Today's sikh History

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 1, 2012

1 july 1745
Martyrdom day of Bhai Taru Singh Ji, in
Lahore. Bhai Taru Singh left his mortal
remains. On Harbhagat Naranjania's
complaint, Bhai Taru Singh of his village
was arrested and accused of providing
rations to the Sikhs. Bhai Taru Singh
admitted the facts. Nawab Zakaria Khan
ordered the removal of his scalp. Bhai Taru
Singh said that the Governor would suffer
as much torture. And Bhai Taru would take
Zakaria Khan along with him to the other
world.
The Nawab's orders were carried out on
June 27, 1745. The same day Zakaria Khan's
urinary system stopped functioning,
puttiung him in great pain. The Qazi
addressed Bhai Taru Singh Oh Kafir, what
have you done? The Nawab can't urinate.
He is in great pain. Bhai Taru Singh told
him to take his shoe and beat it on
Zakaria's head to make him urinate. On the
fifth day of shoe beating, Zakaria Khan died
on July 1, 1745. On hearing of that the
same day Bhai Taru Singh left his mortal
remains.
==> TARU SINGH - was a religious, Panth
Saewak and hard working resident of village
Pulla (district Lahore). Niranjania Mahant
complained to Bahadhur Subalhor and
falsely implicated him as sheltering thieves,
gangsters, etc. As a result he was
imprisoned and asked to accept islam. His
refusal to accept Islam earned him the
punsihment where his scalp (intact with his
hairs) was removed from his head, while
he peacefully recited Jap Sahib. Bhai Taru
Singh accepted shahadet on 23 Assu,
Sunmat 1802. His place of Shahadat is
markaed near railway station of Lahore.
-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp.588)
1918
Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir
and combined it with Sikh State.
1983
By now Indian Government had given
gallantry awards to over 50 policemen for
killing Sikhs. This was done to boost the
morale of the policemen as well as create
terror among Sikhs.
-Ref. THE SIKHS' STRUGGLE FOR
SOVEREIGNTY, An Historical Perspective By
Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Awatar
Singh Sekhon Edited By: A.T. Kerr Page
110-119.
1984
Regional Conference at Kamloops.
The attack on the Golden Temple by the
Indian army struck the Sikh world like a
thunderbolt. All shades of Canadian Sikhs
came together at the desecration of the
supreme emblem of their faith. Because of
the shoratage of time, the Sikh institution's
executives decided to take the Canadian
Sikhs into immediate confidence on the
kind of action required. This was done by
holding regional conferences at Kamloops
and Toronto. The Kamloops conference
was attended by representatives of all Sikh
Societies from Western. While the Toronto
Conference was attended by the socities of
the eastern region. The Calgary Sikh
Society, which was not on good terms with
the federation, provided unqualified
support for any action the Federation
recommended.
Nelson A. Riss, the Members of parliament
from Kamloops, addressed the conference
and it was here that general J.S. Bhullar
from India made the first appearence on
the Canadian scene.
The Conference recommended: that the
Federation will work to establish a Sikh
homeland; that the damaged Akal Takhat
should be left unrepaired to remind Sikhs
of the desecration by Government of India,
and the decision to carry repairs should be
left to the Panth; that Canadian Sikhs
boycott all functions of the Indian
diplomatic missions; that media, especially
ethnic media which published anti-Sikh
material, should be warned suitably to
desist from harming the Sikh community;
and that a trust-fund be established to
provide pensions to the next of kin of the
martyrs.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 2, 2012

2 july

1978
Reorganisation Of The Sikh Students Federation. Amrik Singh elected the President of All India Sikh Federation.The Sikh Students Federation was reorganized in response to the Amritsar massacre in which Nirankaris kill 13 Gursikhs who protested their provacations against the Sikh faith. Since the elected official, while ruling Punjab, continually bowed before the Central (Hindu) Government and refused to ban the activities of this gang of bohemians. While simultaneously they addressed various Sikh congregations and spoke against the Nirankaris so that the Sikh masses should not become furious against them for their indifferent (or pro-Nirankari) attitude. Thus this became the starting point of the new phase of the struggle of the Sikh nation. The lead was given by the Sikh Youth under the guidance of the Sikh intelligentsia. They had to fight various platforms: the Hindus, the Communists and some of the pseudo-Akalis, who loved their office more than their nation.
The first step towards this struggle was the overhauling of the Sikh Students Federation. On this date, the Federation selected Amrik Singh as the President of the Federation. Amrik Singh was an associate of the famous Sikh missionary Jarnail Singh Bhindranwalae and was the son of the former Cheif of Jatha Bhidran-Mehta (Damdami Taksal). For the frist time since 1959, the Sikh Students Federation selected a President who would not bow before the Akali leadership on the issue of the interests of the Sikh nation.
-Ref. THE SIKHS' STRUGGLE FOR SOVEREIGNTY, An Historical Perspective By Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon. Edited By: A.T. Kerr Page 110-119.
1983
50 Hindu police officials awarded for killing Sikhs in fake encounters.
1983
Police killed 2 Sikhs and wounded several at Baba Bakala.On this day, the Central Reserve Police (CRP) force attacked a camp of the GurSikh group, the Nihangs, at Baba Bakala and shot several Sikhs, killing two and wounding eight others. Besides this, the cruel force killed seven horses, two bullocks and wounded 12 horses. The property of the Nihangs was looted by the forces.
-Ref. THE SIKHS' STRUGGLE FOR SOVEREIGNTY, An Historical Perspective By Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon. Edited By: A.T. Kerr Page 110-119.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 3, 2012

Today's sikh histroy(3 july)

3 july 1983
All India Sikh Federation organized Amrit
Prachar in Ludhiana.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 4, 2012

4 july
...
1955
Indian police entered Darbar Sahib complex and arrested several Akali leaders.

1965

Nalwa conference Ludhiana asserted Sikh's right to self-determination.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 5, 2012

5th July

1856

Nihal Singh, alias Bhai Maharaj Singh, died a hero's death in the Singapore prison. His death was to the cancer that had developed as a result of his fast while in prison.==> Bhai MAHARAJ SINGH: Born in village Rabbon, near Malud, Ludhiana Dist. Parents named him Nihal Singh. As a young lad, he went to stay at Bhai Bir Singh's Dera at Naurangabad. Did sewa for many years, took Amrit at the hands of Bhai Bir Singh, was given the name Bhagwan Singh, and eventually became his chela. The Dera was practically a military camp with 1200 musketmen and 3000 horsemen. It had always been a sanctuary for political refugees. It became the centre of the Sikh revolt against Dogra dominance over the Punjab.
Hira Singh Dogra, the chief minister of the Punjab, attacked the Dera in 1844 with 20000 troops and 50 cannon. Several hundred Sikhs, including General Attar Singh Sandhanwalla, Prince Kashmira Singh and Bhai Bir Singh were killed. Bhagwan Singh became the head of the Dera.
The British, who had been waiting for the right moment to intervene and establish their authority, made their move in 1847. They deported Rani Jinda. The Sikh chiefs revolted, including Bhagwan Singh. He was welcomed by Sikhs saying "Ah Wo Maharaj", because of his sanctity, thus, soon he came to be referred to as Bhai Maharaj Singh.
During the second Anglo-Sikh war that followed, at the battles of Ram Nagar, Chillianwall and Gujrat, he was very active providing personal inspiration and organizing supplies for the Sikh Army. Soon after the defeat at Gujrat, all the other Sikh chiefs had been captured or had surrendered.
By the way, Bhai Maharaj Singh was one of the first people of Punjab to launch a freedom movement in Punjab after the British took over Punjab. He said in 1849:
"There will be another National War, let all the true Sikhs rise on the day fixed."

"Bhai Mahararaj Singh, a Sikh priest of reputed sanctity, and of great influence, the first man who raised the standards of rebellion beyound the confines of Multan in 1848, and the only leader of note who did not lay down his arms to Sir Walter Gilberts at Rawalpindi."
- Henry Lawrence, Resident of Lahore

Bhai Maharaj Singh's other name was Bhai Nihal Singh. His belonged to a line of Sikh revolutionaries who wanted to return to the creed of the Gurus. The pinions of this movement were Baba Bhag Singh of Pothohar, his worthy and more popular disciple Bhai Bir Singh of Naurangabad in Amritsar and the latter's successor Bhai Maharaj Singh.
Bhai Maharaj Singh plan of action against the vastly superior British was framed in the jungles of the Chumb Valley.
1. To rescue Maharajah Dalip Singh from Lahore Fort.
2. To organize a United Front of all anti-British forces.
3. Organized disruption by subversion and suprise attacks on British treasuries and cantonments.
He displayed superb military generalship and knowledge of tactical warfare. What sustained him was his rich spiritual heritage.
The British reacted by moving Dalip Singh to securer confinement, encouraged Muslim zealots to locate him for them and offered hugh rewards for information of his whereabouts. On the other hand, the British tried to portray him as a religious leader to lower his following as a Military or political leader. It was the British officers who coined the term "Karnivala" since it they did not want to admit the failures of their intelligence. Bhai Maharaj Singh, undoubtedly, was certainly a "Miracle Maker" since it became impossible for the British to arrest him. This was due to the support given to him by the public that he was able to hide among the people.
He was captured together with 21 unarmed followers on Dec, 28 1849, near Adampur. Vansttart, the Deputy Commissioner of Jallundar who arrested him, wrote.

