AkalPurakhDiFauj

daas once again asks for maafi from the sangat.

school has been hectic, and daas hasn't been able to post the history

1940 Sardar Baldev Singh Pakt was signed.

:doh:

Is drinking poison every now and then really that bad for us? (sarcasm).

daas pm'ed you.

daas asks for maafi from the sangat.

haven't been able to post for a bit.

April 2nd

1757 Timur Shah (son of Ahmad Shah) and Jahan Khan (Governor of Lahore) attacked Sri Harmandir Sahib, destroyed Sri Darbar Sahib and completely filled sarowar with debris. During the 4th invasion of Ahmad Shah in 1756-7, he reached Delhi and systematically plundered the city. But he was forced to returned back due to outbreak of cholera epidemic in his troops> During this invasion, Sirhind was annexed to his empire. Ala Singh of Patiala submitted to Ahmad Shah. But the Sikhs attacked Timur Shah at Sunam and relieved him of half of his treasure. Sikhs also attacked the rear of Afghan troops and relieved them of a lot of their loot. As a result, the infuriorated Ahmad Shah sent an expedition against the Sikhs that destroyed Sri Harimandir Sahib and filled the holy tank with debris.

==> SRI DARBAR SAHIB also known as Harminder Sahib and Golden Temple was constructed by Guru Arjun in the middle of an sacred water tank (sarowar).

"Har Japae Har Minder Saajia,

Sant Bhagat Gun Gawae Ram" -Suhi Shant Mahala 5

In sunmat 1621, with Guru Amar Das's permission, Guru Ram Das started the digging of a tank (Taal) near villages Tugh, Gumtala, and Sultanwind. This digging was completed by Guru Arjun Dev in sunmat 1645 and named "Santoksar".

Simultaneously, with Guru Amar Das's permission, a village was established nearby and named "Guru Ka Chaak". Guru Sahib's residence in this village were popularly known as "Guru Kae Mahal". To the west of these residences, next to the tree known as "DukhBhanjani Baeri", the digging of a tank was started in 1634. However, this digging remained incomplete and was eventually completed by Guru Arjun Dev after he ascended to the Gur Gadhi. Guru Arjun Dev vigorously pushed all of the projects initiated by Guru Ram Das. He invited business people, scholars, and skilled people from all over, to come and settle around this area and establish new markets. As a result this area came to known as "Ramdas Pur". Bhai Sallo is especially noted for his hard work in establishing and populating this area. His contributions are extremely noteworthy.

In sunmat 1643, the construction of permanent sarowar began and its name changed to "Amritsar". As a result the surrounding city also adopted the "Amritsar" name. On magh 1, sunmat 1645, Guru Arjun Dev Patshah asked Sain Mian Meer to lay the foundation stone of Harminder Sahib. The foundation stone was laid right in the middle of the sarowar and upon completion of its construction, Sri Guru Granth Sahib's prakash was established in sunmat 1661.

Harminder Sahib is the most prominent among all Sikh gurudwaras, where Akhand Kirtan is performed for most of the day. The Vaisakhi Maela celebrations in Harminder Sahib were established by Guru Arjun Dev, while the Diwali Maela celebrations were instituted by Baba Budha Ji, immediately upon the release and safe return of Guru Hargobind from the Gawalior fort.

In Sunmat 1818, Ahmad Shah Abdali blew up the Harminder Sahib with explosives and leveled the sarowar. However, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia once again laid the foundation stone on 11 Vaishakh, sunmat 1821. And through Dees Raj's diligent efforts Harminder Sahib was reconstructed in a few years. Abdali, on three occasions, 1757, 1761, and 1762 pulled down Harimandir Sahib and defiled the sacred tank by caracases of cows. The Sikhs for the first time in 1757 defeated Afghan forces at the battle of Amritsar. The following year, they captured retreating Afghan forces and made them clean Harimandir and the sacred tank.,

Maharaja Ranjit Singh took control of Amritsar in sunmat 1859 and decorated Harminder sahib with white marble and gold. Additionally during 1805-9, "Ram Bagh" was developed in remembrance of Guru Ram Das and "GobindGadh Fort" was established in remembrance of Guru Gobind Singh. Khalsa College was established by the Panth in 1892.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 267)

For further details on Harminder Sahib, interested readers are referred to the following:

Madanjit Kaur, "The Golden Temple: Past & Present", Guru Nanak Dev university Press, Amritsar, 1983

Patwant Singh, "The Golden Temple", Time Books International, New Delhi, 1988

Patwant Singh, "Gurudwaras in India and around the world", Himalayan Books, New Delhi, 1992

"Sri Harmandir Sahib Da Sunehiri Itihas" by Late Jathedar (of Akal Takaht Sahib) and former Head Granthi of Golden Temple) Kirpal Singh. pp. 389-390. This is the most authoritative book so far on the Golden Temple.

1809 Treaty of Amritsar signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British. Maharaja Ranjit Singh desired to be the overlord of all Sikh States. The British gave protection to Cis-Sutlej States and confined Maharaja Ranjit Singh to Sutlej and thus came very close to Lahore. After quite a bit of sabre rattling Maharaja Ranjit Singh succumbed to British pressure. This treaty was a major defeat for Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the hands of the British. Maharaja Ranjit Singh withdrew his forces from Faridkot and Malerkotla.

1850 The Sikh forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were disbanded, approximately a year after the East Indian Company gained controled of Punjab on Mar. 29, 1849.

1984 Harbans Lal Khana is murdered.

March 13

1849 The Sikh army fought the British forces at Gurjrat. The British had vastly superior artillery. Sikhs fought valiantly but were routed. Raja Sher Singh and the remaining army surrendered thus ending Sikhs opposition to British.

1921 To his dismay and amazement, Mahatama Gandhi learnt that the Sikhs did not consider themselves to be Hindus, which he had perceived them to be. Precisely, for his Gujarati audience, he wrote in the Navjivan, "Till today, I had thought of them as a sect of Hinduism. But their leaders think that theirs is a distinct religion." Gandhi went back to add, "Their sacred book is the word of their gurus and, apart from that book, they accept no other scriptures as holy."

-Source "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

1928 Central Sikh Association presented the Sikh case before the Simon Commission.

1940 Sardar Udham Singh of Sunam killed Sir Michael O'Dwyer, who was Lieutenant General of Punjab at the time of the Jallianwala incident in Amritsar. He was killed in London.

==> JALLIANWALA BAGH INCIDENT: A meeting was called in 1919 to protest :-

the arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, two prominent leaders in Punjab at the time and

against the repressive Rowlette Act of the British Government

Several hundred people had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar to participate in this protest. Brigadier General Dwyer was sent to disperse the assembly. He intially proceeded with an armoured car. However, the streets leading up to the Jallianwalla bagh were too narrow for the armoured vehicle and consequently the soldiers had to abandon the vehicle and travel by foot. Upon reaching the Jallianwala bagh, Brigadier General Dwyer opened fire on the innocent and unarmed people, killing almost all. When the firing stooped, a total of 1302 people been killed, including 799 GurSikhs. Udham Singh from Sunam (Punjab), was a child at that time, whose father was among the killed. He vowed to kill the cruel General.

A subsequent enquiry was held into the shooting. As a result, Brigadier General Dyer retired, went back to England, and subsequently died six years after the Jallianwala massacre.

However, The Sikh community felt further insulted, when Rur Sngh, the custodian of the Golden Temple, offered a Saropa to Sir Michael O'Dwyer, Lieuetnant Governor of Punjab. General Dwyer was also offered a Kirpan (Sword of honor) and it was qouted in the British Parliament by Lord Finlay that he had been made a Sikh.

Udham Singh came to England and spent many years of hard work planning ways to fulfill his childhood vows. It is said that Udham Singh took up work in Sir Michale O'Dwyer's residence in England, who was the Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwala massacre. Udham Singh worked there for sometime and therefore got to know Sir O'Dwyer very well. Seezing an opportune moment Udham Singh gunned down Sir O'Dwyer at a public meeting in England as he stood to address the gathering.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A Historical Survey,"

Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1969 Lachhman Singh Gill was arrested as an act of revenge by the Gurnam Singh government.

1981 54th All India Sikh Educational Conference held during 13-15 March in Chandigarh. It was organized by the Chief Khalsa Diwan.

1981 A critical development, the radicalization of the Sikh establishment took place at The Sikh Educational Confernece, Chandigarh. To meet the demand for a Sikh Homeland which is founded on Sikh claim to distinct nationhood, some clever politicians and writers had beeen asserting that Sikhs are a separate community and not a sperate nation. At this conference, Sardar Ganga Singh Dhillon of Washington in his enlightening presidential address explained how the Sikhs are a seperate nation.

Thus the 54th All-India Sikh Educational Conference organizsed by Chief Khalsa Diwan passed resolution that Sikhs are a separate Nation and demanded consultative status with non-political bodies of the United Nations on the lines of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The folowing arguments were advanced in favour of these resolutions:

That the Sikhs are a Nation

They are not confined to India and as such have to face many problems which require international intervention for their resolution; and

the Government of India has utterly failed to help the Sikh settlers abroad. For instance, it did not come to their rescue when Indian, mostly Sikhs, were thrown out of Uganda by Idi Amin, with stock and barrel. It did not offer even lip sympathy, not to speak of rendering any aid, legal or financial, when the Sikhs recently launched an agitation against the order for the use of helmets in Britain.

The resolution was lustly greeted with the slogan Khalistan Zindabad. Dr. Sohan Singh, a former Director Health, Punjab, went so far as to say that the creation of Khalistan was the only way to end blatant discrimination against the Sikhs in India since independence.

The Government immediately swung into action. S. Inderjit Singh, who was Chairman of the Reception Committee of thso conference was immediately removed from Chairmanship of the Punjab & Sind Bank, a nationalise bank originally owned and started by the Sikhs. Chief Khalsa Diwan was forced to diswon the resolution passed and condemn those who has raised slogans in favor of a separate Sikh State.

-Source. History of Sikh Struggles, Vol. 1, By Gurmit Singh, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 1989. pp. 54-56

1981 Resolution was passed at the 54th All India Sikh Educational Conference, held at Chandigarh, for creation of the International Secretariat to coordinate the activities of the Sikh Nation in the field of economic, education, cultural, political, and religious affairs."

-Source. History of Sikh Struggles, Vol. 1, By Gurmit Singh, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 1989. pp. 67

March 11th

1783 Sikhs enetered Red Fort in Delhi and hoisted their Kesri flag, under the leadership of Baghael Singh, after successfully attacking and capturing Delhi. Further Jathaedar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was seated on throne of Diwane-Aam. Peace arrived at with Sikhs through Begam Samru after certain major concessions were made to Sikhs. Baghel Singh controlled Delhi for 8 months during which period he constructed seven historic Gurudwaras in Delhi connected with Sikh Gurus.

==> BAGHAEL SINGH was a resident of Chubhal, Amritsar. This Sant Sepahi belonged to the "Karohdhi" Misl. In sunmat 1847, working with the Khalsa forces, he attacked and captured Delhi. He received three lakh rupees from the Shah Aalam which he used to build the Delhi Gurudwaras and acquire their surrounding lands. He returned to Punjab after successful completion of all the historical Gurudwara constructions. Baghael Singh led an exemplary life devoted extensively to amrit prachar. Many well known Sikh personalities including Patiala's Raja Sahib Singh Ji, received amrit under Baghael Singh's guidance. He passed away on sunmat 1859 in Amritsar.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

==> Sardar JASSA SINGH AHLUWALIA was born in 1718. He was son of Ahluwalia resident Bader Singh. His close association with Nawab Kapur Singh influenced him in service of GurPanth. Raja Amir Singh of Patiala was introduced to amrit by him. He was a great General of the Khalsa forces during the 18th century and was called "Sultan-ul-Quom", king of the nation, his heroic deeds and qualities of leadership. He killed Hakim SalabatKhan of Amritsar, in 1748, and captured the surrounding region. In 1789, he helped Diwan KodhaMal in removing ShahanWadh from Multan. In 1753, he defeated Hakim Adinabaegh and conquered Fataibad. He won the successful release of enslaved hindu men and women from Ahmad Shah Durani. As a result he came to be popularly known as "BandiShoadh" (liberator). He bravely fought in Wada Ghulughara" (the big holocaust). Even after receiving 22 grave bounds, he kept fighting. He was head as well as the life of the Ahluwalia Misl. In 1774, he captured Kapurthala state, established his capital there, and issues coins under our Gurus name. He was extremely popular among our Panth. He dies in 1783 in Amritsar. A monument in his memory was erected near Baba Atal, in Amritsar.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1942 Cripps mission was announced.

