Freed

Dear Dancing Warrior, Gurfateh The picture with Guru Sahib with the Large Dastar and Farla - came from a magazine and didn't have a date. It is the only painting I have seen showing Guru Sahib with what we would recognise as a 'nihang' dumala and 'farla' . From the pose, the style and shape of the beard and the placing of the bow on the shoulder - I think it is not very old and more likely to be a copy of the famous 1971 era Sobha Singh painting. Your question about the earrings is interesting - many people say these type of paintings are just representations and painters use certain 'iconography' to show that people are royal or of some importance - ie. jewelry, halo flywisk etc - this may be true of Indian painters but if you look at Soltykoff's drawings of Nihangs and indeed photographs of Duleep Singh and other Punjabi Maharajas - they all wear those large hooped earrings with emeralds etc . So I am of the opinion that they did wear them , as Soltykoff and Schoefft would have no need to use Indian iconography- they painted what they saw - and many of their Sikh and Nihang subjects wear earrings. Anyone who has spent time with Nihangs will know they are very fond of 'Shingaar' - this usually takes the form of Flowers ,bells, medals and all manner of tinsel and gold - though this is mainly to decorate the kesh, dumallas and Shastar. Earrings and piercings are totally forbidden among Modern day Nihangs - but this may not of always been so. I think this is a case of people trying to place/ enforce their understanding of 'Modern' Rehat onto people in history - without taking into account the historical setting and those peoples' understanding and adherence to 'rehat'. Dear Gurbar Akal ji Gurfateh ! No worries, I will post the full uncropped versions - probably tomorrow Many Thanks for your feed back Freed

a few I forgot

That was a lot of pictures ! hope you didn't get 'Nihang' fatigue ! and that you enjoyed them ! Gurfateh ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

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Amrit Baba Santa Singh Ji Some favourite images

1960s Hola Baba Anoop Singh Gravesend Hem Kunt Sahib The Frozen sarover

A French engraving of Darbar Sahib 1831 Details of Akalis Details from the paintings of Carpenter Keher Singh paintings From Wall murals Mortimer Menpes paintings Old photgraphs

Akali Natha Singh Akali Phoola Singh Details from the paintings of A Schoefft Details from The 'Sowaree' in silver of Ranjit Singh A detail from a painting of Sher Singh's Durbar Simple paintings and Tangore Paintings A Battle scene The sons of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

Karthorh Singh Sham Singh Baba Jujhaar Singh Ji Tapa Singh Shahid Kharakh Singh Bijla Singh Balwant Singh Baba Deep Singh Ji Hukum Singh Chhote Sahibzadey Uday Singh Shahid Baba Deep Singh Ji Nihangs at the time of the Anglo Sikh wars Sketch and painting by Emily Eden

Akalis depicted with Guru Sahib Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji shown with Large Dastar and Large Farla Detail from Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib paintings; Baba Atal Murals Baba Ajit Singh Ji Nena Singh Shahid Kharag Singh shahid

Gurfateh! I always get requests and messages to post more pictures of Nihangs - I thought people would get bored of them but it seems people can't get enough of them. Here is a collection of pictures - I got a little carried away, so this is a HUGE post - I have posted thumbnails because there are so many pictures, so apologies for the 'stupid' advertisements that appear alongside the picture when you click on the thumbnails. Enjoy the pictures ! (like I said before I got a little carried away - I never know when to stop !) Lohgarh Collection ਸੋ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਰੂਪ ਹੈ ਨੀਲ ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਧਹਿਰਾਇ ਜਪੇ ਜਾਪੁ ਗੁਰਬਰ ਅਕਾਲ ਸਰਬਲੋਹ ਪਹਿਰਾਇ |੧| (ਭਾਈ ਦਯਾ ਸਿੰਘ) My obssession with Nihangs started at an early age - it was sparked by a childhood visit to the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London where I saw the Akali Dastars and it grew on a trip to Punjab in 1979 - Nihangs camped near our village Bus Stand and as I stood waiting for the bus to Phillaur I would watch them in amazement as they combed their Kes and tied and adorned their Dastars. Here is my first ever picture of a Nihang - taken by me in 1979 These next pictures are from paintings, sketches and lithographs; *from The Illustrated London News 1846 Details from A. Soltykoff's 'Indian Scenes and Characters' 1859 An Akali by Skinner c.1825 Akali Gian Singh - 9th Jathedar Boodh Singh Akali - who died fighting in the battle of Ferozeshah Victorian view of the Akalis Woodcuts and paintings Akali Phoola Singh

