Archives: Sikh Biographies

Bhai Hardas Singh (? – 1715) was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. When Guru Sahib left for Nander, he returned his home at village Sur Singh. When Baba Banda Singh came to Punjab, he joined him in his battles. In 1715, he embraced martyrdom in the battle of Bajwara. After his death his son Giani Bhagwan Singh (father of Bhai Jassa Singh Ramgarhia) move to Icchogil (district Lahore).

In 2015, a biography of Hardas Singh was Published by a writer known as Ranjit Singh. This is full of gossips.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Harcharan Singh Hudiara (? – 11.9.1993) was born at village Hudiara (tehsil Barki, district Lahore, Pakistan). When he grew up, he joined Shiromani Akali Dal. In 1955, he was elected to the S.G.P.C. He came into prominence in 1956, when some Akali workers supported Akali-Congress merger; he opposed the merger.

In 1960, when Punjabi Suba agitation began; when several Akali leader were arrested he escaped arrest and went to Darbar Sahib. He was appointed a member of the Punjabi Suba Morcha Committee. In 1961, he opposed Master Tara Singh’s election as president of the S.G.P.C. On November 30, 1961, when the election of the president ship of the S.G.P.C. was being held, he walked out of the meeting with his 70 supporters but returned after the election was over. The same day he was elected vice president of the S.G.P.C.

In 1962, when Fateh Singh parted with Master Tara Singh, he joined hands with Fateh Singh. In 1967, he was elected member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. He was a senior leader of the Fateh Singh group, but he could not get a good position in the Akali-led government. As a result, on May 24th of 1967, he resigned the Akali Dal (led by Fateh Singh) and formed his own Akali Dal. Sometimes, later, he rejoined the Akali Dal (led by Fateh Singh). In 1968, all the Akali factions were united.

By this time several new faces joined the Akali Dal. This made him a secondary figure. Gradually he too withdrew from very active political life. He died in 1993, at a ripe age.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Harchand Singh Lyallpuri (1887 – 20.2.1954), son of Bhai Arjan Singh, was born at village Sur Singh (district Amritsar). Later, the family moved to Lyallpur. Harchand Singh worked hard and earned a fortune.

He was one of the pioneers of the Gurdwara Reform Movement. He was one of the few leaders who launched a struggle for the re-construction of the wall of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Delhi (demolished by the British on January 14, 1914). When annual Sikh Educational Conference was held at Jullundur on April 10-12, 1914, he presented a resolution about the wall of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj. The Chowdhrys (chiefs) of the Conference did not allow him to discuss the issue and expelled him from the Conference. He called a meeting of the Sikh elite at Lahore on May 31, 1914. Several leaders attended it. The meeting condemned the British government and demanded re-construction of the wall. In August 1914, the First World War began. The Deputy Commissioner of Lyallpur held a meeting with Sirdar Harchand Singh and requested him to stop agitation and promised the re-construction of the wall after the War was over. The War ended in 1919 but the Government did not bother.

The Sikh League was formed in 1919. He was one of the founders of the League. He was one of the founders of daily Akali, a Sikh paper started on May 21, 1920. A session of the Sikh League was held at Lahore, on October 18 to 20, 1920. Sirdar Harchand Singh managed passing of a resolution to send a Shaheedi Jatha of 100 Sikhs to Delhi to re-construct the wall.

When the S.G.P.C. was formed on November 15-16, 1920, he was elected as one of the members. In 1923, he was elected a member of the Punjab Legislative Council. On October 12, 1923, the S.G.P.C. was declared an unlawful

organisation. He was not arrested along with the other leaders. He, however, appeared as a witness in favour of the Akali leaders in Akali Leaders Conspiracy Case. After 1925, he renounced active political life. After 1947, he was allotted land at Kota (Rajastan), where he spent last days of his life.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji (11.1.1893 – 6.12.1984), son of Sirdar Gulab Singh, was born at village Charhal (district Patiala). This family had been serving the Patiala State since long; hence the ruler has special regards for them. Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji received his preliminary education from Patiala. Later he joined Khalsa College Amritsar. At Amritsar he came into contact with several senior Sikh leaders.

After completing his studies, he joined service at Patiala Darbar. He served the Darbar for more than 8 years. By this time Pandit Daya Kishan Kaul had established himself at Patiala Darbar and Bhupindera Singh (the ruler of Patiala) was in his grip. When Sirdar Harchand Singh felt that Pandit Kaul had become unbearable, he resigned his job.

During this period, his son got married to the daughter of Bhai Sewa Singh Thikriwala. Bhupindera Singh did not like this. For some time Bhupindera Singh interned Sirdar Harchand Singh in latter’s bungalow (because Sirdar Harchand Singh had wore black turban to exhibit his solidarity with the Panth). In 1933-34, Baba Kharak Singh visited Patiala State. Those who welcomed Kharak Singh were given severe punishments by Bhupindera Singh. Bhupindera Singh confiscated sirdar Harchand Singh’s bungalow at Patiala. Sometimes later, Bhupindera Singh confiscated the rest of the property of Sirdar Harchand Singh and expelled him from the State. Sirdar Harchand Singh moved to Amritsar.

In 1938, Bhupindera Singh died and his son Yadavindera Singh became the chief of the State. Yadavindera Singh expressed his sympathy for all those who had to suffer at the hands of Bhupindera Singh. Yadavindera Singh himself married the daughter of Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji.

Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji was a very generous person. He made liberal contribution for the Panthic causes and for social welfare. In September 1961, Sirdar Harchand Singh played his role to bring an end to Master Tara Singh’s fast unto death.

Attack on Darbar Sahib by Indira Gandhi made him despondent. Massacre of the Sikhs during Black November further affected his health and he died within a few days.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Harbhagat Singh (28.2.1901 – 30.4.1994), son of Bhai Inder Singh, was born at Narangwal (district Ludhiana). In 1927, he became a teacher at Malwa High School, Ludhiana. In 1939, he was arrested for giving a speech again the British government. In 1942-45, the Sikhs held Kuka Kufar Tor conferences to condemn blasphemous acts of the Mandarins, who had begun claiming continuation of succession of living Guru-ship in Sikhism; and had committed sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib by Party Path [reading hymns by separating all pages of Guru Granth Sahib]. Giani Harbhagat Singh was one of the major leaders of this movement. In 1942 and 1943, he was the stage secretary of these conferences. In 1952, he was elected to the S.G.P.C. He participated in the Punjabi Suba Zindabad agitation (1955) and remained in jail for several months. In 1979, he became an associate of the Dal Khalsa. In 1979, when Dal Khalsa and the Sikh Students Federation decided to contest the S.G.P.C. election, on a united front, he was appointed Chairman of Parliamentary Board. Later, he was selected as Much Punch (member of Presidium) of the Dal Khalsa. On May 1, 1982, the Dal Khalsa was declared an unlawful organisation. He resigned Dal Khalsa and joined the Akali Dal. During the Dharam Iud Mocha (1982-83), he courted arrest. He was arrested again in 1988. In April 1994 he fell ill and was admitted to the P.G.I. where he died.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Professor Harbans Singh (6.3.1921 – 30.5.1998) son of Bhai Ram Lal, was born at village Kottha Guru (district Bathinda). He began his career as a lecturer in English at Khalsa College Amritsar in 1943. In 1958, he became the Principal of the Government College Muktsar. In 1962, he became the Registrar of the Punjabi University Patiala. In 1968, he went to Harvard University as Visiting Fellow. In 1969, he became Professor and head of the department of Religious Studies. In 1972, he started work on production of Sikh Encyclopedia. In 1977, he declined the Vice-Chancellorship of Punjabi University Patiala to be able to complete the Encyclopedia. The first volume of the Sikh Encyclopedia was printed in 1994. Professor Harbans Singh has toured several countries of the world. He is a master of the English language.

He had two children: one son and one daughter; both were settled in the USA. It is wiely believed that when his son cut his hair after his divorce and his daughter (Nikky Guninder Kaur) divorced her Sikh husband and married a Christian, he suffered a paralytic attack. He remained in this state for a couple of years and died.

He had written several books, including: Heritage of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak and Origin of the Sikh Faith, Guru Gobind Singh, Bhai Vir Singh, Berkeley Lectures on Sikhism etc. Some of his books have been translated into several languages. In 1992, The Sikhs: Past & Present published a special volume of articles in honour of his contribution.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Harbans Singh (? – 3.4.1944), son of Bhai Khem Singh Havildar, was born at village Sarhala Khurd, (district Hoshiarpur). In 1923, he joined Babar Akali Jatha. He was arrested and jailed for three years. In 1930, he participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement and underwent an imprisonment for one year. After his release, he founded Yug Paltau Dal and continued participation in the struggle for freedom. He was interned in his village. He proved too clever and went underground. The British government announced a big award for his arrest. In 1943, he was arrested. He was at once removed to Lahore Fort Prison where he was put under trial in connection with the Kalka Shooting Case and the Kartarpur Murder Case. The court sentenced him to death. He was hanged on April 3, 1944.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

 

Bhai Harbans Singh Atari (1878 – 24.6.1936) was the son of Bhai Ajit Singh and the grandson of the great Sikh general Bhai Sham Singh Atariwala. In 1903, he joined Chief Khalsa Diwan and became a part of Sikh missionary movement. It was he who suggested Chief Khalsa Diwan to start an orphanage. In 1905, he went to far places to preach Sikh faith. In 1907 he impressed upon Bhai Mehtab Singh Bir to form ‘Khalsa Biradari Karaj Saadhak Dal’ and preach Sikhism among the backward sections of the Punjab. It was he who established first Sikh Missionary College at tarn Taran.

In 1920, the Sikhs launched Gurdwara Reform Movement; and decided to form Shiromani Grdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the management of the Sikh shrines. This alarmed the British regime as they feared that this will give a chance to the Sikhs to become a united force. So, it (the regime) decided to torpedo the Sikh Committee by appointing a 36 member Committee for the management of the Sikh shrines. As Harbans Singh was a prominent member, he was included in this Committee. However, the Sikhs did not postpone their plan; and a meeting was held on 15th of November. Intelligent leadership of the Sikhs took a very wise step by including the 36 names of the Government’s Committee among the members of the newly elected SGPC.

On November 16, 1920, Sunder Singh Majithia was elected the president of the SGPC and Harbans Singh was elected as vice-president of the S.G.P.C. After one month, Sunder Singh resigned and he was chosen president of the S.G.P.C. He remained in this office up to August 13, 1921.

From 1922 to 1934, he served as the Honorary Secretary of the Chief Khalsa Diwan. From 1934 to 1936 he served as the President of the Diwan. He died in Kashmir in 1936.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

General Harbakhsh Singh (1.10.1913 – 14.11.1999) was born in village Badrukhan (distt Sangrur). When he grew up, he joined the Indian Military Academy in 1933. He was commissioned on 15 July, 1935; and, he started his career with a year’s post-commission attachment with the 2nd battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Rawalpindi.

