In the era of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Mukhlis Khan, a proud and ruthless commander, learned a brutal lesson about challenging the Sikh Gurus—no boast made against the Guru goes unpunished.
A group of Sikh hunters near Lahore engaged in falconry, where their bird outperformed the royal falcon.
When the Mughal hunters demanded their falcon back, the Sikhs refused, seeing no reason to surrender what their bird had fairly caught.
The enraged Mughals escalated the matter to Lahore’s governor, Police Khan, who dispatched Mukhlis Khan with 7,000 troops to “teach the Sikhs a lesson.”
Mukhlis Khan’s Fatal Arrogance
In Shah Jahan’s court, Mukhlis Khan chewed betel leaves and boasted: “I will return with Guru Hargobind Sahib’s head in a bag!”
His threat spread like wildfire, reaching the Guru’s ears.
The Battle of Amritsar – A Divine Reckoning
When Mukhlis Khan’s forces arrived, Bhai Bidhi Chand, the legendary Sikh warrior, confronted him.
Mukhlis Khan arrogantly demanded: “I don’t want you—send your Guru to fight me!”
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji himself rode onto the battlefield and granted Mukhlis Khan the first strike—a warrior’s honor.
The Three Strikes of Doom
First Strike: Mukhlis Khan attacked with full force—Guru Ji deflected it effortlessly.
Second Strike: Another furious blow—again, Guru Ji parried with ease.
Third Strike: Desperate, Mukhlis Khan lunged—Guru Ji blocked it once more.
Then came the Guru’s turn.
With one mighty stroke of his sword, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji split Mukhlis Khan’s shield—and his body in half.
The man who swore to bring the Guru’s head was left in two pieces on the battlefield.
The Aftermath: A Warning to Tyrants
Mukhlis Khan’s death proved that no amount of imperial power can stand against divine justice.
His army, witnessing their commander’s fate, fled in terror.
The Sikhs celebrated not just a victory, but the triumph of Dharma over arrogance.
Moral of the Story
Arrogance leads to destruction. Mukhlis Khan’s pride blinded him to the Guru’s spiritual and martial supremacy.
The Guru’s sword defends the weak. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji didn’t seek war but ended it with righteous force.
History remembers the just, not the boastful. Today, Mukhlis Khan is a footnote, while Guru Ji’s legacy shines eternal.
⚔️ “When you challenge the Guru, you challenge God Himself.” ⚔️ —Dhan Dhan Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
