Paonta and Bhangani
Pir Buddhu Shah at Bhangani
When most of his hired Pathans deserted, a Muslim saint brought his own followers and lost two sons fighting for Guru Ji.
The Encyclopaedia tells it this way. Pir Buddhu Shah of Sadhaura, whose real name was Badr ud-Din, called on Guru Ji at Paonta in 1685 and recommended five hundred Pathan soldiers under four leaders. When the hill chiefs came in 1688, all the Pathans left except Kale Khan and his men, and went over to the attackers.
Guru Ji sent word to the Pir. He arrived at Bhangani with seven hundred followers, along with his brother and four sons. Many fell, including two of his sons and the brother.
After the battle Guru Ji offered rich gifts, which the Pir turned down. As the tradition has it, he asked instead for the comb from Guru Ji's hair and the turban Guru Ji was about to tie on. These, with a small kirpan, stayed with his family for generations. He paid a price in the end: a local official, on orders from Sirhind, seized and executed him in 1704.
How do we know?
Several traditional accounts tell this story, without close independent support.
The comb and turban were said to be kept in the family until passing to Nabha, a tangible memory, but not a proof of the details. The Encyclopaedia says the Pir was executed on 21 March 1704.
- Later traditionTells the story, with 700 followers, the two sons and a brother lost, and the gift of comb and turban.[EoS]
- Later traditionIntroduces Budhu Shah, a Saiyid of Sadhaura, as visiting Guru Ji with disciples and seeking pardon.[Macauliffe]
- Later traditionSays Guru Ji gave relics to Pir Buddhu Shah for his service in the battle.[EoS]
