The Battle of Bhangani was the first battle by Guru Gobind Singh Ji with hill Chieftains. Guru Gobind Singh ji was 20 of age when he fought this battle. The struggle of Bhangani took place in October 1686, six miles north of Poanta, This was the culmination of the jealousies of the hill chieftains led by Raja Bhim Chand and the perceived threat of the Guru. Raja Bhim Chand Kaluria was becoming inimical towards Guru Ji, he wanted him to live in his territory as his subject and pay tribute to him, but he could not tolerate his growing popularity and strength. The Battle of Bhangani was fought between Guru Gobind Singh Ji s army and the combined forces of many Rajas of the Sivalik Hills (Pahari rajas), on 18 September 1688, at Bhangani near Paonta Sahib.

Reasons for the Battle

Raja Bhim Chand had his eye on a beautiful ‘Kabli’ canopy that had been presented to the Guru by a devotee as well as a ‘Parsadi’ elephant and a huge war drum named Ranjit Nagara, in the possession of the Guru. As he was to wed his son to the daughter of Raja Fateh Shah, Bhim Chand took this opportunity to ask to borrow these for the wedding. Guru Ji knowing the Raja's intentions said that since these were offerings by his devotees, he was unable to hand them over to the Raja. This annoyed the Raja a lot. On the other hand, Raja Fateh Shah had become a devotee of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and he desired that Guru Ji would accompany him to the wedding celebrations. Guru Ji in his wisdom sent his representatives, Bhai Nanad Chand and Bhai Daya Ram instead. They were accompanied by 500 horsemen to guard the one and quarter lakh rupees sent for the bride on behalf of the Guru.