Why in news 

Prime Minister paid tribute to Veer Banda Bairagi on his martyrdom day, honoring his courage and sacrifice. His remembrance highlights the legacy of his valiant resistance against Mughal oppression. 

About Veer Banda Bairagi 

Early Life  

• Born as Lachman Dev, he later became known as Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, a prominent Sikh warrior and leader of the Khalsa army. 
• His life changed after becoming a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, who renamed him Gurbaksh Singh. 
• He began his armed struggle against the Mughal Empire after reaching Khanda (Sonipat), where he organized a military force. 

Administrative Reforms 

• After establishing control over Punjab, Banda Singh Bahadur introduced several reforms. 
• He abolished the Zamindari system, ending exploitation by landlords. 
• Land ownership was granted to the actual cultivators, empowering farmers. 
• He also issued Nanak Shahi coins, reflecting his adherence to Sikh values and identity. 

Early Conquests  

• Banda Singh Bahadur’s early victories reflected his strong commitment to the Sikh cause. 
• His first major battle was the Battle of Sonipat, where he fought against the Mughals. 
• In 1709, he won the Battle of Samana and captured the city, marking a major success. 
• These victories helped the Sikhs expand their control into the Cis-Sutlej region of Punjab. 
• He established his capital at Mukhlisgarh, renamed it Lohgarh (meaning ‘fortress of steel’), and even issued his own coins. 

Mughal Response and Execution  

• Banda Singh Bahadur’s rise in Punjab alarmed Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah. 
• The Mughals sent a large army; Sikhs initially resisted but were later besieged in Lohgarh. 
• Banda Singh issued Hukamnamas to regroup the Sikh forces in 1712, and recaptured Sadhaura and Lohgarh. 
• In 1715, Abd al-Samad Khan led another siege, resulting in Banda Singh’s capture. 
• In 1716, under Farrukhsiyar, Banda Singh and 700 Sikhs were executed in Delhi. 
• A European envoy from the East India Company witnessed the event and reported it to Fort William. 

 Baba Banda Singh Bahadur