SAID KHAN

SAID KHAN. a Mughal general, came in February 1703 at the head of a large army to invade Anandpur and force Guru Gobind Singh into submission. Guru Gobind Singh, who, according to Gur Ratan Mal (Sau Sakhi), had only 500 warriors with him at the time, came out of the town to face the attack. A severe battle followed in which Maimun Khan with his contingent of 100 Muslim retainers and Said Beg, a former general of the Mughals who had changed sides some time earlier, fought on the Guru`s side with conspicuous courage. While the battle was raging, Guru Gobind Singh, riding his famous charger, made a dash through the ranks and reached where Said Khan was and challenged him.

Said Khan had heard many marvellous stories about the Guru`s spiritual power and had secretly cherished in his heart a wish to meet him in person. Now that he was face to face with him, Said Khan was so much impressed by the Guru`s presence that all intent of war vanished from his heart. Dismounting his horse, he touched the Guru`s stirrup to do homage to him. Guru Gobind Singh blessed him and he quietly left the field. He became a recluse and spent the rest of his life in prayer.

References :

1. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri GUI` Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint]. Patiala,1970
4. Nayyar, G.S., ed., Sau Sakhi. Patiala, 1985