Bhai Jati Mall/Malik (? – 1642), a Brahmin, son of Bhai Singha, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was the Purohit (family priest) of the Sodhi family. Bhai Jati Mall was deputed by Guru Hargobind Sahib to teach the art of sword wielding to (Guru) Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Bhai Jati Mall and his father Bhai Sangha had participated in the battle of Amritsar (April 13, 1634). Bhai Jati Mall fought bravely in the battles of Mehraj (December 1634) also. In this battle he killed Shamas Beg (son of Lalla Beg, the leader of the mammoth Mogul army) and several other soldiers of the Mogul army. He himself was wounded in this battle. He was wounded in the chest by a shot of an arrow. He also fought bravely in the battle of Kartarpur (April 26-28, 1635). When Guru Hargobind Sahib left Kartarpur for Keeratpur Sahib, Bhai Jati Mall and his family also joined Guru Sahib. He stayed at Keeratpur Sahib till his death. Sometimes before his death he took his son to Guru Sahib and asked him to take care of the child. When he died Guru Hargobind Sahib made arrangements for his funeral. His son Bhai Daya Ram (Daya Singh after initiation) Purohit was a confident courtier of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
Also see: Singha, Daya Singh Purohit.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)