Page 151 - Lohgarh

Banda Singh After Leaving Lohgarh w 151

whosoever Muslim joins him, he fixes his daily wages and salary and also
takes care of that person. He has given permission for Khutba (religious
sermons) and Namaz (religious prayers). As a result five thousand Muslims
have joined the army of that rebel (Banda Singh). Having got right to
Azaan and Namaaz, Muslims are feeling comFortable in the army of these
rebels.” [The non-Italic words are mine – Author].
9
Although the Emperor was getting the news of the losses of the
th
Sikhs, he was still very much scared. On the 13 of May 1711, he got
the information from Kesho Rao that the Sikhs had established
permanent posts between the area of Raavi and Beas rivers, and they
had killed a very large number of Pathan generals and feudal.
Bahadur Shah was very much distressed for the loss of his generals.
In such a situation, he went on encouraging and rewarding army
generals, feudals and all others who would render him any help against
the Sikhs. During this month (May 1711) he presented robes of honour
to Kirpal Dev of Jammu, Daya Dhamman of Nurpur, Udit Singh Zamindar,
Saadat Khan of Malerkotla, Zamindars of Talwara and 11 others; most
of them were the Hindu rulers and feudals. Bahadur Shah sent robes
for them through Sayyad Azmatullah Khan and also asked them to do
more efForts for the arrest of Banda Singh.
th
On the 28 of April 1711, Bahadur Shah received reports that the
Sikhs were present near Fatehbad (6 km from river Beas). On the other
hand, having received information about the Sikhs, the chief of Fatehbad
and Isa Khan (who was, later, appointed deputy chief) attacked them
resulting in heavy losses on both sides. 10
On the 5 th of May 1711, Bahadur Shah applauded the services
rendered by Mohammed Amin Khan and presented him a robe of
honour. He was given command of nine thousand soldiers to chase the
11
Sikhs. On the 9 of May, Bahadur Shah received reports that Banda
th
Singh was on the eastern side of river Beas, but when Banda Singh got
the news of the advance of the royal army, he crossed even river Satluj
and moved towards Lakkhi Jungle area. 12
On the 14 of May 1711, Bahadur Shah dispatched Mughal Begh
th
Khan, Durlab Khan, Abdul Samad Khan and Inayat Khan (all the four