Battle of Taragarh

The Battle of Taragarh was fought between the Sikh forces led by Sahibzada Ajit Singh and the Rajas of the Sivalik Hills.

Background
The hill chiefs were alarmed by the success of Guru Gobind Singh. In a meeting of the hill kings, they all decided to attack the Sikhs in Anandpur. They besieged Anandpur. The Sikhs took position in the 5 forts at Anandpur. The Defence of Lohgarh was entrusted to Sher Singh and Nahar Singh while Udai Singh took charge of Fatehgarh and Ajit Singh took command of defending Taragarh.

Battle
Taragarh was one of the first forts to be attacked by the hill chiefs. Ajmer Chand made a forceful attack on Taragarh but was pushed back by the Sikhs and Ajit Singh. Raja Ajmer Chand was shocked by the number of casualties they had suffered and was ready to sue for peace. However, Raja Bhup Chand managed to convince him to keep fighting against the Sikhs. Some Sikh warriors like Bhai Sangat Singh, Bhai Kalyan Singh and died in battle. Raja Ghumand Chand suffered severe injuries in the battle.

Aftermath
The next day, Ajmer Chand and other Rajas again mounted fierce assault on the fort Fatehgarh. For 4 days the kings attacked Anandpur’s forts without success. They decided to launch a full fledged siege after.