1966 Hindu terrorists took out a processions against Punjabi Suba. During this procession, Sikhs were attacked, their propeties burned to ground, looted, and destroyed.

1985 Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, President Shiromani Akali Dal and Morcha Dictator of Dharam Udh morcha (initiated on Aug. 4, 1982) was released from Udaypur Jail. He was arrested from within the Darbar Sahib complex on June 6, 1984, during the Operation Bluestar.

March 12th

1921 Gurudwara Ram Das Sahib was forcibly taken over and brought under the control of SGPC. -Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A historical Survey," by

Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1947 87 GurSikh women of Boha Khalsa gave their lives through drowning by jumping into wells to save their honour rather than be subjected to humiliations by the Muslims.

1972 Elections to Punjab assembly were held. Akalis won only 24 of 104 seats. This marked the end of Fateh Singh's leadership.

1983 Sikhs decided on a protest strategy in response to Harsimran Singh's unfair termination from the Punjab University, Chandigarh. Harsimranm Singh was an employee of the School of Punjabi Studies, Punjab University , Chandigarh, under Professor V.N. Tewari, who was the Chairman of the department. At a meeting of the University Senate, Dr. Tewari said that he had no complaint against Harsiran Singh as far as his official work was concerned. But Harsimran Singh was not allowed to continue and his services were terminated. The reason? Participation in a seminar sponsored by the Senior Sikh Sophisticates Forum. Kapur Singh, formerly of the Indian Civil Service, was the principle philosopher and guide of the group. Dr. Sohan Singh, formerly director, Health services, Punjab formed the Senior Sikh Sophisticates Forum to strengthen Khalistan.

At this Akali Dal's working committee meeting, it was decided to block traffic for a day on the main rorads of the state and set up meetings in constituencies held by Congress legislato

March 10th

1644 Bhai Mani Singh Ji, a great martyr and Granthi of Harminder Sahib was born.

1746a Subaegh Singh and Mehtaab Singh Ji were martyred.

1746b All the Sikhs of Lahore were beheaded at Nakas. After the 1745, Sarbat Khalsa resolution, Sikhs attacked Lahore one evening and decamped with a large booty. Yahya Khan who had taken over as Governor asked Diwan Lakhpar Rai to displace the Sikhsfrom the nearby swamp hounts. One of the units led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia on the way to the hills clashed with his younger brother Jaspat Rai and chopped of his head. Lakhpat Rai now in rage vowed to erase the Sikhs from the pages of history. He got a proclamation for general masscre of the Sikhs. All Sikhs of Lahore were beheaded at Nakhas on amavas, despite a petition by general body of Hindus that the executions should not take place at least on amavas. The Sikh scriptures that fell into his hands were desecrated and destroyed.

1846 British took Koh-i-noor from Lahore.

1923 Buta Singh, Lambardar of Nangal Shammann is murdered.

1946 Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) passed resolution for the formation of s Sikh State.

1996 GurSikh women participated in the cleansing of Sri Harimandir Sahib's floor in the Amrit Vela. GurSikh women including Bhai Fauja Singh's Singhni reached Darshani Doeri and joined others waiting for sewa. Everyone was meditating and reciting bani in preparation. Today, even Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat had joined the group. Suddenly, most of the men, who had been sitting there moved away, and joined a crowd which had been forming in a tight knot near the right-hand nishan sahib. There was a sense of hostility. But everyone was assured because of the Jathedar's presence. Suddenly, the crowd swept over and surrounded the GurSikh women. They were engulfed in angry voices. The mob argued and screamed at the Jethadar. The men pressed against women - trying to push them back. But they held each other and stood our ground. The men were screaming at the top of their lungs and beating their chests. They yelled "Bole So Nihal ." and "Deg Teg Fateh" - as if it were theirs and not everyone's!

The Jethadar moved to the little office to the left of the gate. The crowd moved with him, maintaining its intensity. Everyone feared for him, as he seemed to be standing alone. Then, with a sense of triumph, men from the crowd made their way to the small door in the gate and went to begin seva. Everyone sat and waited, repeating Sukhmani Sahib.

At about 1:20AM, the Jethadar opened the door, and said invited everyone inside. Everyone walked down the long causeway, bowed at that heavenly door, and waited at the side for a sign of what to do. Initially, the men completed ignored everyone else. Most of the seva was already done anyway. Then Jethadar then guided everyone to go outside and do whatever cleaning needed to be done. There were brooms and several very kind GurSikhs helped everyone with cloths to wipe the brass and marble.

Holy Seva at the Golden Temple - by Guru Kirn K. Khalsa. The restoration of women's right to participate in early morning seva at the Siri Harimandir Sahib, the Golden Temple

March 9th

1783 Sikh forces, under Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Baghel Singh attacked Delhi and ransacked Houz Khaas after breaking the Mori Gate. Sabzi Mandi, Malkagunj and Pahari Dhiraj areas were plundered. Sikhs set up their headquarters at Majnu Tilla, out-skirts of Delhi. During this attack the Sikh forces captured Delhi. Sardar Baghel Singh returned to Punjab only after getting some major concessions for the Sikhs, raising Kesri Flag on Red Fort and constructing seven historical Gurudwaras connected with Sikh Gurus, including Sis Ganj and Rakab Ganj as memorials to the martydom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur.

==> BAGHAEL SINGH was a resident of Chubhal, Amritsar. This Sant Sepahi belonged to the "Karohdhi" Misl. In sunmat 1847, working with the Khalsa forces, he attacked and captured Delhi. He received three lakh rupees from the Shah Aalam which he used to build the Delhi Gurudwaras and acquire their surrounding lands. He returned to Punjab after successful completion of all the historical Gurudwara constructions. Baghael Singh led an exemplary life devoted extensively to amrit prachar. Many well known Sikh personalities including Patiala's Raja Sahib Singh Ji, received amrit under Baghael Singh's guidance. He passed away on sunmat 1859 in Amritsar.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1846 Treaty of Lahore was signed between the Lahore Darbar and the British:-

All Sikh territories south of Sutlej taken over by the British.

Jaladhur Doab to be occupied by Nritish troops.

An indemnity of one and a half crores imposed on Lahore Darbar.

All rebellious Sikh troops to be disbanded. Only 20,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry to be maintained by Lahore Darbar.

Dalip Singh recognised as a minor ruler with Rani Jindan as the regent and Lal Singh as the Wazir.

Adequate British troops were retained at Lahore to protect the Raja. Henry Lawrence was appointed as the british Resident.

1921 Master Mota Singh condemns Nanakna Carnage and lashes at the policy of non-violence at Kot Fatuhi.

1946 In view of the revolutionary changes occurring in India and realising the need to protect Sikh identity, SGPC decales that Sikhs are a Nation through a resolution.

==> RESOLUTION OF SIKH STATE of the SHIROMANI GURDWARA PRABANDHAK COMMITTEE

March 9th, 1946, Sri Amritsar, Panjab

Resolution No. 18

RESOLUTION OF SIKH STATE

The general house of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee met under the presidency of Jathedar Mohan Singh Nagoke on March 9, 1946 at the S.G.P.C. headquarters, Teja Singh Samundri Hall, Amritsar. This meeting was attended by 80 elected members of the S.G.P.C.

Sardar Basant Singh of village Kukkar proposed the following resolution:

"The present political state of affairs in the country hold out ominous portents for all nations, including the Sikhs. In view of the revolutionary changes which are occurring in the country and realising the need to protect Sikh identity:

A. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (S.G.P.C.) declares that the Sikhs are a nation;

B. This general house of the S.G.P.C. considers it imperative to have a Sikh state to preserve the main Sikh shrines, Sikh social practices, Sikh self-respect and pride, Sikh sovereignty and the future prosperity of the Sikh people.

Therefore this house appeals to the Sikh people to endeavour to achieve the goal of a Sikh state."

The aforesaid resolution was seconded by S. Amar Singh Dosanjh. He said that under the present circumstances, the establishment of a Sikh state is necessary for the protection and propagation of the Sikh religion. He further opined that Sikhs are a nation and possess all the attributes of nationhood. He emphatically stated that any attempt to dub the Sikhs as a branch of a Hindu tree is an attempt to denigrate our separate identity and a ploy to assimilate us into the vastness of Hinduism. The Sikh people cannot progress and prosper as slaves of another nation. Our numerical minority cannot be hindrance to the formation of a separate Sikhs state. We are entitled to the same share as that of the majority community.

S.Gurdit Singh of Jhang Maghiana said that the resolution with the approval of the Sikh Sangat should be put forward in the next meeting.

S. Gurdial Singh Rajoana extended his support to the resolution.

S. Sohan Singh Jalal Usram, S. Wazir Singh Montgomery and S. Santa Singh Bhangali said that this important resolution must be put forward only with the approval of the Sikh Sangat.

Speaking in favour of the resolution, Giani Kartar Singh said that soon discussions and deliberations are to take place regarding the new political status of Hindustan and therefore such an important issue must not be postponed. The considered opinion of the S.G.P.C. must be formulated and circulated among the Sikh national leadership. Our idea and conception of the Sikh state is clear and unhindered. Sikhs are a nation, as such the Sikh people and the clean-shaven with shorn hair are the only two nations. It is crucial to have a territory wherein Sikhs can live freely and be masters of their own destiny.

S. Kartar Singh Jhabbar also gave his consent to the resolution.

*The Resolution was put to voice vote and was unanimously passed by show of hands.

(- SIGNED -)

S. Beant Singh, Member Jathedar Mohan Singh Nagoke, President

S. Amar Singh Dosanjh, Member

J. Gurdit Singh Jhang Maghiana, Member

Gurdial Singh Rajoana, Member

S. Sohan Singh Jalal Usram, Member

Wazir Singh Montgomery, Member

S. Santa Singh Bhangali, Member

1966 The formation of Punjabi Suba was declared on the radio, but people like Atal Bihari Bajpayee continued to demonstrate his stupidity by oppossing it. Former Prime Minister of Indian Morarji Desai also opposed the formation of Punjabi Suba.

-Ref. "Sri Amritsar Ji De Darshan Isnan Ate 500 <banned word filter activated> Di Itihasik Directory," by Satnam Singh Khalsa.

1985 The Sikh Homeland was sealed permanently for foreign visiters. Even Amnesty International, the Human Rights Commission and the other Humane organizations were banned in the Sikh zone (Punjab) so that the world may not get the true picture of the atrocities being perpetuated on the Sikhs by the Indian Government. Since then all of Punjab has been like a concentration camp for Sikhs.

March 8th

1644 Patshahi Seventh, Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, ascended to Guruship. Guru Hargobind had five sons, three of whom had died during his life time. Of the two who had survived him, SUraj Mal, born in 1617, was a worldly man, with only a moderate interest in religion, and Tegh Bahadhur, born in 1621, was a recluse. So by the command of Guru hargobind, the young Har Rai, grandson of the Guru, who was fourteen years old, was anointed as the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. The ceremony was performed by Baba Bhana, son of Baba Budha. Just before his death, Guru Hargobind put five paisas and a coconut before Har Rai, bowed to him and Baba Bhana put on his forehead the saffron mark and declared him to be the seventh Guru of the Sikhs.

-Ref. "The Sikh Religion and The Sikh People," by Dr. S.S. Kapor, Hemkunt Press, New Delhi, 1992

Today is actual date of Guru Gadhi, though it is observed on a different date by Guru Khalsa Panth.

==> Sri Guru HAR RAI (1630-1661) actual date of Awtar is 26th Feb. 1630 (20 Magh Sunmat 1686) in Baba Gurditaa Ji and Matta Nihal Kaur's home at Kiratpur. On 12 Chaet Sanmat 1701 in City Anup, Jilla Bulandh, UP, Guru Sahib married the daughters of Daya Ram. Two sons, RamRai was born to Mahala Kotkalyani (in sunmat 1703) and Guru Har Krishan Ji were born to Krishan Kaur.

