After Banda Singh Bahadur's return from the Battle of Saharanpur, the Muslims of the Lahore province started a jihad against the Sikhs.

[6] After this, the Muslims got news about a party of Sikhs numbering 700 at Kotla Begum Fort and planned to besiege them.

[7][8] When the Mughals arrived at the fort, the Sikhs immediately attacked them and a fierce battle ensued.

When the battle escalated into a sword fight, the Mughals began taking heavy losses and decided to retreat.

[9] The Mughals, disappointed by their defeat put up camp at night in village Bhilowal.