KHALSA
Khalsa is a Persian term. Literally, it means the land or the property, which is under the personal and direct control of the sovereign; in other words, it means “crown land” or “sovereign” land.
Before 1698, many of the Masands (regional representatives-cum-organizers), who had been appointed by the Gurus (whose duty was to collect tithe from the Sikhs and to provide financial and other help to the Sikhs, living at far off areas) had become corrupt and had even begun presenting themselves as “deputy-Gurus.”
In March 1698, Guru Gobind Singh abolished the Masand system and declared that the Sikhs shall be directly associated to him and will not approach him not through anyone go-between (agent, representative).
Similarly, the Guru declared that all the Sikhs shall be regarded as Khalsa of Akal Purakh (i.e. directly attached to sovereign, i.e. God).
Some writers have given this name to the collective body of all the Sikhs of the world.
Some people use this term for a Pahuliya (one who has taken Khanday-di-Pahul, i.e. Siikh initiation ceremony).
Also see: Khanday Di Pahul.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)