Bhai Gangu Shah, alias Gangu Das, was born in a Bassi Khatri family of Garhshankar (district Hoshiarpur). He was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib. He was one of the 22 major missionaries appointed by Guru Sahib to preach the Sikh faith. He was appointed as the in charge for the area of Sirmaur. His son and grandson too contributed to the propagation of the Sikh faith. At the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, their chief declared himself as the Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Sahib excommunicated him and his associates and their followers from the Sikh Panth.
Later, this family came to be known as Gangushah-iay. Their major centre is at Daun (district Ropar).
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)