On 8th March 1644 (12 chaet Sanmat 1701) Guru Sahib ascended to the Gur Gaddhi and devoted extensive effort towards preaching the message of Guru Nanak. Upon assuming Guruship, Guru Sahiban extended the tradition of Guru Ka Langar beyond where our Guru's resided. Essentially, Guru asked all followers of Guru Nanak, no matter where they happen to be, to prepare and serve Guru Ka Langar for the needy and the destitute. During sanmat 1703, he traveled to meet with the Malwa Sangat.

Aurangzeb accused Gur Sahib for helping DaraShikoah (Aurangzeb's brother but arch-enemy) and sought his appearance in Delhi. Instead, Gur Sahib sent his eldest son, Ram Rai, to Delhi. Ram Rai was well received by Aurangzeb. He not only satisfactorily responsed to all charges but also impressed Aurangzeb with his cleverness. As a result, Ram Rai was asked to stay on as a state guest for some period. One day, Aurangzeb questioned (under influence from others), why Sri Guru Nanak had criticized Islam in salok "Mitti Musalman Ki"? Ram Rai satisfied the assembled muslims by saying that the actual writing is "Mitti Baimaan Ki" and not "musalman ki". Though Ram Rai was well-blessed with all powers and strictly instructed only to explain Guru's position, he choose to change Sri Guru Nanak's writings and further performed miracles for Aurangzeb's pleasures. When Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib heard of this incident, he forbid Ram Rai from ever returning home. Guru's word in GurSikhism is absolute divine revelation and not subject to any modificatoions by anyone. Miracles although recognized by Sikh faith, are actively discouraged. Their exposition or display is considered arrogance (competing with Vaaheguru's order).

Though Ram Rai managed to please Aurangzeb, Guru Sahib forbid all GurSikhs from ever associating with Ram Rai. As a consequence Ram Rai obtained some jagir from Aurangzeb and settled north of Harduwar in Duun. He died there in sunmat 1788. Because of Ram Rai's Dehra, Duun came to be popularly known as Dehradun. A historical katha suggests that when Ram Rai was engrossed in meditation, the neighboring masands mistook him for dead and cremated his body. For this reason, Matta Punjab Kaur sought punishment of masands from Kalgidhur patshah. Today there is a small following of Ram Rai. However, by Sri Guru Har Rai's hukam, all GurSikhs are forbidden any association with Ram Rai's followers.

On 6th Oct. 1661 (7 Katak Sanmat 1718), after bestowing the Guruship upon Gur Har Krishan, Guru Har Rai left our world in Kiratpur at the age of 31 years, 8 months and 17 days. Guru Har Rai served as the 7th Guru of GurSikhims, for a total period of 17 years, 5 months and 8 days.

"Simro Sri Har Rai" (Chandi 3)

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1758 Sikhs attacked Lahore. Taemur escaped to Kabul. Adina Begh became the new Governor and initiated atrocities against Sikhs.

-Ref. Amritsar Ji Dae Darshan Eshnan Utay 500 <banned word filter activated> Di Ethasak Directory, Satnam Singh Khalsa Advocate, pp 82.

1783 40,000 strong Sikh forces arrived at Baradhi harbour. Shahijada Mirza Shikoh wanted to engage Sikh forces in a battle, but turned away instead of facing them.

1853 Maharaja Dalip Singh coverted to Christianity. Christian missionaries had spread their network to Lahore, Amritsar and other parts of the Punjab after its annexation. They saw hopeful signs of conversion of the Sikhs and made them a special target.

Maharaja Dalip Singh was formally admitted into the Christian Church with water brought from Ganges nearby at his own private dwelling house. The service was conducted by the Rev. M.W. Jay, with Dr. John S. Login, Mrs. Login, Colonel Alexander and Mr. Guise signing the Baptism register as witnesses. The conversion of Maharaja Dalip Singh and the invitation extended to missionaries by the Sikh Raja of Kapurthala in 1862, the first ever such invitation by an Indian ruler to the missionaries, gave them a promising start. NOTE:- Maharaja Dalip Singh reentered the Sikh faith in 1886. He received Khande Di Pahul (Amrit) on May 26, 1886 at Aden.

==> Maharaja DALIP SINGH, the youngest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was born in Lahore, on Feb. 1837, to mother Maharani Jind Kaur. His date of birth is disputed by some and alternately suggested as Sept. 4, 1838. Many foreign journalists have wrongly named him as Dhalip Singh and Duleep Singh. However, it should be noted that his correct name is Maharaja Dalip Singh. He assumed the Punjab throne as a child, after Maharaja Sher Singh, on Sept. 18, 1843. During his reign several wars were fought with the British. Unfortunately, he was surrounded by corrupt advisors as illustrated by the following quote.

"Among the Sikh barons who stood around the throne of the young Maharaja Dalip Singh, there was not one, who honestly labored for his country, or who have made the smallest sacrifice to save her."

- The Punjab Chiefs by L.H. Griffin

The agreement of March 9, 1846, after the first Sikh war with the British, included the following conditions:

1. There shall be peace and friendship among Maharaja Dalip Singh and the British government.

2. Lahore darbar would have to relinquish control of the region between Satluj and Bias.

3. War compensation of one and a half crore rupees to be paid by Lahore darbar. Since this amount was beyond the capabilities of Lahore Darbar at that time, Kashmir region was offered for 75 lakhs. However, Maharaja Gulab Singh stepped forward and paid this amount to buy back this region from the British.

4. Maharaja Dalip Singh's forces were restricted to 50 platoons and 12,000 horse-back soldiers.

5. No foreigner from Britain, Europe, or America could be employed in Lahore Darbar without explicit permission of the British government.

6. British government shall refrain from interference in the internal affairs of the Lahore Darbar.

However, towards the end of this year, another set of arrangements were made, under which a council was established to run the Punjab affairs. This council was headed by a British Resident. Further, British forces were brought in to maintain peace in the country. Lahore darbar was charged 22 lakh annually for the maintenance and upkeep of such forces.

However, this arrangement did not last for too long. As in April of 1848, a war erupted among the Sikhs and British. At the end of this war, Sikh kingdom was annexed and Maharaja Dalip Singh was sent out of Punjab to FatehGadh (Uttar Pradesh, dist. Karrukhsbad) under the care of Sir John Spencer Login.

Maharaja Dalip Singh was still a child at the time of the annexation of Punjab and there was no one to dispense any religious education to him. His companions (AudiyaPrasad, Purohit GulabRai, Fakir Jahurudeen) had absolutely no interest or sympathy with GurSikh Dharam. As a result, BhajanLal, a local resident brahmin who had converted to christianity, was given the responsibilities of Dalip Singh's education. Under his influence, Maharaja Dalip Singh adopted christianity on March 8, 1853. A few days prior to adopting christianity, Dalip Singh had presented his hair as a gift to lady Login.

On April 19, 1858, Dalip Singh left for England and started residing at Elveden resident in Norfolk. Dalip Singh married a German lady, Bamba Muller (educated form Cairo missionary school) on June 7, 1864. This marriage resulted in three sons (Victor Dalip Singh, Frederick D.S., and Edward D.S.) and three daughters. Two of his sons were brought up as english gentlemen. The elder, Prince Victor, held a commission in the 1st Royal Dragoons and married a daughter of the Earl of Coventry. He died in 1918 at the age of 58. The younger brother, Prince Frederick was educated at Eton and Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he took history Tripos and later took his M.A. He held a commission in the Suffolk Yeomanry and then transferred to the Norfolk Yeomanry. He resigned his commission in 1909 but rejoined the corps in 1914 and was two years on active service in France. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration. Prince Frederick was deeply interested in archaeology and became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and contributed articles to various periodicals on this subject. He died in August 1926, at the age of 58. One of Maharaja's daughters married Dr. Sutherland, lived in Lahore, and was popularly known after her parents as Princess Bamba Sutherland.

Maharani Bamba died in 1890. Later, Maharaja Dalip Singh married an english lady, A.D. Etherill, who lived after Maharaja's death. Maharaja's later years were extremely difficult. He was barred from returning to Punjab, and his pension severed. He died pretty much as an orphan, in Oct. 22, 1893 in Grand Hotel of Paris.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

The Anglo-Sikh wars resulted in ultimate liquidation of the Sikh power, and on 30th March, 1849, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's short lived kingdom was annexed by the British. Maharaja Dalip Singh was taken away to Fatehgarh in the U.P., and put under the tutelage of Sir John Login of the Bengal Army., with the result that after two years the young Maharaja expressed desire to renounce his faith and embrace Christianity. He was baptised, granted a pension, sent to England and given an estate in Suffolk. The married Bamba Muller, daughter of a European merchant and an Abyssinian mother.

Maharani Bamba spoke and understood only Arabic, and in the beginning the Maharaja had amusing difficulties when attempting to converse with his fiancee. She bore him Prince Victor Dalip Singh, (b. 1866, d. 1918), Prince Fredrick Dalip Singh (b. 1886, d. 1926), Princess Bamba Jindan (b. 1869, d. 1957), Princess Katherine, Prince Albert Edward Dalip Singh (b. 1879, d. 1893), and Princess Sophia Alexandria (b. 1874, d. 1948). The children of Maharaja Dalip Singh died issueless. Dalip Singh came to India twice and was reconverted to his paternal faith. In 1886 he made an attempt to leave England for good and settle down in Punjab, but his attempt failed and he was not allowed to proceed beyond Aden. He did not return to England and died in Paris in 1893.

Princess Bamba Dalip Singh, who later married an English gentleman Dr. Sutherland, continued to keep in her custody the collection of paintings and objects of arts, belonging to her father. She died in Lahore on March 10, 1957, without having any issue, and thus her death ended the line of the Sikh ruling dynasty. She bequeathed the collections to Pir Karim Bakhsh Supra of Lahore who sold it recently to the Government of Pakistan.

The collection consists of 18 oil paintings, 14 water colours, 22 ivory paintings, 17 photographs, 10 metallic objects and 7 miscellaneous articles.

-Ref. "The Princess Bamba Collection" an official publication of Department of Archeology, Pakistan

"Sikh Portraits by European Artists," by F.S. Aijazuddin, a comprehensive source of textual and visual information on the Princess Bamba Collection (Karachi: Oxford Univ. Press)

Maharaja Dalip Singh's life is a tragedy in the true sense of the word. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but died very poor in a hotel in Paris.

Most people do not know that he wanted to reclaim his kingdom by launching a war against the British. Although he had become Chritain at one time, yet he re-entered Khalsa Panth by taking Khade di Pahul (amrit).

Maharaja wrote the following letter to Sardar Sant Singh who was his relative from his mother's side. Here is the text of the letter:

Carlton Club, Pall Mall, S. W.

March 9th, 1886

My Dear Sirdar Ji,

Wah ! Gooroo ji dee Futteh.

I am pleased to receive your letter, but I advise you not to come near me without the permission of Government as you might get into trouble with the authorities.

I intend to leave England with my family on the 31st of this month, but it is possible a little longer delay may occur.

I need not tell you how pleased I shall be (if the Government permits) for you to be present at my receiving Powhl [Amrit] which I trust my cousin Thakur Singh Sindhaanwalla will administer to me.

I am now longing to return to India although Government are afraid to let me reside in the North Western Provinces and desire me to live at Ootakamand, but I put my faith entirely in Sutgooroo who now that I turn to Him for forgivenss I know will forsake me.

Your sincere friend and welwisher

Duleep Singh

Maharaja.

Note: Maharaja Dalip Singh stayed sometime in Aden. During his stay at Aden, the Maharaja Dalip Singh was baptised and re-entered the Sikh faith. He was baptised on May 26, 1886. There is a photograph of Maharaja with full beard (which is tied back) and beutiful uniform and turban. In this picture he looks very handsome and a true Maharaja. This picture must have taken when he was around 35-40. This picture is not the one that most of us have seen where the handsome Maharaja is standing with a sword in his right hand.

-Ref. "History of Freedom Movement in the Punjab - Maharaja Duleep Singh Correspondence, Vol III," published by Punjabi University Patiala.

1967 The Akalis, who had never enjoyed power before, formed their government after the first elections in the new state. This was in fact the first non-Congress government in Punjab. Gurnam Singh's government formed with the support of some willing political partners, fell on November 24, 1967, owing to intra-party intrigue.

1971 The SGPC issued a letter to Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Yogi, authorizing him to establish an ordained Sikhism ministry in the West, to perform marriages, final rites and to adminsiter Amrit according to the Sikh traditions.

March 7th

1921 Gurudwara Tham Sahib was forcibly taken over and brought under the control of SGPC.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1959 SGPC at its general meeting accepted the announcement of Sri Damdama Sahib as Guru Khalsa Panth's fifth Takhat.

