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[[Image:Guru Gobind Singh 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Guru Gobind Singh Ji ''(the tenth [[Guru Nanak Dev|Nanak]])'']] |
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| name = Gobind Singh |
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'''Guru Gobind Singh ji''' ({{lang-pa|ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ}}, Born in [[Patna, India|Patna]], [[Bihar (India)|Bihar]], [[India]], on [[22 December]], [[1666]] as ''Gobind Rai'' – [[7 October]], [[1708]], [[Nanded]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]) was the tenth and last human Guru of the Sikhs; his time as Guru lasted from [[November 11]], [[1675]] following in the footsteps of his father, the ninth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] ji, till his death in 1708. |
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| image = Guru Gobind Singh 1.jpg |
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| image_size = |
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| caption = A painting of Guru Gobind Singh |
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| birth_name = |
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| birth_date = [[22 December]], [[1666]] |
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| birth_place = [[Patna]] |
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| death_date = [[7 October]], [[1708]] |
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| death_place = [[Nanded]] |
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| death_cause = |
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| resting_place = |
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| resting_place_coordinates = |
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| residence = |
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| nationality = |
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| other_names = Gobind Rai |
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| known_for = |
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| education = |
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| employer = |
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| occupation = |
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| title = Guru |
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| salary = |
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| networth = |
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| height = |
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| weight = |
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| term = |
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| predecessor = [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] |
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| successor = |
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| party = |
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| boards = |
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| religion = [[Sikhism]] |
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| spouse = Jito, Sundari, Sahib Devan (later Sahib Kaur) |
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| partner = |
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| children = Ajit Singh (b. November 1686)<br/>Jujhar Singh (b. March 1690)<br/>[[Sahibzada Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]] (b. 1697)<br/>[[Sahibzada Fateh Singh|Fateh Singh]] (b. 1699) |
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| parents = [[Guru Teg Bahadur]], [[Mata Gujri]] |
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| relatives = |
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| signature = |
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| website = |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
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'''Guru Gobind Singh''' ({{lang-pa|ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ}}) ([[22 December]], [[1666]] – [[7 October]], [[1708]]) was the tenth [[Sikh Gurus|Guru]] of the [[Sikhism|Sikhs]]. He became the Guru on [[11 November]] [[1675]], succeeding his father, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]]. He was a warrior, a poet, and a spiritual leader. His establishment of the military order [[Khalsa]] is considered as one of the most important events in the [[history of Sikhism]]. |
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Guru Gobind Singh was the last human Sikh Guru; he finished the Sikh holy book, [[Guru Granth Sahib]], and before his death, nominated it as the next perpetual Guru of Sikhs. |
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Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (also sometimes transliterated as 'Govind'), played a monumental part in the development of the Sikh faith. His 5 K's and taking up arms against the Mughals created a warrior brotherhood that was visibly different and helped evolve Sikhism from an embryonic lifestyle into a disciplined and determined religion. The First Guru was [[Guru Nanak Dev]] Ji, the founder of [[Sikhism]]. |
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''[[Bichitra Natak]]'', considered to be the autobiography of Guru Gobind Singh, is one of the major sources for the information about his life. However, it's authorship is disputed by some scholars. |
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Guru Gobind Singh Ji exemplified the teachings of Sikh principles during his lifetime. He not only taught the principles of the faith, but also felt the pain of sacrifice in upholding those beliefs. Guru Gobind Singh ji lost his father, mother and all four sons to a religious war being waged by emperor [[Aurangzeb]], the last of the six grand [[Mughals]]. Aurangzeb demanded that all the Sikhs embrace [[Islam]]. The first five of the Sikh Guru's had been peaceful leaders and had coexisted well with the Mughal rulers of India. Akbar had come to admire the Sikhs as social reformers who believed in one God and the brotherhood of men. Both [[Akbar]] and his father [[Humayun]] had sat among commoners formerly of all the various castes of India who now as Sikhs ate together sharing the same food in the ''Guru ka Langar'' (Guru's communal kitchen) seated on the floor. Akbar had even given as a ''jagir'' (a gift of land, villages and the profits from this land) which grew to become [[Amritsar]] to the daughter of Guru Ram Das as a wedding present. It was during the absence of [[Jahangir]], the next Mughal ruler, that a plot cooked up by an angered [[Hindu]] banker, who was influential at the Mughal court, lead to the tortuous death of Guru Arjan. The son of [[Guru Arjan]], Guru Har Gobind refused to wear the ''seli'' (the turban of renunciation handed down from Nanak to each new Guru) and had instead asked for two swords. He maintained a Sikh army of 2,000 Cavalry. Even then, through each successive Guru the army was used only for defense. It was only as Guru Gobind lay dying that he gave orders to raise an army and attack the Mughal forces of [[Wazir Khan]]. It was in this fight for spiritual survival or as the Guru himself called it, ''''Dharamyudh'''', (the war for righteousness) that the first Sikh Jathadar, Banda Singh Bahadur was appointed. |
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==Biography== |
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:In the words of the famous Muslim poet of the era, Sayyad Bulleh Shah: |
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:'''"I do not speak of here or there, I only speak the truth; Had there not been a Gobind Singh ji, all would be circumcized"''', said in reference to Guru Gobind Singh's fight against the oppression and tyranny of [[Aurangzeb]]. (All Muslim men follow the same covenant with God as do the other "sons of Abraham" the Jews - circumcision). |
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===Early days=== |
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He gave everything for humanity including his family and disciples and still said that whatever god is doing is sweet to me. |
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[[Image:Guru Gobind Singh meets Guru Nanak Dev.jpg|thumb|right|Guru Gobind Singh (with bird) encounters Guru Nanak Dev. An 18th century painting of an imaginary meeting.]] |
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Guru Gobind's father, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] ji, was beheaded in [[Delhi]] (where the [[Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib]] stands today) on the orders of Aurangzeb. Guru Gobind Singh two elder sons (18 and 14 yrs. old), [[Sahibzada Ajit Singh]] and [[Sahibzada Jujhar Singh]], hopelessly outnumbered fell as martyrs fighting Mughal troops at [[Chamkaur|Chamkaur Sahib]]. In fact, only four Sikhs would escape certain death at Chamkaur, the Guru who was ordered to leave by his own men and against his own wishes and three companions. His mother [[Mata Gujri]] and his two youngest sons were betrayed by [[Gangu]], a household servant, who betrayed their trust and turned them over to the Mughals. |
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Guru Gobind Singh was born as '''Gobind Rai''' in [[Patna]] to [[Guru Teg Bahadur|Teg Bahadur]], the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, and his wife [[Mata Gujri|Gujri]]. Gobind Rai was born while Guru Tegh Bahadur was touring [[Assam]] to spread his teachings. |
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According to a legend, the birth of Gobind Rai was prophesized by [[Pir (Sufism)|Pir]] Bhikan Shah, a [[fakir]] from Thaksa village (now in [[Karnal District]] of [[Haryana]]). One day, Bhikan Shah bowed towards the east during his prayers, contrary to the standard Islamic practice of bowing in the direction of [[Qibla]]. When the villagers questioned his strange act, he stated that a special child, the savior chosen by the God, would be born in Patna, which lied to the East. He then traveled to Patna with a group of his followers to see the child. He placed two bowls of sweets before the newbord; one bowl was purchased from a [[Hindu]]'s shop, and the second from a [[Muslim]]'s shop, thus signifying the two major contemporary religions in India. The baby placed his hands on both the bowls, thus indicating that both Hindus and Muslims will be treated equally by him. According to another legend, the fakir Araf Din of Lakhnaur (now in [[Ambala District]]) also bowed to the boy, and proclaimed him as divine. |
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Wazir Khan (the Mughal commander of Sirhand) had Mata Gujri tortured to death, and ordering a section of the city wall torn down he had both boys, [[Sahibzada Zorawar Singh]] and [[Sahibzada Fateh Singh]], 7 and 9 years old respectively, buried alive by being bricked into the wall. They had refused to be converted to Islam. |
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Gobind Rai spent the first five years of his life in Patna. As a child, he used to play [[wargaming|war games]] with other children, leading mock battles. He had many admirers, including a learned [[Brahmin]] called [[Pandit]] Shiv Dutt (or Shiv Das). Once, Raja Fateh Chand of Patna and his Rani, a childless couple, visited Shiv Dutt, and asked him to bless them with a child. Shiv Dutt suggested that if an innocent child like Gobind Rai prayed to God, their desire would be fulfilled. The couple then asked young Gobind Rai to visit their palace, where the Rani asked Gobind Rai to pray to God to bless her with a son like him. Gobind Rai smiled and said that there can be nobody like him, so the Rani should call him her son. From that day, the Rani started calling him ''Bala Pritam'' ("child God"). The royal couple allowed Gobind Rai and his friends to freely play in their palace, and also built a big dining hall for the children. |
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Guru Gobind Singh ji also finalized many elements of Sikhism. He proclaimed himself the last living Guru and established the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. This elevates the reverence of the [[Granth]] to that of a living Guru. However, it was only spiritual authority that was bestowed upon the Guru Granth. Guru Gobind also compiled the [[Dasam Granth]] sometimes known as the ''Dasven Paatshah Ka Granth'' (The Holy Book of the Tenth Emperor). He also established the [[Amrit Sanskar|Sikh baptism ceremony]], the partaking of [[Amrita|amrit]] or [[Amrit Sanskar]]. He was a great warrior, leader and poet, a rare combination. |
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Other admirers of the boy included two [[Nawabs]], Rahim Baksh and Karim Baksh. Nawab Karim Baksh had gifted a village and gardens to the child. |
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== |
===Stay in Anandpur=== |
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Guru Tegh Bahadur had founded the city of [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]] in the year [[1665]], on the land purchased from the ruler of [[Kahlur|Bilaspur]] (Kahlur). After his tour of eastern parts of India ended, he asked his family to come to Anandpur. Gobind Rai reached Anandpur (then known as Chakk Nanaki), on the foothills of the [[Sivalik Hills]], in March 1672. |
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The following is the summary of the main highlights of Guru Gobind Singh's life: |
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Gobind Rai's early education included study of [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Braj Bhasha|Braj]], [[Sanskrit]] and [[Persian]], and training as a soldier. He had started studying Hindi and Sanskrit while at Patna. In Anandpur, he started studying Punjabi under Sahib Chand, and Persian under Qazi Pir Mohammad. A [[Rajput]] warrior was employed to train him in military skills and horse riding. |
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* Compilation of the 1428 page [[Dasam Granth Sahib]]. |
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* Author of various important [[Bani]]s which Sikhs recite daily: [[Jaap Sahib]], [[Chaupai]], etc. |
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* Wrote his autobiography, the [[Bichitra Natak]] |
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* Built various [[Gurdwara]]s - such as [[Keshgarh]] Sahib etc. |
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* Developed [[Anandpur Sahib]] as a Sikh Centre of Excellence. |
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* Developed [[Damdama Sahib]] as a Sikh Centre for Learning and Knowledge. |
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* Enhanced the structure of Sikh society by introducing various administration systems. |
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* Extreme personal sacrifice for society: Father martyred for protection of [[Kashmiri Pandits]], all four sons sacrificed to Mughal Forces. |
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* Sent [[Zafarnama]], the letter of victory, to [[Aurangzeb]]. Guru Gobind Singh praises his Sikhs and his sons, who dies fighting for the truth. |
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* Recognised the importance of martial training and trained himself as well as the Sikhs. |
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* Fought 11 battles with the [[Mughals]] and their [[Rajput]] alliances. Many of his battles has been described in his autobiography. |
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In 1675, some [[Kashmiri Pandit]]s led by Pandit Kirpa Ram of Matton visited Anandpur to seek Guru Tegh Bahadur's assistance against persecution from the Islamic [[Mughal]] rulers. Guru Tegh Bahadur proceeded to the Mughal capital [[Delhi]], to discuss the emperor [[Aurangzeb]]'s policty towards the non-Muslims. He was beheaded on [[11 November]] [[1675]] a [[Chandani Chowk]], after he refused to convert to Islam. His head was put on the public square to deter the public from objecting to Aurangzeb's policies. The beheading of Guru Teg Bahadur frightened many of his disciples, some of whom even refused to acknowledge themselves as his followers, in order to avoid persecution. A disciple called Bhai Jeewan brought Guru Tegh Bahadur's head to Anandpur, and narrated the story of fear among the Guru's followers in Delhi. |
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== The rules and guidelines of the Khalsa (5 K's) == |
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After hearing of what had happened in Delhi, Guru Gobind decided to inculcate the martial spirit among his followers. Guru Tegh Bahadur had ordained his son as the next guru, before his departure to Delhi. Gobind Rai was formally installed as the Guru on the Baisakhi, on [[11 November]] [[1675]].<ref name="Prithi_PS_History">{{cite book |
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| last = Singh |
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| first = Prithi Pal |