During Second World War, he fought against the Japanese Army. During a battle at Kuantan on 5 January 1942, he (then Capt. Harbaksh Singh) was seriously injured. He was taken prisoner of war as Singapore fell to the Japanese Army. He was repatriated in September 1945 after the war was over.

In 1947, during battle of Kashmir he was posted as Deputy Commander at the headquarters of 161 Infantry Brigade. He conducted the main battle against the raiders at Shelatang Bridge on 7 November 1947. This decisive battle, involving 1st battalion Sikh Regiment and 4th battalion Kumaon Regiment, proved to be a turning point in the war. On 12 December 1947, he proceeded to Uri and took over the command of the battalion voluntarily, dropping a star from his rank. He brought back the battalion to Srinagar and began to rehabilitate it. However, even before the rehabilitation was complete, the battalion was called out to fight the enemy who had occupied Handwara. In 1948, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. He took over the command of 163 Infantry Brigade and began to advance to Tithawal; finally Tithawal was captured. As a reward for his bravery, he was awarded a Vir Chakra.

After the Kashmir operations, he went on to serve as the Deputy Commandant of the Indian Military Academy at the western command headquarters, director of infantry at the Army headquarters. In 1957 attended a course at the Imperial Defence College (now Royal College of Defence Studies), UK. In January 1959, he became the first foreign officer to go on

attachment with German Army’s first division to be raised after their disbandment at the end of World War II.

After his return to India, he was appointed as the General Officer Commanding of the 27 Infantry Division, and later as the GOC of 5 Infantry Division. From July 1961 to October 1962, he was the Chief of Staff at the Western Command headquarters. In November 1964, he was appointed as Army Commander and took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command (whose area of responsibility spanned from Ladakh to Punjab). On 6th of September 1965, Indo-Pak War began. During the first three days Pakistan had an upper hand. On 9th of September Indian Army Chief J.M. Chowdhry asked him to leave Amritsar border and take position at Beas river. Harbakhsh Singh took the orders from his boss, but his conscious did not allow him to abandon Amritsar. He gave a great fight to Pakistani Army and saved Amritsar and three more districts. Lal Bahadur Shahsti, the Prime Minister of India, was greatly impressed by his action.

He remained as the General-Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Army Command from 1964 to 1969, the General retired in September 1969. Captain Amarinder Singh (later Chief Minister of Punjab) of Patiala served him as his ADC.

Sirdar Haqiqat Singh, son of Bhai Baghel Singh Siddhu, was born at village Julka (district Lahore, Pakistan). He was one of the leaders of the Sikh army. He was the chief of one of the 65 Jathas, which were merged to form 11 Misls, on March 29, 1748. He was one of the leaders of the Kanhaiya Misl. He had captured Kalanaur, Pathankot etc. In 1760, he founded Sangatpura village. In 1773, he attacked Jammu and compelled its ruler to pay him tribute. Sirdar Haqiqat Singh died in 1782. His son Jaimal Singh succeeded him. (Jaimal Singh’s daughter Chand Kaur was married to Kharag Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Haqiqat Rai/Singh (October 1724 – 30.1.1742), son of Bibi Gauran and Bhai Bagh Mall and grandson of Bhai Nand Lal Puri (a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Har Rai Sahib), was born at Sialkot (Pakistan). When he was just a small boy, he was married to Bibi Durga Devi (daughter of Bhai Kishan Chand Uppal of Batala). Bhai Budh Singh of Batala taught him the basic principles of Sikh philosophy. Later, he was sent to local school run by the Muslims. One day, some of his Muslim class-fellows used abusive language for some mythological Hindu goddess. He asked them, “If some one says any thing in the same tune against Bibi Fatima, the daughter of Hazrat Mohammed Sahib, how would you feel?” This was enough to infuriate his Muslim class-fellows. They made complaint to Amir Beg, the ruler of Sialkot. Amir Beg arrested Haqiqat Singh (Rai). He was produced before Zakaria Khan, the Governor of Lahore. Zakaria Khan asked him to choose between “death or Islam.” Haqiqat Singh (Rai) refused to give up his faith. Zakaria Khan ordered his execution. Haqiqat Singh (Rai)’s samaadh was built in East Lahore. It had to be abandoned in 1947 at the time of mass migration.

In fact the name of Haqiqat Singh (Rai) has been mentioned wrongly as Rai. He was Haqiqat Singh. It was Agra poet who made him Haqiqat Rai. Bhai Haqiqat Singh’s maternal uncle Arjan Singh Wadhawan was also killed along with him.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Hamir Singh (? – December 1783), son of Surtia Singh, became the ruler of Nabha State, in 1754. He had the estate of Dhanaula, Pakkho, and Kapurgarh etc. In 1755, he founded the town of Nabha. In 1764, he joined hands with the Sikh army and defeated Zain Khan, the Governor of Sirhind. After this victory, he was given the territory of Amloh. Once, Gajpat Singh, ruler of Jind, invited Hamir Singh to his State and arrested him. Gajpat Singh occupied Amloh and Bhadson and sieged Sangrur. Hamir Singh’s wife, Rani Desan, fought against them for four months. Later, the Patiala ruler was accepted as a mediator. As a compromise Amloh was given to the king of Jind and Bhadson was returned to Hamir Singh. He died in 1783.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Sadhu Singh Hamdard (1918 – 29.7.1984), son of Chowdhry Labbhu Ram, was born at village Paddi Met Wali, near Banga (district Jullundur). He was a poet, novelist and a journalist. He started newspaper Ajit Patrika, on November 1, 1955. Later, it was named daily Ajit. He was a pro-Congress and anti-Akali person. After split in the Akali Dal in 1962, he joined hands with Fateh Singh group. In 1966, he was nominated as a member of the Executive of the Akali Dal (Fateh Singh group) for one year. In 1968, he was awarded “the best journalist” award by the Punjab government. Two of his books received “the Book of the Year Award.”

He was given Padam Sri award by the Indian government, on January 26, 1984. He returned the award on June 16, after the attack of the Indian army, on Darbar Sahib (June 4, 1984). The attack on Darbar Sahib made him very much despondent. On July 29, 1984, he died of an heart attack.

His writings include: Ghazal, Modern Ghazal, Ghazal De Rang, Rang Sugandh, Vas Suvas (Poetry), Zeenat Baghel Singh, Takkar, Anakh, Make Up, Gandharv Viah etc. (Fiction), Akhin Dittha Rus (travelogue) etc. His Ph.D. thesis on Gazal is a masterpiece of research on the subject.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gursa Singh Gahunia, a Saini, was a resident of village Kotla Nihang Khan. He was a dedicated Sikh. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib visited Kotla Nihang to attend the betrothal ceremony of Bhai Aalam Khan, son of Bhai Nihang Khan, the Sikhs accompanying Guru Sahib stayed with Bhai Gursa (later Gursa Singh) Gahunia. On December 5, 1705, when Palit Zorawar Singh left Anandpur Sahib, he rested for some time at the residence of Bhai Gursa Singh; and even after his escape from Chamkaur he reached his home and got treatment for his wounds. On December 8, Bhai Gursa Singh joined Bhai Bagga Singh to cremate Bhai Bachitar Singh who had died at the residence of Bhai Nihang Khan. Later, they escorted Palit Zorawar Singh to Mai Poopan, in village Daddheri.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurnam Singh, a resident of village Jandiala (district Sheikhupura), joined the Eighth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Nanakana Sahib for Amritsar on May 22, 1924 and Amritsar for Jaito on June 10, 1924 and reached Jaito on June 29, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Gurnam Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Professor Gurmukh Singh (15.4.1849 – 24.9.1898), son of Bhai Basawa Singh, was born at village Chandharh (district Gujranwala). For some time Bhai Baswa Singh served as cook of (Maharaja) Sher Singh. After the murder of (Maharaja) Sher Singh he moved to Kapurthala and joined service with Raja Nihal Singh, the ruler of Kapurthala. After the death of Raja Nihal Singh Bhai Basawa Singh served Raja Randhir Singh and Kanwar Bikram Singh. It was here that (Prof.) Gurmukh Singh was born. In spite of poverty, his parents sent him to college. In 1877, he was appointed as assistant teacher of Punjabi at Oriental College Lahore (later Punjab University). (In 1881 he became Assistant Professor. Since then he came to be known as Professor). On November 2, 1879, the Singh Sabha Lahore was established. He was one of the founders of this organization. He was selected secretary of the Sabha. In 1880, he started a newspaper named Gurmukhi Akhbar and a journal named Vidyarak. Professor Gurmukh Singh was a forceful and intelligent writer. Professor Gurmukh Singh wrote a couple of books too, including Bharat Da Itihas, Gurbani Bhavarth, Gur Baras.

He was a very candid person. He spearheaded the movement to stop sacrilege of Gurdwaras by those who were in direct line of Guru Sahib (Guru Sahib had rejected their children as their successors-in-mission; hence hereditary right to religious and social status was over-ruled by Guru Sahib). The prominent among such persons, who wished to claim special status, was Khem Singh Bedi. Soon the Singh Sabha was split. On April 11, 1886, this group formed Khalsa Diwan Lahore. Maharaja Hira Singh Nabha was selected as the president and Professor Gurmukh Singh was selected as the secretary of the Diwan.

On March 18, 1887, the Nirmala-Udasi group of Singh Sabha Amritsar managed to issue an order, in the name of a so-called Hukamnama from Akal Takht Sahib, excommunicating Professor Gurmukh Singh. This so-called Hukamnama was supported by Bikram Singh (ruler of Faridkot), Dr. Charan Singh (father of Bhai Vir Singh) etc. On the other hand, most of the Singh Sabhas stood

by Professor Gurmukh Singh. On April 12, 1887, 19 Singh Sabhas condemned issuing of so-called Hukamnama against Professor Gurmukh Singh.

On May 8, 1897, Professor Gurmukh Singh’s benefactor Kanwar Bikram Singh died. In spite of this, he continued serving the nation with former spirit.

Professor Gurmukh Singh was one of the major organisers of Khalsa College Establishment Committee. He collected large sums of money for this College. Atar Singh Bhadaur, the president of the Khalsa Diwan Lahore, died on June 10, 1896. Now, Professor Gurmukh Singh had to do much more work. It affected his health but he did not bother and continued his activities.

In September 1898 he went to Chail to get some financial help for the Khalsa Diwan Lahore from Maharaja of Dhaulpur. When he was on his way back, he fell ill. He broke his journey at Kanda Ghat. After a couple of days he planned to leave for Ambala on September 24. On the night of September 23, he continued working till late night. He died the same night. Professor Gurmukh Singh had married twice, but no child was born to either of his wives.

