Archives: Sikh Biographies

KIDARA JHANJHI
Bhai Kidara Jhanjhi was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. He was a good musician. Once he, along with Bhai Kidara and Bhai Mukanda (both good musicians), visited Guru Sahib and asked Guru Sahib to give some sermon to them. Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib blessed them. They spent several days there and performed Keertan daily. They found that they had achieved everything they had aspired for. They served the Panth throughout their lives.

KIDARA (MADAR)
Bhai Kidara, of village Madar (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan), was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Guru Hargobind Sahib visited Madar, on his way from Kashmir, in 1620. Bhai Manak, a resident of the village Madar, came to make obeisance to Guru Sahib. He told that he had the blessing of Guru Arjan Sahib also. Guru Hargobind Sahib asked him to tell him some thing about Guru Arjan Sahib. Bhai Manak told Guru Sahib that when Guru Arjan Sahib visited, Bhai Gurdas was also accompanying him. A local Singh, Bhai Kidara, was one of the Sikhs who came to see Guru Sahib. When Bhai Kidara reached there Guru Sahib was sleeping. Bhai Kidara had the disease of Hajiran (scrofula). He had tried several Hakims but none could help him. When Bhai Gurdas came to know it, he asked Bhai Kidara to take off one of the shoes of Guru Sahib and rub it on his neck. Bhai Kidara did the same. Soon, Bhai Kidara was cured of the disease. By that time Guru Arjan Sahib got up. He took off the other shoe also and gave it to Bhai Kidara.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

This is insulting name of Nahar Khan (brother of Sher Mohammed Khan) who had led an army to Chamkur, on December 7, 1705. He was killed by an arrow of Guru Gobind Singh

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Khusro (6.8.1587 – 29.1.1622), the son of the Mogul emperor Jahangir, was born at Lahore. His mother Shah Begum, was the daughter of a Hindu Raja Bhagwan Das of Amber (Jaipur). Khusro had deep love for his Hindu maternal grandfather. He received his education in such an atmosphere that made him liberal. He had differences with his father prince Salim (later Jahangir). In 1604, his mother committed suicide. This turned him more against his father. In October 1605, Jahangir became the emperor. Now he ordered surveillance of Khusro. On April 6, 1606, Khusro escaped from Agra and moved toward the Punjab. It seems that on his way to Lahore he visited Guru Arjan Sahib at Goindwal. In Punjab Khusro made a bid to become the ruler of Lahore. The Governor of Lahore made his attempt unsuccessful. On April 27, 1606, he was arrested near river Chenab. He, along with his companions, was sentenced to death. The emperor ordered his eyes to be stitched. In 1622, he was killed by his nephew prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan). It is believed that Khusro’s meeting with Guru Arjan Sahib too, for help. This too was one of the reasons of the execution of Guru Sahib. The arrest of Khusro was followed by the arrest of Guru Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Khushwant Singh (2.2.1915, in fact August 1915 – 20.3.2014) was born as Khushal Singh, to Sir Sobha Singh and Veeran Bai at Hadali village (in Khushab district of West Punjab). He received his school education at Delhi. The he joined St Stephens College Delhi and Kings College London for his graduation, and then Inner Temple for Law degree.

Khushwant Singh started his professional career as a practising lawyer in 1939. He worked at Lahore Court for eight years. In 1947 he entered Indian Foreign Service. He was appointed as Information Officer of the Government of India in Toronto, Canada. He was Press Attaché and Public Officer for the Indian High Commission for four years in London and Ottawa. In 1951 he joined the All India Radio as a journalist. Between 1954 and 1956 he worked in Department of Mass Communication of the UNESCO at Paris. After this he became editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, a newsweekly. During his tenure, this paper became India’s pre-eminent newsweekly, with its circulation rising from 65,000 to 400000. He also worked as editor of The National Herald and the Hindustan Times. From 1980 to 1986, he remained as a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974. In 1984, he returned this award in protest against the Indian army’s attack on Darbar Sahib Amritsar. In 2007, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Vibhushan.

Khushwant Singh was married to Kanwal Malik. They had a son, named Rahul Singh, and a daughter, named Mala (Kaur).

Khushwant Singh wrote several books, e.g. History of the Sikhs (2 volumes), The Sikhs, The Sikhs Today, Ranjit Singh (Maharaja of the Punjab), The End of India, Agnostic Khushwant: There Is No God. He also produced 2 novels: Train to Pakistan (which ran into several editions) and Delhi, as well as some fiction and light literature as well, e.g. I Shall Not Hear The Nightingale, Best Indian Short Stories, Sex Scotch & Scholarship, The Company of Women, women & Men In My Life, Truth Love & Little Malice, Not A Nice Man to Know, Khushwant Singh’s Joke Book etc.

{Khushwat Singh as a young man and as an elderly person}

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Khushal Ram (1790 – 18.6.1844), son of Hargovind Gaur, a Brahmin of Ikri, Merrut (Uttar Pradesh), joined the army of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh, in 1807. In 1810, he became a ‘Sikh’ and entered the private circle of Ranjit Singh. Soon after Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed him his personal attendant. In 1811, he was appointed Deodiwala (Chamberlain) of Ranjit Singh. Since then, his grip over Ranjit Singh became tighter and tighter. With the exception of the Dogras, he was the most powerful officer in the Lahore Darbar. No body could meet Maharaja Ranjit Singh without his permission. After some time, his son Ram Lal also became Ram Sinh and his nephew Tej Ram became Tej Sinh. Both of them were appointed as the senior officers in the Lahore Darbar. Khushal Sinh supervised several military campaigns too, including Kashmir (1814), Peshawar (1823) and Kangra (1828). Khushal Sinh had a Jagir of 180 villages with an income of rupees 120,000 per year. When Hira Sinh Dogra became prime minister, he confiscated some of his Jagir. He died within a few months later, leaving his son Kishan Sinh a big fortune. His nephew Tej Ram (Tej Sinh) was in league with the British during the Anglo-Sikh wars. He betrayed the Sikh army and helped the British in occupation of the kingdom of Ranjit Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Khushal Chand was the son of Bhai Makkhan Shah Wanjara (Yadav Rajput). He, along with his father Makhan Shah, mother Mata Saljoi and brothers Bhai Chandu Lal and Bhai Lal Chand, visited Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, at Bakala, in October 1664. It was on this occasion that Bhai Makhan Shah presented one hundred Mohars (gold coins) to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and became Bhai Khushal Singh. Bhai Khushal Singh embraced martyrdom in the battle of Lohgarh (Anandpur Sahib), on September 1, 1700.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Khushal Singh (? – 1795), was the son of Bhai Dan Singh (the brother of Nawab Kapur Singh). In 1753, Nawab Kapur Singh died hire-less. His nephew Sirdar Khushal Singh succeeded him. Khushal Singh added the territory of Behrampur and Nurpur to the estate of the Singhpuria Misl. In 1759, he and Sirdar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia killed Bishambhar Das (the minister of Adina Beg) and captured Jullundur. Later, he captured the territory of Haibatpur and Patti. In 1764, he joined the other Misls in attack on Sirhind. After the victory over Sirhind, he was given the territory of Bharatgarh, Ghanauli, Manauli etc. In the later years of his life, he built a bazaar at Amritsar. It was known as Katra Singhpurian, after the name of the Misl. He died in 1795. His son Budh Singh succeeded him. At that time the Misl had its rule over Jullundur, Manauli, Ghanauli, Bharatgarh, Bulandgarh, Haibatpur, Patti, Nurpur, Behrampur, Aadampur, Banga, Bela, Banur, Abohar etc. The annual yield was about two lakh in the Bari Doab area, one lakh in the Bist Doab area and about 50 thousand in the area around Sirhind. In 1811, Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured the territory of the Bari and Bist Doab areas.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Khushal Singh (17.3.1889 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Budh Singh, was born at village Nizampur Dewa Singh Wala (district Sheikhupura). Bhai Khushal Singh never went to school but he remembered a lot of Gurbani by heart. From his early youth, he had an interest in religious activities. He attended the session of the Sikh League and the Dharowali Conference. Since then, he became a part and parcel of the Gurdwara Reform Movement. On February 19, 1921, in spite of opposition by the family, he joined the Jatha to Nanakana Sahib, where the Mahant and his hired men mercilessly killed him.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Khushal Singh, a resident of village Pan Jattan (district Kapurthala), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Khushal Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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)

Mata Khiwi (1506 – 1582) was the daughter of Bhai Devi Chand Marwaha and Karan Devi, of village Sanghar, near Khadur Sahib (district Amritsar). She was married to Bhai Lehna/Lahina (later Guru Angad Sahib), on November 15, 1519. She gave birth to Dasu (1524) and Datu (1537), two sons; and, Bibi Amaro (1526) and Bibi Anokhi (1534), two daughters. She was a devoted wife and a generous person. She loved serving the guests and the other visitors to Guru Sahib. Bhai Balwand, a poet, had paid her high tribute for her generous nature (in Satte Te Balwand Di Vaar in Guru Granth Sahib). He wrote: “Mata Khiwi the most generous lady, provided comfort to the Sikhs. She was like a tree, which has deep leafy shade.” After the death of Guru Angad Sahib, Dasu and Datu proclaimed themselves as the successors of Guru Angad Sahib. On her persuasion Dasu recanted and visited Guru Amar Das to apologize.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Khem Singh Bedi (21.2.1832 – 10.4.1905), son of Atar Singh, grandson of Bishan Singh and great-grandson of Sahib Singh Bedi, was born at Una (Himanchal). His father and grandfather both died when he was just seven years old. When he grew up, he became fully loyal to the British regime; hence he received official patronage. Khem Singh helped the British during the mutiny of 1857. In 1877, Khem Singh was nominated as a Magistrate at Montgomery (now Sahiwal, Pakistan). He was also a member of the Council of States. When Singh Sabha was established at Amritsar, Khem Singh was chosen as its patron. He was opposed to the distinct identity of the Sikh religion. He used to treat himself as a semi-Guru, simply because he was a descendant of Lakhmi Das (son of Guru Nanak Sahib). The Sikh intelligentsia opposed his un-Sikh like style. He continued creating trouble for the reformist Sikh leadership, particularly for Professor Gurmukh Singh and Giani Dit Singh, till his death in 1905. After his death, Singh Sabha Amritsar (in a way his own creation) became almost non-existent. Gradually it was merged with the Singh Sabha, Lahore.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

