Battle of Gokul (1757)

Battle of Gokul (1757)
Date March 15, 1757 Location Gokul Result Inconclusive •retreat of durrani forces after fierce combat
Belligerents
Daśanāmi Sampradaya	Durrani Empire
Commanders and leaders
Naga Sadhus	Ahmed Shah Abdali Sardar Jahan Khan
Strength
4,000	15,000 under Jahan Khan
Casualties and losses
2,000 Killed	2,000 Killed

The Battle of Gokul took place in March 15, 1757 between the Naga Sadhus and the Durrani Empire

Battle

After Ballabhgarh was captured, Ahmad Shah Abdali moved behind Jahan Khan’s forces at a measured pace. On March 15, he reached an area close to Mathura but then crossed the Yamuna River and established his camp at Mahaban, roughly six miles southeast of the city. From there, he dispatched a contingent to raid Gokul, located about two miles from his encampment.

In Gokul, the Bairagi Nanga Sadhus—ascetics known for covering themselves in ash and going unclothed—rose up to defend their monastery. Nearly four thousand of these “naked, ash-besmeared warriors” confronted the Afghan troops, leading to a fierce battle. About two thousand of the Sadhus were killed, and the Afghan side suffered a similar number of casualties. At this point, Jugal Kishor, who served as the vakil (envoy) of Bengal in Ahmad Shah’s camp, informed the Shah that Gokul was merely a retreat for these ascetics and did not hold any great wealth. Concluding there was nothing valuable to be gained, Ahmad Shah recalled his detachment, and Gokul avoided further destruction A Maratha letter remarked that all the ascetics had been slain, but the idol at Gokul was spared.