Desu Singh (died 1715), also known as Budha Singh, was a Sikh warrior and founder of the influential Sukerchakia Misl. Budha Singh bravely battled alongside Guru Gobind Singh and Banda Singh Bahadur, earning his nickname due to his advanced age. His military career culminated in his ultimate sacrifice in 1715 at the Battle of Gurdas Nangal, leaving behind a legacy that paved the way for his illustrious descendants, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire.[1]
Biography
editDesu Singh, a former Sansi Jat cultivator and notorious cattle-lifter, founded the influential Sukerchakia Misl in the late 17th century. His humble beginnings involved owning 25 acres of land, known as Sukkar Chak, near Gujranwala, 70 kilometers north of Lahore. The name "Sukerchakia" originated from "Sukkar," meaning small and narrow, and "Chak," signifying a petty tract of land. Desu's reputation as a skilled cattle thief preceded him, with tales of his daring heists, including the infamous theft of village Naltkhona's prized cattle and horses.[2]
A transformative encounter with an old woman, whose livestock he had stolen, sparked Desu's desire for redemption. He subsequently sought out Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, and received initiation into the Sikh faith through charan pahul in 1692. Following the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699, Desu Singh reaffirmed his commitment by taking khande di pahul. Despite being over fifty, he bravely fought alongside Guru Gobind Singh and later under Banda Bahadur, earning the nickname "Budha Singh" due to his advanced age and valor[3]
Death
editBudha Singh's remarkable military career was marked by numerous battles, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice in 1715 during the Battle of Gurdas Nangal. His body bore testament to his unwavering courage, with 29 sword cuts, 7 bullet wounds, and 7 spear and arrow marks. This legacy paved the way for his descendants, including Nodh Singh Sukerchakia, Charat Singh, Mahan Singh, and eventually, the illustrious Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire[4]
References
edit- ^ Singha, Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India:Publication Bureau, Punjabi University,
- ^ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 293. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
- ^ Singh, Khushwant (11 October 2004). A History of the Sikhs: 1469–1838 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 179. ISBN 978-0-19-567308-1. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Hari Ram Gupta (October 2001). The Sikhs Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of the Sikh Misls. Munshilal Manoharlal Pvt.Ltd. p. 294. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.