Professor Gurmukh Singh also had negative side of his life. When Bhai Nihal Singh published Khurshid Khalsa, a book, which supported (Maharaja) Dalip Singh’s claim to the kingdom of the Punjab and (the book) also thanked Bhai Thakar Singh Sandhanwalia for his services for the cause, Professor Gurmukh Singh expelled Bhai Nihal Singh from Lahore Singh Sabha. Professor Gurmukh Singh also expelled Diwan Buta Singh because he had published Punjabi version of a book about Dalip Singh’s claim to the kingdom of the Punjab.

He (Professor) was also opposed to the electrification of Darbar Sahib.

It was he who tried to change the date of birth of Guru Nanak Sahib from Katak Pooranmaashi (20-10-1469) to Visakh (15-4-1469); but the Sikh Panth did not accept his date and continued celebrating Guru’s birthday in Katak.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Gurmukh Singh (6.1.1896 – 19.6.1984), son of Bhai Kalu, was born at village Dalel Singh Wala (district Bathinda). In 1914, he joined the British Indian army. He was appointed Granthi. He resigned the army after a service of five years. When Gurdwara Reform movement began, he made active participation in it. He was arrested for making a speech. He served one and a half year in jail. In 1935, he joined the Jatha of Baba Nand Singh, who had set up his Dera at Dera Baba Jassa Singh, at Patiala. Baba Gurmukh Singh spent rest of his life preaching the Sikh mission. He initiated a large number of Sikhs. In 1973, he was nominated as a member of the Singh Sabha Shatabadi Committee. In 1975, he was given Siropao at Akal Takht Sahib for his services to the Sikh Panth. In 1984, he visited the U.S.A. The news of the attack of Darbar Sahib by the Indian army (June 4, 1984) affected him a lot. Within a few days, he died of a heart attack in New York.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurmukh Singh, son of Bhai Chhabil Singh, grandson of Bhai Murari and great-grandson of Bhai Bhura (great-grandson of Bhai Sukhia Mandan), of Ladwa (district Thanesar, Haryana), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He embraced martyrdom on April 12, 1709 in the battle of Amritsar. His father Bhai Chhabil Singh and brother Bhai Sangat Singh also embraced martyrdom in the same battle.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gurmukh Singh Musafir (15.1.1899 – 18.1.1976), son of Bhai Sujan Singh, was born at village Adhwal (district Campbellpur, Pakistan). He began his career as a teacher at Khalsa High School, Kallar.

After the massacre of the Sikhs at Nanakana Sahib, he joined the Gurdwara Reform Movement (1920-26). He was arrested during the Guru-Ka-Bagh agitation (1922).

For about one year (1930 to 1931), he served as caretaker of Akal Takht Sahib. In 1934, he was appointed as the Secretary of the S.G.P.C. He was arrested again during the Quit India movement (1942).

In 1946, he was elected as a member of the Indian Constituent Assembly. In 1949, he signed the Indian Constitution, which the Akali members (Hukam Singh and Bhupinder Singh Maan) had refused to sign.

He co-operated with the Indian regime in every situation. In 1952, he was awarded with a seat in the Upper House of the Indian parliament. He was the Chief Minister of the Punjab from November 1, 1966 to March 7, 1967. In 1968, he was chosen to the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He was also a good poet and a short story writer.

He wrote several books, including (short story books:) Vakkhari Dunia, Ahlanei De Bot, Kandhan Bol Paiyan, Satai January, Allah Wale, Sasta Tamasha, Sabh Achchha; (poetry books:) Sabr De Baan, Prem Baan, Musafarian, Kaav Sunehe, Sehaj Seti etc. Musafir had seen very hard days in his life and no body helped him. His close relatives too did not help him or his family. After 1947, he spent the rest of his life very comfortably at Delhi. He was known for his ‘lively’ activities. This aspect of his life made him forget his past.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Gurmukh Singh (3.12.1892 – 13.3.1977), son of Bhai Hoshnak Singh, was born at village Lalton Khurd (district Ludhiana). In 1914, he boarded Komagata Maru ship, which had been hired by Baba Gurdit Singh to go to Vancouver (Canada). The passengers of the ship were not allowed to land and the ship had to return. The ship docked at Budge Budge port (near Calcutta) on September 29, 1914. Here, the passengers were ordered to board a special train to the Punjab. Gurmukh Singh was taken to Ludhiana. He was interned in his village. This filled Gurmukh Singh with hatred for the British. He joined the Ghadr Party. He participated in Sahnewal and Mansuran dacoities. He also tried to contact the Sikh soldiers of the British Indian army for mutiny. The Ghadr movement failed and he was arrested. He was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was sent to Andamans. In 1922, he was transferred to Salem jail (Tamilnadu). When the police was escorting the prisoners to Salem jail, he jumped from the train and escaped. From here he went to Nander (Hazur Sahib) and then moved to Amritsar. In 1924, he went to Russia and joined the Communist Party. He spent the next 10 years in Russia. From here, he visited the U.S.A. He reorganised the Ghadr Party. During this period he tried to enter India via Afghanistan but the Afghan authorities arrested him. The Russian government helped his release. Finally, in 1934, he succeeded in secretly entering India. He was arrested soon after. He remained in jail till 1947. After 1947, he published Desh Bhagat Yadan (a Punjabi weekly) and Path of Peace (an English monthly) two journals from Jullundur. He played major role in establishment of Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall at Jullundur. He died in 1977.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gurmukh Singh (1849 – 30.11.1947), son of Bhai Karam Singh, was born at village Dialgarh Burhia. When he was a small boy he started reciting Guru Granth Sahib. He began his career as an employee of Patiala State. Later, he joined the British Indian army. After some years of service he resigned the army and began living like a hermit. In 1903, he moved to Amritsar and became a student of Giani Sham Singh. In 1915, he made active participation during the Kar Sewa of Santokhsar Sarovar. Since then he chose Kar Sewa as his mission of life. In 1923, he undertook the Kar Sewa of Tarn Taran Sarovar. After this he undertook renovation of the Hansli (water channel) of Amritsar Sarovar. In 1929, he undertook the construction of the shrines at Muktsar, followed by renovation of Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib (Khadur Sahib), construction of Gurdwaras at Jama Rai, Baba Bakala, Nanakana Sahib etc. He spent whole of his life for the service of the Sikh nation.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh (30.1.1938 – 21.6.2017) is one of the few Sikh intellectuals, who have contributed a lot to the Sikhs’ struggle for sovereignty. He was born at village Chakk 60 Jhang Branch (in Lyallpur district of the West Punjab). Hi ancestral village was Shahbazpur (distt Tarn Taran). Having passed his Bachelor’s degree from Khalsa College Amritsar, he migrated to the United Kingdom (in 1965) and worked as a teacher in Scotland. In 1970, he migrated to the U.S.A. In 1973, he received his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics. He worked as a university lecturer till 1984. When the Indian army invaded Darbar Sahib, on June 4, 1984, he resigned his job and began diplomatic activity for the interests of the Sikh nation. He founded the International Sikh Organisation and became its president. On October 7, 1987, he was appointed as the Chairman of the “Council of Khalistan”. On May 22, 1991, he gave a live talk on the famous CNN television network. On May 28, 1991, he addressed the National Press Council, in Washington and presented the Sikh case for sovereignty. On June 25, 1992, he won the support of the U.S. Congress to cut financial aid to India. He succeeded in getting the support of 219 Congressmen. On September 30, 1993, he achieved another alike victory in the U.S. Congress. On January 24, 1993, he hoisted the Sikh national flag, in the secretariat of the “Unrepresented Nations of the world”. On December 27, 1993, he succeeded in getting moral support of Bill Clinton, the president of the U.S., in favour of the Sikh Rights. He died in 2017.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurditta Randhawa (1625 – 11.11.1675) was the son of Bhai Jhanda, grandson of Bhai Sarwan and great-grandson of Bhai Bhana (son of Baba Buddha). He was a dedicated Sikh. Guru Sahib had special regards for him. When Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was installed as Ninth Guru at Bakala, on August 11, 1664, he was asked to perform the ceremony. When Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib founded the town of Chakk Nanaki (now a part of Anandpur Sahib), he was asked to lay the foundation stone of the town, on June 19, 1665. He was present at Delhi in November 1675. When Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was executed at Delhi, Bhai Gurditta also breathed his last on the same day at the Dharamsala established by Bhai Kalyana.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Gurditta (14.9.1608 – 15.3.1638), son of Guru Hargobind Sahib (and elder brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib) was born to Mata Damodari, at Darauli Bhai (district Faridkot). On April 17, 1624, he was married to Bibi Ananti (also known as Mata Natti and Bassi), daughter of Bhai Rama, at Batala. He gave birth to two sons: (Guru) Har Rai Sahib and Dhir Mall. Baba Gurditta spent his early period at Darauli, Amritsar and Kartarpur. In 1626, he founded the town of Keeratpur. He participated in the battles of Amritsar (April 13, 1634), Mehraj (December 1634) and Kartarpur (April 26-28, 1635). On May 1, 1635, he moved Keeratpur. On June 1, 1635, Baba Gurditta led a force of 100 Sikhs to repulse an attack by Mohammed Beg, the nephew of Nasir Ali Khan, the Mogul chief of Ropar. Sri Chand, the founder of the Udasi sect, before his death, had appointed Baba Gurditta as the in charge of the Udasi Deras. Baba Gurditta died at Keeratpur Sahib, at the age of 30.

Some hagiography-type stories have been spread about the cause of death of Baba Gurditta. None of these stories is true.

Baba Gurditta’s elder son Dhir Mall did not visit Keeratpur to join final prayers of his father, hence the ceremony of Dastarbandi (succession) was performed by (Guru) Har Rai Sahib.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

According to some sources Gurditta was a Bhatthiara (grain-parcher). When Jahangir, the Mogul emperor, ordered execution of Guru Arjan Sahib by torture, he handed over Guru Sahi to Murtaza Khan, the Governor of Lahore. Murtaza Khan assigned the job to Chandu Shah (who had personal grudge against Guru Sahib). Gurditta was hired by Chandu Shah to torture Guru Arjan Sahib. Guru Sahib was made to sit on a red-hot plate placed over a hearth. Besides, Chandu asked Gurditta to pour hot sand on the body of Guru Sahib in order to kill Guru Sahib by torture. Gurditta carried out these orders for three days (may 28 to May 30, 1606). On October 26, 1619, Guru Hargobind Sahib was released from Gwalior Fort Prison. In 1620,