"The Guru is no ordinary man. He is to the natives what Jesus was to the most zealous of Christians. His miracles were seen by tens of thousands, and are more implicitly believed than those worked by the ancient prophets."

Even more generous was Mcleod, Commissioner of the Doab,

" had he remained at large, but a little longer . more outrages of an alarming character would have been attempted . the result of which, would perhaps be impossible to foretell."

It was found too risky to put Bhai Maharaj Singh on trial in India and he was deported to Singapore. He arrived on the "Mahomed Shaw", on 9th July 1850, together with a disciple, Khurruck Singh, and moved to Outram Jail. He was kept in solitary confinement in a cell 14 by 15 feet, which, because of the walling up of the windows, had been "further rendered dark, dinghy and absolutely unhealthy" (Secret Consultation Papers, 28th Feb 1851, #52-57). He was practically blind within three years, developed cancer on his tongue, and had rheumatic swellings and pains in his feet and ankles. The Civil Surgeon, Singapore, recommended that Bhai Maharaj Singh be allowed an occasional walk in the open, but this was turned down by the Government of India. The result was that his health continued to deteriorate, and about two months before his death, his neck and tongue became so swollen that it became very difficult for him to swallow.
Bhai Maharaj Singh died on 5th July 1856. He was cremated on a plot of land outside the prison, presumebably by Khurruck Singh, who also died in prison later. Locals, mainly Hindu Tamils began to revere the spot, marking it with stones. Offerings of flowers found their way there, Sikhs and Muslims joined in. The Sikhs placed a structure on this spot, turning it into a small temple. In 1966, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was moved to the Silat Road Temple. Only the stones were re-erected outside the temple. Large numbers of Sikhs and non-Sikhs come to the samadh to worship, with offerings of valuables, a practice against Sikh tenets.
Bhai Maharaj Singh was the head of the Order now known as the Hoti Mardan Valli Sant Khalsa Sampardai, recent illustrious heads were Sant Attar Singh and Sant Isher Singh. He was thus not only a revolutionary fighter but also a recognized religious personage of very high standing. Many believe him to be a "Karniwala".
-Source - extracted from 'Bhai Maharaj Singh Saint-Soldier' by Choor Singh, Singapore.

1973

Akali Dal initiates the Karnal Morcha.

1984

Nine Sikhs hijacked an Indian Airliner to Lahore (1984).To protest against the invasion of the Indian army on the Darbar Sahib, nine Sikhs belonging to the Sikh Students Federation hijacked an Indian Airliner from Jammu to Lahore. The hijackers were:
Parminder Singh "Harfam Maula" (Leader) Dalip Singh,Manjit Singh BabbarGurdip Singh PardesiMalaghar Singh BabbarHarbhajan SinghHarminder SinghGurvinder SinghRavinder SinghOn January 20, 1986, three of them were sentenced to death, two were sentenced to life-imprisonment and four were acquited. Later in 1989 the death sentence was commuted to life-imprisonment under the orders of a general amnesty. Two of the four acquited were killed by the Indian army while they were returning to India.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 6, 2012

6th July

.....

1946
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru assured fruits of freedom for Sikhs.Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, first prime minister of India, assured the Sikhs in Calcutta session that all steps will be taken to create a region in which Sikhs could enjoy the fruits of freedom. Such promises remain unfulfilled todate.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 7, 2012

7th July
.....
1656
Prakash Utsav, Eighth Patshah, Guru Har Krishan Ji.

==> Guru HAR KRISHAN Patshah (1656-1668), was born on monday, Sawan 8 sunmat 1713 (July 7, 1656) at Kiratpur, to father Sri Guru Har Rai Patshah and mother Matta Krishan Kaur. On Katak 8 sunmat 1718 (Oct. 7 1661), Guru Sahib ascended to Gur Gadhi. Based on the complaints of Baba Ram Rai, Guru Sahib were summoned to Aurangzeb's court in Delhi. While in Delhi, Guru Sahib suffered from small pox (Chaechak) and subsequently left for heavenly abode on Vaisak 3 sunmat 1721 (March 30, 1664). Two historical Gurudwaras marking Guru Sahib's visit to Delhi include Balla Sahib and Bangla Sahib.

Guru Har Krishan, served as the eighth Guru of GurSikhism for a total of 2 years, 5 months and 26 days. Guru Sahibs's entire journey through our planet totaled to 7 years, 8 months, and 26 days.
Sri Har Krishan Dayia Jit Ditha Sab Dukh Jae (Chandhi 3)

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 265)
1926
Sardar Teja Singh Samundri passed away in Lahore Fort as a result of the strain from the lengthy detention there. He was among the main Panthic leaders around the Gurudwara Sudhar period and had been jailed for a long period. His antim saskar was conducted the following day on July 18. To his memory Teja Singh Samundri Hall was erected, where the general body meetings of SGPC are usually held. Master Tara Singh elected the leader of the Akali Dal.

==> MASTER TARA SINGH: Master Tara Singh was born on 24 June, 1885, in Haryal in Rawalpindi district of North Western Province of undivided India. His mother, Moolan Devi, was a pious lady and his father, Bakshi Gopi Chand, was a patwari of the village and was a well known and respected person. Tara Singh's original name was Nanak Chand. In 1902 Nanak Chand embraced Sikhism and came to be called Tara Singh.

Tara Singh had a bright educational career and was a scholarship holder almost at all stages of his education. In 1907 he passed his B. A. examination from Khalsa College, Amritsar. Later Tara Singh joined as headmaster of Khalsa High School, Lyallpur, at an honorarium of Rs. 15 per month. Since then he came to be known as Master Tara Singh. His career as a teacher ended in 1921, following the Nankana tragedy.

He also edited two Akali newspapers, Akali (Udru) and Akali te Pardesi (Grumukhi) in which he forcefully put forward the aims and objectives of the Akali Dal.

He took an active part in national politics till his death on 22 November 1967.

-Ref. Master Tara Singh, by Verinder Grover, Deep & Deep Publications Delhi, 1995.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 8, 2012

8th July

.....

1923

Maharaja Ripduman Singh Nabha forced to abdicate his throne. As a result the jaito morcha was launched. He was well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa proclivities. But he had a dispute with the Maharaja of Patiala, known for his pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had no dispute with the government, but as a result of mediation he was forced to abdicate. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armored cars, took Maharaja by Surprise and taunted him withe the query, Where is that Akali? The anouncement of deposition by the government, helped raise a strom of protest against Government interference on Nabha and was described as a challenge to the Akali movement.-Source The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995
==> Maharaja RIPUDAMAN SINGH was born on Mar. 4, 1883 in Nabha to father Maharaja Sir Hira Singh and mother Jasmaer Kaur (daughter of Sardar Anokh Singh Longowalia). On 29th Jaeth sunmat 1958, he married Bibi Jagdhish Kaur (daughter of sardar Gur Dayal Singh Mann) and a daughter was born on Oct. 8, 1907, named Bibi Amrit Kaur who later married Raja Sahib Kalsiya Ravisher Singh on Feb. 16, 1925.
Ripudaman Singh was an additional member to the Governor's legislative Council from 1906 to 1908. In 1910, he went on European travels. He was present at the Westminister Abbey during the throning ceremony of King H.M. George on June 22, 1911. Maharaja Hira Singh passed away while Ripudaman Singh was on these travels.
He assumed the Nabha rule on Jan. 24th, 1912. In 1914's world war, he offered his forces to fight with the British. Though this offer was not immediately accepted, his forces were later employed in Mesopotamia where they exhibited exemplary performance under the command of Col. Bachan Singh. Maharaja donated several lakh ruppees under several funds for the war efforts during 1917-8. His forces fought with the British in Balochistan and Iran.
On Oct. 10, 1918, he married SarojanDevi (daughter of Sardar Prem Singh Raipuria) and a son Pratap Singh was born on Sept. 21, 1919.
Due to several reasons, including internal dissension, bad influence, bad company, and numerous mistakes, Maharaja's had to relinquish his rule in June 9, 1923 to a British administrator. In return, he received Rs. 3 lakh annually for his maintenance.
On Feb. 6, 1927, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh partook Amrit at Abichal Nagar and was named Gurcharan Singh.
On Feb. 19, 1928, government announced that Maharaja Ripudaman had violated the agreement under which he had to relinquish his rule. As a result, his stipend was reduced from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 120,000. Further his title of Maharaja was taken away and he was put under house arrest at Kadia-Kunal in Madras where he died on this day. On Feb. 23, 1928, the governor general appointed Pratap Singh as the Maharaja of Nabha.
-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 696)

1951

Akali Dal passed a resolution for Punjabi Suba and independent organization.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 9, 2012

9th July

...

