21 Kesaris: The Untold Story of the Battle of Saragarhi

By: Kiran Nirvan

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Synopsis: 10,000 Afghans. 21 Sikh soldiers. One epic battle. On 12 September 1897, 21 Sikh soldiers of 36th SIKH Regiment stood undeterred as they guarded the post of Saragarhi against the onslaught of almost 10,000 Afghan tribesmen – a battle for the ages that ended in them giving their lives in a final hand-to-hand combat. The unparalleled heroics of these 21 men have, however, been long forgotten by history. What led to the Battle of Saragarhi? What was the socio-political scenario at the time? Who were these tribesmen and why did they attack an outpost with such numerical superiority? Who were the 21 soldiers and how were they able to keep the enemy at bay against all odds? Based on colonial era records and information provided by the 4 Sikh Battalion of Indian Army, the legatee unit of 36th SIKHs, 21 Kesaris attempts to answer these questions while paying homage to the brave soldiers who defended the 'kesari' flag – depicting their Khalsa heritage – with their last breaths.