Singh Sabha Movement?

[Matheen]

In my opinion it was british who were controlling akal takhat through their sarb rah that time. If you see after sikhs lost to British there is hardly any mention of akal takhat jathedar.

True, that is why the Mahants were able to install idols etc.

[drawrof]

The idols were on the parkarma of the deray....they weren't 'in' darbar sahib from what I've read. These idols were in the 'bungay'...the ones we do ardaas for all the time.

This poses some really interesting questions as to why they would be there and then what people believed.....

[dalsingh101]

The idols were on the parkarma of the deray....they weren't 'in' darbar sahib from what I've read. These idols were in the 'bungay'...the ones we do ardaas for all the time.

This poses some really interesting questions as to why they would be there and then what people believed.....

We can't discount that we are likely to have had periods of laxity (for whatever reason) and periods of what I would describe as "dawning". Just because idols were there for a time doesn't mean they always had been. Plus, yes, maybe for period Sikhs were quite relaxed about such stuff. The period we are talking about is one where many important Sikhs seem to have put much more emphasis on politics and military affairs than religious doctrine or ideology. Maharajah Ranjit Singh is the prime example.

Edited August 27, 2009 by dalsingh101

[singh2]

You stated that the Akalis committed a secrilegious act but that depends on who you think should be in charge of Akal Takht. My view is that the Misls allowed the Nihangs to control the Akal Takht but in the changed times of the Sikhs being under British rule, the Khalsa Panth had every right to rethink the question of who should be in charge of Akal Takht. Do not judge the SGPC and Akalis pre-Badal to the ones who run the SGPC now.

It is ridiculous to think that Akalis who braved the bullets of mahant Narain or who were willing to lie on the railway tracks at Panja sahib to stop a train would not have the courage to evict the Nihangs from Akal Ta

It is amazing how some people are expert at subverting sikh history. Who were misls. They were themselves Nihungs. Sardar Baghel singh, nawab kapur singh were jathedars of sikhs and wee jathedars of Akal Takhats as well.

When gurudwara reform movement started there were no akalis. It is a mistake to call lachhman singH dharowali, Kartar singh jhabar as akalis. Akali name was coined afterwards. many of those who took part in Gurudwara reform movement were nihungs themsleves.

[tonyhp32]

"Just because the story is current amongst Nihangs does not make it true. As Matheen said, how is it that Nihangs are virtually killed off by British shoot on sight orders and then a few decades later there is a Nihang in charge of the Akal Takht. Sanatan history never adds"

Funny how you change your beliefs when they suit you! You normally hold that the Nihang removal history is made up. Says it all.

I am not changing my beliefs just pointing out how ridiculous and unconsistent sanatan stories are.

From what I have read especially from a book by a contemporary just after the episode of the low castes being refused their offerings by the priests of Durbar Sahib and the hukam being taken from Guru Granth Sahib, the low castes and their supporters then took their offering to Akla Takht. The priests at Akal Takht also ran off. The Akalis then took over Akal Takht and did not interfare with the running of the Takht. Twenty five Akalis were nominated to look after the Akal Takht. The British district commissioner summoned the Sarbrah, the priests and the Akali leaders to his residence which the priests failed the attend. The priests then instigated the Nihangs from the nearby choani and tried to use them against the Akalis. As always the Nihangs were always willing to be used by anti-Sikhs forces against the Panth. The Nihangs came to Amritsar and were going to attack the Akalis. Baba Kehar Singh of Patti was able to convince the Nihangs to allow the Akalis to remain in possession until a congregation of the Panth could take place and also to condemn the priests for leaving the Takht. Some weeks later at Diwali a few Nihangs tried to attack the Takht and dislodge the Akalis and again Baba Kehar Singh tried to dissuage them but this time they would not relent. It was then that the leader of the Akali Jatha ( I assume Kartar Singh Jhabbar) challenged the Nihangs who then withdrew. Another attack was made of the Takht in December of the same year, just after the British government had arrested the main Akali leaders, when unknown persons dressed as sadhus attacked pilgrims at the Akal Takht and tried to dislodge the few Akalis there.. These Sadhus were beaten back by the few Akalis and pilgrims and handed over to the Police outside the complex. One of the Sadhus died a few days later from his wounds.

From the above it can be seen that Nihangs had no role in the running of the Akal Takht and its running during the rule of the British was entrusted to priests under the control of the Sarbrah.

So Neo's story is like most made up sanatan stories is false.

[Matheen]

The idols were on the parkarma of the deray...

This poses some really interesting questions as to why they would be there and then what people believed.....

They only appeared after the Mahants were installed by the British - this is from people who were there during the morchas to regain control of Gurudwaras.

