Today is 236th anniversary of Conquering Delhi by Khalsa Army
The Sikhs attacked the Red Fort on March 11, 1783. The Sikhs entered the Red Fort, hoisted the kesri Nishan Sahib, and occupied Diwan-e-aam, a key location in the fort, where the Emperor, sitting on the throne, used to have audience with the public. In a symbolic gesture, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was made to sit on the throne, which made him the Emperor.
As per the historian “The Sikh conquered the Red Fort, but they missed a great opportunity and failed to exploit the advantage of being the strongest force.” They further said “A few of us know that Baghel Singh vanquished Delhi, entered the Red Fort and the Mughal Emperor , Shah Alam, had to yield to his terms in 1783.”
By early 1783, the Sikhs commenced preparations for the capture of the Red Fort. A force of 60,000 under the leadership of Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Sardar Baghel Singh assembled at Ghaziabad, continuing their attacks and capturing rich towns around Delhi.
Bhai Baghel Singh constructed seven gurdwaras. He maintained good law and order. His horses patrolled the city streets day and night. The citizen saw the kind of peace and order which they had not experienced for decades. The construction of seven gurdwaras was completed in about seven months, as stipulated in the agreement and he retired from the capital in early December 1783. At the time he had sufficient force in the city and was enjoying great prestige and goodwill of the public. He had the necessary force and could have decided to stay on and continue his control of the city. He stood by the agreement and left Delhi at the end of the stipulated period.
Baba Baghel Singh is credited with establishment of following Gurudwaras in Delhi:
Gurdwara Mata Sundri
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi
Gurdwara Bala Sahib, Delhi
Gurdwara Rakab Ganj, Delhi
Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Delhi
Gurdwara Moti Bagh, Delhi
Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi
(Source-internet)
