The two younger sons of the Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh (aged 9) and Fateh Singh (aged 7) got separated from the father on the night of December 20,1704 on the banks of river Sirsa. The young quiet, brave and fearless, in the company of their grandmother Mata Gujri walked across hilly roads, for an unknown destination. Guru Ji’s old domestic servant Gango (Brahmin) sighted the young Sahibzadas with their grandmother and overtook them, He requested Mata Gujri to go with him to his village Khera. On assurance of Gango that they would be quite safe there and Moghul authorities would never be able to locate them, Mata Ji agreed to go to his village.
However, Gango, the traitor, utterly betrayed. He informed the Nawab of Sirhind about the catch. Nawab of Malerkotla counseled Nawab of Sir hind to take a lenient view of the young children. But, at the instigation of Dewan Sucha Nand, the young Sahibzadas were bricked alive. Because, the Sahibzadas stuck to their faith and no inducement could shake their conscience and strong determination. Mata Gujri, the mother of Guru Gobind Singh also breathed her last on hearing the news of Sahibzadas Martyrdom.
On hearing the news of Sahibzadas’ Martyrdom and passing away of Mata Gujri at Machhiwara, Guru Gobind Singh in the presence of his devoted Sikhs: Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Man Singh, attendant Gulaba and two loyal Pathans Nabi Khan and Ghani Khan, declared by pulling out a plant that the Moghul Raj has now been uprooted.” An old Sikh, named Todar Mal, when heard the news of Sahibzadas martyrdom, hastened to reach the spot and desired to cremate the three sacred bodies. Which he promptly did the place where old Mata was cremated is called Jyoti sarup, and of Sahibzadas-the Fateh Garh Sahib and the tower where the three were kept as prisoners the Mata Gujri Burj.
T.S .Sandhu Fremont, CA
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1992
