Context:
Recently, 127th Anniversary of Battle of Saragarhi was celebrated.
Saragarhi:
- Location – A communication tower between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now in Pakistan.
- The forts were originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and later renamed by the British.
- Strategic Importance – Saragarhi linked the 2 important forts, which housed a large number of British troops in the rugged NWFP terrain.
Battle of Saragarhi:
- Date – September 12, 1897.
- In the battle, 21 soldiers from the Sikh regiment were pitted against over 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals but they managed to hold the fort for 7 hours.
- Leadership: Led by Havildar Ishar Singh.
- Outcome –
- The 21 soldiers fought till their last breath, killing 200 and injuring 600 tribals.
- Despite being heavily outnumbered, their bravery and sacrifice are remembered as a symbol of valor.
- Saragarhi Day – In 2017, the Punjab government declared September 12 as Saragarhi Day, a holiday to honor the battle.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Ahmad Shah
(b) Mahmud Begarha
(c) Bahadur Shah
(d) Muhammad Shah
Answer: (c)
