Duni Chand Dhaliwal, of Amritsar, was a Masand for Majha area. He was the grandson of Bhai Sahlo, a dedicated Sikh of the times of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib. Duni Chand was a hefty man of massive bulk. In August 1700 C.E., he led several companions to Aanandpur Sahib to join Guru Sahib in defending against the invasion of the hill chiefs. The soldiers, who accompanied him, included: Aanad Singh, Amrik Singh, Subeg Singh, Sujan Singh, Sobha Singh, Sant Singh, Hazara Singh, Hamir Singh, Kahan Singh, Kaul Singh, Kirpal Singh, Gopal Singh, Chet Singh, Tek Singh, Dyal Singh, Dan Singh,, Diwan Singh, Fateh Singh, Bir Singh, Man Singh etc. When it was reported that the hill chiefs were planning to use a drunkard elephant of Raja Kesri Chand, to break open the gate of Lohgarh Fort, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib asked him to attack the intoxicated elephant. Duni Chand, though a hefty man, got scared. He tried to run away, in the middle of the night. He broke his leg while jumping from the wall of the fort. His companions carried him back to the village. Later, he died of snake bite. His grandsons Bhai Sarup Singh and Bhai Anup Singh went to Aanandpur Sahib and apologized. Both of his grandsons embraced martyrdom in the battle of Nirmohgarh, on October 7, 1700. Also see: Sarup Singh and Anup Singh.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)