1609

The foundation stone of 12 feet high Akal Bunga (Sri Akal Takhat Sahib) was laid by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji himself in front of the harimandir Sahib. The five story building was completed in 1609. The Akal Takhat was carefully constructed by Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji. No mason was employed as per Guru's instructions that no labour would be acquired for its construction.==> AKAL TAKHAT - an institution, initially named Akal Bunga, established by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib in sunmat 1665 for Sikh Governance, located in front of Harmindar Sahib, Amritsar. Regular diwans were conducted daily, during early morning and evening by Guru Sahib. AkalBunga, represents the centre for all Panthic jathaebandia (groups). It is where Gurmat resolutions are announced and procalamations made that are binding to all Sikhs around the world. Akal Bunga is the first Takhat for Sikhs and hence popularly known as Akal Takhat. Some of the arms preserved at this location include:
1. Sri Sahibs (swords) of Guru Hargobind Sahib that represented Miri and Piri
2. Sri Sahib (sword) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
3. Sri Sahib (sword) of Baba Buddha Ji
4. Sri Sahib (sword) of Bhai Jaetha Ji
5. Sri Sahib Baba Karam Singh Ji Shaheed
6. Sri Sahib Bhai Uday Singh Ji, who was with Guru Gobind Singh Ji
7. Sri Sahib Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji
8. Dudhara Khanda (double-edged sword) of Baba Gurbakash Singh Ji Shaheed
9. Dudhara Khanda (double-edged sword) of Baba Deep Singh Ji
10. Dudhara Khanda of Baba Nodh Singh Ji Shaheed
11. Khadag Bhai Vachitar Singh Ji which weighed 10 Saer
12. Guru Hargobinds Sahib's Guraj weighing 16 saer. It was given to Dharamvir Jassa Singh by Matta Sundari
13. A sword like weapon belonging to Guru Hargobind Sahib Guru Hargobind Sahib's Katar
14. Baba Ajit Singh's Katar
15. Baba Jujhar Singh's Katar
16. Guru Hargobind Sahib's kirpan
17. Guru Hargobind's Paeshkabaj
18. Baba Deep Singh's Paeshkabaj
19. A sword like weapon of Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed
20. Pistol of Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed
21. Two arrows of Guru Gobind Singh each cxontaining one Toala of gold
22. Medium sized Khanda of Baba Deep Singh Ji
23. Two kirpans of Baba Deep Singh Ji
24. Two small Khandas of Baba Deep Singh Ji
25. Chakar Of Baba Deep Singh Ji
26. Small Chakar of Baba Deep Singh Ji
27. Baba Deep Singh Ji's chakar for head decoration
-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 36)

1850

Bhai Maharaj Singh arrived in Singapore aboard the Mahomed Shaw, accompanied by his disciple, Khurruck Singh, and moved to Outram Jail.==> Bhai MAHARAJ SINGH: Born in village Rabbon, near Malud, Ludhiana Dist. Parents named him Nihal Singh. As a young lad, he went to stay at Bhai Bir Singh's Dera at Naurangabad. Did sewa for many years, took Amrit at the hands of Bhai Bir Singh, was given the name Bhagwan Singh, and eventually became his chela. The Dera was practically a military camp with 1200 musketmen and 3000 horsemen. It had always been a sanctuary for political refugees. It became the centre of the Sikh revolt against Dogra dominance over the Punjab.
Hira Singh Dogra, the chief minister of the Punjab, attacked the Dera in 1844 with 20000 troops and 50 cannon. Several hundred Sikhs, including General Attar Singh Sandhanwalla, Prince Kashmira Singh and Bhai Bir Singh were killed. Bhagwan Singh became the head of the Dera.
The British, who had been waiting for the right moment to intervene and establish their authority, made their move in 1847. They deported Rani Jinda. The Sikh chiefs revolted, including Bhagwan Singh. He was welcomed by Sikhs saying Ah Wo Maharaj, because of his sanctity, thus, soon he came to be referred to as Bhai Maharaj Singh.
During the second Anglo-Sikh war that followed, at the battles of Ram Nagar, Chillianwall and Gujrat, he was very active providing personal inspiration and organizing supplies for the Sikh Army. Soon after the defeat at Gujrat, all the other Sikh chiefs had been captured or had surrendered.
By the way, Bhai Maharaj Singh was one of the first people of Punjab to launch a freedom movement in Punjab after the British took over Punjab. He said in 1849:
There will be another National War, let all the true Sikhs rise on the day fixed.

Bhai Mahararaj Singh, a Sikh priest of reputed sanctity, and of great influence, the first man who raised the standards of rebellion beyound the confines of Multan in 1848, and the only leader of note who did not lay down his arms to Sir Walter Gilberts at Rawalpindi.
- Henry Lawrence, Resident of Lahore

Bhai Maharaj Singh's other name was Bhai Nihal Singh. His belonged to a line of Sikh revolutionaries who wanted to return to the creed of the Gurus. The pinions of this movement were Baba Bhag Singh of Pothohar, his worthy and more popular disciple Bhai Bir Singh of Naurangabad in Amritsar and the latter's successor Bhai Maharaj Singh.
Bhai Maharaj Singh plan of action against the vastly superior British was framed in the jungles of the Chumb Valley.
1. To rescue Maharajah Dalip Singh from Lahore Fort.
2. To organize a United Front of all anti-British forces.
3. Organized disruption by subversion and suprise attacks on British treasuries and cantonments.
He displayed superb military generalship and knowledge of tactical warfare. What sustained him was his rich spiritual heritage.
The British reacted by moving Dalip Singh to securer confinement, encouraged Muslim zealots to locate him for them and offered hugh rewards for information of his whereabouts. On the other hand, the British tried to portray him as a religious leader to lower his following as a Military or political leader. It was the British officers who coined the term Karnivala since it they did not want to admit the failures of their intelligence. Bhai Maharaj Singh, undoubtedly, was certainly a Miracle Maker since it became impossible for the British to arrest him. This was due to the support given to him by the public that he was able to hide among the people.
He was captured together with 21 unarmed followers on Dec, 28 1849, near Adampur. Vansttart, the Deputy Commissioner of Jallundar who arrested him, wrote.

The Guru is no ordinary man. He is to the natives what Jesus was to the most zealous of Christians. His miracles were seen by tens of thousands, and are more implicitly believed than those worked by the ancient prophets.

Even more generous was Mcleod, Commissioner of the Doab,

had he remained at large, but a little longer. more outrages of an alarming character would have been attempted . the result of which, would perhaps be impossible to foretell.

It was found too risky to put Bhai Maharaj Singh on trial in India and he was deported to Singapore. He arrived on the Mahomed Shaw, on 9th July 1850, together with a disciple, Khurruck Singh, and moved to Outram Jail. He was kept in solitary confinement in a cell 14 by 15 feet, which, because of the walling up of the windows, had been further rendered dark, dinghy and absolutely unhealthy (Secret Consultation Papers, 28th Feb 1851, #52-57). He was practically blind within three years, developed cancer on his tongue, and had rheumatic swellings and pains in his feet and ankles. The Civil Surgeon, Singapore, recommended that Bhai Maharaj Singh be allowed an occasional walk in the open, but this was turned down by the Government of India. The result was that his health continued to deteriorate, and about two months before his death, his neck and tongue became so swollen that it became very difficult for him to swallow.
Bhai Maharaj Singh died on 5th July 1856. He was cremated on a plot of land outside the prison, presumebably by Khurruck Singh, who also died in prison later. Locals, mainly Hindu Tamils began to revere the spot, marking it with stones. Offerings of flowers found their way there, Sikhs and Muslims joined in. The Sikhs placed a structure on this spot, turning it into a small temple. In 1966, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was moved to the Silat Road Temple. Only the stones were re-erected outside the temple. Large numbers of Sikhs and non-Sikhs come to the samadh to worship, with offerings of valuables, a practice against Sikh tenets.,
Bhai Maharaj Singh was the head of the Order now known as the Hoti Mardan Valli Sant Khalsa Sampardai, recent illustrious heads were Sant Attar Singh and Sant Isher Singh. He was thus not only a revolutionary fighter but also a recognized religious personage of very high standing. Many believe him to be a Karniwala.
-Source - extracted from 'Bhai Maharaj Singh Saint-Soldier' by Choor Singh, Singapore.

1922

Kishan Singh Gargaj considers merger of both the Chakarvarti Jathas. He alongwith Assa Singh, reaches Hayatpur to meet Karam Singh.

1975

Akali Dal initiated their protest against the emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi and launched an agitation. It should be noted that Akali Dal was the only organization to raise such protests. This agitation was successfully concluded on Jan. 17, 1977. A total of 43,472 Sikhs had courted arrest during this agitation

