Following the martyrdom of Akali Baba Hanuman Singh Ji Nihang, Akali Baba Prehlada Singh Ji Nihang assumed the position of the 9th Jathedar of the Budha Dal. In response to the British government's shoot-on-sight directive aimed at eradicating all Nihang Singhs, Baba Prehlada Singh gathered the remaining Akalis at Nanded and departed for Hazoor Sahib. Other Nihang Singhs sought shelter in the forests of Maharashtra and Punjab, determined to safeguard the teachings of the Guru.