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| title = The History of Sikh Gurus |
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| publisher = Lotus Books |
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| year = 2007 |
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| isbn = 978-8183820752 |
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| page = 128-147 |
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}}</ref> |
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Guru Gobind engaged 52 poets to translate the heroic Sanskrit epics into contemporary languages. He selected the warlike theme in many of his compositions to infuse martial spirit among his followers. He also wrote several compositions preaching love, equality and the worship of one [[God]], deprecating [[idoltory]] and [[superstition]]. |
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Guru Gobind Singh, after administering Amrit to the 'Five Beloved Ones', ordained them to do the following: |
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Guru's increasing influence and power worried Raja Bhim Chand of [[Kahlur|Bilaspur]] (Kahlur), in whose territory Anandpur was located. Meanwhile, the Guru ordered construction of a war [[drum]] ([[Naqareh|nagara]]) called ''Ranjit Nagara'' to enthuse his soldiers. The use of such a war drum was limited to the chieftains, within their territory, and the Raja considered the use of ''Ranjit Nagara'' a hostile act. On his Prime Minister's advice, he arranged a meeting with the Guru in Anandpur. He was received with honor in the Guru's court, where his eyes fell at the valuable gifts presented to the Guru by the devotees. Later, Bhim Chand sent a message to the Guru, asking him to lend an elephant called ''Prasadi'' (a gift from a devotee) to him. The Guru suspected that Bhim Chand wanted to gain permanent possession of the elephant, and declined his demand. He stated that the devotee who had presented the elephant, didn't want it to be given away to anybody else. The Raja was perturbed by the Guru's refusal to give away the elephant, his growing influence, and his interest in military excercises. An atmosphere of confrontation developed between the two on small issues.<ref name="AjaySR_Garhwal">{{cite book |
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'''I.''' They must all wear the following articles. The name of each article begins with 'K'. These are known as the [[Five Ks|5 Kakke]] (the letter in the [[Gurmukhi]] alphabet corresponding to 'k'): |
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| last = Rawat |
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| first = Ajay Singh |
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| title = Garhwal Himalaya : a study in historical perspective |
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| publisher = Indus Publishing |
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| year = 2002 |
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| isbn = 8173871361 |
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| oclc = 52088426 |
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| pages = 50-54 |
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}}</ref> |
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===Stay at Paonta=== |
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* '''Kesh''' - Uncut hair. This represents the natural appearance of sainthood. This is the first token of the Sikh faith. The Guru called the Khalsa the ''Sant-Sipahi'' (Saint-Soldiers). Kesh is the identity of the Sikhs, and a Sikh should be recognisable in thousands. |
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* '''Kangha''' - A comb to keep the hair clean and tidy. |
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* '''Kachha''' - A pair of knee length shorts. |
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* '''Karaa''' - A steel bracelet on the wrist. |
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* '''Kirpan''' - A sword symbolizing dignity, defend the weak and strength. |
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In April 1685, Guru Gobind Rai shifted his residence [[Paonta]] in [[Sirmur]] state at the invitation of Raja Mat Prakash of Sirmur. The reasons for the shift are not clear.<ref name="AjaySR_Garhwal"/> The author of ''Bichitra Natak'' doesn't mention any reason for shifting his residence to Paonta.<ref>''Bichitra Natak''. [http://www.sridasam.org/dasam?Action=Page&p=143 Chapter 8, Chaupai 1]. "Then I left my home and went to place named Paonta.".</ref> 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. From Toka, he was brought to [[Nahan]] (the capital of Sirmur) by Mat Prakash. From Nahan, he proceeded to Paonta.<ref name="Gazetteer_Simur">{{cite book |
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'''II.''' They must observe the following guidelines. These are known as the ''Rehatnamas'' (Codes of Conduct): |
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| title = Gazetteer of the Sirmur State |
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* Eating ritualistic meat like [[Halal]] and [[Kosher]] is not allowed. |
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| publisher = Indus Publishing |
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* Defend the weak or infirm from tyranny and oppression. |
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| location = [[New Delhi]] |
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* Not to remove hair from any part of the body (hair was embraced as natural by the Guru). |
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| year = 1996 |
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* Not to use Tobacco or other intoxicants (e.g., alcohol). |
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| isbn = 978-8173870569 |
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| oclc = 41357468 |
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| page = 16 |
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}}</ref> Mat Prakash invited the Guru to his kingdom in order to strengthen his position against Raja [[Fateh Shah]] of [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]].<ref name="AjaySR_Garhwal"/> At the request of Raja Mat Prakash, the Guru constructed a fort at Paonta with help of his followers, in a short time. He continued to increase his army. Raja Fateh Shah also paid a visit to the Guru, and was received with honor in his court. The Guru established a peace treaty between the two Rajas. The Guru remained at Paonta for around three years, and composed several texts. |
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The hostility between Bhim Chand and the Guru increased during the latter's stay at Paonta, ultimately resulting in the [[Battle of Bhangani]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} away from Paonta. Bhim Chand was supported by other hill Rajas, including [[Fateh Shah]] of [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]], Kirpal of [[Katoch]], Gopal of Guler (or Guleria), Hari Chand of Hadur and the Raja of Jaswal. Bhim Chand was also aided by some defected [[Pathan]]s employed by the Guru. The Guru's army cosnsisted of his disciples, some [[Udasi]]s, some [[Pathan]]s, and around 700 followers of [[Pir (Sufism)|Pir]] Budhu Shah of [[Sadhaura]]. According to ''[[Bichitra Natak]]'', the Battle of Bhangani resulted in the Guru's victory. |
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'''"Sarbat sangat Kabul Guru rakhe ga Tusa ute asaadee bahut khusi hai Tusi Khande da Amrit Panja to lena Kes rakhne...ih asadee mohur hair; Kachh, Kirpan da visah nahee karna SARB LOH da kara hath rakhna Dono vakat kesa dee palna karna Sarbat sangat abhakhia da kutha Khave naheen, Tamakoo na vartana Bhadni tatha kanya-maran-vale so mel na rakhe Meene, Massandei, Ramraiye ki sangat na baiso Gurbani parhni...Waheguru, Waheguru japna Guru kee rahat rakhnee Sarbat sangat oopar meri khushi hai."''' (Patshahi Dasvi Jeth 26, Samat 1756) |
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{{seealso|Battle of Bhangani}} |
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''"To the entire sangat at Kabul. The Guru will protect the Sangat, I am pleased with you all. You should take baptism by the sword, from the Five Beloveds. Keep your hair uncut for this is a seal of the Guru, Accept the use of shorts and a sword. Always wear IRON KARA on your wrist, Keep your hair clean and comb it twice a day. Do not eat meat/flesh, Do not use tobacco in any form, Have no connection with those who kill their daughters Or permit the cutting of their children's hair. Do not associate with Meenas, Massands and Ram-raiyas (anti-Sikh cults) Recite the Guru's hymns Meditate on "The Name of our Wonderful Lord", Follow the Sikh code of discipline I give the entire sangat my blessing"'' (Signature of 10th Guru Jeth 26, 1756 Bikrami (23rd May 1699 A.D) )(There is no mention about " not keeping relation with, who permit cutting of the hairs of their children, in the original letter.) |
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===Return to Anandpur=== |
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* Not to commit adultery- ''''Par nari ki sej, bhul supnehun na jayo'''' (Never enjoy, even in dream, the bed of a woman other than that of your own wife or husband) |
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Sometime after the Battle of Bhangani, the Guru decided to return to Anandpur. On his way back to Anandpur, he camped at [[Sadhaura]] and [[Laharpur]] for a few days. After leaving the Sirmur state, he entered [[Ramgarh, Uttarakhand|Ramgarh]] state and stayed at Tabra for more than a week. He then visited [[Raipur, Uttarakhand|Raipur]] at the invitation of the local [[Rani]]. After leaving Raipur, he continued his journey to Anandpur, passing through Toda, Nada, Dhakoli, Kotla, Ghanaula, Bunga, and Kiratpur. He reached Anandpur, and established peace with Raja Bhim Chand. |
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A supplementary ordinance was issued that anyone who did not observe any of the above four directives must be re-baptized, pay a fine, and promise not to offend any more, or she/he must be excommunicated from the Khalsa. |
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In the 1680s, to meet the expenses of his campaigns in [[Deccan]], the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb ordered recovery of annual tributes from the rulers of hill states, who had been defaulting on the payment for three consecutive years.<ref name="AvinashDani_Tribune">{{cite news |
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'''III.''' They must rise at dawn, bathe, meditate on Gurmantar-'[[Waheguru]]', [[Mool Mantar]]- the preamble of Japji, and recite the five banis- Japji, Jap Sahib and Swayas in the morning; Reh Raas in the evening; and Kirtan Sohela at bed time at night. |
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| url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99nov07/sunday/head5.htm |
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| title = Little-known gurdwara of Nadaun |
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| author = Avinash Dani |
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| work = Sunday Reading |
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| publisher = [[The Tribune]] |
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| date = [[7 November]] [[1999]] |
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| accessdate = 2007-12-06 |
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}}</ref> The duty of collecting tributes from Kangra and adjoining principalities was assigned to Alif Khan (or Alaf Khan).<ref name="Prithi_PS_History"/> Two of the hill Rajas, Raja Kirpal Chand of [[Kangra]] and Raja Dayal of Bijarwal, agreed to meet Alif Khan's demands. However, Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur (Kahlur) refused to pay the tribute, and formed an alliance of the local rulers opposed to the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh also agreed to support him. In the [[Battle of Nadaun]], the armies of Alif Khan and his aides were defeated by the allied forces of Bhim Chand, Guru Gobind Singh and other hill Rajas. Different authors give the deate of the battle variously as 1687<ref>{{cite book |
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| last = Malik |
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| first = Arjan Dass |
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| title = An Indian guerilla war : the Sikh peoples war, 1699-1768 |
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| publisher = Wiley |
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| location = [[New York]] |
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| year = 1975 |
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| isbn = 978-0470565766 |
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| oclc = 1339733 |
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| pages = 22 |
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}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |
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| last = Johar |
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| first = Srinder Singh |
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| title = The Sikh gurus and their shrines |
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| year = 1976 |
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| publisher = Vivek Pub. Co. |
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| oclc = 164789879 |
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| quote = A fierce battle was fought at Nadaun in 1687. |
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| pages = 87 |
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}}</ref>, 1689<ref>{{cite book |
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| last = Mansukhani |
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| first = Gobind Singh |
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| title = The Quintessence of Sikhism |
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| publisher = [[Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee]] |
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| location = [[Amritsar]] |
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| year = 1965 |
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| oclc = 2654849 |
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| pages = 46 |
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}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |
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| last = Seetal |
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| first = Sohan Singh |
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| title = Prophet of Man, Guru Gobind Singh |
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| publisher = Seetal Pustak Bhandar |
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| location = Ludhiana |
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| year = 1968 |
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| oclc = 115772 |
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| pages = 179 |
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| quote = This battle of Nadaun was fought in November, 1689. |
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}}</ref>, 1690<ref>{{cite book |
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| last = Singh |
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| first = Gopal |
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| title = A History of the Sikh People, 1469-1978 |
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| publisher = World Sikh University Press |
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| location = [[New Delhi]] |
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| year = 1979 |
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| oclc = 6330455 |
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| pages = 275 |
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| quote = This is known as the battle of Nadaun and was fought probably late in 1690 |
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}}</ref> [[20 March]] [[1691]].<ref name="AvinashDani_Tribune"/>, and [[4 April]] [[1891]].<ref>{{cite web |
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| url = http://hphamirpur.gov.in/temple.htm#n10 |
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| title = Temples in the District: Gurudwara sahib Nadaun |
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| publisher = NIC Hamirpur |
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| accessdate = 2007-12-06 |
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}}</ref> |