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 10, 2012

10th July

1620

Guru Hargobind had to marry Mehrai despite his refusal. This was an unfortunate upshot of the jubilation in Sikh community caused by Guru Sahib's release from seven years of incarceration. Within a few months two brides were pledged to him by their parents. Under the customs prevalent at that time, on Guru Hargobind's refusal, those girls would have remained unmarried throughout their life. So he had to marry Nanaki on March 28, 1620, and Mehrai also called Marwahi on July 10, 1620. The first incident occurred too close to his release. Taken aback at the second incident, he announced that no one should pledge his daughter to him in future.==> Guru HAR GOBIND PATSHAH (1595-1644) was born on Hadh 21 sunmat 1652 (June 14, 1595) to father Sri Guru Arjan Dev Patshah and mother Matta Ganga Ji, in village Vadhali. He received his religious education from Baba Budha Ji. Guru Sahib married three time:
1. Damodari Ji, daughter of Dalha resident Narayan Das on Bhadho 12 sunmat 1661;
2. Nanaki Ji, daughter of Bakala resident Hari Chand on Vaisakh 8 sunmat 1670;
3. Mahadevi Ji, daughter of Mandiyala resident Daya Ram on Sawan 11 sunmat 1672.
Guru Sahib had five sons (Baba Gurditta Ji, Suraj Mal, Aani Rai, Atal Rai, and Guru Teg Bahadhur Ji) and one daughter (Bhiro). On Jaeth 29 sunmat 1663 (May 25 1606), while ascended to Guru Gadhi, Guru Har Gobind Patshah changed the previous tradition of wearing Saeli toppi (cap) and replaced it with wearing Kalgi. At the same time, he started the tradition of wearing two swords of Miri Piri. Observing the prevalent conditions of the nation at that time, Guru Sahib started teaching self-protection skills along with the religious preaching.
Guru Sahib,
* in sunmat 1665, constructed the Takhat Akal Bungha, in front of Sri Harmindar Sahib,
* in sunmat 1669, established Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib's Dehra in Lahore,
* from sunmat 1670-71 flourished the forest region of Daroli, etc. by residing there,
* in sunmat 1624, helped Mohan and Kalae in establishing Maehraj in Malwa,
* in sunmat 1624, constructed the Kolsar sarowar in Amritsar,
* in 1685, constructed Bibaek Sar for Bibaekae Sikhs.
When the Akbar's policy of assimilation changed to Jahagir's propaganda against the Sikhs, resulting in the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Patshah, Guru Har Gobind Patshah urged his followers to pick up weapons for their self-protection. He preached self-protection along with his religious message. Upon hearing this, Jahagir arrested and jailed Guru Sahib in Gawalior fort. However, instead of losing popularity, as expected by Jahagir, this action immensely increased the popularity and following of Guru Sahib. Many renowned muslims issued a call for Guru Sahib's release. As a result, Jahagir not only released Guru Sahib but actively sought to establish some level of friendship. However, when Shahjahan came to power in sunmat 1685, the government policy went strongly against the Sikhs. As a result, Guru Sahib fought the following four wars with the mughal forces:
1. Amritsar war with General Sukhlis Khan in sunmat 1685.
2. Sri Gobindpur war with the ruler of Jallandar in sunmat 1687.
3. War of Gurusar near Maehraj with General KamarBaeg in sunmat 1688. After this war, Guru Sahib blessed Phul with sovereign rule that subsequently emerged as the Patiala rule.
4. Kartarpur war with Kalae Khan, Pandhae Khan, etc. in 1691. Subsequent to this war, Guru Sahib moved his resident to Kiratpur. However, Guru Sahib continued with his active propagation of Sikh faith. He traveled to Kashmir, PiliBheet, Baar, and Malwa and enlightened thousands on to the correct path. As a result many muslims came under the fold of Sikhs. He also encouraged Udasis to travel throughout the world to propagate Guru Nanak's message.
Guru Sahib left this materialistic world for heavenly abode on Chaet 7 sunmat 1701 (March 3, 1644) after serving as the sixth Guru of GurSikhism for a total of 37 years, 10 months, and 7 days. Guru Sahib's entire journey through this planet amounted to 48 years, 8 months, and 15 days. Guru Har Rai Patshah ascended to Guru Gadhi after Guru Har Gobind.

Arjan Har Gobind Nu Simaro Sri Har Rai (Chandhi 3)-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 265)

1923

Akali leadership formally took up the question of the restoration of Maharaja of Nabha. However, they waited for the completion of SGPC elections before proceeding this case vigorously. This culminated into what is known as the Nabha agitation.-Source The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995.

1985

Indian government honors its forces for attacking Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Akal Takhat. Zail Singh, then President of India, bestowed the honors.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 11, 2012

11th July

1675

Guru Tegh Bahadhur left Anadpur Sahib for Delhi to help save Hindu dharma from total extinction.Kashmiri Pandits, led by Kirpa Das of Mattan (Martand), reached Chak Nanki, Kahlur (old name of Anadpur Sahib). He appealed to Guru Tegh Bahadhur for his help in against the prosecution of Kashmiri Pandits by Aurangzeb's forces and resulting extinction of hindu dharma. After appointing Gobind Rai as the next Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadhur left for Delhi on July 11, 1675. After Guruji's martyrdom, Pandit Kirpa Das stayed back and became Kirpa Singh after taking amort in 1699 and died fighting at Chamkaut along with the two elder sahibjadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
When Guru Tegh Bahadhur sacrificed himself to save the Kashmiri Pandits from extinction in 1675, Guru Gobind Singh put his stamp on this truth by proclaiming "The Lord (Guru Tegh Bahadhur) protected the sacred thread and the frontal mark of the Hindus: He performed a great deed in the age of Kalyug." However, it is strange that the Kashmiri Pandits did not build any memorial in honour of Guruji. On the other hand the present generation had started doubting the veracity of this event.
==> GURU TEGH BAHADUR (1621-1675): RAG SORATH

That man who in the midst of grief is free from grieving,
And free from fear, and free from the snare of delight,
Nor is covetous of gold that he knows to be dust,
Who is neither a backbiter nor a flatterer,
Nor has greed in his heart, nor vdnity, nor any worldly attachment,
Who remains at his centre unmoved by good and ill fortune,
Who indifferent to the world's praise and blame
And discards every wishful fantasy
Accepting his lot in the disinterested fashion,
Not worked upon by lust or by wrath,
In such a man God dwelleth.
The man on vjhom the Grace of the Guru alights
Understands the way of conduct:
His soul, 0 Nanak, is mingled with the Lord
As water mingles with water!

In the galaxy of immortal martyrs who laid down their precious lives to keep ablaze the flame of faith and freedom, the name of the Ninth Master, Guru Tegh Bahadur stands out radiantly prominent. Doubtless, there have been prophets who sacrificed themselves at the altar of their own religion, but the uniqueness of the Ninth Master's martyrdom lies in the fact that he courted death in defending the religion of the persecuted Hindus who had sought his shelter when they were forced to choose between death and Islam. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the second martyr Guru, who was born at Amritsar in 1621, was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the Sixth Master (1595-1645). Guru Har Rai, the Seventh Master (1630-61), and Guru Hari Krishna, the Eight Master (1656-1964): however, preceded him as Gurus. He adorned the sacred throne of Guru Nanak from 1664 to 1675. His installation as Guru enraged Dhirmal and the masands, who were the most contentious claimants to the Guruship.
Guru Tegh Bahadur toured the Punjab, particularly the Malwa region, and Eastern India, to preach Sikhism. He also went to Assam with Raja Ram Singh and stayed with him for nearly two years. The Guru's family accompanied him on this trip, but, while proceeding to Assam, he left his familly at Patna. It was here that his only son Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) was born. While leaving Assam for the Punjab, Guru Tegh Bahadur broke his journey at Patna for a short time and then returned to the Punjab. He purchased land from the Raja of Kahloor at Makhowal (Anandpur) and settled down there. From here he set out on extensive missionary tours and attracted amongst others, several Muslims to his faith.
The main theme of Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacred hymns is Nam Simran (concentration on the Divine Name) and Guru Bhakti (adoration of the Guru). One hundred and fifteen hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur are incorporated in the Adi Granth.
He has clearly set forth his own definition of Giani (or the enlightened one). In these compositions he has laid special stress on vairag or detachment for the realisation of the lofty ideals that distinguish the life of a BrahmGiani.
During Guru Tegh Bahadur's ministry, Emperor Aurangzeb intensified his fanatical plans for forcibly converting the Hindus to Islam. This move had serious repercussions in Kashmir, and, the learned Pandits of Kashmir came to Guru Tegh Bahadur to seek refuge. The Guru advised them to go and tell Aurangzeb that if he could persuade Guru Tegh Bahadur to embrace Islam, they would all willingly become Muslims. This proposal appealed to Aurangzeb, who had already hatched plans to bring to an end Guru Tegh Bahadur's missionary activities, so, he at once issued orders for his arrest.
The Guru, along with some of his companions was finally brought to Delhi and asked to convert to Islam or else face the penalty of death. The Master averred that he would sacrifice his life rather than give up his faith and his freedom of belief. Thus, under Aurangzeb's orders, he was beheaded at the place now called Sis Ganj in Delhi. His martyrdom was yet another challenge to the Sikh conscience. It was realized then that there could be no understanding between an insensate power imbrued with blood and a proud people wedded to a life of peace with honour. The sacrifice roused the devitalized Hindus from their supine somnolence and gave them a hint of the power that comes from self-respect and sacrifice. Guru Tegh Bahadur thus earned the enduring sobriquet title of Hind-di-Chadar or the Shield of India.
-Ref. "Guru Granth Ratnavali," (pp. 70) by Dr. D.S. Mani, Sardar Bakhshish Singh, and Dr. Gurdit Singh.

