Battle of Saragarhi

Recently, 127th Anniversary of Battle of Saragarhi was celebrated.

  • 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.
  • 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)


Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Battle of Saragarhi:

  1. The Battle of Saragarhi was fought between soldiers of the Sikh Regiment and Afghan tribesmen.
  2. UNESCO has recognized the battle as one of the greatest last stands in military history

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

 
 
 
 

Question 1 of 1

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