Lohgarh’s Heritage in India: A Multidisciplinary Exploration
The Lohgarh forts, scattered across the Indian subcontinent, offer a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and economic insights. Understanding their significance requires a multidisciplinary approach. Unfortunately, due to conspiracies by the Mughals and British, much of Sikh history was concealed or distorted. This has made it challenging for historians to fully grasp the importance of these events, which are unparalleled in world history. Consequently, historians have often struggled to understand Sikh history in a holistic manner. Here, we explore Lohgarh’s heritage through various disciplines to shed light on its profound significance.
Gurbani/Gurmat
Guru Nanak Patshah initiated a spiritual revolution based on Truth and oneness, sparking significant political, economic, and social changes through the Sikh revolution. This mission was continued for two centuries by the Later Nanaks and the 35 saints of the Guru Granth Sahib, all striving for Guru Nanak’s vision of Halimi Raj. Guru Granth Sahib Ang-hun hukam ho-aa miharvaan daa. pai ko-ay na kisai ranjaandaa sabh sukhaalee vuthee-aa ih ho-aa halaymee raaj jee-o. ||13|| Now, the Merciful Lord has issued His Command. Let no one chase after and attack anyone else. Let all abide in peace under this Benevolent Rule. ||13||( Guru Granth Sahib Ang 74, Recently in 2020, three verses from Guru Granth sahib have been included in the UN Faith for Rights Charter, This versus is one of them.) Guru Nanak Patshah recognized that human suffering was largely caused by the prevailing political system. He not only addressed these issues but also provided solutions. Moreover, Guru Nanak implemented principles of benevolent governance, ensuring that his teachings were put into practice to alleviate suffering and promote justice.
The teachings of the Sikh Guru Sahibans, known as Gurbani, and the principles of Gurmat form the spiritual and ideological foundation of the Lohgarh forts. Emphasizing justice, equality, and community service, these teachings were integral to the forts’ establishment and governance. The Guru Granth Sahib provides primary source material on the philosophical underpinnings of these forts. The verse “Nanak Raj chalaiya Sach kot Sattani neev dei” (Guru Nanak established the emperordom and built the forts on the Strongest Foundations of Truth) found at (Ang) 966 of Guru Granth sahib provides clear evidence that during the time of Guru Nanak sahib, a welfare administration based on humanitarian principles.
Primary Sources
Primary sources, such as Persian texts, Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mu’alla (contemporary intelligence reports presented to the emperor), Bhat Vahi (records of Banjara Sikh martyrdom and other Sikh settlements), manuscripts, letters, edicts, and historical records from the period, provide firsthand accounts of the construction, purpose, and operation of the Lohgarh forts. They also detail the battles of Lohgarh and other Sikh-Mughal conflicts involving General Banda Singh Bahadur and Sikh forces, including their movements, fortifications, logistics, and engagements with the Mughal army. These documents offer valuable insights into the motivations and activities of those involved in their establishment.
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources, including scholarly articles, books, and research papers, provide analyses and interpretations of primary sources, helping to place the Lohgarh forts within broader historical and cultural contexts. However, historians have often relied on disparate references to interpret Sikh history, leading to an incomplete portrayal. Despite these efforts, the full picture of Sikh history has remained inadequately represented, with some references either misused or insufficiently connected. Now, by rearranging and re-examining these references, a more accurate and comprehensive depiction of Sikh history can be achieved.
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological excavations at various Lohgarh sites have uncovered structural remains, artifacts, pottery, bricks, and other material evidence that shed light on the construction techniques, daily life, and cultural practices associated with these forts. The destruction of the Lohgarh forts by the Mughals and British, with remnants scattered across thousands of acres, underscores the extensive Sikh involvement in fortifications over two centuries. The demolition of Sikh villages and their foundations further highlights the rich Sikh heritage. Despite this, the historical significance of the Nanak Shahi bricks found on the hills, along with carved stone oil presses, wheat grinding stones, and other artifacts, has often been overlooked by historians.
Architecture
The architectural style of the Lohgarh forts exemplifies a sophisticated blend of Sikh influences and advanced gunpowder technology. Each fort features six to eight dome-shaped bastions, rising to 35 feet, with a base circumference of 30 meters tapering to 20 meters at the top, resembling a conical funnel. Internally, the forts are equipped with three tiers of parapets, allowing defenders to operate multiple muskets simultaneously. Externally, these parapets merge into a continuous line, providing clear visibility and robust protection.
The parapet apertures are meticulously designed for defensive effectiveness and structural integrity. Each aperture measures 3 inches by 3 inches, with an external line of 1 meter long and 3 inches wide. Internally, the apertures are about 1 meter wide and 1.5 meters high, ensuring ample space for soldiers to maneuver, fire muskets, and monitor enemy movements while remaining protected.
