Identity Of Sikhs Recognized In Battle Of Saragarhi: Lesson For Misidentification In UK Post-9/11 – Analysis

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Saragarhi is a small village in the Kohat border district, on the Samana Range in the North-West Frontier Province of British India, which is now part of Pakistan. The Battle of Saragarhi, which took place on September 12, 1897, was a significant last-stand engagement between the British Indian Empire and Afghan tribesmen in the buildup to the Tirah Campaign.

Tirah, a mountainous region in Pakistan’s Khyber District, is primarily inhabited by Pashtun tribes. Its strategic location along the Afghan-Pakistan border made it a key frontier region during the British colonial era. The Tirah Campaign (1897-1898) was a British military operation against the Afridi and Orakzai tribes on British India’s northwestern frontier. This campaign, led by General Sir William Lockhart, faced challenges from the Afridi and Orakzai tribes due to rugged terrain and guerrilla tactics. The British Indian Empire achieved a temporary victory, but at the cost of over 1,200 casualties. 

The 36 Sikhs Army was established under the leadership of Colonel J. Cook on April 20, 1894. A total of 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, participated in the Battle of Saragarhi. The confrontation unfolded with an estimated force of 12,000 to 24,000 Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen surrounding the outpost of Saragarhi, successfully cutting off Fort Gulistan from Fort Lockhart. In the end, every Sikh soldier lost their life in the battle, yet their courage and dedication were acknowledged after their passing with the Indian Order of Merit, which stood as the highest military honour for Indian soldiers during that period. 

Rationale of the Battle 

The Battle of Saragarhi had happened on account of a complex interplay of geopolitical and local dynamics in the North-West Frontier Province. The region, located in modern-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, became a focal point of conflict due to its strategic importance and the strong resistance of the Pashtun tribes against British expansion and control. The British Empire sought to strengthen its grip on these volatile frontiers, aiming to protect its territorial boundaries and maintain stability. Saragarhi served as a crucial heliographic signaling station situated between Fort Gulistan and Fort Lockhart. Its role was essential for maintaining communication and coordination, underscoring its strategic importance.

The Pashtun tribes, motivated by their strong sense of tribal loyalty, resistance to colonial rule, and deep religious conviction, took a stand against British authority by targeting key strategic locations. This battle emerged as a result of the dynamics of the Great Game, a geopolitical struggle for dominance in Central Asia between the British and Russian Empires. The British aimed to create the North-West Frontier as a protective barrier against possible Russian expansion, ensuring their control over the area. The broader backdrop of tribal uprisings and local resistance to British expansion heightened the conflict, with the Pashtuns striving to undermine British authority and affirm their independence. 

The Battle of Saragarhi stands out as a crucial battle involving 21 Sikh soldiers against a formidable force of 10,000 Afghan tribesmen in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Even when faced with overwhelming odds, the Sikh soldiers, under the command of Havildar Ishar Singh, made the courageous decision to fight until their last breath, successfully delaying the Afghan advance and providing crucial time for reinforcements to arrive at other forts. Despite the loss of all 21 Sikh soldiers, their bravery and sacrifice have become the stuff of legend. The Indian Order of Merit, the highest honor for Indian soldiers at that time, was posthumously awarded to them by the British government. This battle stands as a testament to the valor and loyalty of the Sikhs towards the British Empire.

Recognition of Identity of the Sikhs by the British Government

The identity of Sikhs is a multifaceted concept that includes various religious, cultural, and historical components. Sikhism began in the late 15th century with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, rooted in the teachings of the ten Gurus. These teachings emphasize the oneness of God, the equality of all humans, and a dedication to service. At the heart of Sikh identity lie unique symbols, including the turban (dastar) and the Five Ks (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, Kirpan), which reflect the community’s commitment to its beliefs and principles.

The historical narrative of Sikhism, marked by a steadfast resistance to oppression and significant events such as the Battle of Saragarhi, fosters a shared sense of resilience and pride within the Sikh community. The celebration of festivals such as Vaisakhi and the communal tradition of langar (community kitchen) play a significant role in reinforcing community bonds and promoting principles of equality. In today’s society, Sikhs face issues like racial profiling.

