Chamkaur

Chamkaur is a small village located in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India, situated approximately 12 kilometers northeast of the district headquarters. The village is historically significant within Sikhism, particularly associated with the final days of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

During the Sikh-Mughal wars in the late 17th century, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four sons, known as the *Panj Pyare* (Beloved Ones), established a fortification at Chamkaur in 1704. The fort, constructed with mud and wood, served as a refuge for Sikhs fleeing persecution under Mughal rule. The Guru and his sons were surrounded by a large Mughal army led by Wazir Khan, a high-ranking Mughal official. Despite the overwhelming odds, the Sikhs held their ground for several days, engaging in fierce battles.

On April 7, 1705, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his youngest son, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, were martyred at Chamkaur. Their eldest son, Sahibzada Fateh Singh, was captured and later executed. The Guru’s other two sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, also perished in the conflict. The martyrdom at Chamkaur is commemorated as a pivotal moment in Sikh history, symbolizing resilience and sacrifice in the face of oppression.

Today, Chamkaur is marked by a small memorial and a gurdwara, *Gurdwara Chauni Talwandi*, which honors the memory of the Guru and his sons. The site attracts pilgrims and historians interested in Sikh heritage. The village remains a place of reflection on the struggles and enduring legacy of the Sikh faith.