This document discusses the history of conflicts between the Sikhs and Mughals in India from the 15th century to the 18th century. It outlines the formation of the Sikh religion and community under the leadership of gurus. Tensions arose due to the execution of the Sikh Guru Arjan Mal by Mughal emperor Jehangir in 1606. This led to open warfare between the Sikhs and the Mughal Empire under subsequent emperors like Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Guru Gobind Singh strengthened the Sikh community and fought against Mughal oppression. Later, the Sikhs regained power during political disorder following invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad

1. 1. Background
2. History of Mughal-Sikh Conflicts
3. Invasion of Nadir Shah & Ahmad
Shah Abdali

2. 1. Background
 The Sikh Community became publicly
known during the 15th & 16th centuries as a
result of religious revival and the formation
of Sikhism as a new religion in India.
 The Sikhs were brave and fierce warriors
who love independence and gifted in the art
of warfare.
 Lived in the area known today as Punjab,
also in Sindh, Multan and Lahore.

3. Background
 Formation of the Sikh religion under Guru
Nanak. After his death (1539), nominated
his disciple, Angad as his successor.
 The Sikhs emerged as a distinct community
under the leadership of gurus or Sikh
religious leaders.
 Akbar granted Ramdas (the Sikh Guru) a
plot of land at Amritsar out of respect.
 Lived mostly peaceful life throughout the
Medieval period until the reign of Jehangir.

4. 2. History of Mughal-Sikh Conflicts
 Execution of Sikh Guru by Jehangir
 Jehangir ‘s execution of the fifth Sikh Guru-
Arjan Mal (1581-1606) in 1606 because of his
assistance to Khusrav, the rebel prince.
 The Sikhs became enemies of the Mughal
Empire.
 Shah Jahan’s conflict with the Sikhs
 Har Govind (1606-45) son of Arjan Mal, a great
warrior rose up in rebellion against Shah Jahan.
 Defeated the imperial army in 1628 near
Amritsar. Shifted his headquarters to the
Kashmir Hills

5.  Aurangzeb’s Policy towards the Sikhs
 Teg Bahadur succeeded Har Kishan in 1664
as the next Guru.
 Protested against certain unpopular
measures undertaken by the Mughal
Emperor, Aurangzeb.
 Encouraged the Brahmanas in Kashmir to
rise up in rebellion.
 He was captured, brought to Delhi, offered
life with conversion or death penalty on
refusal. Executed in 1675.
 The Sikh community rose up in open war and
sought revenge.

6.  Guru Govind, son and successor of Teg
Bahadur was one of the most remarkable
personality in Indian history.
 Strengthened the Sikh community through
formation of new laws, introduction of a
new form of baptism (Pahul); given title
called Khalsa (pure) and Singhs (lions).
 Fought against the Mughals and
nieghbouring kingdoms with great courage
and strong determination.
 Assisted Bahadur in his struggle for the
throne and accompanied him to the
Deccan.
 Stabbed to death by an Afghan in 1708.

7.  Uprising under the Leadership of Banda
 Mobilized a large number of Sikhs to join his
army. Killed Wazir Khan, a faujdar-the murderer
of Guru Govind’s children.
 Occupied the region between the Sutlej and
Jumna, established the stronghold of Lohgarh,
set up a new state and struck coins in his own
name.
 Bahadur Shah’s Respond
 Attacked and besieged him at Lohgarh, chased
him out and occupied his territory.
 After Bahadur Shah’s death, Banda recovered all
his lost possessions.
 But in 1715, he along with his men were besieged
again and later on captured and killed. His sons
also met with the same fate.

8. The invasion of Nadir Shah (1739) &
Ahmad Shah Abdali (1761-1767)
Resurgence of Sikh’s Power
 Revival of the tenets of Sikhism.
 Reorganization under Kapur Singh-the
creation of Dal Khalsa or theocracy of
the Sikhs
 Increased their financial and military
strength.
 Took advantage of the political disorder
and confusion arising out of the
invasions of Nadir Shah and Abdali.
 Greatly strengthened their power and
position-reoccupied the whole region.