Archives: Sikh Biographies

Bhai Ghunghanian Singh was a resident of village Bhagata. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib visited Bhagata, a Sikh brought Ghunghanian (fried and seasoned cereals, e.g. softened wheat, soaked in syrup) to serve Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib asked him the name of his son, who had carried the present for Guru Sahib. The Sikh told Guru Sahib that he had not given any name to the boy. Guru Sahib named the boy Bhai Ghunghanian Singh. Later, Bhai Ghunganian Singh got initiation from Guru Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ghulla Singh (1899 – 21.2.1924), son of Bhai Narain Singh, was born at village Bhalur (district Faridkot). When he grew up he got initiation. He joined the First Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito, on February 9, 1924. The Jatha reached Jaito on February 21, 1924. At Jaito, the British army fired at the Jatha. Bhai Ghulla Singh was one of the Sikhs who embraced martyrdom.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Once Guru Gobind Singh visited the area of the villages Kottha and Maluka. There, a Sadhu tried to force entry into the tent of Guru Sahib. A watchman of Guru Sahib hit that man. After some time that man died. Ghudda, the leader of the Sadhus, with the intention of taking revenge, followed Guru Sahib to village Bajak. When Ghudda heard sermons of Guru Sahib, he gave up the thought of revenge and became a Sikh. Afterwards, he, along with his companions Sukkhu and Buddhu, sang songs in folk-tunes and served Guru Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gudda Singh Waring, a resident of village Rame-ana (district Faridkot), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib visited him, on December 28, 1705 and stayed with him for one night.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ghoga, a resident of village Nanehari (about five km from railway station Shambhu), was a Masand of the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Later, he parted with Guru Sahib. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib was on his way from Patna to Anandpur Sahib, he approached Guru Sahib and made apology. Guru Sahib forgave him and visited him at his residence

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ghani Khan was a Pathan of village Machhiwara. He was the son of Bibi Umri, the Bhua (father’s sister) of Bhai Nihang Khan. For some time, he, along with his brother Bhai Nabi Khan, had been in the employment of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. The two brothers escorted Guru Sahib from Chamkaur to Machhiwara, on December 7-8, 1705. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib issued a Hukamnama proclaiming the two brothers like his (Guru Sahib’s) sons. The descendants of the two Khan brothers had been receiving regular grants from the Sikh States up to 1947.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gayand was a poet of Bhatt family. 13 stanzas, written by him, have been included in Guru Granth Sahib. These stanzas have been written in the appreciation of the work of the Fourth Nanak.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gautam (Mahatama) Bhargav-Chhibber, a Brahmin from village Kariala (district Jhelum, Pakistan), joined Sikh faith at the time of Guru Arjan Sahib or Guru Hargobind Sahib. Bhai Gautam was a dedicated Sikh. He had two sons: Bhai Paira and Bhai Parag Das. Bhai Parag Das embraced martyrdom in the battle of Ruhila (September 1621). Several other members of this family served Guru Sahib. Among them four became Diwan (minister) of Guru Sahib. Also see: Parag Das, Mati Das, Sati Das, Dargah Mall, Dharam Singh, Sahib Singh Diwan, Kesar Singh Chhibber, Chaupa Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

 Giani Garja Singh (2.8.1904 – 30.8.1977), son of Surjan Singh Chauhan was born at village Mahal (Barnala). His father was wounded in Jallianwala Bagh Amritsar firing; his wounds could not be heeled and he died after two days.

When Giani Garja Singh grew up he joined the British-Indian Army. During his service, more than 150 Sikhs were killed at Nanakana Sahib. To participate in protest, he wore black turban; hence he was expelled from the Army. By that time, Gurdwara Reform Movement had begun. In July 1922 he was elected Secretary of Akali Dal’s Barnala unit. He participated in Jaito agitation. After his release, the police began harassing him; hence, he moved to Kartarpur (Sialkot district). There too he participated in political activities. He was arrested during Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930 and was sentenced to one years’ imprisonment. In December 1932 he was elected General Secretary of Akali Dal’s Sialkot unit. In 1936 he was elected as a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). In 1936, he was elected Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Tara Singh Thethar was President at that time). In 1938 he was elected President of Sialkot unit of the Congress Party. In 1940, he was elected Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Teja Singh Akarpuri was President at that time). In 1946, he was again elected President of Sialkot district unit of the Congress Party. In 1946 he was again elected as a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Giani Garja Singh was also a great scholar of Sikh studies. He collected and published rare documents of the Sikh history.

His works include editing of Shaheed Bilas (written by Bhai Sewa Singh Bhatt) and Guru Kian Sakhian (written by Bhai Swarup Singh Kaushish). The first work is a detailed history of the family of Bhai Mula Parmar, the father of Shaheed Bhai Nanu and Bhai Ballu, grandfather of Bhai Mai Das and great-

grandfather of Bhai Mani Singh. The second work is a valuable document of the history of the period of Guru Hargobind Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Garhial, a resident of Agra, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Bhai Garhial and his brother Bhai Mathura Das, were poor labours. Though they were poor yet they loved helping the needy Sikhs. A Sikh, who had visited their house, reported their devotion to Guru Arjan Sahib. Guru Arjan Sahib sent them a message to visit him at Guru-Ka-Chakk. Both visited Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib blessed them and asked the Sikhs to follow their example.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Garhia, a resident of Goindwal, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was a man of learning. Guru Sahib sent him to Kashmir for missionary activities. Sain Daula Shah, a rich man of Gujrat, became an admirer and friend of Guru Sahib because of Bhai Garhia. Bhai Garhia served the Panth up to the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He was present at the ceremony of installation of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib as the Ninth Nanak, at Bakala, on August 11, 1664. He has been mentioned as Gaddhia also.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Ganj Bakhsh was a resident of Gurdaspur. He joined Sikh faith at the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib. He went to far off places for missionary activities. Later, his family and followers came to be known as Ganj Bakhsh-iay.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gangu Shah, alias Gangu Das, was born in a Bassi Khatri family of Garhshankar (district Hoshiarpur). He was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib. He was one of the 22 major missionaries appointed by Guru Sahib to preach the Sikh faith. He was appointed as the in charge for the area of Sirmaur. His son and grandson too contributed to the propagation of the Sikh faith. At the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, their chief declared himself as the Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Sahib excommunicated him and his associates and their followers from the Sikh Panth.

Later, this family came to be known as Gangushah-iay. Their major centre is at Daun (district Ropar).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gangu was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Angad Sahib. He was a man of spiritual leaning. He used to serve the Sangat and was always absorbed in remembering the Name of God

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ganga Sehgal, a resident of Agra, was a soldier in the army of the Mogul emperor Jahangir. Once he visited Guru Arjan Sahib and told that he did not like to serve the unjust Mogul regime but he had no other source of income. At this Guru Arjan Sahib asked him to become an attendant of (Guru) Hargobind Sahib. Later, Bhai Ganga became a commander of the Sikh army. He participated in the battles of Guru Hargobind Sahib.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

 Mata Ganga (? – 14.5.1621), daughter of Bhai Sangat Rao, was married to Guru Arjan Sahib, at Lahore, on June 19, 1589. In 1590, she gave birth to (Guru) Hargobind (Sahib). She breathed her last, at Bakala in 1621 Mata Ganga was not cremated and her body was immersed in the river Beas to fulfill her wish that her body too (like her husband’s) should be immersed in a river. A Gurdwara at Bakala preserves the memory of Mata Ganga.

According to Bhai Sital Singh Bahrupia and Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber ,Guru Arjan Sahib was married to Bibi Ram Dei, daughter of Bhai Kishan Chand, of the village Mau Sahib (near Phillaur, Jullundur) in 1579. She could not bear any child. Guru Sahib was married to Mata Ganga, the daughter of Bhai Sangat Rao, at Lahore, in 1589.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Principal Ganga Singh (1898 – 25.12.1961), son of Bhai Gurdip Singh, was born at village Jagatpura (tehsil Tarn Taran, district Amritsar). His uncle Bhai Tehal Singh, who was issue-less, adopted him and gave him his name. He passed his Matric examination from Amritsar and later joined Gurmat Parchar Vidyala, at Tarn Taran. After completing his religious education, he began teaching at Gurmat Parchar Vidyala. In 1933, the S.G.P.C. established Shaheed Sikh Missionary College and appointed him as Principal. During this period, he began publication of Amrit, a journal of religious studies. It could not survive more than three years. In 1947, the S.G.P.C. sent him abroad on a missionary tour. He was joined by S. Meharban Singh Dhupia (later, a businessman of Delhi). He spent two years in the U.S.A. There he cut his hair and became an apostate Sikh. Master Tara Singh sent him a message not to return home as an apostate. He, however, returned in clean-shaven form. His mother rebuked him and refused to recognise him as her son. An insulted and rejected Ganga Singh appeared at Akal Takht Sahib, made an apology and got re-initiation. Sometimes later, he was re-appointed as the Principal of the Sikh Missionary College. In 1951-52, he resigned and joined service in Ajit, a newspaper from Jullundur. After one year he re-joined the Sikh Missionary College. In 1955, he courted arrest during the Punjabi Suba Zindabad agitation. Towards the end of 1955, he joined Mata Sundri Gurdwara, at Delhi as a Katha Vachak (one who performs exegesis of Scriptures). He died at Delhi on December 25, 1961.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Pandit Ganga Ram, a resident of Bathinda, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. According to a source, once he grew Bajra (millet). When he got a good crop, he left for the sale of the grains. He had learnt that he would get good price for his grains in the Majha area. When he reached Guru-Ka-Chakk, he saw that the Sikhs were busy in digging Amritsar Sarovar. He learnt that all the Sikhs were doing voluntary service. He was deeply affected by the Sikhs’ devotion. He donated all his grains for the Langar. He too started participation in the Kar Sewa of the at Amritsar Sarovar. Bhai Ganga Ram remained at Guru-Ka-Chakk till the Sarovar was completed. After his return, he became a missionary of the Sikh faith.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Ganga Ram (1775 – 1826), a Kashmiri Brahmin, son of Kishan Das, was an official of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh. Earlier, he had been serving the regimes at Gwalior and Delhi. In 1809, he served under David Ochtorlony, a Colonel of the East India Company. In 1814, he joined Lahore Darbar. In 1815, he called another relative (Dina Nath) from Delhi to get him a job with the Lahore Darbar. Sometime later, Ganga Ram became the in charge of the army accounts and the treasury (including Kohinoor diamond) of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was also the keeper of the privy seal. For some time he was also appointed as the Governor of Gujrat.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Ganga Ram, son of Bibi Viro (daughter of Guru Hargobind Sahib) and Bhai Sadhu was born at villlage Mallha (district Faridkot). He fought bravely in the battle of Bhangani (September 18, 1688).