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According to ''Bichitra Natak'', Guru Gobind Singh remained at Nadaun, on the banks of the [[Beas River|River Beas]], for eight days, and visited the places of all the chiefs.<ref>''[[Bichitra Natak]]''. [http://www.sridasam.org/dasam?Action=Page&p=152 Chapter 9, Chaupai 22]</ref> Later, both the parties made an agreement and peace was established.<ref>''[[Bichitra Natak]]''. [http://www.sridasam.org/dasam?Action=Page&p=153 Chapter 9, Chaupai 23]</ref> |
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'''IV.''' They must not worship cemeteries, or cremation grounds, and must believe only in One Immortal God. The Guru further spelled out that they should practice arms, and never show their backs to the foe in the battlefield. They should always be ready to help the poor and protect those who seek their protection. They were to consider their previous castes erased, and deem themselves all brothers of one family. |
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In 1694, Dilawar Khan, the Mughal chief of [[Punjab region|Punjab]], sent his son with an army of one thousand men to Anandpur, to check the rising power of the Guru. As Khanzada crossed the Satluj river, Guru's scout Alam Chand (aka Alam Khan) alerted the Guru's forces. The ''Ranjit Nagara'' was beaten, and the Guru's men quickly marched to the river, forcing the Mughal army to retreat back. |
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The failure of Khanzada to check Guru's power provoked Dilawar Khan to plan a bigger attack on the Guru. He sent two thousand men under Hussain to subdue the Guru and the hill Rajas. Hussain Khan defeated the Raja of Dadhwal, and was joined by Raja Kirpal of Kangra and Raja Bhim Chand. He wasn't pleased with the subsidy that Raja Gopal of Guler had offered him. Gopal then sent his envoy to Guru Gobind Singh, asking him to negotiate a peace treaty between Hussain and the Raja. The Guru sent his agent, Sangtia, with an escort of seven troopers. However, an agreement could not be reached between Gopal and Hussain, resulting in a battle (dated between 1695 to 1698). Kirpal and Bhim Chand fought on Hussain's side, while Raja Ram Singh and the Guru's men fought on Raja Gopal's side. The battle resulted in the deaths of Hussain, Kirpal and all of the Guru's men. Raja Bhim Chand's forces fled from the battlefield, and Raja Gopal went to the Guru, offering him gifts and thanks. The battle has been mentioned as ''Hussaini Yudh'' in ''Bichitra Natak''. |
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=== The works of Guru Gobind Singh === |
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After Hussain's death, Dilawar Khan sent his men Jujhar Singh and Chandel Rai to Sivalik Hills. However, they were defeated by Gaj Singh of Jaswal. The developments in the hill area caused anxiety to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who sent forces to restore Mughal authority in the region. |
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'''The Dasam Granth''' |
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===Foundation of Khalsa=== |
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The collection of writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh is known as the [[Dasam Granth]]. It consists of the following eighteen works: |
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{{main|Khalsa}} |
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In 1699, the Guru sent ''[[hukmanama]]s'' (letters of authority) to his followers, requesting them to congregate at [[Anandpur]] on [[13 April]] [[1699]], the day of [[Baisakhi]] (the annual [[harvest festival]]).<ref name="Cynthia_Mahmood_Faith_Baisakhi">{{cite book |
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| last = Mahmood |
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| first = Cynthia Keppley |
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| title = Fighting for faith and nation dialogues with Sikh militants |
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| year = 1996 |
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| publisher = University of Pennsylvania Press |
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| location = Philadelphia |
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| isbn = 978-0812215922 |
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| oclc = 44966032 |
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| pages = 43-45 |
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}}</ref> He addressed the congregation from the entryway of a small tent pitched on a small hill (now called Kesgarh Sahib). He drew his sword and asked for a volunteer who was willing to sacrifice his head. No one answered his first call, nor the second call, but on the third invitation, a person called [[Bhai Daya Singh|Daya Ram]] (later known as Bhai Daya Singh) came forward and offered his head to the Guru. Guru Gobind Rai took the volunteer inside the tent, and emerged shortly, with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent unharmed. These five, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their Guru, were called ''[[Panj Piare]]'' ("the five beloved ones").<ref name="Cynthia_Mahmood_Faith_Baisakhi"/> These five volunteers were the first [[Khalsa]] Sikhs: Daya Ram ([[Bhai Daya Singh]]), Dharam Das ([[Bhai Dharam Singh]]), Himmat Rai ([[Bhai Himmat Singh]]), Mohkam Chand ([[Bhai Mohkam Singh]]), and Sahib Chand ([[Bhai Sahib Singh]]). |
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Guru Gobind Rai then baptized these five Sikhs with a liquid mixture named ''[[Amrita|Amrit]]'' ("nectar"). He gave them all the name "[[Singh]]" (lion), and designated them collectively as [[Khalsa]], the body of baptized Sikhs. The members of the Khalsa consider Guru Gobind as their father, and Mata Sahib Kaur as their mother.<ref name="Cynthia_Mahmood_Faith_Baisakhi"/> The ''Panj Piare'' were thus the first baptised Sikhs, and became the first members of the Khalsa brotherhood. Women were also initiated into the Khalsa, and the initiates were called ''kaur'' ("princess").<ref name="Cynthia_Mahmood_Faith_Baisakhi"/> The Guru, like other members of the Khalsa, changed his name to Gobind Singh from Gobind Rai. |
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* [[Jaap Sahib]] |
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* [[Akal Ustat]] |
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* [[Bichitra Natak]] (an autobiography) |
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* Chandi Charitra I |
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* Chandi Charitra II |
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* [[Chandi di Var]] or Var Sri Bhagauti Ji (includes [[Ardas]]) |
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* Gyan Prabodh |
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* Chaubis Avtar |
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* Mehdi Mir Budh |
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* Brahma Avtar |
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* Rudra Avtar |
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* [[Shabad Hazaray]] |
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* Sri Mukh Baak Savaiye |
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* Khalse di Mehima |
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* Shastra Naam Mala |
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* Pakhyaan Charitra |
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* [[Zafarnama]] |
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* The Hikayats |
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(From Khushwant Singh's 'A History of the Sikhs - Volume 1') |
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In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh also issued directions to the Sikh ''[[sangat (term)|sangat]]''s (communities) not to acknowledge the ''masand''s (local administrative deputies acting on the Guru's behalf). He had received several complaints of corruption and abuse of powers, against the masands. He asked his followers to send their offerings directly to Anandpur. |
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'''Popular hymns/compositions by Guru Gobind Singh ji''' |
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===Conflicts with hill Rajas=== |
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* [[Deh Shiva Var Mohe]] |
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* Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khas |
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* Haal Muridaan Da Kahna |
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* Chandi (Durga) Ki vaar |
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* Sab Sikhan ko Hukam Hai Guru Manyo Granth |
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The formation of the military order Khalsa alerted the [[Raja]]s of the Sivalik hills. They united to evict the Guru from the region, but their expeditions during 1700-04 proved futile. |
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==Guru Gobind Singh ji 's Ascension== |
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Balia Chand and Alim Chand, two hill chiefs, made a surprise attack on the Guru, while he was on a hunting expedition.<ref>{{cite book |
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After [[Aurangzeb]]'s death, his successor [[Bahadur Shah I]] who admired the Sikh Guru sought to reduce conflicts as the [[Deccan]] wars of his father had over extended the Mughal armies and emptied the treasury. He tried to negotiate with the disaffected parties, including the [[Maratha]]s and the Sikhs. |
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| last = Williams |
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| first = Rosetta |
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| title = Sikh Gurus |
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| isbn = 978-8124107164 |
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| origyear = 2004 |
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| publisher = Educa Books/Har-Anand Publications |
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| pages = 103 |
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}}</ref> In the ensuing combat, Alim Chand managed to escape, while Balia Chand was killed by Guru's aide Ude Singh. |
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After several failed attempts to check the rising power of the Guru, the hill chiefs petitioned the Mughal rulers to help them in subduing the Guru. |
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Guru Gobind Singh went to [[Nanded]] in Maharashtra for discussions with Bahadur Shah. It was there that the Guru was attacked by two Muslim [[Pathan]] mercenaries, sent allegedly by Wazir Khan, to assassinate him. The Guru, though stabbed, managed to kill his attacker. The other was dispatched by one of the Guru's attendants. The Mughal Emperor had the Guru attended by his [[English people|English]] doctor. The wound is said to have been healing nicely when a few days later, during a expedition the Guru while stringing his bow, caused the injury to open. The Guru realising ascension was approaching gave instructions to his Sikhs telling them the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] would now be their eternal Guru. Guru Gobind Singh performed the Guruship ceremony on the Guru Granth Sahib on 7th October 1708. The Guru Granth Sahib, after the ceremony performed by Guru Gobind Singh, became the 11th Nanak and eternal Guru of Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Nanak, was cremated on [[7 October]] [[1708]], [[Nanded]] [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]. |
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The Mughal viceroy of Delhi sent his generals Din Beg and Painda Khan, each with an army of five thousand men, to subdue the Guru.<ref>{{cite book |
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== Chronology of the Main Events in the Guru's Life == |
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| last = Banerjee |
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There are no known paintings of Guru Gobind Singh from his time, the depiction here is an artist's interpretation depicting him as bejeweled as any Mughal Emperor or Hindu or Sikh Maharaja. Admonished by their Gurus to keep their outlook on life positive the portrait is indicative of the positive 'head held high' attitude for which the Sikhs are so well known and admired. |
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| first = Indubhusan |
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| title = Evolution of the Khalsa |
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| origyear = 1963 |
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| publisher = A. Mukerjee |
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| location = [[Calcutta]] |
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| oclc = 5880923 |
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| pages = 25 |
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}}</ref> The Mughal forces were joined by the armies of the hill chiefs. However, they failed to defeat the Guru's forces, and Painda Khan was killed in the first Battle of Anandpur (1701). |
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Alarmed at the Guru's rising influence, the Rajas of several states in the Sivalik hills assembled at [[Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]] to discuss the situation. The son of Bhim Chand, Raja Ajmer Chand of [[Kahlur]], suggested forming an alliance to curb the Guru's rising power. Accordingly, the Rajas formed an alliance, and marched towards Anandpur. They sent a letter to the Guru, asking him to pay the [[arrears]] of rent for Anandpur (which lied in Ajmer Chand's territory), and leave the place. The Guru insisted that the land was bought by his father, and is therefore, his own property. A battle, dated from 1701 to 1704, followed. The hill Rajas were joined by a large number of [[Ranghars]] and [[Gujjar]]s, under the command of Jagatullah. Duni Chand led five hundred men from [[Majha]] region to assist the Guru. Reinforcements from other areas also arrived to help the Guru. The conflict, known as the Second Battle of Anandpur, resulted in retreat of the hill Rajas.<ref>{{cite book |
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{| cellpadding=5 cellspacing=2 |
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| last = Macauliffe |
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|- bgcolor=#cccccc |
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| first = Max Arthur |
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! # !! Date !! Event |
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| authorlink = Max Arthur Macauliffe |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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| title = The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus, Sacred Writings, and Authors |
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|align=center | 1 || December 22nd, 1666 || Birth at Patna Sahib (Bihar) |
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| origyear = 1909 |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6EE |
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| year = 1996 |
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|align=center | 2 || May, 1673 || Arrival at Anandpur Sahib |
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| publisher = Low Price Publications |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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| isbn = 978-8186142318 |
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|align=center | 3 || July, 1677 || Marriage with Mata Jeeto Ji |
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| oclc = 1888987 |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6AA |
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| pages = 130 |
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|align=center | 4 || 1682 || Repulsing the attack of Rajput Raja Bhim Chand on Anandpur |
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}}</ref> |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6CC |
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|align=center | 5 || May, 1685 || Maklaavaa of Mata Jeeto Ji (who adopted the name 'Sundari') |
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|- bgcolor=#FFFFCC |
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|align=center | 6 || July, 1685 || Guru Ji leaves Anandpur for Paonta Sahib |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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|align=center | 7 || November, 1686 || Birth of S. Ajit Singh Ji |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6EE |
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|align=center | 8 || October, 1687 || Battle of Bhangani |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|align=center | 9 || November 1688 || Return to Anandpur Sahib |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6AA |
