Wazir Khan (Sirhind)

Possible depiction of Wazir Khan of Sirhind being beheaded from an illustrated folio of %E2%80%98Tawarikh-i Jahandar Shah%E2%80%99, Awadh or Lucknow, ca.1770

Wazir Khan (Sirhind) was a prominent figure in the early 17th century in the Mughal Empire, known for his role as the governor of Sirhind, a strategic town in the Indian subcontinent. His tenure is notably marked by his opposition to the Sikh community and his involvement in the martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. This event is a significant chapter in Sikh history, often cited as a turning point that led to the militarization of the Sikh community.

Early Life and Career

Little is known about the early life of Wazir Khan. He rose to prominence in the Mughal administration through his service and loyalty to the empire. His administrative skills and military prowess earned him the governorship of Sirhind, a position he used to exert considerable influence over the region.

Governorship of Sirhind

As the governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan played a crucial role in the administration of the territory. Sirhind was a vital province for the Mughals, serving as a barrier against the incursions from the north-western frontiers. Wazir Khan's governance was marked by his efforts to strengthen the Mughal authority in the region, but it was also during his tenure that the conflict between the Mughal Empire and the Sikh community intensified.

Conflict with the Sikhs

The animosity between Wazir Khan and the Sikhs escalated following the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The Khalsa was a martial fraternity aimed at resisting the religious persecution of Sikhs and other communities by the Mughal authorities. Wazir Khan perceived the rising power of the Khalsa as a direct threat to the Mughal rule in the region.

The tension reached its zenith with the capture and subsequent execution of Guru Gobind Singh's younger sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, and their grandmother, Mata Gujri, in 1705. They were arrested and brought to Sirhind, where Wazir Khan ordered their execution after they refused to convert to Islam. This act is remembered as one of the most tragic events in Sikh history, leading to widespread outrage and a significant rallying point for the Sikh resistance against Mughal rule.

Legacy

Wazir Khan's actions against the Sikhs have cast a long shadow over his legacy. While he was seen as a loyal servant of the Mughal Empire, his persecution of the Sikhs and the execution of the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh are condemned in Sikh history. His death in the Battle of Chappar Chiri in 1710 at the hands of the Sikh forces led by Banda Singh Bahadur marked the beginning of the decline of Mughal authority in the region and the rise of the Sikh Confederacy.

See Also

• Mughal Empire
• Sikhism
• Guru Gobind Singh
• Khalsa
• Battle of Chappar Chiri