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Ganda Singh (15.11.1901 – 27.12.1987), son of Bhai Jawala Singh, was born at Haryana (district Hoshiarpur). He received his early education from Hoshiarpur and later joined F.C. College at Lahore. In 1919 he left his studies and joined the British Indian army. During his service of army, he had to go to the Middle East and Iran. There, he met Arnald T. Wilson, who gave him information about the scholars interested in Asian studies. Sirdar Ganda Singh decided to work on the history of the Sikhs. He learnt Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit and a bit of French and German too. In 1931, he became the first head of the Sikh History Department at Khalsa College, Amritsar. Since then, he devoted all of his time for the study of Sikh history. From 1949 to 1957, he worked as the Director of the Punjab State Archives. During this period he earned the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His thesis was on Ahmed Shah Durrani. Later, he became the head of the Department of Punjab Historical Studies at the Punjabi University, Patiala. In 1967, he began the publication of The Punjab Past And Present, a reputed journal of the Sikh Studies. In recognition of his contribution to history, the degree of D.Litt. was conferred upon him by the Aligarh Muslim University (in 1974) and the Punjabi University, Patiala (in 1978). The Punjab Government, the S.G.P.C., the Sikh Educational Conference, the Punjabi University, Patiala, Indian Historic Congress and several other institutions also honoured him. Dr. Ganda Singh wrote and edited several books, including: Maharaja Kaura Mall Bahadur, Sirdar Sham Singh Atariwala, Kukian Di Vithia, Sikh Itihas Bare, Sikh Itihas Val, Punjab Ute Angrezan Da Kabza, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Life of Banda Bahadur, History of Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Lahore, (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh, Guru Nanak, Guru Arjan’s Martyrdom, The Sikhs and Sikhism, A Short History of the Sikhs, A Brief Account of the Sikh People, British Occupation of the Punjab, Ahmed Shah Durrani, A Bibliography of the Punjab etc. Besides this, he edited several books including: Amritsar Di Vaar, Sri Gur Sobha, Hukamname, Bhai Nand Lal Granthawali, Punjab (Bhai Jodh Singh Abhinandan Granth), Amarnamah, Punjab in 1839-40, A Bibliography of Patiala and East Punjab Union, Some Confidential Papers of the Akali Movement, Qazi Nur Mohammed’s Jangnamah, Private Correspondence Relating to Anglo-Sikh Wars etc. Dr. Ganda Singh was member of several international societies of historical studies. In 1976, Professor Harbans Singh published Essays in Honour of Dr. Ganda Singh, an anthology in his honour.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Raja Gajpat Singh (15.4.1738 – 11.11.1789) was the son of Sukhchain Singh. He was a very brave soldier. At the age of just 17, he captured Jind, Safidon and some other areas. In 1765, he attacked Karnal and Panipat. In 1766, he made Jind as the capital of the Jind State. By that time he had cordial relations with the Mogul emperor Shah Aalam, who gave him title of Raja in 1722. In 1774, he attacked Nabha State and captured Sangrur, Amloh and Bhadson. The Patiala ruler and the other Sikh leaders compelled him to return the territory of the Nabha State. He surrendered Amloh and Bhadson only. Later, he developed Sangrur and made it his capital. In 1774, his daughter Raj Kaur was married to Mahan Singh, the chief of Sukkarchakkia Misl (she gave birth to Maharaja Ranjit Singh). He died at Safidon in 1789.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gainda Chahal (also mentioned as Bhai Desu), a resident of village Bhikkhi (district Bathinda), was a follower of the Sakhi Sarvar sect. He was the local chief of the village Bhikkhi. In 1672-73, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited Bhikkhi. He served Guru Sahib with dedication and also joined Sikh faith. Guru Sahib gave him a present of five arrows. His wife did not like his conversion to the Sikh faith. When Guru Sahib left the village, she broke the arrows and burnt them. After some time, his son and grandson were killed by their enemies; thus bringing an end to his direct line. The people believed that was the punishment for the act of burning of Guru Sahib’s present (the five arrows).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Gaandha Singh alias Bhagat Singh, son of Bhai Jawala Singh, was born at village Kacharbhann (district Firozpur). When Ghadr Party planned an armed revolt for the freedom of their homeland from the British, he became a part and parcel of the organisation. He participated in various activities of the party. Along with other actions, he was involved in Chabba dacoity case too. He was arrested and tried in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was sentenced to death. He was hanged in Lahore jail.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Babu Firozdin Sharaf (1898 – 11.3.1955), son of Bir Khan, was a superb poet of Punjabi language. He was favourite among the audience of Punjabi poetical symposia. His best known poems are the Sikh-poems as well as the poems depicting his love for Punjab and its language and culture. His works include: Sunehari Kalian, Nuri Darshan, Jogan, Lalan Dian Larian, Nurani Kiranan, Sharaf Hulare, Sharaf Nazare etc. He died at Lahore.

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Firanda, a resident of village Bhaironana (district Kapurthala), was a great musician of his time. Once, Guru Nanak Sahib and Bhai Mardana visited him and requested him to give lessons in music to Bhai Mardana. Bhai Firanda trained Bhai Mardana and also presented him a Rabab (rebec).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

FIRANA BEHAL:- Bhai Firana Behal was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib.

FIRANA KHEHRA:- Bhai Firana Khehra was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Nanak Sahib.

FIRANA SOOD:- Bhai Firana Sood was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Fauja Singh, a resident of Kapurthala, joined the Third Shaheedi Jatha to Jaito, on March 3, 1924. The Jatha reached Jaito on April 7, 1924. At Jaito, the Jatha was arrested. Bhai Fauja Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Fattu Dogar was a resident of village, now known as Tahalian Fattu Sammu Kian, near Jallalabad (district Firozpur). [The name of the village is known after the two brothers]. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib visited him on his way to Talwandi Sabo. He, and his brother Bhai Sammu, welcomed Guru Sahib. They presented Guru Sahib a local dress, Lungi (a piece of cloth for wrapping around the waist)) and Khes (a type of comforter/blanket).

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Fatta (and his brother Bhai Amia), son of Bhai Dharma, grandson of Bhai Bhoja and great-grandson of Bhai Ran Mall Ramana, resident of Ladwa (Haryana), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was a brave soldier of the Sikh army. He fought bravely in the battle of Kartarpur (April 26-28, 1935) and embraced martyrdom. His brother Bhai Jaggu too embraced martyrdom in the battle of Phagwara on April 29, 1635.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sahibzada Fateh Singh (26.2.1699 – 12.12.1705), born to Mata Jit Kaur, was the youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. His mother died when he was just 9 months old. He was brought up by his grandmother Mata Gujari. On December 5, 1705, he left Aanandpur Sahib along with his brother Zorawar Singh and grandmother Mata Gujari. On December 8, 1705, he was arrested on information given by a servant of Masands Dhumman and Darbari of village Saheri. Sahibzada Fateh Singh was asked to chose between Islam and death. On refusal to embrace Islam, he was bricked alive and was, later, murdered, on orders of Wazir Chand, the Faujdar of Sirhind, on December 12, 1705.

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Fateh Singh (? – August 1713), a descendant of Bhai Bhagtu, was a general of the army of Banda Singh Bahadur. In the battle of Samana, major role had been played by Bhai Fateh Singh; hence Banda Singh appointed him as the Governor of Samana.

In the battle of Chappar Chiri, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur had divided the whole army into four units, under the command of Fateh Singh, Karam Singh-Dharam Singh, Aali Singh-Mali Singh and Baj Singh. During this battle Wazir Khan was he was fully active in the frontlines, sitting on his elephant, he was encouraging his soldiers. Banda Singh Bahadur too was in the front line of the Sikh army.

Wazir Khan saw Banda Singh, he moved towards him to attack him. When Baj Singh noticed this he kicked his horse and came in between Banda Singh and Wazir Khan. Wazir Khan shot his spear at Baz Singh which the latter cached with his hand and threw the same back towards Wazir Khan. This spear hit the horse of Wazir Khan and he fell down. Even in this position, Wazir Khan shot an arrow at Baj Singh which pierced the arm of the latter. At this moment Wazir Khan attacked Baj Singh with his sword too. But, before Wazir Khan’s sword could hit Baj Singh’s body, Fateh Singh gave a strong blow with his sword which almost chopped off the right arm of Wazir Khan, and with another blow his head too was severed.