Dearest Bhai Sahib - Jagmeet Singh Ji, Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh !! Please accept my apologies for not replying to your message quicker - I have been out of the country on Holiday. In reply to your question here is the quote you wanted - ਰਹਿਤ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਮੁਝ ਕਉ ਸਿਖ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਹਿ I have never been able to find the source for this quote - it is the title for the rehat section of 'Amrit Keertan' - page 1014 - no source or reference is given. The nearest I have been able to find is this ਭੇਖ ਨ ਪਯਾਰੋ ਮੋਹਿ ਕੋ ਵਰਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਿ੍ਯ ਕਾਹਿ ਰਹਿਤ ਸੁ ਪਯਾਰੀ ਮੋਹਿ ਕਉ ਸਿਦਕ ਮਹਾਂ ਪਿ੍ਯ ਆਹਿ 'Bhekh n pyaaro moh ko varan nahi priy kahe Rehat su pyaari moh kao sidak mahan priy ahe' This is from 'Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth' - Bhai Santokh Singh Kavi (Rut 5 Ansu 38) page 5634 vol 13 (edited by Bhai Vir Singh - Bhasha Vibhag edition) - Bhai Sahib records these as the words of Guru Gobind Singh ji in 'Parsang' or 'praise' of the Khalsa Rehat. I hope this helps in some way Bhul Chuk Maaf May Guru Sahib continue to shower you with blessings and help and guide with your beautiful artwork. Gurfateh! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! Sikh Missionary Society Southall is the Best ( and by far the cheapest!!) option. I bought a 'Das Granthi Steek' from there for just a few pounds ( however that was a while ago !) It isnt 'Gutka' size- its a little bit smaller than A4 ( 7x10 inches) The 'Teekakar' is Pandit Narain Singh Giani - it has the original text and Punjabi 'Arth' of Sri Jaap Sahib, Akaal Ustat, Swaiye, Bachitr Natak , Chandi Charitr (1&2) , Chandi Di Vaar and Gian Prabodh. They should have it in stock - if not they get deliveries at least once a month and can order it for you . The sewadars there are wonderful - They are always willing to answer questions etc. I think the only Gutka with Akaal Ustat is the 'Khalsa Sunder Gutka' ( popularly known as the Nihang Gutka) published by the Buddha Dal - If you ask the sewadars at Sikh Missionary they might have it or they can order it for you - its printed and sold by Bhai Chattar Singh Jivan Singh - Bazaar Mai Sewan Amritsar. It contains Rehat Maryada, Nitnem Banis plus many other banis such as Akaal Ustat , Shaster nam mala as well as slok recited while adorning Dumalla, and making Shahidi degh and Arti -Arta. If you want an english translation I would recommend Dr Jodh Singh's Sri Dasm Granth Sahib - Text & Translation - You can get a copy from the Sikh Missionary Society at a reasonable price. hope that is of some help 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! For those having trouble with the Punjabi text - here is a transliteration . ************************************** supan charitr chitr baanak banae bachitr paavan pavitr mitr aaj morai aaeae hai || param dhaeiaal laal lochan bisaal mukha bachan rasaal madhh madhhur peeaaeae hai || sobhith sijaasan bilaasan dhai a(n)kamaala praem ras bisam hue sehaj samaaeae hai || chaathrik sabadh sun akheeaa oughar gaee bhaee jal meen gath bireh jagaaeae hai ||205|| ******************************************** Here is a video of Master Niranjan Singh jee performing this shabad at the AKJ UK Rain Sabai Keertan - Hola Maholla 1997 (Southall) The shabad starts at 22:23 mins (in other words fast forward to 22:23 mins) click link to watch http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...48&hl=en-GB Hope that helps a little Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

GurFateh ! This shabad is from Bhai Gurdas Ji's Kabitt Savaiye - Kabitt 205 I don't think there is an English translation available - here is a Punjabi 'Arth' by Bhai Sewa Singh * Taken from Kabitt Sawaiye Bhai Gurdas Ji Steek - Bhai Sewa Singh - Singh Bros. 1996 - page 148 Hope that helps 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! Here is a documentary about Maharaja Ranjit Singh's golden throne shown on UK television. Everyone I know who has seen it has given it mixed reviews - too much emphasis on the excesses of the Raj - no mention of Darbar Sahib and the 'talking heads' stating the 'bleeding obvious' !! - but I think it wasn't too bad - would of liked to have seen more of the inner structure etc. - anyway make up your own mind - here it is : The film was shown on BBC Four on 12 July 2007 - It is part of the 'Masterpieces of the East' series 'The Golden Throne' Click link to watch; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...93&hl=en-GB Does anyone know which organisation has the wooden copy ? Some 'Bonus' pictures ! The wooden copy commissioned by Dalhousie Enjoy ! - oh and as you all probably know you can see the throne at the V & A London - it's free! so if youre ever in South Kensington - do pop in - I can never go past without going in ( My work takes me to South Ken quite a lot - I've spent many hours in there admiring all the amazing treasures in there from all around the world ) 'Freed'

