1 A. D. 1762. THE SIKHS MAKE HEAD AGAINST THE ATGHAXS. 23
2 far north of Labor, and through the inflaence of her
3 family, he obtained leave to erect in its vicinity a small
4 mad fort to serve as a place of safe custody for his plan-
5 der, and of retreat for his family and followers. The post
6 was convenient, from its vicinity to Labor, as a rallying
7 point for other Sikh associations ; and in 17G2, it attracted
8 the attention of Khaj a Obyd, who marched with a force
9 to raise it and eject Churut Singh from the neighbour-
10 hood. The Sikhs, however, attached importance to the
11 post, and a large body tendered their aid for its defence.
12 When the governor approached Gajaraolee, they threw
13 a select body into the gurhee, and hovering about, watch-
14 ed his camp. Khaja Obyd had entertained for the
15 enterprize a number of Sikh troops, who opened a clan-
16 destine correspondence with their brethren, and ultimately
17 deserted in a body to the enemy. The governor's other
18 troops immediately took panic and dispersed, and Khaja
19 Obyd himself had barely time to mount a fleet horse and
20 escape, when the Sikhs broke into his camp and plunder-
21 ed all bis baggage.
22 After this defeat, the Afghan governor dared scarcely
23 to show himself beyond the walls of Labor; and the Sikh
24 Dul, or assembly of chiefs and followers, was publicly
25 held at Umritsur, where the bathings and other ceremo-
26 nies of the Dewalee being performed, it was resolved to
27 invest Jundeeala, a place held byXERUNJUNEEGooROO,
28 a Hindoo, who had made submission and taken service
29 with Ahmed Shah, and hence had incurred the ven-
30 geance of the votaries of GooRoo Govind.
31 The report of these events roused the attention of
32 Vhmed Shah, who, in November 1762, again appeared