Archives: Sikh Biographies

Rani Jindan/Jind Kaur (? – 1.8.1863), daughter of Manna Singh Aulakh (of village Charh, district Sialkot, Pakistan), became the wife of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh in 1835. On 4^th of September 1838, she gave birth to Dalip Singh. At that time she had been staying at Jammu. Maharaja Ranjit Singh died in June 1839. Rani Jinda and prince Dalip Singh came to Lahore in August 1843. On September 18, 1843, Dalip Singh was installed as Maharaja. Since then she began playing very active role in the administration. On the other hand Hira Sinh Dogra (the prime minister) and his right hand Pandit Jalla began behaving arrogantly. They started conspiracies against all the senior courtiers including prince Kashmira Singh, prince Pishaura Singh and Rani Jindan. Hira Sinh deputed Misr Lal Sinh Pandit to keep surveillance of the Rani. At this she sought the help of the army Panchayat. Hira Sinh and Pandit Jalla were killed on December 21, 1844. After this her brother Jawahar Singh became the prime minister. He too began conspiring. He too was killed on September 21, 1845. After this there were still two major traitors at the Lahore Darbar: Gulab Sinh Dogra and Misr Teja Sinh Pandit (the chief of the army ). Their conspiracies led to Anglo-Sikh War and treason of the Dogras and the Pandits, which ended with the victory of the British. With the British Resident at Lahore, the Punjab was, now, virtually a British territory. Rani Jindan tried her best to bring an end to this but she could not succeed. The British too came to know about her activities. She was compelled to surrender her power to a council of ministers appointed by the British Resident. She was given an allowance of rupees 150,000 annual. In August 1847, this allowance was reduced to 48,000 rupees and she was whisked away to Sheikhupura on August 19, 1847. On May 15, 1848, she was sent to Chunar Fort, near Varanasi and her allowance was further reduced to 12,000 rupees (one twelfth of the allowance that she got two years earlier). She was insulted and put under strong guard. On July 14, 1848, her ornaments worth 5 million and 200,000 rupees were confiscated from her. On March 29, 1849, the British annexed the Punjab. On April 6, 1849, she was sent to rigorous imprisonment. Within a week she escaped from the prison and reached Nepal on April 29, 1849. The Nepalese king did not help her. In December Bhai Maharaj too was arrested. By 1856, she had lost all hopes. Later, she surrendered to destiny. Her request to see her son in England was first refused by the British. Finally, on May 4, 1861, she was allowed to proceed to England. She reached London in July 1861 and died there two years later (probably because of slow-poisoning). She was cremated at Bombay. On March 27, 1924, her ashes were brought to Lahore and a Samadh (mausoleum) was constructed near the mausoleum of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh. To quote Lord Dalhousie, she was “…. the only person of manly understanding in the Punjab.”

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jhoolana Singh was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He used to dance (Jhoolana) along with singing and playing on musical instruments. Because of his habit of dancing he was known as Bhai Jhoolana Singh. One day, at Damdama Sahib, he became crazy and sung romantic and rustic songs. With the fear that his songs had been heard by Mata Ji (the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib), he chopped off his penis. He is also known as “Akua”.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jhanjhu 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 every thing they had aspired for. They served the Panth throughout their lives.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

JHANDA (1)
Bhai Jhanda, a carpenter of village Siana (district Karnal), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Nanak Sahib. He was a learned man and a noble person. He attended Guru Nanak Sahib during one of Guru Sahib’s Udasis. His descendants got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, in 1702. They were presented a double-edged sword by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib as a token of love for the family. (According to a source he belonged to Bushahar and had, later, moved to Siana, Karnal).

JHANDA (2)
Bhai Jhanda a resident of village Dalla (district Kapurthala) was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib. Once Guru Amar Das Sahib visited village Dalla. Bhai Jhanda, Bhai Khanu Chhura, Bhai Nandu Sudana, Bhai Puro, Bhai Taru, Bhai Ugaru, Bhai Vega Pasi and some others visited Guru Sahib and made their obeisance. They requested Guru Sahib to initiate them into the Sikh faith. Guru Sahib initiated them and blessed them. They requested Guru Sahib to tell them what was the true Yajna (religious rite) in this Age. Guru Sahib told them that sharing one’s food and the other provisions with others is the true Yajna in this Age.

JHANDA BADI
Bhai Jhanda Badi, son of Bhai Pakhar, a carpenter, a resident of Bushahar (Himanchal), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Nanak Sahib. He father too was a devout Sikh. Guru Nanak Sahib visited them once at their residence. Both of them added several followers to the Sikh faith.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Jhanda Singh (? – 1774) was the son of Hari Singh Bhangi. In 1765, he became the chief of the Misl on the death of his father. He won a large territory for the Misl. In 1766, he attacked Multan. The chief of Multan agreed to share territory with him. In 1772, he attacked Multan again and captured the whole of it. He granted half of the territory to his companion Sirdar Lehna Singh Bhangi. After this he attacked Jhang, Khushab and Rasul Nagar. At Rasul Nagar, he seized the famous Zamzama gun from the Chatthas and brought it to Amritsar (later it came to be known as Bhangian Di Top). Also see: Bhangi Misl. Sirdar Jhanda Singh established a bazaar and a garden at Amritsar; even today it is known after his name. In 1774, he was killed in a battle fought between Bhangi Misl and a joint army of Kanhaiya and Sukkarchakkia Misls. Sirdar Jhanda Singh remained the chief of the Misl for seven years only but he made great achievement.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jhanda Singh, a resident of village Jarhan Wala (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 Jhanda Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jhanda (1580 – 1661) was the son of Bhai Sarwan, grandson of Bhai Bhana and great-grandson of Baba Buddha. He was a hard worker. During his time the family estate extended from just a couple of villages to 25 villages. In spite of economic prosperity, he remained a simple person. He made frequent visits to Guru-Da-Chakk (Amritsar) to make obeisance to Guru Sahib. He was a dedicated Sikh. He used to bring firewood from the forest for the Langar. He was a humble person. For him Guru’s words were like Divine Order. According to Ardastani, the writer of Dabistan-i-Mazahib, one day Bhai Jhanda was accompanying Guru Hargobind Sahib during a stroll. On the way, Guru Sahib asked him to stop there and wait for him (Guru Sahib). Later, Guru Sahib forgot about Bhai Jhanda and went home. Bhai Jhanda kept waiting at the spot for three days till Guru Sahib called him. He exhibited how does a Sikh obey the command of Guru Sahib. In 1651, Bhai Sarwan died. Guru Har Rai Sahib appointed Bhai Jhanda as representative of Baba Buddha family in Guru Sahib’s court. Bhai Jhanda died in 1661. At that time Guru Har Rai Sahib was present at village Jhanda Ramdas. Guru Sahib attended the funeral of Bhai Jhanda.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jhakhar Singh, a resident of 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 Jhakhar Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jetha Hayar was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib. He had made active participation during the excavation of Amritsar Sarovar. He accompanied Guru Arjan Sahib during his last journey, when the latter went to Lahore on May 26, 1606. When Guru Hargobind Sahib formed an army, he joined it. He was one of the five major leaders (the others were: Bhai Bidhi Chand, Bhai Langah, Bhai Paira and Bhai Pirana) of the army. Later, Guru Sahib appointed him as Diwan (minister). When Guru Hargobind Sahib left for Delhi on December 31, 1613, he escorted Guru Sahib. He fought bravely in the battle of Ruhila (September 27 and October 3, 1621), Amritsar (April 13, 1634) and Mehraj (December 16, 1634) He embraced martyrdom in the battle of Mehraj after killing several soldiers of the Mogul army.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

JETHA (LAKHNAUR)
Bhai Jetha of Lakhnaur was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib had appointed him a Masand for that area. When (Guru) Gobind Singh Sahib reached Lakhnaur for the first time, on August 29, 1670, he went to see and make obeisance to him.

JETHA BEHAL
Bhai Jetha Behal was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. On one occasion he, along with Bhai Phirna Behal and Bhai Changa Behal, visited Guru Sahib. They asked Guru Sahib, “Some people meditate Ram, Krishan, Om, Soham, as the Name of God., which is the best Name of the Almighty to be meditated upon by a Sikh.” Guru Sahib told them though all the boats take people across a river but it is better to stick to a particular boat. Similarly, all the Names of the Almighty are all right but as Guru Nanak Sahib revealed Kartaar as the Name of God, the Sikhs should practice it.

JETHA SETHI
Bhai Jetha Sethi was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Piara Chandalia, visited Guru Sahib and told Guru Sahib that the Brahmins chided them for not observing the Hindu rituals during preparation and eating of food. They asked Guru Sahib if one does not observe such rituals, does his food become impure. Guru Sahib told them that the Sikhs should serve food to the poor, the needy and hungry people; say thanks-giving prayer to God for providing that food and then start eating. That was the only ritual

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jetha Singh was a trader of Ahmedabad. Bhai Daya Singh, on his way to Aurangabad, to deliver the letter of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib to Aurangzeb, stayed with him. Bhai Jetha Singh also joined Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Desa Singh and Bhai Shiv Singh to deliver the letter to Aurangzeb.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jawahar Singh (1814 – 21.9.1845), son of Manna Singh, was the brother of Rani Jindan and the maternal uncle of (Maharaja) Dalip Singh, the last ruler of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh’s kingdom. He was a dog-keeper of Ranjit Singh. When Dalip Singh was installed as Maharaja, Jawahar Singh was appointed caretaker of the child-Maharaja. Later, in December 1844, after the murder of Hira Sinh Dogra, he became prime minister on May 14, 1845. Gulab Sinh Dogra and Pandit Lal Sinh Misr both wanted to be prime minister and they hated Jawahar Singh. They started making conspiracies against Jawahar Singh. Meanwhile prince Kashmira Singh, who had surrendered at Attock and was being brought to Lahore, was murdered. Jawahar Singh was involved in this murder. This infuriated the Sikh army. The army asked him to appear before the Khalsa Punchayat on September 21, 1845. He tried to win the army by distributing gold to them. When he appeared before the army, the army killed him. Ranji Jinda pleaded them to forgive him and he held Dalip Singh in his lap, with the hope that in that situation he won’t be killed but even this act could not save him. Also see: Jindan.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jawahar Singh was the son of Bhai Lakkhi Shah Yadav (Wanjara) and grandson of Bhai Godhu. He embraced martyrdom in the battle against the invading army of Ajmer Chand of Bilaspur, at Fatehgarh fort (Anandpur Sahib), on August 30, 1700.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Jawahar Singh Nalwa (1809 – 1877) was the son of General Hari Singh Nalwa. At the age of 23, he joined the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He served at Jahangira and Peshawar. When Raja Sher Singh Atariwala declared war against the British, he joined him. He fought bravely in the battle of Chelianwala (January 13, 1849). After the annexation of the Punjab by the British, he was dismissed from service. In 1857, the British army raised the First Sikh Cavalry. He was appointed Risaldar. This unit was posted at Lucknow and later at Kanpur and some other places. He served the British regime honestly and sincerely. In 1859, he was granted a small Jagir. In 1862, he was appointed honorary magistrate at Gujranwala. He died in 1877.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jawahar Singh Kapur (1859 – 14.5.1910), son of Bhai Atma Singh, was born at Amritsar. As a child, he joined the Dera of Gulabdasi sect. Here, he came into contact with Giani Dit Singh. In 1876, he joined a job in the railways. On September 13, 1878, he became a member of Arya Samaj, a fundamentalist Hindu organisation. For the next eight years, he was one of the senior leaders of the organization. In 1886, he applied to be a Granthi of Darbar Sahib but was not accepted because he was an Arya Samajist. On November 25, 1886, when Guru Dutt, a senior Arya Samajist, used insulting words for Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Amritsar, Bhai Jawahar Sigh resigned the Arya Samaj. He had been a fellow of the Anjuman-i-Punjab. He founded Khalsa Diwan Lahore. He was the first honorary secretary of the management council of the Khalsa College, Amritsar, registered on April 14, 1892. He continued to serve this institution till 1902. In 1899, he was appointed a member of the Punjab Text Book Committee. He was also appointed a Fellow of the Punjab University in 1904. Bhai Jawahar Singh wrote a couple of books, including: Khalsa Dharam, Dharam Vichar, Itihas-i-Hind. After 1900, he withdrew from active social work due to his differences with the other leaders. He died in 1910. Bhai Jawahar Singh died at the age of 51 but during this short period he made great contribution. Besides his social and religious work, he had very good relationship with the British regime, the Sikh States of Patiala, Nabha, Kapurthala, Jind and the others as well as the Sikh elite.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jawahar Singh (? – 21.2.1924), son of Bhai Khetu, belonging to a so-called low caste family, was born at village Kundal (district Firozpur). When he grew up, he joined the British Indian army. During his service he got initiation. The Granthi of the army also taught him reading and writing Gurmukhi script. Soon, he could recite Gurbani. After a service of five years he resigned the army. When Gurdwara Reform movement began, he made active participation in it. He joined the first Shaheedi Jatha, which left Akal Takht Sahib on February 9, 1924. The Jatha reached Jaito on February 21, 1924. The Jatha was fired at by the army. He was hit by a bullet which took his life.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