The British Raj recognized the martial traditions of the Sikh community, especially after the annexation of Punjab in 1849. The recruitment of Sikhs into the army was extensive, leading to the establishment of important regiments such as the 36th Sikhs and several others. The British view of the Sikhs as essential to their military strategy for defending the empire’s frontiers was significantly reinforced by the Battle of Saragarhi. The military skills, discipline, and fighting spirit of the Sikhs were prominently showcased in the battle, reflecting the British Empire’s dependence on them amid the ongoing insurgencies in the North-West Frontier.

Following the battle, the British government acknowledged the valor of the Sikh soldiers at Saragarhi in a public statement. All 21 soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, which was the most prestigious gallantry award for Indian soldiers at that time. The recognition of these soldiers elevated the Sikh identity to one of exceptional bravery and sacrifice. The Battle of Saragarhi is commemorated by the British Empire through the erection of monuments and various remembrance activities. The respect and admiration held by the British for the Sikh soldiers is evident in the establishment of Saragarhi Memorial Gurdwaras in places like Amritsar and Ferozepur. The annual commemoration of the battle served as a powerful symbol of Sikh valor, reinforcing the morale of Sikh soldiers within the British army. 

The recognition of the Sikhs as a “martial race” within the British colonial context was further reinforced by the events surrounding Saragarhi. The British implemented a recruitment strategy focused on “martial races,” with the Sikhs standing out as key representatives of this group. The British leveraged the Sikh identity as a warrior community throughout World War I and World War II, with the Battle of Saragarhi playing a significant role in reinforcing this identity.

The bravery displayed by the Sikhs in the battle highlighted their loyalty and martial prowess, which are essential aspects of their social character and identity. The British administration recognized this loyalty, which played a vital role in sustaining the Empire’s dominance over the frontier. The battle reinforced the notion that Sikhs were regarded as some of the most reliable soldiers in the British Indian Army, especially in pivotal frontier engagements. 

Saragarhi Day in the UK began in 2001 with Viscount Slim’s annual Portraits of Courage lecture at the Imperial War Museum. In 2002, Prince Charles inaugurated the Jawans to Generals Exhibition, featuring a section on Saragarhi. The British Armed Forces commemorate the battle annually on its battle honour day. In 2014, the event took place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst’s Indian Army Memorial Room. In 2015, it took place at the Honourable Artillery Company Museum in London. In 2016, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon MP and Chief of the General Staff Sir Nick Carter mentioned the story at a special Vaisakhi event. In November 2020, the Wolverhampton City Council approved plans for a 10 ft tall bronze statue commemorating the battle, which was unveiled on 12 September 2021.

The British government’s recognition of Sikh identity after the Battle of Saragarhi highlighted the deep connection between Sikh religious values and military service. The valor of Sikh soldiers was celebrated through awards and memorials, reinforcing their image as disciplined defenders. Memorials and events integrated martial achievements into Sikh cultural narratives, while the British “martial race” policy framed their military prowess as an extension of religious beliefs, institutionalizing this connection within the context of service to the Empire.

Misidentification of Sikhs in the post 9/11 

In 2001, al-Qaeda orchestrated the September 11 attacks, resulting in the tragic loss of 2,977 lives and significant destruction, including the fall of the Twin Towers. The attacks prompted the U.S. to initiate a Global War on Terror (GWOT), targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. In 2011, the search for Osama bin Laden came to an end with his death. The aftermath of 9/11 had profound implications for the Sikh minority in the UK, similar to those experienced in the US, stemming from misidentification and a surge in Islamophobia. Sikhs, identifiable by their turbans and beards that reflect their religious identity, have frequently been misidentified as Muslims or Middle Eastern terrorists by individuals lacking knowledge of their faith. This resulted in various challenges for the Sikh community in the UK.

