VAR HARI SINGH KI, by Sahai Singh. included in the anthology entitled Prachin Varan te Jangname, edited by Shamsher Singh Ashok and published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar, in 1947. He describes Hari Singh Nalva`s expedidon against the Afghans who had invaded Peshawar from across the Khaibar Pass and his final battle in defence of the Fort of Jamrud. This printed version is based, according to the testimony of the editor, on an incomplete manuscript in the personal collection of Shivdev Singh of Nabha. No other copy of the manuscript has so far been discovered.
The work does not conform to the traditional form of var, the narrative being in the style of a siharfi and the metre used is baint. The poem begins with an invocation to the goddess Bhavani : the poet`s faith in the goddess is also supported by the fact that he makes his hero, Hari Singh Narva, offer prayers to her to uphold his honour in the battlefield. This is followed by verses contrasting the daring of Hari Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s celebrated general, with the cowardice of his chamberlain, Khushal Singh. The latter is shown as dreading to lead the military expedition to Peshawar whereas the former is presented as seeking it voluntarily.
The narrative begins with Hari Singh`s departure from Batala and referring to the minor skirmishes on the way, it moves on to his conquest of Peshawar. His final combat in the Fort of Jamrud where he fell fighting against the Afghans is depicted in all its graphic detail. Since a few of the last pages are missing, the work comes to an end with the Sikh army chasing the fleeing enemy forces. The Var celebrates in sonorous verse the brave exploits of its hero, Hari Singh Nalva.” It extols his valour and munificence, and his qualities as a man and as soldier. Hari Singh has been portrayed as a man who is pious and philanthropic by nature and who has deep faith in Sikh tenets.
References :
1. Padam, Piara Singh, Panjabi Varan. Patiala, 1980
2. Ashok, Shamsher Singh, Prachin Varan te Jangname. Amritsar, 1947
Hari Singh’s Last Battle: Valor in “Var Hari Singh Ki”, a narrative poem that enshrines the martial genius and indomitable spirit of Hari Singh Nalwa as he confronts overwhelming odds in the defense of Sikh honor.
Historical Context and the Warrior Ethos
“Var Hari Singh Ki”—attributed to Sahai Singh and included in the anthology Prachin Varan te Jangname (published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in 1947)—captures the zenith of valor exhibited during a critical episode in the Sikh Empire. The poem recounts the expedition of Hari Singh Nalwa against Afghan forces that had invaded Peshawar from across the Khaibar Pass and culminates in his final, fierce engagement at the Fort of Jamrud. This battle, etched into history despite its incomplete manuscript state, is emblematic of the relentless martial spirit that characterized the Sikh ethos under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Hari Singh is portrayed not only as a strategic genius but also as a man of profound piety and devotion to the Sikh tenets—a synthesis of worldly prowess and spiritual depth.
Literary Form and Narrative Technique
While traditional var (a narrative form in Punjabi literature) often adheres to set conventions, “Var Hari Singh Ki” deviates in style by adopting elements of siharfi—a more free-flowing narrative approach—and the metre known as baint. This stylistic choice allows the poem to weave vivid imagery with historical events in a series of sonorous verses that highlight both the grandeur and the personal sacrifice of Hari Singh Nalwa.
- Invocation to the Divine:
The poem opens with an invocation to the goddess Bhavani. This is significant—not only does it serve to sanctify the upcoming deeds with divine endorsement, but it also links the martial valor of Hari Singh to a higher cosmic order. The goddess becomes a symbolic force behind his heroic endeavors, implying that his actions are not merely of human ambition but are imbued with sacred purpose. - Contrast and Characterization:
One of the defining narrative devices employed is the stark contrast between Hari Singh’s courage and the hesitation displayed by his chamberlain, Khushal Singh. In highlighting Khushal Singh’s reluctance to lead the military expedition to Peshawar, the poet amplifies Hari Singh’s proactive desire to embrace the battle—not out of compulsion but from an intrinsic call to duty and valor. This contrast not only rounds out the character portrait of the heroic general but also serves as a moral commentary on the virtues of initiative and fearlessness over timidity. The Chronology of Battle and Symbolism
“Var Hari Singh Ki” is structured to follow the trajectory of Hari Singh’s military campaign:
- Departure from Batala:
The poem begins with Hari Singh leaving Batala, setting the stage for his journey. This departure is imbued with auspicious significance, symbolizing the call to arms and the voluntary embrace of destiny by a true warrior. - Skirmishes En Route and the Conquest of Peshawar:
As the narrative unfolds, minor skirmishes are recounted that underscore the challenges on the path to Peshawar. Each clash is presented not simply as a physical confrontation, but as a reaffirmation of the heroic virtues of bravery and tactical acuity. The subsequent capture of Peshawar becomes a milestone in the narrative—a victory that is as much about asserting Sikh pride as it is about territorial conquest. - The Final Battle at Jamrud:
The climax of the poem is reached at Fort Jamrud, where Hari Singh’s final combat against the Afghans is depicted in graphic detail. Although some of the last pages of the manuscript are missing, the surviving verses portray a dramatic confrontation where the stakes are nothing less than the honor and sovereignty of the Sikh Empire. Hari Singh’s fall in battle is rendered with a poignant mixture of triumph and tragedy. Even in defeat, his valor continues to inspire, as the narrative concludes with the Sikh army in relentless pursuit of the fleeing enemy forces. Valor, Legacy, and Universal Themes
At its heart, “Var Hari Singh Ki” is more than a historical chronicle—it is a celebration of the eternal quality of valor as enshrined in the Sikh tradition. Through Hari Singh Nalwa’s story, the poem explores themes that resonate across centuries:
- The Fusion of the Sacred and the Martial:
By invoking divine protection and aligning every heroic deed with spiritual sanction, the text cements the idea that true martial prowess is inseparable from spiritual integrity. Hari Singh’s piety is as vital to his success on the battlefield as his martial skills, reinforcing the Sikh ideal that the warrior and the devotee are two aspects of the same noble character. - Impermanence and Legacy:
The fact that the narrative ends with an incomplete account of the final battle adds a layer of bittersweet legacy. The missing pages evoke the transience of life and the eternal nature of heroism; even when records are incomplete, the memory of valor endures in the collective consciousness of a people. - Moral Exemplars in Leadership:
The stark distinction drawn between the determined general and his reticent chamberlain serves as a moral template—one that elevates initiative, sacrifice, and courage as indispensable qualities of leadership. In doing so, the text not only commemorates past glories but also lays down benchmarks for future generations. Concluding Reflections
“Var Hari Singh Ki” stands as a masterful intertwining of poetry, history, and moral philosophy. Through its rich narrative, the work immortalizes the spirit of Hari Singh Nalwa—depicting his self-sacrifice, strategic brilliance, and unwavering faith in the Sikh way of life. The valor celebrated in this text serves as a beacon for both scholars and devotees, inspiring them to explore the deep connections between linguistic expression, historical memory, and the timeless ideals of courage and righteousness.