JATTU BHANDARI
Bhai Jattu Bhandari, a resident of Shahdara (near Lahore) was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Hemu Soini and Bhai Rama, visited Guru Sahib and asked, “We regularly join Sangat, listen to Keertan and Katha but we don’t remember what we hear. How shall we be liberated?” Guru Sahib told them that one should listen to hymns and he discourse, believe in the teachings therein and live one’s life accordingly; thus one can achieve liberation from the fear of the cycle of life and death. Bhai Jattu and his companions spent the rest of their life as per the instructions of Guru Sahib.

JATTU CHADDA
Bhai Jattu Chadda was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. He spent whole of his life in the service of the Panth. He always acted upon the principle of honest earning, sharing with the others and remembering the Almighty.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jati Mall/Malik (? – 1642), a Brahmin, son of Bhai Singha, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was the Purohit (family priest) of the Sodhi family. Bhai Jati Mall was deputed by Guru Hargobind Sahib to teach the art of sword wielding to (Guru) Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Bhai Jati Mall and his father Bhai Sangha had participated in the battle of Amritsar (April 13, 1634). Bhai Jati Mall fought bravely in the battles of Mehraj (December 1634) also. In this battle he killed Shamas Beg (son of Lalla Beg, the leader of the mammoth Mogul army) and several other soldiers of the Mogul army. He himself was wounded in this battle. He was wounded in the chest by a shot of an arrow. He also fought bravely in the battle of Kartarpur (April 26-28, 1635). When Guru Hargobind Sahib left Kartarpur for Keeratpur Sahib, Bhai Jati Mall and his family also joined Guru Sahib. He stayed at Keeratpur Sahib till his death. Sometimes before his death he took his son to Guru Sahib and asked him to take care of the child. When he died Guru Hargobind Sahib made arrangements for his funeral. His son Bhai Daya Ram (Daya Singh after initiation) Purohit was a confident courtier of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
Also see: Singha, Daya Singh Purohit.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

(Raja) Jaswant Singh (1775 – 22.5.1840) was the son of Hamir Singh, the ruler of Nabha. He succeeded his father in 1783. His step-mother Mai Deso managed the affairs of the State during his age of minority. In 1790, his mother died and he himself had to run his State. Raja Jaswant Singh had to struggle hard to regain his territory captured by the ruler of Patiala and Gajpat Singh of Jind. In 1789, Gajpat Singh died. It gave him much relief. In 1804, he helped Lord Lake as against Jaswant Rao Holkar. In 1805, Maharaja Ranjit Singh tried to mediate in his dispute with the Jind State. Maharaja Ranjit Singh too granted some territory to Jaswant Singh as a token of friendship. In 1809, he accepted British protectorate. He helped the British in several expeditions (Gurkha war in 1814, Kabul war 1838) and earned favours from the British.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhagat Jaswant Singh (? – 22.8.1967), son of Chowdhry Sajjan Singh, was born at village Banda (district Rawalpindi). Chowdhry Sajjan Singh, a businessman, had been the President of Gurdwara Singh Sabha Rawalpindi for several years. As a child Bhagat Jaswant Singh was very intelligent. In those days, he was one of the few children of his village who passed B.A. examination. Bhagat Jaswant Singh had a religious bent of mind and he used to meditate for hours; hence he was known as Bhagat instead of Chowdhry. When Gurdwara Reform Movement began, Bhagat Jaswant Singh made active participation. He was one of the first members of the S.G.P.C. He was elected to the Executive of the S.G.P.C. In 1922, he was elected General Secretary of the S.G.P.C. During the Keys’ Agitation and Guru Ka Bagh agitation, he played active role. In 1923, when the S.G.P.C. was declared as an unlawful organisation, he was arrested on October 13, 1923. He spent three years in Lahore Fort Prison. On January 25, 1926, he was released on assurance of acting upon the Gurdwara Act (which came into force on November 1, 1925). This led to division in the rank and file of the Akali Dal. After this Bhagat Jaswant Singh resigned from active political activities and became busy in business. He spent rest of his life as a successful businessman. He died in 1967.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jaswant Singh (17.6.1896 – 14.7.1964), son of Bhai Gopal Singh, was born at village Jhabal (district Amritsar). In 1919 he founded a welfare organisation in his village. When Akali movement began in the summer of 1920, he joined it along with his brothers Bhai Amar Singh and Bhai Sarmukh Singh. In April 1920, he became joint secretary of Amritsar unit of the Sikh League. He participated in Gurdwara Ber Sahib agitation (September-October 1920). He was one of the main organisers of the enrollment for the Shaheedi Jatha which was to rebuilt the wall of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj (demolished by the British regime on January 14, 1914). He was arrested for the first time on May 11, 1921, in connection with a speech about the Nanakana Sahib massacre and again on November 26, 1921, during the Keys’ Affair agitation and in February 1922 in connection with a seditious speech. He was released in 1925. He was selected as a member of the first S.G.P.C. In 1926, he was elected general secretary of the S.G.P.C. On June 18, 1926, elections to the S.G.P.C. were held under the Gurdwara Act. In these elections (and again in 1930), he was elected as a member of the S.G.P.C. and the president of local committee for Darbar Sahib Amritsar. When Akali Party split in 1930s, he formed Azad Akali Dal on February 14, 1933 and became its president. In September 1933 his party merged with Baba Kharak Singh and Giani Sher Singh group and former Central Akali Dal with Baba Kharak Singh as president and Jaswant Singh as vice-president. Bhai Jaswant Singh actively participated in the agitation of Shaheed Ganj and freedom of sword (1935-36). After this he renounced politics. He died in oblivion in 1964, at Chandigarh.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jaswant Singh, a resident of village Jagatpura (district Amritsar), 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 Jaswant Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jaswant Singh, son of Bhai Narayan Singh, was born at village Nangal Kalan (district Hoshiarpur). 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. Along with other actions, he was involved in Chabba dacoity case too. He was arrested and tried in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was sentenced to death. He was hanged in Lahore jail.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

General Jassa Singh (5.5.1723 – 20.4.1803), son of Giani Bhagwan Singh and grandson of Bhai Hardas Singh, was born at village Ichhogil (district Lahore). At the age of 16, he participated in a battle against the army of Nadir Shah. In this battle his father (Giani Bhagwan Singh) was killed. Zakaria Khan, the Governor of Punjab, in recognition of the services of the family in the battle against Nadir Shah, granted the family the proprietorship of five villages i.e. Vallah, Verka, Sultanwind, Tung and Chib. Jassa Singh and his four brothers (Jai Singh, Khushal Singh, Mali Singh, Tara Singh) divided the estate among themselves. Bhai Jassa Singh got village Vallah. In 1745, he was the major participant in the construction of the fortress Ram Rauni (in the name of Guru Ram Das Sahib, the founder of the city), built near Amritsar. In 1747, his Jatha was given the charge of the fortress of Ram Rauni. Because of this Ramgarhia became a part of his name and his Jatha came to be known as Ramgarhia Jatha. On March 29, 1748, the Sikh army was divided into 11 Misls. Bhai Jassa Singh was appointed the leader of one Misl, known as Ramgarhia Misl, (named after the fortress Ram Rauni, of which Bhai Jassa Singh was the caretaker). Later, he joined as a mercenary with Adina Beg, the Governor of Jullundur. In 1752, he rebuilt Ram Rauni fort. In 1758, he occupied a large area in the districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur. In 1770, he attacked the hill States, including Kangra, and plundered the royal treasures. He built a fort at Talwara (district Hoshiarpur) where 4000 soldiers could stay. Later, the infighting among the Sikh Misls compelled him to leave the central Punjab. Now, he occupied Hissar. He was one of the Generals who captured Delhi on March 11, 1783. In Delhi, he also participated in building Gurdwaras Sis Ganj and Rakab Ganj. In 1784, he returned to the Punjab and re-occupied his territory. Sirdar Jassa Singh controlled the area of Batala, Kalanaur, Hargobindpur, Qadian, Shahpur Kandi, Ghumman (Gurdaspur) and Maliwal, Urmur Tanda, Sarinh, Gangowal, Miani, Ruhela, Sharif Ganj (Hoshiarpur) and some villages of Amritsar too. The rulers of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Nurpur used to pay him a tribute, which amounted to about two hundred thousand rupees. His son Bhai Jodh Singh was not capable. He accepted the supremacy of Ranjit Singh, in 1808. He was a great warrior. He fought several battles against Ahmed Shah and the Moguls. Also see: Ramgarhia Misl.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

General Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (3.5.1718 – 10.10.1783), son of Bhai Badar Singh and grandson of Bhai Gopal Singh, was born at village Ahlu, near Lahore. When he was just five years old, his father died. Mata Sunder Kaur, the wife of Guru Gobind Singh, brought him up. He spent his childhood at Delhi. He was well versed in Punjabi, Persian and Hindi languages. He was also trained soldier. At the age of 11 years, he knew three languages as well as the art of sword wielding. In 1729, Kapur Singh (later Nawab) took Bhai Jassa Singh with him. When he left Delhi, Mata Sunder Kaur gave him a sword, a shield, a bow and a quiver full of arrows, a robe etc. as her token of love. Sirdar Jassa Singh remained side by side of Nawab Kapur Singh. He participated in almost every activity in which Nawab Kapur Singh was involved. In January 1748, when Ahmed Shah Durrani attacked the Punjab, his Jatha joined the other Sikh Jathas and harassed Ahmed Shah twice. On March 29, 1748, all the Jathas of the Sikhs were divided into 11 Misls, his Jatha was proclaimed as Ahluwalia Misl. Besides, he was given the command of the Dal Khalsa’s (the Sikh army) youth section, the Taruna Dal. Nawab Kapur Singh died on October 7, 1753.

