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| Many of us think that Guru ji was an enemy of Muslims and a protector of Hindus.That is a flase notion.Guru ji was a friend and protector of oppressed and downtrodden, be they Hindus or Muslims. His fight was against tyranny and oppression let loose by rulers of the day. One will abserve that Guru ji had to fight most of his battles against Hill Rajas starting with Battle of Bhangani.Battle of Anandpur was also started by Hill Rajas and they had taken the help from Mughals.The following article will illustrate that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- www.sikhreview.org/june2001/heritage1.htm Re-Discovering The Sikh Legacy A. C. Katoch* Part - iv@ * Administration and Membership Officer, India International Centre, 40, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi-110003. @ Part III appeared in the January 2001 issue. Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and the last Guru of the Sikhs. He was born on 26th December, 1666 AD in Patna. At that time, his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur was on a visit to Assam along with his followers. Child Gobind Singh remained with his mother, Gujri, and his maternal uncle, Kirpal Chand at Patna during most of his early childhood. In 1673 AD he went to Mukhowal to meet his father. Special arrangements were made for his education in learning Sanskrit, Hindi and Persian languages and for practicing martial arts. By the time he was nine years old, Gobind Singh had become well versed in riding, wrestling and sword fight. Kashmiri Pandits implored the Ninth Guru to save them from the fanatical Subedar of Srinagar who was bent upon coercing them to accept Islam en mass. Guru Tegh Bahadur went to Agra and Delhi to Intercede. But Emperor Aurangzeb ordered Guru T eg Bahadur to embrace Islam. On his refusal, Aurangzeb gave instructions to torture the Guru in order to compel him to embrace Islam. At last, Aurangzeb ordered to execute Guruji along with his three companions, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dyala and Bhai Sati Das at Delhi. After the martyrdom of his father Guru Teg Bahadur on November 11, 1675 AD, in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, young Gobind Singh adorned the throne of Gurudom. In order to gather strong force to fight Aurangzeb, Guru Gobind Singh left Mukhowal and went into the interior of hilly areas in Paonta, now in Himachal Pradesh. He was pleased with the beauty of natural surroundings of Poanta. He made Nahan as his capital and the centre of his activities. He was very fond of hunting which resulted in his becoming fully trained in the use of all weapons of war. He used to remain armed with weapons and well dressed. He got himself well versed in Punjabi, Sanskrit, Persian languages and read ancient literature. He resolved to fight for the political and religious freedom of Sikhs and Hindus and mental awakening of the masses through literature. Guru Gobind Singh wrote devotional verses at Poanta. These were later collected in the volume called Dasam Granth. He employed 52 poets to recount tales of ancient chivalry and mythology about goddesses of war who killed demons. He would reward them for excellence of their creative work. He paid special attention for imparting military training to the Sikhs. He was a combination of spirit, action and poetry. He started preaching through written literature. He also impressed upon his followers to regularly practice riding, wrestling, fencing and the art of warfare. He engaged Pathans to impart training to the soldiers. However, the hill Rajas, Raja Fateh Shah of Srinagar and Bhim Chand of Bilaspur watched the activities of Guru Gobind Singh with increasing apprehension. They joined hands to invade Paonta. The battle took place at Bhangani in 1686. There was a great loss to both sides. On knowing of the mercenary Pathans’ last minute treachery, Budhu Shah of Sadhaura, with his sons and followers came to the rescue of the Sikh forces. In this battle Pathans betrayed the Sikhs but, ultimately, Sikhs were victorious. This impressed the other hill Rajas. They also started revolting against the Mughals. They joined hands with Guru Gobind Singh and stopped payment of tax to the Mughals who in turn mounted campaign to suppress them. The fight took place at Nadaun in 1686 between the Hill Rajas and the Mughal forces. The Mughals were victorious. The hill Rajas accepted subordination of the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh returned to Anandpur in 1689 AD. Learning of the high handed exploitation in the institution of ‘Masands’ Guruji decided to abolish the ‘Masand’ system that had been in existence since the time of Guru Ram Das. By 1699 AD, Guru Gobind Singh had achieved great success in arranging large and strong army of soldiers fully trained to fight any battle. Till then everyone, Hindu or Muslim was allowed to the portals of the new faith if he renounced his caste, agreed to dine with others, provided service to mankind irrespective of his