Battle of Leiah

In December 1779 Timur Shah dispatched Zangi Khan to defeat the Sikhs at Rohtas with the force of 18,000 men consisting of Yusafzais, Durranis, Mughals and Qizilbash under Zangi Khan Durrani. He stopped about 25 km from the Sikh camp and stationed guards in every direction. Orders were given that anyone attempting to travel toward the Sikh position should be arrested. After midnight, Zangi Khan arranged his forces for battle. The Mughals and Qizilbash troops formed the right wing, while the Durrani forces held the left. Zangi Khan himself remained in the center, commanding around 5,000 Yusafzai warriors.^[2] The Sikhs were completely unaware that the army was nearby, believing the Afghans to still be in Peshawar, nearly 300 km away. Shortly before sunrise, Zangi Khan launched a sudden attack on the Sikh camp. The Sikhs who were 60,000,^[3]: 59 mounted their horses and prepared to defend themselves when they saw the Afghan troops approaching. The resistance they offered was strong enough to cause Zangi Khan considerable concern. He reportedly removed his turban and prayed for victory.^[4] Afterward, the tide of battle turned and the Sikh forces began to retreat. Afghan troops pursued them relentlessly. Around 30,000 Sikhs were killed in the fighting,^[4][5][3] and 5,000 drowned while attempting to cross the Jhelum River.^[3]: 62 23,000 went missing Another 2,000 managed to reach the far bank safely.^[3] Following the battle, the heads of slain Sikhs were reportedly loaded onto camels and sent to Peshawar as a display intended to please Timur Shah Durrani.^[4]

The news greatly encouraged Timur Shah Durrani, renewing his determination to regain Multan. Shortly afterwards, Zangi Khan launched a strong assault on the Sikh forces near Leiah. At the same time, a violent dust storm swept across the battlefield, filling the air with thick clouds that reduced visibility. During the battle, Afghan troops captured a Sikh war drum and began beating it loudly. Hearing the familiar signal, Sikh fighters rushed toward the sound, believing it to be their own rallying point. Instead, they were met by Afghan soldiers and all the Sikh soldiers were slain. The rest of the Sikh forces began to retreat. Meanwhile, Timur Shah Durrani arrived with reinforcements and joined Zangi Khan in pursuing the fleeing Sikhs all the way to Multan. The Sikhs withdrew into the fortress and shut the city gates, preparing to defend the stronghold.^[6][7]

In January 1780, Timur Shah Durrani besieged Multan, fearing reinforcements for the Sikh garrison. He went to Bahawalpur for additional troops, returning with 12,000 soldiers. At the same time, a Sikh force of 15,000 cavalry, led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, marched to relieve the siege. They clashed with Timur's forces at Shujabad on 8 February. The Sikhs lost around 2,000 men and retreated toward Lahore.^[6][7]

Timur pursued them, defeating them again near Hujra Shah Muqieem. He then returned to Multan, launching a successful assault. After brief resistance, the city fell, and Timur ordered a massacre. The remaining Sikh force of 7,000 retreated to the fort, where they surrendered on 18 February, agreeing to leave peacefully with their arms and possessions.^[7]