In Sikhism, the term "Chali Mukte" or "40 Mukte" refers to the forty liberated ones. This event is an important part of Sikh history and is associated with the Battle of Muktsar in 1705.
During that time, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, had sent a letter known as the Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory) to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, expressing his disappointment with his policies and actions. In response, the emperor sent a large Mughal army led by Wazir Khan to capture or kill Guru Gobind Singh.
The Guru and his small group of followers were taking shelter in the fortress of Anandpur Sahib, which was besieged by the Mughal forces for several months. The situation became dire, and eventually, the Guru and his followers were forced to leave the fortress due to lack of supplies.
While they were on the run, the Guru's group encountered a swamp near the village of Khidrana. At this point, a few of his followers, known as the Chali Mukte, decided to confront the pursuing Mughal forces and give the Guru and the rest of the group a chance to escape.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Chali Mukte fought bravely and valiantly, sacrificing their lives in the process. Their sacrifice bought enough time for Guru Gobind Singh and the remaining Sikhs to reach the safety of the fortress of Damdama Sahib.
The Chali Mukte are revered in Sikh history as examples of supreme bravery and devotion to their Guru. Their sacrifice is considered an integral part of the Sikh tradition of martyrdom and is remembered with great respect and admiration. The Battle of Muktsar and the bravery of the Chali Mukte hold significant historical and spiritual importance for Sikhs.
Here are the names of the 40 Muktas:
