Alam Singh Nachna
Alam Singh Nachna (died 22 December 1704 or 1705), also called Alim Singh was a warrior in the arnh of Guru Gobind Singh, and was a Rajput Sikh. He was known as Nachna (dancer). Sarup Das Bhalla of Mahima Prakash describes him as one of Guru Gobind Singh's constant and closest companions. He is also known for killing a lion single handedly.[1]
Bhai Alam Singh Nachna | |
---|---|
![]() Alam Singh Nachna sitting in bir-asan pose | |
Died | 22 December 1704 or 1705 |
Allegiance | |
Known for | Sikh warrior and companion of Guru Gobind Singh |
Relations | Bhai Durgu (father) |
Military Career
Alam Singh fought in the Battle of Anandpur (1695) against the Khanzada Rustam Khan. Rustam Khan crossed the Sutlej with his troops at night, about midnight, but was spotted by Alam Singh. He immediately informed the guru and a fierce battle ensued, with the Sikhs defeating Rustam Khan.[2][3][4]
During June 1699 in the Battle of Anandpur (1699), two hill rajas named Alim Chand and Balia Chand ambushed the Guru when he was hunting.[5] Alam Chand lost his right hand and fled from the battlefield.[6] Alam Singh Nachna showed “bravery and courage”. He was the one who cut the hand of Alam Chand.[7]
In the First Siege of Anandpur, Raja Ghumand Chand of Kangra attacked Anandpur Sahib. His horse was shot by Alam Singh while he himself was killed by Bhai Himmat Singh.[8][7]
In the Second Battle of Anandpur (1704), Alam Singh was given the command of a 500 strong garrison in Agampur Fort.[9][7] On the evacuation of the town, he along with Bhai Daya Singh and Bhai Udai Singh led the vanguard.
Martyrdom
In the Battle of Chamkaur, the Guru sent his son, Ajit Singh, to fight. He took 5 men with him, one of them being Alam Singh. He is said to have fought, “fiercely, bravely, and with much valour.” Alam Singh with the other Sikhs killed many Mughal soldiers. He fought until his last breath.[7]
See also
References
- Harbans Singh (1995). The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism - Volume I A-D. Punjabi University. p. 76. ISBN 9788173801006.
- Surjit Singh Gandhi (2007). History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p. 736. ISBN 9788126908585.
- Karam Singh Raju (1999). Guru Gobind Singh: Prophet of Peace. p. 73. ISBN 9380213646.
- Nirmal Singh (2008). Searches in Sikhism. pp. 45–46. ISBN 978-8170103677.
- Amardeep S. Dahiya (2014). Founder of The Khalsa. ISBN 9789381398616.
- Harbans Kaur Sagoo (2001). Banda Singh Bahadur And Sikh Sovereignty. Deep & Deep Publications. p. 68. ISBN 9788176293006.
- Max Arthur Macauliffe (1909). The Sikh Religion Vol.5. Clarendon Press. pp. 120, 136, 171 and 188. ISBN 9781108055444.
- Singh, Prithi Pal (2007). The History of Sikh Gurus. Lotus Books. p. 146. ISBN 978-81-8382-075-2.
- Ranjit Singh (2013). Golden Crystals. p. 179. ISBN 9789351130482.