[10] Bichitra Natak, an autobiography generally attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, contains a detailed description of the battle.

A devotee called Duni Chand visited Anandpur in 1681, and presented him a Shamiana (an imperial canopy or tent) embroidered in gold and silver, and was studded with pearls.

Bhim Chand wanted the elephant to make a display of his wealth to the guests at his son's proposed wedding.

The Guru knew that Bhim Chand wanted to gain permanent possession of the elephant by deceptive tactics, and declined the Raja's request.

[19] In April 1685, Guru Gobind Singh shifted his residence to Paonta (now Poanta sahib) in Sirmur state, at the invitation of Raja Mat Prakash (a.k.a.

[20] According to the Gazetteer of the Sirmur state, the Guru was compelled to quit Anadpur due to differences with Bhim Chand, and went to Toka.

[19] At the request of Raja Mat Prakash, the Guru constructed a fort at Paonta with help of his followers, in a short time.

Bhim Chand had to go from Bilaspur to Srinagar (the capital of Garhwal) for the marriage ceremony, and the shortest route passed through Paonta.

[21] Guru Gobind Singh in his autobiographical work Bichitra Natak wrote that Fateh Shah fought with him for no reason.

[27][28][29][30][31] According to Harjinder Dilgeer Guru Gobind Singh Ji's army consisted of around 4,000 Sikhs only besides a number of Udasis and Pathans.

The Pathans who had taken up employment under Guru Ji on the recommendation of Pir Buddhu Shah were all bought over by Bhim Chand.

Guru Ji informed Pir Buddhu Shah about the unfaithful behavior of the Pathans and he himself led his Sikhs to a place six miles outside Paonta Sahib, called Bhangani.

Mahant Kirpal Das was using a heavy stick called a Kutka to fight, he killed Hayat Khan, the chief of the Pathans now finghting on the opposing side.

Pir Buddhu Shah also fought bravely as did his sons and followers in this bloody of battles which Guru Ji describes in martial verses in his autobiography, Bachittar Natak (wondrous drama) .

Besides several hundred Sikhs, the two sons of Pir Buddhu Shah and a large number of his followers died in the fighting.

[36] He also says that his maternal uncle Kirpal Chand fought like a true Kshatriya and killed one Hayat Khan with his Kutka (stick).

[38] The enemies mentioned by him include Gopal (the king of Guleria), the Raja of Chandel, and the chiefs of Jaswal and Dadhwal.

[21] The author of Bichitra Natak states that after the battle, the Guru didn't remain at Paonta, and returned to Anandpur.