Battle of Thikriwala

The Battle of Thikriwala, also known as the Battle of Barnala, was fought in 1730 or 1731 by Sikh forces led by Ala Singh against Raikot and Mughal forces led by Rai Kalha.

Battle of Thikriwala
Part of Mughal-Sikh Wars
Date 1730 or 1731 Location Thikriwala (Barnala) Result Sikh victory
Belligerents
Khalsa Fauj	Raikot Supported by Mughal Empire
Commanders and leaders
Nawab Kapur Singh Ala Singh	Rai Kalha Dalel Khan Kutbuddin Khan Jamal Khan Chief of Malerkotla Asad Ali Khan † Fateh Khan of Talwandi

Background

Ala Singh and his army were trying to extend their territory by attacking the villages of Rai Kalha.^[1] After Rai Kalha's brother in law died, the Sikhs under the command of Ala Singh's son Sardul Singh conquered the village of Nima. Sohnde Khan owned that village.^[2] An enraged Rai Kalha started preparations for a battle. Ala Singh caught on and started preparing for the battle as well.^[3] Kalha managed to collect a large force led by Dalel Khan, Kutbuddin Khan, Jamal Khan, Nawab of Malerkotla State, Asad Ali Khan and several other leaders.^{[citation needed]}

Battle

A hard battle occurred. The battle destroyed the walls of Barnala.^[4] The Sikhs managed to win the battle. Asad Ali Khan was killed and his troops were routed by the Sikhs. Soon the rest of the army retreated.^{[citation needed]} The casualties for the Mughals were quite heavy, and many Mughals were imprisoned.^{[citation needed]} The Sikhs also plundered all the resources the Mughals left behind which included goods, war material, and horses.^[1]

Aftermath

The successful battle increased the fame of Ala Singh and frightened the nearby chieftains. It also materially strengthened Ala Singh.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. Hari Ram Gupta (1982). History Of The Sikhs Vol. IV The Sikh Commonwealth Or Rise And Fall Of Sikh Misls. pp. 146–147.
2. Purnima Dhavan (3 November 2011). When Sparrows Became Hawks. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 106. ISBN 9780199756551.
3. Surjit Singh Gandhi (1999). Sikhs In The Eighteenth Century. Singh Bros. p. 490. ISBN 9788172052171.
4. The Punjab Past and Present. Vol. 20. 1985. p. 398.

See also

• Nihang
• Martyrdom and Sikhism