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|align=center | 10 || 1689 || Battle of Naudan |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6CC |
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|align=center | 11 || March,1690 || Birth of S. Jujhar Singh Ji |
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|- bgcolor=#FFFFCC |
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|align=center | 12 || 1694 || Khanzada attacks Anandpur |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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|align=center | 13 || 1695 || Battle with Hussain Khan |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6EE |
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|align=center | 14 || 1697 || Birth of S. Zorawar Singh Ji |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|align=center | 15 || 1699 || Birth of S. Fateh Singh Ji |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6AA |
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|align=center | 16 || Vaisakhi, 1699 || Creation of the Khalsa |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6CC |
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|align=center | 17 || September 1699 || Skirmishes with Rajput Raja Bhim Chand |
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|- bgcolor=#FFFFCC |
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|align=center | 18 || December 1700 || Attacked by the combined forces of the Rajput hill chieftains |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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|align=center | 19 || January 1701 || Leave Anandpur for Nirmoh |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6EE |
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|align=center | 20 || January 1702 || Battle of Nirmoh |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|align=center | 21 || March 1702 || Goes to Basoli April |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6AA |
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|align=center | 22 || June 1702 || Occupation of Kalmot |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6CC |
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|align=center | 23 || August 1702 || Return to Anandpur |
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|- bgcolor=#FFFFCC |
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|align=center | 24 || February 1703 || Repulsing the attacks of the [[Rajput]] hill-chieftains |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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|align=center | 25 || June 1704 || Repulsing the combined attack of [[Rajput]] hill-chiefs and Mughals |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6EE |
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|align=center | 26 || December 1704 || Evacuation of Anandpur |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|align=center | 27 || December 1704 || Battle of Chamkaur and martyrdom of S. Ajit Singh Ji and S. Jujhar Singh Ji |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6CC |
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|align=center | 28 || December 1704 || Martyrdom of S. Zorawar Singh Ji and S. Fateh Singh Ji |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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|align=center | 29 || May, 1705 || Battle of Khidrana |
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|- bgcolor=#FFFFCC |
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|align=center | 30 || June 1705 || Battle of [[Muktsar]] |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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|align=center | 31 || July 1705 || Reach Sabo-ki-talwandi (Damdama Sahib) |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6EE |
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|align=center | 32 || November 1705 || Start from Damdama Sahib to meet emperor Aurangzeb |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|align=center | 33 || March 1707 || Death of [[Aurangzeb]] |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6CC |
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|align=center | 34 || March 1707 || Guru Ji receives news of death of Aurangzeb |
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|- bgcolor=#FFFFCC |
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|align=center | 35 || July 23rd, 1707 || Guru Ji meets Bahadhur Shah at Agra |
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|- bgcolor=#FFE8E8 |
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|align=center | 36 || November 1707 || Moves towards Deccan |
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6EE |
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|align=center | 37 || September 1708 || Reach Nanded |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|align=center | 38 || October 7th, 1708 || Guru Ji formally declares the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] as the eleventh and eternal Sikh Guru |
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|- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|align=center | 39 || October 7th, 1708 || (Guru Ji passed on/ascension) |
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|} |
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Later, the hill Rajas negotiated a peace agreement with the Guru, asking him to leave Anandpur temporarily. Accordingly, the Guru left for Nirmoh village.<ref>{{cite book |
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==The Eleven Gurus of Sikhism== |
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| last = Singh |
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| first = Dalip |
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| title = Guru Gobind Singh and Khalsa Discipline |
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| year = 1992 |
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| publisher = Singh Bros. |
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| location = [[Amritsar]] |
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| isbn = 978-8172050719 |
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| oclc = 28583123 |
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| pages = 256 |
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}}</ref> Seeing that Nirmoh was not fortified, Raja Ajmer Chand and the Raja of [[Kangra]] launched an attack on the Guru's camp. However, they were not able to defeat the Guru. Meanwhile, Raja Ajmer Chand had sent his envoys to the Mughal viceroys in [[Sirhind]] and [[Delhi]], seeking their help against the Guru. The army of Sirhind viceroy Wazir Khan arrived to assist the hill Rajas. The assault by Wazir Khan's army forced the Guru to retreat to Basoli, whose Raja was on good terms with the Guru. |
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After staying for a few days at Basoli, the Guru marched back to Anandpur, and the hill Rajas decided to make peace with the him. However, after two years of peace, the hostilities between the Rajas and the Guru reappeared due to Guru's rising power, and clashes between the Rajas' men and the Sikhs. Raja Ajmer Chand allied with the Rajas of Handur, Chamba and Fatehpur, and attacked Anandpur in 1703-04. They failed to oust the Guru in the Third Battle of Anandpur, and retreated back. |
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{{List_of_Sikh_Gurus}} |
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After repeated pleas for assistance from the hill Rajas, the Mughal emperor sent a large army under Saiyad Khan's command, to check the Guru's power. Saiyad Khan was a brother-in-law of Pir Budhu Shah, and defected to the Guru's side, after the Pir spoke highly of him. Ramzan Khan then took the command of the imperial army, and allied withh the hill Rajas to attack Anandpur in March 1704. It was the crop-cutting time of the year, and the majority of the Guru's followers had dispersed to their homes. Althought the Guru was assisted by two of his Muslim admirers, Maimun Khan and Saiyad Beg, his men were outnumbered and he decided to vacate Anandpur.<ref name="Prithi_PS_History"/> The Mughal army plundered the city, and then proceeded to Sirhind. On their way back, they were caught in a surprise attack by the Guru's forces, who recovered the booty captured from Anandpur. The Guru then returned to Anandpur. |
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==Quotes by Guru Gobind Singh== |
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===Evacuation from Anandpur=== |
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''"Sab Sikhan ko hokam hai Guru Manyo Granth" meaning "All Sikhs are commanded to take the [[Guru Granth Sahib|Granth]] as Guru". |
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At the plea of Raja Ajmer Chand, the Mughal emperor ordered the viceroys of Sirhind, Lahore and Kashmir to proceed against the Guru. The Mughal forces were joined by the armies of the hill Rajas, the Ranghars and the Gurjars of the area. The Guru also made preparations for the battle, and his followers from [[Majha]], [[Malwa (Punjab)|Malwa]], [[Doaba]] and other areas assembled at Anandpur. |
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''"I have taught the [[sparrow]] to hunt the [[hawk]]."'' ''(In reference to the destruction of [[Mughal]] armies, on the [[battlefield]], caused by much smaller Sikh armies)'' |
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The imperial forces attacked Anandpur in 1705, and laid a siege around the city. After a few days of the commencement of the siege, Raja Ajmer Chand sent his envoy to the Guru, offering withdrawal of the siege, in return for Guru's evacuation from Anandpur. The Guru refused to accept the offer, but many of his followers, suffering from lack of food and other supplies, asked him to accept the proposal. Forty of the disciples threatened to desert the Guru, and leave Anandpur. The Guru asked them sign a disclaimer saying that they were not his disciples. The forty men signed the disclaimer and left Anandpur. As more and more followers pressurized the Guru to accept Ajmer Chand's offer, he sent a message to Ajmer Chand. He informed Ajmer Chand that he would evacuate Anandpur, if the allied forces would first allow his treasury and other property to be taken outside the city. The allied forces accepted the proposal. The Guru, in order to test their sincerity, sent a caravan of loaded bullocks outside the fort. However, the allied forces attacked the caravan to loot the treasure. To their disappointment, they found out that the caravan had no treasure, just some rubbish articles. The Guru refused to accept any further proposals from the allied forces. |
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''"Savaa Laakh Se Ek Ladaoon, Tabe Gobind Singh Naam Kahaoon" meaning "When one (of my men on the [[battlefield]]) fights against 125,000 (men), only then will I call myself - Gobind Singh".'' |
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Finally, Aurangzeb sent a signed letter to the Guru, swearing in name of [[Quran]], that the Guru and his followers would be allowed a safe passage if he decides to evacuate Anandpur. The Guru, hard pressed by his followers and his family, accepted the offer. The Guru evacuated Anandpur on 20-21 December, 1705. |
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''"Kase Pusht Uftad Pas-e Sher Nar, Na Girad Buz-o Meish-o Ahoo Guzar"'' - If a man stands behind the back of a Lion (Singh), let alone (anyone) catching that person, a goat or a sheep or a deer cannot even pass nearby. |
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On the first night after they left Anandpur, the Guru's contingent was attacked by the imperial forces. Following a few skirmishes, the Guru and his followers reached the banks of Sirsa river. The group could not keep together while crossing the flooded Sirsa (or Sarsa) river. The Guru's mother, and his two younger sons, Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, strayed away from the main group. Guru's old servant, Gangu, escorted them to his village, Kheri. [[Mata Jito]] and [[Mata Sahib Kaur]] and others were in another group; they were escorted to [[Delhi]] by Jawahar Singh. The flood in the river resulted in several of the Guru's followers getting drowned, and there was heavy loss of property and literature. |
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The above quotes has been seen, in the action's of the Sikhs in their daily living, which is justified by the history, because of the inner ''transformation'', which the guru has taught, and is still true for whom, who is ready to work for that transformation and attain it, to become free and pure, "The Khalsa". |
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The Guru, with his two sons, and some other Sikhs, managed to cross the river and reached the Ghanaula village on the other side of the river. He instructed a band of hundred followers under Bachitar Singh to march to Rupar. The Guru, with the remaining followers, marched towards Kotla Nihang near Rupar, to stay with his trusted acquaintance [[Pathan]] Nihang Khan. Then he proceeded to Machhiwara and [[Raikot]], halting at Bur Majra. He was informed that a large body of troops from Sirhind was chasing him. He decided to face the troops at the fortress of Chamkaur. |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/nanak10.html Biography with pictures on sikh-history.com] |
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*[http://www.gurmat.info/sms/smspublications/thesaintsoldier/ The Saint - Soldier (Guru Gobind Singh)] - eBook |
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*[http://www.baisakhi1999.org Complete website on Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji] |
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*[http://www.scys-online.org/site/G10.html Learn more about Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji] |
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*[http://www.sikhvideos.org/jin-prem2.htm Video - Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji] |
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*[http://allaboutsikhs.com/gurus/gurugobind.htm AllAboutSikhs.com] |
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*[http://gurudwarasrishergahsahib.org/ The adjoining place to famous paonta sahib where guru ji killed man eating tiger] |
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The imperial troops besieged the fortress at Chamkaur in December 1705. The battle resulted in death of Guru's older sons, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh. The Guru asked the remaining disciples to get ready for the final charge, and die fighting. However, his disciples insisted that the his survival was necessary for the survival of the Khalsa, and planned his escape from Chamkaur. It was decided that Sant Singh and Sangat Singh will stay in the fortress, while Daya Singh, Dharam Singh, and Man Singh will accompany the Guru out of Chamkaur. The Guru gave his ''kalghi'' (plume/headgear) and his armor to Bhai Sant Singh, a Sikh who resembled him. Sant Singh was seated in the upper room where Guru was stationed. The Guru marched out of Chamkaur in the night, aloog with with some followers. Next day, the Mughal army still believed that the Guru was inside the fortress, and attacked the fortress, killing all the Sikhs inside the fortress. |
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'''Audio''': |
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*[http://www.niyarakhalsa.com Listen to Complete Guru Granth Sahib (66 hours)] |
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The Guru separated from his companions, and reached Machhiwara, after passing through Jandsar and Behlolpur. There, his three companions, Daya Singh, Dharam Singh and Man Singh rejoined him. Gulaba, an old ''masand'' of Machhiwara, gave them shelter, but feared for his own safety. Two Pathan horse merchants, Nabi Khan and Ghani Khan, decided to help him. The Khans, who were old acquaintances of the Guru, disguised him as the Pir of Uchh village, and carried him to safety, in a curtained plantain. At Alam Gir, Nand Lal, a [[zamindar]] decided to help the Guru. From Alam Gir, the Guru proceeded to [[Raikot]]. At Silaoni, Rai Kalla, the chief of Raikot, received him warmly. The Guru stayed there for some time. |
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*[http://www.punjabijunction.com/gurbani.asp Listen Shabad, Gurbani, Keertan - Live 24 x 7 ] |
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*[http://keertan.waheguroo.com/index.wn?viewCat=391 Sukhmani Sahib Mp3,Real Audio, Real Audio download] |
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Meanwhile, Guru's mother Mata Gujri and the his two younger sons were captured by Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind. The Guru's sons were killed after refusing to convert to Islam, and Mata Gujri died soon after hearing of her grandsons' death. |
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===Stay at Dina=== |
