Forces of Battle of Saragarhi

• Strategic Importance: Saragarhi was a communication post linking Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), now part of Pakistan.
• Historical Context: The forts were originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh but renamed by the British during their control of the region.
• Defenders: On 12^th September 1897, 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4th Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army), led by Havildar Ishar Singh, defended Saragarhi against an overwhelming force.
• The Attack: They were pitted against approximately 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals during an uprising on the rugged frontier.
• Resistance: Despite being outnumbered, the Sikhs held off the attackers for seven hours, inflicting significant casualties—200 enemies killed and 600 injured.
• Sacrifice: The entire garrison was killed, but their brave stand delayed the assault on the two forts, giving them critical time to prepare.
• Posthumous Recognition: All 21 soldiers were awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest award for gallantry at the time.
• Result: Although, the battle was won by Afghans but after two days the fort was recaptured by British forces.

Fort Saragarhi