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ! Much is written, discussed and argued about Rehat on internet messageboards - there always seems to be a discussion going on about 'Keski' - 'Kurehatan' - or remaining 'Tyar-bar-Tyaar'. Most of this discussion usually descends into mud slinging and namecalling - or 'My Jatha is better than yours' type playground taunts. I respect all Jathas and points of view - I have previously posted the Rehat from the Buddha Dal 'Khalsa Gutka' - http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showto...rehit&st=12 - so I thought I would post this Booklet published by the Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK - It is written by a well respected member of the Jatha - Bhai Banta Singh (Birmingham) - it is easy to read and gives references for all points made. While some may not agree with all the views expressed - it none-the-less gives a good account of the 'Jatha Stance' - (Apologies for using that phrase - I understand it is very divisive but I have used it as I could not find a better phrase) on a number of issues regarding Rehat and Amrit Sanskaar. I am not posting this to cause any major debate - I am posting because I believe it is concise and well written and gives answers to many of the questions that are repeatedly asked on Sikh messageboards about the AKJ , keski, rehat etc. Bhul Chuk Maaf Ranjit Singh 'Freed' *Taken from "Amrit - Khande Di Pahul - Bhai Banta Singh ('British Railways' Vale - Birmingham) - Published by Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK

Gurfateh ! The quote I think you are looking for is this one from Bhai Sukha Singh (written around CE 1797)(lines 2 and 3 ) : "Bina shastr kesang narang bhed jano. Gahe kaan tako kitey le sidhano. Ehe mor agiya suno le piare. Bina Tegh Kesang divo n didare." " Without weapons and Kesh - you are nothing but a sheep - who can be led anywhere by the ear A order has come from the master, without un-cut hair and weapons do not come before me " *From Gurbilas Patshahi 10 - Bhai Sukha Singh edited by Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi - Bhasha Vibhag , Punjab - 1989 - pg 364 Hope thats what you were looking for Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! Here is Japji Sahib in Shahmukhi http://apnaorg.com/poetry/nanak/

Akal Takht in the early 1980s After the Army Attack The interior of the Akal Takht after the army attack and the 1984 'Sarkari' repairs The dome of the Akal Takht in 1986 during the 'rebuilding' The original Minars of the Ramgarhia Bunga A poem by Guru Das Singh - written about the 1984 attack on Amritsar and being prevented from visiting Amritsar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib - today Pictures taken from ; * The History of the Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere - SS Shanti Kaur Khalsa - SDP - 1995 *Sikh Architecture - P S Arshi - I P H - 1986 *The Golden Temple - Patwant Singh - ETP - 1988 *Marg - Vol XXX No.3 June 1977 *Khalsa Panth - Khushwant Singh - Tricolour - 1984 *Indian Temples and Palaces - Michael Edwardes - Hamlyn - 1969 *Sikhism - W Owen Cole Piara Singh Sambhi -Ward Lock - 1973 *Guru Nanak's Birthday - Margaret Davidson - Pergamon - 1982 *Des Pardes Weekly - No 787 - 13 July 1984 Bhul Chuk Maaf Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

The intricate marble floors infront of the Akal Takht The interior in the 1970s Sri Guru Granth Sahib Display of Shasters Frescoes in the Akal Takht - now lost Guru Sahiban Bhai Bidhi Chand - a fresco depicting Bhai Bidhi Chand presenting Guru Hargobind Sahib with 'Dilbagh' and 'Gulbagh' - horses a Sikh had wanted to present to Guru Sahib , but they were seized by the Governor of Lahore - Bhai Bidhi Chand recovered the horses from Lahore - the first horse was recovered by Bidhi Chand while he was disguised as a hay seller, he recovered the second horse disguised as an astrologer. A panorama of The Darbar Sahib in the early 1970s

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh ! Dedicated to all the Shaheed Singh Singhneean of the Panth Yogi Bhajan described the army attack on the Harimandir Sahib as the 'Martyrdom of the Akal Takht' in a lecture he described the Akal Takht as voluntarily offering itself for sacrifice. (Gurdwara lecture July 1 1984) As a mark of respect to all those who gave their lives in June 1984 here is a collection of images of the 'Sri Takht Sahib Akal Bunga Ji' - The Siri Akal Takht Sahib. P S Arshi 's description and map of Siri Akal Takht Sahib Early 1900s W. Carpenter's watercolour 'The Akal Takht' - 1854 In 1967 - during the Punjabi Suba Morcha In the late 1960s early 1970s