position and believed in one God. Guru Gobind Singh decided to evolve a new order. Guruji called his followers at Anandpur in 1699 on the Vaisakhi Day and laid the foundation of the Khalsa. The word ‘Khalsa’ is a derivation of the Arabic word ‘Khalis’ which means ‘pure’. There were more than eighty thousand followers present on the auspicious occasion. When all had settled, Guruji appeared on the dais and drew out his glittering sword. He asked if there was any person who could lay down his life for the faith. After a deep silence Daya Ram, a Khatri from Lahore, stood up. Guruji took him inside the tent and came out with his sword dripping blood. Guruji came to the dais and asked again: who could sacrifice for the sake of religion. This time, Dharam Dass, a Jat from Delhi, volunteered. Guruji took him inside the tent and came out as before. Then he called three more followers, one by one, for sacrifice. Mohkam Chand, a Dhobi from Dwarka, Sahib Chand, a barber from Jagganath Puri and Himmat Rai, a water carrier ‘kahar’ from Bidar, presented themselves. Out of five, four were "untouchables". Symbolically, they represented five regions of the sub-continent and, collectively their Individual names: "Daya", Dharma, Mohkam, Sahib and Himat encapsulated the virtues of Sikhism. At the end, Guruji presented these five volunteers before the large gathering. They were dressed as soldiers. Guruji named them as "Panj Pyare" - the five dear ones. The largest assembly of the time resounded with "Sat Sri Akal" and received the blessings of the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh then ordered for water in a iron bowl which was stirred with a double-edged sword. During stirring of water a few sections of the ‘Bani’ were recited. His wife Jeetoji came and put ‘Patasas’ (Sugar bubbles) in the bowl to sweeten the water. This ‘Amrit’ (nectar) as Pahul was administered to the ‘Panj Pyaras’ and other Sikhs. In this manner, the ceremony established three aspects of importance. First, for making Amrit (nectar) ‘Khanda’ is to be used during recitation of "bani". Secondly, a common way of salutation was founded. "Sat Sri Akal". Once the "Amrit", is administered to a person, he becomes a member of the Khalsa, the Army of God, and acceptance of Sikh ‘rahit’ which meant wearing of five Ks : Kesh, Kangha, Kuchha, Karha and Kirpan. Thus the Khalsa was founded. In this way a principle was also established that any five Sikhs can admit new disciples into the Khalsa Panth through this process. Guruji also conferred the title of "Singh" (lion) after their names. They were not to use caste or sub-caste. They were filled with bravery and confidence. The simple followers were thus transformed with lions and now they were in no danger of being suppressed. All Sikhs were to greet each other with "Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji Ki Fateh". The main principles of the Khalsa Panth were adopted by all the followers of Guru Gobind Singh. They were to worship only one Almighty God, and no other God or goddess. All the followers are brothers and equals. Guru Gobind Singh dissolved the casteist divisions and welded them into one Khalsa. Every Sikh must bear a good moral character and will not smoke or use any intoxicants. Each Khalsa will carry arms regularly day and night and will sacrifice everything for the sake of religion and motherland and will help the poor and will continue to defend the system of ‘Deg’ (langer) - the community kitchen. They must chant five ‘Banis’ (sacred hymns) every morning and place themselves at the command of their Guru. It is virtuous to use ‘Katchha’, ‘Kanga’, ‘Kara’, ‘Kes’, and ‘Kirpan’ and to lead pure life, giving 1/10th of their income as charity. The Sikhs add ‘Singh’ to their names and greet each other by saying "Wah-i-Guruji ka Khalsa, Sri Wah-i-Guruji ki Fateh". Those who had opposed the path of Gurus and were selfish and dishonest "Masands" (Guru’s deputies) were not allowed to join the Khalsa. The ‘masands’ had the option of either becoming part of the community or face social boycott. There was no authority other than that of the Guru. The installation of the Khalsa allowed decentralization of authority within the Sikh community. Guru Gobind Singh himself took "Amrit" from the ‘Panj Pyaras’ and symbolized their authority of final order, "The Wahiguru". Many superstitions and blind faiths faded away, leading to the awakening of all Indians. They started considering one another as equal and started eating together in the same utensil. However, many Brahmins and Chhatris saw a threat to their class distinctions and opposed the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh. In spite of opposition, more than twenty thousand men accepted the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh on the first of Vaisakh, 1699 AD and pledged to act upon the same. A sense of self-confidence, bravery, self-respect, etc. came into them. They became lions. It established a strong organization of brave lions. It established a strong organization of brave soldiers. The