Strategically placed to optimize defensive coverage, the spacing between apertures minimizes weak points and enhances overall defensive reach. Connecting the bastions are 25-foot-high fortification walls made from Nanakshahi bricks, stones, and lime mortar, reinforced with mud mortar for stability. The consistent architectural approach across the 400 Khalsa Raj forts, from Attock to Bareilly, includes beautifully constructed wells and step wells (baolis), showcasing advanced Sikh architectural expertise
Revenue Records
Sikh history spans over three centuries, with reflections of Sikh ownership evident in 19th-century revenue records, which include carry-forward entries. Notable examples include Bhai Lkhai Shah Banjara’s properties in the Lohgarh zone and other locations in India, and Massa Rangar’s entry in the Lohgarh zone. Additionally, the British established cantonments on land previously owned by the Sikh army. These revenue records offer crucial insights into the economic activities associated with the Lohgarh forts, detailing land ownership, and other financial transactions essential for the forts’ maintenance and operations.
Toponymy
The study of toponymy, or place names, sheds light on the historical and cultural significance of regions where the Lohgarh forts are situated. Many place names connected to these forts underscore their historical importance and the enduring legacy of Sikh Gurus from Attock to Bareilly. For instance, Guru Nanak established villages like Manakpur and Katarpur, Bhagat Ravi Das founded Begampura, Bhagat Kabir created Dadupur and Partapgarh, and Bhagat Namdev established Hangoli. The place names related to Banjara Sikhs and Tanda reflect the demographic settlements tied to the Halimi Raj mission. These names, still in use today, provide valuable historical insights, preserving the legacy of these key figures and their impact on the region’s heritage. When cross-referenced with other sources of Sikh history, this toponymic evidence helps present a clearer and more comprehensive picture of the historical narrative.
Khalsa Economy
The Khalsa economy was integral to the Sikh revolution, as financial resources were critical for fortifications, settlements, trade, infrastructure, and the acquisition of war horses, arms, and supplies. In response to the Mughal Empire’s status as one of the world’s leading economies, Sikhs developed a robust economy to effectively compete, largely through the gunpowder trade managed by the Lubana Banjara Sikhs. Despite its importance, historical accounts have often overlooked these contributions. Research into Khalsa economic growth reveals how the Sikh-Mughal wars significantly impacted Mughal finances, leading to financial crises and contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Geography
The economic geography surrounding the Lohgarh forts reveals significant insights into the regions’ economic activities, trade routes, and resources that influenced their establishment and sustainability. Strategically positioned to control key economic corridors, the forts were integral to Guru Nanak Patshah’s Halimi Raj, with epicenters in regions like Awadh, Agra, Delhi, Lahore, and Multan, reflecting their critical importance within the Mughal Empire. Punjab, in particular, was crucial as a link connecting the empire with various regions through trade routes and cultural exchanges. Its control was vital not only for its resources but also for monitoring movements in the Himalayan range.
The Sikhs, having fortified their positions for over two centuries, utilized their extensive knowledge of geography and demography to their advantage, making their fortifications nearly impregnable to Mughal forces. Their deep-rooted connections with local communities and monarchs further complicated Mughal efforts. The Banjaras, skilled in geography and diverse dialects, also contributed through their trade and communication networks. Punjab served as a key hub for trading gunpowder and other goods, linking Central Asia, Europe, and Africa with the Indian subcontinent. Understanding this geographical context is essential to grasping Sikh history and the strategic advantages they leveraged against the Mughals, aspects often overlooked by historians.
Bio Heritage Study
The Sikhs’ strategic planning in cultivating trees like mangoes, bamboo, and date palms in the Lohgarh region and from Attock to Bareilly highlights their foresight in ensuring a sustainable food and resource supply during wartime. Mangoes provided a high-energy, nutritious food source and shade in the hot, arid climate, while dates, rich in sugar and energy, served as a long-lasting staple that could sustain soldiers over extended periods. Bamboo was crucial for construction and crafting tools and provided a versatile material for building and defense.The ‘Amar Bel’ creeper, found in the Lohgarh forests, was used to make sturdy ropes essential for carrying supplies and building protective barriers against wild animals. During General Banda Singh Bahadur’s era, these creepers and bamboo were vital for constructing protective structures and moving across challenging terrains. Archaeobotanical research reveals that these tree species were deliberately planted near Sikh fortifications, showing their importance in supporting military and daily life. Despite challenges, such as cultivating date palms in cooler regions, the Sikhs’ resourcefulness is evident. Ongoing research continues to uncover how these practices played a critical role in the Sikhs’ preparation and resistance against the Mughals.