Following 9/11, there was a significant increase in surveillance and scrutiny, which led to many Sikhs feeling marginalized and targeted in public spaces. While the main attention of Islamophobia is directed towards Muslims, but the Sikhs have also been suffered collateral damages, encountering prejudice stemming from a lack of understanding about their unique identity. This situation led Sikh advocacy groups to initiate educational campaigns focused on increasing awareness of Sikhism and its contributions to British society, while also building alliances with other minority groups to collectively address discrimination.

The profound effects of post-9/11 in terms of xenophobia and Islamophobia on the Sikh community in the UK has resulted into escalation into hate crimes and racial profiling. In the aftermath of the attacks, Sikhs, especially those recognizable by their turbans and beards, often faced misidentification as Muslims or extremists. This resulted in a rise in verbal abuse, physical assaults, and vandalism targeting Gurdwaras. The way the media depicted terrorism intensified this misidentification, leading to greater alienation of the Sikh community.

The long-term effects of these challenges present a complex picture; on one hand, the Sikh community has encountered heightened hate and suspicion, while on the other, it has sparked renewed efforts to affirm and safeguard their cultural identity. Recent statistics reveal a concerning increase in anti-Sikh hate crimes, prompting calls for improved monitoring and formal definitions similar to those established for antisemitism and Islamophobia. Community leaders, such as MP Preet Kaur Gill, highlight the importance of awareness and the establishment of reporting mechanisms to tackle this issue effectively. In light of the concerning trends, the community continues to exhibit resilience and hope, with leaders actively urging victims to step forward and champion their rights.

It is widely covered in media that there was a concerning 70% increase in anti-Sikh hate crimes in Britain over the past two years, as reported by Home Office data. Preet Kaur Gill, the first female Sikh MP, pointed out the lack of a formal monitoring system for these crimes and advocated for a clear definition similar to those for antisemitism and Islamophobia. She shared her own experiences with hate and noted the troubling normalization of derogatory language among youth. Official statistics indicate a rise in recorded hate crimes against Sikhs, with numbers increasing from 117 in 2017-18 to 202 in 2019-20. Some victims described their traumatic experiences, linking the rise in attacks to post-9/11 stereotypes. Despite the grim statistics, community leaders encourage victims to report incidents and remain hopeful for change. The Sikh Council UK condemned recent attacks and emphasized the need for awareness and reporting. A report from the

Ultimately, it is concluded that the hate crimes against the Sikhs in the UK following 9/11 is not merely a matter of misidentification; rather, it is fundamentally entrenched in a mindset that fosters xenophobia and racism.  Sikhs have been remained important part of the British history. The Sikh identity is clearly defined and recognized, particularly through the acknowledgment of Sikh bravery in crucial battles such as Saragarhi and World Wars by the British Government.

Nonetheless, the ongoing occurrence of hate crimes targeting Sikhs in the UK indicates that these acts extend beyond mere ignorance or the confusion stemming from outer appearance similarities with others. The situation was further exacerbated by the media’s role in perpetuating stereotypes, which in turn fuelled racial profiling and hate crimes. In a similar vein, one might consider how the concept of “Whiteman’s Burden” allows modern Britain, with its colonial past of “civilizing” others, to rationalize or account for the profoundly uncivilized treatment of its own citizens, such as Sikhs. The country ought to foster a convivial atmosphere, where every citizen feels secure and their historical contributions to the country are acknowledged. 

About the authors:

  • Prof. Bawa Singh, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India. 
  • Dr. Bhupinder Sing, Department of History, Guru Gobind Singh College, Sanghera (Barnala), Punjab, India. 

Dr. Bawa Singh

Prof. (Dr.) Bawa Singh has been teaching at the Department of South and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Central University of Punjab. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Panjab University. He has extensive teaching and research experiences and has held various academic roles. Prof. Singh has held key administrative positions, including Head of the Department and Dean of the School of International Studies. His research interests include the geopolitics of South and Central Asia, Indian foreign policy, regional cooperation, and global health diplomacy. He has led significant research projects, including an ICSSR-funded study on SAARC's geostrategic and geo-economic role. Singh has published 61 papers, 15 book chapters, 100 commentaries, and two books published by Routledge and Springer Nature.

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