In the second week of August 1713, Bhai Fateh Singh was present in Baloh (in Kashmir). Suddenly, the ruler of Kashmir on one side and the ruler of Baloh on the other side surrounded the Sikh army. The Sikhs tried to seek refuge in the nearby jungle but the number of the Mughal soldiers was so high that they (Sikhs) could not save themselves. All the one thousand Sikhs and an equal number of the Mughals died in this battle. Bhai Fateh Singh was also one of those who lost their lives. His head was severe and despatched to Mohammed Ali Khan (deputy Governor of Kashmir) who further sent the news of the Mughal victory to Farukhsiyar. Farukhsiyar praised the Mughal soldiers and increased the mansab of Mohammed Ali Khan by five hundred.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Fateh Singh Man (? – 28.2.1845) was one of the senior commanders of the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He participated in several campaigns of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, including: Multan (1818), Kashmir (1819) etc. He had been given a Jagir of one hundred thousand rupees. He had a personal contingent of three hundred horses. In 1839, after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he served under Maharaja Naunihal Singh. After the murder of Maharaja Naunihal Singh , he joined hands with Maharani Chand Kaur against Kanwar Sher Singh. When Kanwar Sher Singh became Maharaja, Fateh Singh became loyal to him. In 1845, when Lahore Darbar army asked Gulab Sinh Dogra to surrender the treasure of Lahore Darbar taken to Jammu on excuse of safety, Fateh Singh was sent to Jammu to negotiate. Sirdar Fateh Singh Man effected Gulab Sinh’s surrender. Gulab Sinh paid a part of the money and promised to surrender the rest earliest possible. When Sirdar Fateh Singh was on way to Lahore, Gulab Sinh’s men ambushed the Sikh party. Sirdar Fateh Singh Man was killed on the spot.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

General Fateh Singh (? – 25.10.1807), son of Bhai Jassa Singh Sandhu, was born at village Kala (district Amritsar). Fateh Singh’s grandfather Bhai Jaimal Singh, father and uncle Bhai Jai Singh were soldiers in the army of Sirdar Charhat Singh and Sirdar Mahan Singh of Sukkarchakkia Misl. The three had fought in battles against the Chatthas. In one of the battles Sirdar Jai Singh and Sirdar Jassa Singh died. When Fateh Singh grew up, he joined the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sirdar Fateh Singh was with Maharaja Ranjit Singh when the latter captured Lahore (1799). Sirdar Fateh Singh participated in the battles of Kasur (1801) and Jhang (1806). He defeated Sirdar Jassa Singh Bhangi and captured Chiniot. In 1807, he attacked Kasur to suppress the revolt of Qutab-Din-Khan. In October 1807, Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Naraingarh (Haryana). During the attack Fateh Singh was mortally wounded. After a few days he succumbed to injuries.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Fateh Singh, son of Raja Bhag Singh, became the ruler of Jind in 1819. He died at the age of 23, on February 3, 1822.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Fateh Singh (? – 1814), son of Bhai Tehal Singh Kohli, was a resident of district Gujranwala. Earlier they belonged to Chhachh (district Attock); hence Chhachhi. Bhai Fateh Singh and his brothers Bhai Jassa Singh and Bhai Sher Singh, participated in several battles of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sirdar Fateh Singh died during Kashmir expedition in 1814.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sirdar Fateh Singh (? – October 1836) was the son of Raja Bhag Singh (? – 1801). Sirdar Fateh Singh had joined his father on several expeditions. He had got initiation at Akal Takht Sahib, in 1795. In 1796, he got married. In 1800, he occupied some area round the river Sutlej. In 1801, he succeeded his father as the ruler of the Kapurthala State. In 1802, (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh visited Fatehabad to pay condolence on the death of Raja Bhag Singh. On this occasion, Ranjit Singh and Fateh Singh presented turbans to each other and became ‘brothers’. In 1802, Fateh Singh joined Ranjit Singh in his attack on Naushehra and Kasur (1802-03). In 1804, he occupied Phagwara. In December 1805, he mediated a compromise between Jaswant Rao Holkar and Lord Lake. In 1806, he and Maharaja Ranjit Singh entered an agreement with the British that they (the British) shall not interfere his territory till Kapurthala and Lahore Darbar remained friends. In September 1805, when Metcalf visited Lahore on a diplomatic mission, Ranjit Singh kept Fateh Singh along his side. In 1809, when Ranjit Singh attacked Kangra, in 1818, when he attacked Multan and in 1819, when he attacked Kashmir, Sirdar Fateh Singh joined the battles. Ranjit Singh rewarded Fateh Singh with estates of Malwa area (Dakha, Jagraon, Talwandi, Naraingarh, Raipur etc). Their friendship continued till 1825. In 1825, Ranjit Singh sent his army to Kapurthala. At this, to avoid fighting against Ranjit Singh, Fateh Singh went to Jagraon (in the British territory). In 1827, Ranjit Singh sent a letter to Fateh Singh through Kanwar Naunihal Singh, Dhian Sinh Dogra and Bhai Desa Singh Sodhi (of Aanandpur Sahib), promising that he shall not annex his (Fateh Singh’s) State. At this Fateh Singh returned. He visited Lahore in 1827. He died at Kapurthala in 1836. He was succeeded by his son Nihal Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

(Bhai) Fateh Singh (27.10.1911 – 30.10.1972), son of Bhai Channan Singh, was born at Badial (district Bathinda). When he grew up, his father sent him to Giani Ishar Singh of Sekha, to study Sikh scriptures. He spent several years at Sekha. Later, he moved to Buddha Joharh, Ganganagar (Rajasthan). He built Gurdwaras and schools in and around Ganganagar and became very popular among the people of the area. Gurdwara Buddha Joharh was his headquarters. In 1948, he joined the Akali Dal and made remarkable contribution during the Akali agitations and conferences. In 1959, he was nominated as the vice-president of the Akali Dal. In 1960, when Punjabi Suba agitation began, with the arrest of Master Tara Singh, on May 24-25, 1960, he was nominated as the ‘dictator’ of the agitation. By December 1960, more than 50000 Sikhs had courted arrest. Fateh Singh decided to change the strategy. He announced his decision to begin fast unto death (an act not in consonance with the Sikh ideology). On December 18, 1960, he began his fast (unto death) for the achievement of Punjabi Suba but broke the same on January 9, 1960 without achieving anything. During the same period, he became a part of conspiracy to remove Master Tara Singh from the leadership of the Sikh nation. In July 1962, he parted company with Master Tara Singh and formed a separate Akali Dal. His group was able to win the Sikh masses on the issue of Jat and non-Jat (it harmed the Sikh nation a lot). In August 1965, Fateh Singh announced another fast unto death but withdrew it on the plea of Indo-Pak war. Fateh Singh undertook another fast on December 17, 1966 but broke it on December 27. He began still another fast, on January 27, 1970 and broke it on February 1, without any achievement. In 1971, the Akali Dal suffered heavy defeat in the Parliamentary elections. The Akali workers asked Fateh Singh to retire from politics. He obliged and Mohan Singh Tur became the president of the Akali Dal. Fateh Singh expected that the Akali workers will select him as the ‘Patron’ of the Dal; but, it did not happen. This broke the heart of Fateh Singh. A dejected, despondent, melancholic, demoralized Fateh Singh could not tolerate his fall. He died in 1972.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Fateh Shah (? – 1716) was the ruler of the hill State of Garhwal. He was induced by Gurbakhsh Rai, a Masand of Ram Rai, to attack Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. The battle took place at Bhangani, on September 18, 1688. In the middle of the battle he fled the battle filed. Guru Sahib asked the Sikhs not to shot arrows at the fleeing coward ruler. Fateh Shah has also been referred to as Fateh Chand.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Mai Fateh Kaur (? – 1773) was the wife of Baba Aala Singh and the daughter of Bhai Khana, chief of village Kaleke (district Sangrur). According to a source, her parents wished to have a male child. When she was born her parents put her in a big pitcher and buried her alive. A saintly person Bhai Dial Das, who was present in that area on the day, taught them that one should bow before the Will of the Almighty. At this the pitcher was dug from the earth. The child was named Fatto. Bibi Fatto was a girl of religious bent of mind. In 1707, she was married to Aala Singh, the founder of the Patiala dynasty. Fateh Kaur gave birth to three sons (Sardul Singh, Bhumia Singh and Lal Singh) and a daughter (Pardhan Kaur).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Fateh Chand Maini, a resident of Patna (Bihar), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Guru Sahib first visited him in 1656. Fateh Chand and his wife served Guru Sahib and the Sikhs with dedication. Guru Sahib spent a lot of time at their place. He established a Sangat which, later, came to be known Maini Sangat after his name. His house became a Sikh Dharamsala. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib was born at Patna on December 18, 1661. Bhai Fateh Chand and his wife attended Mata Gujari and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib in a royal manner. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib used to stay and play at the residence of Bhai Fateh Chand. Now Gurdwara Bal Lila Maini Sangat stands at the site of the house of Bhai Fateh Chand Maini.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Fateh Chand was the Chowdhry (chief) of village Kanech. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (dresses as Uchch Da Pir) visited Kanech, he recognised and greeted Guru Sahib. When Haji Charagh Din borrowed his horse for Guru Sahib, he told that his horse was not at his home at that time. When Fateh Chand reached home, he found his horse dead of snake-bite. Fateh Chand returned to Guru Sahib and apologized.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Farrukhsiyar (11.9.1683 – 28.4.1719) was the son of Azim al-Shan and grandson of Bahadur Shah, the Mogul emperor. He became the emperor of the Mogul India, on February 11, 1713. During this period, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur had been fighting against the Mogul regime, in the Punjab. Like his father, Farrukhsiyar also gave special attention to expedition against Banda Singh. After hide and seek of two years, Baba Banda Singh was arrested on December 7, 1715. Baba Banda Singh, his 740 companions, 2000 heads of the Sikhs struck upon spears and several cart-loads of the heads of the Sikhs were brought to Delhi where they reached on February 27, 1716. Of these 694 Sikhs were executed at Kotwali. Baba Banda Singh and some of his senior companions were executed on June 9, 1716. Farrukhsiyar personally supervised all these proceedings. Farrukhsiyar himself got similar treatment. On February 28, 1719, he was blinded by Hussain Ali, with the help of Marathas. He died on the night of April 27-28, 1719. Also see: Banda Singh Bahadur.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sheikh Farid-ud-Din Masoud (1173 – 15.10.1263), also known as Shakar Ganj, son of Sheikh Jamaluddin Suleman and Qarsum Bibi, was born at village Kotthiwal (now known as Chawali Mashaik. Guru Nanak Sahib also visited this village), near Multan. At the age of 16, he went to Mecca for Hajj. After Hajj, he went to Kabul (Afghanistan) to study Islamic philosophy. After completing his education, he returned to Multan where he met Khwaja Kutub-ud-Din Bakhtiyar Kaki, of Delhi. Farid joined Chishti sect and accompanied his guide to Delhi. He spent some years of his life at Hansi and Sirsa to study Islamic philosophy. After the death of Khwaja Kutub-ud-Din Bakhtiyar Kaki, Sheikh Farid settled at Ajodhan, now known as Pak Pattan. Sheikh Farid worked seriously for propagation of Islam and converted numerous Hindus to Islam. Sheikh Farid had four wives who bore him five sons and three daughters. He died in 1263 and was succeeded by his eldest son Diwan Baddar-ud-Din Suleman. Sheikh Farid was a great poet of Punjabi language. One hundred and thirty-four of his verses have been included in Guru Granth Sahib. A memorial at Faridkot (Mokal Nagar, founded by Raja Mokal, was named Faridkot by the ruler as a tribute to Sheikh Farid) preserves his memory. [Guru Nanak Sahib had a discourse with Sheikh Ibrahim, the eleventh successor of Sheikh Farid].

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Sir Henry Fane (1778 -24.31840) was the commander-in-chief of the British army in India. He joined the marriage party of Kanwar Naunihal Singh who married Nanaki, the daughter of Sirdar Sham Singh Atariwala, in March 1837. Sir Henry Fane viewed Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army, its strength and the other strategic points. Sir Henry Fane learnt that Ranjit Singh’s army consisted of 60 to 70 infantry regiments, 700 pieces of artillery etc. He was also shown the famous Kohinoor jewel. Sir Henry collected a lot of useful information about the Lahore Darbar which was, later, used by the British army during the first Anglo-Sikh war.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dyal Singh Majithia (1849 – 9.9.1898), son of Lehna Singh Majithia, was an aristocrat. He was educated in western system. He had bent of mind towards Arya Samaj. He was an admirer of the British rule in the Indian sub-continent. Dyal Singh founded Dyal Singh College, Dyal Singh Library (both at Lahore) and the Tribune newspaper (started 1881). He had offered to pay money for establishment of Khalsa College if the Sikh would name it Dyal Singh College (the Sikhs rejected this egotistic offer). Later, the offer was accepted by Arya Samaj. He contributed funds to various institutions and organisations and earned their appreciation.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dwarka Das, son of Baba Arjani Mall, grandson of Baba Mohari and great-grandson of Guru Amar Das Sahib, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. When Dara Shukoh, after his defeat in the battle of Samugarh (May 29, 1657), fled towards Lahore and visited Guru Har Rai Sahib at Goindwal, in June 1657, Guru Sahib had been staying with Baba Arjani and Bhai Dwarka Das. Again, when, on August 11, 1664, when Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was installed as Ninth Nanak at Bakala, Bhai Dwarka Das accompanied his aged father Baba Arjani, to attend the ceremony. After a few days when Guru Sahib left Bakala for Keeratpur, he too joined Guru Sahib. Bhai Dwarka Das spent most of his life at Goindwal.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Durga Das, the son of Bhai Padam Rai and grandson of Bhai Kaulji Rai Chauhan, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He was Masand of Duburji (Sialkot). In June 1656, when Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib went out for a long missionary journey, he accompanied Guru Sahib. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ordered investigation into the credentials of all the Masands, he was confirmed as an honest person. His son Bhai Jagata was a confident Sikh of the time of Guru Har Rai Sahib. His second son Bhai Aalam Singh Nachanna was the chamberlain of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Bhai Durga Das’s grandsons Bhai Sangat and Bhai Hanumant (sons of Bhai Jagata) embraced martyrdom in the battle of Guler (February 18, 1696). Bhai Aalam Singh Nachanna too embraced martyrdom. Also see: Padam Rai, Kaulji Das, Aalam Singh Nachanna.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Durga Bhambhi, a Brahmin of village Mehrha, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib. He was a learned man and had good knowledge of palmistry. Once, on seeing mark of lotus, in one of the feet of Guru Amar Das Sahib, he made a prediction about Guru Sahib (Guru Sahib had not yet met Guru Angad Sahib) that he (Guru Amar Das Sahib) will become either a sovereign or an eminent spiritual personality. Guru Sahib offered some money to Pandit Durga. He said that he shall claim the award after the fulfilment of his prediction. After the installation of Guru Sahib as the Third Nanak, he visited Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib recognised him and asked him what reward would he like to have. He was so impressed by Guru Sahib that he asked Guru Sahib to give him reward of Naam (the Word). Guru Sahib initiated him into the Sikh faith and appointed him as a missionary for his village.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Durga was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Paira, visited Guru Sahib. They asked Guru Sahib what was their duty as householders. Guru Sahib told them to earn honestly, share with the needy and the poor and meditate upon the Name of the Almighty.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Durga was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Angad Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Jiwanda and Bhai Lalu, visited Guru Sahib and asked Guru Sahib for sermons. Guru Sahib told them that there was nothing to match the acts of goodwill and generosity. We should always be ready to help the others and not think for ourselves only. We should earn honestly and share with the others. We should always pray for the welfare of the whole of the humanity. Bhai Durga and his companions spent the whole of their life as per the instructions of Guru Sahib. Bhai Durga came to be known as Parupkari (one who is ever-ready to do good to others).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dunna Singh, a carpenter, was a resident of village Saheri (district Ropar). Bhai Dunna Singh and his wife Subhikhi had escorted Mata Gujari and the Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh from Aanandpur Sahib to the residence of Bhai Karim Bakhsh (Kumma Mashki) at Chamkaur. From Chamkaur Dhuma and Darbari, two Masands, escorted the three to village Saheri. At night, the Masands stole a bag of gold Mohars of Mata Gujari. When she questioned them, they reported the whereabouts of Mata Gujari and the Sahibzadas to the police chief of Morinda. The police chief arrested and sent them to Diwan Suchcha Nand, a minister of Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind. Later Bhai Dunna Singh informed Bhai Daya Singh Purohit about the martyrdom of Mata Gujari and the two Sahibzadas.

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Duni Chand Dhuppar was a resident of Lahore. Once, when Guru Nanak Sahib visited Lahore, he was holding Sharadh (anniversary feast) for his deceased parents. He invited Guru Sahib to join the feast. When Guru Sahib reached his house, he saw that Duni Chand had displayed seven flags signifying that he was an owner of property worth seven hundred thousand rupees (a big amount in those days). Guru Sahib gave him a needle and asked him to keep it as his (Guru Sahib’s) deposit, to be returned in the next world. Duni Chand took the needle. When he told the same to his wife, she asked him how could one take any thing from this world after death (to the other world). Guru Sahib told him that wealth is just a means of life and it won’t accompany anyone after one’s death. Only truthful living shall be a permanent treasure of one’s life. Guru Sahib also taught him about the meaningless-ness of Sharadh.  Later, he spent a large sum of money for the establishment of the town of Kartarpur Sahib, founded by Guru Nanak Sahib, in 1522. He contributed funds for the construction of the residence of Guru Sahib as well as a hostel for the pilgrims.

 

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Duni Chand Dhaliwal, of Amritsar, was a Masand for Majha area. He was the grandson of Bhai Sahlo, a dedicated Sikh of the times of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib. Duni Chand was a hefty man of massive bulk. In August 1700 C.E., he led several companions to Aanandpur Sahib to join Guru Sahib in defending against the invasion of the hill chiefs. The soldiers, who accompanied him, included: Aanad Singh, Amrik Singh, Subeg Singh, Sujan Singh, Sobha Singh, Sant Singh, Hazara Singh, Hamir Singh, Kahan Singh, Kaul Singh, Kirpal Singh, Gopal Singh, Chet Singh, Tek Singh, Dyal Singh, Dan Singh,, Diwan Singh, Fateh Singh, Bir Singh, Man Singh etc. When it was reported that the hill chiefs were planning to use a drunkard elephant of Raja Kesri Chand, to break open the gate of Lohgarh Fort, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib asked him to attack the intoxicated elephant. Duni Chand, though a hefty man, got scared. He tried to run away, in the middle of the night. He broke his leg while jumping from the wall of the fort. His companions carried him back to the village. Later, he died of snake bite. His grandsons Bhai Sarup Singh and Bhai Anup Singh went to Aanandpur Sahib and apologized. Both of his grandsons embraced martyrdom in the battle of Nirmohgarh, on October 7, 1700. Also see: Sarup Singh and Anup Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dunba Singh, a resident of Kalawala, was one of the leaders of the Sikh army. He was the chief of one of the 65 Jathas of the Sikh army, which were merged to form 11 Misls.

  (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dugar Singh, son of Bhai Gullu, grandson of Bhai Aru (grandson of Bhai Sukhia Mandan), of Ladwa (district Thanesar, Haryana), was a dedicated Sikh. He embraced martyrdom on January 3, 1746, at Machhiwara. He, along with his son (Bhai Mani Singh), was skinned alive for not embracing his faith. Bhai Dugar Singh’s brother (Bhai Dial Singh) also had embraced martyrdom on September 1, 1700, in the battle of Agamgarh (Aanandpur Sahib).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Duddan Ram, a resident of village Pandori (district Amritsar) was a saintly person. When, in 1760, the Mogul and Afghan armies were engaged in indiscriminate killing of the Sikh men, women and children, he gave shelter to some Sikh women and children. On information given by the Niranjanias, the Mogul army searched his Dera. When no one could be found, he and his companions were tortured. Later, the army captured the Sikhs from the fields nearby. Duddan Ram approached Momin Khan, the Mogul chief and asked him to release the innocent persons but he could not succeed in his mission.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dost Mohammed Khan (1791 – 9.6.1863), son of Painda Khan, the chief of Barkzai clan of the Pathans, was a ruler of Kabul and Kandhar (Afghanistan). In June 1813, he fought an unsuccessful battle against the army of Lahore Darbar, at Attock. In 1823, he captured Kabul. In 1835, he fought another unsuccessful against the army of Lahore Darbar. In 1837, he fought again against the Lahore Darbar at Jamraud. In this battle general Hari Singh Nalwa was killed. In 1839, he was defeated by Shah Shujah (a descendant of Ahmed Shah Durrani). The British sided with Shah Shujah. Dost Mohammed Khan was arrested and exiled to Calcutta. In November 1842, he was set free. He became the ruler of Kabul again. After this, he established friendly relations with the Sikhs. The Sikhs helped him in his disputes with the British. He also helped the Sikhs during Anglo-Sikh wars. Later, when Bhai Maharaj Singh launched struggle against the British occupation, he promised to help. He died at Herat in 1863.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Diwan Singh was the son of Bhai Tara Singh and a nephew of Bhai Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. He was head of a 1400 strong army. He was in the possession of territory around Qadian, where he built a fort. In 1816, his cousin Bhai Jodh Singh (son of Bhai Jai Singh) died. A dispute with regard to the territory under the control of Bhai Jodh Singh arose among the relatives of te deceased. When (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh tried to intervene, Diwan Singh fled to Patiala. (Maharaja) Karam Singh gave him a warm welcome but refused to help him. This compelled Bhai Diwan Singh to surrender before (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh gave him a suitable Jagir and sent him, along with 1000 soldiers, to Baramulla (Kashmir) where he died in 1834.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Diwan Singh Maftoon (1890 – 1974), born at Hafizabad (district Gujranwala, Pakistan) was a well known journalist. He spent most of his life at Delhi. Among his early writings was a pamphlet condemning excesses of (Maharaja) Bhupindera Singh, the ruler of Patiala. This fetch him support of (Maharaja) Ripduman Singh of Nabha. With the assistance from the ruler of Nabha, Diwan Singh launched a weekly journal Rayyat from Delhi. The paper could not live very long. After this venture, he was given a suitable job by (Maharaja) Ripduman Singh. After the deposition of (Maharaja) Ripduman Singh, he lost his job and returned to Delhi. At Delhi, he started another journal Riyasat. This journal was a success. Diwan Singh was an impressive writer. He used to write two columns: Naqabil-i-Framosh and Jazbat-i-Mashrik which became very popular. Later, he edited his writings under the same titles. Diwan Singh Maftoon had strong views about different personalities of his times.

 

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Diwan Singh (22.5.1897 – 14.1.1944), son of Bhai Sunder Singh, was born at village Guru Kian Galotian (district Sialkot, Pakistan). In 1919, he started his career as medical practitioner. His last appointment was in the Andeman islands. During the Second World War, when Japanese occupied Andeman, Dr. Diwan Singh was arrested. He was tortured to death while in prison. Dr. Diwan Singh was a good poet. Two books of his poems have been published under the name of Vagde Pani and Antim Lehran.

 

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Diwan Singh (1888 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Hira Singh, was born at village Pandori Nijjran (district Jullundur). Later, the family moved to Chakk No. 91 Dhannuana (district Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, Pakistan). Bhai Diwan Singh was well known as a wrestler and a fearless brave young man in his area. In 1920, he joined Gurdwara reform movement. On February 19, 1921, he joined the Jatha of Bhai Lachhman Singh Dharowali and went to Nanakana Sahib to liberate the Sikh shrines of the town and embraced martyrdom there.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

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

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Diwan Singh (? – 21.2.1924), son of Bhai Sahib Singh, of village Mehangarwal (district Hoshiarpur) embraced martyrdom at Jaito on February 21, 1924. Bhai Diwan Singh was the Jathedar of the management committee for the Gurdwaras of district Hoshiarpur. When the first Shaheedi Jatha left Akal Takht Sahib on February 9, 1924, he offered himself to join the Jatha but the S.G.P.C. did not allow him. but he still continued travelling with the Jatha. He was hit by a police bullet and died on the spot.

  (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Misr Diwan Chand was the son of a Brahmin shopkeeper of the village Gondlanwala (district Gujranwala). He was an employee of Sahib Singh, the chief of Nakkai Misl. Later, he joined service in the court of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh. He was appointed with the unit of Gaus Khan. After the death of Gaus Khan, he became the chief of his department. His active participation in the battle of Multan and Kashmir won him favours from Ranjit Singh. It was he who led army to capture the territory of Rani Sada Kaur (mother-in-law of Ranjit Singh). Misr Diwan Chand died in 1825.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Diwan (literally: minister) was a designation given by Guru Sahib to the person who would perform significant jobs like a senior minister in the court of an emperor. As per available sources this designation can be traced from the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Bhai Paraga Chhibber (son of Bhai Gautam), resident of village Kariala (district Jhelum, Pakistan) was the first Sikh known as Diwan. He embraced martyrdom in the battle of Ruhila, in September-October 1621. Bhai Paraga was succeeded by Bhai Jetha. Bhai Jetha embraced martyrdom in the battle of Mehraj, in December 1634. Bhai Dargah Mall, son of Bhai Dawarka Das and grandson of Bhai Paraga Chhibber was the next to be appointed as Diwan. Bhai Dargah Mall served during the time of Guru Har Rai Sahib, Guru Harkrishan Sahib, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Bhai Dargah Mall was succeeded by his nephew Bhai Mati Das (son of Bhai Hira Mall Chhibber) in 1664. After the martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das, on November 11, 1675, Bhai Dargah Mall had to perform his duty again. On March 29, 1676, Bhai Dharam Chand (son of Bhai Dargah Mall) was appointed Diwan (for household affairs) by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Later, Guru Sahib appointed Bhai Nand Chand Sangha of Darauli as Diwan for the affairs of the Darbar (court). The duties of the Diwan for the affairs of the court included writing of letters, making arrangements for initiation, duty as chamberlain, dealing with royal visitors and the Sangat, the affairs of the army etc. Bhai Nand Chand Sangha remained in the service of Guru Sahib up to the third week of March 1691. After committing an act of breach of faith, Nand Chand fled Aanandpur Sahib. On March 29, 1691, Bhai Mani Ram (later Bhai Mani Singh) was appointed Diwan for the affairs of the court. In April 1698, Bhai Mani Singh was sent to Amritsar. In the place of Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh Chhibber (son of Shaheed Bhai Mati Das) was appointed as Diwan for the affairs of court. Bhai Sahib Singh embraced martyrdom in the battle of Nirmohgarh, on October 7, 1700. After the selection of Punj Piaray, it seems, Guru Sahib did not appoint a new Diwan. Bhai Dharam Singh Chhibber, however, remained Diwan for household affairs. Though there is no reference to appointment of Diwan after the martyrdom of Bhai Sahib Singh, but the duties of a Diwan (writings of letters, performing of ceremony of initiation, duties as chamberlain etc.) were being performed by Bhai Man Singh (brother of Bhai Mani Singh). Bhai Man Singh remained with Guru Sahib on latter’s way to Nander, up to Chittaur (April 1708).

 

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Giani Dit Singh (21.4.1853 – 6.9.1906), son of Bhai Diwan Singh, a weaver, was born at village Kalaurh (district Patiala). As a child he was a sharp-witted and intelligent boy. At the age of 10, he was sent to Dera of the Gulabdasi sect, at village Tior (district Ropar). He studied Vedant, prosody, Niti Shastara (diplomacy) and literature of the various schools of eastern philosophy. At the age of 16, he shifted to the main centre of Gulabdasi sect, at village Chhattianwala (district Kasur, Pakistan). He also began studying the Sikhs Scripture and, in a couple of years, he had studied major part of Guru Granth Sahib and the poetry of Bhai Gurdas. Besides, he studied a lot of literature of Punjabi and Urdu languages. At the age of 18 years, he was known as one of the best debaters. By 1875, Giani Dit Singh had become a preacher of Gulabdasi sect. Soon after, he came into contact with Bhai Jawahar Singh Kapur, who himself had been associated with the Gulabdasi sect, for some time. In 1877, Daya Nand, the founder of the Hindu fundamentalist organisation Arya Samaj visited Lahore. Bhai Jawahar Singh Kapur and Giani Dit Singh went to see him. Giani Dit Singh had a debate with Daya Nand. Daya Nand proved no match to the intelligence, wit and clarity of Giani Dit Singh. After this, Bhai Jawahar Singh Kapur and Giani Dit Singh joined the mainstream of the Singh Sabha movement. On April 11, 1880, the first Gurmukhi journal Gurmukhi Akhbar, was launched from Amritsar. Giani Dit Singh and Professor Gurmukh Singh were the main contributors. Their writings enlightened the Sikhs and revived the Sikh national spirit. Giani Dit Singh exposed the hypocrisy of the impostors, who had been posing themselves as the leaders of the Sikh nation. This bold stand could not be tolerated by the Bedis (descendants of Lakhami Das, son of Guru Nanak Sahib) and the other feudal. These feudal created problems for Giani Dit Singh and Professor Gurmukh Singh. This led to division of the Singh Sabha. During this period Sanatani Hindus started work on translation of Guru Granth Sahib in order to distort the Sikh philosophy. Professor Gurmukh Singh protested against it. His bold stand was reacted to by the feudal group. This group received full support from the Sikh feudal. These forces tried to excommunicate Professor Gurmukh Singh from the Sikh Panth. The so-called expulsion order was signed by the yes-men of the anti-Sikh forces. The Sikhs did not bother for this so-called expulsion. This conspiracy was reacted to by Giani Dit Singh and the Sikh elite. Giani Dit Singh was the un-official editor of Khalsa Akhbar, since 1886. In the April 16, 1887 issue of the Khalsa Akhbar, Giani Dit Singh published Supan Natak, a satire exposing the conspiracy against Professor Gurmukh Singh. At this, Sumer Singh Granthi of Patna and Khem Singh Bedi started creating trouble for Giani Dit Singh also. A libel suit was filed by Bawa Udey Singh (a yes-man of Khem Singh Bedi) against Giani Dit Singh. Giani Dit Singh was fined rupees five, by the court (on April 30, 1888, the sessions court reversed the decision of the lower court and acquitted Giani Dit Singh). In the meantime, Kanwar Bikram Singh died, on May 8, 1887. He was the main financial source of the newspaper Khalsa Akhbar. This led to the closure of the paper and the printing press. During those days, the Udasi managers of the Sikh shrines had placed the Hindu idols in the Sikh shrines including Darbar Sahib. Giani Dit Singh led a crusade against this and removed all the idols from the Sikh shrines. On May 1, 1893, Khalsa Akhbar was started again. Giani Dit Singh was appointed the editor. During this period, Giani Dit Singh’s associate Bhai Atar Singh of Bhadaur died in 1895 and Professor Gurmukh Singh breathed his last in 1896. Besides, the economic condition of Giani Dit Singh worsened. In spite of this, he continued his services for the Sikh nation. He helped Bhagat Lakshman Singh launch his paper Khalsa from Lahore on January 5, 1899. Giani Dit Singh had one son (Baldev Singh, born in 1886) and one daughter (Vidyavant Kaur, born in 1890). On June 17, 1901, Vidyavant Kaur died. Giani Dit Singh was very fond of his daughter. An emotional Giani Dit Singh was gravely affected by the death of his beloved daughter. This brought an early death to the great Sikh savant. After serious illness he departed within less than three months of the death of his daughter. Giani Dit Singh gave several valuable works to the Sikh literature, including: Khalsa Dharam Sanskar Vidhi, Nakli Sikh Parbodh, Dambh Vidaran, Mera Te Sadhu Daya Nand DaSanvad, Jiwan Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Amar Das Sahib, Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Har Rai Sahib, GuruHarkrishan Sahib, Kalgidhar Upkar, Singhanian De Sidak, Bhai Tara Singh Di Shaheedi, Sikh Bache DiShaheedi, Guru Nanak Parbodh, Panth Sudhar Binai Pattar, Durga Parbodh, Gurmat Aarti Parbodh, Darpok Singh, Raj Parbodh, Sultan Puara, Nawan Nakli Sikh Parbodh, Khalsa Pattar etc. Most of these books are not available now. Giani Dit Singh’s contribution was recognised by the Sikhs (after his death). Bhai Takht Singh established Giani Dit Singh Library at Sikh Kanya Mahan Vidyala (now almost non-existent). Giani Dit Singh Boarding House was also started at Lahore (now non-existent).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dipa was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib. He used to serve in Langar by cooking food and serving the visitors. He washed with warm water the feet of the Sikhs who used to come from distant lands to visit Guru Sahib. On nights, in winter, he would go round adjusting the quilts and blankets of the visitors. He would eat whatever was left. He was such a true example of devotion and Sewa (service) that Guru Sahib named him Dipak (lamp, which gives light to the others). Later, Guru Sahib appointed him a Masand.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

DIPA (DALLA)
Bhai Dipa, of village Dalla, was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Amar Das Sahib.

