Sardar Sham Singh Attari: The Lion of Punjab Who Fell at Sabraon.
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Vantage Point by Tejveer Singh ||
||February 14,2025 ||
A Warrior’s Legacy:
Sardar Sham Singh Attari (1785 – 10 February 1846) was a legendary Sikh general who stood as a pillar of strength for the Sikh Empire. Born into a Sidhu Jatt family, he was the only son of Sardar Nihal Singh Attari and grandson of Sardar Gaur Singh Attari, the first in his lineage to embrace Sikhism. From an early age, Sham Singh displayed an unwavering commitment to his faith and the sovereignty of the Sikh Empire. His fearless leadership and military prowess earned him a place in the elite ranks of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Lahore Darbar.
His ancestors had founded the village of Attari, located 16 miles west of Amritsar, and held dominion over the surrounding areas. Sham Singh’s father, Nihal Singh, was a trusted warrior of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and played a significant role in defending the empire. Following in his father’s footsteps, Sham Singh joined the Sikh army in 1817 and soon proved his mettle on the battlefield.
A Life of Military Valor:
Sardar Sham Singh Attari was a formidable warrior who participated in several key campaigns that shaped the Sikh Empire. In 1818, he played a crucial role in the conquests of Peshawar, Attock, and Multan. The following year, he was instrumental in securing Kashmir for the Sikh Empire. His most notable victory came in 1831, when he led the Sikh forces against Sayyid Ahmad of Bareilly, who had waged a relentless jihad against the Sikhs. Sham Singh’s strategic brilliance and combat skills ensured a decisive victory, culminating in the deaths of Sayyid Ahmad and his chief lieutenant, Muhammad Ismail, on 6 May 1831.
Apart from his military contributions, Sham Singh Attari also played a crucial role in diplomatic affairs. He was appointed as Chief of Protocol at the Lahore Darbar and was responsible for receiving British envoys like Sir Alexander Burnes in 1831. He also handled the formalities during the Ropar meeting between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Lord William Bentinck and the Firozpur meeting with Lord Auckland in 1838. His stature in the court further solidified after his daughter, Maharani Nanaki Kaur, married Prince Nau Nihal Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Defender of the Sikh Empire:
As the political landscape of the Sikh Empire changed following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Sham Singh remained steadfast in his commitment to Sikh sovereignty. In 1844, he led a campaign against Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu, securing the surrender of Jasrota and resisting Dogra dominance in Lahore. When the British launched their invasion of Punjab, Sham Singh once again took up arms to defend his homeland.
During the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46), he emerged as a leading figure in the fight against the British East India Company. At the age of 60, he swore an oath upon the Guru Granth Sahib that he would rather die than surrender. His moment of ultimate glory came during the Battle of Sabraon on 10 February 1846.
The Last Stand at Sabraon:
The Battle of Sabraon was the decisive clash between the Sikh Khalsa Army and the British forces. As the battle raged on, the treachery of Misr Lal Singh and Misr Tej Singh led to the collapse of Sikh defenses. Despite this betrayal, Sham Singh Attari refused to abandon the fight.
Dressed in the Shaheedi Bana (martyr’s attire), he mounted his white steed and moved across the battlefield, rallying his soldiers with cries of valor and defiance. With unwavering faith, he led a desperate charge against the British forces. As ammunition depleted and the Sikh artillery fell silent, Sham Singh and his fifty warriors engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat.
Seventeen bullets struck his body, drenching his white attire and horse in blood, but he refused to yield. With unparalleled courage, he continued to fight until he was finally overwhelmed. As he fell from his horse, the morale of the Sikh army crumbled, and the soldiers began retreating. Despite their admiration for his bravery, his own men abandoned his lifeless body on the battlefield.
A Salute from the Enemy:
The British, recognizing the unparalleled heroism of Sham Singh Attari, ensured that his body was respectfully sent back to his native village. On 12 February 1846, he was cremated outside Attari, near the samadhs of his ancestors. Today, his samadh stands as a testament to his valor and unwavering commitment to the Sikh cause.
The Fall of the Sikh Empire
The death of Sardar Sham Singh Attari marked the beginning of the end for the Sikh Empire. With his passing, Punjab lost one of its bravest sons, and within three years, in 1849, the British annexed the Sikh Kingdom. Maharani Jind Kaur was exiled, and the once-mighty empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh crumbled under foreign rule.
A Timeless Inspiration:
Sardar Sham Singh Attari remains an immortal figure in Sikh history. His sacrifice at Sabraon is remembered as a shining example of bravery, loyalty, and unwavering faith. His legacy continues to inspire warriors, leaders, and patriots who stand for righteousness and justice. The Lion of Punjab may have fallen, but his spirit will forever roar in the hearts of those who cherish the ideals of Sikh sovereignty and honor.