[singh2]

We can't discount that we are likely to have had periods of laxity (for whatever reason) and periods of what I would describe as "dawning". Just because idols were there for a time doesn't mean they always had been. Plus, yes, maybe for period Sikhs were quite relaxed about such stuff. The period we are talking about is one where many important Sikhs seem to have put much more emphasis on politics and military affairs than religious doctrine or ideology. Maharajah Ranjit Singh is the prime exampl

Idols were in the parkarma. there were no idols when ranjit singh was there. idols came much afterwards when Mahants were in control.

The basic purpose of idols was to earn more revenue as sangat will be diverse and traffic will increase.

mahant of Tarn Taran sahib was holding dancing programmes like a mela in the parkarma of darbar sahib. The essence of such anti gurmat activies to earn more money for corrupt mahants.

[tonyhp32]

It is amazing how some people are expert at subverting sikh history. Who were misls. They were themselves Nihungs. Sardar Baghel singh, nawab kapur singh were jathedars of sikhs and wee jathedars of Akal Takhats as well.

When gurudwara reform movement started there were no akalis. It is a mistake to call lachhman singH dharowali, Kartar singh jhabar as akalis. Akali name was coined afterwards. many of those who took part in Gurudwara reform movement were nihungs themsleves.

So pray tell when did the Misls stop being Nihangs and who were the 1.1 million Sikhs enumerated by the British census authorities in 1868? That's a hell of a lot of Nihangs especially after the British according to some myth makers were hell bent on killing any Nihang on sight!

Whether Lachhman Singh Dharowali (the martyr who was burnt alive tied to a ber tree at Nankana Sahib) can legitimately claim the title Akalis is not an issue he lived and died as an Akali whilst the ones calling themselves Nihangs and armed to the teeth were willing tools of anti-Sikh forces. In 1920s and 1980s.

[singh2]

rom what I have read especially from a book by a contemporary just after the episode of the low castes being refused their offerings by the priests of Durbar Sahib and the hukam being taken from Guru Granth Sahib, the low castes and their supporters then took their offering to Akla Takht. The priests at Akal Takht also ran off. The Akalis then took over Akal Takht and did not interfare with the running of the Takht. Twenty five Akalis were nominated to look after the Akal Takht. The British district commissioner summoned the Sarbrah, the priests and the Akali leaders to his residence which the priests failed the attend. The priests then instigated the Nihangs from the nearby choani and tried to use them against the Akalis. As always the Nihangs were always willing to be used by anti-Sikhs forces against the Panth. The Nihangs came to Amritsar and were going to attack the Akalis. Baba Kehar Singh of Patti was able to convince the Nihangs to allow the Akalis to remain in possession until a congregation of the Panth could take place and also to condemn the priests for leaving the Takht. Some weeks later at Diwali a few Nihangs tried to attack the Takht and dislodge the Akalis and again Baba Kehar Singh tried to dissuage them but this time they would not relent. It was then that the leader of the Akali Jatha ( I assume Kartar Singh Jhabbar) challenged the Nihangs who then withdrew. Another attack was made of the Takht in December of the same year, just after the British government had arrested the main Akali leaders, when unknown persons dressed as sadhus attacked pilgrims at the Akal Takht and tried to dislodge the few Akalis there.. These Sadhus were beaten back by the few Akalis and pilgrims and handed over to the Police outside the complex. One of the Sadhus died a few days later from his wounds.

Casteism was rampant among sikhs in Punjab that time and those who think it is dead after the take over of darbar sahib by akalis are living in a fool's paradise.

It is true that mazhbi sikhs were refused to offer their karah parsad at akal takhat sahib. It is also true that control of akal takhat was under priests apponited by sarab rah and not nihung sikhs. It is also true it was not the akalis who brought those mazhbi sikhs back to Harmandir sahib for karah parsad.They were the student s of khalsa college Amritsar

The attack of Nihungs is nothing but a admin cut and bull story. Can we get the reference of the source.

Edited August 27, 2009 by singh2

[singh2]

So pray tell when did the Misls stop being Nihangs and who were the 1.1 million Sikhs enumerated by the British census authorities in 1868? That's a hell of a lot of Nihangs especially after the British according to some myth makers were hell bent on killing any Nihang on sight!

Whether Lachhman Singh Dharowali (the martyr who was burnt alive tied to a ber tree at Nankana Sahib) can legitimately claim the title Akalis is not an issue he lived and died as an Akali whilst the ones calling themselves Nihangs and armed to the teeth were willing tools of anti-Sikh forces. In 1920s and 1980s.

Give us quotes here that nihungs were willing collaborators with british. Nihungs were the persecuted species after british take over. They ahd to flee Punjab after British take over. Do not create differences between normal sikhs and nihungs for propaganda sake.