1710

Baba Banda Singh Bahadhur eliminated the rulers of Nanotae.==> BANDA SINGH BAHADHUR: born on KatakSudhi 13 sunmat 1727 to Rajput father Ramdev who was a resident of the Rajori village in Jammu. He was named Lashman Dev by his parents. Since childhood, he exhibited extremely fondness for sanskrit literature and hunting. However, he plunged into deep remorse after killing a pregnant deer. As a result he discarded all his hunting tools and became a disciple of Vaesnav JankiPrasad. He shed all his material wealth, started onto the seekers path for enlightenment, and adopted the new name, Madho Dass.
Wondering in search of enlightenment, when he traveled towards south India and reached the banks of Godawari, he fell in love with this beautiful new place. He established his Ashram and started living here. In sunmat 1765, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Nandaedh, he was extremely impressed and influenced by Guru's preaching. He offered himself as "Satguru Da Banda" (Satguru's person). Guru Gobind Singh Ji introduced him to Amrit and changed his name to Gurbakash Singh. However, he remained popularly known in our Panth as "Banda".
To eradicate the prevalent injustices, Guru Gobind Singh sent Banda accompanied by the following five GurSikhs to Punjab:
Baba Binod SinghBaba Kanh SinghBaba Bajh SinghBaba Bijae SinghBaba Ram SinghBanda went to Punjab in sunmat 1765 accompanied with a Hukamnama from Guru Gobind Singh addressed to all the GurSikh. In this Hukamnama, Guru Gobind Singh asked GurSikhs to help Banda in his efforts. Before departure, Banda received three arrows from Guru Gobind Singh and the following instructions:

Remain celibate ("Jatt rakhana")
Live, operate, and act under the dictates of Khalsa ("Khalsae dae Anusari hokae rahna")
Never consider yourself to be Guru ("Aap nu Guru na manenna")
Eat only after serving others ("Vartakae Shakana")
Help the orphas, poor, unprotected, helpless, destitute, or disolate. ("Anatha di sahiata karni")

Upon reaching Punjab, Gurbakash Singh strictly followed Guru Sahib's instructions and successfully punish all who had previously mistreated the Khalsa Panth. On the 1st Hadh sunmat 1767, after conquering Sirhind, Wajir Khan was punished and eventually killed for the mistreatment of Sahibzadas.
However, Gurbakash Singh became popular among the Khalsa Panth, his self-godliness started awakening. As a result he started adopting and engaging in practices that were against Gurmat. In sunmat 1771, Banda Bahdhur expressed desires to establish his own Gadhi in Sri Harmindar Sahib and sought his self-worhsip. He started a new slogan of "Sachae Sahib ki Fateh" in contrast to the traditional "Vaaheguru Jee Kee Fateh". This resulted in a severe split among Khalsa Panth. Those following the principles as laid by Guru Gobind Singh came to known as "TattKhalsa" while the followers of Gurbakash Singh were known as "BandaiKhalsa". Today there are very few Bandai Sikhs. They do not believe in any other holy scriptures other than Sri Guru Granth Sahib. All their practice are according to Gurmat principles.
Eventually, Banda Bahadhur was cornered by the pursuing enemy forces at "Gurdaspur de Gadhi". It is also popularly known as Bhai Duni Chand di Hawaeli. After months of sustained attacks from AbdalSamadKhan and others with a force of over 20,000, Banda Bahadhur was arrested along with his companions and taken to Delhi. He accepted Shahadat on Chaet Sudhi 1st sunmat 1773.
-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1984

Indian regime released a "White Paper" on the Sikh situation, stating its version of events leading to and during the Operation Bluestar. Later Investigation Team comprising of Amiya Rao, Aurobindo Ghosh, Sunil Bhattacharya, T.S. Ahuja, and N.D. Pancholi exposed the blatant corruption of this so-called "White-paper."

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 12, 2012

12th July

1675

Guru Tegh Bahadhur along with leading personages of his Darbar, Dewan Mati Das, Sati Das, and Dayal Das, were taken into custody at village Malikpur Ranghran, Pargana Ghanaula near Ropar. At the time Furu was camping with his three companions on his way to Delhi. They were sent to Sirhind where they remained for four months before being sent to Delhi on receipt of formal orders from Aurangzeb. During this period Aurangzeb remained at Hasan Abdal.

1955

The ban on Punjabi Suba Zindabad slogan was lifted.

1993

At 8am, Anup Singh Minhas, a Supretendent of Police (SP), and six members of his family including 2 year-old grandson were subjected to a horribing ordeal at the Mugal Sarai train station in U.P, India. 10 to 15 Hindu youngmen forced their way into a train compartment occupied by the SP and his family. What ensude for the following eight hour ordeal can only be described as a direct attack on Sikhs everywhere. The mob would grow and Minhas family would be attacked with iron rods, sticks, stone, and fire. Their compartment would be laid to seige by venomous hordes demanding that the Sikh family aboard be handed over to their designs. Relentless stoning filled the cabin with shards of broken glass. When the mob threatened to set it abalze, Mr. Minhas fired shots from his service revolver in air. In response he was pummeled with stones. His blood filled the cabin and he fell unconcious. Only through courage and endurance did the Minhas family survive this ordeal which was allowed to transpire while high level police officials and at least 70 armed police officers simply stood by and watched.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 16, 2012

13th July

1631

Mata Damodari, wife of Guru Hargobind passed away at Darauli Bhai, now in Faridkot district. Her marriage with Guru Hargobind gave birth to Baba Gurditta in 1613 and Bibi Viro in 1613. A small shrine on the outskirts of the village marks the site where the cremation took place.

1813

Sikhs under Kanwar Peshora Singh conquered and occupied Attock.

1924

10th & 11th Shahidi Jathas of 500 Akalis each, started their march from Amritsar to Jaito.==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as Gangsar. About a mile and a half north of Jaito is Tibhi Sahib Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.
WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, Where is that Akali? The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.
-Ref. Mahan Kosh
The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 16, 2012

14th July

1920

The British government issued a communique, expressing itsintentions to withdraw from the management of the Golden Temple and make alternative arrangements in concultation with Sikh members of the reformed Legislative Council. This was actually done to put off the matter by a year. However, the government's procastination provoked the reformists to step up their campaign for immediate resignation of Arur Singh, the government's appointed Sarbarh. Demoralised at government's tactics, Arur SIngh appeared before the reformers at theiu Ja;\fIanwala Bagh Diwan with folded hands. He asked for forgiveness and announced his resignation. This convinced the authorities who now regarded it as a "decided victory for the party of reformers."