On April 10, 1754, he was selected as the Jathedar (chief) of the Dal Khalsa. From 1748-1783, Jassa Singh gave a marvellous lead to the Sikh nation. He captured Amritsar (1748), Jullundur (1753), Lahore (1761), Amritsar (for the second time in 1764) Kapurthala (1774) and Delhi (along with Baba Baghel Singh and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia etc.) in 1783. He hoisted the Sikh flag on the Red Fort at Delhi on March 11, 1783. He fought bravely against the army of Ahmed Shah Durrani several times. In March 1761, he rescued thousands of the young Hindu girls, who were being taken as captives by Ahmed Shah. He was called Bandi Chhorh (the freedom-giver) by the Hindus. In September 1761, the Sikh army occupied Lahore. Sirdar Jassa Singh was proclaimed Sultan-ul-Qaum (the emperor of the nation). He fought bravely against Durrani’s army during the second holocaust (February 5, 1762). He suffered 22 wounds in this holocaust. Sirdar Jassa Singh was a great leader, a great general, a brave fighter and a great leader. Since Banda Singh Bahadur and Nawab Kapur Singh, he was the greatest general of the Sikhs. After the death of Bhai Jassa Singh (till Master Tara Singh) no Sikh leader could become the leader of the Sikh nation as a whole. Kapurthala was the capital of his Misl.

Also see: Ahluwalia Misl.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jassa Singh was a resident of village Chicha Bhakna (district Amritsar). He joined the First Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito, on February 9, 1924. The Jatha reached Jaito on February 21, 1924. At Jaito, the British army fired at the Jatha. Bhai Jassa Singh was one of the Sikhs who embraced martyrdom.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Diwan Jaspat Rai, brother of Lakhpat Rai (a Hindu minister of Yahiya Khan), was the military chief of Eimanabad (district Gujranwala). In those days, the Mogul regime hag issued orders of killing of all the Sikhs. The Sikhs had to take refuge in the hills or in the forests. During this period, in January-February 1746, a Jatha of the Sikhs had taken refuge in a thicket, near the village Baddoke Gusaian. When Jaspat Rai came to know it, he attacked the thicket. In the battle Bhai Nibahu Singh Ranghreta, catching hold of the tail of the elephant Jaspat was riding, climbed on the back of the elephant and chopped off head of Jaspat Rai. When Jaspat was killed his army fled the scene immediately. The Sikhs took the head of Jaspat with themselves. Kirpa Ram, a teacher of Jaspat paid rupees five hundred to the Sikhs to get the head of Jaspat for cremation. After the death of Jaspat, Lakhpat Rai became a sworn enemy of the Sikhs. He killed more than ten thousand Sikhs in 1746-47. The Sikhs punished Lakhpat Rai in 1748.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Jasbir Singh Sarna (2.7.1956 – ), son of Giani Sant Singh Bhatpuri, was born at village Tanda (tehsil Sambha, Jammu and Kashmir). He passed his B.Sc. with a gold medal from Khalsa College Amritsar. It was here that he revived the unit of the Sikh Students’ Federation. Through his persuasion Harminder Singh Sandhu and Amarjit Singh Chawla joined the Federation. Sirdar Jasbir Singh Sarna was arrested several times by the police for being a leader of the Federation. He was also the editor of Shamshir-i-Dast, the official journal of the Sikh Students’ Federation. Sirdar Jasbir Singh is a superb poet and historian. He has written several articles for the leading journals of the world. His work on the history of the Sikhs of Kashmir is unique. He has written several books including: (Poetry):- Shabad Nama, Mainun De Dio, Pratibimb, Kesar Da Phull, (History):- The Sikhs of Jammu and Kashmir, The Sikh Shrines of Kashmir, BAAJ NAAMA (History of the Sikh Students’ Federation); International Bibliography of the Sikh Literature, Flora and Fauna in Guru Nanak’s Bani etc.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jani was a Sayyad Muslim. He had, since long, been wandering in the search of a spiritual teacher but none could satisfy him. One day Bhai Khwaja, a Kashmiri Muslim, suggested him to visit Guru Hargobind Sahib. He visited Guru Sahib and had a discourse. He was fully satisfied and was pleased to find a real spiritual guide. He asked Guru Sahib to admit him into the Sikh Panth. Bhai Jani served the Panth for a long time.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jani was a policeman from Morinda. He, along with Mani, arrested Mata Gujari and the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He tortured the three on way from village Saheri to Morinda. He kept them in confinement for one night at Morinda and then took them to Sirhind. He was one of the ten criminals whose custody had been claimed by Guru Gobind Singh from Bahadur Shah, the Mogul emperor.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jamu Dhatta was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Jodha visited Guru Sahib and told that their minds were not fully in their control; how could they concentrate on the Name of the Almighty. 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 the Almighty as that would help restrain their mind from distraction; hence they would be able to concentrate fully. This practice would lead to liberation. Bhai Jamu made active participation during the establishment of the city of Amritsar.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jamshed Beg was the Pathan who attacked Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, with a dagger, when the latter was asleep in his tent, at Nander, on the night of October 5-6, 1708. After attacking Guru Sahib, he tried to run away. Bhai Lakkha Singh, personal attendant of Guru Sahib, killed him at the spot. His other accomplice Bashal Beg, who was waiting outside, fled the scene immediately. Bashal too was killed soon after. Bahadur Shah, the Mogul emperor or Wazir Khan, the Faujdar of Sirhind had sent Jamshed Beg to kill the Guru. On October 28, 1708, Bahadur Shah presented robe of honour to Jamshed Beg’s family.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Mian Jamal, formerly a Muslim, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He used to attend the court of Guru Sahib at Amritsar very frequently. Once he asked Guru Sahib how could he obtain peace of mind. Guru Sahib told him that he could achieve peace of mind and self-realisation by reading and understanding Gurbani and by living life accordingly.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jallo, a resident of Lahore, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Guru Sahib had appointed him a Masand. He used to collect tithe and the other offerings from the Sikhs to be made away to Guru Sahib. He was known for his honesty. He believed that using even a single Kaudi (the smallest coin) out of offerings was like polluting one’s body and soul. He said that using even the smallest coin of the Sangat‘s money was like swallowing a fly, which would make one throw up whatever one has eaten. Besides it would make one’s body weak.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Pandit Jalla (? – 21.12.1844), a resident of Jammu, was the teacher of Hira Sinh Dogra. Later, he developed friendship with Hira Sinh. On September 17, 1843, Hira Singh became the prime minister of the Punjab. Hira Sinh made Pandit Jalla as his prime adviser. Hira Sinh always worked under the guidance of Pandit Jalla; hence Jalla considered him as super prime minister. He became arrogant and began treating the Sikh officials and the others in an aggressive manner. At this most of the courtiers and the officers turned against him. Pandit Jalla provoked Hira Sinh to confiscate the Jagirs of several officials. He even tried to poison Rani Jindan. This infuriated the Sikh army. Now, Jalla and Hira Sinh knew that the Sikhs won’t forgive them and they could be killed any time. They made a planning to flee Lahore. Hira Sinh and Pandit Jalla, along with several cart-loads of gold, silver and the other valuables, and escorted by 4000 Dogra soldiers, left Lahore on December 21, 1844. The Sikh army, led by General Sham Singh Atariwala and Jawahar Singh, overtook him near village Nekowal, about 20 km from Lahore. Hira Sinh, Pandit Jalla were killed.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jaita was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Bhai Jaita and his companion, Bhai Piraga and Bhai Nanda renounced observing the Hindu rites. Once, their former family priest chided them for renouncing the family’s religious customs. At this they told the Pandit that he had told them that if some has freshly born or dead in a family, no religious rites should be observed there as that house become defiled for some time. They said that since they had got initiation from Guru Arjan Sahib and their ignorance was dead and knowledge was born; hence customary religious rituals must not be observed. At this the Pandit was silenced.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jaita was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Bhai Jaita and his companion, Bhai Piraga and Bhai Nanda renounced observing the Hindu rites. Once, their former family priest chided them for renouncing the family’s religious customs. At this they told the Pandit that he had told them that if some has freshly born or dead in a family, no religious rites should be observed there as that house become defiled for some time. They said that since they had got initiation from Guru Arjan Sahib and their ignorance was dead and knowledge was born; hence customary religious rituals must not be observed. At this the Pandit was silenced

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jait Ram was the in charge of the Dera (at Naraina) of Dadu Dial (1544 – 1603), a Hindu saint. Naraina is a town, about 5 km from railway station Phulera, in Rajasthan. Guru Nanak Sahib visited it during his missionary journey and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, on his way from Itmadpur, in 1708. Here, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib tested the Sikhs’ understanding of the concept of the rejection of worship of the monasteries. In Naraina, there is a monastery of a saint named Dadu. Guru Sahib tilted an arrow towards the mausoleum of Dadu in such a manner that it should look like showing regards for Dadu. The Sikhs immediately reacted and indicted Guru Sahib for showing respect for monastery, which was forbidden in Sikh faith. Guru Sahib, though he wanted to test the Sikhs, agreed and five Sikhs made a Gurmata asking Guru Sahib to pay a penalty of rupees 125. Guru Sahib bowed before the Gurmata and paid the penalty. This incident was reported to Jait Ram by some of his followers. After this, Mahant Jait Ram visited Guru Sahib and requested him (Guru Sahib) to pay a visit to his Dera. At the Dera Mahant Jait Ram gave warm welcome to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib dined at the Dera. Even the falcon of Guru Sahib shared vegetarian food at the Dera. Mahant Jait Ram asked Guru Sahib as to why had he (Guru Sahib) taken to arms. Guru Sahib told him that tyranny could not be brought to an end without armed resistance.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