Later, Jahangir developed good relations with Guru Hargobind Sahib. Jahangir handed over Chandu Shah to the Sikhs. The Sikhs chained Chandu Shah and paraded in the streets of Lahore. The people threw stones at Chandu and insulted him. He was taken to the parch to Gurditta Bhaitthiara also. When Gurditta Bhatthiara saw him, he hit Chandu Shah with the same ladle with which he had poured sand on Guru Arjan Sahib. Chandu Shah died instantly.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Gurdit Singh (1807 – 1882) was the eldest son of Sirdar Hari Singh Nalwa. After the martyrdom of Sirdar Hari Singh Nalwa, a dispute arose among his sons as to who will acquire his estates. At this Maharaja Ranjit Singh confiscated all estates of Hari Singh Nalwa and fixed pension for his widow and the four sons. Gurdit Singh was given 2200 rupees as annual pension (Partap Singh got 5400, Arjan Singh got 6500, Jawahar Singh got 5500). When British occupied the Punjab, he was given only an allowance of rupees 480 per year. In 1877, his brother Sirdar Jawahar Singh died. Gurdit Singh inherited the estate of Jawahar Singh too. Gurdit Singh died in 1882.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Gurdit Singh Komagata Maru (1861 – 24.7.1954), son of Bhai Hukam Singh, was born at village Sarhali (district Amritsar). In 1870, Bhai Hukam Singh moved to Malaya (Malaysia). When Gurdit Singh grew up, he started a dairy farm in Malaysia. In 1914, the Canadian government passed a law that only those persons, who enter Canada after a non-stop journey, would be allowed to migrate to Canada. Baba Gurdit Singh came into prominence when he chartered a ship, named Komagata Maru, to take the Punjabis to Canada. The ship reached Vancouver on May 23, 1914, but the passengers were not allowed to enter Canada. The ship sailed back to Calcutta and reached Budge Budge shore on September 29, 1914. The British government ordered internment of all the passengers, but they refused to be arrested; and started, in a procession, toward the Gurdwara at Calcutta. The police opened fire at them. Some passengers died at the spot and most of the passengers were arrested. Baba Gurdit Singh, however, escaped. He offered himself for arrest, on November 15, 1921, at Nanakana Sahib. He was released on February 28, 1922 because the laws under which he was to be arrested had been annulled by that time. After his release he worked for the Akali Dal. He was arrested again on March 7, 1922, in connection with a speech at Darbar Sahib. He spent about four years in jail. He became the president of the Akali Dal, in May 1926. In 1929, he joined Congress party. On November 2, 1929, he formed a Nationalist Party and became its president. All the Congressite Sikhs joined him but he could not continue long with the leadership. In 1937, he contested election to the Punjab Assembly as a nominee of the Congress party but lost to Partap Singh Kairon, the Akali nominee. On May 19, 1940, he presided over a meeting of his associates and demanded the British to return the Sikh territory (annexed by the British in 1849) to the Sikh nation. He was selected the president of Guru Khalsa Raj, an organization, formed in that meeting, to launch a struggle for the freedom of the Sikh homeland. Baba Gurdit Singh, however, could not create a movement.

He spent his last days with the family of a friend, at Amritsar, in isolation. He died in 1954.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gurdial Singh Dhillon (1915 – 23.3.1992), son of Bhai Hardit Singh, was born at village Sarhali (district Jullundur). He passed his B.A. and LL.B. examinations and started legal practice at Amritsar as junior to Dr. Saif-ud-Din Kitchlew. He joined the Akali Dal. Later, he joined the Congress Party. He became very vocal against the Akali Dal. He was one of those persons who gave several statements and addressed several meetings to oppose the formation of Punjabi Suba, apparently to get some office. In 1952, he was elected to the Punjab Assembly. Sometimes later, he was elected Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. In 1965, he became a cabinet minister in the Punjab. In 1972, he was elected to the Indian Parliament. He was given berth in the central cabinet. Later, he was appointed as Indian High Commissioner in Canada. Gurdial Singh Dhillon was always opposed to the Sikh demands. He supported the Congress even at the cost of the basic Sikh interests. When Indira Gandhi attacked Darbar Sahib (June 4, 1984), he remained loyal to her. He spent his last days at Delhi.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Gurdial Singh (1886 – 28.3.1958) was born at village Aadampur (district Moga). He passed his Matriculation examination and joined service with the ruler of Nabha. In 1910, he accompanied Ripduman Singh (later Maharaja of Nabha) to England. In 1912, he became a follower of Giani Sunder Singh, then stationed at Bhinder Kalan. Here, he studied a lot of Sikh literature and the works of philosophy and mythology. On November 15, 1920, he was selected as a member of the first S.G.P.C. On October 12, 1923, the S.G.P.C. was outlawed. He was also arrested. He spent three years in jail. After his release, he was appointed as the in charge of the Gurdwara at Bopa Rai Kalan (district Ludhiana). From 1930 to 1957, he delivered 23 serialized discourses on Guru Granth Sahib. He died at Bopa Rai Kalan.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurdas was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. His son Bhai Kiratia (Kirat Singh after initiation) also served the Sikh Panth at the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurdas (1551 – 25.8.1636), son of Bhai Ishar Das (? -1563) and grandson of Bhai Vishnu Das Bhalla, was born at Goindwal. He was the nephew of Guru Amar Das Sahib. At the age of 12 he had become orphan. He was looked after by his uncle Guru Amar Das Sahib. Bhai Gurdas did not marry. In 1579, he moved to Goindwal.

He studied a lot of religious, mythological and philosophical literature. He was a learned scholar of history and philosophy. When Pirthi Chand Mina started collecting tithe and the other contributions from the Sikhs and Guru Arjan Sahib had problem with financial sources, Bhai Gurdas, with the help of Baba Buddha and the others did remarkable work to educate the Sikhs about Pirthi Chand’s designs. Bhai Gurdas made active contribution to the establishment of the town of Amritsar. Guru Arjan Sahib sent Bhai Gurdas, to carry out missionary activities, to various towns of the sub-continent including Kashi (Varanasi), Agra etc.

He was amanuensis of Adi Granth Sahib, dictated to him by Guru Arjan Sahib, in 1603-04. When Guru Hargobind Sahib was imprisoned in Gwalior Fort Prison (1613 to 1619), Bhai Gurdas used to visit Gwalior to see the Guru.

Like Baba Buddha, Bhai Gurdas was like a member of Guru Sahib’s household. He joined the marriage party of Baba Gurditta, Baba, Baba Suraj Mall and Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (the three sons of Guru Hargobind Sahib). Bhai Gurdas was a great poet.

He wrote 39 Vars (ballads in heroic meter), running into several poems. He wrote 556 Kabit (a meter of poetry) also. Bhai Gurdas was the master of depiction of culture and myth. His knowledge of history and mythology was superb. He may be called the first theologian of the Sikh nation. He died at Goindwal in 1636.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurdas Singh (brother of Bhai Aalam Singh Nachanna), son of Bhai Durga Das Chauhan, was a resident of Duburji Udey Karan Wali (district Sialkot). He was a dedicated Sikh. He, along with his son Bhai Sarup Singh, visited Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Talwandi Sabo in October 1706. Also see: Durga Das, Aalam Singh Nachanna.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gurdas Singh wrote Vaar 41, in order to confuse the Sikhs that that was a work of Bhai Gurdas (1551 – 1637). In this work, the author made a bid to convey that Guru Gobind Singh Sahib had revealed Khalsa as blessed by mythical Hindu goddess. It seems that this Gurdas Singh was pseudonym of Koer Singh (real name Bishan Chand) who wrote Gurbilas Patshahi 10, another work of conspiring nature. Also see: Koer Singh.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurdas Duggal was a prominent resident of Amritsar. In 1709, Mama Kirpal Singh visited Amritsar and held meetings with Bhai Gurdas Duggal and the other prominent residents and discussed the affairs of the town.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurdas son of Bhai Kirat, grandson of Bhai Kewal and great-grandson of Bhai Aru Atrish, of Yadav family, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He was along side Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib when the latter was arrested at village Dhamtan, on November 8, 1665. Bhai Gurdas’s brother Bhai Karan Singh embraced martyrdom in the battle of Amritsar (April 7, 1709). Bhai Gurdas Barhtia was probably a collateral of Bhai Lakkhi Rai Wanjara.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurdas was the son of Bhai Behlo and brother of Bhai Bhagata. For some time, he served Guru Har Rai Sahib at Keeratpur Sahib. He accompanied Ram Rai to Delhi in May 1660. He was given the duty to perform services of Guru Granth Sahib. After the departure of Guru Har Rai Sahib, he joined service with Ram Rai as a Masand and spent several years at Khurvaddhi (Dehradun). He was the most trusted man of Ram Rai. After the death of Ram Rai he remained loyal to Punjab Kaur the wife of Ram Rai. It was he who approached guru Gobind Singh Sahib for help for Punjab Kaur. Several years after the death of Ram Rai, he visited Anandpur Sahib, joined Sikh faith and got initiation from Guru Sahib. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib visited village Bhagata, on December 26, 1705, and stayed there for a night, he, along with his three sons (Sukkha, Chander Bhan and Asa Ram) attended Guru Sahib. Also see: Behlo and Bhagata.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra (24.9.1924 – 1.4.2004 ), son of Bhai Dalip Singh, was born at village Tohra (district Patiala). From his early childhood he had a religious bent of mind. He was just 16 years old when he joined Akal Sena, formed by the Akali Dal and participated in the march of the Sena on the occasion of the Akali Conference, held at Atari, on February 10-11, 1940. In 1957, he was chosen as the president of the Akali Jatha Bhadson. After a few months he was elected as the president of the Akali Jatha of district Patiala. In 1960, he was elected as a member of the S.G.P.C. During the Punjabi Suba agitation, he was arrested. In 1969, he was elected to Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian parliament). Jathedar Tohra had been one of the most trusted followers of (Sant) Fateh Singh. In 1972, after the defeat of the Akali Dal in the general elections, he spearheaded the movement for rejuvenation of the Akali Dal. On March 17, 1972, he asked (Sant) Fateh Singh to retire from Akali Dal to pave way for young leadership. In December 1972, he was elected as the president of the S.G.P.C. During the agitation against imposition of internal emergency, he courted arrest. In the parliamentary elections of 1977, he defeated Maharaja Patiala and became a member of the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament). On June 4, 1984, when the Indian army attacked Darbar Sahib, he was arrested. He remained in jail for several months. Even after his release, in 1985, he had been arrested several times. He spent several years of his life in different jails. Badal group removed him from the presidentship of the SGPC in 1999. In May 1999, he formed Sarb Hind Akali Dal and became its president. Jathedar Tohra has been the president of the S.G.P.C. for twenty-five times and for more than 24 years, a record time.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurcharan Singh Gharib was a dedicated worker of the Akali Dal. He courted arrest in all the Akali agitations. He spent several months in different jails in 1955 and in 1960. He arranged a Sikh State Conference at Jullundur in 1958. In 1979, he unsuccessfully contested S.G.P.C. elections from Jullundur constituency. He was one of the most sincere workers of the Khalistan movement. His sons too participated in several actions. He died in poor condition, at Jullundur, on January 1, 1986.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh, a resident of Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He was a good musician and he used to perform Keertan of Gurbani. During his the missionary journey Guru Sahib made a short stop at Kashi (Varanasi). Bhai Gurbakhsh led the Sikhs of Jaunpur to Kashi to make obeisance to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib blessed them and presented his Mirdang (a type of drum) to Bhai Gurbakhsh. Since that day the Sangat of Jaunpur came to be known as Mirdang Wali Sangat. In 1670, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib on his way from Patna to Delhi stopped at Jaunpur and spent some days at the residence of Bhai Gurbakhsh.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Gurbakhsh Singh (son of Parduman Singh, grandson of Gurmukh Singh and great-grandson of Giani Sant Singh Nirmala) was a resident of Amritsar. On October 12, 1920, when the caretakers of Akal Takht Sahib left Takht Sahib unattended, the Sikhs present there selected a Jatha of 25 Sikhs. Dr. Gurbakhsh Singh was one of these 25 Sikhs. A few days later, a Hukamnama, signed by Dr. Gurbakhsh Singh, was issued to the Sikh Panth to attend a Sarbat Khalsa gathering in front of Akal Takht Sahib, on November 15, 1920, to form Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (S.G.P.C.).

