ANANDPUR DI VAR is a versified account in Punjabi, by one Ram Singh, of a battle fought in 1812 between Sodhi Surjan Singh of Anandpur and Raja Maha Chand of Kahlur. Sodhi Surjan Singh was a lineal descendant of Suraj Mall, a son of Guru Hargobind. His father, Nahar Singh, who was a brave and influential person, had established an independent state by force of arms. Surjan Singh, too, was a man of prowess, and was increasing his area of influence. Maha Chand, the chief of the neighbouring state of Kahlur, was jealous of the growing power of Surjan Singh whom he considered no more than a vassal of his.
He sent him word demanding land revenue from him.The Sodhi refused saying that he was an autonomous ruler in his territory. Raja Maha Chand led a force against him and a fierce battle ensued. The poem describes the action in some detail. Surjan Singh received help from Sardar Hukma Singh, about whose identity no exact information is supplied by the poet.
The invading troops were defeated and they fled leaving a large number of dead on the field. According to the poet, Bhai Sukkha Singh, author of Gurbilas Dasvin PatsAahfand Bhai Mahna Singh, the Jathedar of Sri Kesgarh Sahib, took part in this battle. From the minute details of the combat and of the feats displayed by some of the contestants, the poet seems to have been an eyewitness to the whole campaign.
References :
1. Ashok, Shamsher Singh, ed., Prachin Jang Name. Amritsar, 1950
