Ahmad Shah Abdali had neither forgotten nor forgiven The Sikhs for harassing him during his retreat through the Punjab On his return from Delhi. But he had then been too much hampered by the rebellious attitude of his troops and military impediments to organize any sustained effort for the suppression of their guerrilla attacks.
He had therefore secured his retreat as best he could, Chafingat his inability to turn aside and exact retribution With a view to facilitating his return he had abandoned much of his heavy baggage including the monster Gun called Zamzama, capable of throwing a shot of Onemaund (82 Ibs) in weight and which was looked upon as a marvel. On arriving within the safe confines of Afghanistan he planned and fitted out an expedition against the Sikhs under the care of one of his trusted generals Nur-ud-din Khan. Instructions were despatched at the same time to his Punjab Governors to co-operate with him. Nur-ud-din entered India (c. early August) and crossing the Jhelum at Khushab, marched up the left bank of the river. His troops committed all kinds of violence and depredation and laid waste the three largest towns of the Doab. As soon as Nur-ud-din arrived on the banks of the Chenab, he came into conflict with Bhatti Jat ruler Sardar Charat Singh of the Sukerchakia Misl. Charat Singh Sukerchakia, anticipating the trouble, had already moved from his head-quarters at Gujranwala to arrest the further progress of the Afghan general. He was assisted by the other Misldars who had made a common cause with him. Thus assuming the defensive with his army of trained men, Charat Singh awaited the onslaught of the Afghans whom after a battle of considerable duration he repulsed. He followed up his victory by maintaining a vigorous pursuit of the fugitives. The Afghans, about 12,000 in number, feeing pell-mell, took refuge in the stronghold of Sialkot. The town was immediately besieged and the strictness of the watch was such that supplies gave out and the garrison was brought to the verge of starvation. Nur-ud-din, finding his men demoralized and starving, abandoned them to their fate and disguised as a beggar sought refuge in flight. The garrison immediately surrendered, and were allowed to depart in peace. This victory over the well-trained troops of the greatest soldier of the day placed Charat Singh in the front rank of the Sikh Jat leaders, while the booty of Sialkot brought him a quantity of artillery and baggage. When all was over Charat Singh made a triumphal entry into his capital at Gujranwala.
References :-
- History of the sikhs vol. 3 by Hari ram Gupta
- Imperial gazetteer of India , Punjab vol. 2 , page – 127.