Battle of Amritsar — Dal Khalsa took on Afghans in Chabba

The Battle of Amritsar between Ahmad Shah Durrani and Khalsa Army comprising Shaheedan Misl of the Dal Khalsa was fought at Chabba village and its surrounding areas, including Gohalwar in 1757. It also known by the name of Battle of Gohalwar.

The villagers said seven gurdwaras were raised in the memory of seven jathedars who had laid down their lives while securing the sanctity of the holiest Sikh shrine – Golden Temple – from Durrani’s forces. Two of these gurdwaras dedicated to Baba Deep Singh and Baba Nodh Singh fall in Chabba village.

Following the fourth invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali, his army was attacked by Sikh Misls. To avenge the attack, he had attempted to desecrate the Golden Temple. As the news spread, Nihangs under Baba Deep Singh gathered and mounted an attack on technically superior, organised and battle experienced Afghan army. Though the Sikhs lost the battle, it left a lasting impression on the Afghans, who desisted to invade Punjab thereafter.

The battle established Baba Deep Singh as an epitome of “Miri and Piri” (both temporal and spiritual power) as introduced by Sixth Sikh Master Guru Hargobind. His sacrifice made him a legend. Baba Deep Singh was fully decapitated but continued to fight against the Afghans while holding his head on one hand and his sword on the other. The spot where his head fell within the Golden Temple complex is still marked in its circumambulation and revered by devotees.

Another legend says that Guru Hargobind Singh had visited the village and blessed a childless woman Mata Sulakhni of the same village where Gurdwara Sangrana Sahib is raised.

Daan Singh Komal, a well-known figure in Sikh literature, was born in the village. While he has written extensively about Sikhism and Punjabi culture, his focus has primarily been on themes of devotion, social justice and the history of the Sikhs. He is best known for his poetry and prose that delve into the lives and teachings of Sikh Gurus and historical figures. He wrote “Baba Banda Singh Bahadur” (a biography) and historical war between Sikhs and Durrani army in which he mentioned Chabba village.