Saragarhi

Saragarhi refers to a hilltop signaling fort in the Tirah Valley on the North-West Frontier of British India, now in Pakistan. It gained prominence for the Battle of Saragarhi, which took place on 12 September 1897 during the Tirah Campaign. A detachment of 21 soldiers from the 36th Sikhs, commanded by Havildar Ishar Singh, defended the post against a much larger body of Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen who attacked in an attempt to overrun the communication line between forts in the region.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, the defenders held the post for several hours, fighting with rifles and swords and refusing to surrender. They delayed the attackers and enabled a British relief column to maneuver, though the relief effort arrived too late to save the post. All 21 Sikhs were killed in the defense.

The battle became a symbol of martial valor in Sikh and Indian military history, illustrating steadfastness and sacrifice under overwhelming odds. The 36th Sikhs were later reorganized and are considered part of the modern Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army. The site and its memory are commemorated by annual ceremonies, including Saragarhi Day on 12 September, and the battle remains a point of reference in studies of frontier warfare and imperial military history.