1. Bhai Jaimal Singh, a resident of Kapurthala, 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 Jaimal Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.
2. Bhai Jaimal Singh, a resident of Kapurthala, 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 Jaimal Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jaid Purana was the chief of village Bhokhari (district Firozpur). He was a trouble maker for Bhai Mohan and Bhai Kala, the forefathers of the Phul family. He refused to give land to them to live even at the solicitation of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Bhai Kale Khan, with the help of the Sikh soldiers, killed this tyrant and established the village Mehraj.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Raja Jai Sinh Mirza (16.07.1661 – 28.8.1667) was the son of Raja Mahan Sinh Kachhwaha, grandson of Bhav Sinh and great-grandson of Man Sinh (Man Sinh’s Bhua, father’s sister, was married to Akbar, the Mogul emperor). He was the ruler of Amber (Jaipur, Rajasthan) as well as a courtier of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. He was well versed in several languages, including Sanskrit and Persian. He had good relations with Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan gave him the title of Mirza. Mirza had good relations with Aurangzeb also. On August 2, 1658, Aurangzeb assigned him duty to chase his rebel brother Dara Shukoh. Aurangzeb was so pleased with Raja Jai Sinh that he appointed him as the Governor of Delhi in 1658. This family had friendly relations with Guru Sahib too. When Ram Rai (son of Guru Har Rai Sahib) visited Delhi, in 1661, he stayed with Raja Jai Sinh. When Guru Harkrishan Sahib and (Guru) Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited Delhi, in March 1664, they too stayed at the palace of Raja Jai Sinh. [Gurdwara Bangla Sahib has been built at that site]. In 1664 Aurangzeb appointed Raja Jai Sinh as the Governor of Deccan. During this period, Aurangzeb deputed him to subjugate Shivaji Marhatta. On June 2, 1665, he met Shivaji and made him (Shivaji) agree for a compromise with Aurangzeb. Sometimes later, Jai Sinh succeeded in capturing Netaji (son-in-law of Shivaji Marhatta) too. Netaji was compelled to embraced Islam. In 1667, Aurangzeb recalled Raja Jai Sinh from Aurangabad. Raja Jai Sinh died on August 28, 1667 (according to one source July 2, 1667), at Burhanpur, on his way from Aurangabad to Delhi. According to one source his son Ram Sinh, at the instance of Aurangzeb, the Mogul emperor, poisoned him. Ram Sinh, later, became a yes-man of Aurangzeb.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was the residence of Raja Jai Sinh Kachhwaha (Mirza).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Jai Singh (11.2.1856 – 9.6.1898), son of Bhai Sant Singh Ahluwalia, was born at village Dadan Khan (district Jhelum, Pakistan). In 1874, he joined Medical College, Lahore. After passing his degree in medicine, he started service as a medical practitioner. In 1893, he resigned service, moved to Lahore and started a chemist’s shop. During this period, he had became a member of Brahmo Samaj. When he moved to Lahore, he came into contact with the leaders of the Singh Sabha movement. Here, he studied Sikh philosophy and renounced Brahmo Samaj. When a committee for the establishment of Khalsa College was formed, he was selected as the secretary of the Committee. On April 17, 1893, he formed a Shuddhi Sabha (ablution organisation). The purpose of this organisation was to re-convert those who had embraced Islam under coercion or compulsion or due to an affair with some Muslim lady. In April 1896, he started a journal named Khalsa Dharam Parkashak Shuddhi Patar. Arya Samaj was opposed to the programme of Dr. Jai Singh. Due to his efforts, Gurmat Granth Sudharak Committee was formed on January 14, 1897, with a view to produce authentic copies of Guru Granth Sahib and to stop distortion of Sikhism. In 1897, Giani Dit Singh criticised Dr. Jai Singh saying that re-convertion from Islam should not produce Hindus but only Khalsa. Dr. Jai Singh died in 1898.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Jai Singh (1712 – 1793), son of Bhai Khushal Singh Sandhu,  was born at village Kanha (district Lahore). Bhai Khushal Singh was a woodcutter by profession. When Jai Singh grew up, he got initiation from the Jatha of Nawab Kapur Singh and joined the Jatha of Sirdar Amar Singh Kingra. Later, he formed his own Jatha. Sirdar Jai Singh occupied some areas of Gurdaspur and Amritsar and established his headquarters at village Sohian (district Amritsar). On March 29, 1748, all the 66 Jathas of the Sikhs, struggling for the freedom of the Punjab in 1740s were united to form 11 Misls. Sirdar Jai Singh’s Jatha became Misl Kanhaiya (named after his native village Kahna). After this he extended his rule towards the hills of Jammu. The rulers of Datarpur, Nurpur and Siba were his tributaries. In 1774, he built a bazaar at Amritsar; later it came to be known as Katra Jai Singh. In October 1788, he formed a united front with Sirdar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Sirdar Mahan Singh Sukkarchakkia against Sirdar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and occupied the latter’s territory. In 1791, he attacked Jammu and compelled the chief of Jammu to pay a tribute. He died in 1893. His son, Sirdar Gurbakhsh Singh had already died in 1785. Jai Singh’s daughter in law, Sada Kaur, took over the control of the territory of the Misl. Sada Kaur’s daughter Mahtab Kaur was married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jai Ram (? – 1518), son of Bhai Parma Nand, was the husband of Bebe Nanaki (sister of Guru Nanak Sahib). He was a Aamil (surveyor) of Daulat Khan Lodhi, the Governor of the Punjab. It was during one of his official tours that he visited Talwandi and married Bebe Nanaki in 1475. When Guru Nanak Sahib moved to Sultanpur, he stayed for some time with Bhai Jai Ram. Jai Ram got Guru Sahib a job as storekeeper of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. In 1518 Bebe Nanaki died. Within three days of her death Bhai Jai Ram too died. At that time Guru Nanak Sahib was present there.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhagat Jai Dev, son of Bhaj Dev, was born at village Kandli (Bengal), sometimes in the early years of the twelfth century. He was a court poet of Lakhshman Sen, the ruler of Bengal. His book Gita Govind is a fine work of poetry. Two of his verses have been included in Guru Granth Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jahangir alias Saleem (31.8.1569 – 28.10.1627) was the son of Akbar, the Mogul emperor and Mariam Zamani (niece of Bihari Mall Kachhwaha of Jaipur). He succeeded his father as the emperor of the Indian sub-continent, on October 24, 1605. It was during his reign that Captain Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe, the representatives of the East India Company of England, came to the sub-continent, in the name of trade, and later, wrested the empire of the sub-continent. In comparison to his father (Akbar), Jahangir was a fanatic ruler. He ordered the execution of Guru Arjan Sahib, in 1606. He imprisoned Guru Hargobind Sahib at Gwalior Fort prison. Later, he became friendly to Guru Sahib. When Khusro, his son, rebelled, he tortured him to death. He killed an army general Sher Afghan Khan, to marry the latter’s wife Nur Jahan (Jahangir’s former beloved). Nur Jahan became almost super-ruler of the kingdom of Jahangir. Jahangir was fond of hunting and alcohol. According to his own statement (Tuzak-i-Jahangiri), he used to drink 20 glasses of whisky every day. Besides, he used to eat opium too. Jahangir died of asthma.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jahandar Shah (9.5.1661 – 11.2.1713) was the eldest son of the Mogul emperor Bahadur Shah. After defeating and killing his brothers in the battle of succession he became the emperor, on March 29, 1712. He spent his time in love play with his keep Lal Bai. In 1713, Farrukhsiyar defeated his forces. After his defeat he hid himself in the house of a loyal person, who handed him over to Farkhsiay who killed him.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jahan Khan was a general of Ahmed Shah Durrani. He was the deputy Governor of Lahore from 1756 to 1757 (Ahmed Shah’s son Taimur Khan was the governor). Under the instructions from Ahmed Shah and his son Taimur Khan, he demolished Darbar Sahib and the other shrines of Amritsar. In 1759, he again attacked the Punjab. This time, during a battle against the Sikhs he was badly wounded. On 4 November 1763, the Sikhs came to know that he was proceeding towards Kabul. The Sikhs chased him and killed several hundred soldiers of the Afghan army. Though Jahan Khan himself escaped but his horse was killed. Again on 16 January 1767, he had to face tough fight against the Sikhs. In this battle he lost 5 to 6 thousand soldiers. His last battle with the Sikhs, held in May 1767 made him fear the Sikhs. He died on 14 March 1770.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jagsi, a resident of Fatehpur, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Jiwanda and Bhai Tiloka, visited Guru Sahib. When he learnt that Guru Sahib had decided to compile (Guru) Granth Sahib, he suggested names of some Bhagat and Sufi poets whose verses might be considered for inclusion in Guru Granth Sahib. He suggested the names of Kahna, Chhajju, Pilu, Shah Hussain etc. Guru Sahib told him that the verses of these poets could not be incorporated in Guru Granth Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jaggu son of Bhai Dharma and grandson of Bhai Bhoja Ramana, resident of Ladwa (Haryana) was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. On April 29, 1635, he accompanied Guru Sahib during latter’s journey from Amritsar to Keeratpur Sahib. When Guru Sahib reached Phagwara, the Mogul army attacked them. Bhai Jaggu fought bravely and embraced martyrdom in this battle. Also see: Ran Mall, Fatta, Amia, Dharma.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi (1929 – 19.9.2014 ), son of Baba Chhanga Singh, was born at village Mullanpur (district Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan). In 1947, he moved to Talwandi Rai (district Ludhiana). In 1952, he was elected as the Sarpanch of the village. In 1960, he was elected as a member of the S.G.P.C. from Raikot constituency. In 1967, he was elected to the Punjab Assembly. He was re-elected in 1969 and 1971. In 1969, he was elected as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. From 1969 to 1971, he remained a Minister of State for various departments. In 1974, he was elected as the President of the Akali Dal. In 1977, he was elected to the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament). In 1977, he arranged a mammoth Akali Conference at Ludhiana. In 1979, he joined Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra and made a petition against Parkash Singh Badal, at Akal Takht Sahib. In 1981, he formed his own Akali Dal. In 1982, he joined the other groups of the Akalis and launched a joint agitation which continue till June 2, 1984. In 1982, when the Akalis asked all the Akali legislatures to resign, he and Dr. Rajinder Kaur were the first to resign. After the attack of the Indian army on Darbar Sahib, he was arrested. He remained in jail till 1985. Jathedar Tohra had been elected as the President of the S.G.P.C. for 21times. He remaind president of the SGPC from 30 November 2000 to 27-11-2001.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

JAGATA (BURHANPUR):- Bhai Jagata, a resident of Burhanpur, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was a man of learning. He participated in the battles of Guru Sahib and fought bravely.

JAGATA (LAHORE):- Bhai Jagata, a resident of Lahore, was a Masand of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. When Masands became corrupt, Guru Sahib called all the Masands to Anandpur Sahib in 1698, to test their credentials. Bhai Jagata was found as a genuine Sikh. The corrupt Masands were punished. He was found a genuine person and was presented a Siropao by Guru Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Jagat Singh was son of Bhai Mai Das and grandson of Shaheed Bhai Ballu Parmar. He embraced martyrdom, along with his brother (Bhai Mani Singh) and several others, at Lahore, on June 24, 1734.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

JAGAT SINGH (GHADR PARTY) (1):- Bhai Jagat Singh, son of Bhai Arur Singh, was born at village Sur Singh (district Amritsar). When he grew up, he joined the British Indian army. After a couple of years, he resigned the army and moved to Canada, where he worked in a saw mill. 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. In August (between 14 and 31) 1914, Harnam Singh, a former Granthi of Millside Gurdwara, was killed by some one. Harnam Singh was an informer of police. It was suspected that Jagat Singh had done the murder. But, there was no evidence with the police. When Ghadr Party planned an armed struggle for the freedom its homeland from the British, he too left Canada and reached Punjab. He participated in various activities of the party. He was involved in the Chabba, Mansuran and Sahnewal dacoities. When major Ghadr action failed, he, along with Kartar Singh Sarabha and Harnam Singh Tundi Laat, escaped to Afghanistan. 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.