Do you know the history of Budha dal and tarna dal. if not read it. That is how sikhs started their compaign.

[singh2]

(the martyr who was burnt alive tied to a ber tree at Nankana Sahib) can legitimately claim the title Akalis is not an issue he lived and died as an Akali whilst the ones calling themselves Nihangs and armed to the teeth were willing tools of anti-Sikh forces. In 1920s and 1980s.

This statement is out of mischief. While there were a few Nihungs who earned bad name but majority of them suffered with sikhs. examples are Baba Nihal singh harianvela, Baba Daya singh ji fo Bidhi chand taksal etc.

[singh2]

some people with malicious intentions are creating misinformation to bring bad name to nihung sikhs. We need to know our history in proper. Someone stated that misls allowed Nihung sikhs to control Gurudwaras. Whereas the fact is that whole origin of misls was from Nihung sikhs. Dal khalsa itself was Nihung sikhs.

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Tarna_Dal

Tarna Dal

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Gurdwara Harian Vailan, headquarters of Tarna Dal.

Tarna Dal, the army of the youth, was one of the two main divisions of Dal Khalsa, the confederated army of the Sikhs during the eighteenth century, the other one being the Buddha Dal (army of the elders). These Dals came into existence in 1734 when, during a truce with Zakariya Khan, the Mughal governor of the Punjab, different roving bands of the Sikhs were concentrated in Amritsar.

Etymology

"Meaning of Tarna Dal"

* Tarna/Taruna means "progressive", "young", "tender", "juvenile" or "new", "fresh", "just risen"

* Dal means "army"

So together "Tarna Dal" means: "Young Army" or "Fresh Army" or "Tender Army" or "Progressive Army"

Subdividions

Contents

[hide]

* 1 Etymology

* 2 Subdividions

* 3 Ending of the peace pact by Zakariya and consequences

* 4 Attacking Nadir Shah

* 5 The major re-organization of the Dal Khalsa

* 6 Misls dividing their territory after the conquest of Sirhind (Jan. 1764)

* 7 References

The Tarna Dal was subdivided into five Jathas or fighting groups of approximately 1300 to 2,000 men each, mostly mounted.

The first was commanded by Baba Deep Singh. Commonly known, after he met with a martyr's death, the Jatha began to be called the Shahidanwala Jatha (meaning: group of the martyrs).

The second, commanded by Bhai Karam Singh and Dharam Singh of Amritsar, came to be known as Amritsarian da Jatha (meaning: group of the Amritsarias).

The third led by Bhai Binod Singh and his son Baba Kahn Singh was called Sahibzadian da Jatha (meaning: group of the sahibzada’s) or GuruAnsi Jatha.

The fourth Jatha was commanded by Bhai Dasaundha Singh of Kot Buddha and the fifth was commanded by Bhai Bir Singh Ranghreta.

Both Buddha Dal and Tarna Dals accepted Nawab Kapur Singh as their overall commander. It was determined that while Buddha Dal remained at Amritsar to look after the shrines, Tarna Dal would be available for action where needed.

Ending of the peace pact by Zakariya and consequences

Sant Baba Nihal Singh the present Jathedar Of Tarna Dal

Zakariya Khan, however, ended the peace pact in 1735 and resumed his repressive policy against the Sikhs, so that both Dals had to abandon Amritsar seeking safety in distant hills and forests. Tarna Dal retired into the Shivalik hill states of Kahlur, Hindur and Sirmur which fell within the jurisdiction of Sirhind sarkar (government) in the suba (state) of Delhi. From there it launched out intermittantly to raid the territory of Manjh Rajputs of Jalandhar Doab a.k.a. Doaba. Once during 1736, on crossing into the Majha country, it defeated the gashtl fauj (roving army) sent from Lahore, and after pillaging the Riarki area (present district of Gurdaspur) went back to its hilly haunts.

Attacking Nadir Shah

During the summer of 1739, the Tarna Dal harassed and plundered the richly laden baggage train of the Persian invader Nadir Shah who, while returning home after a hearty plunder of Delhi and the Punjab, was keeping close to the hills with a view to avoiding the heat of the plains. The Sikhs followed the invaders up to Akhnur on the River Chenab where they rescued from their hands a large number of Hindu girls and safely restored them to their families.

This chivalrous act and their daring attacks on Nadir Shah, contrasting with the abject surrender of the rulers of Delhi and Lahore, endeared the Sikhs to the general populace. The two Dals now returned to the Punjab and began assembling at Amritsar on the occasions of Baisakhi and Divali (Bandi Chorr Diwas).

The major re-organization of the Dal Khalsa

Taruna Dal Singh doing Ishnaan at Moti Sarover, Harian Vailan

At the Sarbatt (literally "entire") Khalsa meeting on Baisakhi, 29 March 1748, a major reorganization of the Dal Khalsa was put in hand. The entire force was divided into 11 misls or divisions. Five of these misls were assigned to the Buddha Dal while the rest, six, formed the Tarna Dal.

The latter comprised the:

* Bhangi Misl or Bhuma Misl first led by Sardar Hari Singh Dhillon - (Strength - 20,000 regular horsemen)

* Nakai Misl, first led by Sardar Hira Singh Nakai Sandhu-(Strength - 7,000 regular horsemen)

* Ahluwalia Misl, under Sultan-ul-Qaum Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, as distinguished from his namesake Jassa Singh of the Ahluvalia clan, who was chosen as commander-in-chief of the Dal Khalsa as a whole. -(Strength - 6,000 regular horsemen)

* Ramgarhia Misl, first led by Sardar Nand Singh Sanghania and then by Jassa Singh Ramgarhia - (Strength - 5,000 regular horsemen)

* Kanhaiya Misl, first led by Sardar Jai Singh Kanhaiya Mann - (Strength - 5,000 regular horsemen)

* Sukerchakia Misl, under Sardar Charhat Singh (grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh) -(Strength - 5,000 regular horsemen)

The Tarna Dal continued to participate in joint expeditions of the two Dals, but its specific sphere of operation lay to the north of the Rivers Sutlej and Beas.

Nihang Singh of Tarna Dal with his horse.

Misls dividing their territory after the conquest of Sirhind (Jan. 1764)

After the conquest of Sirhind in January 1764, the misls divided the territory among them and started adding to their respective domains. From among the Tarna Dal, only one sardar of the Bhangi misl, Rai Singh, had participated in the partition of Sirhind's territory. He had occupied 204 villages around Buria and Jagadhri. The remaining sardars of the Tarna Dal had their eyes fixed on the northern Doabs of the Punjab proper. The Bhangis controlled a major part of the city of Lahore and extended their hegemony over Multan and subsequently occupied Jhang, Khushab and Chiniot in the West and Sialkot and Gujrat in the east. The Kanhaiyas ruled over the area comprising a major part of the present Gurdaspur district and Mukerian tahsil of Hoshiarpur district. The territory of the Ramgarhias lay on both sides of the River Beas and included villages around Miani and Urmur Tanda in Jalandhar Doab. They also held sway over the hill states of Chamba, Nurpur, Jasvan and Haripur. In 1776, they were defeated by the combined forces of the Kanhaiya misl and Raja Sansar Chand Katoch of Kangra.

The Sukkarchakkia misl under Sardar Charhat Singh established itself around Gujranwala which they made their headquarters and extended their territory up to Rohtas beyond the River Jehlum; Charhat Singh's grandson, Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) united the misls and was appointed the Maharaja of the entire Punjab from the Satluj to the Khaibar.

Headquaters: Gurdwara Harian Vailan

References

1. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh GURU Khalsa [Reprint]. PATIALA, 1970

2. Cunningham, J.D., A History of the Sikhs. London,1849

3. Forster, George, A Journey from Bengal to England. London, 1798

4. Narang, Gokul Chand, Transformation of SIKHISM. Lahore, 1912

5. Harbans Singh, The Heritage of the Sikhs. Delhi, 1983

6. Latif, Syad Muhammad, History of the Punjab [Reprint]. Delhi, 1964

7. Teja Singh and Ganda Singh, A Short History of the Sikhs. Bombay, 1950

8. Gupta, Hari Ram, History of the Sikhs, vol. II. Delhi, 1978

9. Gandhi, Surjit Singh, Struggle of the Sikhs for Sovereignty. Delhi, 1980

10. Bhangu, Ratan Singh, Prachin PANTH Prakash. Amritsar, 1914

Edited August 27, 2009 by singh2

[tonyhp32]

Gurdwara reform movement and Sikh awakening by Teja Singh published in 1922 pages 150-155

[tonyhp32]

Singh2.

You are presenting Sikh history as Nihang history.

This statement is out of mischief. While there were a few Nihungs who earned bad name but majority of them suffered with sikhs. examples are Baba Nihal singh harianvela, Baba Daya singh ji fo Bidhi chand taksal etc.

I think it was the other way around. The majority of Nihangs indulged in mischief and anti-Sikh activity whilst the few you mentioned remained true to the Khalsa. If their Jathedar was a toady of Indira Gandhi then why would Nihangs fight for the Khalsa?

Give us quotes here that nihungs were willing collaborators with british. Nihungs were the persecuted species after british take over. They ahd to flee Punjab after British take over. Do not create differences between normal sikhs and nihungs for propaganda sake.

I though the sanatan viewpoint was that there were 4 sampardas, Nihangs, Nirmalas, Udasis and Sewapanthis.. eh normal Sikh kithon aye?

[singh2]

Gurdwara reform movement and Sikh awakening by Teja Singh published in 1922 pages 150-155

There were so many Teja singhs. Who is this Teja singh? Some of Teja singhs became congress touts and betrayed sikh community. Prominent among them was teja singh akarpuri who was akal takhat jathedar and then became a congress tout.

[singh2]

Do not go what sanatan say. go by sikh history.

http://www.sikhroots.com/literature-mainme...they?format=pdf

As Sikh misls or chiefships which had in the latter half of the eighteenth century established

their sway in the Punjab succumbed in course of time to mutual rivalries and to

self-aggrandizement, the Akali or Nihang bands (they were affiliates mainly of the Nishananvali

and Shahid divisions) kept themselves aloof from the race for power or property. This

self-discipline and the privilege they had gained of convening at the Akal Takht general

assemblies of the Khalsa, brought them importance far out of proportion to their numbers or

political authority. In the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), who established a

sovereign State superseding the scattered principalities, the Akali Nihangs maintained their

independent existence. By their puritan standards and disregard of material advantage, they

had acquired a rare moral prestige. Their leader Akali Phula Singh Nihang, then custodian of

the Akal Takht, was the voice of the religious and moral conscience of the State and at times he

censured and chastised the Sovereign himself. The shrewd Maharaja valued their qualities of

valour and persuaded them (they would not become salaried servants of anyone) to join a

special wing of his army. Nihang troops under Jathedar Sadhu Singh and Akali Phula Singh

performed a crucial role in some of the arduous military campaigns of the Maharaja, such as

those of Kasur (1807), Multan (1818), Kashmir (1819) and Naushera (1823).

Decline in the influence of Nihangs set in with the death of Ranjit Singh. During the Sikh rule,

Nihangs had been openly antagonistic towards the European officers of the State and towards

the occasional embassies sent out to the Punjab by the British East India Company. The British,

as they came into power in the Punjab, dealt with them harshly. The process of suppression

had in fact started even before the annexation of the Punjab in 1849. In 1848 a Nihang leader,

Ganda Singh, who refused to vacate one of the minarets adjoining the Golden Temple, was

arrested along with his men, and taken to Lahore. Ganda Singh and two of his close

companions were sentenced to death and the rest were imprisoned for seven years.

[singh2]

Tony, if you want to know the valour of nihung sikhs, read the book Baba Tega singh by master Tara singh. It is real happening after sikhs lost to british. When sikhs laid down their arms few Nihung sikhs like Baba tega singh did not do that. Baba Tegha singh went over to Iran and kept the flame of liberty alive. if british were afraid of someones among sikhs nihungs name was on top.

Master Tara singh was none else but an acknowledged akali leader of sikhs. So do not create a rift between nihungs called as guru kian ladilaian faujan and other sikhs out of your narrow vision.

Edited August 27, 2009 by singh2

[singh2]

http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warri...phulasingh.html

Sardar Akali Phula Singh ji

Akali Phula Singh ji

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There were many warriors who kept high the symbol of unflinching will of Khalsa. There were yet many who were went to Khalsa for personal glory, to win estates, etc. But, we are yet to find an example whose only and only purpose was to serve Khalsa and to keep the Nishan Sahib flying high. He was Nihang Akali Phula Singh. Nihang, the word is derived from persian which means 'crocodile'. Nihangs, were created by Dasam Pita Guru Gobind Singh ji , to serve the Khalsa Community. Nihangs do not marry, and their only purpose is to live and die for Khalsa. Many historians call Nihangs as "Suicide squads", this is utterly wrong, suicide is a sin in Sikhism. Sikhs_on_march Nihangs only purpose is to fight for the Khalsa's defense. Akali Phula Singh was born January 14th 1761 in a Village named Shinh, in Amritsar. He joined an order of Nihangs at Golden Temple at an early age where he got all the martial training. Later, when he was 18 years old he shifted to the fort of Gobindgarh became a leader of one of the band of fighters who formed a squad of Sikh army. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh consolidated Amritsar into his empire by defeating number of families who were ruling this city, Akali Phula Singh, joined Maharaja Ranjit Singhin this noble cause. Due to this very reason he was made the Jathedar of Akal Takth in 1807.

He was born leader, outspoken such that he would even spoke to Ranjit Singh of his problems. Golden_templeWhen Ranjit Singh married to a Muslim woman, named Moran of Lahore, Akali Phula Singh, as he was the Jathedar of Akal Takth declared that Maharaja Ranjit Singh is not a Sikh anymore and is a Tankhaiya which means out of Sikhism. He ordered the defendant to be at Golden Temple before the community. Ranjit Singh came and admitted that he had made a mistake. Akali Phula Singh ordered him 50 lashes for Maharaja Ranjit Singh right there. Ranjit Singh took off his shirt and bowed down to receive his punishment, at such Akali Phula Singh asked Community (Sadh Sangat) to forgive the Maharaja who has bowed down in front of the Sadh Sangat for this mistake. And thus Maharaja was pardoned, but not before he promised that he will not marry again.

There is another intersting incident of this times, reason which made Maharaja to upgrade his forces to European style. On the day of Muharram on February 25, 1809 A.D., Shia Muslims of Britsh army under Metcaulf, a British general who was visiting Amritsar along with his forces, decided to take out a procession in the streets of Amritsar, even though in Amritsar among Muslims, majority were Sunni muslims. It also happened to be the day of Holi, when Nihangs were celebrating Hola Mohalla along with their celebrated leader and Jathedar of Akal Takth, Akali Phula singh. The Shia procession wended its way through the streets of Amritsar, beating their breasts to the chants of "Hasan, Hussein, Ali" They came in front of Golden Temple, where the Akalis were in prayer. The Akalis remonstrated with the processionists to go elsewhere. Arguments led to scuffle and Shia Seopys under General Metcaulfe came to a head on collision with Akalis. It is not known who were the aggressors. Even Metcalfe was doubtful and conceded that the first shot was probably fired by one of his Shia escorts (Metcalfe No. 72, of 7.3.1809). There were about 50 casualties on both sides. In the end this riot stopped when Ranjit Singh who happened to be in the city personally came forwarded and helped to quell the riot. He also went to Metcalfe and apologized for this riot. Ranjit Singh was immpressed by the discipline shown by the Shia Sepoys under Metcalfe and Ranjit Singh promptly decided to Europeanise his Army.

Akali Phula Singh was against to Europeanise the Khalsa Forces, he believe more in the fighting qualities of Khalsa blessed by Guru Gobind Singh. Ranjit Singh was a statesman who foresaw that he could utilize a well disciplined army to subdue the whole of Punjab and to face British. Then in the same year of 1809, at Ropar Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed a treaty with British to make Satluj a permanent border between the Sarkar Khalsa and British. Akali Phula Singh wanted Maharaja to tore this treaty, he even threat to quit. Maharaja Ranjit Singh explained him that first they will subdue whole of Punjab, and then later they will confront British. This treaty was to make the permanent boundries between Sarkar Khalsa and British territory. Satluj was made a border.

Akali Phula Singh and his command helped Maharaja in the campaigns of Kasur, Multan, and all over Punjab. Nihangs under his command at Multan surpass all bravery when they bowed down one by one to support one side of a Gun to be used to break through the fort and attained martyrdom. Sikh_soldiersThen by 1822 all the regiments of Sarkar Khalsa were Europeanised. Akali Phula Singh was given new arms as well as trained of new tactics by the French General Ventura. Maharaja Ranjit Singh decided to turn towards North West Frontier province. In 1815 A.D., Maharaja attacked NWFP and levied tribute on number of principalities. Since 10 centuries Pathans and tribesman had plundered Punjab and India, this was the first time that any Punjabi took the battle to their homes. Then in 1823, the Governor of Peshawar did not give tribute to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sarkar Khalsa forces led by Akali Phula Singh, General Hari Singh Nalua, Fateh Singh Attariwala, and other General of Sarkar Khalsa marched towards Peshawar.

Battle of Naushera in 1823 A.D., in which thousands were killed was fought with the tribes of Yusufzais, Khattaks and Afridi tribes of Pathans. Prince Sher Singh and Hari Singh Nalua led the advance columns early in 1823. They spanned the river Attock by the means of a pontoon bridge and occupied the fort of Jehangiria. Then Maharaja Ranjit singh along with Akali Phula Singh led the rest of forces upto the Eastern bank of River Attock, but by this time. Tribals had destroyed the pontoon bridge and had besieged Prince Sher Singh and Hari Singh Nalua in the fort. Hastingly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who had crossed this river umpteen number of times, decided to cross it and came to the rescue of his son and Hari Singh Nalua just in time. Ranjit_singhKhattaks and Yusufzais were pushed back and they entrenched themselves one an eminance called Pir Sabak or Tibbi Tiri on the plains between Jehangiria and Peshawar. The main Afghan force under Azim Khan's brother was separated from the tribal ghazis by a small but swift-running stream, the Landai. The Khalsa Artillery, led by Mian Ghausa bypassed the tribesmem, and reached the bank of Landai, and trained its heavy guns on the opposite bank. Azim Khan made a dash from Peshawar and joined the forces of Afghans on the opposite Bank of Landai. He could not cross the stream due to the heavy bombardment by Khalsa forces from this side of Landai. On the other front of war, Sarkar Khalsa launched an offensive at Pir Sabak Hill. This war was not evenly matched, but Khalsa was outnumbered by the sheer number of Afghans, Khalsa forces made up this by their disciplined and well trained army. Tribal forces fought desperately but were overcome by Sarkar Khalsa's Gurkhas and Mussalman Najibs. Then Akali Phula Singh and his nihangs moved up to give them the coup de grace . They drove the Khattaks and Yusufzais before them, four thousand Afghans were left dead on the field. Sarkar Khalsa's fatilities were in hundreds, but still this was too much, cause in those 500 or so soldiers there was one who equalled 125,000, Akali Phula Singh. While pursuing Afghanis, Akali Phula Singh's horse was shot under him. He took an elephant and pressed on. The error cost him his life. Afghanis saw the man who has so often humbled them, and trained their muskets on him. Sikh noble rulers

Picture of Sikh nobles, from right Faqir Azizudeen, Hari Singh nalwa, Akali Phoola Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Prince Sher Singh. Phula Singh was riddled with bullets. He collapsed in his howdah, exhorting nihangs with the last breath of his body not to give way. Mohammad Azim Khan retreated to Peshawar but was too ashamed to face h is people and thus he returned to Afghanistan and died soon.

Eventhough Sarkar Khalsa paid a heavy price in great warrior like Akali Phula Singh, but it was a crushing defeat for Afghans, and it convinced the Pathan tribesmen of the superiority of Punjabi soldiers. Three days later Maharaja entered Peshawar at the head of his victorious troops. The citizens welcomed him and paid homage with nazaranas.

[tonyhp32]

Singh2,

Please do not make ridiculous statements like British were more afraid of few thousand Nihangs than a million odd Sikhs. What you have c&p just show the contribution of the Nihangs to SIKH history. I have never said that Nihangs did not make a contribution but during the last 100 years there have been times when they have allowed themselves to be used by anti-Sikh forces against the Panth. The Nihangs allowed themselves to be used by the priests of Akal Takht and came close to attacking the Akalis there. The Nihangs allowed themselves to be used by Indira Gandhi in one is the most shameless episode in their history. You may wish to whitewash this episode of course.

Shaheediyan,

You stated that it should be easy to prove that Nihangs were in charge at the Akal Takht before the Akalis took over. Given that there is no dearth of literature in the form of books, biographies and newspapers from that period, can you provide some proof that a Nihang was Akal Takht Jathedar prior to 1920?

Edited August 28, 2009 by tonyhp32

[singh2]

Singh2,

Please do not make ridiculous statements like British were more afraid of few thousand Nihangs than a million odd Sikhs. What you have c&p just show the contribution of the Nihangs to SIKH history. I have never said that Nihangs did not make a contribution but during the last 100 years there have been times when they have allowed themselves to be used by anti-Sikh forces against the Panth. The Nihangs allowed themselves to be used by the priests of Akal Takht and came close to attacking the Akalis there. The Nihangs allowed themselves to be used by Indira Gandhi in one is the most shameless episode in their history. You may wish to whitewash this episode of course.

Just because a few of Nihungs were used by anti sikh forces do not make them a suspect. Like that IOSS namely daljit singh and jagjit singh, Kharag singh mann and Gurteja Ex IAS, kala afghana cult and missionaries are the worst traitors of sikhism

who are distorting sikh scriptures.

Your bad mouthing of nihungs is nothing but a propaganda against one of the most respected group among sikhs. Try to say this thing to some sikhs in Punjab and you will get a big kick back. You know why because they are known as Guru Kian Ladlian Fauja. They are not sell outs and carry immense respect among sikhs. Their life style as compared to traitors of IOSS and missionaries speak for themselves.

[drawrof]

Been to punjab,

No one I saw respected Nihangs. Many disliked them for allowing their horses to graze their crops. Mind you, They don't respect the akali dal anymore (well they did when badal gave free electricity).

Truth be told, alot of people are romantics. This romance is manifested as either a like for one group or another (and their supposed hey-day), a sant in particular, or a supposed ideology and or faith....getting to the meat of things(or tofu of things for the vegetarians) is really an eye opening experience.