(Mata) Khem Kaur was the daughter of Bhai Prem Chand Sili of Kartarpur. She was married to (Baba) Suraj Mall (son of Guru Hargobind Sahib). She gave birth to Bhai Dip Chand and Bhai Nand Chand. She accompanied Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib to Bilaspur, in May 1665. She spent most of her life at Keeratpur Sahib. She died in December 1701. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib attended her last prayers and performed Dastarbandi (tying of turban) of Bhai Dip Chand, the elder son of Mata Khem Kuir. She is also known as Mata Hariji.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Khem Kaur was the daughter of Sirdar Jodh Singh Bhangi. She was married to prince Kharag Singh (later Maharaja) in 1816. Maharaja Kharag Singh died on November 4, 1840. During the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49), she helped the Sikh forces and the leaders. Due to this role her allowance was reduced and some of her Jagir was confiscated.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Khem Karan, son of Bhai Paira Mall, residence of Pasrur (district Sialkot), was married to Bibi Roop Kaur, the daughter of Guru Har Rai Sahib, On November 4, 1662. After the marriage the couple moved to village Kot Kalyanpur (neat Keeratpur Sahib). A son Amar Chand (Amar Singh after initiation) was born to them.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kheda, a Brahmin, a resident of Khem Karan (district Amritsar) was a follower of the mythical Hindu goddess Durga. He used to regularly visit the temple of Jawalmukhi. Once, on his way to Jawalamukhi, he stopped at Goindwal. When he came to know about the personality of Guru Amar Das Sahib, he went to visit him. There, he was told that before one visits Guru Sahib, one has to share food in the Langar hall. When he went to the Langar hall, he saw that every one, without distinction of caste or status had to share the same food cooked jointly by all the devotees. He did not join Langar and went away without meeting Guru Sahib. On his way to Jawalamukhi, he made another break at some place. That night his mythical goddess appeared in his dreams and rebuked him for not sharing food in the Langar of Guru Sahib. He at once broke his journey and returned to Goindwal. He shared food in the Langar hall and visited Guru Sahib. He was impressed by the teachings of Guru Sahib. He requested Guru Sahib to initiate him into the Sikh faith. Bhai Kheda, later, brought several persons to the Sikh fold. Guru Sahib appointed him as one of the twenty-two major missionaries of the Sikh faith.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Raja Kharak Singh (1850 – 1877), son of Raja Randhir Singh, became the ruler of the Kapurthala State, on May 12, 1870. He was a sick man; hence a Council administered the State. Raja Kharak Singh nominally ruled the State just for seven years. His son Jagatjit Singh, who was just seven years old at that time, succeeded him.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Kharak Singh (6.6.1868 – 6.10.1963), son of Bhai Hari Singh, was born at Sialkot (Pakistan). His father was a rich industrialist and construction contractor. In 1889, he passed his Bachelors degree from Lahore and joined Law studies at Allahabad. Due to the death of his father he had to abandon his studies. His first job was as the Secretary of the Sialkot Municipal Committee. He could not continue his job for a long time. Kharak Singh was elected the President of the Singh Sabha Sialkot and Khalsa High School Sialkot. In 1912, the Sikh Educational Conference was held at Sialkot. He was selected as the chairman of the reception committee. In 1915, he presided over the Sikh Educational Conference, held at Tarn Taran. In October 1920, Kharak Singh was elected the president of the Sikh League (formed in 1919). He was one of the senior most leaders of the Gurdwara Reform Movement (1920-1926). On August 14, 1921, he was elected the president of the S.G.P.C. His first arrest was in 1920 and since then he was arrested several times. He spent 20 years of his life in jails. Kharak Singh’s fame was at its zenith when (after forcible taking over of the control of the keys of the treasury of the Darbar Sahib) he was presented the keys of Darbar Sahib, on January 17, 1922. On April 4, 1922, he was arrested again. He was released on June 4, 1927. He was elected president of the first S.G.P.C. elected under the Gurdwara Act. He was presented Siropao (robe of honour) at Akal Takht Sahib. In 1928, Nehru Report was published. It was against the political and religious interests of the Sikh nation. The Sikhs rejected it but the Hindu leaders did not bother for the Sikhs. In 1929, the Congress Party held its session at Amritsar. The Sikhs too held their Conference during the same period, at Amritsar. The success of the Sikh procession put the Congress show into shame and shade. As a result the Congress had to throw the Nehru Report into waste box. The Congress Party, however, planned to weaken Kharak Singh who was opposed to the Congress on various issues concerning the Sikhs. In 1930-31, Master Tara Singh replaced Kharak Singh. Kharak Singh continued his policies till 1939. During this period he became president of Central Akali Dal, which could not become an organisation of the masses. This led him to side with the Congress, which, he felt earlier, was an enemy of the Sikh nation. He spent his last days almost in isolation. In his earlier days he was known as Betaj Badshah (King without a crown). His major drawback was his stubborn nature. His early career as a Sikh politician was a glorious one. He died in isolation.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Kharak Singh (14.5.1895 – 29.5.1986), son of Bhai Pala Singh, was born at village Barki (district Lahore, Pakistan). He began his career as a soldier with the British army but resigned the job after a short time. After leaving service he joined the Jatha of Baba Nidhan Singh. Baba Kharak Singh participated in Kaar Sewa at several places. In 1924, the S.G.P.C. launched Jaito Agitation. Baba Kharak Singh courted arrest and spent about 21 months in Jail. Baba Kharak Singh performed the Kaar Sewa of several Gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore. When he was performing the Kaar Sewa at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore, some Sikhs approached him and requested him to built a fine Gurdwara at Bir Baba Buddha (district Amritsar). At first Baba Kharak Singh hesitated but when Baba Gurmukh Singh insisted, he agreed. Baba Kharak Singh spent several years at Bir Baba Buddha, where he got built a magnificent building of a Gurdwara, a public school, a secondary school and a college. The Gurdwara at Bir Baba Buddha Sahib has a very big building of Langar where thousands can dine together. The main hall of the Gurdwara is also very big and is a unique building. It has been built without supporting pillars. Later, he performed Kaar Sewa for construction of Guru Ram Das Langar at Darbar Sahib, a link canal to provide water for Amritsar Sarovar (Darbar Sahib), a bridge on river Beas at Goindwal and several other projects. He died after a short illness in 1986.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kharak Singh, a resident of village Ghera (district Hoshiarpur), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Kharak Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Kharag Singh (9.2.1801 – 4.11.1840), son of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh, was born at Lahore. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave him the best possible martial trainings. When he grew up, he got married to Chand Kaur (daughter of Sirdar Jai Singh Kanhaiya) who gave birth to Naunihal Singh. From the very beginning he was assigned military campaigns. In 1818, he headed Multan campaign, followed by Kashmir in 1819. After Ranjit Singh’s death he was installed as the Maharaja of the Punjab, on June 27, 1839. Within a short period, Dogra Dhian Sinh started making conspiracies against him (Kharag Singh). The Dogras were even successful in winning the Maharaja’s young son prince Naunihal Singh. Their first task was to kill Chet Singh, the most trusted friend of the Maharaja. Chet Singh was killed on the night of October 9, 1839, before the eyes of the Maharaja. The next morning he was replaced by his son Naunihal Singh. Since then Maharaja Kharag Singh remained under the surveillance of the Dogras. Dogras began poisoning Kharag Singh’s food. He died of food poisoning on November 4, 1840. On the day of his funeral (November 5, 1840), his son (Maharaja) Naunihal Singh was also killed by the Dogras.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

BHAI KHANU
Bhai Khanu was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Angad Sahib and Guru Amar Das Sahib. Once he, along with his son Bhai Maia and Bhai Govind Bhandari, visited Guru Angad Sahib. They asked Guru Sahib which was the most precious virtue that one should have. Guru Sahib told them that love is the greatest virtue. We should always love God. We should remember Him and always sing the praise of His Excellences. We should serve the Sangat and help the needy with food and clothing. Bhai Khanu, Bhai Maia and Bhai Govind spent rest of their lives as per the instructions of Guru Sahib.

KHANU CHHURA
Bhai Khanu Chhura, a resident of village Dalla (district Kapurthala) was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib. Once Guru Amar Das visited village Dalla. Bhai Khanu Chhura, Bhai Jhanda, Bhai Nandu Sudana, Bhai Puro, Bhai Taru, Bhai Ugaru, Bhai Vega Pasi and some others went to see the Guru and made their obeisance. They requested the Guru to initiate them into the Sikh faith. They requested the Guru as to what was the true Yajna (useful religious rite) in this Age. The Guru told them that sharing one’s food and the other provisions with others is the true Yajna in this Age.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Keso Singh Parmar Rajput was the son of Bhai Chitar Singh and grandson of Bhai Mani Singh. He joined Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in the struggle for the freedom of the Sikh homeland and participated in several battles. He embraced martyrdom in December 1711 at Bilaspur (Himanchal Pradesh).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Keso Singh Bhatt was the son of Bhai Bohath and grandson of Shaheed Bhai Kirat Bhatt. Bhai Keso Singh (and his son Narbud Singh), his brother Bhai Hari Singh (and his sons: Bhai Tara Singh, Bhai Sewa Singh and Bhai Deva Singh), Bhai Desa Singh, embraced martyrdom at Aalowal (district Lahore), on October 11, 1711. They were killed follwing the order for general massacre of the Sikhs, issued by the Mogul emperor Bahadur Shah, on December 10, 1710. Along with these 7 Bhatts, 33 more Sikhs were buried alive. These 33 included some members from the families of Bhai Ballu (grandfather of Bhai Mani Singh) also.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Kesari Chand Jaswalia was the ruler of a small hill State. Kesari Chand was the brother-in-law of Bhim Chand and Mama (maternal uncle) of Ajmer Chand, the ruler of Bilaspur. Once he visited Anandpur Sahib. He saw a rare elephant (which had been presented to Guru Sahib by Raja Sug Dev of Assam in October 1685) and an embroidered tent studded with pearls. He sought to loan the elephant and the tent for a special function to be held at his palace. Guru Sahib did not yield to his wish. He took it as an insult and never forgot this. When Ajmer Chand attacked Anandpur Sahib in the last week of August 1700, he too joined. He was killed by Bhai Udey Singh, in the battle fought on September 1, 1700. After killing him, Bhai Udey Singh chopped off his head and presented it before the Sikhs at Aanandgarh fort.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Kesar Singh Novelist (1912 – 21.9.2006), son of Bhai Prem Singh, was born at village Mughal Khalsa (district Rawalpindi, Pakistan). His parents died when he was a small child. He was orphaned at the age of three and had to spend his childhood in Amritsar’s Dera Sant Gulab Singh and orphanage. He got his Post-graduate degree from Khalsa College, earning it through hard labour. Then he came in contact with Netaji Subhash Chander Bose and senior commanders of the Indian National Army and went to Malaysia, where he developed his passion for writing. His first book was in English ‘Indian Independence Movement in East Asia’, published by Singh Brothers, Lahore, few months before the Independence. The foreword of the book was written by Sriyut Sarat Chandra Bose, brother of Netaji with his autographs. Sarat Bose, wrote, “Very little is known to the younger generation about the great Indian revolutionaries who left India in the early years of this century and went to Japan, China, Siam, Malaya and other lands and started their revolutionary activities there with the object to liberate India from foreign yoke. Sardar Kesar Singh has done well in giving to young India a short account of the activities of those great revolutionaries who dreamt dreams of India’s freedom and worked for their realisation. The greater part of his book is devoted to the Indians National Army — its formation, its dissolution, its reformation under the leadership of its supreme commander Netaji Subhash Chander Bose and the fight it launched for the achievement of Indian Independence.” From 1943 to 1945, he was Civil Administrator in the Provincial Government (in exile). After 1947, he was offered pension for his services to the Aazad Hind Fauj, but he refused to accept it. From 1948 to 1951, he served as the secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal. From 1955 to 57, he served as Guide of Darbar Sahib. After the death of his wife, Giani Kesar Singh moved to England and then settled in Canada in 1963. He served in the Education department of Canada for 14 years. In Canada, his last appointment before retirement was as the Director of Guidance and Counselling in Alberta School System. A great humanitarian, Giani Kesar Singh Novelist is a superb writer of historical novels. His main field is the Ghadr and independence movement. His writings include: Canadian Sikhs; Indian Independence Movement in East Asia (both history); Shaheed Udham Singh (novel in English); Lehar Wadhadi Gai, Jangi Qaidi, Shaheed Udham Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Baba Hari Singh Usman, Shaheed Mewa Singh, Singh Sahib Di Shahadat, Janj Larhean Di, Tiji Pihari, Ware Shah Di Maut, Green Card, Ghadri Ghulab, Hiroshima, London Road; Hathiarband Inqlab (all novels in Punjabi); Poetry of Ghadr Movement; Aazad Hind Fauj Di Diary. His novel Jangi Qaidi has been published in several languages, including Russian. The Language Department gave him an award honouring his contribution to the Punjabi literature, but he refused to accept it and asserted that “Kesar Singh is not on sale.”