JAGAT SINGH (GHADR PARTY) (2):- Bhai Jagat Singh, son of Bhai Sada Singh, was born at village Vinjhal. In 1904, he joined the British Indian army. After a few years he left the army without resigning it and moved to Burma. At Burma, he joined the Burmese army. Here too he did not like to serve the army and moved to the U.S.A. When Ghadr Party was formed he made active participation in the activities of the organisation. When Ghadr Party planned an armed struggle for the freedom its homeland from the British, he too left the U.S.A. for his homeland. On the day of the general uprising (February 20, 1915), he was to attack Firozpur fort, under the leadership of Kartar Singh Sarabha. When plan failed, Kartar Singh Sarabha asked him to return to Ludhiana. One day, when he, along with his associates, was travelling to Ghall Khurd in a tonga, a police party stopped them for inquiry. During the course of conversation, a police official slapped one of his companions. At this Bhai Jagat Singh shot at the police official and killed him. Bhai Jagat Singh was arrested. He was given death sentence. He was hanged in Montgomery (now Sahiwal) jail.

JAGAT SINGH (JAITO) (2):- Bhai Jagat Singh, son of Bhai Bhagwan Singh, a resident of village Dhaleta (district Jullundur), 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 Jagat Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

JAGAT SINGH (JAITO) (2):- Bhai Jagat Singh, son of Bhai Bhagwan Singh, a resident of village Dhaleta (district Jullundur), 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 Jagat Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ishar Singh was the son of Bhai Kewal and grandson of Bhai Aaru Atrish (Yadav). His first name was Ishar Das. He was one of the first (five) persons who were initiated by Punj Piaray (Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Himmat Singh), in the presence of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, on March 29, 1698. [These five are also known as Punj Muktay]. Bhai Ishar Singh embraced martyrdom, in the battle of Taragarh Fort (Anandpur Sahib), on August 29, 1700.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ishar Singh, of village Shihan (Bangar Desh area) was one of the leaders of Nishanwalia Misl. He was a brave soldier. During the ‘greater holocaust’ (February 5, 1762), he fought bravely against the army of Ahmed Shah Durrani. He suffered several injuries during this holocaust. His son Phula Singh became chiwf of the Mislh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

ISHAR SINGH (JAITO);- Bhai Ishar Singh, a resident of village Samalsar (district Firozpur), joined the Sixth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito, on May 10, 1924. The Jatha reached Jaito on June 19, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Ishar Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

ISHAR SINGH (KOMAGATAMARU):- Bhai Ishar Singh, son of Bhai Jiwa Singh, resident of village Manake Sidhu (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 Ishar Singh was one of the 18 who were killed by police firing.

ISHAR SINGH (KOMAGATAMARU):- Bhai Ishar Singh, son of Bhai Jiwa Singh, resident of village Manake Sidhu (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 Ishar Singh was one of the 18 who were killed by police firing.

ISHAR SINGH [NANAKANA] (2):- Bhai Ishar Singh (27.7.1888 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Wadhawa Singh, was born at village Rupowali (district Gurdaspur). Later, the family moved to Chakk No. 33 Dharowali (district Sheikhupura). At Dharowali, he developed relations with Bhai Lachhman Singh. Bhai Lachhman Singh taught him Gurmukhi and recitation of Gurbani. Soon, Bhai Ishar Singh became an initiated Sikh. When Bhai Lachhman Singh took a Jatha to Nanakana Sahib on February 19, 1921, he joined it. He embraced martyrdom at Nanakana Sahib, on February 20, 1921.

ISHAR SINGH [NANAKANA] (2):- Bhai Ishar Singh (27.7.1888 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Wadhawa Singh, was born at village Rupowali (district Gurdaspur). Later, the family moved to Chakk No. 33 Dharowali (district Sheikhupura). At Dharowali, he developed relations with Bhai Lachhman Singh. Bhai Lachhman Singh taught him Gurmukhi and recitation of Gurbani. Soon, Bhai Ishar Singh became an initiated Sikh. When Bhai Lachhman Singh took a Jatha to Nanakana Sahib on February 19, 1921, he joined it. He embraced martyrdom at Nanakana Sahib, on February 20, 1921.

ISHAR SINGH [NANAKANA] (4):- Bhai Ishar Singh, son of Bhai Atar Singh, was born at village Bahoru (district Amritsar) in 1881. Later the family moved to Bahoru Chakk No. 18, district Sheikhupura. When he was just a schoolboy, his father died. He could not continue his studies. Later, in 1907, he joined Khalsa Parcharak Vidiala at Tarn Taran and studied Sikh Scriptures, philosophy and history. In 1915, he was appointed as Punjabi teacher at Khalsa School Jhabal (district Amritsar). After a couple of years he returned home. The villagers requested him to become Granthi of the local Gurdwara. He served the local Gurdwara with dedication. When Bhai Lachhman Singh announced the formation of a Jatha for the liberation of Nanakana Sahib, he offered himself. He joined the Jatha on February 19, 1921 and embraced martyrdom at Nanakana Sahib, the following day.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Ishar Singh (1.1.1878 – 16.8.1941), son of Bhai Jind Singh Sandhu, was born at village Marhana (district Amritsar). In 1906, he moved to Hong Kong. In 1908, he reached America. Here, he joined Baba Wisakha Singh Dadehar and Bhai Jawala Singh. The three were the real founders of the movement, later came to be known as Ghadr movement. He was one of the leaders who left America to participate in freedom struggle. He was arrested and tried in the Lahore Conspiracy Act. He was given life imprisonment. After his release, in 1921, he led a Jatha to Nanakana Sahib. In 1922, a political conference was held at his village. He was asked to preside over the conference. After the conference he was arrested again. In this case too he was sentenced to seven years in jail. In 1930, he was elected as a member of Darbar Sahib Management Committee. On July 4, 1930, he was elected vice president of this Committee. It was during this time that the foundation stone of Guru Ram Das Saran was laid on August 17, 1931. In 1930, he courted arrest in Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement. On July 24, 1936, he was elected President of Darbar Sahib Management Committee. He was one of the major persons behind the establishment of Guru Ram Das High School, founded on March 6, 1938. Ishar Singh was an honest administrator, a generous person and a GurSikh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Ishar Singh (26.3.1913 – 7.10.1963), son of Bagga Singh, was born at village Jhorar (near Jagraon, district Ludhiana). His first name was Inder Singh (‘Baba’ Nand Singh named him Ishar Singh). From his early childhood he had a religious bent of mind. In 1931, Nand Singh visited Jhorar and asked Bagga Singh to send Ishar Singh to his camp. Bagga Singh consented to it. In December 1933, Ishar Singh joined a band of Jhorar residents to visit Nand Singh at Bathinda. When others started their journey back to Jhorar, Nand Singh asked Ishar Singh to stay with him. In January 1934, Nand Singh appointed Ishar Singh as his A.D.C. Nand Singh died in 1943. Ishar Singh succeeded him. From 1943 to 1950, Ishar Singh stayed at Jhorar. In 1950, he moved to Kaleran and established his Dera in the village. Hence, he came to be known as Ishar Singh Kaleran Wale. Ishar Singh played major role in Sikh missionary activities. He was a supporter of Punjabi Suba movement. He died in 1963.

After his death his followers began worshipping as Guru. Now his Dera is more of an anti-Sikh Centre than a missionary seat.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Ishar Kaur (? – 1840), daughter of Sirdar Lal Singh Sandhu, was born at village Sirianwali (district Sialkot, Pakistan). In 1815, she was married to prince Kharag Singh (eldest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh), by way of customary marriage ceremony of Chaddar Andazi. She performed Sati (self immolation) on the pyre of her husband on November 5, 1840.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Inder Singh was born at village Rakba (district Ludhiana). 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. Along with other actions, he was also involved in Merrut Cantonment Case in which several soldiers of the Risala No. 12 of the British Indian army were involved. He was arrested, tried and was sentenced to death.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Isa Khan Manjh, son of Daulat Khan, a Rajput Muslim, was the chief the territory (present Kot Isse Khan etc.) adjacent to Kotkapura State of Bhai Kapur Singh. In 1700, he founded the village, Kot Isa Khan, named after him. In 1707, he participated in the battle of Jajau as an ally of Bahadur Shah. He envied Bhai Kapur Singh Brar, the chief of Kotkapura. In 1708, he invited Bhai Kapur Singh Brar at his place and detained him. He tortured Bhai Kapur Singh and, later, killed him. In 1712, Bahadur Shah died. This time Isa Khan helped Jahandar Khan in the struggle for succession to the throne of Delhi. Jahandar Khan rewarded Isa Khan with Mansabdari of 1500 and also appointed him as the Governor of Jullundur Doab. He was a terrorist ruler. By 1718, he had amassed a lot of wealth and considered himself as a king. Now, he aspired to become the Governor of Lahore. When Abd us Samad Khan came know about his designs, he sent army against Isa Khan. The sons of Bhai Kapur Singh also joined them. In this battle Isa Khan’s father was killed and Isa Khan was captured. He was handed over to the sons of Bhai Kapur Singh, who killed him and, later, occupied his territory.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Kaka Inderjit Singh, a small boy, was a resident of Karnal. During the Punjabi Suba agitation, on September 21 , 1960, when he was raising pro-movement slogans, the police men attacked him with canes. When he was seriously wounded,, the policemen threw him in a nearby well where he died.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Faqir Imam Ud Din (? – 5.12.1847) was son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din and younger brother of Faqir Aziz-ud-Din. He was the in charge of Gobindgarh Fort at Amritsar. Most of the crown jewels and the other valuables had been kept in this fort. There was also a big arsenal in that fort. He was also responsible for treasury transactions of the Lahore Darbar. He was a learned person and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had special regards for him. When foreign officers visited the State, he used to join his brother Faqir Aziz Ud Din in attending them. When Charles T. Metcalfe visited Lahore in 1808, he went to Patiala to receive and escort him to Lahore. In 1827, he went to Shimla to visit Lord Amherst, on a diplomatic mission. In 1828, he visited Ludhiana on a diplomatic mission. He visited cis-Sutlej States several time as an envoy of the Lahore Darbar. He was like a diplomatic personal assistant of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He died at Lahore in 1847.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sheikh Ibrahim Farid Sani, a Sufi saint, was twelfth in succession to the seat of Sheikh Farid. He remained in this seat for about 40 years. He held his seat at the Dera established by Sheikh Farid at Pakpattan (district Montgomery, now Sahiwal, Pakistan). He was such a great personality that his followers considered him as Second Sheikh Farid. In 1507, Guru Nanak Sahib and Bhai Mardana visited Pakpattan. Here Guru Sahib rested in the forest outside the town and started Keertan. Kamal, a follower of Sheikh Ibrahim came there to collect firewood for the kitchen of the Dera of Sheikh Farid. Keertan impressed Kamal. After returning to the Dera, he told Sheikh Ibrahim that he had seen a Pir in the forest. He and a good musician were singing hymns in the praise of God. At this Sheikh Ibrahim went to the forest and met Guru Sahib. He requested Guru Sahib to visit his Dera. Here, Guru Nanak Sahib sang some of his hymns and Sheikh Ibrahim sand some of the hymns of Baba Farid. He was astonished to find similarity of thought in the hymns of Guru Sahib and Sheikh Farid. Guru Nanak Sahib visited Pakpattan again in 1519 on his way to Mecca.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ghanaiya Singh Dhamman (1648 – 20.9.1718), of village Sodara (district Gujranwala, Pakistan), was introduced into Sikhism by Bhai Nanua, during the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He served Guru Sahib for several years. With the blessings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, he established a Gurdwara at Kavha, about 32 km from Attock. After a few years, he returned to Anandpur Sahib to serve Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.