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Realizing that Rai Kot was not a suitable place to stage resistance against the Mughals. He left Raikot, and spent two days at Hehar with Mahant Kirpal Das (who had earlier participated in the [[Battle of Bhangani]]). He then marched to Lamma Jatpura, where his companion Rai Kalla took leave. The Guru moved southwards, accompanied by three Sikhs. On the way he passed through the villages of Manuke, Mehdiana Chakkar, Takhatpur and Madhen and reached Dina (now in Ferozepur district) in [[Malwa (Punjab)]]. The people had heard that the Guru had been killed at Chamkaur, but the truth began to be known when he reached Dina. Guru was received warmly at Dina by Shamira, Lakhmira and Takht Mal, the three grandsons of Rai Jodh, a devotee of [[Guru Har Gobind]].<ref>{{cite book |
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| last = Johar |
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| first = Surinder Singh |
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| title = Holy Sikh shrines |
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| year = 1998 |
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| publisher = M D Publications |
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| location = [[New Delhi]] |
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| isbn = 9788175330733 |
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| oclc = 44703461 |
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| pages = 63 |
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}}</ref> |
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While at Dina, the Guru received a concilatory letter from Aurangzeb, asking him to come to Deccan to discuss the situation. The Guru was wary of Aurangzeb, who had beheaded his father, and whose army attacked him at Anandpur inspite of an oath in the name of Quran. The Guru rejected the emperor's offer, and wrote a long letter in Persian, titled ''[[Zafarnamah]]'' ("the Epistle of Victory"). In the letter, the Guru reminded Aurangzeb of his misdeeds, and condemened the treacherous acts of the Mughals. He sent a group of Sikhs, consisting of Daya Singh, Dharam Singh, and some guards, to despatch the letter to Aurangzeb, who was camping in [[Ahmednagar]]. |
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While staying at Dina, the Guru visited several places in the neighborhood, and enlisted support from a few hundred warriors of the [[Brar]] clan. |
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Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind, had asked the village chiefs of Dina to hand over the Guru to him. However, the chiefs refused, provoking Wazir Khan to mobilize his forces. The Guru did not consider Dina a suitable place for battle, and moved to Khidrana Ki Dhab (now [[Muktsar]] in [[Ferozepur district]]). The Khidrana lake was the only source of water in the area, and the Guru planned his defence in such a way that the imperial forces could not have access to the lake. Meanwhile, a large number of followers had rallied around the Guru. The forty Sikhs, who had deserted him at Anandpur, were condemened by their family members, and decided to return to the Guru. A lady called Mai Bhago brought these forty Sikhs to assist the Guru, along with a large contingent of other Sikhs from Majha. |
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The Mughal army advanced towards the Guru's camp in 1706, but before they could attack him, they encountered a contingent of Mai Bhago and Jathedar Mahan Singh (the leader of the forty Sikhs, who had deserted the Guru). As the tank at Khidrana was dry, the Mughal army suffered from lack of drinking water, and decided to retreat.<ref>{{cite book |
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| last = Mehta |
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| first = Jaswant Lal |
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| title = Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India |
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| origyear = 1979 |
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| year = 1983 |
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| publisher = Sterling |
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| location = [[New Delhi]] |
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| oclc = 6921013 |
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| pages = 79 |
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}}</ref> The forty Sikhs, who had deserted the Guru at Anandpur, died in the battle. They were called ''Chali Mukte'' (the forty liberated ones), and the place came to be known as [[Mukatsar]] or the tank of salvation. |
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===Stay at Talwandi Sabo=== |
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[[Image:Sri Guru Granth Sahib Nishan.jpg|thumb|right|Illuminated Adi Granth folio with nisan of Guru Gobind Singh]] |
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From Mukatsar the Guru moved to Rupana, Bhander, Gurusar, Thehri Bambiha, Rohila, Jangiana and Bhai Ka Kot. At Chatiana, the Brars who had fought for him at Muktsar, threatened to block his march as the Guru had failed to disburse pay arrears to them. A Sikh from the neighborhood area brought enough money, which enabled the Guru to pay off all the arrears. However, the leader of the Brars, [[Chaudhri]] Dana apologized the Guru on behalf of his people, and refused to accept any payment for himself. At his request, the Guru visited his native place Mehma Swai. The Guru continued his travel, passing through [[Lakhi Jungle]] (Lakhisar). From Lakhi, he visited nearby areas and initiated large number of people into Khalsa. |
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A landowner called Chaudhari Dalla welcomed the Guru to his estate, and took him to [[Talwandi Sabo]] (aka Talwandi Sabo Ki). On his way he passed through Chatiana, Kot Sahib Chand, Kot Bhai, Giddarbaha, Rohila, Jangirana, Bambiha, Bajak, Kaljhirani, Jassi Bagwali, Pakka Kalan and Chak Hira Singh. Guru Gobind Singh arrived at Talwandi Sabo on [[20 January]] [[1706]], and stayed there for several months. The place is now called Damdama Sahib (the resting place). The Guru made a tour of the neighbouring villages, and initiated several people into the Khalsa. |
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When Wazir Khan learned that the Guru was at Sabo Ki Talwandi, he sent a letter to Chaudhri Dalla asking him to hand over Guru Gobind Singh to him. However, the Chaudhari refused to hand over the Guru, in spite of Wazir Khan's threats and promises of reward. Wazir Khan complained to the Emperor, who was in the Deccan. The Emperor received Dalla's letter written to Wazir Khan and also the Guru's ''[[Zafarnamah]]'' at about the same time. He ordered Wazir Khan to remove all restrictions imposed on the Guru and stop harassing him. |
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The Guru's literature had been destroyed as he crossed the river after evacuating Anandpur. He dictated the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] to Bhai Mani Singh. A number of poets and scholars gathered around the Guru at Talwandi Sabo, and the place came to be known as Guru's [[Varanasi|Kashi]] (Varanasi). The Guru's wife, who had separated from him at Anandpur, also reunited with him at Damdama Sahib. The Guru also reorganized his forces at this place, and took many [[Dogra]]s and [[Brar]]s into his service. |
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===After Aurganzeb's death=== |
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In response to the Guru's ''Zafarnamah'', Aurangzeb expressed his wish for a personal meeting with the Guru. The Guru left for Deccan in October 1706 to meet Aurangzeb. He passed through what is now [[Rajasthan]], on his way to [[Ahmednagar]], where the Emperor was encamped. At Baghaur (or Baghor), he received the news of Aurangzeb in March 1707, and decided to return to Punjab, via [[Shahjahanabad]]. |
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After the emperor's death, a [[war of succession]] broke out between his sons. The third son, Mohammad Azam (or Azim), declared himself the Emperor. The second son [[Bahadur Shah I|Muazzam]] (later Emperor Bahadur Shah) set out from [[Peshawar]] to claim the throne. The Guru's follower Bhai Nand Lal (who had earlier served in the Muazzam 's court) brought him a letter written by Muazzam . Muazzam had sought Guru's help in securing the throne, and had promised to pursue a policy of religious tolerance towards the non-Muslims. The Guru sent a band of his followers under the command of Bhai Dharam Singh, to help Muazzam . Muazzam defeated Azam Shah in the [[Battle of Jajau]] on [[12 June]] [[1707]]. |
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Muazzam asceneded the throne as [[Bahadur Shah I|Bahadur Shah]]. He invited Guru Gobind Singh for a meeting which took place at [[Agra]] on [[23 July]] [[1707]]. The Guru was received with honour and was given the title of ''Hind Ka Pir'' (the [[Pir (Sufism)|Pir]] of India). The Guru stayed with the Emperor in Agra till November 1707. He made [[Dholpur]] a center of his missionary activities, and toured nearby areas for many days, before proceeding to Deccan. In November 1707, the Emperor had to march into [[Rajputana]] against the rebel [[Kachwaha]]. He requested the Guru to accompany him. From Rajputana, the emperor marched to the Deccan to suppress the rebellion of his brother Kam Bakhsh, and the Guru accompanied him. |
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The Guru was not satisfied with Bahadur Shah's decisions against Wazir Khan. He parted ways with the Emperor at [[Hingoli]], and reached [[Nanded]] in July 1708. At Nanded, the Guru camped on the banks of the river Godavri. Saiyad Khan, the former general of the imperial forces, resigned from his post and came to Nanded from Kangra, to see the Guru. |
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During a trip, he met a ''bairagi'' (hermit) called Madho Das, whom he initiated into Khalsa as Gurbakhsh Singh. Gurbakhsh Singh, popularly known as "[[Banda Bahadur|Banda Singh]]" or "Banda Bahadur", soon became his most trusted general. |
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While in Nanded, the Guru received in a letter from Saiyad Khan's sister Nasiran, the wife of Pir Budhu Shah of Sadhaura. The letter informed him that the Emperor's army had ransacked Sadhaura and hanged Pir Budhu Shah as a rebel, for having faith in Guru Gobind Singh whom they considered as a 'Kafir' or infidel. |
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The Guru assumed that the Emperor had fallen prey to Wazir Khan's propaganda, and was plotting to kill all of the Guru's supporters. He sent a letter to the emperor, demanding an explanation for Pir Budhu Shah's death. There was no reply from the emperor, and the Guru heard rumors that the emperor was planning to wage a battle against the Guru. The Guru appointed Banda Singh as the commander of the Khalsa, and asked him to march towards Punjab. |
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===Death=== |
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Guru Gobind Singh died on [[October 7]] [[1708]] at Nanded, after being wounded by a [[Pathan]]. There are several stories and versions about his death. |
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== Literary works == |
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Several works have been attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. However, the authorship and authencity of these works have been questioned by some scholars. |
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The collection of writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh is known as the [[Dasam Granth]]. It consists of the following works: |
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* ''[[Jaap Sahib]]'' (meditation) |
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* ''[[Akal Ustat]]'' (praises of God) |
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* ''[[Bichitra Natak]]'' (an autobiography) |
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* ''[[Chandi Charitar]]'', I and II (the character of Goddest [[Caṇḍī|Chandi]]) |
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* ''[[Chandi di Var]]'', including [[Ardas]] |
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* ''[[Gyan Prabodh]]'' (the awakening of knowledge) |
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* ''[[Chaubis Avtar]]'' (24 incarnations of Vishnu) |
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* ''Brahm Avtar'' (incarnation of Brahma) |
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* ''Rudar Avtar'' (incarnation of Shiv) |
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* ''[[Shabad Hazaray]]'' (ten shabads) |
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* ''Swayyae'' (33 stanzas) |
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* ''Sri Mukh Baak Savaiye'' |
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* ''Khalsa Mehma'' or ''Khalse di Mehima'' (the praises of the Khalsa) |
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* ''Shastar Nam Mala'' (a list of weapons) |
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* Triya Charitar (the character of women) |
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* [[Zafarnama]] |
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* The Hikayats or Hikaa-itaan |
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* Mehdi Mir Budh |
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* Pakhyaan Charitra |
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==References== |
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{{reflist|2}} |
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==Further reading== |
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* {{cite book |
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| last = Singh |
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| first = Gobind |
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| coauthors = Jasbir Kaur Ahuja |
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| title = The Zafarnama of guru Gobind Singh |
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| year = 1996 |
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| publisher = Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |
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| location = Mumbai |
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| oclc = 42966940 |
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}} |
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* {{cite book |
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| last = Deora |
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| first = Man Singh |
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| title = Guru Gobind Singh : a literary survey |
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| year = 1989 |
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| publisher = Anmol Publications |
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| location = New Delhi |
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| isbn = 978-8170411604 |
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| oclc = 21280295 |
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}} |
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==External links== |
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* ''[http://www.sridasam.org Dasam Granth]'', the collection of writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh |
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{{Sikh Gurus|Guru Teg Bahadur|([[1 April]] [[1621]] - [[11 November]] [[1675]])|Guru Gobind Singh|Guru Granth Sahib|(Eternal Guru of the Sikhs)}} |
{{Sikh Gurus|Guru Teg Bahadur|([[1 April]] [[1621]] - [[11 November]] [[1675]])|Guru Gobind Singh|Guru Granth Sahib|(Eternal Guru of the Sikhs)}} |
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Revision as of 23:46, 9 December 2007
Gobind Singh | |
|---|---|
| File:Guru Gobind Singh 1.jpg A painting of Guru Gobind Singh | |
| Born | 22 December, 1666 |
| Died | 7 October, 1708 |
| Other names | Gobind Rai |
| Title | Guru |
| Predecessor | Guru Tegh Bahadur |
| Spouse(s) | Jito, Sundari, Sahib Devan (later Sahib Kaur) |
| Children | Ajit Singh (b. November 1686) Jujhar Singh (b. March 1690) Zorawar Singh (b. 1697) Fateh Singh (b. 1699) |
| Parent(s) | Guru Teg Bahadur, Mata Gujri |
Guru Gobind Singh (Punjabi: ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ) (22 December, 1666 – 7 October, 1708) was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. He became the Guru on 11 November 1675, succeeding his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was a warrior, a poet, and a spiritual leader. His establishment of the military order Khalsa is considered as one of the most important events in the history of Sikhism.
