Analysis of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s leadership & generalship
Guru
Gobind Singh Ji’s art of warfare was swift manoeuvres against
relatively larger forces to achieve complete surprise over the enemy.
Critical analysis of his battle with Hussain Khan of the allied forces
at the battle of Nadaun amply illustrate that the manoeuvres were not
aimed to slaughter the enemy but to cause fear and panic in the enemy
ranks in order to disorganise and thereby drive them from the battle
field. The fleeing enemy were never given pursuit by the Khalsa army as
that would have amounted to indiscriminate killing of men and therefore
against the Khalsa code of conduct.
Guru Ji’s
action on the battlefield repeatedly shows quick decision, rapid
cavalry manoeuvres and flexibility of mind. Incidentally these three
characteristics – quick decision, rapid manoeuvres and flexibility in
an ever changing situation rank the most prominent ones in modern
warfare.
The
element of battlefield mobility, inherent in mounted weapons on horses,
camels and elephants were employed in offensive roles both in nature
and concept even as a defender.
A careful
analysis of Guru Ji’s battles indicates that Guru Gobind Singh Ji never
risked the security of the main defences in a bid to achieve mere
surprise. Thinning out the main defences for creating various combat
groups, aimed to hit the enemies rear and exposed flanks were well
balanced and at no time were the main defences rendered insecure.
Resources,
both in men and material, available to his command, although meagre
compared to those of his adversaries, were always utilised to maximum
advantage. Needless to emphasise that leadership ability is measured by
the degree of effectiveness with which each leader employs those assets
available to him.
Basic
principles of objective, offensive, simplicity, unity of command,
economy of force, surprise and security, morale, manoeuvrability,
flexibility and so forth were always integral ingredients in Guru Ji’s
plans.
As a
general in the battlefield Guru Ji succeeded in forcing his adversaries
to give up their purpose completely. After the battle at Mukatsar, the
Mughals realised the futility of their efforts and were so badly
demoralised that they gave up altogether. Hostility towards the Khalsa
army vanished never to resurface again while Guru ji was alive.
Guru
Gobind Singh Ji as a general never once remained away from the
battlefield giving a pretext of directing the operation. Guru ji always
directed and fought at the same time with the forward most rank and
file of the Khalsa army. Despite mental and physical stress of day long
battles, Guru Ji attended to minor details. After day long battles Guru
Sahib Ji personally attended to the wounded and solemnised last rites
who had touched martyrdom as his command.
The
discipline of Guru ji’s army was not based upon fear or punishment but
on mental awareness and realisation of their moral and patriotic duty
which always exhorted the Khalsa soldier to stand at the beck and call
of their leader with a will to do or die.
The
victories of Guru Gobind Singh Ji can be attributed to discipline of
his troops which impelled them to strictly observe the demands of the
oath of allegiance and self devotion to their Guru.
Guru Ji’s
army strictly observed the Khalsa Code as given by their Guru. There
were numerous occasions when the Khalsa army, after victory in the
battle field, could have wiped out the enemy by pursuing them, but did
not resort to it as it was not approved by their leader. It speaks of
excellent self control realised through a very high standard of
discipline.
With
Bahadhur Shahs succession to the Moghul throne, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s
military life came to a virtual end, but an epic legend in the military
profession had only sprung to grow till eternity.