A famous anecdote about Bhai Ghanaiya Singh (during some battle) treating all the wounded soldiers (Sikhs as well as enemy soldiers) is very faous. This might have been concocted to assert Guru Sahib’s command to treat all the human race as one and the same. Bhai Kanhaiya Singh performed Sewa (service) in Langar too. He was devoted to the service of the community. He was also appointed as a missionary by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He died at village Sodara in 1718. His Jatha was succeeded by Bhai Sehaj Ram, Bhai Rana Ram etc. One of his successors, Addan Shah (1688 – 26.4.1757) became so famous that this Jatha came to be known as Addan Shahi-ay or Sewa Panthi-ay.

Some people mention his as only Kanhaiya or Ghaniya which is wrong. His name was Ghanaiya Singh

(Dr Harjinder Sinh Dilgeer)

Bhagat Lakhshman Singh (8.6.1863 – 27.12.1944), son of Bhagat Kahan Chand, was born at Rawalpindi. At the age of 26, he joined the Sikh faith. He started his career as a clerk in the district courts. Later, he joined postal department as a cashier. Finally, he became a teacher. During this period, he started The Khalsa, a weekly paper in English language. This was the first-ever English paper of the Sikhs. This paper played a great role for promotion of the cause of the Singh Sabha movement. Due to financial crisis he stopped publication of this paper, in 1903. He served in the education department for 30 years as a teacher, as headmaster and as Inspector of Schools. He retired in 1927. In 1929, he re-started the publication of Khalsa. Bhagat Lakshman Singh contributed several articles to The Tribune also. He wrote four books: The Sikh Martyrs, Guru Gobind Singh, The Sikhs and His New Critic. The fourth one, his Autobiography, was published posthumously. He died in 1944.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala (10.2.1947 – 5.6.1984), son of Joginder Singh Brar, was born at village Rode (district Faridkot). He spent the first 18 years of his life in his own village. From his early childhood, he had a religious bent of mind. He studied Sikh scriptures and history thoroughly.

In 1965, he joined Bhinderan Jatha and moved to Bhinder Kalan. For the next four years, he remained in the company of Giani Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwale and learnt a lot from him. During this period he got married to Bibi Pritam Kaur (daughter of Bhai Suchcha Singh of Bilaspur), in 1966. She bore him two sons.

On August 25, 1977, he was chosen the chief of Bhindran-Mehta Jatha. In 1978, he spearheaded movement against Nirankari-called Mafia cult. With this began an armed struggle in the Punjab. The first goal of the militants was to punish Nirankaris.

During this movement Lala Jagat Narain was killed on September 9, 1981. Warrants were issued for his arrest. At this he announced that he will offer himself for arrest on September 20, 1981. That day, a mammoth gathering was held at Chowk Mehta. Almost all the leaders were present there. He was formally arrested. He was released on October 15, 1981.

On July 19, 1982, Bhai Amrik Singh, president of the Sikh Students’ Federation and Baba Tthara Singh were arrested on frivolous charges. At this he started an agitation. On the very first day 51 Sikhs courted arrest. Later, the Akali Dal adopted the agitation. It continued till June 2, 1984.

On June 3, 1984, the Indian army attacked Darbar Sahib, Amritsar and several other Gurdwaras. He led the Sikh militants to defend the shrine. The Sikhs gave a hard time to the Indian army. More than a thousand soldiers were killed and several thousand Sikhs laid down their lives. He himself was killed on June 6, 1984. When he died, his body had dozens of bullet-marks. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala was leader of the masses. Since Master Tara Singh, he was the most popular leader of the Sikhs.

Ishar Singh Majhail (January 1901 – 20.4.1977), son of Bhai Aasa Singh, was born at village Sarai Amanat Khan (district Amritsar). Due to his father’s death, he could not complete his studies. He passed his Matric examination from Malwa Khalsa High School Ludhiana, at the age of 21.

In 1922, he courted arrest in Guru Ka Bagh agitation. After his release he joined as a missionary of the S.G.P.C. In 1924, he was arrested in connection with Jaito agitation. He spent two years in jail. In 1927, he joined Baba Wisakha Singh Dadehar on his visit to Burma, to collect funds for the families of the freedom fighters. The same year he joined the Sikh Missionary College and studied there for two years.

In 1930, he courted arrest in the agitation of the farmers. He worked hard during Shaheed Ganj Agitation (1935-36). In 1938, he was selected as the secretary of the management of the newly established Sikh National College Lahore.

In 1940, he was appointed as the general secretary of the newly formed Akal Fauj (literally: the Immortal Army). In 1942, he was arrested during the Quit India agitation.

In 1944, he presided over the Akali conference held at Jandiala (Jullundur). In 1946, he was elected M.L.A. In 1947, he was appointed Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation. Later, he was given ministry of Civil Supplies, Industry, Forests and Agriculture. He remained minister up to 1957.

Even after this he remained loyal to Congress party and opposed the Akali Dal on almost every issue. Jathedar Udham Singh Nagoke was his mentor and principal guide and he remained loyal to him. He spent last years of his life in isolation as an ordinary Congress activist.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Hukam Singh (30.8.1895 – 27.5.1983), son of Bhai Sham Singh, was born at Montgomery (now Sahiwal, Pakistan). After finishing his school education at Montgomery, he joined Khalsa College Amritsar. Later, he joined Law College Lahore. In 1921, he started legal practice at Montgomery.

During the Gurdwara Reform movement, he made active participation. He was selected member of the first S.G.P.C. on November 15, 1920. On October 12, 1923, when the S.G.P.C. was outlawed, he was arrested. He was released in 1926. Again in 1926 he was elected to the S.G.P.C. (He remained a member of the S.G.P.C. till 1941).

In 1928 he presided over the Sikh Educational Conference held at Montgomery. In 1943, he was elected president of the Montgomery Bar Association.

After partition, he was appointed as a Judge of the Kapurthala High Court. In 1950, he was elected the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal. On March 10, 1951, he presided over the Akali Conference held at Ludhiana.

In 1952, he was elected to the Lok Sabha as an Akali nominee. On March 20, 1956, he was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In 1957 and in 1962, he was re-elected to the Lok Sabha (as a Congress candidate). On March 15, 1960, the Akali Dal asked all the Akali legislatures to resign from Congress and form a separate Akali group. Hukam Singh was one of those who refused to obey the command of the Dal.

In 1962 he became Speaker of the Lok Sabha. On October 1, 1965, he was appointed as the Chairman of a 22-member committee of the M.P.s to give opinion about the demand of Punjabi Suba. The Committee supported the formation of Punjabi Suba.

On December 5, 1966, Fateh Singh announced a fast unto death for return of Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas to the Punjab as well as some other issues.

Fateh Singh announced that if his demands were not accepted by December 27, 1966, he would immolate himself. Hukam Singh played an important role to bring an end to the ‘drama’ (Fateh Singh would never had dared to immolate himself).

On April 16, 1967, he was appointed as the Governor of Rajasthan.

In 1973, he was selected as the President of the Singh Sabha Shatabadi Committee. Hukam Singh started publication of Spokesman Weekly in August 1951. Hukam Singh wrote a few books too, including The Sikh Case, The Problems of the Sikhs, Russia As i Saw It, Russia Today. Hukam Singh visited several countries including Russia, Australia, England, Mongolia, West Germany, U.S.A., Philippines etc. He died at Delhi, in 1983.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

 Bhai Hatthu Singh was a resident of village Kaachha Kahna (district Lahore, Pakistan). He was a brave soldier. In 1758, Ahmed Shah Durrani attacked the Sikh Homeland. During one battle, Bhai Hatthu Singh’s horse stumbled and fell over him. Before Bhai Hatthu Singh could release him, he was pounced upon by the Afghan soldiers and was captured. One day, some Sikh prisoners were presented before Ahmed Shah. Ahmed Shah asked them: “A Singh (lion) can fight an elephant, could any one of the Sikhs fight an elephant”. Bhai Hatthi Singh said, “Yes, I can fight an elephant”.  According to a radition, Ahmed Shah was pleased at the courage of the Sikh and he ordered the release of all the Sikh captives. But according to Bhai Ratan Singh Bhangu, Ahmed Shah ordered immediate execution of Hatthu Singh. Ahmed Shah was a cruel man and he could not be generous to the Sikhs simply for the answer of a soldier.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Hatthi Singh (9.12.1705 – 11.2.1783) was the son of Sahibzada Ajit Singh (and grandson of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib) and Bibi Tara Bai (Tara Kaur). He was born at Agra (Uttar Pradesh). According to Bhatt Vahi Purabi Dakkhani, he Mata Sunder Kaur was present at the time of his birth.

As he grew up, he began pretending himself as Guru of the Sikhs. Mata Sunder Kaur discarded him and moved to Delhi. He spent later years of his life at Sindhi Mohalla, Burhanpur (district Nimar, Madhya Pradesh) and died there, issue-less, in 1783. He had four wives but could not have any child from anyone of them; thus bringing an end to the family of Guru Gobind Singh.

Some writers have mentioned him as son of Ajit Singh Palit which is wrong. Bhatt Vahis clearly mention that he was son of Sahibzada Ajit Singh.

Gurdwara Bari Sangat has been built at the site where he spent his last days. His memorilal has been built in the backyard of this Gurdwara.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Hasham Shah (1753-1843 ), son of Haji Mohammed Sharif, was born at village Jagdeo Kalan (district Amritsar). He belonged to Sayyad family (descendants of Hazrat Mohammed’s daughter Bibi Fatima and Hazrat Ali), hence people gave him great respected as a holy person. He and his father had been practicing medicine.

Hashim was a court poet of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh. Besides Vaar Mahan Singh, he wrote several famous love-poems like Sassi-Punnu, Sohni Mahiwal, Shrirn Farhaad as well as Dohrhe, Deodan, Kafian, Bara Mah, Siharfian etc. He was master of usage of images and symbols.