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kesar Singh (1875 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Mihan Singh, was born at village Bharoli (district Gujranwala). The family, later, moved to village Chakk No 39 Wanotianwali (district Sheikhupura). Though he was illiterate but he had learnt a lot of Gurbani by heart. In 1903, he got married and fathered 9 children. He was a generous person and a deeply religious man. He used to serve the Sangat in the Gurdwara. At first he was a Namdhari. Later, after the agitation for Gurdwara Khara Sauda and the Dharowali Conference, he joined the Sikh faith and got initiation from the Jatha of Bhai Mul Singh Garmula. On February 19, 1921, he received a message to join the Jatha to Nanakana Sahib where, on February 20, he embraced martyrdom.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Kesar Singh Chhibber (c. 1699 – ?) was the son of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Daroga and grandson of Diwan Dharam Singh Chhibber. He spent his early childhood at Delhi and Amritsar. In 1769, he wrote Bansawalinama Dasan Patshahian Da. This book partly depicts the life history of Guru Sahib, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Mata Sahib Kaur, Ajit Singh Palit and the Sikhs in general. This book is replete with dates and events, some of which are incorrect. Kesar Singh seems to have been under the Hindu influence and has presented distorted picture of Guru Sahib from this point of view. In spite of its major shortcomings, it is still a useful source of Sikh history.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kesar Singh (17.8.1893 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Paal Singh, was born at Chakk No. 38 Nizampur Dewa Singh Wala (district Sheikhupura). His father was a poor worker and he too had to earn his livelihood by cattle-grazing and such petty jobs. Bhai Kesar Singh was fond of singing hymns and religious poems. He had a sweet vice and people loved to listen to him singing. When Bhai Lachhman Singh announced formation of a Jatha for the liberation of the Gurdwaras at Nanakana Sahib, he offered himself as a volunteer. On February 19, 1920, he received a message from Jathedar Lachhman Singh. His parents tried to stop him but he left his home and joined the Jatha to Nanakana Sahib, where he embraced martyrdom the following day.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kehar Singh, son of Bhai Jita Singh, grandson of Bhai Rama and great-grandson of Bhai Sukhia Mandan, was a dedicated Singh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. When Bahadur Shah, the Mogul emperor proclaimed annihilation of the Sikh nation, the authorities began killing each and every Sikh. He, along with his brothers Bhai Anup Singh, Bhai Parsan Singh and his nephew (son of Bhai Man Singh Nishanchi), was buried alive at Alowal (near Lahore) on October 11, 1711.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kehar Singh, an uncle of Shaheed Bhai Beant Singh, was arrested on the charges of joining conspiracy to murder Indira Gandhi. He, along with Bhai Satwant Singh, was hanged in Tihar jail, Delhi, on January 6, 1989. His body was cremated in jail and his ashes were submerged in a river under the army escort. His sons were dismissed from jobs by the Delhi administration simply because they were the sons of Bhai Kehar Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kehar Singh (1896 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Jiwan Singh, was born at village Jarg (erstwhile Patiala State). At the age of 18, he joined the British Indian army. He was posted at Kohat (at present border between Pakistan and Afghanistan). He participated in the battles of Chitral, Bannu, Tank, Bajaur etc. Due to his performance he was promoted to the rank of Havildar. Later, he was posted in the Assam area. He was known for his art of using gun. He shot several tigers in that area. Once, during the course of hunting, a lion attacked him. He killed the lion with his spear. A British officer witnessed the event. Bhai Kehar Singh’s photo was published in several newspapers and magazines. After a service of 21 years, he resigned the army. After his retirement, he moved to Chakk No. 85 Dalla Chanda Singh (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan) and began cultivating his land. When Gurdwara Reform movement began in 1920, he enroled himself with the Jatha of Bhai Lachhman Singh Dharowali. On February 19, 1921 he received a call from Bhai Lachhman Singh. When Bhai Kehar Singh began preparations to join the Jatha, his son Bhai Darbara Singh too insisted to accompany. At that time he (Darbara Singh) was 10-12 years old. At Nanakana Sahib, Bhai Kehar Singh was butchered to death by Mahant Narain Das and his hired men. When the Mahant began killing the Sikhs, some Sikhs hid Bhai Darbara Singh (the son of Bhai Kehar Singh) in an almirah. He began saying, “I want to embrace martyrdom like my father.” At this Kapura Jallad grabbed him, threw him in fire and roasted him alive. Also see: Darbara Singh (Nanakana).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kehar Singh, son of Bhai Jhanda Singh, resident of village Khemonana (district Ludhiana), was one of the passengers of the Komagatamaru ship. Komagatamaru ship reached Vancouver on May 21, 1914. The passengers were not allowed to land. After a struggle of about 2 months, the ship left Vancouver for Calcutta on July 24, 1914. It reached Budge Budge (about 7 km from Calcutta), on September 29, 1914, at about 11 A.M. When the ship reached there the police put siege to the passengers. In the evening the passengers tried to leave Budge Budge to make a visit to the Gurdwara at Calcutta. The police tried to stop them. The passengers did not bother and began moving with Guru Granth Sahib amidst them. At this the police opened fire. Bhai Kehar Singh was one of the 18 who were killed by police firing.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kehar Singh (1853 – ?), son of Bhai Nihal Singh, was born at village Marhana (district Amritsar). He spent about half a century of his life in his native village. Later, he moved to the U.S.A. to make a fortune. When Ghadr Party was formed, he became a part and parcel of the organisation. When the organisation decided to launch an armed struggle against the British regime, he left the U.S.A. and returned home. At first he was not arrested, probably due to his age. Later, on information given by Kirpal Singh Brar, the intelligence man who failed the whole of the Ghadr Plan, he was arrested. He was tried under Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was sent to Andaman jail, where he died of torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Diwan Kaura Mall (? – 5.3.1752), son of Bhai Vallu Ram Chuggh, an Arora Sahijdhari Hindu, a resident of village Shorkot (district Jhang, Pakistan), was a general and a courtier of Zakaria Khan, Shah Nawaz Khan and Muin-ul-Mulk. In 1738, he was appointed a minister for Multan. In 1746, when Lakhpat Rai, a Hindu minister of Punjab arrested all the Sikhs of Lahore and ordered their execution on March 10, 1746, he pleaded with him not to kill them (though Lakhpat did not yield to his request). Lakhpat Rai killed several thousand Sikhs in the following couple of months. Diwan Kaura Mall was friendly to the Sikhs. He could not tolerate it and left Lahore for Multan. Here, he joined the camp of Shah Niwaz Khan, the Governor of Multan. Shah Niwaz Khan became Governor of Lahore on March 21, 1747. He appointed Diwan Kaura Mall as his minister. In March 1748, Muin-ul-Mulk (Mir Mannu) became the Governor of Lahore. Muin also appointed Diwan Kaura Mall as a minister. Muin-ul-Mulk arrested Lakhpat Rai and fined him rupees three million. Lakhpat’s property was confiscated and sold. Two hundred and twenty thousand rupees were recovered through the sale of his property and the rest, eight hundred thousand rupees, was the price of his head. Diwan Kaura Mall paid this price and handed him (Lakhpat) over to the Sikhs. The Sikhs gave him the same treatment that he had given to the innocent Sikhs and their families. Diwan Kaura Mall affected a compromise between Muin-ul-Mulk and the Sikhs. The Sikhs and the Lahore Darbar made a joint attack on Multan in 1749. After his victory of Multan, Diwan Kaura Mall was given the title of Maharaj Bahadur besides he was appointed as the Governor of Multan. Diwan Kaura Mall died while fighting against the army of Ahmed Shah Durrani, on March 6, 1752. It is believed that he was killed as a result of a conspiracy of Adina Beg, who hired one Bazid Khan of Kasur too kill Diwan Kaura Mall. Diwan Kaura Mall was known, by the Sikhs, as Mittha (literally: sweet) Mall instead of Kaura (literally: bitter) Mall, because of his friendship with the Sikhs. During the rule of Ranjit Singh, the descendants of Diwan Kaura Mall embraced Sikh faith. The well-known poet Bhai Vir Singh was a descendant of Diwan Kaura Mall.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Akali Kaur Singh Nihang (28.2.1886 – 23.1.1953), born as Puran Singh, son of Bhai Mahan Singh, was born at village Chakkar (district Muzzafarabad, Kashmir). When he grew up he learnt Gurmukhi, Sanskrit and Persian. He studied a lot of religious, philosophic and medical literature. From his early days, he was interested in a carefree life. His parents tried to change his mood by getting him married but he was not made for this. The very day his marriage was solemnized, he disappeared. In 1906, he moved to Hazur Sahib and joined a Nihang Jatha. As a Nihang, he took a tour of all those places where there were Gurdwaras. He went to Assam, Bengal, Dravid-zone, Uttar Khand and Burma etc. Besides his missionary activities, he collected a lot of material about the Sikhs (including works like Sainapati’s Gur Sobha), which were, till then (in 1925), unknown to the scholars of the Sikh studies. He also found a portrait believed to be that of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Later, Akali Kaur Singh engaged himself in writing books. In 1907, he started work of his magnum opus Gur Shabad Ratan Parkash (line-wise index of the verses of Guru Granth Sahib) was completed in 1920 and published in 1923. It was a result of his labour of about 13 years. In 1928, he returned to Chakkar, his native village and established Guru Nanak Ashram, an educational institute for general as well as religious studies. He opened new schools in the surrounding villages too. Akali Kaur Singh wrote several books. His other works include: Tatkara Varan Bhai Gurdas (index of the verses of Bhai Gurdas), 1926, History of the Nihangs of Hazur Sahib, Hazuri Sathi (a book about Hazur Sahib), 1934. Besides, he wrote several articles for Kashmir Sikh Samachar and several other journals. Akali Kaur Singh was also a missionary. He initiated thousands of the Sikhs in various parts of the Indian sub-continent. Akali Kaur Singh was a very popular personality among the princes, the leaders and even among the common people. He was so well informed about the Sikh ideology that the scholars rarely contradicted his verdict about the issues of the Sikh philosophy. After 1947, at the time of the exodus of the Sikhs from the west Punjab, which had become a part of Pakistan, he worked very hard for the safety and the recovery of the Sikh women. Akali Kaur Singh never stayed at one place nor had he any property. He died at Rajinder Hospital Patiala, in 1953.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kaulji Das, son of Bhai Ambia Hajavat (Chauhan), resident of Duburji Udey Karan Wali (Sialkot, Pakistan) was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. When Guru Sahib visited Amritsar, on his way from Hehar, in December 1620, Bhai Kaulji Das escorted Guru Sahib. His son Bhai Kishana embraced martyrdom in the battle of Kartarpur, in April 1635. His second son Bhai Padma was also a dedicated Sikh. Bhai Padma’s son Bhai Durga Das was appointed a Masand of the area. His grandson Bhai Aalam Singh Nachanna became chamberlain of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Also see: Padma and Aalam Singh Nachanna.