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh, an Udasi, (Gurbakhsh Singh after initiation), was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib left Anandpur Sahib, on December 5-6, 1705, he appointed Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh as caretaker of Gurdwara Sis Ganj and the other shrines of Anandpur Sahib. Later, when Gulab Singh (son of Shyam Singh, grandson of Baba Suraj Mall and great-grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib) tried to pretend himself as the Guru of the Sikhs, Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh stopped him from doing so.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh (1902 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Chanda Singh, was born at village Sainabad (district Jullundur). From his early childhood, he had a deep interest in the study of religious literature. He was a regular reader of Akali newspaper. When he grew young he formed a missionary Jatha and preached the Sikh faith. After some time he moved to village Shahkot (district Sheikhupura). Here too, he spent a lot of time in missionary activities. When Bhai Lachhman Singh began enroling a Jatha for the freedom of Gurdwara Nanakana Sahib, he offered himself as a volunteer. On February 19, 1921, he joined the Jatha of Bhai Santa Singh and went to Nanakana Sahib. The following day, the Jatha reached Gurdwara Janam Asthan. He, along with Bhai Ichchhar Singh and Bawa Sunder Das, went to the Gurdwara in advance and then gave a signal to the Jatha that the gates were open. At this all the Jatha went inside the Gurdwara, where Mahant Narain Das and his hired men killed all the Sikhs mercilessly.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Gurbakhsh Singh (1759 – February 1785) was the son of Sirdar Jai Singh. He was the son-in-law of Raja Hamir Singh of Nabha. Rani Sada Kaur (daughter of Sirdar Dasaundha Singh Gill) was his second wife. Gurbakhsh Singh joined his father in various expeditions. In 1783, he captured the fort of Kangra. In February 1785, he joined his father’s in a campaign against the joint forces of Sirdar Mahan Singh Sukkarchakkia and Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra. A battle was fought near Batala. Sirdar Gurbakhsh Singh was killed in this battle. After the death of Sirdar Jai Singh, Sada Kaur looked after the affairs of the family State which comprised of the area of Batala, Qadian, Kalanaur, Dina Nagar, Mukerian etc. Later, Sirdar Gurbakhsh Singh’s daughter Mahtab Kaur was married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Kalal, was a resident of Bhairowal (district Amritsar). He got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, on the first day of initiation (March 29, 1698), at Anandpur Sahib. He fought bravely in the battles of Anandpur Sahib. He was along side Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, when the latter left Anandpur Sahib, on the night of December 5-6, 1705. All of them reached the residence of Bhai Nihang Khan, at Kotla Nihang and spent the day there. At night, he, along with Bhai Mohkam Singh and the others, moved towards Chamkaur. Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh embraced martyrdom at Chamkaur, on December 7, 1705.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh was the son of Bhai Dial Das, grandson of Bhai Gaura and the great-grandson of Bhai Bhagatu. Bhai Gaura was the chief of village Vinjhu (district Bathinda). Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh was an ambitious young man. He made friendship with Baba Aala Singh of Patiala. In 1754, he, with the help of Baba Aala Singh and the others, captured Bathinda from Sirdar Jodh Singh. He died in 1764. His son Bhai Desu captured Kaithal and established it as headquarters of the Kaithal State.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Jathedar Gurbakhsh Singh (10.4.1688 – 1.12.1764), son of Bhai Dasaundha, was born at village Leel (district Amritsar). He was a dedicated Sikh. He got initiation from Bhai Mani Singh. He served as caretaker of Akal Takht Sahib. In November 1764, Ahmed Shah Durrani invaded the Sikh Homeland. On December 1, 1764, he reached Amritsar. At that time there were only 30 Sikhs present at Akal Bunga. Thousands of the soldiers of Ahmed Shah attacked the Sikhs. The Sikhs, under the Jathedar-ship (leadership) of Baba Gurbakhsh Singh, fought bravely. Before embracing martyrdom they killed hundreds of the soldiers of Durrani. The scene has been finely depicted by Qazi Nur Mohammed in his work Jang Namah: “… they were only 30 in number. They did not have the least fear of death. They fought against the Ghazis and spilled their blood…” A memorial, in the memory of martyrs, has been erected by the backside of the building of Akal Takht Sahib.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh Rai, son of Bhai Bagha, a tailor, was a resident of Dilwali area of Delhi. When Ram Chand, son of Dhir Mall and his three companions were executed at Delhi, in 1677, he and his brother Bhai Nanu Ram (later Nanu Singh Dilwali) cremated their dead bodies and carried their ashes to Bakala. Bhai Gurbakhsh Rai got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, on the first day of the initiation of Khalsa, at Anandpur Sahib and became Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh was the son of Diwan Dharam Singh and grandson of Diwan Dargah Mall. In 1709, Mama Kirpal Singh Subhikhi (maternal uncle of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib) visited Amritsar from Delhi. Sirdar Gurbakhsh Singh too was with him. After deliberations Mama Kirpal Singh appointed a four-member Committee for the management of the town of Amritsar. Sirdar Gurbakhsh Singh was appointed as Daroga (superintendent) of Amritsar; hence his last name Daroga. His duty at Amritsar was to look after the treasury, the Langar, the cattle-shed etc. His son Kesar Singh Chhibber wrote a book Bansawalinama Dasan Patshahian Da.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Brar, son of Bhai Dan Singh, resident of village Ablu Mehma, was a dedicated Sikh. He attended Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Talwandi Sabo in 1706. [Also see: Dan Singh Brar].

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

 Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh (1672 – 1761) was the son of Bhai Gurditta (1625 – 11.11.1675) and fifth in direct line of Baba Buddha. He was just three years old when he was given the honour of performance of the ceremony of the installation of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib as Tenth Nanak (on July 8, 1675). He was just 13 years old when he laid down the foundation stone of Paonta Sahib on April 28, 1685. His name before initiation was Ram Kunwar. He got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, on the first day of initiation of Khalsa. He attended Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Talwandi Sabo in March and October 1706.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gurbakhsh Rai was a Masand of Ram Rai. After the death of Ram Rai, he wanted to be the chief of the Dera of Ram Rai at Khurvaddhi (Dehradun). He created trouble for Punjab Kaur, the widow of Ram Rai. It was he who instigated Fateh Chand, the ruler of Garhwal, to attack Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. This resulted into the battle of Bhangani (September 18, 1688). Gurbakhsh Rai spent rest of his life at Srinagar (district Garhwal) and died there in 1742.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gurbachan Singh (10.12.1930), son of Awtar Singh Nirankari and Budhwanti, was the chief of a religious cult named ‘Sant Nirankari Mandal’.

He was married to Kulwant Kaur who bore him a son Hardev Singh Bhola. He succeeded his father in 1963.

He was responsible for the killing of 13 Sikhs at Amritsar, on April 13, 1978. On June 19, 1978, a command from Akal Takht was issued asking the Sikhs to boycott Nirankari Mission and its followers.

His followers again attacked a group of Sikhs at Kanpur on 25 September 1978.

He was arrested in Amritsar killings case and was tried in a court of law. He managed to get acquittal from the court. This created anger among the militant Sikhs and they wanted to punish him. Finally, Bhai Ranjit Singh and Kabal Singh succeeded in killing him, on April 24, 1980.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Professor Gurbachan Singh Talib (7.4.1911 – 9.4.1986), son of Sirdar Kartar Singh Ahluwalia, was born at village Munak (district Sangrur). He passed his Matriculation examination from Sangrur. By this time he got married but he continued his studies. He passed his B.A. degree from Khalsa College Amritsar in 1931. Within a few days of his B.A. examination his father died. In spite of this he joined M.A. in English literature. He passed his M.A. by topping the University in 1933. The same year he joined Khalsa College as Lecturer in English. In 1940, he moved to the Sikh National College Lahore. In 1949, he was appointed Principal of Khalsa College Jullundur. Later, he served as Principal of Khalsa College, Delhi; Khalsa College, Bombay; Guru Gobind Singh College, Patna and National College, Sirsa. In 1962, he joined Kurukashetra University as Reader in English. In 1969, he was appointed as the First Professor and Chairman of Guru Nanak Chair of Sikh Studies at Panjab University, Chandigarh. In 1976, he was appointed Professor Guru Nanak Chair at Benaras Hindu University. Due to ill health, he resigned this job and returned to Patiala. Here, he was made a Fellow of Punjabi University. Now, he started work on English rendering of Guru Granth Sahib. The same year he suffered a heart attack but he survived. The second heart attack in 1986 took his life. By that time two volumes of his English rendering had been published and the day he died, he was correcting the proofs of the third volume. Professor Talib was a great scholar of English language and literature. He had marvellous command of English language. Professor Talib wrote several books, including: The Idea of a Sikh State (1946), The Muslim League Attacks on the Sikhs and the Hindus in the Punjab, 1947 (1950), Impact of Guru Gobind Singh on Indian Society (1966), Guru Nanak: His Personality and Vision (1969), Bhai Vir Singh: Life, Times and Works (1973), Baba Sheikh Farid (1974), Guru Tegh

Bahadur: Background and Supreme Sacrifice (1976), Japuji: The Immortal Prayer-chant (1977), Baani of Guru Amar Das (199), Nitnem (1983). He wrote some books in Punjabi also, including: Anpachhate Raah, Adhunik Punjabi Sahit, Adhunik Vartak Likhari, Pavittar Jiwan Kathawan, Baba Sheikh Farid.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Gurbachan Singh (12.2.1902 – 28.6.1969), son of Bhai Rur Singh, was born at village Akhara (district Ludhiana). From his early childhood he had an interest in the study of scriptures. He began studying Hindu literature from Sadhu Mahant Lal. Within a short time he had studied Ramayana, Mahabharata, Yog Vashishat and the other books of the Hinduism. By the age of 17, he had studied the whole of Guru Granth Sahib, the Dasam Granth, several books of Sikh history also. In 1920, he was married to Bibi Bishan Kaur. She bore him two sons.

After some time he joined the Gurdwara Aakhand Parkash, at Bhinder Kalan, established by Giani Sunder Singh. He learnt a lot of religious literature from Giani Sunder Singh. Giani Sunder Singh was very much impressed by Giani Gurbachan Singh’s devotion and intelligence.

