Disclaimer: No Copyright infringement intended.

Context

• September 12 marks the 124th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi.

What is the Battle of Saragarhi?

• The Battle of Saragarhi was a last-stand battle fought before the Tirah Campaign between the British Raj and Afghan tribesmen.
• On 12 September 1897, an estimated 12,000 – 24,000 Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen were seen near Gogra, at Samana Suk, and around Saragarhi, cutting off Fort Gulistan from Fort Lockhart.
• The Afghans attacked the outpost of Saragarhi where thousands of them swarmed and surrounded the fort, preparing to assault it.
• Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the 21 soldiers in the fort—all of whom were Sikhs—refused to surrender.
• The post was recaptured two days later by another British Indian contingent.
• The Indian Army's 4th battalion of the Sikh Regiment commemorates the battle every year on the 12th of September, as Saragarhi Day.

Why was Saragarhi important?

• Saragarhi was the communication tower between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan.
• The two forts in the rugged North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now in Pakistan were built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh but renamed by the British.
• Saragarhi helped to link up the two important forts which housed a large number of British troops in the rugged terrain of NWFP.
• Fort Lockhart was also home to families of British officers.
• https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/battle-of-saragarhi-explained-when-21-men-fought-thousands-7503623/

Download PDF