Bhai Mahan Singh, son of Bhai Rai Singh, grandson of Bhai Mai Das Parmar (and nephew of Bhai Mani Singh), was one of the 40 Sikhs who died while fighting against huge Mogul army, at Khidrane-Di-Dhab (now known as Muktsar), on December 29, 1705. Shortly after the battle was over, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib visited the field and found that 37 Sikhs had embraced martyrdom and three Sikhs, Bhai Rai Singh (brother of Bhai Mani Singh), Bhai Mahan Singh (son of Bhai Rai Singh) and Bhai Sunder Singh Jhallianwala were still breathing. Mai Bhago, the wife of Nidhan Singh Waraich (one of the martyrs), was the only person among the 41 Sikhs, who was not very seriously wounded. Bhai Rai Singh expressing his last desire requested the Guru to destroy the letter of Bedawa (it was letter of renouncing the Guru). The Guru tore the letter into pieces and blessed the martyrs. Bhai Sunder Singh died very soon. Bhai Rai Singh followed by Bhai Mahan Singh also died after a short time. The Guru cremated the martyrs with the help of Bhai Man Singh (brother of Bhai Rai Singh) and the other Sikhs. The story of Bhai Mahan Singh asking the Guru to destroy the letter of Bedawa might have become popular because he was the last to die.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)