DIPA DEU
Bhai Dipa Deu was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Angad Sahib. Once he, along with Bhai Narain Das and Bhai Bula, visited Guru Sahib and asked how could they release themselves from the fear of the so-called circle of life and death. Guru Sahib told them that not renunciation or austerities but meditation of the Name of the Almighty and bowing before His Will eradicates all such fears.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Dip Singh (26.1.1682 – 11.11.1757), son of Bhai Bhagata, was born at village Pahuwind (district Amritsar). He got initiation from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and studied the Sikh scriptures from Bhai Mani Singh at Aanandpur Sahib. In 1706, when Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached Talwandi Sabo, he re-joined Guru Sahib. He spent most of his time in the study of Sikh Scripture. He also participated in the battles of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur but left him in 1714 when there was division in the Sikh army known as the dispute of so-called Tat Khalsa and so-called Bandai Khalsa and returned to Talwandi Sabo again. In 1726, he made four copies of Guru Granth Sahib, from the volume prepared by Bhai Mani Singh under the supervision of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In 1732, he led his Jatha, to help Aala Singh, when latter had been besieged in Barnala. On March 29, 1733, he attended Sarbat Khalsa gathering at Akal Takht Sahib. It was on this day that the Mogul governor had sent an offer of a Jagir to the Sikhs. On this occasion the whole Sikh army was divided into two groups: Buddha Dal (the Veterans over forty years of age) and Taruna Dal (the Younger ones). He was given the command of one of the sections of the Buddha Dal. On March 29, 1748, when the Sikh army was divided into 11 Misls, his battalion was accepted a Misl (Dip Singh’s Misl, later, came to be known as Misl Shaheedan). Baba Dip Singh spent most of his time at Talwandi Sabo. During this period, Mir Muin, Governor of Lahore, perpetrated unspeakable atrocities on the Sikhs. Mir Muin died in 1753. He was succeeded by his wife. In December 1756, Ahmed Shah Durrani attacked the Sikh Homeland again. Durrani pillaged first Punjab and then India. He returned to Afghanistan in April 1757, leaving his son Taimur as the Governor of Lahore and Jahan Khan, as his deputy. In May 1757, Jahan Khan led a huge army to Amritsar. He demolished the Sikh fortress Ram Rauni and filled up Amritsar Sarovar with debris. When the news of sacrilege of the shrines reached Baba Dip Singh, he gave up his academic and missionary activities and set out with his Jatha for Amritsar. On his way to Amritsar, several thousand Sikhs joined him. He fought his major battle at Guru Ka Bagh, near Amritsar, on November 11, 1757. In this battle, Bhai Dial Singh killed Jahan Khan. Baba Dip Singh embraced martyrdom near Ramsar Sarovar. Later, a legend of Baba Dip Singh’s fighting with his severed head in his left hand, became popular. It was in fact, a development of the Punjabi proverb “fight with one’s head on one’s palm” which means “to fight bravely, with spiritual strength, till victory or death.”

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

(Baba) Dip Chand was the son of Baba Suraj Mall (son of Guru Hargobind Sahib). Baba Suraj Mall and his both sons, Bhai Dip Chand and Bhai Nand Chand, stayed most of the time at Keeratpur Sahib. When some children of Guru Sahib contested their claims to the succession of Guru-ship, this family never presented any such claim. They always remained loyal to all Guru Sahib, from Guru Har Rai Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Bhai Dip Chand got initiation on the first day of revelation of Khalsa. Dip Chand had two wives: Nando and Cheni. (Mata) Nando gave birth to Gulab Singh in 1660 and (Mata) Cheni gave birth to Shyam Singh in 1662.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Raja Dip Chand (? – 27.4.1665), son of Raja Tara Chand and grandson of Raja Kalyan Chand, was the chief of Bilaspur State from 1653 to 1665. He was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He visited Keeratpur Sahib several times to make obeisance to Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Har Rai Sahib. When he died, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited Bilaspur, on May 11, 1665, to join final prayers for him. Guru Sahib spent four days at Bilaspur. Raja Dip Chand’s wife Rani Champa too was a dedicated Sikh. See: Bhim Chand and Champa Rani.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Diwan Dina Nath (1795 – 1857), was the son of Bakht Mall, a Kashmiri Brahmin. He began his career with a job at Delhi. Ganga Ram, a senior officer of the court of Ranjit Singh, recommended the latter to call Dina Nath from Delhi to Lahore. In 1815, he joined in accounts office of Ranjit Singh. In 1826, when Ganga Ram died, he was promoted as the head of the department and was given the charge of privy seal. In 1838, he became Diwan and was also given the title of Raja. Diwan Dina Nath was a shrewd person. During the war of succession between Chand Kaur and Sher Singh, he refused to side with either of them. He remained in the good books of (Maharaja) Sher Singh, Hira Sinh Dogra, Rani Jindan, her brother Jawahar Singh and almost every one. In 1845-46, he was a member of the Council of Regency, established for minor-king Dalip Singh. He co-operated even the British. After the annexation of the Punjab, in 1849, when almost all the senior officers were affected, he remained intact. He was a trusted man of Henry Lawrence, the British Resident, who granted him the title of Raja of Kalanaur, in November 1847. Dina Nath had a grant of rupees 46460 per year. He died at Lahore in 1857.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Pandit Dina Nath (1888 – ?) was son of Pandit Bal Karishan, a resident of Amritsar. He was a political activist and a social worker. During the Gurdwara reform movement, on November 7, 1921, the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, was ordered by the government to take-over of the keys of the treasury of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar from the S.G.P.C. This led to an agitation. Pandit Dina Nath supported the Sikh cause. He made a speech at Ajnala (district Amritsar), on November 26, 1921. He was arrested under the charges of sedition and was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment. The government, finally, surrendered and returned the keys to the Sikhs. On January 17, 1922, all the Sikh prisoners, arrested in connection with the agitation, were released. Pandit Dina Nath was not among the released. The Sikhs protested against this. The S.G.P.C. threatened to launch an agitation for the release of Pandit Dina Nath. At this, he was released after a few days.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

He was a general of the army of Aurangzeb. In August 1695, he sent an army of 2000 soldiers, headed by his son Rustam Khan, to attack Aanandpur Sahib. When the army of Rustam Khan reached near Aanandpur Sahib, the rivulet was in flood. [Later, the Sikhs gave the rivulet nickname Himaiti (the supporter)]. Due to flood, the Mogul army had to halt for some time. In the meanwhile Bhai Aalam Chand Nachanna organised the Sikhs who began raising war-cries. The echo of the war-cries and the beat of Nagara (drum) in the stillness of the hills frightened Rustam Khan and he fled without a battle. Dilawar Khan, then sent his general Hussain Khan and a Rajput Jujhar Sinh Hada to attack Aanandpur Sahib. They too were defeated by the Sikhs.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dial Das was the son of Bhai Mai Das Parmar and was an elder brother of Bhai Mani Singh. He was one of the close confidants of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He had accompanied Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, during Guru Sahib’s missionary journey of Bengal, Bihar, Assam and the other areas of the zone (1656-64). On December 18, 1661, when Guru Gobind Singh Sahib was born at Patna, he was present there. In various Hukamnamas (including towards the Sikhs of Benaras, Patna etc.) there are references to Bhai Dial Das, asking the Sikhs to seek guidance of Bhai Dial Das on conceptual and national issues. He was along side Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, when the latter was arrested from village Dhamtan on November 8, 1665. He remained in prison up to December 15, 1665 and after his release he escorted Guru Sahib to Bihar, Bengal and Assam. He was alongside Guru Sahib when the latter was arrested at Agra in 1670. He accompanied Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib when the latter left Aanandpur Sahib on July 8, 1675. He was along side Guru Sahib, when the latter was arrested at village Malakpur Ranghran, on July 12, 1675. He was kept in Bassi Pathanan prison. Bhai Dial Das was tortured while in prison. After four months, he was taken to Delhi. He was boiled to death, in a heated cauldron, on November 11, 1675, in front of the present site of Gurdwara Sis Ganj, at Chandani Chowk, Delhi.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dhir Mall (10.1.1627 – 16.11.1677), son of Baba Gurditta and grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib, was born at Kartarpur (district Jullundur). As a child he was stubborn and selfish. When Guru Hargobind Sahib and Baba Gurditta, along with the families, moved to Keeratpur Sahib, he refused to join them. He was such a wicked character that he did not attend even the final prayers after the death of his father. He even refused to allow the Sikhs to take Adi Granth Sahib with them to Keeratpur Sahib. He was rejected and discarded by Guru Hargobind Sahib. He remained most of the time at Kartarpur (Jullundur). When Guru Har Rai Sahib, Dhir Mall’s younger brother, was installed as Seventh Nanak, Dhir Mall declared himself as successor and began collecting tithe from the Sikhs. He even made friends with his nephew Ram Rai (son of Guru Har Rai Sahib, who had been excommunicated by Guru Har Rai Sahib). When Guru Harkrishan Sahib was installed as the Eighth Nanak, he went to Keeratpur Sahib and once more, tried to become a successor. When he could not succeed he left Keeratpur Sahib and reached Bakala on March 23, 1662. Guru Harkrishan Sahib died on March 30, 1664. When Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was installed as Ninth Nanak, at Bakala, on August 11, 1664, he was present at the time of the performance of the ceremony. Sometimes later, Dhir Mall made yet another attempt but he was rejected by the Sikhs. Dhir Mall, who always collaborated all anti-Sikh groups, was arrested by the Mogul rulers, in September 1676. He was imprisoned at Ramthambhor Fort prison, where he died, on November 16, 1677. His son Ram Chand too was arrested and executed at Delhi on July 24, 1678. After the execution of Ram Chand, his younger brother Bhar Mall moved to Kartarpur. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib sent Bhai Mani Ram (later Singh) to borrow the volume of Adi Granth Sahib to compare and correct another copy, Bhar Mall made excuses. Bhar Mall died on March 30, 1691. He was succeeded by his son Niranjan Rai. Niranjan Rai had cordial relations with the Mogul authorities. Niranjan Rai died on October 27, 1702. He was succeeded by Bikram Rai. Bikram Rai began using suffix Sinh to confuse the Sikhs. Bikram Sinh was succeeded by his son Ram Sinh and after Ram Sinh’s death Vadbhag Sinh (died 1762) became the successor of the Dera at Kartarpur. All of them remain loyal to the Mogul empire. Only Vadbhag Sinh faced some opposition from Nasir Ali, the Governor of Jullundur, who burnt the Thamm (wooden column), installed by Guru Arjan Sahib, as foundation stone of the town, in 1593. Later, to take his revenge, the Sikhs dug the grave of Nasir Ali and cremated his body. During the reign of the Sikh rulers, (in 1760s) the descendants of Dhir Mall got initiation. But, after the annexation of the Sikh Homeland by Britain, they again turned their backs to Sikhism and restarted anti-Sikh practices in their Dera near Kartarpur. Dhir Mall’s descendants are called Dhirmallia(s). The Sikhs are forbidden from having any relations with them.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Mai Desan Sandhu, resident of Patti (district Amritsar), was a childless woman. Once she visited Guru Hargobind Sahib and told him about her desire for a child. Guru Sahib asked her to remain content with what God had blessed her and wait for His Orders. Later, she was blessed with seven sons.

Some fiction writer added a story that she presented a paper to the guru to grant her the gift of one son; and, when the Guru was going to write the figure of 1 for one son, the horse suddenly moved and the figure of 1 turned into 7; hence she gave birth to 7 sons. Many such gossips have been concocted by some writers.

The descendants of Mai Desan, now, inhabit the village of Chabba, about eight km from Amritsar. Gurdwara Sangrana Sahib (the railway station, near the Gurdwara, is also called Sangrana Sahib) has been built at the spot where Mai Desan visited Guru Sahib. Mai Desan has been mentioned as Mai Sulakkhani too.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Baba Dayal (17.5.1783 – 30.1.1855), son of Bhai Ram Sahai, was born at Peshawar. His parents died when he was still a boy. In 1802, he moved to Rawalpindi and started a grocery shop. He was married to Bibi Mula Devi of Bhera. She bore him three sons: Darbara Singh, Bhag Singh and Ratan Singh. At that time the Sikh shrines were under the occupation of Udasis, who were more Hindu than Sikh and all the Sikh rites were being mutilated by them. Baba Dayal could not acquiesce it. He began a crusade to bring an end to this. He spent the rest of his life in propagating the true mission of Guru Sahib and the authentic Sikh cultural practices and rites. [The first of these steps was marriage rituals. He solemnized his own marriage through Aanad Karaj. No Brahmin was invited to decide so-called auspicious day or to perform the rites. He and his bride sat before Guru Granth Sahib; Lawan hymns were read from Guru Granth Sahib and an Ardas was offered]. Soon, he became very popular. In 1820, (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh too visited him. All the anti-Sikh forces of India, Kashmir and the other sections, opposed him. This group managed to stop, in 1851, his entry into Gurdwara Pashaurian, at that time occupied by a Mahant. On November 3, 1851, he acquired a piece of land and constructed a small room and laid down the foundation of the Nirankari Darbar, at Rawalpindi. Baba Dayal died in 1855. After the death of Baba Dayal, his followers came to be known as Nirankaris. [After 1947, a group of bohemians, with the patronage of several State officials established a cult, at Delhi and became very powerful. It had its downfall after its gunmen killed 13 Sikhs, at Amritsar, on April 13, 1978. The leader of this group was killed, on April 24, 1980. Since then, this group has lost its following]. The other group, in fact the original one, functions from Amritsar. Also see: Nirankaris, Darbara Singh.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Daya Singh alias Bhai Daya Ram (1661 – 7.10.1708), son of Bhai Sudha Sobti, resident of Sialkot (Pakistan), was the first of the Punj Piaray, to be initiated as Khalsa, on March 29, 1698. Hence, he was “the first Khalsa”. Bhai Daya Singh had accompanied his father to Aanandpur Sahib, in 1677. He did not return home since then. Bhai Daya Singh was well-versed in Punjabi and Persian languages. He participated in all the battles fought at or around Aanandpur Sahib. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib left Aanandpur Sahib, on the night of December 5 and 6, 1705, he was with Guru Sahib. He was also with Guru Sahib at Chamkaur, on December 7. He was one of the few Sikhs who escaped from Chamkaur, on the night of December 7 and 8. He met Guru Sahib again at Machhiwara. He was one of the four Sikhs (the others being Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Man Singh, Bhai Ram Singh) who formed advance party to supervise journey of Guru Sahib from Machhiwara to Dina-Kangar. At Dina-Kangar, Guru Sahib wrote Zafarnamah (letter of victory), to Aurangzeb and asked Bhai Daya Singh and Bhai Dharam Singh, to deliver the same personally to Aurangzeb. Bhai Daya Singh reached Ahmednagar (where Aurangzeb was camping) but finding it not possible to deliver the letter personally to Aurangzeb, he sent Bhai Dharam Singh to inform Guru Sahib about the situation. After Bhai Dharam Singh left for Talwandi Sabo, Bhai Daya Singh went to Aurangabad and stayed with a friend, in Dhami Mohalla (Gurdwara Bhai Daya Singh has been built at the spot). Later, Bhai Daya Singh, along with four other Sikhs, was successful in delivering the letter. Bhai Daya Singh and Bhai Dharam Singh re-joined Guru Sahib at village Kulayat (about 52 km from Bikaner in Rajasthan), on November 30, 1706 and, then, all of them proceeded to Nander. Bhai Daya Singh and Bhai Dharam Singh were present at Nander, at the time of martyrdom of Guru Sahib (October 7, 1708). He and Bhai Dharam Singh died some time later. A joint memorial preserves the memory of both Bhai Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Daya Ram Purohit, son of Bhai Jati Mall (Malik) and grandson of Shaheed Bhai Singha, was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. His father and grandfather, both were the Purohits (family priest) of Sodhi family. Both had participated in the battle of Amritsar (April 15, 1634). Bhai Singha embraced martyrdom in this battle. Bhai Jati Mall also participated in the battle of Mehraj (December 1634) and Kartarpur (April 1635). On April 30, 1635, he joined Guru Hargobind Sahib, when the latter moved to Keeratpur Sahib. He remained in the service of Guru Sahib till his death in 1642. Before his death he presented his son (Daya Chand) before Guru Hargobind Sahib and requested Guru Sahib to take care of the child. Bhai Daya Ram Purohit remained in the service of Guru Har Rai Sahib, Guru Harkrishan Sahib, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He was with Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Paonta. He fought bravely in the battle of Bhangani (September 18, 1688). Bhai Daya Ram Purohit got initiation, in the fourth batch, on the first day of the initiation of Khalsa and became Bhai Daya Singh, though Purohit remained his surname (to distinguish him from his namesake Bhai Daya Singh, the first of the Punj Piaray). Purohit Daya Singh was a close confident of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib left Aanandpur Sahib, he was perhaps one of the Sikhs who were not along side Guru Sahib. He might have left Aanandpur Sahib on some other mission or in a different batch. He joined Guru Sahib at village Lamme-Jatpura. It was he who first brought the news of the martyrdom of Mata Gujari and the two younger Sahibzadas. Purohit Daya Singh was the leader of the advance party which looked after the arrangement for travel of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib from Lamme-Jatpura to Talwandi Sabo. He was present with Guru Sahib at village Dina, Dhilwan Kalan, Kot Kapura and Talwandi Sabo. It seems that he returned to Keeratpur in 1706, as he did not accompany Guru Sahib to Nander. Bhai Daya Singh Purohit was born sometimes before 1635 and he died sometimes after 1706. Also see: Singha, Jati Mall.