1948

Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel, eliminated the Sikh rulers and established the Patiala and East Punjab States Union, PEPSU.===> EAST PUNJAB STATES: Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Faridkot, and Malerkotla were the Sikh states in the East Punjab before the integration of Indian States in 1948. The first four were the Sikh states under the sovereignty of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and were brought under British protection by the 1809 treaty of Amritsar. Patiala, Nabha, and Jind, also known as Phulkian states, share a common ancestor Phul, who was descendent of Baryam. The Emperor, in 1526, had granted Baryam, the office of revenue collection for the waste country south-west of Delhi. Emperor Shah Jahan continued Phul in this office. From his eldest son descended the families of Nabha and Jind while from his second son the Patiala family. The Faridkot family, founded in the middle 16th century sprang from the same stock as the Phulkians chiefs.
The remaining two states were Kapurthala and Malerkotla. The Kapurthala rulers belonged to the Ahluwalia family. The real founder of this family was Raja Jessa Singh, a contemporary of Nadir Shah. The malerkotla rulers were Sherwani Afghans who traced their descent from Sheikh Sadruddin who had received 68 villages near Ludhiana in marriage gifts when he married the daughter of Sultan Bahlol Lodi.
The Sikh states geographically lay in three blocks. The main block comprising the territories of Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Malerkotla and Faridkot was in the centre of East Punjab and was fairly compact. Kapurthala State, composed of two enclaves in the Jullunder district, was in the north of East Punjab. The outlaying districts of Narnual, Dadri, and Badwal, which formed parts of Patiala, Jind, and Nabha States respectively, lay with the geographical orbit of the southern districts of East Punjab. There were also islands of Patiala State in what is now Himachal Pradesh.
At the time of India's independence, there were divergent opinions as to the integration of the above states. On Feb. 11, 1948, Giani Kartar Singh, then President of Akali Dal, suggested the formation of the Union of Sikh States.He was opposed to the idea of merging those States with East Punjab, as it would further undermine the Sikh's position who had suffered tremendously because of the partition of Punjab. On Feb. 22, there was a much advertised proposal to form a unit of 4 States of Est Punjab, but that proposal fizzled out because of disagreements among their rulers. The Nationalist Sikh opinion, though not vocal at that time, was in favor of a separate Union of all the Punjab States. Further, the government of India felt special responsibility to ensure that these States, particularly as they were border States, should be organized on proper and efficient lines. On May, 5, 1948, Patiala and Easy Punjab States Union, hereafter called PEPSU, was formed. The covenant was signed by the rulers of eight States, the Maharaja of Patiala signing also on behalf of the minor rulers of Kalsia.
On July 15, 1948, PEPSU was inaugurated. Sardar Patel called this occasion a landmark in the history of India's progress. The area of PEPSU was to be 10,000 square miles, while its population was 34,24,060, and an annual budget of a little more than 5 crores. Sardar Patel administered the oath of to the Maharaja of Patiala as the first RajPramukh, who in turn administered the oath to Maharaja Kapurthala as teh UprajPramukh, swearing allegiance to the Centre and Indian Union, promising to do justice to all people in accordance with the laws and usages of the Country without fear, favor or ill-will. Due to the obvious differences between the three major parties at the time, no ministries could be announced. A care-taker ministry was formed with Sardar Gian Singh Raraewala as the head. The three major parties included Prajamandal (Congress party in the state was generally addressed by this name), Akali Dal, and Lok Sewak Sabha (patronized by Sardar Udham Singh Nagoke).
On Jan. 13, 1949, a broad based ministry was constituted to conduct the adminsitration of PEPSU. It comprised of Sardar Gian Singh Rarewala (as the head), Col. Raghbir Singh, Gianai Zail Singh, Chaudhri Nihal Singh Takshak, Pandit Ram Nath, Mr. Lachhman Dass Advocate, Sardar Ajit Singh of Rampura Phul, and Sardar Harcharan Singh Advocate of Bhatinda. Only 10 month later, this ministry was disolved and the government of India took over the administration of PEPSU.
On May 23, 1951, a 7-person ministry was sworn in. It consisted of Sarvshri Raghbir Singh (Col.), Brish Bhan, Giani Zail Singh, Nihal Singh Takshak, DEs Raj Gupta, Tirath Singh, and Sampuran Singh as cabinet ministers while Sardar Harchand Singh and Mr. Roshan Lal were the two deputy ministers.
On Jan, 7, 1952, PEPSU went to the polls for electing a 60-member state assembly with Congress winning 26 seats and Akali winning 19 seats. On March 1, 1952, Col. Raghbir Singh was unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Assembly Party. On March 19, the Congress Ministry was announced and administered the oath of office. Political activities in PEPSU centered around economic and social but certainly not on religious considerations. The problem of antagonistic relations between the landlords and tenants was so enormous that it almost defied a solution. Maharja Patiala's father-in-law, Sardar Harchand Singh Jeji, played a vital role in PEPSU politics. He has always been associated with the Akali movement in the pricely States. After the settlement of disputes over the Gurudwaras, the Akalis from the states began to agitate against teh autocratic misuse of power by the maharajas, chiefly Bhupendra Singh of Patiala. Bhupendra Singh retaliated by having the leading agitator, Seva Singh Thikrivala, transfered from Lahore and interned in Patiala on false charges of theft. The Akalis took up the case of Thikrivala and let loose a campaign publicising Bhupendra Singh's amorous escapades and the sadistic behavior of his police. Though Maharaja was able to win over a section of the Akalis, he could not silence the Punjabi and Urdu press.
In 1928, Akalis from the states joined with Hindu nationlists and founded the Praja Mandal (States People's Association). The mandal was later affiliated to the All India States People's Congress, which in turn was associated with the Indian National Congress. Sewa Singh Thikrivala was the moving spirit behind the Mandal. He was arrested several times and in 1935 succumbed to third degree methods practised on him by the Maharaja's Jailers. As a result of the murder of Thikrivala, the anti-Maharaja, ant-British movement gained momemtum in all princely ststes of the Punjab.
As far as teh language problem, PEPSU was linguistically divided for educational purposes. The Hindi speaking region consisted of the districts of Mahendragarh and Kohistan (including Chhachrauli tehsil minus Dera Bassi) and the tehsils of Jind and Narwana. The rest of the State was declared to be Punjabi zone. In one zone, Hindi in Devnagri script; in the other Punjabi in Gurmukhi were made the media of instruction and in both the other language was made compulsory from the 4th primary class upwarsd. There was no provision for choice of the medium of instruction in Punjab.
-Ref. The Illustrated History of the Sikhs (1947-78), by Gur Rattan Pal Singh
==> PATIALA FAMILY traces its descent to Maharaja Gaj, founder of the town Gazni (now in Afghanistan) in the first quarter of the 16th century. His descendents, Maharawal Jaisal, founded the State of Jaisalmer and his grand son, Rao Hans Raj, is considered the ancestor of Patiala family. However, Tawarikh Guru Khalsa written by Giani Gian Singh, traces the Patiala family descent to Chaudhri Phul, a Sidhu Jat in "Malwa country" and the Chaudhri belonged to the 23rd generation of the family of Bhatti Rajputs. When Bhim Mal came to Punjab in 1237 he helped Shahabuddin Gauri, in his attack on Delhi and in lieu of that, he was given the area comprising of Hissar, Sirsa, etc. In 1251, he built a fort in Hissar town. After his death, his son Jawand Rao succeeded and had 21 sons. According to Giani Gian Singh, Chaudhri Phul, son of Chaudhri Rup Chand, belonged to the family tree belonging to the descendents of Jawand Rao. When Guru Har Rai Patshah visited Malwa in 1702 B.K., Chaudhri Kala, brother of Chaudhri Rup Chand, brought his two nephews, Phul and Sandali to the Guru. On instructions of their uncle, who was acting as their guardian, both Phul and Sandali started beating their bellies and when Guru Sahib asked the reason, Chaudhri Kala explained that his nephews wanted to sariate their hunger. At that time, Guru Sahib blessed and ordained that the Phul family would reign for a considerable period of time and that it would feed lakhs of people. Chaudhri Phul died in 1745 B.K. and was succeeded by his two sons, Talok Chand and Ram Chand, who were introduced to amrit by Guru Gobind Singh in 1761 and were subsequently named Talok Singh and Ram Singh. Because of their great services to Guru Sahib, the two brothers were blessed and the Guru ordained "My house is your house and I am much pleased with you". Maharaj Ram Singh, who effectively controlled the areas surrounding Patiala, was murdered in 1771 B.K. (1741) at the hands of Chain Singh, Uggar Sain and Biru. He was succeeded by six sons, Baba Ala Singh proved to be the most dominating and promising. He was introduced to amrit by Nawab Kapur Singh.
The Patiala family attained prominence during Baba Ala Singh reign, who founded the State of Patiala by defeating the neighboring chieftains. Emperor Shah Jahan conferred the title "Raja" on Baba Ala Singh.
Unfortunately, the Patiala family often acted against interest of the Sikhs. They were often concerned with propagating their own family business interests firs and foremost. Among the damage they did to the Panth was the reinforcement of the Brahminincal tradition of Nirmalae Sikhs and in total disrespect to GurSikh women many Patialites kept countless Ranis, performed anti Sikhi parades, etc. When Gadarites were orgainzing in US and Baba Khadak Singh was pursuing Keys Morcha and Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh was organinsing Rakab Ganj protest, Patialites were busy bootlicking British reprentatives. They offered many naive young rural Sikhs for deployment in Greece, North Africa and Europe, who eventually sacrificed their lives for a war they had absolutely nothing to do with. The Sikhs continously failed to recognize Patialites and remained loyal to them, even during partition talks (when Patiala family's daughter was to be wed with Dr. Ambedkar's nephew and 100 million of Dalits who were going to embrace Sikhism were thrown out by a series of calculated malicious events).
For these reasons and many more, PATIALA FAMILY were never considered a part of the Khalsa Misls and remained as fringe elements to GurSikh society.
-Ref. The Illustrated History of the Sikhs (1947-78), by Gur Rattan Pal Singh.
1973
Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Yogi met with the Archbishop of Canterbury to protest English laws which discriminate against Sikhs, particularly the law requiring motorcycle helmets.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 16, 2012

15th July

1775

Sikhs, under the leadership of Jai Singh, establish complete control over PahadGanj and JaiSinghPura, Delhi.
1923

Bishan Singh Sandhara assaulted by the Babbar Akalis.

1934

Gandhi reiterated to the Khalsa darbar deputation that "no constitution would be acceptable to the Congress which did not satisfy the Sikhs." He added, "Similarly, the Congress would not reject what the Mussalmans wanted, nor could it accept what Hindus or Sikhs reject."-Ref. "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995.

