Bhai Fateh Singh (? – August 1713), a descendant of Bhai Bhagtu, was a general of the army of Banda Singh Bahadur. In the battle of Samana, major role had been played by Bhai Fateh Singh; hence Banda Singh appointed him as the Governor of Samana.
In the battle of Chappar Chiri, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur had divided the whole army into four units, under the command of Fateh Singh, Karam Singh-Dharam Singh, Aali Singh-Mali Singh and Baj Singh. During this battle Wazir Khan was he was fully active in the frontlines, sitting on his elephant, he was encouraging his soldiers. Banda Singh Bahadur too was in the front line of the Sikh army.
Wazir Khan saw Banda Singh, he moved towards him to attack him. When Baj Singh noticed this he kicked his horse and came in between Banda Singh and Wazir Khan. Wazir Khan shot his spear at Baz Singh which the latter cached with his hand and threw the same back towards Wazir Khan. This spear hit the horse of Wazir Khan and he fell down. Even in this position, Wazir Khan shot an arrow at Baj Singh which pierced the arm of the latter. At this moment Wazir Khan attacked Baj Singh with his sword too. But, before Wazir Khan’s sword could hit Baj Singh’s body, Fateh Singh gave a strong blow with his sword which almost chopped off the right arm of Wazir Khan, and with another blow his head too was severed.
In the second week of August 1713, Bhai Fateh Singh was present in Baloh (in Kashmir). Suddenly, the ruler of Kashmir on one side and the ruler of Baloh on the other side surrounded the Sikh army. The Sikhs tried to seek refuge in the nearby jungle but the number of the Mughal soldiers was so high that they (Sikhs) could not save themselves. All the one thousand Sikhs and an equal number of the Mughals died in this battle. Bhai Fateh Singh was also one of those who lost their lives. His head was severe and despatched to Mohammed Ali Khan (deputy Governor of Kashmir) who further sent the news of the Mughal victory to Farukhsiyar. Farukhsiyar praised the Mughal soldiers and increased the mansab of Mohammed Ali Khan by five hundred.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)