Guru Gobind Singh was the last human Sikh Guru; he finished the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, and before his death, nominated it as the next perpetual Guru of Sikhs.
Bichitra Natak, considered to be the autobiography of Guru Gobind Singh, is one of the major sources for the information about his life. However, it's authorship is disputed by some scholars.
Biography
Early days
Guru Gobind Singh was born as Gobind Rai in Patna to Teg Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, and his wife Gujri. Gobind Rai was born while Guru Tegh Bahadur was touring Assam to spread his teachings.
According to a legend, the birth of Gobind Rai was prophesized by Pir Bhikan Shah, a fakir from Thaksa village (now in Karnal District of Haryana). One day, Bhikan Shah bowed towards the east during his prayers, contrary to the standard Islamic practice of bowing in the direction of Qibla. When the villagers questioned his strange act, he stated that a special child, the savior chosen by the God, would be born in Patna, which lied to the East. He then traveled to Patna with a group of his followers to see the child. He placed two bowls of sweets before the newbord; one bowl was purchased from a Hindu's shop, and the second from a Muslim's shop, thus signifying the two major contemporary religions in India. The baby placed his hands on both the bowls, thus indicating that both Hindus and Muslims will be treated equally by him. According to another legend, the fakir Araf Din of Lakhnaur (now in Ambala District) also bowed to the boy, and proclaimed him as divine.
Gobind Rai spent the first five years of his life in Patna. As a child, he used to play war games with other children, leading mock battles. He had many admirers, including a learned Brahmin called Pandit Shiv Dutt (or Shiv Das). Once, Raja Fateh Chand of Patna and his Rani, a childless couple, visited Shiv Dutt, and asked him to bless them with a child. Shiv Dutt suggested that if an innocent child like Gobind Rai prayed to God, their desire would be fulfilled. The couple then asked young Gobind Rai to visit their palace, where the Rani asked Gobind Rai to pray to God to bless her with a son like him. Gobind Rai smiled and said that there can be nobody like him, so the Rani should call him her son. From that day, the Rani started calling him Bala Pritam ("child God"). The royal couple allowed Gobind Rai and his friends to freely play in their palace, and also built a big dining hall for the children.
Other admirers of the boy included two Nawabs, Rahim Baksh and Karim Baksh. Nawab Karim Baksh had gifted a village and gardens to the child.
Stay in Anandpur
Guru Tegh Bahadur had founded the city of Anandpur in the year 1665, on the land purchased from the ruler of Bilaspur (Kahlur). After his tour of eastern parts of India ended, he asked his family to come to Anandpur. Gobind Rai reached Anandpur (then known as Chakk Nanaki), on the foothills of the Sivalik Hills, in March 1672.
Gobind Rai's early education included study of Punjabi, Braj, Sanskrit and Persian, and training as a soldier. He had started studying Hindi and Sanskrit while at Patna. In Anandpur, he started studying Punjabi under Sahib Chand, and Persian under Qazi Pir Mohammad. A Rajput warrior was employed to train him in military skills and horse riding.
In 1675, some Kashmiri Pandits led by Pandit Kirpa Ram of Matton visited Anandpur to seek Guru Tegh Bahadur's assistance against persecution from the Islamic Mughal rulers. Guru Tegh Bahadur proceeded to the Mughal capital Delhi, to discuss the emperor Aurangzeb's policty towards the non-Muslims. He was beheaded on 11 November 1675 a Chandani Chowk, after he refused to convert to Islam. His head was put on the public square to deter the public from objecting to Aurangzeb's policies. The beheading of Guru Teg Bahadur frightened many of his disciples, some of whom even refused to acknowledge themselves as his followers, in order to avoid persecution. A disciple called Bhai Jeewan brought Guru Tegh Bahadur's head to Anandpur, and narrated the story of fear among the Guru's followers in Delhi.
After hearing of what had happened in Delhi, Guru Gobind decided to inculcate the martial spirit among his followers. Guru Tegh Bahadur had ordained his son as the next guru, before his departure to Delhi. Gobind Rai was formally installed as the Guru on the Baisakhi, on 11 November 1675.[1]
Guru Gobind engaged 52 poets to translate the heroic Sanskrit epics into contemporary languages. He selected the warlike theme in many of his compositions to infuse martial spirit among his followers. He also wrote several compositions preaching love, equality and the worship of one God, deprecating idoltory and superstition.
Guru's increasing influence and power worried Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur (Kahlur), in whose territory Anandpur was located. Meanwhile, the Guru ordered construction of a war drum (nagara) called Ranjit Nagara to enthuse his soldiers. The use of such a war drum was limited to the chieftains, within their territory, and the Raja considered the use of Ranjit Nagara a hostile act. On his Prime Minister's advice, he arranged a meeting with the Guru in Anandpur. He was received with honor in the Guru's court, where his eyes fell at the valuable gifts presented to the Guru by the devotees. Later, Bhim Chand sent a message to the Guru, asking him to lend an elephant called Prasadi (a gift from a devotee) to him. The Guru suspected that Bhim Chand wanted to gain permanent possession of the elephant, and declined his demand. He stated that the devotee who had presented the elephant, didn't want it to be given away to anybody else. The Raja was perturbed by the Guru's refusal to give away the elephant, his growing influence, and his interest in military excercises. An atmosphere of confrontation developed between the two on small issues.[2]
Stay at Paonta
In April 1685, Guru Gobind Rai shifted his residence Paonta in Sirmur state at the invitation of Raja Mat Prakash of Sirmur. The reasons for the shift are not clear.[2] The author of Bichitra Natak doesn't mention any reason for shifting his residence to Paonta.[3] 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. From Toka, he was brought to Nahan (the capital of Sirmur) by Mat Prakash. From Nahan, he proceeded to Paonta.[4] Mat Prakash invited the Guru to his kingdom in order to strengthen his position against Raja Fateh Shah of Garhwal.[2] At the request of Raja Mat Prakash, the Guru constructed a fort at Paonta with help of his followers, in a short time. He continued to increase his army. Raja Fateh Shah also paid a visit to the Guru, and was received with honor in his court. The Guru established a peace treaty between the two Rajas. The Guru remained at Paonta for around three years, and composed several texts.
The hostility between Bhim Chand and the Guru increased during the latter's stay at Paonta, ultimately resulting in the Battle of Bhangani, 6 miles (9.7 km) away from Paonta. Bhim Chand was supported by other hill Rajas, including Fateh Shah of Garhwal, Kirpal of Katoch, Gopal of Guler (or Guleria), Hari Chand of Hadur and the Raja of Jaswal. Bhim Chand was also aided by some defected Pathans employed by the Guru. The Guru's army cosnsisted of his disciples, some Udasis, some Pathans, and around 700 followers of Pir Budhu Shah of Sadhaura. According to Bichitra Natak, the Battle of Bhangani resulted in the Guru's victory.
Return to Anandpur
Sometime after the Battle of Bhangani, the Guru decided to return to Anandpur. On his way back to Anandpur, he camped at Sadhaura and Laharpur for a few days. After leaving the Sirmur state, he entered Ramgarh state and stayed at Tabra for more than a week. He then visited Raipur at the invitation of the local Rani. After leaving Raipur, he continued his journey to Anandpur, passing through Toda, Nada, Dhakoli, Kotla, Ghanaula, Bunga, and Kiratpur. He reached Anandpur, and established peace with Raja Bhim Chand.
In the 1680s, to meet the expenses of his campaigns in Deccan, the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb ordered recovery of annual tributes from the rulers of hill states, who had been defaulting on the payment for three consecutive years.[5] The duty of collecting tributes from Kangra and adjoining principalities was assigned to Alif Khan (or Alaf Khan).[1] Two of the hill Rajas, Raja Kirpal Chand of Kangra and Raja Dayal of Bijarwal, agreed to meet Alif Khan's demands. However, Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur (Kahlur) refused to pay the tribute, and formed an alliance of the local rulers opposed to the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh also agreed to support him. In the Battle of Nadaun, the armies of Alif Khan and his aides were defeated by the allied forces of Bhim Chand, Guru Gobind Singh and other hill Rajas. Different authors give the deate of the battle variously as 1687[6][7], 1689[8][9], 1690[10] 20 March 1691.[5], and 4 April 1891.[11]
According to Bichitra Natak, Guru Gobind Singh remained at Nadaun, on the banks of the River Beas, for eight days, and visited the places of all the chiefs.[12] Later, both the parties made an agreement and peace was established.[13]
In 1694, Dilawar Khan, the Mughal chief of Punjab, sent his son with an army of one thousand men to Anandpur, to check the rising power of the Guru. As Khanzada crossed the Satluj river, Guru's scout Alam Chand (aka Alam Khan) alerted the Guru's forces. The Ranjit Nagara was beaten, and the Guru's men quickly marched to the river, forcing the Mughal army to retreat back.
