Revisiting the Legacy of Sikh Soldiers in Indian History
Ujjal Lohar | Apr 03, 2025, 21:53 IST
Sikh soldiers have played a pivotal role in shaping India's military history, demonstrating unmatched bravery, sacrifice, and dedication. From resisting Mughal oppression to establishing the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, their martial legacy is profound. They served valiantly in the British Indian Army, contributing to both World Wars, and actively participated in India’s independence struggle. Post-independence, Sikh soldiers have continued their legacy, playing crucial roles in wars and national defense. Their unwavering spirit, discipline, and heroism make them one of the most respected military communities in the world, embodying the ethos of courage and justice.
The Sikh soldier is intertwined with gallantry in peace and war, sacrifice in maintaining justice, and the spirit of duty, which never falters. The contribution of Sikh soldiers to India, from resisting Mughal oppression to combat in the wars for India's freedom, is deep-rooted in the annals of history. This article will take you through Sikh soldiers' impact on military history in India and globally.
The military tradition of the race is said to have been initiated by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, who came up with the idea of Miri-Piri, or temporal and spiritual authority. Guru Gobind Singh institutionalized Sikh militarization by founding the Khalsa in 1699. The warrior Khalsa had to fight for the oppressed and restore justice; hence the tales of massive battles:
The Battle of Anandpur (1701) – A defining resistance against Mughal forces.
The Battle of Chamkaur (1704) – Where 40 Sikh warriors stood against thousands.
The Last Stand of Banda Singh Bahadur (1716) – Marking the first major Sikh challenge to Mughal rule.
The very emergence of the Sikh Empire can be traced back to the first half of the 19th century by its founder, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, called "Lion of Punjab." The Khalsa Army of the Sikhs under Ranjit Singh became one of the strongest military forces in Asia during his reign (1799-1839) for modern times. He inspired reforms in military tactics and instruments, adopting European methods of training. The Sikh Empire was able to successfully keep Punjab free of Afghan invasions and extend its borders all the way to Kashmir, Ladakh, and some parts of Tibet.
After the British annexation of Punjab following the Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849), Sikh soldiers were recognized for their exceptional martial skills by the British. Large-scale recruitment of Sikhs then took place for the British Indian Army, wherein they remained a decisive factor in:
The Revolt of 1857 – While many Sikhs remained loyal to the British, some actively supported the rebellion.
World War I & II – Over 1,30,000 Sikh soldiers fought in World War I, and more than 80,000 served in World War II. Sikh regiments fought bravely in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The Battle of Saragarhi (1897) – One of the most heroic last stands in history, where 21 Sikh soldiers defended their post against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen.
Sikhs in the Freedom Struggle- Despite their service under British rule, many Sikhs actively participated in India’s independence movement.
The Ghadar Movement (1913-1919) – Sikh revolutionaries in North America and Europe sought to overthrow British rule.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) – Many of the victims of General Dyer’s brutal firing were Sikhs.
The Role in INA & Quit India Movement – Several Sikhs joined Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British rule.
Sikh Soldiers in Independent India After independence, Sikh soldiers continued to play a crucial role in defending India’s borders and upholding national security:
India-Pakistan Wars (1947, 1965, 1971) – The Sikh Regiment played a decisive role in securing victories.
Kargil War (1999) – Many Sikh soldiers, including Captain Vikram Batra, displayed extraordinary bravery in reclaiming lost territory.
The Continuing LegacyToday, the Sikh Regiment is one of the most decorated units in the Indian Army. Sikh soldiers continue to be symbols of courage, discipline, and patriotism. Their legacy is not just one of war but of unwavering dedication to justice and humanity. From historic battles to modern warfare, the contribution of Sikh soldiers in Indian history remains unparalleled. Their story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of the Khalsa—one that continues to inspire generations.
Foundation of Sikh Martial Tradition
The Battle of Anandpur (1701) – A defining resistance against Mughal forces.
The Battle of Chamkaur (1704) – Where 40 Sikh warriors stood against thousands.
The Last Stand of Banda Singh Bahadur (1716) – Marking the first major Sikh challenge to Mughal rule.
Rise of the Sikh Empire
Sikh Soldiers in British Times
The Revolt of 1857 – While many Sikhs remained loyal to the British, some actively supported the rebellion.
World War I & II – Over 1,30,000 Sikh soldiers fought in World War I, and more than 80,000 served in World War II. Sikh regiments fought bravely in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The Battle of Saragarhi (1897) – One of the most heroic last stands in history, where 21 Sikh soldiers defended their post against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen.
Sikhs in the Freedom Struggle- Despite their service under British rule, many Sikhs actively participated in India’s independence movement.
The Ghadar Movement (1913-1919) – Sikh revolutionaries in North America and Europe sought to overthrow British rule.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) – Many of the victims of General Dyer’s brutal firing were Sikhs.
The Role in INA & Quit India Movement – Several Sikhs joined Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British rule.
Sikh Soldiers in Independent India After independence, Sikh soldiers continued to play a crucial role in defending India’s borders and upholding national security:
India-Pakistan Wars (1947, 1965, 1971) – The Sikh Regiment played a decisive role in securing victories.
Kargil War (1999) – Many Sikh soldiers, including Captain Vikram Batra, displayed extraordinary bravery in reclaiming lost territory.
The Continuing LegacyToday, the Sikh Regiment is one of the most decorated units in the Indian Army. Sikh soldiers continue to be symbols of courage, discipline, and patriotism. Their legacy is not just one of war but of unwavering dedication to justice and humanity. From historic battles to modern warfare, the contribution of Sikh soldiers in Indian history remains unparalleled. Their story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of the Khalsa—one that continues to inspire generations.