Bhai Taru Singh Ji was a resident of the Majha region’s village Poohla. His father, Bhai Jodh Singh, was martyred fighting in the Battle of Muktsar as part of the army of Suba Sirhind. Bhai Taru Singh Ji lived peacefully in his village, farming and meditating on the Name of God. He served the visiting Khalsa soldiers, offered them food and shelter for the night, and felt blessed by their presence.
During those days, Zakariya Khan had imposed severe restrictions on Sikhs and announced the death penalty for anyone who gave them shelter. But Bhai Taru Singh Ji fearlessly continued to serve the Khalsa.
A devotee named Niranjani from Jandiala complained to Zakariya Khan that there was a Sikh in his village who gave refuge to rebel Singhs. Zakariya Khan immediately ordered Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s arrest. Bhai Taru Singh Ji was captured and taken to Lahore, where he was questioned: “Do Sikhs stay at your house?” Bhai Taru Singh Ji bravely replied, “I consider it my sacred duty to serve them.”
Zakariya Khan then ordered that Bhai Taru Singh’s hair be cut, and summoned the Qazi. When the government men came near to cut his hair, Bhai Taru Singh kicked them with great force. Several men held him down, and when the barber again approached, Bhai Sahib struck his own head against the barber’s, injuring him severely.
Then a cobbler was called, who used a chisel to remove the upper part of Bhai Sahib’s skull. Bhai Taru Singh Ji attained martyrdom at this spot outside the Delhi Gate of Lahore. His cremation was performed there, and today, near the Lahore railway station, stands Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj, marking the sacred site of his sacrifice.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh
