Battle of Gujranwala (1761)
Sikh forces under Charat Singh repulsed an Afghan army near Gujranwala.
The Battle of Gujranwala was fought in September 1761 between the Durrani Empire and the Sikh Confederacy. It marked a significant Sikh victory that strengthened the position of Charat Singh among the Sikh leaders.
Quick Facts
- Conflict
- Battle of Gujranwala
- Part of
- Indian Campaign of Ahmad Shah Durrani
- Date
- September, 1761
- Location
- Gujranwala
- Result
- Sikh victory
Facts from the source article.
Battle
Charat Singh, anticipating trouble, had moved from his headquarters at Gujranwala to stop the Afghan general's advance. He was assisted by other Sikh Misldars who had made common cause with him. Assuming a defensive posture with his trained men, Charat Singh awaited the Afghan onslaught. After a battle of considerable duration, he repulsed the Afghans and followed up the victory by vigorously pursuing the fugitives.
The Afghans, about 12,000 in number, fled and took refuge in the stronghold of Sialkot. The town was immediately besieged, and the strictness of the watch caused supplies to give out, bringing the garrison to the verge of starvation. Nur-ud-din, finding his men demoralized and starving, abandoned them and fled disguised as a beggar. The garrison surrendered and was allowed to depart in peace.
The victory placed Charat Singh in the front rank of the Sikh leaders, and the loot of Sialkot brought him a quantity of artillery and baggage. Charat Singh then returned to his capital, Gujranwala.
More in Battles Involving the Durrani Empire
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced