When Baba Deep Singh challenged Ahmad Shah Abdali

Gohalwar village, located midway between Tarn Taran and Amritsar on the main GT Road, holds an extraordinary place in history. Though it was once situated far from the main road, Gohalwar gained prominence due to its association with the sacrifice of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh, who laid down his life for the Sikh faith.

This village is a proud part of the Sikh history. In 1757, Afghan emperor Ahmad Shah Abdali (Durrani) invaded India with the intent of conquest, particularly to subdue the Sikh community. His cruelty knew no bounds, he even desecrated the sacred Sarowar of Sri Harmandir Sahib. With widespread oppression and no one daring to oppose him, it was Baba Balaka Singh of Kang village (Tarn Taran) who departed to locate Baba Deep Singh.

At that time, Baba Deep Singh was residing in the Lakhi forest near Bathinda and was actively resisting the atrocities of oppressive rulers. On learning of Abdali’s brutal acts, Baba Deep Singh gathered an army of 10,000 Sikh warriors and marched to liberate Sri Harmandir Sahib.

It was in Gohalwar that the famed ‘Battle of Amritsar’ began, as Baba Deep Singh and his warriors confronted the advancing Afghan forces. Baba Deep Singh led his men in a fierce battle and demonstrated unmatched bravery. Today, Gurdwara Lalkar Sahib stands in Gohalwar to commemorate this historical moment. It is named after the fearless “lalkar” (battle cry or challenge) that Baba Deep Singh issued to rally Sikh warriors to reclaim their holy shrine. Baba Deep Singh ultimately made the supreme sacrifice at Chabba village, near Amritsar.

Every corner of Gohalwar echoes with the legacy of Sikh valour. The village continues to attract countless devotees who visit Gurdwara Lalkar Sahib to honour the warriors of Sikh history. Other sacred sites in the village include Gurdwara Baba Achhra Ji, which also holds significant religious and historical value.

Gohalwar is home to the Jai Mata Sitla Ji Mandir and the Dargah of Sakhi Sultan, where people from all faiths come to pay their respects. The village also proudly preserves a historic gate, built in traditional architectural style, which stands as a tribute to the craftsmanship and heritage of their ancestors.

According to village Sarpanch Kashmir Singh, the residents have taken great care to maintain these old structures, which are cherished memorials of their forefathers and a testament to Gohalwar's rich and proud history.