Ibrahim Gardi-A Hindu warrior by Heart

 

Ibrahim Khan “Gardi” (died 1761) was a Dakhani Muslim general in the 18th century India. An expert in artillery, he initially served the Nizam of Hyderabad, before working for the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. As a general of the Maratha Empire, he commanded a force of 10,000 men, infantry and artillery. He was captured,tortured mercilessly and killed by the Afghans and fellow Indian muslims during the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.He was a close confidant of the Peshwa as well as his cousin’s brother Sadashivrao Bhau, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army during the Panipat military expedition.

Ibrahim Khan Gardi was caught by Afghans while performing last rites of his master Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwasrao after Panipat Battle. Ibrahim Khan Gardi was tortured cruelly with burning oil,hot iron rods and disembowelment to death by Najib-ud-daula and his Rohilla men as revenge for serving the Hindu Marathas being a Muslim.

Ibrahim Khan Gardi’s loyalty to his master as well as courage to stand upfront against invaders distinguishes him from others and makes him memorable in folklore and songs in the Deccan region.Gardis kept on serving Peshwas as personal guards as well as musketeers until the end of the Peshwa rule in 1818.

Praayah pratyayamaadatte swaguneshoottamaadaarh ||

Respect or recognition by men of noble character instills into one a belief in one’s own good qualities.