Khan Fateh Khan Barech
Fateh Khan Barech was the son of Aslam Khan, the ruler of Qila Bust, also known as Kalabus, in what is now Helmand Province of Afghanistan. After political differences with his father, he journeyed toward India with 60 companions.
Afghanistan
His first stay was at Shorawak (Qandahar Province). There he discovered the Pashtun Tribe known as Tareen engaged in a battle with their enemies. Fateh Khan joined the Tareens in pishin Balochistan and together they defeated the enemies. Fateh Khan and his companions then marched towards Lahore. They faced strong resistance from Sikhs near Lahore. They continued to Sialkot.
India
During this time, King Akbar died and his son Jahangir became the new King of the Mughal Empire. Fateh Khan and his band proceeded to Mughal Kot near old Delhi and captured Gawarian Fort. After capturing the fort, they planned the conquest of Delhi.
The Mughal regime intercepted their plans and immediately sent an army to surround the fort. Early in the morning, Fateh Khan asked his companions for advice. They could surrender or fight. All of them opted to fight. After a twelve day siege, they exited the fort and fought the Mughal army. The Mughals failed to conquer the fort. Fateh Khan survived though he was heavily wounded. The next day he attacked the Mughal Army again. He and his remaining companions then met their end.
The Mughal force sustained heavy losses to wrest this fort from only sixty Barech pashtuns.
King Jahangir, inspired by their bravery, renamed the town of" Mughal Kot" as "Fateh Pur".
Fateh Khan and most of his companions were buried there.
Bibliography
- Zahir, Khan (Advocate). Barech Pathan (Vol-I), Dost Associates Lahore, 2006.