==> DAMDAMA SAHIB: a tower marking Guru Sahib's residence. The religious places known with this name include:

1. A famous place near village Sabhoki Talwandi, Riyasat Patiala, Njamat Barnala, Tehsil Bathinda, Thana Rama. This place is also known as "Kanshi of Sikhs". Because of Dhalae Sikhs's affection Guru Kalgidhar residing at this location for nine and half month. Mata Sundari Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur, along with Bhai Mani Singh Ji came to visit Guru Sahib at this location. It is this location where Kalgidhar Patshah recited the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib for final compilation. Tirlok Singh and Ram Singh of Phul family were baptised into the Khalsa order by Guru Sahib on this location. Guru Sahib's blessing of rivers for flourishing the surrounding forest was also granted here. Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed was installed as the first Mahant of a newly-estabablished Gurudwara at this location.

Vaisakhi is celebrated annually here. Sant Attar Singh Ji dedicate a major portion of his efforts to the upkeep of this Gurudwara. Damdama Sahib is considered a center for Gurmat scholars and writers.

2. Historical place of Guru Amardas Ji, half a mile from village Kanwan, where Guru Sahib used to collect the ias river water for Guru Angad Patshah's bathing.

3. Sixth Patshah's resident, where Guru Hargobind Ji rested after hunting a pig. This place south of Vadali.

4. The place where, Sri Guru Hargobind Patshah used to organize his diwan.

5. Historical place of Guru Hargobind Patshah, in a garden near Unnae.

6. Place of Guru Har Rai's diwan in Kiratpur.

7. Guru Tegh Bahadhur's Damdama in Dhubadhi Nagar, Assam, which is on the banks of Brahamputar river.

8. Guru Tegh Bahadhur's resting place in Maalmandhi, Amritsar. Guru Sahib rested at this place for sometime before departing Amritsar.

9. Guru Gobind Singh's resting place in Anandpur

10. A historical place of Guru Gobind Singh ji in Delhi.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh pp. 620-1

1966a The formation of Punjabi Suba was declared.

1966b On the occasion of Hola Mohalla festival at Takhat Sri Kesgarh, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Khalsa Panth declared that all Hindi letters from the official boards, signs, and milestones be obliterated throughout the state and the Sikhs removed all those Hindi letters.

-Ref. "Sri Amritsar Ji De Darshan Isnan Ate 500 <banned word filter activated> Di Itihasik Directory," by Satnam Singh Khalsa.

March 6th

1752 The cooperation between Sikhs and Mir Mannu snapped as a result of Kaura Mal's death. This was evident from action during Abdali's third invasion. The Sikhs under the patronage of Diwan Kaura Mal, a Khulasa Sikhs, had cooperated with Mir Mannu. henceforth, Mir Mannu as a nominee of Afghans pursued the policy of extirpating Sikhs. If nothing else, their women and children were taken to Nakhas, Lahore, in hundreds, and were subjected to gruesome torture and martyred. In 18 months, he killed about 30,000 Sikhs. The peasentry crushed, because of the Afghan depredations and roving provincial troops in search of the Sikh families, joined the Khalsa fold in large numbers who offered them protection.

1752 Diwan Kodha Mal, also known as Mitha Mal, died while fighting in Lahore.

-Ref. Amritsar Ji Dae Darshan Eshnan Utay 500 <banned word filter activated> Di Ethasak Directory, Satnam Singh Khalsa Advocate, pp 80.

1834 Peshawar occupied by Sikhs. Ranjit Singh sent a force under Hari Singh Nalwa, Ventura and Court under nominal command of Prince Nau Nihal Singh. Pathan chiefs sent their families away as they were aware of the duplicity Of Shah Shujah and Ranjit Singh's intention to occupy Peshawar. They agreed to enhance the tribute but the Sikh army occupied Peshawar on the pretext that the Prince wanted to see the town and the Pathan chiefs left the city. Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed Governor of Peshawar along with the Governorship Of Hazara. British did not appreciate Sikh occupation of Peshawar. Sikh coins struck from Peshawar.

1921 Gurudwara Manak Sahib was forcibly taken over and brought under the control of SGPC.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

March 5th

1716 Marks the begining of systematic execution of 740 Sikh soliders. After their surrender at the fort of Gurdas Nangal, Banda Singh Bahadhur, the valiant Sikh General and his 740 solidiers were taken to Delhi. From Mar. 5 through Mar. 11, these solidiers along with Banda Bahadhur were executed in groups of 100. They were given the option to adopt Islam and escape execution. However, each one of these solidiers refused the offer and instead willingly accepted shahadet with unflinching faith and fortitude.

==> BANDA SINGH BAHADHUR: born on KatakSudhi 13 sunmat 1727 to Rajput father Ramdev who was a resident of the Rajori village in Jammu. He was named Lashman Dev by his parents. Since childhood, he exhibited extremely fondness for sanskrit literature and hunting. However, he plunged into deep remorse after killing a pregnant deer. As a result he discarded all his hunting tools and became a disciple of Vaesnav JankiPrasad. He shed all his material wealth, started onto the seekers path for enlightenment, and adopted the new name, Madho Dass.

Wondering in search of enlightenment, when he traveled towards south India and reached the banks of Godawari, he fell in love with this beautiful new place. He established his Ashram and started living here. In sunmat 1765, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Nandaedh, he was extremely impressed and influenced by Guru's preaching. He offered himself as "Satguru Da Banda" (Satguru's person). Guru Gobind Singh Ji introduced him to Amrit and changed his name to Gurbakash Singh. However, he remained popularly known in our Panth as "Banda".

To eradicate the prevalent injustices, Guru Gobind Singh sent Banda accompanied by the following five GurSikhs to Punjab:

Baba Binod Singh

Baba Kanh Singh

Baba Bajh Singh

Baba Bijae Singh

Baba Ram Singh

Banda went to Punjab in sunmat 1765 accompanied with a Hukamnama from Guru Gobind Singh addressed to all the GurSikh. In this Hukamnama, Guru Gobind Singh asked GurSikhs to help Banda in his efforts. Before departure, Banda received three arrows from Guru Gobind Singh and the following instructions:

1. Remain celibate ("Jatt rakhana")

2. Live, operate, and act under the dictates of Khalsa ("Khalsae dae Anusari hokae rahna")

3. Never consider yourself to be Guru ("Aap nu Guru na manenna")

4. Eat only after serving others ("Vartakae Shakana")

5. Help the orphas, poor, unprotected, helpless, destitute, or disolate. ("Anatha di sahiata karni")

Upon reaching Punjab, Gurbakash Singh strictly followed Guru Sahib's instructions and successfully punish all who had previously mistreated the Khalsa Panth. On the 1st Hadh sunmat 1767, after conquering Sirhind, Wajir Khan was punished and eventually killed for the mistreatment of Sahibzadas.

However, Gurbakash Singh became popular among the Khalsa Panth, his self-godliness started awakening. As a result he started adopting and engaging in practices that were against Gurmat. In sunmat 1771, Banda Bahdhur expressed desires to establish his own Gadhi in Sri Harmindar Sahib and sought his self-worhsip. He started a new slogan of "Sachae Sahib ki Fateh" in contrast to the traditional "Vaaheguru Jee Kee Fateh". This resulted in a severe split among Khalsa Panth. Those following the principles as laid by Guru Gobind Singh came to known as "TattKhalsa" while the followers of Gurbakash Singh were known as "BandaiKhalsa". Today there are very few Bandai Sikhs. They do not believe in any other holy scriptures other than Sri Guru Granth Sahib. All their practice are according to Gurmat principles.

Eventually, Banda Bahadhur was cornered by the pursuing enemy forces at "Gurdaspur de Gadhi". It is also popularly known as Bhai Duni Chand di Hawaeli. After months of sustained attacks from AbdalSamadKhan and others with a force of over 20,000, Banda Bahadhur was arrested along with his companions and taken to Delhi. He accepted Shahadat on Chaet Sudhi 1st sunmat 1773.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1748 Khalsa Panth gathered at Anandpur Sahib for Holla Mehla observations and resolved to gather in Amritsar for Vaisakhi celebrations.

1892 The foundation stone for Khalsa College, a Shiromani education institution for Sikhs, was laid in Amritsar by J.B. Loyal. Prof. Gurmukh Singh was instrumental its establishment after more than a decade of tireless efforts. The College Council was controlled by its Vice-President Sit Attar Singh Bhadaur with Jawahar Singh serving as General Secretary.

1921 Gurudwara Sach Khand (Chuharkana) Sahib was forcibly taken over and brought under the control of SGPC.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1948 Khalsa Panth gathered at Anandpur Sahib for Holla Mehla observations and resolved to gather in Amritsar for Vaisakhi celebrations.

1955 Punjabi Suba Conference was held at Patiala.

1971 Elections to Indian Lower House were held. Akali Dal won 1 of the 13 Punjab seats.

March 4th

1716 Marked the killing of Sikhs in Delhi, under the protection of Sarabrah Khan. 100 Sikhs were killed on the first day.

1947 The Pakistan Holocaust began.

1953 Akali led government of PEPSU province dismissed without any ground.

1988 Jasbir SIngh Rode, a nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawalae, who had been nominated as the Chief Granthi of Sri Akal Takhat, was won over by Rajiv Gandhi, while he was in jail. Under a secret agreement he was released on this day. He tried to confuse the Sikh masses as planned but the Sikh nation rejected him in the same manner as Ragi Darshan Singh. He called a meeting of Sarbat Khalsa at Talwandi Sabo on APril 13, 1988. Even this congregation declated that the Sikh nation would not compromise its freedom.

- Ref. THE SIKHS' STRUGGLE FOR SOVEREIGNTY, An Historical Perspective By Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon. Edited By: A.T. Kerr Page 128.

xxxx SIGNIFICANT OBSERVANCE include Maela Dehra Baba Nanak.

==> DEHRA BABA NANAK, in district Gurdaspur, tehsil Batala, on the southern banks of river Ravi, 22 miles from Gurdaspur city, where Guru Nanak shed his earthly body. This place was initially known as Kartarpur. Here a tombstone was erected against Guru Nanak's expressed wishes. However, subsequent flooding of river Ravi, buried the tombstone along with the whole city. The new city, established by LashmiDass Ji (son of DharamChand Ji), was named "Dehra Baba Nanak". Further a new tombstone was erected to mark Guru Nanak's departure from this world. Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Sud Singh and sangat collectively constructed the Gurudwara at this place. There is extensive jagir associated with this Gurudwara. Annual maela celebrations are held here in Vaisakhi, 20th Fagan, and Sradhas. Today, Dehra Baba Nanak is a railway station on the Amritsar Vaerka line, which is 38 miles from Amritsar.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

Sorry, daas wasn't able to post the past few days.

bhul chuk maaf.

February 27th

1926 The following 6 Babbar Akalis were hanged to death in Lahore Central Jail, under the First Babbar Akali Conspiracy case, by the orders of Lord Reading and Malcolm Hailey.

Jathaedar Kishan Singh Gargaj, son of Fateh Singh, Birring village, Jullunder

Babu Santa Singh, son of Suba Singh of Chhoti Herion village, district Ludhiana

Dharam Singh, son of Sobha Singh, Hayatpur village, Hoshiarpur

Nand Singh, son of Ganga Singh of Ghurial village, Jullunder

Dalipa, son of Labh Singh of Dhamian village Hoshiarpur

Karam Singh, son of Bhagwana, Haripur village, Jullunder

Additionally, 13 were sentenced to life imprisonment, 4 transported for 14 years, 17 sentenced to 7 years improsonment, 5 were transported to 5 years imprisonment, 1 to 4 years of impronment, 3 died during the trail, and 40 were acquited. Besides these 91 were implicated in the case but were killed in encounters with the police or died in judicial lock up.

1927 The following 6 Babbar Akalis were sentenced to death and actually hanged in the Babbar Supplementary case II

Banta Singh, Gurusar Satlani village (Amritsar)

Gujjar Singh, Dhapai village (Ludhiana)

Mukand Singh, Jassowal village (Ludhiana)

Nikka Singh, son of Butta Singh, Alowal village (Amritsar)

Nikka Singh, son of Dhonkal Singh, Gill village (Ludhiana)

Sunder Singh, son of Karam Singh, Lohke village (Amritsar)

Addtionally, 14 were sentenced to life imprisonment.

