Baba Hanuman Singh

Baba Hanuman Singh

Baba Hanuman Singh (1755–1846), also revered as Akali Hanuman Singh or Amar Shaheed Baba Hanuman Singh, was a prominent Nihang Sikh warrior and spiritual leader. He served as the 7th Jathedar of Budha Dal and Jathedar of the Akal Takhat, succeeding the legendary Akali Phula Singh. Born in November 1755 in the village of Naurang Singh Wala in Zira, Ferozepur, to Garja Singh and Harnam Kaur, he dedicated his life to Sikh martial tradition and the Khalsa Panth. At the age of 68, he assumed the leadership of the Akal Takhat.

Following the fall of the Sikh Empire to British colonial forces, Baba Hanuman Singh led an effort to reorganize and resist through the Nihang Sikh army. He rallied his warriors at Patiala Chauni, but the Patiala ruler, Raja Karam Singh, allied with the British, ordered an attack. The Nihangs were met with brutal cannon fire, resulting in heavy casualties. Despite being outgunned, Baba Hanuman Singh and about 500 surviving Nihangs continued their resistance using traditional weapons like swords, bows, and matchlocks.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Sabraon, Nihang forces sought refuge across the cis-Sutlej region. Although an invitation came from Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala, it turned into a trap. In the Battle of Sohana (now in Mohali), Baba Hanuman Singh was severely wounded and attained martyrdom at the age of 90. He was succeeded by Jathedar Baba Parladh Singh Nihang Singh. To honor his sacrifice, Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan stands at the site of the battle in Sohana, and a Kabaddi academy also bears his name, commemorating his legacy of courage, faith, and defiance against colonial rule.