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Daya Singh, son of Bhai Bhagwan Singh, a resident of village Rangiwal (district Jullundur), 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 Daya Singh died in jail due to torture and inhuman conditions.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Daya Ram Sili, resident of Arupnagar (district Gujranwala) was the father of (Mata) Sulakkhani (also known as Kishan Kaur and Kot Kalyani). His daughter was married to (Guru) Har Rai Sahib in 1640. After the marriage of his daughter, Bhai Daya Ram moved to village Kot Kalyanpur, near Keeratpur Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Rani Daya Kaur was the wife of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh of Nishanwalia Misl. After the death of her husband, in 1786, she assumed the control of the estate. She was an intelligent lady and managed her estate in an excellent manner. In November 1808, (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh attacked Ambala and occupied her territory. Ranjit Singh divided the territory between Raja Bhag Singh of Jind and Raja Lal Singh of Kaithal. In 1809, the Cis-Sutlej States came under British protection. Daya Kaur made an appeal to Colonel David Octorlony, the Agent to Governor General. He compelled Bhag Singh and Lal Singh to return the territory to Daya Kaur. Daya Kaur died in 1823. After her death her estate was annexed by the British.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

He was the Governor of Jullundur Doab, during the reign of Ibrahim Lodhi. His headquarters (capital) was at Sultanpur (district Kapurthala). Later, he became the Governor of the whole of Punjab and moved to Lahore. After some time, he fell out with Ibrahim Lodhi, the ruler of Delhi. Aalam Khan, the uncle of Daulat Khan, approached Babar to attack India. Babar attacked India in 1520. After his victory, Babar decided to become emperor of India. During this period, Daulat Khan took refuge in the hills. When Babar left Punjab, in 1524, Daulat Khan returned to Punjab and expelled the Mogul army and occupied the Punjab. In 1525, Babar attacked the Punjab again. Daulat Khan was no match to Babar’s might. Daulat Khan lost the battle. He was arrested and imprisoned at Sultanpur. Daulat Khan died in 1526. His sons, Ghazi Khan and Dilawar Khan, were in the good books of Babar. The ruins of the fort of Daulat Khan are still visible at Sultanpur. Guru Nanak Sahib and his brother-in-law Bhai Jai Ram served in his administration, for some time. Later, he became an admirer off Guru Nanak Sahib. This Daulat Khan Lodhi is different from Daulat Khan Lodhi who became emperor of India in 1412.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Daula Shah was a spiritual noble of Gujrat (Pakistan). He was impressed by recitation of Sukhmani Sahib (hymn composed by Guru Arjan Sahib) by Bhai Garhia, a dedicated Sikh missionary of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib, who halted at Gujrat, on his way to Kashmir. Later, when Guru Hargobind Sahib visited Gujrat, on his way from Kashmir to Keeratpur Sahib, Daula Shah came to make obeisance to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib explained to him that even a spiritual person must lead the life of a householder. Guru Sahib also explained to him the concept of oneness of Miri and Piri (temporal and transcendental). Once Bhai Daula Shah sent 100 tola (more than one kilo) gold to Guru Gobind Singh, for the latter’s mission. Bhai Daula died during the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Gujrat is also known as Daula ki Gujrat because of him. His tomb has been built in the northern side of the town. It is a tradition in Gujrat that the children, who were born with a small head or were dwarf, are offered at the tomb of Daula Shah. These children are used for collection of funds for the shrine. The children with such physical features used to be called as “Daula Shah da/di chuha/chuhi”.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Datu (1537 – 1628), the younger son of Guru Angad Sahib, was born at Khadur Sahib. He got married in 1548. He was rejected as successor-in-mission by Guru Angad Sahib. Due to his impertinent behaviour, Guru Amar Das Sahib moved to Goindwal Sahib. Once he visited Goindwal Sahib, entered the congregation hall and kicked Guru Amar Das Sahib. Before some one could take him to task, Guru Sahib turned around and grasped his foot, caressed it and asked him to pardon him (Guru Amar Das Sahib) if the hard bones of an old man had hurt his tender foot. Aggressive Datu, in stead of feeling sorry for his impertinence, flew into rage and asked Guru Sahib to leave Goindwal. Guru Sahib obliged him by moving to his native village Basarke. After Guru Sahib’s departure Dasu pillaged the house of Guru Sahib. When he tried to climb the mare of Guru Sahib, it did not let him mount on it. In an attempt to control the mare, he injured his leg. On his way back to Khadur Sahib, he was waylaid by robbers. He returned home empty-handed. Datu continued his style for several years. Before his death, he however, tried to make amends. In September 1628, he visited Amritsar to condole the death of Baba Atal Rai (son of Guru Hargobind Sahib). He died soon after, at Khadur Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dasaundha Singh, son of Chowdhry Sahib Rai, of village Mansur (district Firozpur), was the founder of the Nishanwalia Misl. He was initiated by the Jatha of Baba Darbara Singh, the chief of the Dal Khalsa. Soon, he became a senior leader of the Taruna Dal. His Jatha used to lead the Sikh army bearing the Khalsa Nishan (flags) in the front of the army, hence the name Nishanwalias (the standard bearers). Bhai Dasaundha Singh captured several areas for the Misl, during 1764-67. It included the area between Singhanwala (district Firozpur) and Ambala. Ambala, Zira, Amloh, Doraha etc. were part of his estate. He was killed at Merrut, in a battle fought between his army and the joint army of Jahan Khan and Zabita Khan (later Dharam Singh), in May 1767. He was succeeded by his younger brother Bhai Sangat Singh. Also see: Nishanwalia Misl.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dasa son of Shaheed Bhai Ballu Parmar (grandfather of Bhai Mani Singh), of village Alipur (district Muzaffargarh, Pakistan), was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He accompanied Guru Sahib during latter’s journey from Kartarpur to Keeratpur, on April 29, 1635. During this journey, Mogul soldiers attacked Guru Sahib, near Phagwara. Bhai Dasa fought bravely and embraced martyrdom in the battle. The reference to martyrdom of Bhai Dasa as son of Bhai Ballu has been made in Bhatt Vahi Talaunda, Pargana Jind but the family tree of Bhai Ballu does not mention the name of any Bhai Dasa as one of his sons. (It is possible that some one might have made a wrong copy of the entry of the Bhatt Vahi.) This Dasa can not be Bhai Mai Das because Bhai Mani Singh (son of Bhai Mai Das) was born on March 10, 1644, 9 years after the death of this Bhai Dasa.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Dr. Darshan Singh (1.7.1938 – ), son of Sirdar Dayal Singh and Sirdarni Balwant Kaur, was born at village Miran Shah (district Okara, Pakistan). In 1947, his family had to migrate from the West Punjab to the East Punjab. He passed his M.A. Punjabi from Government College, Ludhiana and his PH. D. from the Punjab University, Chandigarh. He started teaching in 1963. He served as a Lecturer/Reader in the Department of Punjabi, at the Punjab University Chandigarh for about two decades. On June 15, 1984, he was appointed as Professor and Chairman of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies Chair (Punjab University, Chandigarh). Dr. Darshan Singh has supervised about 25 Ph.D. students. He is a life member of Kendari Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, Punjabi Sahit Academy, Punjabi Samikhya Board, Punjabi Bhasha Academy etc. He is Adviser of the international research journal The Sikhs: Past and Present. Dr. Darshan Singh has participated in several international conferences, including World Parliament of Religions and Indian Philosophical Congress (which was presided over by him). Dr. Darshan Singh has written several books, including (English Books): Indian Bhakti Tradition and the Sikh Gurus, The Religion of Guru Nanak, Sikh Art and Architecture, Japuji Sahib: Context and Concern of Guru Nanak, Asa Di Var: A Sikh Archetype, Sikhism: Issues and Institutions; (Punjabi Books): Punjabi Bhasha, Pritinidhi Adhyatmik Varan, Guru Nanak Bani Dian Sachiar Jugtan, Satarwin Sadi Da Punjabi Sahit; one play and a few one act plays etc. Besides, he has written about 60 research papers for various reputed international journals.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Darshan Singh Pheruman (1.8.1885 – 27.10.1969), son of Bhai Chanda Singh, was born at village Pheruman (district Amritsar). After passing his matriculation examination, in 1912, he joined army. In 1914, he resigned from the army and became a contractor. When Gurdwara Reform Movement (1920-25) was launched, he gave up his business and joined the movement. In 1921, he was arrested in connection with the Keys’ Agitation (7.11.1921 – 19.1.1922). He came into prominence, when he led a Shaheedi Jatha (martyrs band), to Jaito, on December 15, 1924. After his release, he paid a visit to Malaysia (formerly known as Malaya), where he was detained on the basis of his political activities in the Punjab. He had to undertake a hunger strike for 21 days, to secure his right to wear Kachhehra (the Sikh shorts stitched in a specific manner), one of the “five articles of faith” obligatory for an initiated Sikh. During Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience movement (1930-31), he offered himself for arrest. On June 14, 1937, he was chosen president of Shiromani Akali Dal. In 1940, he parted with the Akali Dal and joined Congress. After 1947, he was among those who were anti-Akali workers of the Congress Party. In 1952, he was nominated by the Congress Party as a member of Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian Parliament). In 1955, he went on a hunger strike for a few days, to protest against the launching of Punjabi Suba agitation by the Akali Dal from Darbar Sahib Complex. When the police attacked Darbar Sahib complex, on July 4, 1955, he congratulated the chief minister. He was rewarded with another term as a member of Rajya Sabha. In 1959, he resigned Congress and joined Swatantra Party, an organisation dominated by the former-rulers. In 1968, Udham Singh Nagoke, an old friend of Darshan Singh Pheruman, died. Darshan Singh Pheruman visited him, a few days before his death. Udham Singh Nagoke repented for having played treason with the Sikh Panth and asked Darshan Singh Pheruman to wash his sins by some noble act. This was the turning point of his life. In the summer of 1969, Bhai Darshan Singh Pheruman made an announcement to undertake fast unto death for the inclusion of Chandigarh and the other Punjabi speaking areas into Punjab as well as the right of the Sikh nation to self determination. He was arrested by the Akali government, on August 12, 1969. He was not allowed to make prayers at Akal Takht Sahib. He began his fast, in Amritsar jail, on August 15, 1969, as per his announcement. After a hunger strike of 74 days, he died in Amritsar hospital, on October 27, 1969.

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Darshan Singh Awara (1906 – 10.12.1982), the son of Atar Singh Chhabra, was born at village Kala Gujjaran (district Jhelum, Pakistan). He was a revolutionary poet. His first book of verses, Bijli Di Karak, was confiscated by the British regime, in 1923. He translated Tuzak-i-Jahngiri, Tuzak-i-Babari, Aain-i-Akbari, Masir-i-Aalamgiri and a few other books too. Several of his poems had been published in Akali, Pritam, Phulwari and the other journals, under different names and his pseudonym. In the later years of his life, he became an atheist and wrote against religious beliefs.

 

 (Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dargahi Singh, son of Bhai Bhikha 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 September 9, 1712. He, along with his brother (Bhai Mahi Singh), was wrapped in cotton and was burnt to death at Samba (Jammu and Kashmir).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)

Bhai Dargaha Bhandari was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Once he visited Guru Sahib and asked, “Is it right to debate while interpreting a hymn”. Guru Sahib explained to him the four types of polemic and told him that reasoning for clarification about a concept or for true knowledge was profitable, else it is exhibition of hypocrisy and vanity.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)