==> BABBAR AKALI MOVEMENT: "Babbar" is an Arabic word which means a lion. Sher and Akali are Punjabi words which mean lion and without death, respectively. In Sikh context Akali is a Sikh who worships the Almighty and who is without death or fear. When combined with word Babbar, word Akali means a Sikh who is without death and is fearless and brave, like a lion. This is how the Babbar Akalis really were. They defied death, fought with great courage, and received martyrdom. They fought the holy war without any selfish motive.

Babbar Akalis had established their rule in the Doaba region of Punjab in the early 20s. Commissioner Towshed of Jalandhar wrote a long letter to the Governor of Punjab,

"The British rule is over in Doaba. No one is ready to cooperate with the government for the fear of the Babbars. There are some people, loyal to the British goverment, who visit my residence in a very secret manner and utter the news, in a low tone, into my ear."

In addition ot the brave men of Doaba, several Sikhs from the Majha and Malwa region also gladly accepted martyrdom. Those include Babu Santa Singh son of Sardar Suba Singh of village Shoti Harion (Tehsil Samrala); Babbar Nikka Singh son of Sardar Buta Singh, village Alowal, Tehsil Tarn Tarn. (Source - Babbar Akalian da Itihas by Dr. Bakhshish Singh Nijjar)

There are some books available on the Babbar Akalis. Two prominent books about this topic are by Dr.' Bakhshish Singh Nijjar (M.A. PhD in history, M.A. Punjabi, M.A.M.L.O. Farsi). He is a Rtd. director of Punjab State Archives and curently living in USA. His books are:

1. Babbar Akalian da Itihas (Punjabi)

2. Babbar Akali Lehar da Itihas

3. History of the Babar Akalis

There is another gentleman, Dr. Gurcharan Singh Aulakh who recently wrote his PhD thesis on the Babbar Akalis. His book is called, "Babbar Akali Movement" and is published by Aman Publications, Punjab.

Two other useful books on the Akalis and Babbar Akalis are:

Babbar Akali Lehar (Punjabi) by Sunder Singh Babbar

Akali Lehar (Punjabi) Partap Singh Giani.

1966 Master Akali Dal demanded the formation of Sikh Homeland.

February 28th

1712 Bahadur Shah died. A cicil war broke out among his sons. Baba Gurbakhash Singh, alias Banda Bahadur, took advantage of the situation and appeared once again in the plains. His first victory was against Islam Khan, the Governor of Lahore. The next to fall was the zone of Sirhind. But this victory was again, short lived.

1921 Gurudwara Rori Sahib was forcibly taken over and brought under the control of SGPC.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1924a 2nd Shahidi Jatha of 500 valiant Akali Satyagrahies, led by Sardar Inder Singh Mirja (Sialkot), started their march for Gangsar, Jaito from Sri Akal Takhat, Amritsar.

1924b All India Congress passed resolution, condeming the killings of Sikhs devotees at Gangsar, Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as "Gangsar". About a mile and a half north of Jaito is "Tibhi Sahib" Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, "Where is that Akali?" The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.

Ref.

- Mahan Kosh

- "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

1925 Judgement of Babbar Akali Case, closely related to the Akali movement was passed. 5 Babbar Akalis were sentenced to death.

1926 7 Babbars are sentenced to death in the Babbar conspiracy case, supplementary II.

1975 Sikhs congregation from all corners of IK, gathered at the Sikh Temple, Birmigham, protested against the Anti-Sikhs Policy and passed the following resolution :

Attention of the Indian Government, the Defence Minister in particular, and the Chief of Staff Air/Naval/Army, is drawn to the direct interderence in the Sikh religion, by court martialing and terminating the services of persons working in Armed Forces for not tying their beards. The Sikhs with united beard and leading a sacred and true life according to their Sikh faith, have a great respect in our society. The Sikhs never tolerated such discrimination under the Mughal and British rulers even.

The Indian Government is requested to stop interference in the religious matters of the Sikh people in particular, and meet the Sikh demand that ther services personnel so discharged be re-instated forthwith.

Such likle resolutions were passed at several Sikh congregations, Sensing the widespread Sikh resentment, ultimately Government of India agreed to change its policy to some extent and issed orders directing Sikh recruits to pledge maintaining unshorn hairs.

-Source. History of Sikh Struggles, Vol. 1, By Gurmit Singh, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 1989. pp. 62-63

1982 A very strong police force sieged the border village of Daonke, near Pakistan, in order to arrest a young Sikh boy. When the boy could not be found, the sister of the boy was stripped naked and paraded through the streets of the village. The police threatened that the whole village would be dealt with in the same way if the boy was not produced the next day. The next day, before the arrival of the police, all the villagers crossed the border and entered Pakistan in order to escape the fury of the brutal policemen of Gharinda police station of the Punjab. This action was approved by the Punjab Police Chief as well as the Government of the Punjab. The issue was raised in Parliament. The villagers returned one week after the incident.

1983 More Killings: At the end of February, 1983, two young Sikhs, Bhajan Singh and Harpal Singh, were killed by the police in fake encounters.

1993 Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal died fighting for Sikh indepedendence. Surrounded by Indian security forces, this legendary hero preferred death to surrender.

==> Baba GURBACHAN SINGH MANOCHAHAL: Born on June 6, 1954 at Manochahal village in Amritsar district, he joined the Indian Army but left it to join the ranks of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. After operation Bluestar he organized an underground Sikh movement for Khalsitan in the villages around Amritsar and Gurdaspur. In 1986, he was made the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat and in April 1986 he made a formal anouncement of "Khalistan" from the Darbar Sahib complex.

baba Manochahal was responsible for the formation of the first Panthic Committee which guided the underground movement for many years. In 1987, he formed the "Bhindrawale Tiger Force" with the cooperation of Bhai Wasson Singh Jaffarwal. However the two parted ways later and formed separate groups. He had become a source of terror to the security forces and a refuge to the hopeless rural folks who suffered atrocities at the hand of police and Government agencies. He was very popular among the people of Amritsar district and admired for his humilty and simple living. He lived a stoic life, always on the move, hounded by India's security forces. The Government had placed an award of Rs. 25,00,000 on his head.

He scorned Government's offer of surrender saying, "I would prefer death over surrender." On Feb. 28, 1993, he had his tryst with destiny on the battlefield - the wish of all warriors.

-Source "World Sikh News," Feb. 28-Mar. 5, 1996.

March 1st

1923 Assa Singh of Phakrudi was arrested from Kiratpur Sahib.

1925 15th Shahidi Jatha of 500 valiant Akali Satyagrahies started their march from Sri Akal Takhat, Amritsar, towards Gangsar, Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as "Gangsar". About a mile and a half north of Jaito is "Tibhi Sahib" Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, "Where is that Akali?" The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

March 2nd

1909 Sirdar Kapur Singh, the Sikh scholar, statesman and administrator, was born at Mannan Kalan Chakk.

==> Sirdar Kapur Singh (1909-1986), the Sikh scholar, statesman and administrator, was born on 2 March 1909 at Mannan Kalan Chakk. His parents (father: Sardar Didar Singh, and mother: Harman Kaur) were upper middle class peasants at Lyallpur, now known as Faisalabad in the modern-day Pakistan. Young Kapur Singh spent his early childhood at Faisalabad where the environment was saturated with the Sikh rennaissance movement spearheaded by the Singh Sabha ideology.

Sirdar Kapur Singh joined the Lyallpur Khalsa School for his early education. The school was the run under the stewardship of Master Tara Singh, the undisputed leader of the Sikh community during and around the Partition in 1947 when the Sikhs passed through a very crucial phase in the life of community. If the Singh Sabha was working hard around the turn of the century to revive the pristine doctrines of the Sikh faith, the Akali Dal under Master Tara Singh's leadership was responsible for instilling among the Sikhs the feeling of community consciousness. Kapur Singh was fortunate enough to spend his formative years at school under the tutelage of Master Tara Singh.

Having completed his matriculation from the Lyallpur Khalsa School, Kapur Singh shifted to Lahore where he joined the Government College for his graduation. He did his M.A. in Philosophy from Panjab University (1951), securing first position in the University. Thereafter, he sailed down to England to join the Cambridge University from where he got another Master's degree in Philosophy and Moral Science. Bertrand Russell, the well-known and much acclaimed British philosopher, was his tutor at Cambridge.

In 1934, he earned a Tripos from the Cambridge University, and also passed the I.C.S. examination to join the elite bureaucratic class in the British India. He served in that capacity both before and after the independence of India. However, change in political leadership did not matter much for a man of Kapur Singh's mettle who always stood staunchly and fearlessly by his principles.

During his tenure as an I.C.S. officer, Sirdar Kapur Singh performed his duties according to the dictates of his conscience, without ever trying to please his political bosses at the cost of rules and values. He served as Deputy Commissioner for about fifteen years. Some incidents from his commissionaries stand witness to the strong convictions of Sirdar Kapur Singh. We quote here one from the pamphlet issued by the Shiromani Akali Dal at the time of Parliamentary elections of 1962. In 1939 when he was the Deputy Commissioner of Gurjarat, some Nihangs of village Ahla were murdered. Sirdar Kapur Singh, while handling this case, challenged men like Sir Umar Hayat Khan Tiwana. Then, in 1944, he got released about 2200 cows (in Gurgaon) meant to be slaughtered. Next year, twenty Muslim butchers were murdered at Farukh Nagar, a town in the Gurgaon Commissionary under him. The Unionist Government resolved to hand two Hindus for each Muslim dead. Sirdar Kapur Singh faced, singly, the ire of the government and saved all Hindus. In 1942 when he served in the Karnal district, he went on to live with Mahatma Gandhi at Seva Gram. After this brief sojourn he never allowed firing on the Congressmen. Similarly, after independence, he developed close relations with the Sikh leader, Master Tara Singh. In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi was a rebel in the eyes of the British Indian government; and similarly in the 1950's Master Tara Singh was no less than a traitor. Ironically, this kind of love for humanitarian values could pass with the British government in India but not so after independence. So Sirdar Kapur Singh was suspended in April 1949 on "frivolous" charges, and then unceremoniously dismissed from service on 2 September 1953.

After Sardar Kapur Singh became free from his bureaucratic assignment, he joined politics so that he could serve his community and fight for the genuine demands of the Sikhs and the Punjab. He fought the 1952 Parliamentary election and was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Ludhiana constituency. He was elected in 1969 to the Punjab Legislative Assembly. He availed of both these terms to highlight the genuine grievances of his community. He was an ardent supporter of the demand for "an autonomous Sikh Homeland within Indian Union". His aim was two-fold: on the one hand, he wanted the Sikhs "to be able to make their full contribution in the interests of the country and unity of the nation", and, on the other, to let the Sikhs also enjoy, as once Jawaharlal Nehru stated, the glow of freedom. Sirdar Kapur Singh was rather unhappy with the "Sant" leadership of the Sikhs. He also stated that not all Congressmen at the Centre were communal and thus untouchable though a suspicion was taking roots in their minds that the Sikhs aspire for political power only to create a sovereign state like Pakistan. Unfortunately, this suspicion still persists in the minds of most of the Congressmen, and the Sikh leadership has failed miserably to wipe out this ill-conceived suspicion. And, this has been partially responsible for the present human tragedy in Punjab.

Sirdar Kapur Singh was an intellectual of high calibre, with a restless, introspective and thinking soul. He has several publications, both in English and Punjabi, to his credit. Parasharprasna, a thesis on the status and significance of Sikhism, and Sachi Sakhi (Punjabi), political memoirs and analysis of contemporary Sikh history, are two of his more important titles. Pundrik and Saptshring are fine example of Punjabi prose, the former being a collection of cultural essays and the latter biographies of seven great men. He was the first person to render in Punjabi the known Buddhist text Dhammapada. Some of his unpublished works have been published posthumously by Guru Nanak Dev University (1993).

- "Sirdar Kapur Singh: The Unsung Sikh Statesman," by Dr. Dharam Singh, Punjabi University, Patiala

1928 Nehru Committee accepted Sikhs right to bear Kirpan.

March 3rd

1644 Sixth Patshah, Guru Hargobind Ji departed from this planet at Kirtapur. This is the actual date of Joti Jot, although it is observed on a different date by Guru Khalsa Panth.

