After five decades Rajput community visits Chamkaur Sahib

After almost five decades, representatives of the Ghorewaha Kachwaha Rajput community made their inaugural visit to Chamkaur Sahib in Rupnagar, Punjab, reconnecting with their profound history linked to the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.

Amidst the tumult sparked by the assault from the Mughal army and local hill rulers on Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh and his followers sought refuge in a fortress at Chamkaur Sahib. It was here, in December 1704, that the historic battle of Chamkaur unfolded, pitting a small group of Sikhs against the vast forces of the Mughals and the hill chieftains. Tragically, the Guru’s elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh, aged 18, and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, aged 14, lost their lives. The fortress, known as ‘Chamkaur Di Ghari,’ belonged to Rai Budhi Chand.

“We extend our gratitude to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for inviting the Kshatriya community to partake in the Shaheedi Sabha, commemorating the valorous memory of Ghorewaha Kachwaha Rajput Rai Budhi Chand. He magnanimously offered his Garhi (Castle) to Guru Gobind Singh during the historic battle of Chamkaur, sacrificing his life to protect Guru Sahib, adhering to the Kshatriya code of honor,” expressed Rai Harendra Singh Ghorewaha, the descendant of Rai Budhi Chand, told The Daily Guardian.

The event on December 23 saw the presence of Thakur Jitender Singh Waryah, secretary of the International United Rajpoot Front; Joginder Singh Salaria, founder of Pehal Charitable; and Rana Yogeshwar Pratap Singh, founding Member of Rajput Community of Canada.

Efforts led by Organisation Secretary Kshatriya Parishad, Archit Singh, Rashtriya Mulnivasi Mahasangh State President Prashant Singh Madhad, and Dr. Yashpal Tanwar from Ayuwan Sansthan met with former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Paramjit Singh Sarna to delve into their historical connections with Guru Gobind Singh. While Sikh narratives may cast a critical light on the Mughal and Hill kings, the documented history of Ghorewaha Kachwaha Rajput families reveals their close association with Guru Gobind Singh.

“My family’s ties with the contemporary king of Bilaspur soured due to our allegiance to Guru Gobind Singh. Despite this, our community traditionally participated in the Shaheedi Sabha at Chamkaur Sahib, a tradition paused nearly half a century ago. We’re delighted to revive it and intend to continue this annual pilgrimage, honoring the Rajput community’s ancient heritage and paying homage to the martyrs of the Chamkaur war during the Shaheedi Sabha,” expressed Rai Sanjeev Singh of Bhabhour, descendant of Rai Ratan Chand Katoch, where Guru Gobind Singh ji resided for 13 months after leaving Anandpur Sahib.

“Despite oaths sworn by Hill kings on the cow and Mughal governors on the Quran, promising peace if Guru Gobind Singh left Anandpur Sahib, they betrayed their word. However, there were individuals like Nabhi Khan, Ghani Khan, and the devoted Rai Budhi Chand who stepped forward to serve Guru Gobind Singh ji. This aspect of history gains significance in present times, countering distorted interpretations that fuel divisions among communities,” remarked Takht Damdma Sahib Talwandi Sabo Jathedar Ginai Harpreet Singh.