Budha Dal raids into the Gangetic plains
A short translation of Budha Dal raids into the Gangetic plains from Haqiqat-e-Sikhan (1784-1785 CE)
Foreword: Haqiqat-e-Sikhan (1784-1785 CE) is a short history on the Sikhs written by an anonymous author. Along with writing about the Gurus and events preceding him, the author also mentions the state of the Panth during his time; having witnessed the rise of the Misls and their conquering of Punjab and neighboring territory. According to him, the Budha Dal was based in Doaba with the main Sardars being Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Jassa Singh Ramgharia, and Tara Singh Ghaiba. The following translation is an account of the Budha Dal raid into the Gangetic plains:
“When the Budha Dal went towards Hindustan [the Gangetic plains], it would be led by six or seven main Sardars followed by countless Misldars under them. Upon receiving a representative from any state, the leading Sardars would first consult all the Singhs with them. They would start off by laying a cloth on the floor where all the Sikhs, regardless of their status, would sit together in one place. One man would be ordered to do the ardas. After completion of the ardas, the man would say ‘The representative of so and so state has come to the Khalsa for talks. What is the decision of the Khalsa?’ Every man in the congregation would then voice his opinion. One Singh would say ‘I want to go to war and do not accept talks of peace’. Another would say ‘I am departing tomorrow for a different place’. The second man would then swear at him. This way they would get together three or four times before the Sardars would let the representative know of their decision.”