SiKH GENERals Will fiND a PlaCE iN DElHi

A largely forgotten chapter of Sikh history is soon going to be a permanent feature of New Delhi’s landscape. The Gwalior-based Prabhat Murti Kala Kendra has made the bronze statues of Baba Baghel Singh, Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Baba Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, the trio that led the Sikh forces to a triumph over Mughal emperor Shah Alam-II in March 1783. The victors had conquered Delhi and hoisted the “Nishan Sahib” atop the Red Fort. The emperor had promptly come up with a peace treaty and accepted the terms laid down. Baba Baghel Singh was allowed to build gurdwaras, including Rakab Ganj Sahib and Bangla Sahib. The returned to Punjab after construction work was completed. The statues have been ordered by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee which has been celebrating Delhi Fateh Diwas for the past four years. The Committee general secretary and Akali leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa told

that the three sculptures, each 12 ft high and weighing 1,200-1,400 kg, will be installed in a park opposite Subhash Nagar Metro station and Najafgarh Road in west Delhi. “Most people are unaware of Delhi’s Sikh heritage. The Tis Hazari courts are named after Baba Baghel Singh’s army that camped at the site. Sikh soldiers used to distribute sweets among the public at Pul Mithai, while Mori Gate got its name after troops breached a wall to enter the Red Fort,” says Sirsa.