[tonyhp32]

I'm not someone who sits behind a computer and has never been to Punjab. I was born there are spent my childhood there and have been back for long periods virtually every year. Drawof is right, Nihangs have very little respect from normal Sikhs. They are seen as layabouts and loafers who could not make it in the real world and so joined the Nihang dals. They are looked on similarly as hippies might have been looked at during the 1960s. They might have been respected pre-1984 but not nowadays. You have a very romantic notion about Nihangs which is not based on reality. You claimed that if I badmouted Nihangs to Sikhs in Punjab I would get a 'kick back' whatever that means, more like they would agree with me.

Your statement that just a few Nihangs were used by anti-Sikh forces shows that you lack knowledge of what happened in 1984 and the aftermath. It was the Nihang Jathedar who betrayed the Khalsa and hence if a few Nihangs chose to go against him and fight on the side of the Khalsa then they did so in full knowledge that they were going against the views and actions of their Jathedar.

[Matheen]

This is about the singh sabha, not nihangs.

[dalsingh101]

Singh2

I beg you not to turn this into an IOSS and KA thread.

Regarding Singh Sabha. We have to admit that its influence has been pretty pervasive on orthodox Sikhi. There are issues that need to be confronted about it (i.e. selective interpretation) but also there is much good that came from it.

I think one of the most important areas is how SSs discarded an "Indian" paradigm of interpreting Sikhi to one that was more inline with the rational 'enlightened' paradigm. One criticism of traditional schools is their lack of systematic exposition and failure to open things up using the English language which has become an international communication standard.

The use of what is referred to "critical methodology" is also frequently absent from the research of traditional schools. The point that we cannot hide away from the modern world in a bubble of sanatanism is valid in my opinion. Globally influential schools of thought need to be faced up to by Sikhs. In the face of modern science and research we cant afford to hide away in metaphoric caves. If we do, then people will create their own interpretations of SIkhi, without any SIkh involement. We can already see that has happened under the guise of academia. We cannot deny the radical change (both good and bad) that western thinking has brought to the world in terms of ideas and technology. The problem with some Sikh jathas is that they seem oblivious or incapable of addressing this. Plus they fail to honestly confront divisive issues like caste preferring a conservative "see no evil, hear no evil" approach.

People talk of the SS attitude towards "sants", personally I think it was a projection of their understanding of the egalitarian principles inherent in Sikhi. Their theoretical position was that all Sikhs are equal, so the worship of other Sikhs is in stark contradiction to that. Priesthood was also denounced for similar reasons. They essentialy tried to bring Sikhi inline with a democratic theocracy. We do have the point that even during the days of dasmesh pita the term Bhai was much more common for pious Sikhs than Sant. But Sukhmani Sahib also bears strongly on this matter.

My thinking is that we need to retain and build on positive gains from the movement and perhaps discard some elements after a rational debate amongst the quom. This rational debate thing seems difficult though, given how some of our people seem incapable of this.

[singh2]

I'm not someone who sits behind a computer and has never been to Punjab. I was born there are spent my childhood there and have been back for long periods virtually every year. Drawof is right, Nihangs have very little respect from normal Sikhs. They are seen as layabouts and loafers who could not make it in the real world and so joined the Nihang dals. They are looked on similarly as hippies might have been looked at during the 1960s. They might have been respected pre-1984 but not nowadays. You have a very romantic notion about Nihangs which is not based on reality. You claimed that if I badmouted Nihangs to Sikhs in Punjab I would get a 'kick back' whatever that means, more like they would agree with me.

Your statement that just a few Nihangs were used by anti-Sikh forces shows that you lack knowledge of what happened in 1984 and the aftermath. It was the Nihang Jathedar who betrayed the Khalsa and hence if a few Nihangs chose to go against him and fight on the side of the Khalsa then they did so in full knowledge that they were going against the views and actions of their Jathedar.

You cann't generalze Nihungs because of the mistake of a few. Your statement that they are loafers is another generalisation that shows your anti sikh trait. This is the term used for them by anti sikh fanatic hindus in Punbjab. Just going for a few days is not a proof of gaining an expertise on Nihungs history and their respect among sikhs.

Many of well to do sikhs sided with indian Govt like toadies. They include congress and comrade sikhs and many others who did worse and harmed sikh struggle. Tarna dal Nihungs of harianwela suffered immense atrocities at the hands of Govt. So did nihungs of Baba Bidhi Cjand ji sect who marched on Golden Temple to defy curfew and were mowed down by military by helicopter gunships.

So all you are doing is cursing Nihungs here and spoiling a thread unrelated to this, can you start a new thread on this and i will expose your agedna on Nihungs. keep in mind that Nihungs of Bhudha dal revolted against Santa sngh when he undetook that kar seva.