1948

The Patiala and East Punjab States Union, PEPSU, was inaugurated.==> EAST PUNJAB STATES: Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Faridkot, and Malerkotla were the Sikh states in the East Punjab before the integration of Indian States in 1948. The first four were the Sikh states under the sovereignty of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and were brought under British protection by the 1809 treaty of Amritsar. Patiala, Nabha, and Jind, also known as Phulkian states, share a common ancestor Phul, who was descendent of Baryam. The Emperor, in 1526, had granted Baryam, the office of revenue collection for the waste country south-west of Delhi. Emperor Shah Jahan continued Phul in this office. From his eldest son descended the families of Nabha and Jind while from his second son the Patiala family. The Faridkot family, founded in the middle 16th century sprang from the same stock as the Phulkians chiefs.
The remaining two states were Kapurthala and Malerkotla. The Kapurthala rulers belonged to the Ahluwalia family. The real founder of this family was Raja Jessa Singh, a contemporary of Nadir Shah. The malerkotla rulers were Sherwani Afghans who traced their descent from Sheikh Sadruddin who had received 68 villages near Ludhiana in marriage gifts when he married the daughter of Sultan Bahlol Lodi.
The Sikh states geographically lay in three blocks. The main block comprising the territories of Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Malerkotla and Faridkot was in the centre of East Punjab and was fairly compact. Kapurthala State, composed of two enclaves in the Jullunder district, was in the north of East Punjab. The outlaying districts of Narnual, Dadri, and Badwal, which formed parts of Patiala, Jind, and Nabha States respectively, lay with the geographical orbit of the southern districts of East Punjab. There were also islands of Patiala State in what is now Himachal Pradesh.
At the time of India's independence, there were divergent opinions as to the integration of the above states. On Feb. 11, 1948, Giani Kartar Singh, then President of Akali Dal, suggested the formation of the Union of Sikh States.He was opposed to the idea of merging those States with East Punjab, as it would further undermine the Sikh's position who had suffered tremendously because of the partition of Punjab. On Feb. 22, there was a much advertised proposal to form a unit of 4 States of Est Punjab, but that proposal fizzled out because of disagreements among their rulers. The Nationalist Sikh opinion, though not vocal at that time, was in favor of a separate Union of all the Punjab States. Further, the government of India felt special responsibility to ensure that these States, particularly as they were border States, should be organized on proper and efficient lines. On May, 5, 1948, Patiala and Easy Punjab States Union, hereafter called PEPSU, was formed. The covenant was signed by the rulers of eight States, the Maharaja of Patiala signing also on behalf of the minor rulers of Kalsia.
On July 15, 1948, PEPSU was inaugurated. Sardar Patel called this occasion a landmark in the history of India's progress. The area of PEPSU was to be 10,000 square miles, while its population was 34,24,060, and an annual budget of a little more than 5 crores. Sardar Patel administered the oath of to the Maharaja of Patiala as the first RajPramukh, who in turn administered the oath to Maharaja Kapurthala as teh UprajPramukh, swearing allegiance to the Centre and Indian Union, promising to do justice to all people in accordance with the laws and usages of the Country without fear, favor or ill-will. Due to the obvious differences between the three major parties at the time, no ministries could be announced. A care-taker ministry was formed with Sardar Gian Singh Raraewala as the head. The three major parties included Prajamandal (Congress party in the state was generally addressed by this name), Akali Dal, and Lok Sewak Sabha (patronized by Sardar Udham Singh Nagoke).
On Jan. 13, 1949, a broad based ministry was constituted to conduct the adminsitration of PEPSU. It comprised of Sardar Gian Singh Rarewala (as the head), Col. Raghbir Singh, Gianai Zail Singh, Chaudhri Nihal Singh Takshak, Pandit Ram Nath, Mr. Lachhman Dass Advocate, Sardar Ajit Singh of Rampura Phul, and Sardar Harcharan Singh Advocate of Bhatinda. Only 10 month later, this ministry was disolved and the government of India took over the administration of PEPSU.
On May 23, 1951, a 7-person ministry was sworn in. It consisted of Sarvshri Raghbir Singh (Col.), Brish Bhan, Giani Zail Singh, Nihal Singh Takshak, DEs Raj Gupta, Tirath Singh, and Sampuran Singh as cabinet ministers while Sardar Harchand Singh and Mr. Roshan Lal were the two deputy ministers.
On Jan, 7, 1952, PEPSU went to the polls for electing a 60-member state assembly with Congress winning 26 seats and Akali winning 19 seats. On March 1, 1952, Col. Raghbir Singh was unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Assembly Party. On March 19, the Congress Ministry was announced and administered the oath of office. Political activities in PEPSU centered around economic and social but certainly not on religious considerations. The problem of antagonistic relations between the landlords and tenants was so enormous that it almost defied a solution. Maharja Patiala's father-in-law, Sardar Harchand Singh Jeji, played a vital role in PEPSU politics. He has always been associated with the Akali movement in the pricely States. After the settlement of disputes over the Gurudwaras, the Akalis from the states began to agitate against teh autocratic misuse of power by the maharajas, chiefly Bhupendra Singh of Patiala. Bhupendra Singh retaliated by having the leading agitator, Seva Singh Thikrivala, transfered from Lahore and interned in Patiala on false charges of theft. The Akalis took up the case of Thikrivala and let loose a campaign publicising Bhupendra Singh's amorous escapades and the sadistic behavior of his police. Though Maharaja was able to win over a section of the Akalis, he could not silence the Punjabi and Urdu press.
In 1928, Akalis from the states joined with Hindu nationlists and founded the Praja Mandal (States People's Association). The mandal was later affiliated to the All India States People's Congress, which in turn was associated with the Indian National Congress. Sewa Singh Thikrivala was the moving spirit behind the Mandal. He was arrested several times and in 1935 succumbed to third degree methods practised on him by the Maharaja's Jailers. As a result of the murder of Thikrivala, the anti-Maharaja, anti-British movement gained momemtum in all princely ststes of the Punjab.
As far as the language problem, PEPSU was linguistically divided for educational purposes. The Hindi speaking region consisted of the districts of Mahendragarh and Kohistan (including Chhachrauli tehsil minus Dera Bassi) and the tehsils of Jind and Narwana. The rest of the State was declared to be Punjabi zone. In one zone, Hindi in Devnagri script; in the other Punjabi in Gurmukhi were made the media of instruction and in both the other language was made compulsory from the 4th primary class upwarsd. There was no provision for choice of the medium of instruction in Punjab.
-Ref. The Illustrated History of the Sikhs (1947-78), by Gur Rattan Pal Singh
==> PATIALA FAMILY traces its descent to Maharaja Gaj, founder of the town Gazni (now in Afghanistan) in the first quarter of the 16th century. His descendents, Maharawal Jaisal, founded the State of Jaisalmer and his grand son, Rao Hans Raj, is considered the ancestor of Patiala family. However, Tawarikh Guru Khalsa written by Giani Gian Singh, traces the Patiala family descent to Chaudhri Phul, a Sidhu Jat in "Malwa country" and the Chaudhri belonged to the 23rd generation of the family of Bhatti Rajputs. When Bhim Mal came to Punjab in 1237 he helped Shahabuddin Gauri, in his attack on Delhi and in lieu of that, he was given the area comprising of Hissar, Sirsa, etc. In 1251, he built a fort in Hissar town. After his death, his son Jawand Rao succeeded and had 21 sons. According to Giani Gian Singh, Chaudhri Phul, son of Chaudhri Rup Chand, belonged to the family tree belonging to the descendents of Jawand Rao. When Guru Har Rai Patshah visited Malwa in 1702 B.K., Chaudhri Kala, brother of Chaudhri Rup Chand, brought his two nephews, Phul and Sandali to the Guru. On instructions of their uncle, who was acting as their guardian, both Phul and Sandali started beating their bellies and when Guru Sahib asked the reason, Chaudhri Kala explained that his nephews wanted to sariate their hunger. At that time, Guru Sahib blessed and ordained that the Phul family would reign for a considerable period of time and that it would feed lakhs of people. Chaudhri Phul died in 1745 B.K. and was succeeded by his two sons, Talok Chand and Ram Chand, who were introduced to amrit by Guru Gobind Singh in 1761 and were subsequently named Talok Singh and Ram Singh. Because of their great services to Guru Sahib, the two brothers were blessed and the Guru ordained "My house is your house and I am much pleased with you". Maharaj Ram Singh, who effectively controlled the areas surrounding Patiala, was murdered in 1771 B.K. (1741) at the hands of Chain Singh, Uggar Sain and Biru. He was succeeded by six sons, Baba Ala Singh proved to be the most dominating and promising. He was introduced to amrit by Nawab Kapur Singh.
The Patiala family attained prominence during Baba Ala Singh reign, who founded the State of Patiala by defeating the neighboring chieftains. Emperor Shah Jahan conferred the title "Raja" on Baba Ala Singh.

Unfortunately, the Patiala family often acted against interest of the Sikhs. They were often concerned with propagating their own family business interests firs and foremost. Among the damage they did to the Panth was the reinforcement of the Brahminincal tradition of Nirmalae Sikhs and in total disrespect to GurSikh women many Patialites kept countless Ranis, performed anti Sikhi parades, etc. When Gadarites were orgainzing in US and Baba Khadak Singh was pursuing Keys Morcha and Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh was organinsing Rakab Ganj protest, Patialites were busy bootlicking British reprentatives. They offered many naive young rural Sikhs for deployment in Greece, North Africa and Europe, who eventually sacrificed their lives for a war they had absolutely nothing to do with. The Sikhs continously failed to recognize Patialites and remained loyal to them, even during partition talks (when Patiala family's daughter was to be wed with Dr. Ambedkar's nephew and 100 million of Dalits who were going to embrace Sikhism were thrown out by a series of calculated malicious events).
For these reasons and many more, PATIALA FAMILY were never considered a part of the Khalsa Misls and remained as fringe elements to GurSikh society.
-Ref. The Illustrated History of the Sikhs (1947-78), by Gur Rattan Pal Singh.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Jul 16, 2012

16th July

1984

1st Shahedi Jatha, under the leadership of Dr. Rajinder Kaur, marched for the liberation of Sri Harimandir Sahib. This jatha was arrested near Sri Harimandir Sahib.

