Diwan (literally: minister) was a designation given by Guru Sahib to the person who would perform significant jobs like a senior minister in the court of an emperor. As per available sources this designation can be traced from the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Bhai Paraga Chhibber (son of Bhai Gautam), resident of village Kariala (district Jhelum, Pakistan) was the first Sikh known as Diwan. He embraced martyrdom in the battle of Ruhila, in September-October 1621. Bhai Paraga was succeeded by Bhai Jetha. Bhai Jetha embraced martyrdom in the battle of Mehraj, in December 1634. Bhai Dargah Mall, son of Bhai Dawarka Das and grandson of Bhai Paraga Chhibber was the next to be appointed as Diwan. Bhai Dargah Mall served during the time of Guru Har Rai Sahib, Guru Harkrishan Sahib, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Bhai Dargah Mall was succeeded by his nephew Bhai Mati Das (son of Bhai Hira Mall Chhibber) in 1664. After the martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das, on November 11, 1675, Bhai Dargah Mall had to perform his duty again. On March 29, 1676, Bhai Dharam Chand (son of Bhai Dargah Mall) was appointed Diwan (for household affairs) by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Later, Guru Sahib appointed Bhai Nand Chand Sangha of Darauli as Diwan for the affairs of the Darbar (court). The duties of the Diwan for the affairs of the court included writing of letters, making arrangements for initiation, duty as chamberlain, dealing with royal visitors and the Sangat, the affairs of the army etc. Bhai Nand Chand Sangha remained in the service of Guru Sahib up to the third week of March 1691. After committing an act of breach of faith, Nand Chand fled Aanandpur Sahib. On March 29, 1691, Bhai Mani Ram (later Bhai Mani Singh) was appointed Diwan for the affairs of the court. In April 1698, Bhai Mani Singh was sent to Amritsar. In the place of Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh Chhibber (son of Shaheed Bhai Mati Das) was appointed as Diwan for the affairs of court. Bhai Sahib Singh embraced martyrdom in the battle of Nirmohgarh, on October 7, 1700. After the selection of Punj Piaray, it seems, Guru Sahib did not appoint a new Diwan. Bhai Dharam Singh Chhibber, however, remained Diwan for household affairs. Though there is no reference to appointment of Diwan after the martyrdom of Bhai Sahib Singh, but the duties of a Diwan (writings of letters, performing of ceremony of initiation, duties as chamberlain etc.) were being performed by Bhai Man Singh (brother of Bhai Mani Singh). Bhai Man Singh remained with Guru Sahib on latter’s way to Nander, up to Chittaur (April 1708).
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)