The failure of Khanzada to check Guru's power provoked Dilawar Khan to plan a bigger attack on the Guru. He sent two thousand men under Hussain to subdue the Guru and the hill Rajas. Hussain Khan defeated the Raja of Dadhwal, and was joined by Raja Kirpal of Kangra and Raja Bhim Chand. He wasn't pleased with the subsidy that Raja Gopal of Guler had offered him. Gopal then sent his envoy to Guru Gobind Singh, asking him to negotiate a peace treaty between Hussain and the Raja. The Guru sent his agent, Sangtia, with an escort of seven troopers. However, an agreement could not be reached between Gopal and Hussain, resulting in a battle (dated between 1695 to 1698). Kirpal and Bhim Chand fought on Hussain's side, while Raja Ram Singh and the Guru's men fought on Raja Gopal's side. The battle resulted in the deaths of Hussain, Kirpal and all of the Guru's men. Raja Bhim Chand's forces fled from the battlefield, and Raja Gopal went to the Guru, offering him gifts and thanks. The battle has been mentioned as Hussaini Yudh in Bichitra Natak.
After Hussain's death, Dilawar Khan sent his men Jujhar Singh and Chandel Rai to Sivalik Hills. However, they were defeated by Gaj Singh of Jaswal. The developments in the hill area caused anxiety to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who sent forces to restore Mughal authority in the region.
Foundation of Khalsa
In 1699, the Guru sent hukmanamas (letters of authority) to his followers, requesting them to congregate at Anandpur on 13 April 1699, the day of Baisakhi (the annual harvest festival).[14] He addressed the congregation from the entryway of a small tent pitched on a small hill (now called Kesgarh Sahib). He drew his sword and asked for a volunteer who was willing to sacrifice his head. No one answered his first call, nor the second call, but on the third invitation, a person called Daya Ram (later known as Bhai Daya Singh) came forward and offered his head to the Guru. Guru Gobind Rai took the volunteer inside the tent, and emerged shortly, with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent unharmed. These five, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their Guru, were called Panj Piare ("the five beloved ones").[14] These five volunteers were the first Khalsa Sikhs: Daya Ram (Bhai Daya Singh), Dharam Das (Bhai Dharam Singh), Himmat Rai (Bhai Himmat Singh), Mohkam Chand (Bhai Mohkam Singh), and Sahib Chand (Bhai Sahib Singh).
Guru Gobind Rai then baptized these five Sikhs with a liquid mixture named Amrit ("nectar"). He gave them all the name "Singh" (lion), and designated them collectively as Khalsa, the body of baptized Sikhs. The members of the Khalsa consider Guru Gobind as their father, and Mata Sahib Kaur as their mother.[14] The Panj Piare were thus the first baptised Sikhs, and became the first members of the Khalsa brotherhood. Women were also initiated into the Khalsa, and the initiates were called kaur ("princess").[14] The Guru, like other members of the Khalsa, changed his name to Gobind Singh from Gobind Rai.
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh also issued directions to the Sikh sangats (communities) not to acknowledge the masands (local administrative deputies acting on the Guru's behalf). He had received several complaints of corruption and abuse of powers, against the masands. He asked his followers to send their offerings directly to Anandpur.
Conflicts with hill Rajas
The formation of the military order Khalsa alerted the Rajas of the Sivalik hills. They united to evict the Guru from the region, but their expeditions during 1700-04 proved futile.
Balia Chand and Alim Chand, two hill chiefs, made a surprise attack on the Guru, while he was on a hunting expedition.[15] In the ensuing combat, Alim Chand managed to escape, while Balia Chand was killed by Guru's aide Ude Singh.
After several failed attempts to check the rising power of the Guru, the hill chiefs petitioned the Mughal rulers to help them in subduing the Guru.
The Mughal viceroy of Delhi sent his generals Din Beg and Painda Khan, each with an army of five thousand men, to subdue the Guru.[16] The Mughal forces were joined by the armies of the hill chiefs. However, they failed to defeat the Guru's forces, and Painda Khan was killed in the first Battle of Anandpur (1701).
Alarmed at the Guru's rising influence, the Rajas of several states in the Sivalik hills assembled at Bilaspur to discuss the situation. The son of Bhim Chand, Raja Ajmer Chand of Kahlur, suggested forming an alliance to curb the Guru's rising power. Accordingly, the Rajas formed an alliance, and marched towards Anandpur. They sent a letter to the Guru, asking him to pay the arrears of rent for Anandpur (which lied in Ajmer Chand's territory), and leave the place. The Guru insisted that the land was bought by his father, and is therefore, his own property. A battle, dated from 1701 to 1704, followed. The hill Rajas were joined by a large number of Ranghars and Gujjars, under the command of Jagatullah. Duni Chand led five hundred men from Majha region to assist the Guru. Reinforcements from other areas also arrived to help the Guru. The conflict, known as the Second Battle of Anandpur, resulted in retreat of the hill Rajas.[17]
Later, the hill Rajas negotiated a peace agreement with the Guru, asking him to leave Anandpur temporarily. Accordingly, the Guru left for Nirmoh village.[18] Seeing that Nirmoh was not fortified, Raja Ajmer Chand and the Raja of Kangra launched an attack on the Guru's camp. However, they were not able to defeat the Guru. Meanwhile, Raja Ajmer Chand had sent his envoys to the Mughal viceroys in Sirhind and Delhi, seeking their help against the Guru. The army of Sirhind viceroy Wazir Khan arrived to assist the hill Rajas. The assault by Wazir Khan's army forced the Guru to retreat to Basoli, whose Raja was on good terms with the Guru.
After staying for a few days at Basoli, the Guru marched back to Anandpur, and the hill Rajas decided to make peace with the him. However, after two years of peace, the hostilities between the Rajas and the Guru reappeared due to Guru's rising power, and clashes between the Rajas' men and the Sikhs. Raja Ajmer Chand allied with the Rajas of Handur, Chamba and Fatehpur, and attacked Anandpur in 1703-04. They failed to oust the Guru in the Third Battle of Anandpur, and retreated back.
After repeated pleas for assistance from the hill Rajas, the Mughal emperor sent a large army under Saiyad Khan's command, to check the Guru's power. Saiyad Khan was a brother-in-law of Pir Budhu Shah, and defected to the Guru's side, after the Pir spoke highly of him. Ramzan Khan then took the command of the imperial army, and allied withh the hill Rajas to attack Anandpur in March 1704. It was the crop-cutting time of the year, and the majority of the Guru's followers had dispersed to their homes. Althought the Guru was assisted by two of his Muslim admirers, Maimun Khan and Saiyad Beg, his men were outnumbered and he decided to vacate Anandpur.[1] The Mughal army plundered the city, and then proceeded to Sirhind. On their way back, they were caught in a surprise attack by the Guru's forces, who recovered the booty captured from Anandpur. The Guru then returned to Anandpur.
Evacuation from Anandpur
At the plea of Raja Ajmer Chand, the Mughal emperor ordered the viceroys of Sirhind, Lahore and Kashmir to proceed against the Guru. The Mughal forces were joined by the armies of the hill Rajas, the Ranghars and the Gurjars of the area. The Guru also made preparations for the battle, and his followers from Majha, Malwa, Doaba and other areas assembled at Anandpur.
The imperial forces attacked Anandpur in 1705, and laid a siege around the city. After a few days of the commencement of the siege, Raja Ajmer Chand sent his envoy to the Guru, offering withdrawal of the siege, in return for Guru's evacuation from Anandpur. The Guru refused to accept the offer, but many of his followers, suffering from lack of food and other supplies, asked him to accept the proposal. Forty of the disciples threatened to desert the Guru, and leave Anandpur. The Guru asked them sign a disclaimer saying that they were not his disciples. The forty men signed the disclaimer and left Anandpur. As more and more followers pressurized the Guru to accept Ajmer Chand's offer, he sent a message to Ajmer Chand. He informed Ajmer Chand that he would evacuate Anandpur, if the allied forces would first allow his treasury and other property to be taken outside the city. The allied forces accepted the proposal. The Guru, in order to test their sincerity, sent a caravan of loaded bullocks outside the fort. However, the allied forces attacked the caravan to loot the treasure. To their disappointment, they found out that the caravan had no treasure, just some rubbish articles. The Guru refused to accept any further proposals from the allied forces.
Finally, Aurangzeb sent a signed letter to the Guru, swearing in name of Quran, that the Guru and his followers would be allowed a safe passage if he decides to evacuate Anandpur. The Guru, hard pressed by his followers and his family, accepted the offer. The Guru evacuated Anandpur on 20-21 December, 1705.
On the first night after they left Anandpur, the Guru's contingent was attacked by the imperial forces. Following a few skirmishes, the Guru and his followers reached the banks of Sirsa river. The group could not keep together while crossing the flooded Sirsa (or Sarsa) river. The Guru's mother, and his two younger sons, Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, strayed away from the main group. Guru's old servant, Gangu, escorted them to his village, Kheri. Mata Jito and Mata Sahib Kaur and others were in another group; they were escorted to Delhi by Jawahar Singh. The flood in the river resulted in several of the Guru's followers getting drowned, and there was heavy loss of property and literature.
The Guru, with his two sons, and some other Sikhs, managed to cross the river and reached the Ghanaula village on the other side of the river. He instructed a band of hundred followers under Bachitar Singh to march to Rupar. The Guru, with the remaining followers, marched towards Kotla Nihang near Rupar, to stay with his trusted acquaintance Pathan Nihang Khan. Then he proceeded to Machhiwara and Raikot, halting at Bur Majra. He was informed that a large body of troops from Sirhind was chasing him. He decided to face the troops at the fortress of Chamkaur.
The imperial troops besieged the fortress at Chamkaur in December 1705. The battle resulted in death of Guru's older sons, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh. The Guru asked the remaining disciples to get ready for the final charge, and die fighting. However, his disciples insisted that the his survival was necessary for the survival of the Khalsa, and planned his escape from Chamkaur. It was decided that Sant Singh and Sangat Singh will stay in the fortress, while Daya Singh, Dharam Singh, and Man Singh will accompany the Guru out of Chamkaur. The Guru gave his kalghi (plume/headgear) and his armor to Bhai Sant Singh, a Sikh who resembled him. Sant Singh was seated in the upper room where Guru was stationed. The Guru marched out of Chamkaur in the night, aloog with with some followers. Next day, the Mughal army still believed that the Guru was inside the fortress, and attacked the fortress, killing all the Sikhs inside the fortress.
The Guru separated from his companions, and reached Machhiwara, after passing through Jandsar and Behlolpur. There, his three companions, Daya Singh, Dharam Singh and Man Singh rejoined him. Gulaba, an old masand of Machhiwara, gave them shelter, but feared for his own safety. Two Pathan horse merchants, Nabi Khan and Ghani Khan, decided to help him. The Khans, who were old acquaintances of the Guru, disguised him as the Pir of Uchh village, and carried him to safety, in a curtained plantain. At Alam Gir, Nand Lal, a zamindar decided to help the Guru. From Alam Gir, the Guru proceeded to Raikot. At Silaoni, Rai Kalla, the chief of Raikot, received him warmly. The Guru stayed there for some time.
Meanwhile, Guru's mother Mata Gujri and the his two younger sons were captured by Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind. The Guru's sons were killed after refusing to convert to Islam, and Mata Gujri died soon after hearing of her grandsons' death.
Stay at Dina
Realizing that Rai Kot was not a suitable place to stage resistance against the Mughals. He left Raikot, and spent two days at Hehar with Mahant Kirpal Das (who had earlier participated in the Battle of Bhangani). He then marched to Lamma Jatpura, where his companion Rai Kalla took leave. The Guru moved southwards, accompanied by three Sikhs. On the way he passed through the villages of Manuke, Mehdiana Chakkar, Takhatpur and Madhen and reached Dina (now in Ferozepur district) in Malwa (Punjab). The people had heard that the Guru had been killed at Chamkaur, but the truth began to be known when he reached Dina. Guru was received warmly at Dina by Shamira, Lakhmira and Takht Mal, the three grandsons of Rai Jodh, a devotee of Guru Har Gobind.[19]
While at Dina, the Guru received a concilatory letter from Aurangzeb, asking him to come to Deccan to discuss the situation. The Guru was wary of Aurangzeb, who had beheaded his father, and whose army attacked him at Anandpur inspite of an oath in the name of Quran. The Guru rejected the emperor's offer, and wrote a long letter in Persian, titled Zafarnamah ("the Epistle of Victory"). In the letter, the Guru reminded Aurangzeb of his misdeeds, and condemened the treacherous acts of the Mughals. He sent a group of Sikhs, consisting of Daya Singh, Dharam Singh, and some guards, to despatch the letter to Aurangzeb, who was camping in Ahmednagar.