==> Guru HAR GOBIND PATSHAH (1595-1644) was born on Hadh 21 sunmat 1652 (June 14, 1595) to father Sri Guru Arjan Dev Patshah and mother Matta Ganga Ji, in village Vadhali. He received his religious education from Baba Budha Ji. Guru Sahib married three time:

1. Damodari Ji, daughter of Dalha resident Narayan Das on Bhadho 12 sunmat 1661;

2. Nanaki Ji, daughter of Bakala resident Hari Chand on Vaisakh 8 sunmat 1670;

3. Mahadevi Ji, daughter of Mandiyala resident Daya Ram on Sawan 11 sunmat 1672.

Guru Sahib had five sons (Baba Gurditta Ji, Suraj Mal, Aani Rai, Atal Rai, and Guru Teg Bahadhur Ji) and one daughter (Bhiro). On Jaeth 29 sunmat 1663 (May 25 1606), while ascended to Guru Gadhi, Guru Har Gobind Patshah changed the previous tradition of wearing "Saeli toppi" (cap) and replaced it with wearing "Kalgi". At the same time, he started the tradition of wearing two swords of "Miri Piri". Observing the prevalent conditions of the nation at that time, Guru Sahib started teaching self-protection skills along with the religious preaching.

Guru Sahib,

in sunmat 1665, constructed the Takhat "Akal Bungha", in front of Sri Harmindar Sahib,

in sunmat 1669, established Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib's Dehra in Lahore,

from sunmat 1670-71 flourished the forest region of Daroli, etc. by residing there,

in sunmat 1624, helped Mohan and Kalae in establishing Maehraj in Malwa,

in sunmat 1624, constructed the Kolsar sarowar in Amritsar,

in 1685, constructed "Bibaek Sar" for Bibaekae Sikhs.

When the Akbar's policy of assimilation changed to Jahagir's propaganda against the Sikhs, resulting in the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Patshah, Guru Har Gobind Patshah urged his followers to pick up weapons for their self-protection. He preached self-protection along with his religious message. Upon hearing this, Jahagir arrested and jailed Guru Sahib in Gawalior fort. However, instead of losing popularity, as expected by Jahagir, this action immensely increased the popularity and following of Guru Sahib. Many renowned muslims issued a call for Guru Sahib's release. As a result, Jahagir not only released Guru Sahib but actively sought to establish some level of friendship. However, when Shahjahan came to power in sunmat 1685, the government policy went strongly against the Sikhs. As a result, Guru Sahib fought the following four wars with the mughal forces:

1. Amritsar war with General Sukhlis Khan in sunmat 1685.

2. Sri Gobindpur war with the ruler of Jallandar in sunmat 1687.

3. War of Gurusar near Maehraj with General KamarBaeg in sunmat 1688. After this war, Guru Sahib blessed Phul with sovereign rule that subsequently emerged as the Patiala rule.

4. Kartarpur war with Kalae Khan, Pandhae Khan, etc. in 1691. Subsequent to this war, Guru Sahib moved his resident to Kiratpur. However, Guru Sahib continued with his active propagation of Sikh faith. He traveled to Kashmir, PiliBheet, Baar, and Malwa and enlightened thousands on to the correct path. As a result many Muslims came under the fold of Sikhs. He also encouraged Udasis to travel throughout the world to propagate Guru Nanak's message.

Guru Sahib left this materialistic world for heavenly abode on Chaet 7 sunmat 1701 (March 3, 1644) after serving as the sixth Guru of GurSikhism for a total of 37 years, 10 months, and 7 days. Guru Sahib's entire journey through this planet amounted to 48 years, 8 months, and 15 days. Guru Har Rai Patshah ascended to Guru Gadhi after Guru Har Gobind. "Arjan Har Gobind Nu Simaro Sri Har Rai" (Chandhi 3)

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 265)

1762 Ahmad Shah Abdali, upon reaching Lahore, displays the heads of Sikhs by hanging them on doors and walls.

1921 Speaking at Shaheedi Diwan, Gandhi sought to integrate the Gurudwara reform movement into the national movement against colonialism. He wanted them "to dedicate their martyrdom to Bharat mata and belive that the Khalsa can remain free only in a free India." With this event Ghandhi, in his immitable style took politics into religion which the Central Sikh League, a political organisation, had carefully avoided by leaving the reform movement to the SGPC. Ghandhi was a "Hindu holy man with political cloak" in quest for power. Siks weren't immediately taken in. However, the damage had been done. Gandhi had sown the seeds of division in the Tat Khalsa which sprouted only a few months later.

-Source "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

1923 Dacoity at Jamser railway station ius committed by the Babbar Akalis.

1924 3rd Shahidi Jatha of 500 valiant Akali Satyagrahies, led by Sardar Santa Singh of Chuck No. 133, Sargodha, courted arrest at Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as "Gangsar". About a mile and a half north of Jaito is "Tibhi Sahib" Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, "Where is that Akali?" The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths. -Ref. Mahan Kosh "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

1947 Muslim League asked to form government in the Punjab. Sikh leaders met in the chamber of Assembly, Lahore. A mammoth crowd raised provocative slogans. At this point, Master Tara Singh came out, unleashed his sword and said "we shall lay down our lives but won't concede Pakistan." With this, it became famous that Master Tara Singh had cut off the Pakistan Flag. In actuality, Master Tara Singh did not tear any flag. However, being a fiery speaker, it was perceieved that he did.

February 26th

1630 Seventh Patshash, Guru Har Rai Ji came to this planet. He was born at Kirtapur in the house of Baba Gurditta, eldest son of Guru Hargobind, and Mata Nihal Kaur. He was the second grandson of Guru hargobind, the first being Baba Dhir Mal. Today is the actual date of birth, although it is observed on a different date by Guru Khalsa Panth (Please NOTE the contention on the actual date. Some have suggested Jan. 16, 1630.).

==> Sri Guru HAR RAI (1630-1661) actual date of Awtar is 26th Feb. 1630 (20 Magh Sunmat 1686) in Baba Gurditaa Ji and Matta Nihal Kaur's home at Kiratpur. On 12 Chaet Sanmat 1701 in City Anup, Jilla Bulandh, UP, Guru Sahib married the daughters of Daya Ram. Two sons, RamRai was born to Mahala Kotkalyani (in sunmat 1703) and Guru Har Krishan Ji were born to Krishan Kaur.

On 8th March 1644 (12 chaet Sanmat 1701) Guru Sahib ascended to the Gur Gaddhi and devoted extensive effort towards preaching the message of Guru Nanak. Upon assuming Guruship, Guru Sahiban extended the tradition of Guru Ka Langar beyond where our Guru's resided. Essentially, Guru asked all followers of Guru Nanak, no matter where they happen to be, to prepare and serve Guru Ka Langar for the needy and the destitute. During sanmat 1703, he traveled to meet with the Malwa Sangat.

Aurangzeb accused Gur Sahib for helping DaraShikoah (Aurangzeb's brother but arch-enemy) and sought his appearance in Delhi. Instead, Gur Sahib sent his eldest son, Ram Rai, to Delhi. Ram Rai was well received by Aurangzeb. He not only satisfactorily responsed to all charges but also impressed Aurangzeb with his cleverness. As a result, Ram Rai was asked to stay on as a state guest for some period. One day, Aurangzeb questioned (under influence from others), why Sri Guru Nanak had criticized Islam in salok "Mitti Musalman Ki"? Ram Rai satisfied the assembled muslims by saying that the actual writing is "Mitti Baimaan Ki" and not "musalman ki".

Though Ram Rai was well-blessed with all powers and strictly instructed only to explain Guru's position, he choose to change Sri Guru Nanak's writings and further performed miracles for Aurangzeb's pleasures. When Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib heard of this incident, he forbid Ram Rai from ever returning home. Guru's word in GurSikhism is absolute divine revelation and not subject to any modificatoions by anyone. Miracles although recognized by Sikh faith, are actively discouraged. Their exposition or display is considered arrogance (competing with Vaaheguru's order). Though Ram Rai managed to please Aurangzeb, Guru Sahib forbid all GurSikhs from ever associating with Ram Rai. As a consequence Ram Rai obtained some jagir from Aurangzeb and settled north of Harduwar in Duun. He died there in sunmat 1788. Because of Ram Rai's Dehra, Duun came to be popularly known as Dehradun. A historical katha suggests that when Ram Rai was engrossed in meditation, the neighboring masands mistook him for dead and cremated his body. For this reason, Matta Punjab Kaur sought punishment of masands from Kalgidhur patshah. Today there is a small following of Ram Rai. However, by Sri Guru Har Rai's hukam, all GurSikhs are forbidden any association with Ram Rai's followers.

On 6th Oct. 1661 (7 Katak Sanmat 1718), after bestowing the Guruship upon Gur Har Krishan, Guru Har Rai left our world in Kiratpur at the age of 31 years, 8 months and 17 days. Guru Har Rai served as the 7th Guru of GurSikhims, for a total period of 17 years, 5 months and 8 days. "Simro Sri Har Rai" (Chandi 3)

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1822 1822: General Hari Singh Nalwa reached Hajara with his forces.

==> Sardar HARI SINGH NALWA was born to father, Sardar Gurdayal Singh Uppal and mother, Mata Dharam Kaur at Gujrawala in 1781. Besides being a valiant soldier, Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa also served as Governor of Kashmir, Hjara, and Peshawar. He joined Maharaja Ranjit Singh's forces in his early youth and established himself to be one of the most popular Khalsa generals. Among the Sirhadhi Pathans, his name brought immediate fear and respect. He is part of their folklore to this day. He won numerous wars for the Khalsa Panth and died, on Vaisakh 19 sunmat 1894, in the battle near Sirhadhi Jamraud. A place is established within Jamraud fort in remembrance of PanthRattan Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 267)

1923 Kishan Singh Gargaj was arrested from Pindori Mahal. He was the chief architect of the Babbar Akali Movement, who had steered the Babbar Akalis clear of the murderous assaults. But after his arrest, the Babbars resorted to indiscriminate murders. Their objective was to expel the British rulers by violent means.

1931 Gandhi visited Sees Ganj Gurdwara to offer his sympathies to the Sikhs at the firing incident of May 6, 1930. Visibly moved at the marration of poilce highhandedness and sacrilege of the Gurdwara, Ghandhi made an important announcement which was later qouted by the Harimandir Sahib defenders (during Operation Bluestar) as an authority to take up arms against the government. He said,

"Truth and non-violence have no room for fraud or falsehood. . In phyiscal warfare even chicanery and fraud have a place but non-violence precludes the use of all other weapons except that of truth and justice."

he went on to add,

"I venture to suggest that the non-violence creed of the Congress is the surest gurantee of its good faith and our Sikh friends have no reason to fear betrayal at its hands. For the moment it did so, the Congress would not only seal its own doom but that of the country too. MOREOVER THE SIKHS ARE A BRAVE PEOPLE, THEY WILL KNOW HOW TO SAFEGUARD THEIR RIGHT BY THE EXERCISE OF ARMS IF IT SHOULD EVER COME TO THAT."

Further that,

"why can you have not faith? If the Congress should play false afterwards YOU CAN WELL SETTLE SURELY WITH IT, for you have the sword. I ask you to accept my word. let God be the bond that binds me and the Congress with you."

-Source "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995.

1950 Akali conference passed resolution for a Punjabi speaking state (NOTE:- further information sought on this event).

1966 and Feb. 27, an All India Akali Conference (Sarb Hind Akali Conference) was held at Jalandhar, Punjab. At this conference Master Tara Singh taunted the Sikhs with Brahmin-thinking that they are not beggars and cannot live as slaves. He asked the Sikhs, "Are we the Singhs, Sikh Soldiers of Guru Gobind Singh or jackals? We do not trust these [Hindus] ungrateful people. We need to fulfill the goal of "Raj Karega Khalsa. [Khalsa Shall Rule]."

According to the famous line of Guru Granth Sahib, "Bar Praye Baisna Sai(n) mujhe na deh," a resolution was unanimously PASSED in favor of SIKH HOMELAND. Giani Bhupinder Singh, president Sharomani Akali Dal, was authorized to outline the next program.

February 23rd

1881 Sardar Ajit Singh was born at Khatkadh kala, Jallandar.

1921 Gurudwara Luliani Sahib was forcibly taken over and brought under the control of SGPC.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1953 All Sikh religious functions were banned at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, by the Indian government.

February 24th

1922 through Feb. 26, a diwan is held at Ghurial on the concluding day of 101 Akhand Paths.

