4th Battle of Anandpur (March, 1704)

The Moghal army under Sayed Khan and Ramzan Khan numbered approximately 20,000. Guru Sahib Ji’s Singhs numbered only 1,000. Many soldiers had returned to their villages for sowing and harvesting the crops.

The Moghals adopted the age old tactics of storming the fort by sheer weight of body of troops, but this time in order to avoid being surprised advanced with caution.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s plan was as follows :

 

Guru Ji’s Khalsa carried out attrition on enemy rank and file by bold attacks far away from the main defences of Anandpur, both by day and night. This was done as the enemy advanced to Anandpur, slowing them down.

Knowing that the enemies intention was to loot and plunder the city, left all bulky and heavy property while animals and lighter valuables were carried away to safety, with the aim to let the enemy weigh down their animals laden with the heavier goods. This was intended to ensure that the enemy on the return journey would not be able to employ his war animals of horses, elephants and camels. The enemy would thus be reduced to foot infantry completely devoid of battle mobility.

Strong mobile patrols making use of unused jungle and mountainous tracks were to shadow the army and finding the most opportune moment to pounce with total surprise. At Bhalon, 14kms from Anandpur such an opportunity did arise when the Mughal army were merry making late into the night. Khalsa patrols pounced upon them from all sides shouting battle cries and discharging arrows causing confusion, havoc and panic in the enemy ranks.

 

Tactical lessons.

Tactical lessons learnt were, that attrition on the enemy carrier out systematically by the defender, employing all means at the longest possible range far away from the main defences not only impedes advance operations of the attack force but also demoralises the enemy long before they have even had a chance to engage in battle.
Well trained troops grouped as strong patrols, especially in mountains can perform a variety of tasks. They have element of surprise and can cause havoc as quickly as they retreat into the jungles.
Night attacks with high standard of field craft demand vigour, control and resourcefulness on the part of both leader (Jathedhar) and led (jatha).
Balanced combat columns while moving dispersed and concentrating on the enemy from different directions preferably against his weaker or soft spots, like a moving octopus, will invariably unhinge and unnerve the enemy.
In rapidly changing tactical situations, where time is at a premium, there should be viable means to ensure percolation of orders down the chain of command. This avoids confusion and tasks are executed as per the plans of the commander.
In a withdrawal operation, various ways and means to achieve a clean break in order to avoid enemies advance turning into a pursuit must be employed. 5kms away from Anandur Sahib a strong mobile jatha under the command of Baba Ajit singh Ji attacked on the northern exposed flank of the army. The attack was so fierce and bold that the advancing army partially came to a halt in order to engage in this suddenly developed threat. There was then time for the main Khalsa force to carry out a tactical withdrawal in organised groups as strong protective patrols, knowing fully well preselected places and routes of withdrawal.

Leadership.

Any commander’s job is half done if by employing tactics he succeeds in marring the battle field mobility of his enemy. This can be achieved by separating the mobile element (cavalry) from the foot infantry of the opposing force or restricting or destroying the inherent mobility if the manoeuvring elements.
A successful leader will have insight into his enemy and how to exploit their mistakes. One acquires this by experience, maturity and knowledge gathered through intelligent study. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was well versed with his enemies habits , temperament and reactions to various situations.
Demoralisation of the troops when carrying out withdrawal operations result in carelessness and uncautiousness, this must be avoided and guarded against, all round alertness at all times invariably saves many lives and prestige of any force.
   
  Previous Home