Jallianwala? No Chillianwala

The date of 13 marks one of the bloodiest events of the history of the 20th century in the region of Punjab. Interestingly enough the date 13th marks another much-forgotten incident in this exact region of Punjab, except only it was the triumph of Punjab and not a massacre.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Of all the wars in the Indian subcontinent, the most lesser-known remain the Anglo-Sikh wars. The story begins with the British consolidation of almost all princely states and independent territories. After initial control of Bengal and Madras presidency, the Britishers had utilized the Mughal incompetency to establish their suzerainty and by late 1800s almost all of India was under direct or indirect British influence.

The legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab was one the greatest monarchs of the time consolidating a strong Sikh empire ranging from Kashmir till Afghanistan. However, the stability of the empire came into question, immediately after his passing away. A crisis of succession arose and after mysterious deaths of two sons of Ranjit Singh, an infant son Duleep Singh was instated as the heir, with his mother being the regent.

The political anticipation and being one of the wealthiest princely states cost Punjab the first Anglo-Sikh War when suspicions led the Sikh troops crossing river Sutlej, the apparent boundary between the British and Sikh territories. The first Anglo-Sikh war led to defeat and consolidation of Punjab by Britishers who made the treaty for the indirect rule of Punjab but completely annexed the Kashmir territory.

The rising British interference resented by Sikh nobles instigated a rebellion, killing British officers with them initially losing major parts of the empire. The British, in order to crush the rebellion, decided to attack the centre of the Sher Singh position, a major rebelling noble.

The small village of Chillianwala became the site of the first battle of this Second Anglo-Sikh wars, and the Britishers attacked the Sikh positions on this day. Although historians seem to agree that there was no decisive victory to any party in the war, the Chillianwala battle stands today as a mark of utter disgrace on the British might. The 'firangs', being overwhelmingly in advantage, both strategically and logistically, with suitable terrain and climate, faced glaring defeat.

The contemporary chroniclers have been quoted citing the might of the Sikh armies, " The Sikhs fought like devils, fierce and untamed... Such a mass of men I never set eyes on and a plucky as lions: they ran right on the bayonets and struck their assailants when they were transfixed."

Later historians claim the Battle of Chillianwala to be a prelude to and directly led to the 'Sepoy Mutiny' of 1857.