1929 An All Party Conference was organized at Sri Akal Takhat, Amritsar for released of Sardar Sewa Singh Thikriwala.

==> Sardar SEWA SINGH THIKRIWALA (1878-1935): Political activities in PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union) centered around economic and social but certainly not on religious considerations. The problem of antagonistic relations between the landlords and tenants was so enormous that it almost defied a solution. The biggest issue, absentee land-lordism in PEPSU, made the struggle between "Haves" and "Have nots" more bitter and even violent. All important posts were exclusively reserved for a few families that were near and dear to the Maharaja.

After the settlement of disputes over the Gurudwaras, the Akalis from the states began to agitate against the autocratic misuse of power by the maharajas, chiefly Bhupendra Singh of Patiala. Sardar Sewa Singh Thikriwala was the leader of this agitation. Therefore, Maharaja Bhupendra Singh retaliated by having him arrested on a false charge of theft and transferred from Lahore jail to Patiala. Akalis took up the case of Thikriwala and let loose a campaign publicizing Bhupendra Singh's amorous escapades and the sadistic behavior of his police. Though Maharaja was able to win over a section of the Akalis, he could not silence the Punjabi and Urdu press. The pro-Patiala group was led by Giani Sher Singh and Jaswant Singh Jhabal. They condemned the Akali agitation against Bhupendra Singh as a murderous war against a brother.

In 1928, Akalis from the states joined with Hindu nationalists and founded the Praja Mandal (States People's Association). The mandal was later affiliated to the All India States People's Congress, which in turn was associated with the Indian National Congress. Sewa Singh Thikriwala was the moving spirit behind the Association. He was arrested several times and in 1935 succumbed to third degree torture by the Maharaja's Jailers. As a result of the murder of Thikriwala, the anti-Maharaja, anti-British movement gained momentum in all princely states of the Punjab.

-Ref. The Illustrated History of the Sikhs (1947-78), by Gur Rattan Pal Singh.

February 25th

1710 Baba Banda Singh Bahadhur was victorious over Sirhind.

==> BANDA SINGH BAHADHUR: born on KatakSudhi 13 sunmat 1727 to Rajput father Ramdev who was a resident of the Rajori village in Jammu. He was named Lashman Dev by his parents. Since childhood, he exhibited extremely fondness for sanskrit literature and hunting. However, he plunged into deep remorse after killing a pregnant deer. As a result he discarded all his hunting tools and became a disciple of Vaesnav JankiPrasad. He shed all his material wealth, started onto the seekers path for enlightenment, and adopted the new name, Madho Dass.

Wondering in search of enlightenment, when he traveled towards south India and reached the banks of Godawari, he fell in love with this beautiful new place. He established his Ashram and started living here. In sunmat 1765, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Nandaedh, he was extremely impressed and influenced by Guru's preaching. He offered himself as "Satguru Da Banda" (Satguru's person). Guru Gobind Singh Ji introduced him to Amrit and changed his name to Gurbakash Singh. However, he remained popularly known in our Panth as "Banda".

To eradicate the prevalent injustices, Guru Gobind Singh sent Banda accompanied by the following five GurSikhs to Punjab:

Baba Binod Singh

Baba Kanh Singh

Baba Bajh Singh

Baba Bijae Singh

Baba Ram Singh

Banda went to Punjab in sunmat 1765 accompanied with a Hukamnama from Guru Gobind Singh addressed to all the GurSikh. In this Hukamnama, Guru Gobind Singh asked GurSikhs to help Banda in his efforts. Before departure, Banda received three arrows from Guru Gobind Singh and the following instructions:

1. Remain celibate ("Jatt rakhana")

2. Live, operate, and act under the dictates of Khalsa ("Khalsae dae Anusari hokae rahna")

3. Never consider yourself to be Guru ("Aap nu Guru na manenna")

4. Eat only after serving others ("Vartakae Shakana")

5. Help the orphas, poor, unprotected, helpless, destitute, or disolate. ("Anatha di sahiata karni")

Upon reaching Punjab, Gurbakash Singh strictly followed Guru Sahib's instructions and successfully punish all who had previously mistreated the Khalsa Panth. On the 1st Hadh sunmat 1767, after conquering Sirhind, Wajir Khan was punished and eventually killed for the mistreatment of Sahibzadas.

However, Gurbakash Singh became popular among the Khalsa Panth, his self-godliness started awakening. As a result he started adopting and engaging in practices that were against Gurmat. In sunmat 1771, Banda Bahdhur expressed desires to establish his own Gadhi in Sri Harmindar Sahib and sought his self-worhsip. He started a new slogan of "Sachae Sahib ki Fateh" in contrast to the traditional "Vaaheguru Jee Kee Fateh". This resulted in a severe split among Khalsa Panth. Those following the principles as laid by Guru Gobind Singh came to known as "TattKhalsa" while the followers of Gurbakash Singh were known as "BandaiKhalsa". Today there are very few Bandai Sikhs. They do not believe in any other holy scriptures other than Sri Guru Granth Sahib. All their practice are according to Gurmat principles.

Eventually, Banda Bahadhur was cornered by the pursuing enemy forces at "Gurdaspur de Gadhi". It is also popularly known as Bhai Duni Chand di Hawaeli. After months of sustained attacks from AbdalSamadKhan and others with a force of over 20,000, Banda Bahadhur was arrested along with his companions and taken to Delhi. He accepted Shahadat on Chaet Sudhi 1st sunmat 1773.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh.

==> SIRHIND: one of the prominent historical cities of India. Under mughals, Sirhind was a wealthy city. It is at this place where on 13th Poh sunmat 1761, Baba Jorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the younger sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, were bricked alive and murdered by Wajir Khan. Subsequently Matta Gujri also passed away near this area.

On 1st of Jaeth sunmat 1767, Bandha Bahadhur captured Sirhind and killed Wajir Khan. In sunmat 1820, KhalsaDal forces captured Sirhind after killing the then ruler Jain Khan, and constructed the historical Gurudwaras. This city is popularly known as "GurMari" among GurSikh Panth.

Historical Gurudwaras in Sirhind include:

1. ShaheedGanj 1: the place marking the cremation of 6,000 Gursikhs, when Bandha Bahadhur captured Sirhind.

2. ShaheedGanj 2: marking the place where Jathaedar Sukha Singh fell while fighting Jain Khan. The Khalsa forces successfully captured Sirhind during this attack.

3. ShaheedGanj 3: marking the place where Jathaedar Malla Singh fell while fighting Jain Khan. The Khalsa forces successfully captured Sirhind during this attack.

4. JottiSaroop: marking the cremation place of younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh and Matta Gujri, mother of Guru Gobind Singh.

5. ThadhaSahib: the place where sixth Patshah, Guru Har Gobind Sahib stayed for a short while.

6. FatehGadh: marking the shaheedi place of Sahibzadas. It is about 1.5 miles from the Sirhind railway station where maela celebrations are held annually.

7. Matta Gujri Ji Da Burj: the place where Matta Gujri and the younger Sahibzadas were imprisoned by Wajir Khan. It is also the place of Matta Gujri's Akal Chalana.

8. VimaanGadh: the place where the bodies of younger Sahibzadas and Matta Gujri were brought from FatehGadh and held for the evening. Subsequently the bodies were washed and honorably cremated at JottiSaroop.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1921 Gurudwara Hehr Sahib was forcibly taken over and brought under the control of SGPC.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

February 22nd

1845 Rani Jindan attempted to cross over to the British with Dalip Singh but her attempt was foiled by Sikh army.

1923: Third meeting took place at Jassowal.

1924 British government accused Akali Singhs of firing upon Nabha rulers.

1956 Master Tara Singh and Nehru held talks on Punjabi Suba. The talks lasted until Feb. 24, 1956.

==> MASTER TARA SINGH: Master Tara Singh was born on 24 June, 1885, in Haryal in Rawalpindi district of North Western Province of undivided India. His mother, Moolan Devi, was a pious lady and his father, Bakshi Gopi Chand, was a patwari of the village and was a well known and respected person. Tara Singh's original name was Nanak Chand. In 1902 Nanak Chand embraced Sikhism and came to be called Tara Singh.

Tara Singh had a bright educational career and was a scholarship holder almost at all stages of his education. In 1907 he passed his B. A. examination from Khalsa College, Amritsar. Later Tara Singh joined as headmaster of Khalsa High School, Lyallpur, at an honorarium of Rs. 15 per month. Since then he came to be known as Master Tara Singh. His career as a teacher ended in 1921, following the Nankana tragedy.

He also edited two Akali newspapers, Akali (Urdu) and Akali te Pardesi (Gurmukhi) in which he forcefully put forward the aims and objectives of the Akali Dal.

He took an active part in national politics till his death on 22 November 1967.

-Ref. "Master Tara Singh, by Verinder Grover, Deep & Deep Publications Delhi, 1995.

so.. daas went through the entire day yesterday thinking it was the 21st.

whoops. =P.

sorry bout that.

heres the history for the 20th.

February 20th

1707 Aurangzeb died.

1921 Shaheedi Saka of Sri Nankana Sahib took place. Nankana Sahib is the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. At the time of this incident, this place was being managed by Mahant Narayan Dass. A Jatha of 150 GurSikh reformers, led by Bhai Lahshman Singh, were visiting Nankana Sahib to seek Gurdwara reforms and it's liberation, through non-violent and peaceful means. However, the managing Mahant had hired 28 Pathans and goondas from Majha, collected arms and ammunition besides other weapons, which caused a scare in the surrounding areas. He attacked the unscheduled Jatha, fired upon them without any warning and hounded them from room to room. At least one of them was tied to a tree and burnt alive. When a massacre inside the shrine was on, a group of Sikh devotees arrived outside. Mahant Narain Das on horseback ordered the killing of each and every long haired Sikh, and his men pursued some of them in the fields up to the railway station, killing and burning most of them. He also tried to burn down the dead bodies in a group inside the shrine. Those struck outside were thrown into kilns or burnt alive. The Guru Granth Sahib was riddled with bullets. This incident sent a wave of indignation among the Sikhs and other people throughout the world. The holy shrine of Nankana Sahib was eventually liberated. Additionally, this single incident triggered off a Gurdwara liberation movement throughout Punjab. The main objective of this movement was to consolidate the management of all historical Sikh Shrines under a single elected body which came to be known as the Sharomani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee or SGPC for short.

Sessions Court Judgement on Oct. 12, 1921, sentenced the Mahant and seven others to death, 8 to transportation for life, 16 Pathans to 17 years rigorous imprisonment, and acquited the remaining sixteen. However, the High Court, on March 1922, reduced the sentence for the Mahant to transportation for life, confirmed death sentence only for three, transportation for life against two and acquited all others including the Pathans.

-Ref. "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995 "Mahan Kosh," by Khan Singh Nabha.

==> NANAKANA SAHIB: also known as "Nanakiyana", is the residence of Guru Nanak Dev Patshah. It is 48 miles south of Lahore in Saekhuyana district and was known as Raipur. Later, its name changed to "Talwandi RaiBhoe Di" and subsequently to Nanakiyana. In sunmat 1526, Guru Nanak Patshah's prakash initially appeared at this place. The prakash place is marked with a beautiful Gurudwara that accompanies Guru's place of residence. This Gurudwara has extensive jagir associated with it.

Other Gurudwaras nearby include:

1. Kiyara Sahib: east of the city, the place where the fields grazed by GuruSahib's cattle were returned to their original condition.

2. Tanbhu Sahib: north of the city, the place where Guru Nanak rested under a tree after transacting "Sacha Sauda".

3. Patti Sahib: the place where Guru Nanak preached to his own teacher and turned him into a disciple.

4. BalLilla: the place where Guru Nanak Dev Patshah used to play as a child. Nearby is the pool of water that was dug especially for Guru nanak Dev Patshah, by orders of RaiBhular.

5. Maal Ji Sahib: the place where Guru Sahib used to graze his cattle. This the is same place where once Guru Sahib was resting under the shade of the tree. As the shade moved as a result of changing sunlight, GuruSahib was always under the shade of created by a snake's fins.

6. Gurudwaras marking the visits of Guru Arjun Dev Patshah and Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Guru Arjun Dev Patshah visit this place during his travels of religious places. While Guru Gobind Singh Patshah visited this place in Jaeth 11th. GurSikhs have established an annual maela on this day.

7. Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara near Sangrur, which is one mile north of village Mangwal. Guru Nanak Dev stayed here for 15 days. Guru Har Gobind Patshah also visited this place. The gurudwara and nearby tank of water were constructed by Raja Raghibir Singh Jind.

8. Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara, south of village Dipalpur in district Mantgumari. When Guru Sahib visited this place and rested under a dried "Piple" tree, it came alive and turned healthy green. Nearby is the place where Guru Nanak Patshah cured Noranga named individual.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh.

1924 1st Shaheedhi Jatha of 500 Akali Sikhs, under the command of Jathedar Udham Singh of village Verpal, that marched from Sri Akal Takhat for Jaito, reached jaito Nabha territory. It's arrival was to coincide with the third anniversary of Nankana tragedy. Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu, Principal A.T. Gidwani, and Mr. S. Zimmand of New York Times, were with the Jatha on Feb. 21. They testified that the Jatha was moving in perfect order and non-violent, unarmed before entering Nabha territory. Afternoon of the Feb. 21, the Jathas was fired upon, leading to about 100 dead and 200 wounded. About 700 Sikhs including the members of the Jatha and accompanying crowds were arrested.

-Source "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995.

1949 In spite of the arrests of hundreds of GurSikhs, the Sikhs held a Conference. All the participants were arrested and jailed for different terms. Participation in religious functions was banned and the Sikh shrines were sealed. Such were the rewards for their sacrifices towards India's independence.

1990 Khalsa-Net was started by Jasbir Singh. Working on his Ph.D. program at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, he used the facilities of the Computer Engineering department there to establish the mailing-list. The first Khalsa-Net mailing address was khalsa@alpha.ces.cwru.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it The actual postings started from March 1, 1990 onwards.

==> NANAKANA SAHIB: also known as "Nanakiyana", is the residence of Guru Nanak Dev Patshah. It is 48 miles south of Lahore in Saekhuyana district and was known as Raipur. Later, its name changed to "Talwandi RaiBhoe Di" and subsequently to Nanakiyana. In sunmat 1526, Guru Nanak Patshah's prakash initially appeared at this place. The prakash place is marked with a beautiful Gurudwara that accompanies Guru's place of residence. This Gurudwara has extensive jagir associated with it.

Other Gurudwaras nearby include:

1. Kiyara Sahib: east of the city, the place where the fields grazed by GuruSahib's cattle were returned to their original condition.

2. Tanbhu Sahib: north of the city, the place where Guru Nanak rested under a tree after transacting "Sacha Sauda".

3. Patti Sahib: the place where Guru Nanak preached to his own teacher and turned him into a disciple.

4. BalLilla: the place where Guru Nanak Dev Patshah used to play as a child. Nearby is the pool of water that was dug especially for Guru nanak Dev Patshah, by orders of RaiBhular.

5. Maal Ji Sahib: the place where Guru Sahib used to graze his cattle. This the is same place where once Guru Sahib was resting under the shade of the tree. As the shade moved as a result of changing sunlight, GuruSahib was always under the shade of created by a snake's fins.

6. Gurudwaras marking the visits of Guru Arjun Dev Patshah and Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Guru Arjun Dev Patshah visit this place during his travels of religious places. While Guru Gobind Singh Patshah visited this place in Jaeth 11th. GurSikhs have established an annual maela on this day.

7. Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara near Sangrur, which is one mile north of village Mangwal. Guru Nanak Dev stayed here for 15 days. Guru Har Gobind Patshah also visited this place. The gurudwara and nearby tank of water were constructed by Raja Raghibir Singh Jind.

8. Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara, south of village Dipalpur in district Mantgumari. When Guru Sahib visited this place and rested under a dried "Piple" tree, it came alive and turned healthy green. Nearby is the place where Guru Nanak Patshah cured Noranga named individual.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh.

February 21st

1849 2nd Anglo-Sikh war was fought at Gujrat. This was the last war between the Khalsa forces and the British that resulted in a severe defeat for Khalsa forces and triggered the annexation of the Khalsa Raj.

1915 Marked the revolt within India against British occupation. Sikhs played a major role in this revolt.

1921 Karam Singh of Daulatpur organised a politcal conference at Mehtapur.

1921 Sri Nankana Sahib's keys and control was handed over to SGPC. The news of Nankana Massacre spread like wild fire. Within hours Sikhs from all everywhere marched on to Nanakana Sahib, despite the road blocks, re-routed trains and deployment of troops to cordon off the area. By the afternoon, 1000 Akalis and some members of the SGPC confronted the Deputy Commissioner and were resolved to advance on the Gurudwara or be shot by the troops. Bhai Kartar Singh Jabbar with a Jatha of 2200 entered the Gurudwara Janam Asthan, Shri Nankana Sahib defying Deputy Commissioner's orders. The show of force at this time retrieved the Sikh prestige. The commissioner of Lahore, M. C.M. King yielded and asked Bhai Kartar Singh Jhabbar and Sardar Mehtab Singh to form a committee of seven members which immediately took control of the Gurudwara under the Presidentship of S. Harbans Singh of Attari, a moderate Chief Khalsa Diwan leader. He took over in the name of SGPC. The troops and the police were withdrawn. -Ref "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995 "Babbar Akali Movement, A Historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

The Nankana tradegy had drawn the line. The Punjab government was on the side of the Mahants where as Sikh masses and the Akali leadership drew sustenance from national forces. The Government, calculatingly, followed a new policy. It tried to supress the extremists and weaken teh akali agitation by offereing many baits. Such circumstances led to a long struggle known as the Akali movement, which in turn prepared the ground for the genesis of violent movement consisting of those Akalis who were militant and non-cooperators. It came to be known as the Babbar Akali Movement.

1924 Shaheedi Saka Gangsar Jaito - when the agitation of Jaito took a serious turn. Under the orders of Nabha State Authorities, Punjab, police opened fire to prevent the march of the Sikh devotees to their holy shrine at Jaito - Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib. More than 400 died on the spot, yet many valiant Sikhs continued their undeterred march and successfully reached the holy shrine. AMongb the dead included Sikh, Hindu and Muslim Indian as well as "goraa" policemen on the pay of British. Over 1,500 Sikhs were arrested and imprisoned during this incident. (see description below on jaito).

==> WHERE IS JAITO?

A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO?

On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as "Gangsar". About a mile and a half north of Jaito is "Tibhi Sahib" Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST?

The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, "Where is that Akali?" The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths. -Ref. Mahan Kosh "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

==> NANAKANA SAHIB: also known as "Nanakiyana", is the residence of Guru Nanak Dev Patshah. It is 48 miles south of Lahore in Saekhuyana district and was known as Raipur. Later, its name changed to "Talwandi RaiBhoe Di" and subsequently to Nanakiyana. In sunmat 1526, Guru Nanak Patshah's prakash initially appeared at this place. The prakash place is marked with a beautiful Gurudwara that accompanies Guru's place of residence. This Gurudwara has extensive jagir associated with it.

Other Gurudwaras nearby include:

1. Kiyara Sahib: east of the city, the place where the fields grazed by GuruSahib's cattle were returned to their original condition.

2. Tanbhu Sahib: north of the city, the place where Guru Nanak rested under a tree after transacting "Sacha Sauda".

3. Patti Sahib: the place where Guru Nanak preached to his own teacher and turned him into a disciple.

4. BalLilla: the place where Guru Nanak Dev Patshah used to play as a child. Nearby is the pool of water that was dug especially for Guru nanak Dev Patshah, by orders of RaiBhular.

5. Maal Ji Sahib: the place where Guru Sahib used to graze his cattle. This the is same place where once Guru Sahib was resting under the shade of the tree. As the shade moved as a result of changing sunlight, GuruSahib was always under the shade of created by a snake's fins.

6. Gurudwaras marking the visits of Guru Arjun Dev Patshah and Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Guru Arjun Dev Patshah visit this place during his travels of religious places. While Guru Gobind Singh Patshah visited this place in Jaeth 11th. GurSikhs have established an annual maela on this day.

7. Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara near Sangrur, which is one mile north of village Mangwal. Guru Nanak Dev stayed here for 15 days. Guru Har Gobind Patshah also visited this place. The gurudwara and nearby tank of water were constructed by Raja Raghibir Singh Jind.

8. Guru Nanak Dev's gurudwara, south of village Dipalpur in district Mantgumari. When Guru Sahib visited this place and rested under a dried "Piple" tree, it came alive and turned healthy green. Nearby is the place where Guru Nanak Patshah cured Noranga named individual.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh.

February 19th

1848 Jathaedar Ganda Singh and two associates were hanged until death in Lahore.

==> HANGING OF JATHAEDAR GANDA SINGH: On January 30, 1848 Jathaedar Ganda Singh (Jathaedar of Sri Akal Takhat), Akali Kharak Singh, Bibek Singh, Hira Singh, Mastan Singh, Muhar Singh, and Hukam Singh protested the entry of some British officers into the Darbar Sahib without removing their shoes. This resulted in a clash between the Akalis and the government officials. One official (subedar) was killed and a company commander got injured. Some Sikhs also got injured. The tyrant Mr. Lawrence arrested the Sikhs. Jathaedar Ganda Singh and his two of his companions were hanged. Six more Sikhs were sent to the jails of Barailey, outside Punjab.

- Ref. "Sri Amritsar Ji De Darshan Ishnan Ate 500 Salan Di Itihask Directory" by (by Satnam Singh Khalsa, Advocate)

1921 Mahants and Pujaris of various historical Gurdwaras, held a convention to express themselves against Singh Sabha reformers and call on the government to restore the status quo ante at the Golden Temple, Amritsar. Because of the resolve of the reformers and unity within Guru Khalsa Panth, the reformers were victorious in their efforts.

1949 Master Tara Singh was arrested at Narela, under sedition charges. He was on his way to Delhi to attend a Conference.

==> MASTER TARA SINGH's ARREST (Feb. 21. 1949): Master Tara Singh was arrested at Narela railway station, near Delhi and sent to Almorha jail in UP. At that jails all the prisoners - Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus - were forced to sing the following Hindu song:

Rahgupati raghav raja Ram |

Patit pavan Sita Ram |

(Note: This song is sung in the Hindu temples and other religious gatherings. I believe it was a favorite song of M.K. Gandhi. It glorifies a Hindu god Ram and his wife Sita, etc.)

The jailer superintendent Mr. Mohamad was a Muslim but he could not stop this for the fear of his job. Master Tara Singh opposed this hypocrisy of the Hindu rulers in the so-called secular state.

Sikh Sangats protest against this unfair arrest of their leader Master Tara Singh at Sri Darbar Sahib. The Indian police entered the Golden Temple complex with their shoes on and fired upon innocent, unarmed people. People were arrested under Public Safety Act.

- Ref. "Sri Amritsar Ji De Darshan Ishnan Ate 500 Salan Di Itihask Directory" by (by Satnam Singh Khalsa, Advocate)

(PS: The information that I have refers to the arrest of Master Tara Singh on February 21, not on 19th. These two accounts seems to be at variance. It is quite possible that Master Tara Singh was arrested on 19th and formally charged on Feb 21st. Hence two dates of his arrest. Tarlochan Singh.)

February 18th

1712 Bahadhur Shah dies in Lahore.

1850 Maharaja Dalip Singh reached Fatehgadh, Uttar Pardesh, India.

==>Maharaja Dalip Singh was forcibly separated from his mother Maharani Jind Kaur and sent to Fatehgarh, (Farrrukhabad, district of Uttar Pradesh in India) by Lord Dalhousie. Lord Dalhousie appointed Dr. Login to be the companion to Dalip Singh. Within a few months of the Englishman's tutelage Maharaja was converted from a Sikh to a Christian. A man named Bhajan Lal was assigned to teach him Bible and Christianity. It was here the Maharaja Dalip Singh for the first time communicated to Captain Campbell, his acting guardian, his desire to become Christian. Dr. Login was on leave at that time.

The purpose for the Maharaja's conversion to Christianity was twofold:

1. Politically there was no better solution for the British as it showed that the Maharaja not only became a Christian, but also gave up his Punjabi life by becoming an English country-gentleman;

2. It removed him from his mother and subjects - the Punjabi people.

On March 8, 1853, Maharaja Dalip Singh was formally admitted into the Christian Church with water brought from Ganges nearby at his own private dwelling house. The service was conducted by the Rev. M.W. Jay, with Dr. John S. Login, Mrs. Login, Colonel Alexander and Mr. