Battle of Bilaspur (1711)

The Battle of Bilaspur was fought in 1711 by Sikh forces led by Banda Singh Bahadur and the rulers of the Sivalik Hills led by Raja Ajmer Chand of Princely State of Kahlur (Bilaspur).

Background
After fighting for Punjab against the Mughal Empire and suffering defeat in the Battle of Lohgarh, Banda Singh Bahadur launched an attack towards the Hill States. He established his headquarters at Kiratpur Sahib and positioned his troops at Anandpur Sahib. He warned Kahlur to prepare for battle, feeling frustrated that this state always helped Mughals against Guru Gobind Singh.

After hearing this, the Raja of Kahlur positioned around 1,300 Mian Rajputs and seven war elephants.

Battle
Banda Singh first sent only five Sikh warriors towards the fort who were accompanied voluntarily by a large number of Sikhs. These five Sikhs were Baghar Singh, Ranjor Singh, Bajar Singh, Kehar Singh and Ranjit Singh. Kehar, Ranjor and Ranjit Singh managed to slay all the war elephants. Bajar Singh broke down the fort's door and started to kill the enemy along with Baghar Singh. Then a large number of Sikhs arrived and assaulted the fort. At last, Kahlur was defeated with a heavy cost of 1,300 lives.

Aftermath
After this crushing defeat, the Sikhs ruthlessly plundered Bilaspur. Mandi was the next target of the Khalsa. Raja Sudh Sain of Mandi declared himself as a follower of Guru Nanak and turned himself to Banda Singh.