Story of Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh
History often remembers great warriors, but the story of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four sons, known as the Sahibzadas, stands far above ordinary tales of bravery. Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh lived short lives, yet their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to Sikh faith continue to inspire millions across generations.
Childhood in a Time of Persecution
The Sahibzadas were born during one of the darkest periods in Sikh history, when Sikh communities were under constant threat from the Mughal Empire. Their father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, was not only the tenth Sikh Guru but also a fearless warrior and protector of religious freedom. From an early age, his sons witnessed sieges, battles, and the suffering of innocent people.
Sahibzada Ajit Singh, the eldest, was trained in swordsmanship, archery, and horse riding not as leisure, but as preparation for survival and leadership. Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, though younger, closely followed his father through military camps, learning discipline, courage, and devotion. Even the youngest Sahibzadas: Zorawar Singh (9 years old) and Fateh Singh (6 years old) grew up surrounded by war, fear, and sacrifice. Their childhood was replaced by lessons of faith, honor, and resilience.
Battle of Anandpur Sahib (1704)
In 1704, the Mughal forces laid siege to Anandpur Sahib, marking a defining moment in Sikh history. Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh rode into battle alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The battlefield was chaos itself, arrows rained down, swords clashed, and cries echoed through the fort.
Despite being teenagers, the Sahibzadas led fearless charges against overwhelming Mughal forces. Their calm determination and bravery inspired seasoned warriors. Sahibzada Ajit Singh attained martyrdom first, followed soon by Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, who fought until his final breath. They died not as children, but as true Sikh warriors (Shaheeds) defending their faith and people.
Martyrdom of the Younger Sahibzadas
After the fall of Anandpur Sahib, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh were captured and taken to Sirhind by Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor. Separated from their family, the young boys were imprisoned and pressured to abandon Sikhism.
Wazir Khan threatened them relentlessly, demanding that the children convert to Islam. He promised wealth, comfort, and even their lives if they agreed to forsake their faith. But no matter how terrifying the threats, the boys refused. Their steadfast devotion enraged Wazir Khan, and in his blind fury, he ordered a cruel execution to crush their spirit once and for all.
The Brutal Execution of the Younger Sahibzadas
The two boys were taken to a wall that was still under construction. Slowly, brick by brick, the wall was raised around their fragile bodies. They were not tied, nor beaten. Instead, they were bricked alive, forced to stand still as bricks and wet mortar closed in around them. This horrific act was meant not only to kill them, but to break their spirit, to make them cry, beg, or surrender their faith.
But that never happened.
As the cold bricks pressed closer, the brothers stood side by side. They held each other’s hands, finding strength in their bond. Softly, they whispered prayers and comforted one another. The elder brother, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, gently reassured the younger one, telling him not to be afraid.
Sahibzada Fateh Singh, only six years old, could not fully understand why such cruelty was being inflicted upon them or why grown men could be so heartless. Yet, even in his innocence, he showed courage beyond comprehension. He did not scream or plead for mercy. Instead, he trusted his brother and his faith, facing the terror with bravery far greater than his years.
Their youth should have protected them. Their innocence should have softened hearts. Instead, it made the crime even more horrifying. They were not executed for wrongdoing, they were killed because they refused to convert to Islam and remained steadfast in Sikhism.
No mercy was shown not for their tender age, not for their purity of heart. Their unwavering devotion became the very reason they were punished so brutally. Within that silent, unfinished wall, two young lives were taken but their sacrifice transformed them into eternal symbols of Sikh faith, martyrdom, and unbreakable courage.
Legacy of the Sahibzadas
The story of the Sahibzadas is not only about martyrdom it is about standing firm against oppression, even when the cost is life itself. Their sacrifice exposed the inhumanity of tyranny and the unmatched strength of faith.
Today, Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab stands as a sacred memorial to the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. The Sahibzadas remind the world that true heroism is not defined by age, but by courage, conviction, and faith.
To explore more stories that shaped Indian Civilization , including tales of courage, faith, and leadership, check out our other articles on historical heroes, ancient dynasties, and the inspiring legacy of India’s past.