Page 139 - Lohgarh

Emperor Leads Campaign Against the Sikhs w 139

losses of the Sikhs. These reports helped the Emperor to take action
and/or make necessary changes in his strategy.
On 20 March 1711, the Emperor presented robes of honor to Hindu
feudal Churhamani Jatt and Kishan Singh Naroka, and attached them
to Mahabat Khan in an expedition against the Sikhs. On 22 March the
Emperor left Sadhaura for Lahore. On 24 March the Emperor was told
that Banda Singh has occupied territory between Guru-Da-Chakk
(Amritsar) and Shahdara, the outskirts of Lahore (on the other side of
river Ravi). 4
On 18 April 1711, the Emperor was told that the Sikhs have taken
away the animals (buffaloes and cows) of the Muslims. Some of those
present there opined that this action was done by the Vanjaras, who
were the companions of Banda Singh. Some of them believed that it
was done by the people of Nahan (Sirmaur) State. 5
The Emperor Plans a Cantonment at Ropar

On 22 April 1711, when the Emperor was near the Satluj river, he
expressed his wish to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his crowning as
Emperor. He announced the construction of a big platform for
celebrations of the event at Ropar.
The Emperor had issued this order, but, in his heart of hearts he
was under constant fear of Banda Singh. Though, the Mughals had
wrested control of Kunjpura, Thanesar, Shahbad, Sarhind, Sadhura etc.
from the Sikhs, but the Emperor was not at peace. The Emperor had
been given the impression that the Mughal army had occupied the
Lohgarh Fort (whereas they had occupied only the first hill and
Sitarganh). The Sikhs were still present in the upper hills of Lohgarh as
well as in the villages around Lohgarh and Sadhaura as well as in the
forest. The Emperor received reports that the Sikhs were openly moving
in Sadhura, Lohgarh an even around Sarhind. Some Hindus were co-
operating with them, but the Muslims were living under fear.
The Emperor had been getting the reports that Banda Singh had
subjugated the hill rulers. All this created awe in the heart of the
Emperor.