Havildar Ishar Singh remains an iconic personality for his absolute bravery during the “Battle of Saragarhi,” and for being a true leader who would strive only for the comfort and safety of his own troops.
Wiki/Biography
Havildar Ishar Singh was born in an agricultural family in Jagraon tehsil, Ludhiana district, Punjab. She is married to Gurinderpal Singh Josan.
Career
Ishar Singh dreamed of becoming a soldier and got the chance to fulfill his dream by joining the Punjab Frontier Force at the age of 18. For most of his life, he remained on the battlefield under regiment number 165. Soon after the formation of the 36th Sikh Regiment in 1887, he was enlisted in it.
A soldier of the 36th Sikh Regiment in 1896
In August 1897, the 36th Sikh Regiment led by Lt. Col John Haughton was divided into 5 groups and sent to the North West Frontier Province. The group of soldiers was stationed at Bukit Samana, Kurag, Sangar, Sahtop Dhar, and Saragarhi. A group of 21 soldiers of the 36th Regiment, led by Ishar Singh, was stationed at Saragarhi. A small village in the border district of Kohat, Saragahi, is a modest location as it connects Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan. As a communication link between the three posts, it was targeted by the Afghan and Orakzai tribes.
Saragarhi On Map
On September 12, 1897, a regimental signalman, Gurmukh Singh, warned Lieutenant Colonel John Haughton of Afghans (more than 10,000) moving towards Fort Lockhart. Haughton could do nothing in the situation and was unable to send any reinforcements.
Soldier of the 36th Sikh Regiment
At this point, the leader Ishar Singh and his men decided not to retreat and decided to fight “Battle of Saragarhi” to the death. During this battle, about 200 Afghans were killed by these 21 soldiers who fought with great spirit and enthusiasm.
Battle of Saragarhi
The seriously wounded soldiers fought for 8 hours without any rest. When they ran out of ammunition and ammunition, they engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Their sacrifice was not in vain because in the end, the enemy was defeated.
Havildar Ishar Singh With His Troops
Saragarhi Ruins
Award
- Indian Grand Order Class III
Death
On 12 September 1897, Ishar Singh was martyred after fighting in the “Battle of Saragarhi” in Tirah, North West Frontier Province, British India (now Pakistan).
Facts
- British historian Major General James Lunt said that Ishar Singh was a somewhat turbulent character whose independent nature had brought him more than once into conflict with his army chief. Thus, Ishar Singh —in the camp, the distraction, in the extraordinary field.
- To honor the 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment, two Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwaras have been created in Ferozepur and Amritsar.
Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara Amritsar (left) and Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara Ferozepur (right)
- In honor of the 21 brave Sikh soldiers, September 12 is celebrated as “Saragarhi Day.”
- After the martyrdom, none of his family members joined the army.
- Many biopics have been made on Havildar Ishar Singh but ‘Kesari’ (2019), in which Akshay Kumar portrayed his role has become the most popular film and has been able to draw people’s attention to the real hero.
Akshay Kumar in Kesari
- He is often confused with Captain Isher Singh, a soldier in the British Indian Army.
- After the death of Havildar Ishar Singh, his brother killed his wife and imprisoned him in Kala Pani (Andaman and Nicobar).
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
