Aurangzeb’s Son’s Letter To Guru Gobindji

Bahadur Shah I’s Letter to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Guru’s Response

Introduction

The early 18th century was a turbulent period in Indian history, marked by the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of other powers. One of the most significant events during this time was the interaction between Bahadur Shah I, the eldest son of Aurangzeb, and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. This interaction, particularly the letter that Bahadur Shah I wrote to Guru Gobind Singh Ji after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the time.

Historical Context

Aurangzeb’s rule (1658–1707) was marked by religious intolerance, aggressive military campaigns, and strained relations with various communities, including the Sikhs and the Marathas. The execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in 1675 and the continuous persecution of the Sikh community under Aurangzeb’s rule led to deep resentment against the Mughal administration.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who founded the Khalsa in 1699, faced immense hardship due to Aurangzeb’s policies. His four sons were martyred—his two elder sons in the Battle of Chamkaur and his younger sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were executed in Sirhind. Despite these challenges, Guru Gobind Singh Ji continued to fight against oppression and injustice.

With Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, a war of succession broke out between his sons, with Bahadur Shah I (then Prince Muazzam) emerging as a contender for the throne. Seeking alliances to strengthen his position, he reached out to various groups, including the Sikhs.

The Letter from Bahadur Shah I

After Aurangzeb’s death, Bahadur Shah I wrote a letter to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, seeking his support. While the exact wording of the letter is not available, historical records suggest that its contents included:

  1. Acknowledgment of Past Wrongs: Bahadur Shah I admitted that the Mughal administration had wronged the Sikh community under Aurangzeb’s rule. He recognized the hardships faced by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the sacrifices of his family.
  2. Promise of Reconciliation: The letter assured Guru Gobind Singh Ji that under his rule, there would be a departure from Aurangzeb’s oppressive policies. He sought to mend relations with the Sikhs and other communities who had suffered under his father’s reign.
  3. Appeal for Support: Understanding the Guru’s influence and military strength, Bahadur Shah I sought Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s support in his struggle against his brother, Azam Shah. He promised fair treatment and protection of Sikh interests in return.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Response

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, known for his wisdom and vision, carefully evaluated the situation before responding to Bahadur Shah I. He understood the importance of supporting a ruler who was more tolerant than Aurangzeb, but he also remained cautious about Mughal intentions.

  1. A Conditional Alliance: Guru Gobind Singh Ji agreed to support Bahadur Shah I in his quest for the throne, but his support was not unconditional. He sought assurances that the new emperor would uphold justice, religious freedom, and protect the Sikh community.
  2. Personal Meeting: The Guru traveled to meet Bahadur Shah I in person. Historical accounts suggest that they met in Agra in 1707 and later in Deccan in 1708. During these meetings, the Guru reminded Bahadur Shah I of his commitment to justice and fair governance.
  3. Continued Advocacy for Justice: Even after extending support, Guru Gobind Singh Ji remained firm in his principles. He sought the punishment of Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of Sirhind, who was responsible for the brutal execution of his younger sons. However, Bahadur Shah I, despite his earlier promises, did not take immediate action against Wazir Khan.

The Impact of the Correspondence

The exchange of letters and subsequent meetings between Bahadur Shah I and Guru Gobind Singh Ji had significant historical consequences:

  1. Legitimacy for Bahadur Shah I: Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s support helped Bahadur Shah I secure his position as the emperor of India. His alliance with the Sikhs, along with support from the Rajputs and some Maratha factions, enabled him to consolidate power.
  2. Sikh Influence in Mughal Politics: This interaction marked the first time that the Sikh leadership was directly involved in Mughal political affairs. It set the stage for future engagements between Sikh leaders and the Mughal administration.
  3. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Last Days: After assisting Bahadur Shah I, Guru Gobind Singh Ji moved south to Nanded, where he continued his mission. However, he was attacked by two assassins sent by Wazir Khan. Though the Guru survived the initial attack, he eventually succumbed to his injuries in October 1708.
  4. Sikh Resistance Under Banda Singh Bahadur: Guru Gobind Singh Ji, before his passing, appointed Banda Singh Bahadur as his military commander and instructed him to avenge the deaths of Sikh martyrs. Banda Singh Bahadur later led a successful campaign against Wazir Khan and other oppressive Mughal officials.

Conclusion

The letter from Bahadur Shah I to Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a pivotal moment in Indian history. It represented a temporary shift in Mughal policy towards the Sikhs and illustrated Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s diplomatic foresight. However, the Guru remained cautious, knowing that Mughal promises were often short-lived. His commitment to justice, righteousness, and his ultimate sacrifice paved the way for the Sikh community’s rise as a powerful force in the years to come.

The Guru’s response to Bahadur Shah I was not just a political decision but a reflection of his unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and righteousness. His legacy continued through the Khalsa and the establishment of Sikh sovereignty in the later years. The correspondence between Bahadur Shah I and Guru Gobind Singh Ji remains an important lesson in diplomacy, resilience, and the fight for justice.