Dulla Bhatti A Great Rajput Warrior ( Rajput Soorme )

Dulla Bhatti A Rajpoot Warrior

Rai Abdullah Khan Bhatti, popularly known as Dulla Bhatti, was a famous ancient Rajput hero of the Punjab who led the rebellion against the Mughal Emperor Akbar. His mother's name was Laddhi and his father's name was Farid. Dulla Bhatti’s mother, Laddhi, feeded her breast to Akbar's son Sheikhu and acted as a suckler in the palace. Rai Abdullah Khan Bhatti badly treated law upto such extent that Akbar had to relocate from his capital Delhi to Lahore for about 20 years, Lahore Fort had to be made its headquarters and its infrastructure had to be changed. There is an story in the Punjabi language called 'Dulle Ki War'. It contains an account of the events of the battles for humanity by Dulla Bhatti in Punjab. In Pakistan, there is a name of a locality is 'Sandal Bar' or 'Dulle di Bar' - the forest of Dulla Bhatti. This great Rajput warrior is said to be buried in the Mani Sahib Cemetery in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Historical Punjabi Rajput Warrior

Dula Bhatti was born in Sandal Bar, Pindi, Punjab, Mughal Empire (Pakistan).

Dulha Bhatti's story is of Empror Akbar's time. Dulla Bhatti’s grandfather, Sandal Bhatti, was a very brave leader. He refused to obey the Mughal government rules. Paing of land leasing was stopped. He badly defeated the Mughal government troops in the battle of Ravi. Dulla Bhatti’s father, Farid, was also a great warrior. Akbar made several attempts to convince them, but when he failed to resolve, Akbar’s army arrested them . Both were sentenced to death. Their bodies were hanged outside of main door of royal castel. At that time the Dulla Bhatti was still in her mother's belly. He was born after this incident. For a long time Dulla Bhatti was unaware of this incident.

Dulla Bhatti is known as the son of Punjab or Robin Hood of Punjab. Dulha Bhatti's stories are recorded in punjabi folk tales. According to Ishwar Dayal Goyal, although he was the proponent of the peasant uprising in Central Punjab, he remained under the siege of Punjab.

Dulla Bhatti's father, Farid Bhatti and his grandfather Sandal Bhatti, who were put to death for opposing Akbar's new and central land revenue collection scheme. Dutla Bhatti was born four months after his grandfather and father's death.

Coincidentally, Akbar's son, Sheikhu (Jahangir), was born that day. His courtiers advised that a Rajput mother should be fed to a child if Shehu's future was to ensure bravery and success. This responsibility was given to Dulla Bhatti's mother Laddhi.

Historians write that when Shekhu, Akbar's son, was born. Dula Bhatti was also born same day. It was Sunday. The mother of the Dulla Bhatti was found. The soldiers were ordered to bring Laddhi to Lahore. Laddhi was brought to Lahore. Sheikhu also started nutrition from a Rajput mother. The mother of the Dulla Bhatti feeded both kids. To shekhu from left and to Dulla Bhatti from right breast. Both children began to grow up. Both learned wrestling, horsriding, swordsmanship and archery. It is said that Dulla Bhatti always defeated Shekhu. This did not suited to Akbar. He decided to punish to Dulla Bhatti. The baby was still small. Laddhi requested to Akbr that baby is innocent, I feeded your son also. Please excuse to my son. Eventually he sent his mother Laddhi and the Dulla Bhatti back to their village Pindi. Akbr advised to Laddhi to educate her son and he will go with me when I come for hunting. At the village Quazi stated teaching Dulla Bhatti. Quazi was knewing all about Dulla’s ascentors. How they died. He always rebuked the Dulla Bhatti because Quazi was a government slave. One day, Dulla got upset and beaten Quazi. Then went to the carpenter and asked to make a slingshot. He made aslingshot army of children. In age he was an infant. Children gang started harashing people. One day an old ladywas harrassed to much by Dulla Bhatti. She came to the mother of the Dulla to narrate bad story. Dulla Bhatti was also at home. He asked Dulla Bhatti that that your ascentors were killed for their generousity for the people but you are harassing to all. Hearing this, the bride pulled out his sword and told that you are lying. I kill you. She said if you think it is false then ask your mother. With a naked sword, he goesin front of his mother and asks the truth. She narrated full story. In book ‘’Kissa Dula Bhatti’’, Kishan Singh Arif writes that the dulla's mother told the full and true story. How they were helping people, how they were arrested and how was their end. The bodies of both of them were amputated and the were hung in the crossroads. Kishan Singh Arif also writes that Dulla Bhatfront of main gate ot castel. She also opened seven rooms which were parmanantly locked. Which were full of armaments of his ancestors.

After this, Dulla Bhatti opened a march against the Akbar government. He began to plunder government treasures. Once, he seized 500 horses from a government trader. He distributed all things to friends and the poors. Akbar became very upset. He sent many troops to catch Dulla . Dulla Bhatti had more than 500 expert horsemen. Who did not care the royal rules at all. Then Akbar sent Shekhu (Jahangir) to Dulla Bhatti as they were both childhood friends. At that time Dulla Bhatti was hunting. There were 50 horsemen with Shekhu. Dulla bhatti was very happy. After some time a lion was seen coming towards them. Dulla Bhatti told Shekhu's soldiers to kill the lion. Everyone was scared. Dulla Bhatti himself went with lightning speed and killed a lion at once. But he refused to compromise with empror. Shekhu returned to Lahore. After seeing the bravery of the bride and gave her 25 horse prizes. Akbar was informed every thing.

Akbar announced in the royal age that who brought Dulla Bhatti alive or dead will receive a huge reward. Mirza Nizam-ud-din, a general, was ready. He went to the village of Dula Bhatti. On that day the Dulla bhatti went far to see his uncle. Army surrounded the village. Started killing people. It is said that Noor Khan, a 10-year-old son of Dulla Bhatti trained in combating, went on horseback and killed several soldiers. Finally being a little warrior, He was killed.

One by one the companions of Dulla Bhatti were killed. Dulla Bhatti was alone and surrounded by army. Finally Brave Rajput fought alone, got seriously wounded and fell down from his horse. Finally captured by army and was brought to Lahore.

The death sentence was pronounced. On January 12, 1599, Dula Bhatti was hanged in Lahore. The next day, the people celebrated births of their new born sons ditributing sweets. Given treats to others so that their sons could be as brave as Dulla Bhatti. From January 13, 1599 till today, the festival of Lohri is being celebrated. At first they were celebrated only by the Rajputs, but later slowly slowly other communities started celebrating. The memory of that Brave Rajput Warrior is being remembered by the people till date.