He lived a very long life. He died at village Tharpal (district Narowal) where his grave still exists.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harsa Singh, son of Bhai Nattha Singh, was born at Tarn Taran (district Amritsar). Bhai Nattha Singh was a Granthi of Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran. After his death, Bhai Harsa Singh became Granthi of Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran. In 1877, when Punjabi language was introduced at Oriental College Lahore, Bhai Harsa Singh was given the job to teach Punjabi language. Bhai Harsa Singh was one of the main personas behind the formation of the Singh Sabha Lahore. The first Diwan of the Singh Sabha Lahore was held on November 2, 1879. On November 10, 1880, Gurmukhi Akhbar was launched from Lahore. Bhai Harsa Singh contributed a lot of material to this paper. Bhai Harsa Singh served the Singh Sabha movement with dedication.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harnam Singh, known as Tundi Laat (March 1882 – 18.9.1962), son of Bhai Gurdit Singh, was born at village Kotla Naudh Singh (district Hoshiarpur). He began his career as a soldier in the British Indian army but resigned after a few years. In 1906, he moved to the U.S.A. When the Ghadr Party was formed, on March 31, 1913,, he was selected as the secretary of the local unit of the organisation. On December 31, he was nominated a member of the central executive. When the organisation planned an armed revolt against the British, he left the U.S.A. and entered India via Colombo in December 1914. When major action of the Ghadr movement failed, he, along with Kartar Singh Sarabha and Jagat Singh of Sur Singh, escaped to Afghanistan. In February they started their return journey. In March 1915, they were arrested. He was tried under Lahore Conspiracy Case and was awarded death sentence and forfeiture of property. Later, the government commuted the death sentence into life imprisonment. He was sent to Andamans. In 1921-22, he was transferred to Punjab. He was released on September 15, 1930, on health grounds. After his release he joined Kirti Kisan Party and later on, the Communist Party. In 1941 he was arrested again. He was released in 1945. He died in 1962.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harnam Singh  (? – 14.8.1914), son of Bhai Labh Singh, was born at village Kahri-Sahri. In December 1907, he migrated to Canada. He was one of the organisers of the Ghadr Party.  He was so dreaded by the Canadian and the American governments that he was ordered to leave the land by both the governments. In 1914, he left for Punjab via Siam (now Thailand) and Burma. He was arrested and sent to Mandla jail. He was tried by Special Court, on charges of sedition and was hanged on August 14, 1914.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Harnam Singh (1877 – 20.12.1928) was born in the family of Bhai Mai Das. At the age of 16 he joined the British army and served with 22 Sikh Platoon. During his service he met Baba Karam Singh of Hoti Mardan. Since then he became a missionary of the Sikh faith. In 1908 he happened to visit village Jian to address the Sikhs. He was so impressed by the people of Jian that he decided to spend the est of his life at Jian. The next twenty years he served the Sikhs of the area; initiated several Sikhs, built several Gurdwaras and worked for renovation of several Sikh shrines including Gurdwaras of Anandpur Sahib. He died in 1928. A Gurdwara has been built at village Jian to commemorate his memory.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harnam Singh (? – 26.8.1924), son of Bhai Lal Singh, a barber, was born at village Dhand Kasel (district Amritsar). Later, the family moved to Chakk No. 232 (district Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan). When Gurdwara Reform Movement began, he made active participation. He visited Darbar Sahib during Guru Ka Bagh agitation and got initiation. He enroled himself to participate in the first Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito agitation but the number of the participants was limited to 500, he was not allowed to join. Later, he participated in the Bhai Pheru agitation. He was arrested on February 20, 1924. He was given a sentence of six months in prison and a fine of rupees one thousand. Inhuman conditions and unhygienic food in jail affected his health. As a result, he was released on August 26, 1924. He died within a few hours of his release.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harnam Singh (20.11.1901 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Ishar Singh, was born at village Nizampur Dewa Singh Wala (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan). He was fond of wrestling. As a man he was a very generous person. When Gurdwara Reform Movement began, he became associated with the Jatha of Bhai Lachhman Singh. In February 1920, he got married but his wife joined him just two days before he joined the Jatha of Bhai Lachhman Singh to Nanakana Sahib (on February 19, 1921). He had attended the Dharowali Conference (October 1-3, 1920). He also participated in the agitation for the freedom of Gurdwara Khara Sauda Bar. On February 20, 1921, he embraced martyrdom at Nanakana Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harnam Singh (1897 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Sunder Singh, a Ramdasia Sikh (belonging to so-called low caste), was born at village Dhesian Kahna (district Jullundur). When he was a small child, the family moved to village Shahkot (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan). At Shahkot, he learnt Gurmukhi script and studied the Sikh scriptures. He was also master of playing on drum and the other instruments. He adopted profession of tailoring. He got initiation from the Jatha of Bhai Mahtab Singh Bir. When Gurdwara Reform Movement began, he became a part and parcel of it. He participated in the agitations of Babe Di Ber (Sialkot), Gojran and Khara Sauda Bar. On February 19, 1921, he received a message from Bhai Santa Singh, the Jathedar of Sialkot. He joined the Jatha to Nanakana Sahib where he embraced martyrdom the following day.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harnam Singh, son of Bhai Labh Singh Ramgarhia, was born at Amritsar. Later he moved to the Far East countries. In 1913-14, mainly the Sikh emigrants in the Far East coiuntires organised themselves for an armed struggle for the freedom of their homeland from the British. At the same time Ghadr Party was formed in the North America. The revolutionaries of both these zones collaborated each other. The revolutionaries of the Far East countries began collecting arms and ammunition. These arms and ammunitions were being stocked in the forest areas of Burma, Thailand and China. More than 70 persons were associated with this group. Soon, the British authorities learnt about these activities. With in a short time all the activists were arrested. 70 persons were tried under Mandla Conspiracy Case. Bhai Harnam Singh and six others were given death sentence. Bhai Harnam Singh was hanged on November 14, 1916.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

 Bhai Harnam Singh, son of Bhai Rur Singh, was born at village Bhatti Goraya (district Sialkot). 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 Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harnam Singh, was born at village Tthatthi Khara (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. In spite of the failure of main plan of action, he continued his mission. On May 2, 1915, he attended a meeting of the party in which a planning was chalked out to seize firearms. On June 11-12, 1915, he, along with the other members of the Ghadr party, attacked the guards posted at Vallah Bridge (near railway station Mananwala, district Amritsar). In this attack they captured six service rifles and 200 cartridges. Two persons were killed during this mission. The government announced an award for affecting his arrest. Bhai Harnam Singh was arrested in a short time. He was tried for dacoity and murders and was sentenced to death. He was hanged in Lahore jail on August 12, 1915.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bawa Harkishan Singh (26.7.1892 – 20.8.1978), son of Bawa Dasaundha Singh, was born at Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan). He received his early education from his native town. He passed his M.A. in English from F.C. College, Lahore. In 1912, he was appointed as a Lecturer in English at Khalsa College, Amritsar.

Bawa Harkishan Singh was one of those leaders who started the Gurdwara Reform movement in 1920. When the so-called untouchable Sikhs went to Darbar Sahib to offer Karah Parshad, on October 12, 1920, he joined them. He requested the priests to accept their offerings. When the deputy commissioner of Amritsar formed a Committee of 9 members for the management of Darbar Sahib, on October 13, 1920, he was nominated to this Committee.

He was elected to the first S.G.P.C. on November 15, 1920. He was one of the Punj Piaray who were selected to check the credentials of the members of the first S.G.P.C. On October 12, 1923, the S.G.P.C. was outlawed. He was arrested the next day. He spent three years in jail. He was the first Akali leader who was released on January 25, 1926 on verbal assurances to act upon the Gurdwara Act (1925). After his release he did not take part in politics.

In 1933, he joined the other Sikh elite to form Gursewak Sabha to create amicable relationship among the leaders of the different Akali factions. In 1955, he was co-opted as a member of the S.G.P.C. After the arrest of Master Tara Singh, on May 10, 1955, he was elected as the president of the S.G.P.C. In 1960, he was appointed a member of the Punjabi University Patiala Commission. Bawa Harkishan Singh died in 1978 at Delhi Cantonment.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

General Hari Singh Nalwa (April 1791 – 10.4.1837), son of Bhai Gurdial Singh and Dharam Kaur, was born at Gurjranwala. At the age of 14, he joined the army of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh. The very next year, when he killed a tiger, without any weapon, he came to be known as Nalwa.

Nalwa was a great general. His first great victory was that of Kasur, on February 18, 1807. In 1810, he attacked Multan and defeated Nawab Muzaffar Khan, the chief of Multan. In 1813, he defeated Dost Mohammed Khan in the battle of Attock. In 1818, he finally captured Multan. Kashmir was the next to fall in July 1819.

On August 25, 1820, Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed as the Governor of Kashmir. Nalwa was authorised to issue a coin in his own name. He relinquished the Governor-ship of Kashmir, on November 6, 1821, in order to win more territory. On December 20, 1821, he won Mungher. After this he was appointed as the Governor of Hazara. He founded the town of Haripur (in his own name) and built a fort named Kishangarh. In 1823, he defeated Mohammed Azim Khan and his great army which had declared Jihad (holy war), at Naushehra. In 1834, he suppressed the rebellion at Peshawar.

Hari Singh Nalwa built and renovated several forts including Jamraud, Haripur, Attock, Naushehra. Haripur town in Hazara district of Pakistan was also established by Hari Singh after his own name.

General Hari Singh Nalwa was, now, known as the “Supreme General”. The Afghan dreaded him and according to a tradition the Afghan women used to scare their children by saying Chup Sao Haria Rahiley (Keep quiet, Hari Singh Nalwa is

coming). The Dogras of Jammu did not like Nalwa; hence they had been planning to eliminate Nalwa.

In 1837, he advised (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh to hand over the reign of the kingdom to Punj Piaray, as the Sikh soldiers had been fighting to win the territory in the name of the Panth only. (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh rejected the idea and said that the kingdom was his (Ranjit Singh’s) own. When Dogras came to know about Nalwa’s suggestion, they chalked out a plan to eliminate Nalwa.

General Hari Singh Nalwa fought his last battle at Jamraud, where he died (on April 10, 1837), while leading the battle against the Afghans, headed by Dost Mohammed Khan. During this battle the Dogras (Dhian Sinh, Gulab Sinh etc.) conspired and the necessary military supplies could not reach Jamraud; otherwise the results would have been different. According to another source, Hari Singh Nalwa was killed by one of the Dogra soldiers, who had been employed by Dogra brothers. (Hari Singh Nalwa was shot from a close distance).

On 30 April 2013, the Indian Government issued a postal stamp to commemorate his memory.

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(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

General Hari Singh Bhangi, adopted son of Bhai Bhuma Singh, was born at village Hotha, in the Malwa zone. Later, the family moved to Jhang. On March 29, 1748, when the Sikh army was divided into 11 Misls, his Jatha was accepted as Bhangi Misl. He was also the leader of the Taruna Dal (the Younger Ones, under forty years of age). He had an army of 20,000 Sikhs. He established his headquarters at village Sohal, and later at Gilwali (district Amritsar) and finally at Amritsar.

Bhai Hari Singh was a brave general. He showed exemplary courage when Ahmed Shah Durrani attacked Sikhs with a large force, in February 1762 (known as Vadda Ghallughara).

In October 1763, he attacked Kasur and freed the wife of a Brahmin from the local chief, who had forcibly taken her. He also occupied Lahore for some time. He attacked Bahawalpur, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Jhang Sialkot etc. He realized tribute from the chiefs of several districts.

In March 1765, he led the Sikh army on Aala Singh of Patiala, because Aala Singh had accepted subordination of Ahmed Shah Durrani. Bhai Jassa Singh Ahluwalia mediated a compromise and made Aala Singh apologize. Bhai Hari Singh Bhangi died in this expedition.