Giani Sunder Singh died on February 15, 1930. After his death the jatha (followers of Sunder Singh) chose Giani Gubachan Singh as the successor of Giani Sunder Singh and the in charge of the Dera. [Giani Sunder Singh belonged to village Bhindran. His successors chose Bhindranwale as suffix of their names].

After this, Giani Gurbachan Singh, along with several followers, travelled far and wide and initiated Khande Di Pahul to several thousand Sikhs. He constructed and renovated Gurdwaras at Nabha, Manavan, Panjokhra etc. He conducted 1313 Aakhand Paaths (non-stop recitation of Guru Granth Sahib), delivered serialized discourses on Guru Granth Sahib for 26 times. He imparted religious education to a large number of his students. Beside his missionary activities, he also wrote a book Gurmukh Parkash Granth. Another of his work Gurbani Path Darshan is a commentary on the recitation of hymns of Guru Granth Sahib. Giani Gurbachan Singh’s writings show an impact of Vedanta ideology as he had studied a large number of books of Hinduism. Giani Gurbachan Singh breathed his last at Chowk Mehta (district Amritsar). Gurdwara Gurdarshan

Parkash has been built in his memory. Giani Kartar Singh Bhindranwale succeeded him.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbachan Singh, a resident of village Bopa Rai (district Ludhiana), joined the Thirteenth Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito. The Jatha left Amritsar for Jaito on September 18, 1924 and reached Jaito on January 17, 1925. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Gurbachan Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gurbachan Singh, a resident of village Saria No. 193 (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 Gurbachan Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gupala was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was an intelligent person and was well versed in the Sikh scriptures. He was a brave soldier too. He fought bravely in the battles of Ruhila (September 27 and October 3, 1621) and Amritsar (April 13, 1634). When Guru Sahib was camping at Ruhila, a Sikh named Bhai Subhaga, presented five fine horses to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib distributed three horses to Baba Gurditta, Bhai Bidhi Chand and Painda Khan and kept two for himself.

According to a story, one day, while addressing the Sangat, Guru Sahib asked if any Sikh would recite Japuji Sahib correctly, he will get a reward. Bhai Gupala recited Japji Sahib so accurately that Guru Sahib rewarded him with one of the horses which had been brought by Bhai Subhaga and a Siropao (robe of honour).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gulzar/Gulzara Singh was the son of Bhai Aalam Singh and grandson of Bhai Daria (brother of Bhai Ballu, grandfather of Bhai Mani Singh). He got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib on the first day of the initiation of Khalsa. He was one of the five Sikhs, who had been asked by Guru Sahib to join Bhai Mani Singh to look take care of the shrines of Chakk Ram Das (Amritsar). In May 1708, he, along with Bhai Bhupat Singh, visited Guru Sahib at Burhanpur and delivered a letter of Bhai Mani Singh. He embraced martyrdom along with Bhai Mani Singh, at Lahore, on June 24, 1734. He and his father were flayed alive and murdered.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gulaba, the elder brother of Bhai Punjaba, a residence of Chamkaur Sahib, was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He had been a Masand (revenue collector cum organiser) for some time before 1698. After leaving Chamkaur Sahib (on the night of December 7-8, 1705), Guru Gobind Singh Sahib made his first stop at his garden for some time. Guru Sahib rested here for a short time and then went to the residence of Bhai Jiwan Singh. Guru Sahib stayed here up to December 10, 1705. Gurdwara Chaubara Sahib has been built at the site of the residence of Bhai Jiwan Singh. Guru Sahib had spent three days in the Chaubara (first floor) of the residence of Bhai Jiwan Singh; hence the name of the Gurdwara.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gulab Sinh (17.10.1792 – 30.6.1857) was son of Kishora Sinh, a Dogra of Jammu. In 1809, he joined the army of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh as a soldier. He was a cunning person. Within a short period he won confidence of Ranjit Singh. He was given a Jagir worth rupees 12000 and he was given command of 90 horses. Soon he became Ranjit Singh’s chamberlain. Later, he employed hundreds of his relatives in the Lahore Darbar and its army. In 1820, Ranjit Singh appointed Kishora Sinh (Gulab Sinh’s father) as the chief of Jammu. After the death of Kishora Singh in 1822, Gulab Sinh became the chief of Jammu. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was so much under the spell of Gulab Sinh that he himself went to Akhnur to attended the installation of Gulab Sinh. By 1830, Gulab Sinh, besides the rule of Jammu, had a Jagir worth rupees 737,237 per year, plus monopoly of salt mines (for a lease of just rupees 800,00 per year) etc.

He had embezzled the revenue of the State and had a very large sum of the tributary to the Lahore Darbar. In 1841, when he was the custodian of the Jagir of Rani Chand Kaur (widow of Maharaja Kharag Singh), he took away all her jewellery and the other precious items worth several million rupees, to Jammu. In 1845, when the Sikhs came to know about this, a force of 35000 soldiers was sent to Jammu. At this Gulab Sinh paid rupees 400,000 as first instalment and promised to surrender the treasure very soon. When the Sikh army started its journey back to Lahore, Gulab Sinh’s troops attacked the Sikh commanders. Sirdar Fateh Singh Maan was killed at the spot. At this the Sikh army attacked the palace of Gulab Sinh, arrested him and brought him to Lahore. He agreed to pay a fine 68 lakh rupees.

He was a traitor of the Lahore Darbar, and was in league with the British. He provided sensitive information about the Sikh army to the British through Brigadier Wheeler, who was posted at Ludhiana. After the defeat of the Sikhs, the British rewarded him with the reign of Kashmir. Though, he bought the province of Jammu from the British in 1846 with the money stolen from the State treasury, yet it was mere a formality. In fact, he paid nothing (Cunningham has given this fact in his book). It was, in fact, a reward for his treason. The State of Jammu included Jammu, Kishatwar, Zanskar, Laddakh, Baltistan and Kashmir. Gulab Sinh Dogra was an ungrateful person. He was one of the guilty persons who annihilated the family of Ranjit Singh and destroyed his empire. His family ruled Kashmir till 1948, when Hari Sinh Dogra handed over its control to India, in direct line of Gulab Sinh Dogra. Gulab Sinh died at Jammu in 1857.

The Indian government issued a postal stamp in the memory of this traitor in 2009.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

In 1709, (Mama) Kirpal Singh Subhikhi visited Amritsar from Delhi, Bhai Gulab Singh visited Amritsar to greet him. Gulab Singh spent several days in the company of Mama Kirpal Singh.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Gulab Singh (? – 1799), son of Bhai Desu Singh (? – 1782), became the chief of the Bhangi Misl after the death of his father. He made Amritsar as his headquarters. He built several buildings and set up several gardens in the city. Later, he attacked Kasur and subjugated the chief of Kasur. By this time Bhangi Misl had more then 6000 soldiers. The territory of the Misl yielded revenue of about one million rupees. On July 7, 1799 Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured Lahore. At this Gujjar Singh Bhangi, Sahib Singh Bhangi, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Nijam-ud-Din (who was a tributary of Gujjar Singh) joined hands and led a joint army against Ranjit Singh. This army encamped at village Bhasin (near Lahore). For about two month this army dared not to attack Lahore. During this time Gulab Singh died due to heavy drinking.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Gulab Singh (? – 1887) was the younger son of Sirdar Chatar Singh Atariwala. In 1848, when Sirdar Chatar Singh and his elder son Sirdar Sher Singh started preparation for a war against the British, he was at Lahore. Fearing that he too will join his father and his brother, he was arrested. During the mutiny of 1857, he offered his services to the British. The British rewarded him for his services. In 1872, he was allowed to return to the Punjab. He chose Amritsar as his headquarters. In 1886, he was nominated as Counsellor to the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gulab Singh (1883 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Hira Singh, was born at village Sainabad (district Jullundur). Bhai Gulab Singh studies Punjabi, Sanskrit and Urdu. He was a learned person. He was also a good musician and used to perform Keertan of Gurbani in the congregations. In 1916, he joined the Jatha of Bhai Mahtab Singh Bir and participated in missionary activities. When Gurdwara Reform Movement began, he made active participation. He always served in the front line. He participated in the agitation of Gurdwara Babe Di Ber (Sialkot) and Khara Sauda Bar. He was also present in front of Akal Takht Sahib, on October 12, 1920, when the Sikhs assumed the control of Takht Sahib. On February 19, 1920, he joined the Jatha to Nanakana Sahib. When he was just to leave, his mother asked him to get his trousers washed. He told her that the trousers shall be washed by a martyrs blood. He reached Nanakana Sahib the following day and was butchered to death by Mahant Narain Das and his hired men.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gulab Singh was one of the leaders of the Sikh army. He was the chief of one of the 65 Jathas, which were merged to form 11 Misls, on March 29, 1748.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gulab Singh, a resident of village Mehra (district Jhelum), 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 Gulab Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gulabu Bakhshi, a Bania, was a tobacco-dealer. The spirit of bravery of the Sikhs impressed him very much. He expressed his wish to join the Sikh army. He was initiated and was named Bhai Gulab Singh. In November 1710, a huge Mogul army put sieged to Lohgarh fort. Baba Banda Singh Bahad decided that the Sikhs should not waste lives and energy for this long battle. So, he moved towards the hills leaving some Sikhs there so that the Mughal army may remain confused. The next morning the Mogul army entered one part of the fort and captured Bhai Gulab Singh. The jubilant Mogul army mistook him as Banda Singh Bahadur and took him to Delhi. When they learnt the reality, they were utterly disappointed. Khafi Khan, a writer, commenting upon the episode said: “the hawk had flown and an owl had been caught”. Bhai Gulab Singh was kept in confinement for six years. He was killed on 9 June 1716, along with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Gulab Singh (? – 1759), son of Bhai Shardha Ram, was born at village Dallewal. When he grew up, he started a small grocery shop in his village. He was an active person. He was attracted by the stories of the chivalry of the Sikhs. One day, he visited Amritsar and met Nawab Kapur Singh. He asked Nawab Kapur Singh to enrol him in the Sikh army. Nawab Kapur Singh asked him to first grow hair, learn sword-wielding and horse-riding. Bhai Gulaba returned home and followed the instructions of Nawab Kapur Singh. The following year, he went to Amritsar. Nawab Kapur Singh was pleased to see him in the form of a Sikh soldier. Bhai Gulaba was initiated and was named Bhai Gulab Singh. He formed a Jatha and began participating in the Sikh struggle. In 1739, when Nadir Shah attacked Punjab, his Jatha fought bravely. During the Chhota Ghallughara (the smaller carnage) he played remarkable role. On March 29, 1748, all the 65 Jathas of the Sikh army were merged to form 11 Misls. His Jatha became a part of the Misl Dallewalia. When Ahmed Shah Durrani attacked the Punjab, his Misl, along with the other Misls, attacked the camp of Ahmed Shah Durrani several times. Sirdar Gulab Singh, later, attacked Hansi, Hissar and Panipat and plundered the royal treasures and arsenals. In 1759, he died while fighting against the chief of Kalanaur (district Gurdaspur).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gulab Singh (1660 – ?) was the son of Bhai Dip Chand (later Singh) [birth 1623] and the grandson of Baba Suraj Mall and great-grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib. In 1698, he got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and became Gulab Singh. After the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, he declared himself as a Guru but Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh, the caretaker of the Sikh shrines at Anandpur Sahib, stopped him from doing so. The Sikhs too refused to give him any regards. He had four sons. All of them died in his life-time. The Sodhi family of Anandpur Sahib are the descendants of Bhai Shyam Singh (1662 – ?), the brother of Gulab Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Rani Gulab Kaur (? – 1838), daughter of a landlord, was born at village Jagdeo (district Amritsar). She was married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The marriage was performed by way of Chadar Andazi (by knotting scarf), a custom by which usually widows were remarried in those days. She died at Lahore in 1838.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bibi Gulab Kaur (died 1941) was born at village Dalelsinghvala, about 6 km from Bhikhi (in the present district of Mansa). She was married to Jeewan Singh son of Vazir Singh of village Daulasinghvala. Her husband had gone to Far East countries to earn his livelihood. She accompanied her husband to Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines etc. In the year 1914, when the Punjabi and Indian immigrants launched Ghadr movement, her husband made active participation in it. She too joined her husband in the activities of the Ghadr Party.

