Page 25 - PSLgurmatbook62020

For seven days, the Mughals would bring out a few Sikhs to kill in
front of the public. They were beheaded. Their heads were hung up

on trees or on poles near the market-place to be a lesson to all

rebels. After a few months, on Sunday, June 9, 1716, Mughals
prepared for the last act. Banda was dressed in mock robe of an

emperor, with a colorful red pointed turban on his head. His cage
was placed on top of an elephant. His 4 year old son Ajai Singh sat in

his lap. They reached the Kutab Minar in Delhi.

He and other Sikhs were again offered a choice: convert to Islam or

accept death. All chose death. Banda Singh was given a short sword
and ordered to kill his own son Ajai Singh. As he sat calmly with his

son in his lap, the executioner moved forward and plunged his sword
into the little child cutting the body into two. The child’s heart was

removed from his body and thrust into Banda Singh's mouth.

The father sat through all this without any signs of emotion.

Banda’s tortured didn’t end there. His eyeballs were pulled out, his
feet and arms were cut off, flesh was torn off with red-hot pincers.

Banda Singh stayed calm. Finally his body was cut off in 100 pieces.

Sikhism did not die with his end. On the contrary, Sikhs came out
strong and the torch of Banda Singh Bahadur was carried on by the

new warriors like Nawab Kapur Singh, Sardar Budh Singh, Sardar

Charhat Singh, Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed, Sardar Jassa Singh
Ahluwalia, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Hari Singh Bhangi, among

others.

Banda Singh's rule, though short-lived, had a far-reaching impact on
the history of the Punjab. With it began the decay of Mughal

authority and the foundation of Sikh Raj was laid.

Sikh History and Gurmat Sikhia Book 6 2020 Edition Page 23