Khalsa increased their military power day by day. It became a strong force to defeat Mughals and others and ensured safety for themselves. There were a number of requirements of the time that necessitated the establishment of the Dal Khalsa. One was the strong urge to vindicate the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur. The other strong reason was that Aurangzeb viewed Hindustan as Dar-Al-Harb, the domain of infidels awaiting to be converted into Dar-Al-Islam, the domain of faithfuls. He adopted various ways to put pressure on the populace, imposing Jaziya, the pilgrimage tax, and placing restriction on celebration of festivals. Guru Gobind Singh’s creation of the Khalsa - the Army of God, was an event of profound significance. He ordered his soldiers to take up arms and fight against oppression. The creation of the Khalsa also resulted in a sense of brotherhood. All people without distinction of caste had free entry to join the Khalsa Army. This strong organization was to fight against every injustice and the tyranny of the Mughals. The Khalsa increased their military power day by day. It lead to the Sikh rule in Punjab later on. Along with organizing a big strong force, Guru Gobind Singh built Forts at Patna, Anandpur, Lohgarh, Nandgarh, Phoolgarh and Fatehgarh. The Hill Chiefs as well as the Mughal king could not tolerate the Sikhs becoming a strong military force in their neighborhood. There were a few battles which Guru Gobind Singh fought bravely. The first battle took place in 1701 at Anandpur between the Raja of Kehlur and the Sikh forces. The second battle took place again at Anandpur in 1703-4. This time the Hill Rajas took assistance of the Mughals. The Guru agreed to evacuate the fort. But while crossing the Sarsa river, near Ropar, Guru’s mother, Gujari and the two younger sons Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh got separated. They took refuge with one of the cooks, Gangaram who took them to his house at Sarhind. He, however, betrayed the family and informed the local authorities. Wazir Khan, Subedar of Sarhind ordered their confinement in the tower of the Sarhind Fort. Next morning they were produced in the court. They were told to accept Islam. The boys refused and talked about their brave father Guru Gobind Singh. Wazir Khan was greatly impressed by the brave response of the young boys but they were not prepared to accept Islam. Though Wazir Khan was inclined to have mercy on the young brave Sikh boys but Suchanand Khatri, the Dewan, persuaded Wazir Khan to execute the brave boys. They were mercilessly bricked up alive in a wall at Sarhind. Mata Gurjari too died of grief at the senseless killing of her grandsons. Before Guru Gobind Singh reached Chamkaur, the Mughal forces overtook him. They were only 38 who gave tough fight. A battle took place in 1704. In this battle, Guru Gobind Singh lost his remaining two sons, Sardar Ajit Singh and Sardar Jujhar Singh, aged 18 and 16. Guru Gobind Singh loved his sons but he loved the Khalsa more than his sons. Guru’s own life was in great danger. Guru Gobind Singh disguised himself and escaped to Machhiwara, near Ludhiana to fight against the Mughals. The last battle between the Mughals and the forces of Guruji was at Muktsar in Ferozepur in 1706. In this battle, the Sikhs forces were victorious. Thereafter, Guruji went to Talwindi Sabo in Patiala which is now known as Damdama Sahib and stayed there for about three years. He gave final touch to the Adi Granth and included in it the verses of his father. Talwandi Sabo came to be known as Guru Ki Kashi. After the death of Aurangzeb on 20th February 1707, his successor Bahadur Shah established cordial relations with Sikhs. Bahadur Shah appealed to Guru Gobind Singh to forget the past and meet him. Guru Gobind Singh reached Nander (Nau Nand Dehra?) where nine Rishis had dwelt in pre-historic times on the bank of Godavari River) Hyderabad. Guru Gobind Singh lived at Nander for fourteen months and ten days with his followers and some infantry and three hundred cavalry. Gul Khan, a Pathan and a grandson of Painda Khan used to visit Guru Gobind Singh as his devotee. While he was going to his bed, Gul Khan stabbed Guru Gobind Singh twice in revenge for the killing of Painda Khan at the hands of Guru Har Gobind. The said Pathan had been sent by Wazir Khan, Governor of Sarhind, who thought that the friendly relations of Bahadur Shah and Guru Gobind Singh would pose a danger to himself. At this sudden attack Guru Gobind Singh drew his sword and killed Gul Khan before he could escape. Guru Gobind Singh was immediately treated. However, on the fourth day, his condition became serious. Guru Gobind Singh departed from the earthly achievements in 1708. He was 42 years old. He remained in power for 33 years. He once mentioned that after him, the Guru shall be the Khalsa and the Khalsa the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh is revered as the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs. |
 | Guru Gobind Singh Ji And ... (Lakwinder Singh - 23.Aug.03) |