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kattu Shah, a Muslim of Kashmir, joined Sikh faith at the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. When Guru Sahib went to Kashmir on his missionary journey, Bhai Kattu Shah met Guru Sahib at Shupian. According to an anecdote, Bhai Kattu Shah, who was hungry at that time asked the visiting people to give him some honey to eat. The people refused saying that the honey was for Guru Sahib. When people reached there, they offered honey to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib refused to accept the honey and asked them to serve the jar of honey to Bhai Kattu Shah. Guru Sahib told the Sangat that when somebody feeds a Sikh, his dish reaches him (Guru Sahib) automatically. Guru Sahib appointed Bhai Kattu Shah to carry out Sikh missionary work in Kashmir.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Kanwar Kashmira Singh (1819 – 7.5.1844) was the son of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh and (Maharani) Daya Kaur. Kanwar Kashmira Singh was the administrator of Sialkot. After the assassination of Maharaja Sher Singh, he tried to achieve power at the Lahore Darbar but could not succeed. In May 1844, he went to Baba Bir Singh’s Dera at Naurangabad, to seek his help. Hira Sinh Dogra ordered an attack on the Dera of Baba Bir Singh at Naurangabad, on May 7, 1844. During this attack Baba Bir Singh, Atar Singh Sandhanwalia and Kanwar Kashmira Singh were killed.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Kartar Singh (22.2.1902 – 10.6.1974), son of Bhai Bhagat Singh, was born at Chakk 40, Lyallpur (now Faisalabad, Pakistan). He passed his matriculation examination from Khalsa School at Lyallpur. Later, he joined Khalsa College, Amritsar. The massacre of April 13, 1919 (Jallian Wala Bagh, Amritsar) changed the course of his life and he joined struggle against the British. At the same time, the Gurdwara reform movement began. He participated in the movement. In 1923, he was appointed as the general secretary of Lyallpur unit of the Akali Dal. In 1924, he was arrested in connection with the Jaito agitation. In 1926, when some Akali leaders were released by the Government under minor conditions, he supported Baba Kharak Singh and Master Tara Singh (who refused to accept any condition for their release). In 1926, he was elected to the S.G.P.C. In 1927, he was elected unopposed as a member of the District Board Lyallpur. In 1930, he participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement of Gandhi and was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment. In the jail, he came into contact with several senior leaders of different political parties. In 1937, he was elected as a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. He was one of the brains behind the formation of the Sikh Students’ Federation in September 1943. He was one of the brains behind the Aazad Punjab Scheme. He tried to effect a compromise between the Muslim and the Sikh leaders, in 1946-47, but it could not mature. After the murder of Babu Labh Singh (March 1947), he was elected the president of the Akali Dal. In 1948, he joined the Congress Party and became a minister. In 1948, he unsuccessfully tried for the merger of Akali Dal and Congress party. In 1952, the Congress ignored him and he rejoined the Akali Dal. In 1956, he joined the Congress party again and became a minister. In 1960, he formed Sadh Sangat Board to contest the elections to the S.G.P.C. but suffered colossal defeat (Master Tara Singh won 136 of the 140 seats). He remained a minister till 1963. In 1967, after the downfall of the Congress Party in the Punjab, he rejoined the Akali Dal. This time the Akali leadership did not offer him any office. This was a great shock for Giani Kartar Singh. He lived another seven years of his life but he was a demoralized, poor, wretched and dejected leader. His health deteriorated and he was soon confined to bed. After a prolonged illness, he died at Rajindera Hospital Patiala. Giani Kartar Singh was a great worker. He made much sacrifice during the period of his youth. After 1947, he developed love for office. This made him collaborate with the regime even at the cost of Sikh interests. Due to this style of his life he lost his credibility during the last part of his life. He died almost unsung.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kartar Singh (1896 – 16.11.1916) was the son of Bhai Mangal Singh, of village Sarabha (district Ludhiana). As a boy he was very talented and active. In 1912, he moved to the U.S.A. and joined degree course in chemistry at the University of California at Berekley. The discrimination against the non-whites agitated his mind so much that soon he turned a strong anti-white activist. When Ghadr party was formed, he became an active member of the organisation. He was also the editor of the Punjabi section of the Ghadr Di Goonj, a journal of the organisation. It was he who had finalised the party flag with three colours depicting three nations, the Sikhs, the Muslims and the Hindus. On September 15, 1914, he left the U.S.A to return to Punjab to lead an armed struggle against the British regime. He participated in various actions of the organisation. He contacted various revolutionaries. He approached the army units at Agra, Allahabad, Ambala, Lahore, Merrut, Rawalpindi, and Varanasi etc. and incited the soldiers for rebellion. When major Ghadr action failed, he, along with Jagat Singh of Sur Singh and Harnam Singh Tundi Laat, escaped to Afghanistan. When they could not get any help there, they returned to the Punjab after a few days. On March 2, 1915, they reached Wilsonpur, near Chakk No. 5 Shahpur (district Sargodha), where a friend betrayed them and got them arrested. He was tried in the First Lahore Conspiracy Case. On September 13, 1915, he was sentenced to death. He was hanged in Lahore jail on November 16, 1915.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Kartar Singh (1882 – 22.2.1952) was born at village Kalasawala (district Sialkot, Pakistan). When he was a small boy, he studied a lot of Sikh literature. When he grew up, he joined the British Indian army as a Granthi. After leaving service of the army, he became a Granthi at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. Here, he started writing the history of the Sikh nation in Punjabi verse. Earlier works of the Sikh history, written by Bhai Santokh Singh, Giani Gian Singh etc. were written in a mixture of Punjabi, Hindi and Braj languages. Giani Kartar Singh wrote several books in pure Punjabi language. His book became popular very soon because of their clarity of language and partly because they were written in Baint, a form of poetry in which Waris Shah had written his Heer, an extremely popular ballad. His works include: Nirankari Jot, Hitkari Jot, Datari Jot, Ujiari Jot, Jagadi Jot, Dalbhanjani Jot, Upkari Jot, Didari Jot, Niranjani Jot, Akali Jot (these ten are the biographies of the Ten Nanaks), Nirbhai Jodha, Ajit Khalsa, Jauhar Khalsa, Parkash Khalsa, Sarkar Khalsa, Darbar Khalsa, Betaj Khalsa, Daler Khalsa, Bir Khalsa, Partap Khalsa, Singhanian Da Sidak (history of the Sikhs from Baba Banda Singh up to 1849), Sudhar Khalsa, Khun-i-Shahidan, Babe-Di-Ber (Gurdwara Reform Movement), Khuni Saal Dian Khuni Holian (1947 killings) and several other verse as well as prose writings. He wrote about 50 books. He died at Amritsar, in 1952.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jathedar Kartar Singh Jhabbar (1874 – 20.11.1962), son of Bhai Teja Singh and grandson of Bhai Mangal Singh (a soldier of the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh), was born at village Jhabbar (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan). When he grew up he joined Khalsa Updeshak Vidyala Gharjakh and studied Sikh literature for three years. In 1910, he moved to Lahore and carried out missionary work in the district. In 1912, he formed Khalsa Diwan Khara Sauda Bar and began missionary work. In 1913, he made major contribution for the establishment of a school at Chuharkana. After the massacre of Jallian Wala Bagh Amritsar (April 13, 1919), when the British government imposed martial law, he defied it by making political speeches. He was arrested and sent to Lahore jail. He was one of the 17 Sikhs who were given death sentence. Later, it was commuted to life imprisonment and he was sent to Andeman islands, to serve prison. He was released in 1920. When, on October 12, 1920, the so-called low caste Sikhs went to Darbar Sahib to make offerings, the priests refused to accept their offering of sacred food. Bhai Kartar Singh Jhabbar was one of the major Sikh leaders who were present there. The same day, when the priests of Akal Takht Sahib left Takht Sahib unattended, the Sikhs assumed the charge of Takht Sahib. Jathedar Kartar Singh Jhabbar addressed the Sikhs from Takht Sahib. On November 15, 1920, the S.G.P.C. was formed. He was selected as one of the first members of the S.G.P.C. On November 18, 1920, he led a Jatha to Punja Sahib and took control of the shrine. Here, the local Hindus tried to occupy the shrine. The Jatha of Jathedar Jhabbar saved the shrine with great difficulty. At this Jathedar Jhabbar suggested the formation of a Dal to support the actions of the S.G.P.C. (Later, this Dal, formed on December 14, 1920, was named Akali Dal and, in 1922, it was named the Shiromani Akali Dal). In February, he, along with Jathedar Lachhman Singh Dharowali, made a planning to take over Gurdwaras of Nanakana Sahib from the debauched manager of the shrines. Before Jathedar Jhabbar’s Jatha could reach Nanakana Sahib, the manager of the shrine had already killed Jathedar Lachhman Singh and more than 130 Sikhs. The Governor of Punjab reached Nanakana Sahib the following day. Jathedar Jhabbar compelled the Governor to immediately hand over the control of the shrines to the Sikhs. After some time Jathedar Jhabbar occupied other Gurdwaras of Nanakana Sahib also. On March 15, 1921, the Governor Punjab sent English army to Nanakana Sahib and arrested Jathedar Jhabbar, Jathedar Teja Singh Bhuchchar, Jathedar Tara Singh Tthetthar, Bhai Lakkha Singh etc. Later, Sir Jogindera Singh and Sunder Singh Majithia mediated and Jathedar Jhabbar was released. He was arrested again in 1924. He was released in December 1928. In 1933, he was arrested in connection with a murder case. He spent three months in jail. After 1937, he served the Akali Dal on low profile. Again, on June 21, 1955, he courted arrest during the Punjabi Suba Zindabad agitation. He died at village Habrhi (district Karnal) in 1962.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Pundit Kartar Singh (13.9.1888 – 25.11.1958), son of Bhai Ram Singh, was born at Dakha (district Ludhiana), on September 13, 1888. His father was a money lender. He received his early education from his village. Later, he joined Khalsa School at Amritsar. In 1907, his father died and he had to discontinue his studies. Now, he became a student of Pundit Basant Singh (of Thikriwala) and studied Sanskrit literature. Soon he came to be known as an expert of philosophy. In 1923, he was appointed as a Lecturer at Sikh Missionary College, Amritsar. In 1930, he defeated the famous Pundit Gogeshavara Nand in discussion on the issues of theology, on the occasion of the Kumbh festival at Haridwar. He rebutted Daya Nand’s book Satyarath Parkash too. In 1933, he started teaching at Gurmat Updeshak Vidyala at Talwandi Sabo. He also started the publication of a journal Guru Kashi Patra. In 1939, he left his job at Talwandi Sabo. In 1938-39, he toured Malaysia ad Singapore. In 1939, he joined Guru Hargobind Khalsa College, Gurusar Sadhar, as a Lecturer. He served at Punjabi Department Patiala too. Pundit Kartar Singh participated in the movement against Patra Path (reading of Guru Granth Sahib by unbinding the volume of Guru Granth Sahib and distributing pages to different persons, which was an act of gross sacrilege) by the Namdharis. He presided over the fourth conference held at village Sekha, on June 9-11, 1945. He died at Qila Raipur, in 1958. Pundit Kartar Singh wrote several books including: Japuji Sahib Sateek, Alankar Nirney, Gurmukhi Hindi Da Takra, 20 Swayyay ate Dohrei Patshahi 10, Jang Europe Vich Sikhan Di Bahadari, Sri Guru Viakaran Panchayan, Sri Guru Bhatt Bani Parkash, Mul Mantra Parkash, Sankh Darshan Vash, Simriti Sar, Alankar Darshan, Nitnem Sateek, Darshan Paribhasha, Chhand Ratanavali, Punjabi Bhasha Di Prachinata etc. Besides this he had began writing several other books too which he could not finish in his life time.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