While staying at Dina, the Guru visited several places in the neighborhood, and enlisted support from a few hundred warriors of the Brar clan.
Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind, had asked the village chiefs of Dina to hand over the Guru to him. However, the chiefs refused, provoking Wazir Khan to mobilize his forces. The Guru did not consider Dina a suitable place for battle, and moved to Khidrana Ki Dhab (now Muktsar in Ferozepur district). The Khidrana lake was the only source of water in the area, and the Guru planned his defence in such a way that the imperial forces could not have access to the lake. Meanwhile, a large number of followers had rallied around the Guru. The forty Sikhs, who had deserted him at Anandpur, were condemened by their family members, and decided to return to the Guru. A lady called Mai Bhago brought these forty Sikhs to assist the Guru, along with a large contingent of other Sikhs from Majha.
The Mughal army advanced towards the Guru's camp in 1706, but before they could attack him, they encountered a contingent of Mai Bhago and Jathedar Mahan Singh (the leader of the forty Sikhs, who had deserted the Guru). As the tank at Khidrana was dry, the Mughal army suffered from lack of drinking water, and decided to retreat.[20] The forty Sikhs, who had deserted the Guru at Anandpur, died in the battle. They were called Chali Mukte (the forty liberated ones), and the place came to be known as Mukatsar or the tank of salvation.
Stay at Talwandi Sabo
From Mukatsar the Guru moved to Rupana, Bhander, Gurusar, Thehri Bambiha, Rohila, Jangiana and Bhai Ka Kot. At Chatiana, the Brars who had fought for him at Muktsar, threatened to block his march as the Guru had failed to disburse pay arrears to them. A Sikh from the neighborhood area brought enough money, which enabled the Guru to pay off all the arrears. However, the leader of the Brars, Chaudhri Dana apologized the Guru on behalf of his people, and refused to accept any payment for himself. At his request, the Guru visited his native place Mehma Swai. The Guru continued his travel, passing through Lakhi Jungle (Lakhisar). From Lakhi, he visited nearby areas and initiated large number of people into Khalsa.
A landowner called Chaudhari Dalla welcomed the Guru to his estate, and took him to Talwandi Sabo (aka Talwandi Sabo Ki). On his way he passed through Chatiana, Kot Sahib Chand, Kot Bhai, Giddarbaha, Rohila, Jangirana, Bambiha, Bajak, Kaljhirani, Jassi Bagwali, Pakka Kalan and Chak Hira Singh. Guru Gobind Singh arrived at Talwandi Sabo on 20 January 1706, and stayed there for several months. The place is now called Damdama Sahib (the resting place). The Guru made a tour of the neighbouring villages, and initiated several people into the Khalsa.
When Wazir Khan learned that the Guru was at Sabo Ki Talwandi, he sent a letter to Chaudhri Dalla asking him to hand over Guru Gobind Singh to him. However, the Chaudhari refused to hand over the Guru, in spite of Wazir Khan's threats and promises of reward. Wazir Khan complained to the Emperor, who was in the Deccan. The Emperor received Dalla's letter written to Wazir Khan and also the Guru's Zafarnamah at about the same time. He ordered Wazir Khan to remove all restrictions imposed on the Guru and stop harassing him.
The Guru's literature had been destroyed as he crossed the river after evacuating Anandpur. He dictated the Guru Granth Sahib to Bhai Mani Singh. A number of poets and scholars gathered around the Guru at Talwandi Sabo, and the place came to be known as Guru's Kashi (Varanasi). The Guru's wife, who had separated from him at Anandpur, also reunited with him at Damdama Sahib. The Guru also reorganized his forces at this place, and took many Dogras and Brars into his service.
After Aurganzeb's death
In response to the Guru's Zafarnamah, Aurangzeb expressed his wish for a personal meeting with the Guru. The Guru left for Deccan in October 1706 to meet Aurangzeb. He passed through what is now Rajasthan, on his way to Ahmednagar, where the Emperor was encamped. At Baghaur (or Baghor), he received the news of Aurangzeb in March 1707, and decided to return to Punjab, via Shahjahanabad.
After the emperor's death, a war of succession broke out between his sons. The third son, Mohammad Azam (or Azim), declared himself the Emperor. The second son Muazzam (later Emperor Bahadur Shah) set out from Peshawar to claim the throne. The Guru's follower Bhai Nand Lal (who had earlier served in the Muazzam 's court) brought him a letter written by Muazzam . Muazzam had sought Guru's help in securing the throne, and had promised to pursue a policy of religious tolerance towards the non-Muslims. The Guru sent a band of his followers under the command of Bhai Dharam Singh, to help Muazzam . Muazzam defeated Azam Shah in the Battle of Jajau on 12 June 1707.
Muazzam asceneded the throne as Bahadur Shah. He invited Guru Gobind Singh for a meeting which took place at Agra on 23 July 1707. The Guru was received with honour and was given the title of Hind Ka Pir (the Pir of India). The Guru stayed with the Emperor in Agra till November 1707. He made Dholpur a center of his missionary activities, and toured nearby areas for many days, before proceeding to Deccan. In November 1707, the Emperor had to march into Rajputana against the rebel Kachwaha. He requested the Guru to accompany him. From Rajputana, the emperor marched to the Deccan to suppress the rebellion of his brother Kam Bakhsh, and the Guru accompanied him.
The Guru was not satisfied with Bahadur Shah's decisions against Wazir Khan. He parted ways with the Emperor at Hingoli, and reached Nanded in July 1708. At Nanded, the Guru camped on the banks of the river Godavri. Saiyad Khan, the former general of the imperial forces, resigned from his post and came to Nanded from Kangra, to see the Guru.
During a trip, he met a bairagi (hermit) called Madho Das, whom he initiated into Khalsa as Gurbakhsh Singh. Gurbakhsh Singh, popularly known as "Banda Singh" or "Banda Bahadur", soon became his most trusted general.
While in Nanded, the Guru received in a letter from Saiyad Khan's sister Nasiran, the wife of Pir Budhu Shah of Sadhaura. The letter informed him that the Emperor's army had ransacked Sadhaura and hanged Pir Budhu Shah as a rebel, for having faith in Guru Gobind Singh whom they considered as a 'Kafir' or infidel.
The Guru assumed that the Emperor had fallen prey to Wazir Khan's propaganda, and was plotting to kill all of the Guru's supporters. He sent a letter to the emperor, demanding an explanation for Pir Budhu Shah's death. There was no reply from the emperor, and the Guru heard rumors that the emperor was planning to wage a battle against the Guru. The Guru appointed Banda Singh as the commander of the Khalsa, and asked him to march towards Punjab.
Death
Guru Gobind Singh died on October 7 1708 at Nanded, after being wounded by a Pathan. There are several stories and versions about his death.
Literary works
Several works have been attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. However, the authorship and authencity of these works have been questioned by some scholars.
The collection of writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh is known as the Dasam Granth. It consists of the following works:
- Jaap Sahib (meditation)
- Akal Ustat (praises of God)
- Bichitra Natak (an autobiography)
- Chandi Charitar, I and II (the character of Goddest Chandi)
- Chandi di Var, including Ardas
- Gyan Prabodh (the awakening of knowledge)
- Chaubis Avtar (24 incarnations of Vishnu)
- Brahm Avtar (incarnation of Brahma)
- Rudar Avtar (incarnation of Shiv)
- Shabad Hazaray (ten shabads)
- Swayyae (33 stanzas)
- Sri Mukh Baak Savaiye
- Khalsa Mehma or Khalse di Mehima (the praises of the Khalsa)
- Shastar Nam Mala (a list of weapons)
- Triya Charitar (the character of women)
- Zafarnama
- The Hikayats or Hikaa-itaan
- Mehdi Mir Budh
- Pakhyaan Charitra
References
- ^ a b c Singh, Prithi Pal (2007). The History of Sikh Gurus. Lotus Books. p. 128-147. ISBN 978-8183820752.
- ^ a b c Rawat, Ajay Singh (2002). Garhwal Himalaya : a study in historical perspective. Indus Publishing. pp. 50–54. ISBN 8173871361. OCLC 52088426.
- ^ Bichitra Natak. Chapter 8, Chaupai 1. "Then I left my home and went to place named Paonta.".
- ^ Gazetteer of the Sirmur State. New Delhi: Indus Publishing. 1996. p. 16. ISBN 978-8173870569. OCLC 41357468.
- ^ a b Avinash Dani (7 November 1999). "Little-known gurdwara of Nadaun". Sunday Reading. The Tribune. Retrieved 2007-12-06.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Malik, Arjan Dass (1975). An Indian guerilla war : the Sikh peoples war, 1699-1768. New York: Wiley. p. 22. ISBN 978-0470565766. OCLC 1339733.
- ^ Johar, Srinder Singh (1976). The Sikh gurus and their shrines. Vivek Pub. Co. p. 87. OCLC 164789879.
A fierce battle was fought at Nadaun in 1687.
- ^ Mansukhani, Gobind Singh (1965). The Quintessence of Sikhism. Amritsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee. p. 46. OCLC 2654849.
- ^ Seetal, Sohan Singh (1968). Prophet of Man, Guru Gobind Singh. Ludhiana: Seetal Pustak Bhandar. p. 179. OCLC 115772.
This battle of Nadaun was fought in November, 1689.
- ^ Singh, Gopal (1979). A History of the Sikh People, 1469-1978. New Delhi: World Sikh University Press. p. 275. OCLC 6330455.
This is known as the battle of Nadaun and was fought probably late in 1690
- ^ "Temples in the District: Gurudwara sahib Nadaun". NIC Hamirpur. Retrieved 2007-12-06.
- ^ Bichitra Natak. Chapter 9, Chaupai 22
- ^ Bichitra Natak. Chapter 9, Chaupai 23
- ^ a b c d Mahmood, Cynthia Keppley (1996). Fighting for faith and nation dialogues with Sikh militants. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 43–45. ISBN 978-0812215922. OCLC 44966032.
- ^ Williams, Rosetta. Sikh Gurus. Educa Books/Har-Anand Publications. p. 103. ISBN 978-8124107164.
- ^ Banerjee, Indubhusan. Evolution of the Khalsa. Calcutta: A. Mukerjee. p. 25. OCLC 5880923.
- ^ Macauliffe, Max Arthur (1996) [1909]. The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus, Sacred Writings, and Authors. Low Price Publications. p. 130. ISBN 978-8186142318. OCLC 1888987.
- ^ Singh, Dalip (1992). Guru Gobind Singh and Khalsa Discipline. Amritsar: Singh Bros. p. 256. ISBN 978-8172050719. OCLC 28583123.
- ^ Johar, Surinder Singh (1998). Holy Sikh shrines. New Delhi: M D Publications. p. 63. ISBN 9788175330733. OCLC 44703461.
- ^ Mehta, Jaswant Lal (1983) [1979]. Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India. New Delhi: Sterling. p. 79. OCLC 6921013.
Further reading
- Singh, Gobind (1996). The Zafarnama of guru Gobind Singh. Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. OCLC 42966940.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Deora, Man Singh (1989). Guru Gobind Singh : a literary survey. New Delhi: Anmol Publications. ISBN 978-8170411604. OCLC 21280295.
External links
- Dasam Granth, the collection of writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh
