The Fearless First Son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sundari Ji, was born on 11 February 1687 in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. His birth brought immense joy to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Sikh community, who saw in him the spark of divine leadership, courage, and moral strength. From his earliest days, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji was groomed in both the spiritual teachings of Gurbani and the martial disciplines of the Khalsa. Under his father’s guidance, he studied Sikh scriptures, Indian epics, and Persian texts, and was trained in horseback riding, swordsmanship, archery, and military strategy — a true embodiment of the saint-soldier ideal.

Raised within the spiritual fortress of Anandpur Sahib, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji was exposed early to the turbulent political climate of the time. Mughal oppression and constant betrayal by hill Rajas demanded that every Sikh, regardless of age, be alert and ready to defend righteousness. Even in childhood, Ajit Singh Ji displayed unusual maturity and sharp judgment. He would participate in mock battles and command games with other young Sikhs, demonstrating leadership, fairness, and boldness far beyond his years.

His first real test of leadership came at the tender age of 12, when he was entrusted with a military expedition to rescue a kidnapped Brahmin girl and bring justice to the culprits. The successful completion of this mission proved his skill in both strategy and ethics. Over time, he led several such expeditions against Mughal tyranny and became a trusted general of the Khalsa forces, despite his young age.

In 1705, the situation in Anandpur Sahib became increasingly dire. After months of siege by the Mughal army and hill chiefs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his Sikhs left the city under promised safe passage. But the promise was broken, and the Sikhs were attacked mercilessly during their retreat. Eventually, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, and a small group of Sikhs found themselves taking refuge in the mud fortress of Chamkaur Sahib, surrounded by thousands of enemy soldiers.

On the freezing night of December 21–22, 1705, during the Battle of Chamkaur, the Sikh defenders inside the haveli were drastically outnumbered. With only about 40 Sikhs inside, they held off thousands. Guru Gobind Singh Ji stood calm, writing verses and giving strength to the Khalsa. In this moment of peril, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, just 18 years old, asked his father for permission to go into battle. Guru Ji, though deeply moved, blessed his son and fastened his turban and weapons with his own hands. He said to him, “Go, my son, and uphold the honor of the Khalsa.”

Ajit Singh Ji led a daring assault against the enemy, slashing through their lines with unshakable courage. Eyewitnesses described his bravery as divine — fighting like a lion amidst wolves. He killed many before finally embracing martyrdom on the battlefield, falling as a true Khalsa, with the name of Waheguru on his lips and his sword raised high.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji watched the battle from the rooftop and witnessed his son fall. He did not weep, for his son had achieved the highest honor in Sikh tradition — to die fighting for truth, justice, and the Guru’s path. He later wrote:

“Purja purja kat mare, kabhoo na chhaadey khet.”
(They may be cut into pieces limb by limb, but they never desert the battlefield.)

Legacy of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji

Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji’s martyrdom at just 18 years of age remains one of the most glorious examples of youthful bravery and absolute devotion to dharma. He embodied everything that Guru Gobind Singh Ji envisioned in a Khalsa — noble, fearless, humble, and unwavering in the face of injustice. His life continues to inspire generations of Sikh youth to live with courage, discipline, and love for righteousness.

Temples, Gurdwaras, and memorials across India, especially at Chamkaur Sahib, have been built to honor him. His story is told with great reverence during Shaheedi Jor Mela, and his legacy lives on in Sikh martial traditions, poetry, and memory.