When the Ghadr leaders decided to return to the Punjab to launch an armed struggle against the British for the freedom of their homeland, both of them too left Philippines to return to their homeland. They reached Calcutta on 19 October 1914. At that time ‘Ingress Into India Act’ had come into force and all the immigrant Punjabis entering India were taken into custody; but, being a couple, she and her husband, escaped arrest.

In the Punjab, Jeewan Singh, the husband of Gulab Kaur worked as one of the most active members of the Ghadr Party. He was involved in Firozshah Murder Case (police encounter at Misriwala village). Soon, he was arrested and was sentenced to death. He was hanged in Montgomery Jail on 25 March 1915.

Even after the martyrdom of her husband, she continued participating in the activates of the Ghadr Party. She used to work under several names; the intelligence mentions two of her assumed names: Basant Kaur and Mussamat Kirpo.

Being a woman, she could not come under surveillance of the Police and the Intelligence Department. Finally, in 1916, she was arrested from the residence of Amar Singh (who himself had been a Ghadr activist) of village Kotla Naudh Singh (about 9 km from Hoshiarpur). She was tried and sentenced to five years’ rigorous imprisonment. She was released in 1921. After her release, she stayed ay Kotla Naudh Singh, with Amar Singh, whom she considered like her real brother. Even after her release she remained socially active. She used to teach the illiterate women folk of the village and also serve in the Gurdwara.

Several writers have done injustice to her and her husband. They mention Bhagwan Singh as the name of her husband and say that he had refused to return to the Punjab to participate in Ghadr activities; and, she had abandoned her husband and had come to the Punjab to serve the Ghadr Party. This is grave insult to her martyr husband and injustice to history.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gulab Chand, son of Bibi Viro (daughter of Guru Hargobind Sahib) and Bhai Sadhu, was born at village Malla (district Faridkot). He fought bravely at the battle of Bhangani (September 18, 1688). In this battle two of his brothers (Bhai Sango Shah and Bhai Jit Mall) embraced martyrdom.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gul Bahar Begum (? – 1863), a Muslim girl, a resident of Amritsar, was a dancing girl and a courtesan. In October 1831, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Lord William Bentinck met at Ropar, she was brought there to dance before the royal personalities. She had fine complexions, dark eyes, long hair and a very fine figure. She was so pretty that Maharaja Ranjit Singh became very fond of her. Within less than one year Maharaja Ranjit Singh married her. The wedding was performed (not according to the Sikh rites) on September 27, 1832. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave her a special status, which humbled his other wives. She used to sit in the court and ride with the Maharaja on elephant. Gul Bahar remained a Muslim throughout her life. She built a mosque at Lahore. She did not have any child, so she adopted a Muslim child. After the annexation of the Punjab by the British, she was awarded a pension. She spent the rest of her life at Lahore, where she died in 1863. Gul Bahar was different from Moran, another Muslim girl whom Ranjit Singh had earlier married.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gujjar, a blacksmith, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Angad Sahib. Once he visited Guru Sahib and said that he being a workman, always busy in my job, how can I achieve liberation. Guru Sahib told him to recite Japuji Sahib every day and help the poor people. Bhai Gujjar spent rest of his life in accordance with the teachings of Guru Sahib. Besides, he also preached the Sikh faith in his area.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Gujjar Singh (? – 1788) was the son of Bhai Nattha Singh. When his maternal grandfather died, he became the chief of his Jatha. Later, this Jatha joined Bhangi Misl, under Sirdar Hari Singh Bhangi’s leadership. In 1765 he, along with Sirdar Lehna Singh Bhangi and Sirdar Jai Singh Kanhaiya, captured Lahore. They divided the control of the city among themselves. Lehna Singh, being the elder, took possession of the fort and the central part of the city. Sirdar Gujjar Singh was given the charge of the eastern part of the city. (This area is still known as Qila Gujjar Singh). Sometimes later, Gujjar Singh captured Eimanabad, Sodhra, Wazirabad, several villages of Gujranwala, Gujrat etc. Later, he attacked Jammu, Punchh and the surrounding areas. Towards the end of 1766, Ahmed Shah again attacked Punjab. The Sikhs vacated Lahore and avoided fighting in order to save their sources. In 1767, he joined the other Sikh Misls to defeat Jahan Khan, General of the army of Ahmed Shah. Gujjar Singh died at Lahore in 1788. Gujjar Singh’s son Sirdar Sahib Singh was married to Raj Kaur, the daughter of Sirdar Charhat Singh Sukkarchakkia (grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gujjar Singh (1893 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Jhanda Singh, was born at village Nizampur Chelewala (district Sheikhupura). He was a tall, healthy and generous person. Though cultivation of land was the main source of his livelihood but he tried trade of horses too. When Gurdwara reform movement began, he showed interest in it. He attended the Dharowali Conference and the other functions. On February 19, 1921, he joined the Jatha of Bhai Lachhman Singh Dharowali and went to Nanakana Sahib, where he embraced martyrdom.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Mata Gujari, (1624 – 12.12.1705), daughter of Bhai Lal Chand Subhikhi and Mata Bishan Kaur, was born at Kartarpur (district Jullundur). She was married to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib at Kartarpur, on February 4, 1633. Since then she stayed at Amritsar and Kartarpur. In May 1635, she moved to Keeratpur Sahib. In 1654, she accompanied Guru Sahib on a long tour of Bihar, Bengal, Assam etc. From 1657 to 1670, she stayed at Patna (Bihar). On December 18, 1661, she gave birth to (Guru) Gobind Singh (Sahib). In 1670 she left Patna for Punjab. She reached Lakhnaur on August 28, 1670. (At Lakhnaur a well, known as Mata Gujari Da Khuh is associated with the memory of Mata Gujari). She stayed here for some months and then moved to Bakala (now Baba Bakala). In 1672, she moved to Chakk Nanaki (now Anandpur Sahib). The same year she went to Bilaspur on an invitation from Rani Champa. On November 11, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib embraced martyrdom. She joined Guru Gobind Singh Sahib when the latter moved to Paonta in 1685 and returned in 1688. From here she went to Bilaspur to visit Rani Champa. After the Sikh exodus from Anandpur Sahib, on December 5-6, 1705, she, along with her two younger grandsons, moved towards Chamkaur. There, two Masands Dhumma and Darbari met her and took her and her younger grandsons to their village Saheri. At night the Masands stole her money and gold; and, when she protested, they reported her presence to the police at Morinda and got them arrested. They were taken to Sirind and presented before azir Khan, the Faujdar of Sirhind. He got the two children walled alive and later, he ordered that they should be beheaded. After this Mata Gujri was also tortured to death, on December 12, 1705. A Gurdwara Burj Mata Gujari also known as Thanda Burj, at Fatehgarh Sahib, has been built at the sight of her imprisonment and martyrdom.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gual Das, son of Bhai Chhote Mal, grandson of Bhai Paira and great-grandson of Bhai Gautam, was a resident of village Kariala (district Jhelum, Pakistan). He was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In October 1665, when Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib went to Bangar Desh area for missionary tour, he joined Guru Sahib. He was along side Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib when the latter was arrested at village Dhamtan, on November 8, 1665. He was released at Delhi on December 17. From Delhi he escorted Guru Sahib to Assam, Bengal and Bihar. He remained with Guru Sahib during the whole journey. He was present at Lakhnaur on August 1670. Here he met (Guru) Gobind Singh Sahib. It is not known whether Bhai Gual Das got married because his genealogical table shows that did not have any son.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Viscount Hough Gough (3.11.1779 – 2.3.1869), son of George Gough, was born in Ireland. In 1793, he joined the British army. In 1837 he was posted in India. In 1843, he became the commander-in-chief of the British army, which fought against the Sikhs, in 1845-46. He led the battles at Mudki (December 18, 1845), Firozshah (December 21, 1845), Sabhraon (February 10, 1846) and Chelianwala (January 13, 1849). After heavy losses at Chelianwala, Sir Charles Napier replaced him. The battle of Gujrat (February 21, 1849) took place before Napier could reach the Punjab. The victory of the British at Gujrat, rehabilitated General Gough. After the war, he returned home. He was given a pension of four thousand pounds per year. He died at the ripe age of 90.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gopi Mehta was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Bhau Mokal, Bhai Dhilli Mandal, Bhai Nattha and Bhai Tirath, visited Guru Sahib. One of them told Guru Sahib that Pirthi Chand and Mahadev (the two elder brothers of Guru Arjan Sahib who had been rejected as successors-in-mission by Guru Ram Das Sahib) had been composing verses by using Nanak as nom de plume. It can lead to confusion as to which was Gurbani (genuine hymns) and which was Kachchi Bani (fake verses). Guru Sahib asked Bhai Gurdas (who was present among the audience) that many Sikhs knew the difference between Gurbani and Kachchi Bani but with the passage of time confusion may occur; hence the Gurbani of all the Guru Sahib should be collected and compiled into a single volume. Guru Sahib asked Bhai Gurdas to be ready to be scribe of the Granth.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gopi Bhardwaj was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Bhiara, Bhai Tulsia Bhardwaj and Bhai Vesa Bhardwaj, visited Guru Sahib and asked people worship different gods as incarnations of God; whom should the Sikhs worship? Guru Sahib told them that God manifests Himself in different forms and attributes. We should worship only the Formless Almighty. But, we should not have any grudge against those who worship different gods. When God takes mercy on them they will also begin worshipping the Absolute One.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gopal was the ruler of the small hill State of Guler (it was also known as Haripur). In 1696, when Hussaini attacked him to forcibly collect revenue from him, he sought the help of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Guru Sahib sent some Sikh soldiers under the leadership of Bhai Sangatia. The battle was fought at Guler, on February 18, 1696. In this battle Bhai Sangatia, Bhai Darso and seven more Sikhs embraced martyrdom. In this battle Ajmer Chand Kehluria (Bilaspuri) fought on the side of the Moguls. Since this battle Ajmer Chand became enemy of the Sikhs.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gopal Singh (1883 – 1941), son of Bhai Sunder Singh, was born at village Sagari (district Rawalpindi). When he was barely a young boy, his father and his two elder brothers died. Now, he had to look after the whole family. He had a small shop so he had to work very hard to make both ends meet. By that time the Singh Sabha movement was in its full swing and soon the Gurdwara Reform Movement too began. He made active participation in these movements. He was chosen to the first S.G.P.C. on November 15, 1920. When Jathedar Kartar Singh Jhabbar led a Jatha for the freedom of Gurdwara Punja Sahib (on November 18, 1920), Bhai Gopal Singh joined him. Bhai Gopal Singh was arrested during Guru-Ka-Bagh Agitation too. When on October 12, 1923, the S.G.P.C. and the Akali Dal were banned by the British regime; he was arrested and interned in Lahore Fort Prison. He was released on January 25, 1926, on verbal assurances to act upon the Gurdwara Act 1925. After his release he attended his business and almost renounced active politics. In 1933, when some Sikh elite formed Gursewak Sabha in order to bring cordial relations between Akali factions, he joined and played an active role. Bhai Gopal Singh died in 1941.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