(Giani) Kartar Singh Bhindranwala (4.10.1932 – 16.8.1977), son of Jathedar Jhanda Singh, was born at village Purane Bhure (district Amritsar). He got initiation from Giani Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwala, in 1948, when he was a student of the 12th grade, at Khalsa College Amritsar. After his studies he joined service as Patwari (village registrar), at Muktsar. After a few months, he resigned his job and joined the Jatha of Giani Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwale. Due to his devotion, loyalty and his understanding of the Sikh scriptures, he became the most favourite of Giani Gurbachan Singh. On June 28, 1969, Giani Gurbachan Singh died, without making formal declaration about a successor. Giani Kartar Singh claimed that Giani Gurbachan Singh had appointed him as his succeeor. Some members of the Jatha wished to appoint Giani Mohan Singh as the successor of the Jatha. In became a dispute of Majha and Malwa area (Kartar Singh was from Majha and Moan Singh was from Malwa). This led to division in the Jatha.

To avoid confrontation Giani Kartar Singh set up his dera at Chowk Mehta. He remained the in charge of Bhindran Jatha for eight years only. During this short span, he declared his jatha as Damdami Taksaal and clained that it had been started by Guru Gobind Singh, Bhai Mani Singh and Bab Deep Singh (which was a lie).

Giani Kartar Singh was an eloquent speaker and writer too. He edited the works of Giani Gurbachan Singh, under the heading of Khalsa Jiwan. He built several Gurdwaras e.g. at Chowk Mehta (Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash), Kabarwala, Ram Thamman, Kahlwan etc. The Jatha established its headquarters at village Mehta (district Amritsar). Due to this Jatha came to be known as Bhindran-Mehta Jatha. On August 3, 1977, he was severely wounded in an accident. He refused to allow trimming of hair from a part of his body, even for the sake of medical operation. He succumbed to injuries, on August 16, 1977.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

KARTAR SINGH (JAITO) (1)
Bhai Kartar Singh, a resident of village Dhandhanwali (district Gurdaspur), joined the Third Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito, on March 3, 1924. The Jatha reached Jaito on April 7, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Kartar Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

KARTAR SINGH (JAITO) (2)
Bhai Kartar Singh, a resident of village Ghasitpur (district Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan), joined the Fifth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Lyallpur for Amritsar on April 12, 1924 and Amritsar for Jaito on April 26, 1924 and reached Jaito on May 21, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Kartar Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

KARTAR SINGH (JAITO) (3)
Bhai Kartar Singh, a resident of village Kotla (district Jullundur), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Kartar Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

KARTAR SINGH (JAITO) (4)
Bhai Kartar Singh, a resident of village Bagha (district Hoshiarpur), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Kartar Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

KARTAR SINGH (JAITO) (5)
Bhai Kartar Singh, a resident of village Kotla Suraj Mall (district Jullundur), joined the Ninth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Amritsar for Jaito on June 25, 1924 and reached Jaito on July 7, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Kartar Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Karora Singh Virk, was a resident of village Barki (district Lahore). According to a source, he had been forcibly converted into Islam during the period of Zakaria Khan (who ruled the Punjab from 1726 to 1745). Later, he got re-initiation from the Punj Piaray, under the leadership of Diwan Darbara Singh. He formed his own Jatha and made active participation in the Sikhs’ struggle for sovereignty. When, on March 29, 1748, all the 66 Sikh Jathas were reorganised into 11 Misls, his Jatha was named KarorSinghia Misl, under his leadership. Sirdar Karora Singh occupied a large area between Hoshiarpur and Kangra. In 1759, he fought a battle against Bishambhar Das, a minister of Adina Beg. In this Bishambhar Das was killed. Sirdar Karora Singh captured a large amount of ammunition. By 1760, his Misl had its rule over Hoshiarpur, Hariana, and Sham Churasi etc. In 1761, he attacked Kunj Pura. A battle was fought at Tarawari (near Karnal). In this battle Sirdar Karora Singh was killed. Also see: KarorSinghia Misl.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Mai Karmo, a resident of village Lehal (now a part of Patiala), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. In August 1670, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited Lehal, on his way from Saifabad to Thikriwala. Here, Guru Sahib blessed Mai Karmo. Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran has been built to preserve the memory of the visit of Guru Sahib. Nowadays, Lehal is a part of Patiala. Patiala town did not exist in 1670.

(Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran, Lehal, now part of Patiala)

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Karam Singh (16.10.1798 – 23.12.1845), son of Raja Sahib Singh, became the ruler of Patiala State, on June 30, 1813. In 1814, he helped the British in stopping Gurkha insurgencies into the Himanchal hills. The British rewarded him with some territory in the hill area. He was married to Rup Kaur (daughter of Sirdar Bhanga Singh of Thanesar). Raja Karam Singh was a practicing Sikh. He built several Gurdwaras. Raja Karam Singh was an intelligent administrator too. He died at Patiala in 1845.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Karam Singh (14.11.1885 – 31.10.1922), son of Bhai Bhagwan Singh. was born at Anandpur Sahib. His father, Bhai Bhagwan Singh, was a Granthi of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib. In October 1922,he, accompanied by his wife, went to Hasan Abdal for pilgrimage. In those days Guru-Ka-Bagh agitation was in full swing. During the agitation, due to rush in the Amritsar jail, the Sikh prisoners were sent to far off jails. Once a Jatha was being sent by train from Rawalpindi to Attock jail. The Sikhs of Hasan Abdal (Punja Sahib) made arrangements to serve food to the Akali prisoners. The railway authorities refused permission to stop train to serve food to the prisoners. The Sikhs decided to stop the train by peaceful means. Several Sikhs lied down on the railway track. The authorities, however, did not bother and gave green signal to the train. When the train reached there it crushed Bhai Karam Singh and Bhai Partap Singh badly, while nine others lost their limbs. Bhai Karam Singh, Bhai Partap Singh and the other wounded were taken to Gurdwara Punja Sahib for treatment but the two could not be saved. They died the following day. The incident took place at railway station Punja Sahib, on October 30, 1922.

 

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Karam Singh Historian (18.3.1884 – 10.9.1930), son of Bhai Jhanda Singh Dhillon, was born at village Jhabal (district Amritsar). From his early childhood he had an interest for the study of Sikh history. In the year 1900, he passed his Matriculation examination and then joined Khalsa College at Amritsar. Though he was a student of science, he had a bent of mind toward the study of Sikh history. His interest in Sikh history made him abandon his studies, just a few months before the final examinations. He travelled throughout the Sikh Homeland and recorded the statements of those old people who had been eyewitness to the time of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh and the other Sikh rulers. He collected a lot of material. Bhai Karam Singh had no source of income, and, on several occasions, he had to travel on foot. During this period Master Ishar Singh, who was an old friend of Bhai Karam Singh, began helping him by giving rupees 7.50 per month, the half of his salary. Bhai Karam Singh made an attempt to go to Mecca too but at Baghdad, some pilgrims came to know that he was a Sikh and not a Muslim. So he had to return from Baghdad. After returning to the Sikh homeland, he published his first work Banda Singh Bahadur followed by Katak Ke Wisakh. Katak Ke Wisakh is a valuable work of research. The ignorant leaders of the Sikhs did not like his efforts. A shocked Bhai Karam Singh had to suspend his work. He, then, joined hands with Bhai Amar Singh Wasu and started medical practice at Sargodha. In 1910, he was appointed as State Historian of the Patiala State. Here he wrote Maharaja Aala Singh. Bhai Karam Singh could not stay long in the feudal atmosphere of the Patiala State. He left Patiala and started farming, at first near Patiala and, later, at Nainital. Besides this, he continued his research work. On December 22, 1929 a Sikh History Society was formed at Akal Takht Sahib. Bhai Karam Singh was appointed its Secretary (others included Bhai Teja Singh, Bawa Budh Singh, Bawa Prem Singh Hoti, Bhai Jodh Singh, Bhai Takht Singh, Giani Hira Singh Dard etc.). In January 1930, Giani Hira Singh Dard brought out Sikh Itihas Number of his journal Phulwari. It included several precious articles written by Sirdar Karam Singh. By this time Bhai Karam Singh’s health had deteriorated a lot. In spite of his poor health, he continued his work. He lost one of his eyes due to hard work in hazardous and unhealthy atmosphere. One day he hurt his leg and in spite of advice of the doctors, he continued his study. In August 1930, he had a severe attacked of malaria, followed by an attack of pneumonia, took his life. Giani Hira Singh Dard published his miscellaneous works, in a special issue of his journal Phulwari. His works include: Banda Singh Bahadur (1907), Katak Ki Wisakh (1907), Jiwan Bibi Sada Kaur (1907), Jiwan Harnam Kaur (1907), Maharaja Aala Singh (1911), Gurpurab Nirnay, Amar Khalsa, Gur Gatha (Punjabi) and Banda Kaun Tha (Urdu).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Karam Singh Babar (20.3.1890 – 1.9.1923) was born at village Daulatpur (district Nawanshahar). His first name was Narain Singh. After initiation he changed his name to Karam Singh. In the 1910s, he migrated to Canada. In 1914-15, he joined Ghadr Party and returned to the Punjab to participate in freedom struggle. After the failure of the Ghadr movement, he did not return to Canada. In November 1921, Bhai Kishan Singh Gargajj formed a militant organization Chakravarti Jatha. By this time Bhai Karam Singh too had been doing alike activities in district Hoshiarpur. Soon both groups joined hands. One of the first conferences of the new organization was announced for April 8, 1922 at his village Daulatpur. His first action was to rob Munshi Ram, a usurper from the village Jadala. With this money, they purchased weapons. Within a few days, warrants were issued for his arrest. In August 1922, Chakravarti Jatha launched its journal Gargajj Akali Doaba. This paper was cyclostyled at the residence of Bhai Hardit Singh of Jassowal. Bhai Karam Singh was named as the editor of the journal. Bhai Karam Singh assumed Babar as his pseudonym (pen name). After a short time the organisation came to be known as Babar Akali Jatha. An award of rupees one thousand (in 1922) was announced for his arrest. On September 1, 1923, Bhai Karam Singh and some other workers of the Babar Akali Jatha were trapped into net by a police tout, at village Bambeli (about 12 km from Phagwara). When the Babar workers reached the village, a large number of soldiers and the police cordoned the village. The Babars, instead of surrendering, tried to escape. They jumped into the river nearby. Bhai Udey Singh was killed while crossing the river. Bhai Karam Singh Daulatpur, Bhai Bishan Singh and Bhai Mohinder Singh succeeded in crossing the river but before they could flee, the armed forces started heavy firing from all the sides. All the three Babars were killed.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Karam Singh (19.9.1891 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Hakam Singh, was born at village Lahuke (district Amritsar). Later, the family moved to Chakk No. 75 Lahuke. He spent his early childhood in the village. He studied some Sikh literature and also got initiation. In 1913, he joined the British Indian army. In 1915, he resigned the army and returned home. When Gurdwara Reform movement began, he made active participation in it. When Bhai Lachhman Singh began enroling volunteers for Jatha for the liberation of Gurdwaras of Nanakana Sahib, he offered himself. On February 19, 1921, he joined the Jatha and went to Nanakana Sahib we he embraced martyrdom, the following day.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

KARAM SINGH (JAITO) (1)
Bhai Karam Singh, a resident of village Walot (district Jullundur), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Karam Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

KARAM SINGH (JAITO) (2)
Bhai Karam Singh, a resident of village Kot Fatuhi (district Hoshiarpur), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Karam Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

KARAM SINGH (JAITO) (3)
Bhai Karam Singh, a resident of village Uchcha Pind (district Jullundur), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Karam Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

KARAM SINGH (JAITO) (4)
Bhai Karam Singh, a resident of village Baba Bakala (district Amritsar), joined the Ninth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Amritsar for Jaito on June 25, 1924 and reached Jaito on July 7, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Karam Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Karam Chand was son of Chandu (who was instrumental in torturing Guru Arjan Sahib, in May 1606). Karma used to live at Kalanaur (district Gurdaspur). After the execution of his father by the Sikhs, he continued hostilities towards Guru Hargobind Sahib. He joined Bhagwan Das Gherar, son of Kahna, in the battle of Ruhila (September 27 to October 3, 1621). In this battle, he was killed by Bhai Nanu (son of Bhai Mula Parmar).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bibi Kapuro, daughter of Bhai Lala and sister of Bhai Kapur Singh, of Kotkapura, was married to Rai Dalla (later Bhai Dalla Singh) of Talwandi Sabo. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached Talwandi Sabo, in January 1706, she served Guru Sahib with dedication. When wives of Guru Sahib visited Talwandi Sabo, she gave them royal treatment.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Kapur Singh (2.3.1909 – 13.8.1986), son of Bhai Didar Singh, was born at village Chakk (district Ludhiana). He received his early education from Khalsa School Lyallpur, under the guidance of (Master) Tara Singh, the Akali leader. After passed his M.A. in Philosophy from Lahore, he joined Cambridge University, England. In 1931, he received degree in Moral Sciences with first position in the University. Bertrand Russell, who was his teacher at the University, advised him to continue with the University, but he chose to return home. In 1933, he joined Indian Civil Services and worked as the Deputy Commissioner at Jullundur, Jhang, Gujrat, and Karnal etc. In 1953, he was dismissed from job on frivolous charges.

In 1962, he was elected to the Lower House of Indian Parliament. As a member of this house his role was remarkable. His famous speech on the Punjab Bill (September 1966) is a master-piece of Sikh polity. In 1969, he was elected member of State Legislative Assembly. He was the vice-president of Shiromani Akali Dal from 1968 to 1969. The central part of the famous Anandpur Sahib Resolution (Sikh sovereignty) was drafted by him. On October 13, 1973, the title of NATIONAL PROFESSOR OF SIKHISM was conferred upon him by Akal Takht Sahib.

In 1981, he suffered an attack of paralysis, thus bringing an end to his activities. He died, lonely, at the residence of his brother Bhai Suchcha Singh, at Agwar Lopon (Jagraon, district Ludhiana). Sirdar Kapur Singh contributed a lot to Sikh studies. His works include: Hasees, Sachi Sakhi, Pundrik, Bahu Vistar, Sapat Sring, Prasharprashna, The Hour of Sword, Sacred writings of the Sikhs (edited). Guru Nanak University undertook a project to publish his complete works in five volumes. Sirdar Kapur Singh was a great scholar of eastern and western philosophy. As a person, he was a blunt man with authoritative approach of an administrative officer. His family life was not a happy one. Sirdar Kapur Singh had toured several countries of the world. He was so dreaded by the Indian regime that when, in 1981, he was admitted to Brown Hospital, Ludhiana, following an attack of paralysis, and could not be arrested. Darbara Singh, the then chief minister, visited him secretly to verify that he was really bed-ridden. Sirdar Kapur Singh told this fact to this author in June 1983.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Nawab Kapur Singh (1697 – 7.10.1753), son of Bhai Dalip Singh, was born at village Kaloke (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan). When he grew young he captured the village Faizalapur (later, he named this village as Singhpur); hence he came to be known as Kapur Singh Faizalapuria (Singhpuria). In 1721, he got initiation from the Punj Piaray, under the leadership of Bhai Mani Singh. After the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh of Dal-Waan, in 1726, he joined the battalion of Diwan Darbara Singh, the leader of the Sikh army. Soon, he became deputy leader of the Sikh army. When Jagir (sub-nationhood) was offered to the Sikh nation, by Zakaria Khan, the Governor of the Mogul Punjab, on March 29, 1733, he was granted the title of Nawab. Nawab-hood included the Jagir of the divisions of Dipalpur, Kanganwal (district Montgomery, now Sahiwal, Pakistan) and Jhabal (district Amritsar). Sirdar Kapur Singh was also presented a robe of honour. It included a sword, a turban, a shawl, a jewelled Kalgi (plume), two Karas (bangles), a necklace, a brocade garment etc. But, Nawab Kapur Singh never wore these things. When Diwan Darbara Singh died, in 1734, Nawab Kapur Singh was chosen as the leader of the Sikh army. In 1734, the Sikh army was split into two sections: Buddha Dal (the veterans) and Taruna Dal (the younger-ones). Nawab Kapur Singh was the over-all leader. Bhai Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was the leader of the Taruna Dal. Nawab Kapur Singh’s Misl was known as Misl Faizalapuria/Singhpuria. Within a few months, the Sikhs found that they had made mistake by accepting the Jagir. Soon, the agreement was broken and the struggle began again. Sirdar Kapur Singh gave a great lead to the Sikh nation. He was a great general, a great organiser, a great warrior and a great leader. He died in 1753. He had no son, so after his death his nephew Bhai Khushal Singh became the leader of the Misl Faizalapuria/Singhpuria. Also see: Singhpuria Misl.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kapura, after initiation Kapur Singh (1628 – 1708), son of Bhai Lala, was the chief of the present day area of Kotkapura, Muktsar, Faridkot etc. In 1643, he succeeded his uncle Bhallan, as the chief of his estate as well as Brar brotherhood. At first he used to live at village Punj Garain but later, in 1661, he moved to a place now known as Kot Kapura (after his name). Once Guru Har Rai Sahib visited the area. Bhai Kapura served Guru Sahib with dedication. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib revealed Khalsa, Bhai Kapura got initiation and became Bhai Kapur Singh. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached Kotkapura, on December 27, 1705, Bhai Kapur Singh welcomed Guru Sahib. He presented Guru Sahib a horse, a sword and a shield, along with five gold-Mohars. Within a short time of the arrival of Guru Sahib at his place, Bhai Desa Singh, of village Dina, reached there and told Guru Sahib that the army of Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind, was advancing towards that side with more than 5000 soldiers. Guru Sahib decided to leave Kotkapura for Dhilwan. When the Mogul army reached there, he played trick and stopped the advance of the Mogul army by warning them that they (the Mogul army) won’t be able to get drinking water beyond that area. This was enough to stop Wazir Khan from proceeding further. (Before Wazir Khan could return, he had to fight 40 Sikhs at Khidrane-Di-Dhab, on December 29, 1705). In 1708, Issa Khan, the chief of neighbouring state, treacherously killed Bhai Kapur Singh. Later, his sons Sukkha, Sema and Mukhia avenged his murder by killing Issa Khan and capturing his territory.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kapur Singh, a resident of village Badesran (district Hoshiarpur), joined the Fourth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib on March 26, 1924 and reached Jaito on April 18, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Kapur Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Kapur Singh (1851 – 1924), son of Bhai Wadhawa Singh, was born at village Badesara (district Hoshiarpur). He courted arrest in Guru-Ka-Bagh agitation in 1922. He courted arrest again during Jaito agitation. He died in Nabha jail due to inhuman treatment of the prisoners by the jail authorities.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kanwar Singh was the Convener of the Akal Federation (formed in November 1982). He was also one of the major leaders of the Khalistan movement. He, along with his second wife, was arrested (from Ahmedabad), on May 17, 1993 and kept in illegal confinement for about 10 months. On March 29, 1994, a drama to “stage” his surrender backfired. He exposed the police atrocities on the Sikhs. His wife, Bibi Kulbir Kaur was also with him in jail. In August 1996, Bibi Kulbir Kaur was released and Bhai Kanwar Singh was sentenced to imprisonment for five years.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Kanshi Ram (15 March 1934 – 9 October 2006),was born in Ropar district, Punjab, British India. Some sources say his birthplace was the village of Pirthipur Bunga; and others that it was Khawaspur village. After studies at various local schools, he graduated in 1956 with a BSc degree from Government College Ropar. Kanshi Ram joined the offices of the Explosive Research and Development Laboratory in Pune under the government’s scheme of affirmative action. It was at this time that he first experienced caste discrimination and in 1964 he became an activist. He initially supported the Republican Party of India (RPI) but became disillusioned with its co-operation with the Indian National Congress. In 1971, he founded the All India SC, ST, OBC and Minority Employees Association and in 1978 this became BAMCEF, an organisation that aimed to persuade educated members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes. In 1981, Ram formed another social organisation known as Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti (DSSSS, or DS4). He started his attempt of consolidating the Dalit vote and in 1984 he founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). He fought his first election in 1984 from Janjgir-Champa seat in Chhattisgarh. The BSP found success in Uttar Pradesh.

After forming BSP Ram said the party would fight first election to lose, next to get noticed and the third election to win. In 1988 he contested Allahabad seat up against a future Prime Minister V. P. Singh and performed impressively but lost polling close to 70,000 votes. He unsuccessfully contested from East Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency) in 1989 and came at fourth position. Then he represented the 11th Lok Sabha from Hoshiarpur (Punjab).

Kanshi Ram was a diabetic. He suffered a heart attack in 1994, an arterial clot in his brain in 1995, and a paralytic stroke in 2003. He died in New Delhi on 9 October 2006 of a severe heart attack at the age of 72. He had been virtually bed-ridden for more than two years. According to his wishes, his funeral rites were performed according to Buddhist traditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Kanshi Ram, son of Pandit Ganga Ram Joshi was born at village Maroli (near Kharar). After his high school educayion he joined service as assistant in an office at Ambala. Later he moved to the USA. He was one of the key members who founded the Ghadar Party in 1913. He served as the treasurer of the party from its foundation in 1913 to 1914. On 12 November 1914, Kanshi Ram left USA for Punjab, to launch movement for freedom of India. He was arrested in the aftermath of the failed February plot and later tried in the Lahore conspiracy trial. Kanshi Ram was charged along with Kartar Singh Sarabha and Vishnu Ganesh Pingle and was given death sentence. He was hanged on 27 March 1915.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kanhaiya Singh (1881 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Sunder Singh, was born at village Pharala (district Jullundur). In February 1921, he and his cousin Bachint Singh went to Chakk No. 91 Dhannuan (district Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan), to express their condolence on the death of some relative who lived there. There, they came to know that Bhai Lachhman Singh was leading a Jatha for the liberation of the Gurdwaras at Nanakana Sahib. Bhai Kanhaiya Singh and his cousin Bhai Bachint Singh too joined the Jatha. The Jatha reached Nanakana Sahib on February 20, 1921, where the debauched manager of the shrine mercilessly killed all the members of the Jatha.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

KALYANA
Bhai Kalyana was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. He was a man of spiritual learning. He made active participation during the establishment of the city of Amritsar. He was sent to Mandi (Himanchal Pradesh) to buy timber for the construction of the buildings at Amritsar. He reached Mandi in the last days of July 1591. During his stay at Mandi, on the birthday of Hindu god Krishan (on August 2, 1591), when all the residents visited a Hindu temple and undertook religious fast, he refused to follow. He was arrested and presented before Raja Hari Sen, the ruler of Mandi. When Bhai Kalyana convinced the king about the meaningless-ness of fasting, the ruler apologized for arresting him. Later, Raja Hari Sen visited Amritsar, made obeisance to Guru Sahib and joined the Sikh faith. Bhai Kalyana was one of the leading Sikhs of the time. He was one of those Sikhs who joined Guru Hargobind Sahib’s marriage party to village Dalla (district Kapurthala) in 1604.

KALYANA BINDRAO
Bhai Kalyana Bindrao, a Khatri, was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Aalam Chand Handa, Bhai Murari Aanad, Bhai Nanon, Bhai Lakkhan Bindraon, Bhai Saisaru Talwar, visited Guru Sahib and asked how could they achieve liberation. Guru Sahib told them to practise Shabad (the Word) and serve the humanity. At this Bhai Aalam Chand Handa said, “Guruji, when we listen to the hymns our mind is absorbed in them but as soon as we leave the Sangat we forget the substance.” Guru Sahib told them that after constant practice they could overcome that too. Bhai Kalyana was a brave soldier too. He participated in the battles of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was a brave soldier. He killed, Balwand Khan, a general of the Mogul army, in the battle of Ruhila (September 27 and October 3, 1621).

KALYANA SUD
Bhai Kalyana Sud, a resident of Lahore, a soldier of the Mogul army, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he visited Guru Sahib at Amritsar. During the course of the conversation, he narrated a few scenes of

some battles. Guru Sahib listened to him and told him that wielding a sword in a battlefield was easy but a true soldier is one who achieves victory over anger, avarice, ignorance, lust and attachment to worldliness. Guru Sahib told him that humility is the real armour and the Name of the Almighty is the most powerful weapon. Bhai Kalyan bowed before Guru Sahib and promised to spend his life as per the teachings of Guru Sahib.

KALYANA PASSI
Kalyana Passi was a prominent resident of Amritsar in 1709. When Mama Kirpal Singh visited Amritsar from Delhi, he discussed the affairs of the town with Kalyana Passi and the Panches (prominent residents) of the town.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kalyana, resident of Delhi was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He had established a Dharmsala at Delhi where the Sikhs used to congregate every day. When Ram Rai (son of Guru Har Rai Sahib) appeared in the court of Aurangzeb misrepresentation of Gurbani, Bhai Kalyana was one of the Sikhs who informed Guru Sahib about Ram Rai’s activities. When (Guru) Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited Delhi in March 1664, he stayed with Bhai Kalyana. Baba Gurditta Randhawa (a descendant of Baba Buddha) died (on November 11, 1675) at the Dharamsala established by him.

Bhai Kalyana had two sons: Umeda and Jaida. Umeda had three sons: Bagha, Ishar and Keerat. Bagha had four sons: Gurbakhsh Rai, Tulsi Das, Nanu Ram and Saina Chand. Nanu Ram (Singh) is the same person who joined Bhai Jata and carried the several head of Guru Tegh Bahadur to Anandpur. Nanu Singh’s son Gharbara Singh became the chief of the Sikh army after the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kalyan Singh was the son of Bhai Dial Das (martyred on November 11, 1675, at Delhi) and grandson of Bhai Mai Das Parmar. He embraced martyrdom in the battle against the hill chiefs, at Taragarh fort (Anandpur Sahib), on August 29, 1700.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Raja Kalyan Chand Kahluria (? – 12.2.1637) was the ruler of Bilaspur State, from 1601 to 1636. Jahangir, the Mogul emperor had given him long term imprisonment. He was one of the 52 rulers whom Guru Hargobind Sahib had got released from Gwalior Fort Prison, on October 28, 1619. Kalyan Chand always remained grateful to Guru Sahib. It was on his request that Guru Sahib founded the town of Keeratpur Sahib. He, along with his son Tara Chand, visited Guru Sahib several times. He was killed in the battle of Saket.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Baba Kalyan Chand (1440 – 1522), son of Mata Banarasi and Baba Shiv Narayan and grandson of Baba Ram Narayan Bedi, was the father of Guru Nanak Sahib. Some writers have mentioned his name as Kalu Mehta and Kalyan Rai also. He was a village officer of Talwandi Rai Bhoi Di. He was a farmer too. Baba Shiv Ram, the father of Baba Kalyan Das was a resident of Patthewind village but had, later, when he became Patwari (village officer) of Talwandi Rai Bhoi Di, he brought the family to Talwandi Rai Bhoi Di. (Now Patthewind village does not exist. It was in between the village of Lohar and Jama Rai, in Tarn Taran Tehsil). Baba Kalyan Das was married to (Mata) Tripta (daughter of Bhai Rama of village Chahal, district Lahore) in 1451. She gave birth to (Bebe) Nanaki in 1464 and Guru Nanak Sahib in 1469. He died at Kartarpur, the town founded by Guru Nanak Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Kalu Nath, son of Bhai Jaimal, was a Yogi of Nathana (district Firozpur). Earlier he was a Vaishnav Sadhu, but later, he joined Sikh faith at the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. During the battle of Mehraj (December 1634), Bhai Kalu Nath served Guru Sahib and the soldiers with food and milk. After the battle was over, Guru Sahib visited Kalu Nath’s at his place, at village Nathana. His name has been mentioned as Kalu Das also.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Sandhu (? – 1785), of Kalsia (district Lahore) was initiated into the Sikh faith by Bhai Mani Singh, in 1725. He was one of the senior leaders of Karoria Misl. He made remarkable participation in the Sikhs’ struggle for sovereignty. In 1764, he captured Chhachhrauli (district Yamunanagar, Haryana) and 114 villages around the town. This State was named Kalsia after Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh’s village Kalsia. Later, he captured Bambeli (district Hoshiarpur). He pillaged several places in the present day Haryana and Rajasthan provinces and collected a lot of wealth. Some years later the Patiala ruler captured some of the territory of the Kalsia State which, the latter recovered within a short period. Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh died in 1785. He was succeeded by Jodh Singh (died 1817), followed by Sobha Singh (died 1858), Lehna Singh (died 1869), Bishan Singh (died 1883), Jagjit Singh (died 1886), Ranjit Singh (died 1908), and Ravishvar Singh etc. In 1948, the State was merged into PEPSU.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kala Singh, son of Bhai Ghasita Singh, was born at village Sur Singh (district Amritsar). When Ghadr Party planned an armed revolt for the freedom of their homeland from the British, he became a part and parcel of the organisation. He participated in various activities of the party. He was arrested and tried in the First Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was sentenced to death. He was hanged in Lahore jail.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Kal (Kals-har) was a poet belonging to Bhatt family. He was most prominent member of this family. Fifty-four stanzas written by him have been included in Guru Granth Sahib. These verses have been written in the praise of the contribution of the first Five Gurus. He says that Guru Nanak Sahib was the Supreme Lord of the temporal and spiritual domains; Guru Angad Sahib dispelled darkness of ignorance from this world; Guru Amar Das Sahib was installed Guru for his meditation; Guru Ram Das Sahib was the fountain of Amrit (nectar) from where flowed stream of life; Guru Arjan Sahib was the greatest embodiment of tolerance.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kaku Singh, son of Bhai Ram Singh, resident of village Pakhri (district Faridkot), was one of the passengers of the Komagatamaru ship. Komagatamaru ship reached Vancouver on May 21, 1914. The passengers were not allowed to land. After a struggle of about 2 months, the ship left Vancouver for Calcutta on July 24, 1914. It reached Budge Budge (about 7 km from Calcutta), on September 29, 1914, at about 11 A.M. When the ship reached there the police put siege to the passengers. In the evening the passengers tried to leave Budge Budge to make a visit to the Gurdwara at Calcutta. The police tried to stop them. The passengers did not bother and began moving with Guru Granth Sahib amidst them. At this the police opened fire. Bhai Kaku Singh was one of the 18 who were killed by police firing.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kahan Singh, son of Bhai Neta Singh, grandson of Bhai Rama and great-grandson of Bhai Sukhia Mandan was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He embraced martyrdom on January 3, 1704. His brother embraced martyrdom along with Bhai Mani Singh, on June 24, 1734.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kahan Singh was the son of Bhai Binod Singh. He was direct in line of Guru Angad Sahib. Both Bhai Binod Singh and Bhai Kahan Singh joined Guru Gobind Sahib on his way from Talwandi Sabo to Nander. Both father and son were among the five Sikhs who accompanied Baba Banda Singh Bahadur from Nander to the Punjab, on October 5, 1708. From 1709 to 1714, he participated in several battles. In 1710, he was appointed deputy chief (his father being the chief) of Karnal. In October 1710, he fought against the Mogul army at Taravari, Kurukashetra and Shahbad. During the siege of Gurdas Nangal, he parted with Baba Banda Singh and formed a separate Jatha, later came to be known as the Tat Khalsa. Baba Banda Singh was captured at Gurdas Nangal and was taken to Delhi as a prisoner. Later, Kahan Singh too was arrested. He too was taken to Delhi and was executed there in March 1716.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kahan Singh (30.8.1861 – 23.11.1938), son of Bhai Narain Singh Dhillon, was born at village Sabaj Banera (district Patiala). Bhai Kahan Singh was a brilliant child. He learnt several languages and read a lot of literature. In 1883, he moved to Lahore. Here, he came into contact with Professor Gurmukh Singh. In 1884, he was given a job in his court by (Maharaja) Hira Singh, the ruler of Nabha. In 1888, he became a teacher of prince Ripduman Singh of Nabha. In 1893, he became the private secretary to the ruler of Nabha. In 1895, he was appointed as a magistrate. In 1896, he became deputy commissioner of district Phul. In 1898, he wrote Ham Hindu Nahin, a precious work about Sikh philosophy. After the publication of this book, some Hindus created hue and cry and Bhai Kahan Singh had to resign his job. The next year, he wrote Gurmat Parbhakar and Gurmat Sudhakar. In 1885, Bhai Kahan Singh met Max Arthur Macauliffe and both of them became good friends. Bhai Kahan Singh helped Macauliffe a lot in the writing of his book The Sikh Religion, published in six volumes, in 1905. [Max Arthur Macauliffe gave the copyright of the book to Bhai Kahan Singh]. In 1904-05, Bhai Kahan Singh played effective role in getting the statues of the mythical Hindu gods and goddesses removed from the precincts of Darbar Sahib Amritsar. He was also instrumental in the passing of the Aanand Marriage Act (1909). In 1912, he was appointed as Judge of High Court. On May 20, 1912, he moved to Kashmir to compile Mahan Kosh (encyclopaedia of Sikh literature). He stayed there till 1925-26. During this period he compiled Mahan Kosh, his magnum opus. Bhai Kahan Singh also wrote Raj Dharam, Guru Chhand Alankar, Gur Shabad Alankar, Gur Gira Kasauti, Sharab Nikhedh Gurmat Martand etc. Bhai Kahan Singh’s contribution to the Sikh literature as well as to Punjabi literature is immense.

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhagat Kabir (1450-1518) was born at Kashi (Varanasi), in Uttar Pradesh. He was a weaver by profession. Some writers believe that he was born in Brahmin (so-called high class Hindu) family but was brought up by Neeru and his wife Neema, a Muslim couple. Bhagat Kabir was a great poet of his times. Much of his religious belief was akin to Sikhism, that is why Guru Arjan Sahib gave his verses place in the Guru Granth Sahib. 292 hymns and 252 Salokas of Kabir have been included in Guru Granth Sahib. His writings have been compiled under the title Kabir Rachanavali and Kabir Bijak too; but the most authentic are the writings included in Guru Granth Sahib. Bhagat Kabir was opposed to monopolisation of religion by the Brahmins who believed themselves as superior to the other races. He was opposed to ritualism and stressed upon humanism and truthful life. The similarities between the thought of Guru Nanak Sahib and Bhagat Kabir made some writers wrongly infer some relationship between the both. According to a source Guru Nanak Sahib visited him during his tour of Kanshi (Varanasi).

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhai Kaattha Singh (? – 7.12.1705) was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He was one of the 40 Sikhs who sacrificed their lives in the battle of Chamkaur, on December 7, 1705. Bhai Madan Singh and Bhai Kaattha Singh were the guards of the main gate of the mansion (fortress) at Chamkaur. During this battle the Sikhs repulsed the attack of the army of Nahar Khan Malaria but one daring Pathan soldier continued attacks. He, finally, succeeded in reaching near the gate of the fortress. He (the Pathan) attacked Bhai Madan Singh and Bhai Kaattha Singh. Both of them were killed there. The Pathan soldier too was killed.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jujhar Sinh Hada was a Rajput general. In 1696, Dilawar Khan, the Governor of Lahore, sent Mogul army, under the command of Hussain Khan, to collect tributary from the hill States. Dadwal and Bilaspur States sent their armies to fight against the Mogul army but the Mogul army defeated them. After this the Mogul army attacked the State of Guler. Raja Gopal of Guler sought help from Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Sahib, along with some Sikhs, went to Guler. At first Guru Sahib tried to bring an amicable solution. Guru Sahib sent Bhai Sangat Singh and a few Sikhs to escort Raja Gopal to the camp of Hussaini for a dialogue. Hussaini, instead of dialogue, tried to capture Raja Gopal. At this a battle began. In this battle, the Sikhs fought bravely. Bhai Sangat Singh killed Hussaini. After the death of Hussaini, the soldiers of the army of Kirpal Chand Katoch and Ajmer Chand Bilaspuri came forward to fight against the army of Raja Gopal. Among their soldiers, one Rajput, named Jujhar Sinh Hada, gave a tough fight. During the course of the battle Chandan Rai, a right hand man of Jujhar Sinh, was killed. In spite of this Jujhar Sinh continued fighting. He was, now, surrounded from all sides but he did not loose heart, nor did he surrender. He tried to pierce through the siege and while doing so he killed several soldiers of the side of Raja Gopal. He continued fighting till his death. This battle was fought on February 18, 1696. Jujhar Sinh Hada showed such exemplary bravery that the writer of Bachitar Natak* too praised his chivalry with these words: Na Hada hal hai, na gada hal hai (meaning: as a deep-rooted tree cannot be shaken, so firm was the courage of Hada).

{*Guru Gobind Singh is NOT writer of Bachitra Natak}.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (14.3.1691 – 7.12.1705), the second son of Guru Gobind Singh and the eldest son of Mata Jit Kaur, was born at Anandpur Sahib. When he was just a boy, he learnt the art of sword-wielding and horse riding. When Guru Sahib left Anandpur Sahib, on the night of December 5 and 6, 1705, he was alongside Guru Sahib. On December 7, 1705, he was one of the 50 persons who were present in the fortress at Chamkaur. After some hours, a mammoth Mogul army put siege to the fortress. At first the Sikhs fought with guns and arrows. When their ammunition and arrows ran out, they began fighting with spears and swords. In hand to hand battle with the invaders Sahibzada Jujhar Singh embraced martyrdom.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sir Jogindera Singh (25.5.1877 – 3.12.1946), son of Sirdar Jawala Singh, was born at village Rasulpur (district Amritsar). His grandfather owned a Jagir of thousands of acre of land in Oudh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had given this Jagir to him for his services as a soldier. Sir Jogindera Singh inherited his share of the Jagir. Sir Jogindera Singh was well educated and had a good command over English language. In 1911, he was appointed as the Home Minister of the Patiala State. In 1926, he was nominated as a member of the Punjab Legislative Council. From 1926 to 1937 he was minister of agriculture and public works in the Punjab. In 1936, he and Sunder Singh Majithia founded the Khalsa national Party and contested 1937 elections. They won a large number of the Sikh seats. He was always pro-British in his attitude. The British had granted him the title of Sir in 1929. In 1942, when Cripps Commission visited India, he was one of the four Sikh leaders who presented the Sikh Case before it. The same year, he was nominated as a member of the Executive Council of the Viceroy. For some time he served as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Delhi University too. He served on several Committees of the government. He was a member of all the major Sikh committees during his time. He presided over the Sikh Educational Conference for four times. He died at Montgomery in 1946. Sir Jogindera Singh wrote several books including: Thus Spake Baba Nanak, The Sikh Ceremonies, Sikhism Today and Tomorrow etc. A London publisher had published his books Nur Jahan and Nasrin. He was also the editor of East and West and Khalsa Review for some time. He wrote several articles for The Tribune and The Statesman too. He died at Iqbal Nagar (district Montgomery, now Sahiwal, Pakistan).

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Joga Singh, son of Bhai Gurmukh, a resident of Assia Mohalla, Peshawar (Pakistan), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh. According to a tradition, when his marriage ceremony was just completed,* he received a message from Guru Sahib, and, he immediately rushed to Anandpur Sahib. On his way, he broke his journey near Hoshiarpur,** where a courtesan tried to seduce him but he meditated upon the Name of the Almighty and remained unaffected. Bhai Joga Singh was a great missionary of Sikh faith in his area. A Gurdwara at Peshawar (Pakistan) has been built in the memory of Bhai Joga Singh. After 1947, the Sikhs who had migrated from Peshawar (in the wst Punjab) also established a Gurdwara and a school, in East Nagar, at Delhi, in his memory.

*Later the poets and the story tellers began exaggerating the story by adding that the letter was delivered to him in between the circumambulation (i.e. the four laavaan, the ceremony of marriage), and he left the ceremony in between and left for Anandpur Sahib. During the time of Guru Sahib, the marriage was performed simply by ceremony of ‘ardaas’ (making prayer for blessing of the Guru and God; the present, four laavaan, ceremony was introduced in 1855.

**Hoshiarpur was established by Hoshiar Khan, a general of the eighteenth century; at the time of the Guru, it was just a small village.

Pictures
Gudwara Bhai Joga Singh at Peshawar:

Front gate

From roof

Inside: the main hall

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jodha Dhatta was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Jamu visited Guru Sahib and told that their minds were not fully in their control; how could they concentrate on the Name of God. They asked Guru Sahib what they should do. Guru Sahib told them that one who conquers one’s mind conquers the whole of the world. Guru Sahib told them to continue the practice of concentration on the Name of God as that would help restrain their mind from distraction; hence they would be able to concentrate fully. This practice would lead to liberation. Bhai Jodha made active participation during the establishment of the city of Amritsar.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jodh, a resident of Kot Kamalia, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Guru Sahib had appointed him a Masand. He used to collect tithe and other offerings from the Sikhs to be made over to Guru Sahib. When Masands became corrupt, Guru Sahib summoned that all of them to Anandpur Sahib to verify their credentials. Bhai Jodh was found innocent. Guru Sahib praised him and presented him a siropao.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jodh Singh (31.5.1882 – 4.12.1981), son of Bakhshi Ram Singh, was born at village Ghungrila (district Rawalpindi). His father died when he was just 2 years old. He received his early education at Rawalpindi. In 1902, he moved to Amritsar to become home teacher of the sons of Sir Sunder Singh Majithia. During his job, he passed his B.A. in 1904 by topping the university and M.A. in Mathematics again by topping the university. In 1906, he joined Khalsa College as a Lecturer in Mathematics. During this time he studied a lot of Sikh literature and the other works of philosophy. Due to his association with student leaders, he had to resign his job in 1913. During this period he did odd jobs till he re-joined as Professor of Divinity at Khalsa College in 1924. He was also nominated as a member of the Punjab Legislative Council. At that time the Gurdwara reform movement (1920-25) was at its climax. Bhai Jodh Singh played the role of a mediator between the Akalis and the British regime. He was appointed Principal of Khalsa College Amritsar in 1935. The same year, he mediated a compromise between Master Tara Singh and the ruler of Patiala. He moved to Ludhiana after his retirement in 1952. In 1954, he founded Punjabi Sahit Academy. In 1962, he was appointed as the first vice-chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala. He was awarded honorary degrees of D.Litt. by Panjab University Chandigarh and the Punjabi University Patiala. Bhai Jodh Singh wrote several books including Sikhi Ki Hai (1911), Tika Japuji Sahib and Bhagat Bani Satik (1911), Life of Guru Amar Das Ji (1921), Gurmat Nirnay (1932), Prachin Biran Bare Bhullan Di Sodh (1947), Some Studies in Sikhism (1953), Gospel of Guru Nanak in His Own Words (1969) Kartarpur Wali Bir De Darshan (1969), Kabir (1971) etc. Bhai Jodh Singh always maintained good relationship with the regime of the day. As a person he was a strict disciplinarian. Punctuality of time was his principle, and he practiced it throughout his life. He died at Ludhiana in 1981.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Jodh Singh (? – August 1815) was the eldest son of Sirdar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. He had friendly relations with (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh. He helped Ranjit Singh capture Amritsar (1802). He succeeded his father’s estate in 1803. He helped Ranjit Singh in attack on Kasur (1807), Faizalapuria Misls territory (1810) and Multan. Ranjit Singh used to address him as Baba Ji. He always offered him honourable place in his court. Sirdar Jodh Singh built Bunga Ramgarhia near Darbar Sahib Amritsar. He also built Gurdwara Baba Atal. Out of the nine storeys of this Gurdwara seven were added later. After his death, his sons could not agree to division of the estate. When they refused, Ranjit Singh confiscated their estate.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jodh Singh was a resident of a village near Sirhind. On December 13, 1705, the family of Diwan Todar Mall cremated Mata Gujari and the two Sahibzadas, near Fatehgarh. Bhai Jodh Singh collected the ashes of the three and took it to his village. Bhai Jodh Singh put the ashes in a pot and buried it in his farm.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jodh Rai Dhaliwal, son of Shah Umar and grandson of Mittha Mehar, was the chief of the area of Dina-Kangar (Ludhiana). He joined Sikh faith at the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He had an army of 500 horsemen. Bhai Jodh Rai participated in the battle of Mehraj (December 1634). He fought bravely and killed Kamar Beg, a senior general of the Mogul army and several other soldiers. Bhai Jodh Rai was also wounded in the battle. After the battle Guru Hargobind Sahib visited him and stayed at his residence at Dina-Kangar for three days. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached Dina-Kangarh from Chamkaur, on December 21, 1705, Bhai Jodh Rai’s grandsons Rai Shamir, Rai Lakhmir and Takht Mall served Guru Sahib with dedication. Gurdwara Lohgarh has been built in the memory of the visit of Guru Sahib. Also See: Rai Shamir.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jiwan Singh, son of Bhai Prem Chand (and grandson of Bhai Mula), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib went to Basali, on October 14, 1700, Bhai Jiwan Singh joined him. On October 19, Bhai Jiwan Singh joined a group of the Sikh soldiers, for a hunting tour. While chasing a tiger, they passed through village Khera Kalmot. The Ranghar and Gujjar residents of Kalmot attacked the Sikh party. Bhai Jiwan Singh was fatally wounded. The next day, he was cremated at Basali.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jiwan Singh was a resident of Machhiwara. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib left the fortress of Chamkaur, on the night of December 7-8, 1705, he made his first stop in the garden of Bhai Gulaba, a Masand. From here Guru Sahib moved to the residence of Bhai Jiwan Singh. Guru Sahib spent the day in the upper story of the house of Bhai Jiwan Singh. Late in the evening, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Man Singh and Bhai Ram Singh also reached there. The next day, Qazi Charagh Shah of Ajner and four of his companions reached there. Bibi Soma, a Brahmin lady and Bibi Desan, a Khatri lady also came to make obeisance to Guru Sahib. The two devoted ladies stitched a new dress for Guru Sahib. On December 11, 1705, Guru Sahib, clad in blue dress (like a Muslim Faqir), left the residence of Bhai Jiwan Singh for village Ajner, in a palanquin carried by the five Muslim admires of Guru Sahib.

Bhai Jiwan Singh’s house is now Gurdwara Chaubara Sahib

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jiwan Singh, son of Bhai Bir Singh, a resident of village Dhilwan (district Kapurthala), joined the Fourth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib on March 26, 1924 and reached Jaito on April 18, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Jiwan Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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)

Bhai Jiwan Singh, a resident of village Bahmaniwal (district Amritsar), joined the Tenth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Amritsar for Jaito on July 13, 1924 and reached village Bajwa (district Jullundur on August 3, 1924. Here, the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Jullundur along with a large contingent of the police (headed by senior police officials) attacked the Jatha, wounded several persons and arrested more than 30 members of the Jatha (including the leader and the deputy leader of the Jatha). On the advice of the S.G.P.C., the Jatha selected its new leaders and re-started its journey towards Jaito. It reached Jaito on August 15, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Jiwan Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jiwa, a resident of Khadur Sahib, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Angad Sahib. He used to bring Khichari (rice mixed with lentils) and curd for Langar. He used to perform this service every day. One day it was raining. Soon, a strong wind began blowing. Bhai Jiwa thought he won’t be able to deliver Khichari and curds safely. He made prayers to the Almighty to stop rain and wind so that he may be able to deliver the food to Guru Sahib. At this the storm and the rain stopped and Bhai Jiwa was able to deliver food. That day Guru Sahib did not eat Khichari. Bhai Jiwa asked Guru Sahib why did he not eat Khichari. Guru Sahib told him tat God’s Will should not be intervened. He knows what to do and when to do. We should always bow before His Will. According to another source it was Bibi Jiwai, the daughter of Bhai Jiwa, who had made prayer to God to stop rain and wind so that she might be able to deliver food. According to this source, after the death of Bhai Jiwa, his daughter continued serving Khichari and curds for the Langar.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jiwa Singh, a resident of village Pansattan (district Kapurthala), joined the Seventh Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Anandpur Sahib for Jaito on June 1, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Jiwa Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jita Singh, son of Bhai Rama Udana and grandson of Bhai Sukhia Mandan, of Sodra (district Wazirabad), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib His sons, Bhai Himmat Singh and Bhai Sewa Singh, had embraced martyrdom, in the battle of Nirmohgarh, on October 12, 1700. His son Bhai Man Singh embraced martyrdom on the bank of river Gambhir, near Baghaur, on March 17, 1707. His sons Bhai Parsan Singh, Bhai Anup Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh embraced martyrdom at Alowal on October 11, 1711. He himself embraced martyrdom at Nirmohgarh on October 13, 1700.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jit Mall was the son of Bhai Sadhu and Bibi Viro (daughter of Guru Hargobind Sahib). He fought bravely in the battle of Bhangani (September 18, 1688). He was killed by an arrow shot by Raja Hari Chand.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Mata Jit Kaur, daughter of Bhai Harjas Rai Subhikhi, was born at Lahore. She was betrothed to Guru Gobind Sahib on May 12, 1673. Bhai Harjas Subhikhi, told Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib that he had a desire that the marriage ceremony of his daughter should be solemnized at Lahore. Guru Sahib told him that the circumstances were not proper to lead a marriage party to Lahore. In order to fulfil Bhai Harjas Subhikhi’s desire Guru Sahib founded a new town near the old village of Basantgarh, in the hills of Bilaspur area and named it Guru-Ka-Lahore, hence fulfilled Bhai Harjas Subhikhi’s wish of getting his daughter’s marriage solemnized at Lahore. The marriage ceremony was performed here on June 21, 1677. Mata Jit Kaur could not bear any child for about 13 years. Later, she gave birth to three sons: Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (14.3.1691 – 7.12.1705), Zorawar Singh (17.11.1696 – 12.12.1705), and Fateh Singh (25.2.1699 – 12.12.1705). When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib prepared Amrit for the initiation of the first Khalsas, on March 29, 1698, she was given the honour to drop some Patasas (a Punjabi sweet-meat) into the Bata (vessel) in which Amrit was being prepared. It meant transmutation of sweetness to iron. It signified that the Khanda/sword of the Khalsa will not be used in anger or for revenge. Mata Jit Kaur died at Anandpur Sahib, on December 5, 1700. She was cremated at village Agampura (adjacent to Anandpur Sahib). Gurdwara Mata Jit Kaur Ji has been built at the site. Mata Jit Kaur’s name before initiation was (Mata) Jito.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)