Early Life

Jathedar of Damdami Taksal
Reign	1757—1764
Predecessor	Baba Deep Singh
Successor	Bhai Soorat Singh
Born	April 10, 1688 Lil, Amritsar, Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire (Present day India)
Died	December 1, 1764 (Aged 76) Shri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, Sikh Confederacy (Present day India)
Cause of death	Killed in Action
Wars and battles	Mughal-Sikh wars Afghan-Sikh Wars Battle of Darbar Sahib (1764)
Father	Dasaundha
Mother	Mai Lachchhami

Baba Gurbaksh Singh was born on 10 April 1688 in the village of Lil, located in the Amritsar district of Punjab, during the Mughal era. His parents, Dasaundha and Mai Lachchhami, raised him in a devout Sikh household. As a child, he displayed strong spiritual inclination and dedication to Sikh teachings.

In 1699, during the historic Vaisakhi festival, he was initiated into the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh through the Amrit Sanchar ceremony. Under the guidance of Bhai Mani Singh, a renowned Sikh scholar and warrior, Gurbaksh Singh received comprehensive education in Sikh scriptures, philosophy, and martial training. He mastered the Gurmukhi script and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus while also learning the skills required for warfare, preparing him for a life dedicated to defending the Sikh community.

Military Career
Baba Gurbaksh Singh became an active member of the Shaheedan Misl, led by Baba Deep Singh, one of the most respected Sikh warriors of the 18th century. The Shaheedan Misl was part of the larger Sikh Confederacy, which resisted Mughal and Afghan domination in Punjab. Known for his courage and leadership, Gurbaksh Singh commanded a detachment of Sikh warriors, earning a reputation for fearlessness even against larger and well-equipped enemy forces. He participated in numerous Mughal-Sikh and Afghan-Sikh battles, demonstrating unwavering commitment to Sikh principles and the protection of sacred sites.

Battle of Darbar Sahib and Martyrdom (1764)
By the mid-18th century, the Sikh Misls had expanded their control across Punjab, including Lahore, Multan, and Derajat, challenging Afghan influence in the region. In 1764, Ahmad Shah Abdali (Ahmad Shah Durrani) launched his seventh invasion of India to reclaim lost territories, bringing an army of approximately 30,000 troops, allied with Nasir Khan of the Baloch forces.

After a brief clash near Lahore with Sikh forces under Charat Singh Sukerchakia, the main Sikh army strategically withdrew to Amritsar. However, Baba Gurbaksh Singh, along with Nihal Singh, Basant Singh, Man Singh, and 26 other Sikh warriors, chose to stay behind to defend the Shri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Outnumbered and vastly outmatched, they resolved to fight to the last breath to protect the sanctity of the shrine.

The ensuing battle was fierce. Baba Gurbaksh Singh and his companions displayed extraordinary valor, engaging in close combat against thousands of Afghan and Baloch soldiers. Despite their heroic efforts, all defenders, including Gurbaksh Singh, were martyred on 1 December 1764.

Legacy and Memorials
Baba Gurbaksh Singh’s sacrifice remains a powerful symbol of Sikh courage, devotion, and commitment to justice. His martyrdom is commemorated annually, especially during major Sikh observances.

The place where he and his fellow warriors were cremated is now marked by the Shaheedganj Memorial in Amritsar, honoring their bravery and dedication. Baba Gurbaksh Singh’s story continues to inspire generations, embodying the Sikh ideals of self-sacrifice, resistance against oppression, and the defense of sacred spaces. His life and martyrdom remain a cornerstone of the Sikh historical narrative of resistance during the 18th century.