The Sikhs had enemies in the Hill States, especially Kahlur. Anandpur was disputed between the Sikhs and Kahlur and they fought many battles starting from 1682 to determine who was the rightful owner of the city. After 1704, the Sikhs had left Anandpur and captured it during the reign of Banda Singh Bahadur. In 1812, the Kahlur Raja Mahan Chand asked Sodhi Surjan Singh to pay tax to him, claiming to own the city. When this was rejected, he attacked Anandpur.

Battle

Sikh general Hukma Singh Chimni was camping near the city when he heard that there was an attack at Anandpur. He and his army marched to the city. There is a vaar called Anandpur Di Var, also referred to as Sodhian Di Var written by Ram Singh about the battle. The troops were defeated with heavy losses and were forced to retreat. The poet states that Bhai Sukkha Singh, author of the book Gurbilas Daswin Patshahi and Bhai Mahna Singh, the Jathedar of Kesgarh fought in this battle.

Aftermath

Instead of receiving tax, the Hill State had to pay the Sikhs the tax. This was the last attack on Anandpur before the colonial era of Punjab.

See also

• Nihang
• Martyrdom and Sikhism