Bhai Hari Singh Bhangi had four sons: Desu Singh, Deva Singh, Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh. His sons Ganda Singh and Jhanda Singh succeeded him. His successors were not capable like him and they lost their kingdom very soon.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Hari Singh (1897 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Kanhaiya Singh, was born at village Thothian (district Amritsar). When he was just twelve, he learnt a lot of Gurbani by heart. Soon he began participating in Sikh missionary activities. Bhai Hari Singh was a good wrestler and player of Kabbadi. He participated in several wrestling matches. He was one of the few wrestlers who did not cut or trim their hair. His marriage was performed in accordance with authentic Sikh ceremonies. Bhai Hari Singh also joined army for some time. When a Shaheedi Jatha was enroled to participate in Gurdwara Rakab Ganj agitation, he offered himself. When a Jatha left for Nanakana Sahib, on February 19, 1921, he dressed himself in the Sikh traditional dress and went to Sahib, where he embraced martyrdom the following day.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Hari Singh (1889 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Sewa Singh, was born at village Pandori Nijjharan (district Jullundur). As a man he was a sociable and generous person. At the age of sixteen, he joined the army. During his posting he got initiation. He participated in the First World War. In the war he was wounded. His leg was seriously affected. As a result he got premature retirement. He returned home and began cultivating land at village Chakk No. 91, Dhannuana (district Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan). When Gurdwara Reform Movement began he joined it. On February 19, 1921, he joined the Jatha to Nanakana Sahib, where he embraced martyrdom the following day.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Hari Singh Jullunduri (1884 – 9.7.1966) was a senior Akali leader. He was one of the first members of the S.G.P.C. He participated in the Keys’ Agitation and Guru Ka Bagh Agitation. On October 12, 1923, the S.G.P.C. and the Akali Dal were declared unlawful organisations. He was arrested on October 13, 1923, along with the other leaders of the S.G.P.C. When some Akali leaders accepted conditional release in January 1926, he refused to join them. He was released on September 27, 1926.

After his release, he decided to give more attention to his business. He established Raj Mahal Hotel and a bookshop at Jullundur. He was a member of the management committee of the Sikh National College Lahore and Khalsa College Jullundur.

He was one of the founders of the Gursewak Sabha, formed in 1933 to bring unity among the Akalis and to promote Sikh ethics. Before his death, he formed a Trust of his property so that the property may be used for social welfare.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Hari Singh, son of Bhai Deva Singh was born at village Bilaspur (district Firozpur). When he grew up he joined the British Indian army. During the Gurdwara Reform movement he stopped tying his beards. He was given imprisonment of 28 days for keeping flowing beards. He resigned the army and returned home. During the Jaito agitation, he 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 Hari Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Naik Hari Ram, son of Naik Keerat Yadav Wanjara (who was realand eder brotheor of Bhai Lakhi Rai Wanjara), was the jailer of the Gwalior Fort Prison. Guru Hargobind Sahib remained in this fort as a royal prisoner up to October 26, 1619. During the period of the confinement of Guru Sahib, Baba Buddha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Ballu (grandfather of Bhai Mani Singh), Bhai Pirana, Bhai Kiratia used to visit Guru Sahib. All of them used to stay with Bhai Hari Ram. Bhai Hari Ram used to serve all of them with dedication.

Guru Hargobind Sahib was released in October 1619. 52 royal prisoners had been released from prison along with the Guru; these kings included Kalyan Chand (Kahlur, Bilaspur), Himmat Chand (Handur, Nalagarh) etc. After his release, the Guru Sahib and the 52 kings stayed for one night with Hari Ram Yadav. Hari Ram lighted rows of lamps in his house to celebrate the visit of Guru Sahib to his house.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Hari Ram Gupta (1902 – 28.3.1992) was born at village Bhurewal (district Ambala, Haryana). He received his early education from his village. Later, he passed his M.A. in History from Punjab University, Lahore. In 1937, he was awarded Ph. D. by Punjab University, Lahore, for his thesis The Evolution of the Sikh Confederacies.

He began his career as a Lecturer in History at F.C. College, Lahore. During this period his books on the Sikh history were published. In 1944, he was awarded D.Litt. by the Punjab University, Lahore. In 1947, he joined the University College at Hoshiarpur as Professor and head of the department of history. In 1960, he was appointed as the Dean of the University Instructions.

He retired in 1963. The same year he was appointed as the head of the postgraduate department of history at Dev Samaj College, Firozpur. He retired from this college in 1977. He spent the rest of his life at Delhi. D

1. Hari Ram Gupta spent whole of his life in doing work on Sikh history. He wrote several books, including: History of the Sikhs, Studies in the Later Mogul

History of the Punjab, Punjab on the Eve of the First Sikh War, Marathas and Panipat, Indian Pakistan War 1965. His last work was the history of the Sikhs in six volumes. He could complete five volumes (up to the year 1982) only. Dr. Hari Ram Gupta was given awards and honours by several institutions: Jadunath Sarkar Gold Medal (1949), honour by Sri Guru Singh Sabha (1981), honour by the Punjab History Conference (1989).

Dr Hari Ram Gupta could not get due honour from the Sikhs because of his Arya Samajist views which could be seen from his writings.

[Photo of Dr Hari Ram Gupta with thanks from Principal Subhash Parihar, Kotkapura]

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Hari Chand (? – 1688) was the chief of small hill State in Garhwal (now Uttrakhand). He joined Fateh Shah in attack on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, in the battle of Bhangani (on September 18, 1688). Hari Chand fought bravely. He killed several Sikhs. During the middle of the battle, Hari Chand killed Bhai Jit Mall (a cousin of Guru Gobind Singh) with his spear. Hari Chand too fell down unconscious but after some time he got up again and fought bravely. He shot three arrows at Guru Gobind Singh, one of these arrows hit horse of the Guru and another hit Guru’s belt. At this the Guru too shot arrow at him and killed him. After Hari Chand’s death, the armies of the hill chiefs fled the battlefield.

Hari Chand’s samaadh still stands near Gurdwara Tirgarh in Bhangani village.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harhu Vij was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Garhu Vij, Bhai Chatur Das Kapur and Bhai Mula Kapur, visited Guru Sahib. They asked Guru Sahib, “Guru Nanak Sahib in a hymn had said that all our efforts are futile and one will get reward only if He pleases.” Guru Sahib told them that Guru Nanak Sahib, in that verse tell: The Almighty does not bless the learned people (who are proud of their intellect) with spiritual knowledge but blesses those who, though they are illiterate, but are humble and devoted. An average person considers learned people as awake and the illiterate in slumber. Bhai Garhu and his companions were enlightened. They returned home and spent their life as true Sikhs.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harhi, son of Bhai Lakkhi Rai Yadav (Wanjara) and grandson of Bhai Godhu, was a resident of village Rasaina (Gurdwara Rakab Ganj area). When Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was martyred, on November 11, 1675, he joined his father and brothers (Bhai Hema and Bhai Nigahia) and picked up the body of Guru Sahib from Chandani Chowk, on November 12. They burnt their house to cremate the body of Guru Sahib.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Harguranaad Singh (12.3.1908 – 15.10.1989), son of S. Hargurdev Singh, was born at Banga (district Jullundur). From his early childhood he had a religious bent of mind. He got initiation at a very young age.

When he grew up, he joined Shiromani Akali Dal. In 1955, he, along with his wife Bibi Daljit Kaur, courted arrest during Punjabi Suba Zindabad agitation. In 1957, he was elected to the Punjab Assembly. In 1958, when Akali Dal parted with the Congress Party, he was one of the first to sever relations with the Congress Party. In 1960, he was arrested during the Punjabi Suba agitation.

1. Harguranaad Singh was a sincere worker. He made active participation in all the agitations and projects. He was always on the forefront. In 1968, he spearheaded the Sikh Homeland movement. He was one of the major leaders of the Khalistan movement.
2. Harguranaad Singh was the founder of most of the educational institutions of Banga (including Sikh National College, G. N. College for Women, Guru Hargobind Khalsa High School). He built/renovated several Gurdwaras too. For several years he remained the president of Gurdwara Charan Kanwal. He was also the President of Banga Municipal Committee. He died at Banga in 1989.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Pandit Hardyal was a priest of the village Talwandi Rai Bhoi (now Nanakana Sahib). According to Janamsakis, he cast horoscope of Guru Nanak Sahib. He told Guru Sahib’s father that the child will sit under a canopy. Both Hindus and the Muslims will revere him. His name will be known in the whole of the universe. He will preach worship of the Nirankar, the Formless One. It was Pandit Hardyal, who, in 1480, was invited to invest a Janeu (sacred thread worn by the high caste Hindus) to Guru Nanak Sahib. Guru Nanak Sahib refused to wear it.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Lala Hardyal (1884 – 1939) was an active political worker of the early days of the twentieth century. He was also a brilliant student. He passed his M.A. from Lahore with a good score. In 1903-04, the British government sent him to England, for higher studies. In 1908, he returned to India. Here, he became a serious worker of Arya Samaj, a fundamentalist Hindu organization.

In 1913, on finding possibilities of World War, he went to the U.S.A. Then the Indians living in the North America were organizing themselves into a national party, which was, later, known as Ghadr Party. He tried to control this organization. In 1914, the U.S. Government arrested him. He was released on bail. He jumped bail and moved to Switzerland. Later, he went to Germany. During the First World War, he worked for the Germans.

Hardyal was a fundamentalist Hindu, but after the First World War, he became a fan of the western life and started detesting all that was “Indian”. Soon, Lala Hardyal apologized and became a collaborator of the British regime. After some time, he was appointed as a lecturer in the University of Berkeley (U.S.A.). He died in mysterious circumstances.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Hardit Singh (23.11.1894 – 31.10.1985), son of Sirdar Mohan Singh, was born at Rawalpindi (Pakistan). He received his early education from a private tutor at his home. In 1908, he was sent to England, where he studied up to 1915. He passed his B.A. degree with Honours in History.

In 1916, he joined French Red Cross. In 1917, he became a pilot with the Royal Air Force. He returned home in 1919. The same year he passed Indian Civil Services examination. In 1922, he was appointed as Assistant Commissioner of the Sheikhupura district. In 1930, he was appointed as deputy trade commissioner. He spent the next 4 years in England and Germany. In 1934, he was appointed deputy secretary in the Commerce ministry. In 1937 he was sent to Canada as trade commissioner. In 1939, he was transferred to the U.S.A.

In 1944, he was appointed as the prime minister of Patiala State. In 1947, he was appointed as the Indian High Commissioner in Canada. He also served as the Indian Ambassador to France. He retired in 1957. He spent his last days at Delhi.

When Master Tara Singh undertook fast unto death on August 15, 1961, for the formation of the Punjabi Suba, he played an important role. It was he who offered juice to Master Tara Singh to break his fast on October 1, 1961. He died at Delhi in 1985.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Hardit Singh, son of Bhai Narain Singh, was born at village Kaleke (district Moga). When he grew up, he went to Malaya. There, he joined the police force and worked there for five years. After this he made a visit to his native village. When the First Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito, passed through village Rode, on February 20, 1924, he reached there to welcome the Jatha. There, he became so emotional that he too accompanied the Jatha. The Jatha reached Jaito on February 21, 1924. At Jaito, the British army fired at the Jatha. Bhai Hardit Singh was one of the Sikhs who embraced martyrdom. He was 32-33 years old at the time of martyrdom.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)