Bhai Jaita (1647 – 6.12.1705), son of Bhai Agya and grandson of Bhai Dulla, a Ranghreta (member of so-called low caste), was a resident of the present day Dilwali gate (Delhi). Bhai Agya and Bhai Jaita had stayed at Bakala and served Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib for some time. Later, they moved again to Delhi. When Guru Tegh Bahadur embraced martyrdom, on November 11, 1675, he planned to pick up the body of Guru Sahib from Chandani Chowk, Delhi. Bhai Jaita, Bhai Nanu Ram and Bhai Uda Rathor succeeded in picking up the severed head of Guru Sahib from Chandani Chowk. They took the head to the residence of Bhai Jaita. Bhai Jaita wrapped the head of Guru Sahib in fine clothes and left for Anandpur Sahib. On the way, Bhai Nanu Ram Dilwali and Bhai Uda joined him. On November 16, they reached Keeratpur Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib honoured Bhai Jaita as Ranghreta Guru Ka Beta (born in so-called low caste family, Bhai Jaita, is Guru’s own son). Later, Bhai Jaita moved to Anandpur Sahib. On March 5, 1680, when Guru Gobind Singh Sahib began the practice of drum-beating (a sign of sovereignty), Bhai Jaita became the first drum-beater. In 1685 when Guru Sahib moved to Paonta Sahib, Bhai Jaita joined Guru Sahib. Bhai Jaita was with Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Paonta Sahib, in 1688. He fought bravely in the battle of Bhangani (September 18, 1688). Bhai Jaita got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, on March 29, 1698 and became Bhai Jiwan Singh. Bhai Jiwan Singh participated in all the battles of Guru Sahib. On the night of December 5-6, 1705, when Guru Sahib left Anandpur Sahib, he escorted the family of Guru Sahib. He was the leader of the unit of one hundred Sikhs, who were assigned the duty to stop the Mogul soldiers on the bank of the rivulet Sarsa, till Mata Gujari and the children of Guru Sahib had gone out of the reach of the Mogul army. During this operation, they had to fight a big army of the Moguls. Bhai Jiwan Singh (Bhai Jaita) was hit by a bullet. He died instantly. By the evening all the 100 Sikhs had been killed.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)