S. Gopal Singh Qaumi (1887 – 1975), son of Bhai Hem Singh, was born at Fateh Shah (district Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan). He received his school education from Fateh Shah, Kamalia and Lyallpur. When S.G.P.C. was formed in 1920, he was selected as one of the first members. When the S.G.P.C. was banned on October 12, 1923, he was arrested in the first batch. From October 13, 1923 to September 26, 1926, he remained in Lahore Fort Jail. When Simon Commission visited India, he was the president of the Akali Dal. Since then and up to 1934, he participated in all the major movements and events. On June 17, 1933, he was elected as the president of the S.G.P.C. He remained in this office till October 28, 1933. Later, he joined Congress Party. In 1947, Nehru nominated him as the chairman of the committee formed for the rehabilitation of the refugees from the west Punjab. The Congress did not offer him much. Finally, he rejoined the Akali Dal. In 1962, he unsuccessfully contested the Jullundur Cantonment constituency of the Punjab Assembly as an Akali nominee. After this he spent rest of his life in isolation. He died in 1975.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gopal Singh (1896 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Hukam Singh, was born at village Bahoru Chakk No 22. He was fond of study of religious literature and Keertan. In 1912, he joined army. He participated in the First World War. He was wounded in the battlefield. He returned home on long sick leave. When Gurdwara Reform Movement began, he made active participation. When a Jatha was formed for the freedom of Gurdwaras of Nanakana Sahib, he joined it a embraced martyrdom on February 20, 1921.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gopal Singh, a resident of village Jandiala (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 Gopal Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

A teacher of Rai Bhai Di Talwandi (Nanakana Sahib), who taught Sidhongaia (early form of Punjabi script) Sanskrit and mathematics to Guru Nanak Sahib, in the early years of the life of Guru Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

 Bhai Gonda, a Brahmin, was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Har Rai Sahib. Guru Sahib appointed him as a missionary for Kabul. He is also known as Guria. According to one source, one day he was so lost in the thought of Guru Har Rai Sahib that his deep devotion telepathically reached Guru Sahib (who was sitting in Diwan to address the congregation), he (Guru Sahib) himself began contemplation of communicating with Bhai Gonda. Guru Sahib remained motionless for a long time. The Sikhs got worried but none did disturb Guru Sahib. After some time Guru Sahib got up and told the Sikhs that he had been blessing Bhai Gonda. According to another source Bhai Gonda was the founder of the town of Gurdaspur. His grandson Bhai Dip Chand also served the Sikh Panth at the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He spent several years in the service of Guru Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gonda Marwaha was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib. Goindwal was founded by Guru Amar Das Sahib, on the land given by Bhai Gonda. Newly established town was named Goindwal, after Bhai Gonda. He has also been mentioned as Goinda.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Gonda was the chief of village Mulowal (district Sangrur). Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited Mulowal in September 1670, on his way from Lehal and Lang. Guru Sahib stopped near a well which had been covered with bushes. Guru Sahib asked them why had they covered the well with bushes. The people told them that the water of the well was brackish and ant worth drinking. Guru Sahib asked them to remove the bushes and check the water again. The people removed the bushes and tasted the water again. They found it more sweet than all the other wells. All the people, except Gonda, bowed before Guru Sahib. Gonda was a follower of Sakhi Sarwar. When Gonda went home and told what had happened, his wife told him that he had done wrong. She asked him to return to Guru Sahib and make an apology. Gonda realized that he had done a wrong thing. He went to Guru Sahib and sought forgiveness. Guru Sahib blessed him. He renounced worship of Sakhi Sarwar and joined the Sikh faith and became Bhai Gonda. Guru Sahib asked him to dig more wells as the water of all the wells would be sweet.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gola Kukk was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Goind Kukk and Bhai Mohan Kukk, visited Guru Sahib and asked what was the real path to liberation. Guru Sahib told him to meditate the Name of God and never forget death. If one remembers death, he won’t commit sin and meditation of the Name of God will wash his past sins. Bhai Goind, Bhai Gola and Bhai Mohan spent rest of their life by acting upon Guru Sahib’s instructions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gokhu Mehta was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Maddu, Bhai Toda Mehta and Bhai Tota, visited Guru Sahib and asked for some specific sermons. Guru Sahib told them to join Sangat and recite Gurbani. Gurbani purges one’s mind from the thought of committing sin. Gurbani gives peace of mind. Gurbani cleanses mind of ego and the thought of duality, and it leads to self-realisation. One gets the company of virtuous people in Sangat. All this leads to liberation Bhai Gokhu and his associates made active participation during the digging of the Amritsar Sarovar.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gokal Singh, son of Bhai Daria and grandson of Bhai Mula Parmar, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He embraced martyrdom, in the battle of Nirmohgarh (on their way from Nirmohgarh to Basali), on October 14, 1700.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Goind Kukk was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Gola Kukk and Bhai Mohan Kukk, visited Guru Sahib and asked what was the real path to liberation. Guru Sahib told him to meditate the Name of God and never forget death. If one remembers death, he won’t commit sin and meditation of the Name of God will wash his past sins. Bhai Goind, Bhai Gola and Bhai Mohan spent rest of their life by acting upon Guru Sahib’s instructions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Godaria, son of Bhai Ran Mall and grandson of Bhai Rama, was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. His son Bhai Dhura was a soldier of the Sikh army. Bhai Dhura embraced martyrdom in the battle of Ruhila, on September 27, 1621. Bhai Godaria’s brother Bhai Bhoja too was a dedicated Sikh. Bhai Bhoja’s three grandsons (sons of Bhai Dharama) embraced martyrdom: Bhai Fatta and Bhai Amia in the battle of Kartarpur and Bhai Jaggu in the battle of Phagwara. Also see: Dhura, Amia, Fatta, Jaggu.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Godaria (Godaria Singh after initiation), a resident of Bhuchcho, was a dedicated Sikh of the time Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. His real name is not known. He used to carry a Godari (a sort of blanket) around his person; hence his name Godaria. He was a saintly person wandering through the Malwa area and he loved to do selfless service for all and sundry. He used to recite Japji Sahib for 21 times everyday. He attended Guru Sahib at Bhuchcho in December 1705 and again visited Guru Sahib at Talwandi Sabo in the last week of October 1706.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Gian Singh (15.4.1822 – 24.9.1921), son of Sirdar Bhag Singh Dulatt, was born at village Longowal (district Sangrur). He started his career as an employee of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was given the job to recite Gurbani to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Here, he became a student of Giani ram Singh, who taught him the Sikh Scriptures. After the death of Giani Ram Singh, he returned to Longowal. In 1841, he joined service in the Patiala State. In 1845, he worked as an army postman with the unit of Patiala army, which assisted the British, in their war against Lahore Darbar. He also joined the expedition against the rebels of Jind State, in 1849-50. He was wounded in this battle. After this, he was discharged from the army. This resulted into economic disaster. Giani Gian Singh decided to commit suicide. A man named Janaki Das saved him. After this episode Gian Singh was recruited as a Granthi at Patiala. He could not continue his job for a long time and resigned after some time. Later, he became an ascetic. For the next several years, he visited several Gurdwaras and the temples of the Hindus, Jains and Buddhists in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim etc. During this period he came into contact with Pandit Tara Singh Narotam. He helped Tara Singh Narotam in compiling Guru Granth Girarath Kosh, a lexicon of Guru Granth Sahib. By this time he had learnt a lot from his pilgrimage as well as books and the other sources, so he started writing books on Sikh history. His first book was Pant Parkash (1880). Later, he published some more books. His books include: Twarikh Guru Khalsa, Shamsher Khalsa, Raj Khalsa, Gurdham Sangreh, Nirmal Panth Pardipka, Patit Pawan, Twarikh Amritsar, Twarikh Lahore, Suraj Parkash Vartak (abridged version of Bhai Santokh Singh’s Gur Partap Suraj Granth in Punjabi prose) etc. Besides these books of the Sikh studies, he also wrote Itihas Riyasat Bagarian, Bhupindera Nand, Ripudaman Parkash, Punjabi Siharfi, Niti Parkash etc. He died at Nabha in 1921. Writings of Giani Gian Singh have strong influence of the Hindu ideology because he had stayed at the Hindu centres for several years. Like Santokh Singh and Bhai Vir Singh, he too is known as a Nirmala writer. His writings have to be read with caution.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gian Singh Nikkash (1883 – 1953), son of Bhai Taba Singh, was born at Amritsar. At a very early age, he started learning the art of sculpture and engraving from Bhai Nihal Singh and Bhai Jawahar Singh (both of them had done engraving at Darbar Sahib). Bhai Gian Singh spent 33 years of his life doing work as engraver at Darbar Sahib. He was an expert of the Sikh art. His engravings and paintings present very minute details of the Sikh culture. Bhai Gian Singh was probably the last engraver of the Sikh art. One of his works is displayed in the Folk Art Museum in California (U.S.A.). The great work of art, done by him in the Darbar Sahib Amritsar, preserves his memory. As a man, he was a saintly person. He had well read several works about the history of the Sikhs. Bhai Gian Singh produced some books too, including Nikkashi Darpan, Nikkashi Art Sikhiya, Taj-e-Zargari etc. Bhai Gian Singh had three sons; the eldest Bhai Sunder Singh was killed by General Dyer, on April 13, 1919 and the youngest Bhai G. S. Sohan Singh too became a famous artist.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)