Bhai Jaswant Singh, also known as Khuda Singh (1777 – 29.9.1861), son of Bhai Nattha Singh, was born at village Shamgarh (district Karnal). When he grew up, he was appointed as the in charge of police station Kurari (near Karnal). His appointment compelled the thieves and robbers to move from that area. Bhai Jaswant Singh had a religious bent of mind. He was a gifted singer too. His Keertan was well known to the people of the area. His interest in the study of the Sikh scriptures and history made him a follower of Bhai Bhag Singh of Kuri, Baba Bir Singh of Naurangabad and the other Sikh savants. After a few years he resigned his job to become a Sikh missionary. The main centres of his activities were Multan, Punja Sahib, Hujro, Khairabad, Naushehra, Peshawar, Jallalabad, Kabul, Bukhara etc. In 1849, he was arrested under the suspicions of relations with Bhai Maharaj Singh, but when no evidence could be found, he was released. He spent last days of his life at Chuna Mandi, Lahore (the birth place of Guru Ram Das Sahib). His close associates Bhai Tehal Singh (who used to call himself Ali) and Bhai Gulab Singh (who was called Mohammed by Bhai Gulab Singh) used to call Bhai Jaswant Singh as Khuda (literally God); hence Bhai Jaswant became popular as Khuda Singh.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)