Gian/Gyan & Giani/Gyani
GIAN / GYAN
Literally: to know, knowledge.
In religious context, it is used for spiritual knowledge, knowledge about the mysteries of God and the process for achievement of liberation etc.
Also see: Knowledge.
GIANI / Gyani
Literally: Giani/Gyani means a man of Gian/Gyan.
In Sikh context it means: one, who has spiritual knowledge.
It has also used for a person who has sound knowledge of Sikh scripture and Sikh history.
Sometimes the Granthi (one who performs service of a Gurdwara too is called Gianiji); but, it is not like a priest in Christianity, Maulvi in Islam or Pujari in a Hindu temple.
The tradition of “Giani” goes back to the days of Giani Bhagwan Singh, the father of Bhai Jassa Singh Ramgarhia; he is the first person with whose name the word Giani appears.
The term Giani became a part of Sikh Gurdwara history during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, when Sant Singh, a priest used this term with his name.
With the passage of time, the term ‘Giani’ came to be used for one who is well versed in Sikh Scriptures. Those, who were engaged in the exposition of the Sikh Scripture, were also called Giani.
This term has also been used for some political personalities e.g. Giani Sher Singh, Giani Kartar Singh etc.
Before the adoption of the western system of education, it was Gianis, who used to teach language, literature, Scriptures etc. Giani/Gyani is also an academic qualification in Punjabi literature, equivalent to 14th grade in the Punjab’s education system.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)