1985

Longowal wrote a letter to Rajiv Gandhi to find a solution to the Punjab problem.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Feb 3, 2013

3rd February
1816
Baba Ram Singh Namdhari was born. ==> BABA RAM SINGH was born on 5th Magh sunmat 1872 in village Rayia, Ludhiana, to father Jassa Singh and mother Sedha Kaur. Since early childhood, Ram Singh was inclined to reciting God's name (Vaaheguru's Naam simran). For a while, he served in the forces of Lahore darbar. However in 1841 he left active service and joined the company of Baba Balak Singh, whose preachings had enlightened thousands. Upon receiving Naam Updaesh, Ram Singh settled in Bhaenni village and engaged in extensive preaching of Sikh faith. On the Baisakhi day of 1857, Baba Ram SIngh administered Pahul to teh Sikhs in his village and created 22 centres in different parts of the country. He started the Kuka branch. Kuka Sikhs wear white attire and a malla made from white wool. Their practices include, giving Vaaheguru Gurmantar in individual's ear; amrit is not partaken together, rather given to individuals in isolation; practice of Hawaan ceremony; rather than the traditional Parikarma around Guru Granth Sahib during marriage ceremony, they recite lawan in presence of fire (Agni Haum). During religious ceremonies, they yell, shout, and dance out of love. The punjabi term for their yelling and shouting is Kukeh. Hence they are popularly known as Kukas.
When the British government were alluring unemployed Sikh youths into their armed forces, Baba Ram Singh was among many GurSikhs who considered it inappropraite to serve a foreign government. He initiated a non-cooperation movement at times when Congress wasn't even born. It is because of their principles that the Namdari movement came in direct conflict with the British government.
In 1871, the Kukas held a conference at Khote. Some recalcitrant Kuka leaders, despite Baba Ram Singh's exhortation, attacked the butchers at Amritsar on June 14, 1871 and at Raikot on 15th July, 1871. Baba Ram Singh was held responsible for thisrequirments were restricted. But the Kuka intransigancy could not be stemmed. Again some zealots attacked Malerkotla on January 15, 1872 and killed Kotwal Ahmedkhan and 7 sepoys. 68 Kukas were captured near the village Rar. 42 of whome were blown up with guns on January 17 under the orders of M.L. Cowan, Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, while on eboy was slaughtered to pieces. Next day the remaining 16 were blown up under the orders of T.D. Forsy, the Commissioner, Ambala Division. Only 2 Kuka women were spared. Namdhari's successfully evoked a rebellion within a Army center. As a result 95 Namdhari Sikhs were court marshaled. In 1872 a British armoury was looted and several weapons were taken away. As a result, Baba Ram Singh and 12 of his associates were exiled to Rangun, Burma. Baba Ram Singh died there after 13 years of solitary confinement, on Nov. 29th, 1885.
Baba Ram Singh married Mai Jassah of Village Tharodh in Ludhiana district and had two daughters. As a result, Baba Ram Singh's gaddhi was assumed by his younger brother Bhai Budh Singh Ji. Later Bhai Pratap Singh, son of Bhai Budh Singh assumed this gaddhi and continued to serve the followers and visitors with langer and Akhand Kirtan

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Feb 4, 2013

4th February

1764

Khalsa fought against Ruhaliya forces in which Ruhalae lost and left the battle grounds.

1853

John Lawrence was appointed the Chief Commissioner of Punjab.

1975

As a result of representation made by The Sikh Dharma Brotherhood (USA), the Labor department of US Government exempted the Sikh workers employed in workshops from wearing safety helmet which are required to be worne by all the labourers in carpentary trade and construction (an OSHA program Directive of 1972). The exemption to Sikh employees was granted under the provisions of the Unites States Constitution relating to free exercise of religion.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Feb 5, 2013

5th February

1762

Ahmad Shah invaded for the 6th time. This invassion was primarily against the Sikhs. The Sikhs had besieged Jandiala. Ahmad Shah reached Jandiala by forced marches. In the meantime Sikhs had moved to Malerkotla. Ahmad Shah surprised the Sikhs at Kup Raheera near Malaerkotla (now in Sangrur district) and the two armies met in a straight fight. Sikhs were encumbered with families and camp followers and lost more than 30,000 Sikh - mostly old men, women, and children, out of a total of 50,000. However, the main body of the Sikhs fighting force remained intact. Hwowever, the hand written copy of the Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib had to be lodged near here in the house of a muslim, who kept the holy scripture respectfully for about two centuries. It is said to have been taken to Pakistan by that family at the time of India's Partition in 1947. This battle is known as the "Wada Ghallughar." Ahmad Shah reached Amritsar and destroyed Hari Mandir and the holy tank. Ahmad Shah stayed the entire year 1762 in Panjab to subdue and crush the Sikhs, but he totally failed in the objective. Despite the heavy loss of life and the Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs fought several subsequent wars with Ahmed Shah Abdali and eventually convince him to leave Punjab. Soon they recuperated and established their own kingdom, the Khalsa rule in Punjab. With the establishment of the Sikh rule, the Western borders of India were sealed forever to the Mughal invaders.
1921

The famous Sikh shrine, Punja Sahib was brought under management control of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) PANJA SAHIB gurudwara is situation at HassanAbdal, Pakistan. This place contains a spring on a hilltop, whose water collects in a pond nearby. During Guru Nanak's visit to HassanAbdal, his companion, Mardana, sought some water from this pond to quench his thirst. However, Mardana's repeated requests were denied by the muslim Faquir who controlled this area, Walli Kandhari. Angered by the repeated requests, he dropped a heavy rock from hilltop on Guru Nanak, who were resting at the foothills below. Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped the rock with his hand. The imprint of his hand is visible even today, engraved in the rock at this place. Subsequently, Guru Nanak had a fruitful dialogue with Walli Kandhari and impressed upon him that it does not behove men of God to discriminate between humans on religious grounds. All are the children of God and He loves all his children equally. Sikh Jathas from all over the world, travel to this location for celebrating Vaisakhi every year. Today, HassanAbdal is also known as Panja Sahib.

ᎶuᏒᎥ jᎪsᎳᎪᏞ · Feb 6, 2013

6th February

1921

SGPC asks government to safeguard Sikh institution of Nankana Sahib. ==>NANAKANA SAHIB: also known as "Nanakiyana", is the residence of Guru Nanak Dev Patshah. It is 48 miles south of Lahore in Saekhuyana district and was known as Raipur. Later, its name changed to "Talwandi RaiBhoe Di" and subsequently to Nanakiyana. In sunmat 1526, Guru Nanak Patshah's prakash initially appeared at this place. The prakash place is marked with a beautiful Gurudwara that accompanies Guru's place of residence. This Gurudwara has extensive jagir associated with it.
Other Gurudwaras nearby include:

Kiyara Sahib: east of the city, the place where the fields grazed by GuruSahib's cattle were returned to their original condition.
Tanbhu Sahib: north of the city, the place where Guru Nanak rested under a tree after transacting "Sacha Sauda".
Patti Sahib: the place where Guru Nanak preached to his own teacher and turned him into a disciple.
BalLilla: the place where Guru Nanak Dev Patshah used to play as a child. Nearby is the pool of water that was dug especially for Guru nanak Dev Patshah, by orders of RaiBhular.
Maal Ji Sahib: the place where Guru Sahib used to graze his cattle. This the is same place where once Guru Sahib was resting under the shade of the tree. As the shade moved as a result of changing sunlight, GuruSahib was always under the shade of created by a snake's fins.
Gurudwaras marking the visits of Guru Arjun Dev Patshah and Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Guru Arjun Dev Patshah visit this place during his travels of religious places. While Guru Gobind Singh Patshah visited this place in Jaeth 11th. GurSikhs have established an annual maela on this day.
Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara near Sangrur, which is one mile north of village Mangwal. Guru Nanak Dev stayed here for 15 days. Guru Har Gobind Patshah also visited this place. The gurudwara and nearby tank of water were constructed by Raja Raghibir Singh Jind.
Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara, south of village Dipalpur in district Mantgumari. When Guru Sahib visited this place and rested under a dried "Piple" tree, it came alive and turned healthy green. Nearby is the place where Guru Nanak Patshah cured Noranga named individual.

1926

Kahan Singh Nahba's monumental work, "Mahan Kosh", Encyclopedia of Sikh Religion was published. ==>KAHAN SINGH: is among the noted learned Sikh scholars. He was born on Bhado Wadi 10th sunmat 1918 (1861) in village Sabaj Banaera, Patiala, to father Bhai Narayan Singh and mother Mata Har Kaur Ji. As a child Kahan Singh was very active and thereby extremely close to his parents. He learned Gurmukhi from Bhai Bhup Singh. He was initiated to read Sri Guru Granth Sahib at the age of five by his father. At seven years of age, he was fluent in reciting Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Subsequently, Kahan Singh was sent to Delhi for Sanskrit education. He studies initially from Bawa Kalyan Das then Pandit Sri Dhar, Bansi Dhar, Bhai Vir Singh, Bhai Ram Singh, and Bawa Parmanand. He studied poetry from Bhai Bhagwan Singh Dughu. Subsequently, he learned music from Mahant of Gurusar Maharaj, Gaja Singh. At 20 yrs. he started learning Pharsi and english. By the age of 22, Bhai Kahan Singh had accomplished the basic necessary for understanding and analyzing Sikh literature.
His knowledge of Sikh scriptures and history is most profound and unrivalled. Beside being trained in the old school of sikh scholarship wherein depth of knowledge and mastery of detail was more emphasized, he has also cultivated the variety and vastness of view which is characteristic of western learning. He not only possesses an intimate knowledge of the most obvious and the most distant facts, but he also knows how to marshall them and use them to some purpose.
Belonged to the earliest batch of the Singh Sabha reformers, Kahan Singh greatly influenced the formation of the modern opinion about Sikhism. Mr. M.A. Macauliffe, the author of the Sikh Religion, found in him a guide, philosopher, and friend. If Bhai Dit Singh and others were responsible for the social and religious reforms, Bhai Kahan Singh has worked for the whole movement as a writer, articulating its principles in works.
His work Mahan Kosh, is a unique reference and probably the only one of a kind available to sikh preachers. It is a dictionary and an encyclopedia combined of sikh literature. It contains words occurring in the original Sikh scriptures as well as in other allied books.
Mahan Kosh, today is not only an all-inclusive work for ready reference, but contains solid articles on great and intricate topics connected with the Sikh history and religion. It represents a whole library of literature on Sikhism.
Kahan Singh Nabha passed away on Nov. 23, 1938.

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