What is battle of saragarhi?

The Battle of Saragarhi was a military engagement on September 12, 1897, between 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs of British India and around 10,000–12,000 Orakzai and Afridi Pashtun tribesmen. It occurred in the Tirah region of what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The battle is considered one of history's greatest last stands. The Sikh contingent, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, chose to fight to the death, preventing the Pashtuns from overrunning forts Gulistan and Lockhart.

  • Background: The British had built a series of forts to control the restive Pashtun tribes. Saragarhi was a signaling post between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan.
  • The Battle: The Pashtuns attacked Saragarhi with the intent of isolating the forts. The Sikhs, despite being heavily outnumbered, held their ground for several hours. They inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers before eventually being overwhelmed.
  • Havildar Ishar Singh ( https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Havildar%20Ishar%20Singh ) played a crucial role in leading his men.
  • Significance: The battle is seen as a symbol of Sikh bravery and sacrifice. All 21 soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award of the time. The battle has inspired numerous books, films, and documentaries. The date, September 12, is celebrated as Saragarhi Day by the Indian Army.
  • 36th Sikhs: ( https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/36th%20Sikhs ) The regiment that fought in the battle, later became the 4th Battalion, Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army.