Cartography
Historical maps and cartographic studies provide valuable insights into the geographical spread and strategic placements of the Lohgarh forts. By examining maps from the Survey of India, Mughal cartography, and British colonial surveys, one can understand the spatial relationships and logistical networks of these fortifications. These maps highlight the strategic positioning of Sikh forts from Attock to Bareilly and along crucial trade routes in the Indian subcontinent. They demonstrate how the Sikhs leveraged geography to bolster their defensive strategies and control key economic corridors. By analyzing the fortification patterns and synchronizing them with other historical references, a more comprehensive view of Sikh history emerges.
Military Warfare Study
The Lohgarh forts were central to Sikh military strategies, serving crucial defensive and offensive roles. Detailed studies of military tactics highlight the sophisticated design of these fortifications and their strategic deployment in battles. Sikh forces, well-trained in large numbers, utilized advanced guerrilla warfare techniques and gunpowder weaponry effectively. Historical accounts, including those from Mughal sources, praise the valour and efficiency of Sikh soldiers. Their strategic prowess and high morale enabled them to achieve significant victories, overwhelming Mughal forces, inflicting heavy casualties, and reducing their numbers by half. The coordination of Sikh forces across such a vast area, coupled with their exceptional martial skills, played a key role in their military successes.
Metallurgy
Metallurgical studies delve into the materials and techniques employed in the construction and armament of the Lohgarh forts, analyzing metal artifacts, weaponry, and construction materials. Sikh artisans, known as Sikligars, were adept at refining metal ores, which Banjara Sikhs transported to the Lohgarh region. The research also explores the alloys used to produce high-quality weapons. The name “Lohgarh,” meaning “Iron Fort,” reflects the Sikhs’ advanced metallurgical knowledge. This expertise not only made the fortifications nearly impregnable but also demonstrated their skill in utilizing metal for arms and various other purposes. The manufacturing capabilities in the Lohgarh zone ensured the Sikhs’ self-sufficiency in metal resources. When integrated with other historical references, these insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Sikh history.
Arm Making
The art and science of weaponry were essential to the defense capabilities of the Lohgarh forts, involving advanced techniques in the production, design, and technology of weapons and armor. Manuscripts like the Banjara Pothi detail the Sikh cannons developed under Guru Arjun Patshah. Banjara Sikhs, with their monopoly on the gunpowder trade, were renowned for crafting some of the world’s finest weapons. This expertise greatly fortified the defensive strength of the Lohgarh forts and was pivotal in the Sikhs’ military successes. The Sikhs’ sophisticated weaponry played a key role in their victories over the Mughal army, yet historians have often overlooked how the Sikh forces, numbering in the thousands, secured and utilized the best weapons available globally.
Khalsa Demographic Settlements
This chapter explores Sikh demographic settlements in the Lohgarh region and their expansion from Attock to Bareilly. It highlights the significant impact of these settlements on the Indian subcontinent within Guru Nanak Patshah’s Halimi Raj mission, shaping political, economic, and spiritual landscapes. The Guru Granth Sahib’s 35 Saints played a key role in these settlements, with Guru Nanak initiating many, underscoring his influential role in these demographic changes.
In the Lohgarh zone, Guru Nanak Patshah overcame challenges posed by rugged terrain and dense forests through strategic settlements that promoted trade and manufacturing outside Mughal control. This facilitated the smooth establishment of Sikh fortifications, with the Banjara Sikhs crucially contributing by initiating industries and settling the region.
Kartarpur, established by Guru Nanak and Guru Arjan Patshah, holds deep significance in Sikh history. Various Kartarpur locations across India reflect Sikh heritage. Additionally, Guru Nanak’s initiatives in areas like Manakpur and Begumpura, along with the efforts of Bhagat Ravi Das and Bhagat Kabir, underscore the lasting influence of Sikhism. These demographic settlements were pivotal in the success and resilience of the Sikh forces against the Mughal Empire over two centuries.
Cliometrics Technique
Cliometrics, the application of quantitative methods to historical data, helps analyze economic and social trends associated with the Lohgarh forts. This technique provides insights into the economic impact and demographic changes over time.
Numismatics
The study of coins and currency from the period offers crucial insights into the economic conditions, trade practices, and political authority linked to the Lohgarh forts. Numismatic evidence can illuminate aspects of economic prosperity and regional connections. Notably, Nanakshahi coins issued by Banda Singh Bahadar highlight the significance of Guru Nanak Patshah’s legacy. These coins explicitly reference Guru Nanak Patshah’s sword and its role in victories, with inscriptions marking Lohgarh as a significant Khalsa Takht under Banda Singh Bahadar. This evidence underscores the deep historical and symbolic connection between the Sikh leadership and the fortifications of Lohgarh.