The Most Expensive Land in Human History Was Bought With Gold in Sirhind
Fatehgarh Sahib (Sirhind), Punjab — In world history, land is usually valued by location, power, or money. But in Sikh history, there is one place whose value cannot be measured by real estate prices or modern markets. A small piece of land in Sirhind is remembered as the most expensive land ever, because it was bought with gold under cruelty, so that two innocent children could be cremated with dignity.This is not a metaphor.This is not poetry.This happened.
Sirhind, 1705: A Dark Moment in History
In the year 1705, Sirhind was an important Mughal administrative town in Punjab. After the events following the evacuation of Anandpur Sahib, the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji were captured and brought to Sirhind.
They were: Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, about 9 years old.Sahibzada Fateh Singh, about 7 years old.The Mughal authorities demanded that the children abandon Sikhism and accept Islam. Both Sahibzadas(Both Childrens) refused. For this refusal, the two children were bricked alive by order of the governor of Sirhind. This act stands as one of the most brutal crimes against children in recorded history.Soon after hearing of the martyrdom of her grandsons, Mata Gujri Ji, their grandmother, also passed away.
Even Death Was Not Allowed Dignity
After the execution of the Sahibzadas, the cruelty did not end.Local Mughal authorities refused to allow cremation of the bodies. In that era, land was under strict state control. Without permission, last rites could not be performed. This refusal was intentional meant to strip the martyrs of dignity even in death.At this point, history records the arrival of a man whose name is remembered with the highest respect in Sikh tradition.
Diwan Todar Mal: A Man of Conscience
Diwan Todar Mal was a wealthy banker and landowner living in Sirhind. He was a Sikh by faith and conscience.When no one else dared to act, Todar Mal stepped forward and asked the authorities for a small piece of land so the cremation could be performed.The authorities agreed but with a condition designed to humiliate.
The Cruel Condition: Pay in Gold
The governor of Sirhind demanded that the land be paid for entirely in gold coins. According to Sikh history, the gold coins were required to be laid out on the ground to cover the area of the land.This condition was not about payment. It was about humiliation.The intention was clear: Make the price impossible.Force refusal.Deny dignity.But Diwan Todar Mal did not refuse.
The Land Was Bought With Gold
Diwan Todar Mal accepted the condition.Gold coins were brought.Gold coins were placed on the ground.Gold coins were used to purchase the land.Only after this was done did the authorities allow the cremation.The last rites of the Sahibzadas (Both Childrens)and Mata Gujri Ji were performed at the site now known as Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop.This act of courage and sacrifice is remembered across generations.
78,000 Gold Mohars
Sikh history commonly records that around 78,000 gold Mohars (Gold Coin in 1705) were used for this purchase.A gold Mohar was a Mughal-era gold coin weighing approximately 11.66 grams of pure gold.
78,000 Mohars.Equals 909.48 kilograms of gold.Almost one metric ton of gold.At today’s gold prices, this amount of gold is worth approximately:USD 68 million And this was paid for a very small piece of land, only so cremation could take place.
This land is not called expensive because of market value.It is called expensive because:Gold was demanded under oppression.The payment was forced by cruelty.The purpose was dignity for child martyrs.No billionaire property.No luxury city.No royal palace.Nothing compares to this.
Fact, Faith, and Memory
This event is preserved through:Sikh historical writings.Gurdwara records at Fatehgarh Sahib.Continuous remembrance for over 300 years.Annual Shaheedi Jor Mela, attended by millions.Nearby sites like Jahaz Haveli also stand as physical reminders of this history.This is not a forgotten story.This is living history.
Some ask for modern paperwork or invoices.But history does not survive only through files.Many ancient events have no receipts.Many truths survive through memory and monuments.Continuous remembrance itself is evidence.The Sikh Panth has preserved this truth without interruption for more than three centuries.
This story is not only about the past.It teaches:Faith cannot be bought.Dignity is worth any price.Children stood stronger than empires.One man’s conscience defeated cruelty.In a world that measures everything in money, Sirhind reminds humanity that some values are priceless.
The most expensive land in human history is not in a financial capital.
It is in Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirhind bought with gold so that two children could be cremated with dignity.That is why Sikhs say:“This land was not bought with money alone, but with courage, faith, and sacrifice.”
This article is written as a historical and faith-based account preserved continuously in Sikh history. It reflects events remembered, commemorated, and honored for over 300 years.
By PPR | History & Faith
Published: [28-12-2025]
Last Updated: [28-12-2025]
