Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Why September 12 is observed as Saragarhi Day?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Battle of Saragarhi

Saragarhi

Why in the News?

127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.

About the Battle of Saragarhi

  • The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
  • The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
  • Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
  • Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
  • Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.

Implication of the Battle

  • The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
  • The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
  • The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
  • The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.

PYQ:

[2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:

(a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

(b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

(c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment

(d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

💥Mentorship December Batch Launch
💥💥Mentorship December Batch Launch