Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh were the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Separated from their father, they were held at Sirhind with their grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji. Though only young children, they calmly refused to give up their faith and were put to death on the governor's orders.
Life
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh was born in 1696 and Sahibzada Fateh Singh in 1699, at Anandpur. They grew up in the Guru's household surrounded by kirtan, stories of the Gurus and the life of the young Khalsa. Their grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji, was especially close to them. When Anandpur was evacuated in 1704–05, the family was separated in the confusion near the Sarsa river. The two boys stayed with Mata Gujri Ji. Sikh tradition tells that a former servant of the household, Gangu, took them to his village and then betrayed them to the authorities. They were taken to Sirhind and held in a cold tower, the Thanda Burj, where their grandmother comforted them and reminded them of their grandfather's courage.
The boys were brought before Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind, and offered rewards if they would give up their faith. Sikh sources tell that they answered calmly and firmly, greeting the court with the Khalsa salutation. Historians record that Sher Muhammad Khan, the Nawab of Malerkotla, spoke out against punishing children — a protest Sikhs remember with gratitude. The boys, still young children — often said to be about nine and six — were nonetheless put to death on the governor's orders, and Mata Gujri Ji passed away soon after.
A devoted local Sikh, Diwan Todar Mal, arranged their last rites with great respect. Today Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib stands at Sirhind, and each December Sikhs gather there to remember them. Their grandmother had prepared them for this moment with love, and Sikh tradition remembers the peace in their hearts. Sikhs honour them above all for how firmly and gently they held on to their faith.
Why Sikhs remember Sahibzada Zorawar Singh
- Their calm courage as small children is one of the most treasured memories in Sikh history.
- They show that faith and dignity do not depend on age or strength.
- The kindness of Sher Muhammad Khan and Diwan Todar Mal reminds Sikhs to honour goodness wherever it is found.
Key events
- 1696
Birth of Zorawar Singh Historical record
Born at Anandpur.
- 1699
Birth of Fateh Singh Historical record
Born at Anandpur.
- 1704–05
Separated from their father Historical record
After leaving Anandpur they stay with Mata Gujri Ji and are taken to Sirhind.
- 1704–05
In the Thanda Burj Traditional account
Tradition tells how their grandmother strengthened them with stories of the Gurus.
- 1704–05
Martyrdom at Sirhind Historical record
They refuse to give up their faith and are put to death on the governor's orders.
For children
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh were the youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They were only little boys. With their loving grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji, they were kept in a cold tower. A powerful ruler said, "Give up being Sikhs and you will get gifts." They said, "No, thank you," with calm, brave hearts. They gave their lives for their faith. Sikhs remember them with great love.
Lessons for today
Courage has no age
Even very young children can stand firmly for what is right. Never think you are too small to be brave.
Honour goodness in everyone
A Muslim nawab spoke up for the boys, and a Sikh devotee cared for them at the end. Remember and thank those who do right, whoever they are.
Places connected with this life
- Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirhind
Marks the place of the younger Sahibzade's martyrdom. - Gurdwara Thanda Burj Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib
Marks the cold tower where they stayed with Mata Gujri Ji. - Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib
Marks the place of their last rites.
Further reading & sources
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, Oxford University Press
- Sainapati, Sri Gur Sobha (early 18th century)