Battle of Saragarhi
September 12, 2021 marks the 124th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi that has inspired a host of armies, books and films, both at home and abroad.
Saragarhi was the communication tower between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Two forts, now in Pakistan, were built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh but renamed by the British.
Battle of Saragarhi was a last-stand battle fought between the British Raj and Afghan tribesmen (Afridi and Orakzai) in 1897.
During the Battle, 21 soldiers of 36th Sikhs (now 4 Sikh), led by Havildar Ishar Singh, along with a non-combatant called Daad were pitted against over 8,000 tribals but they managed to hold the fort for 7 hours.
Queen Victoria awarded to these 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit posthumously along with 2 'marabas' (50 acres) and Rs 500 each.
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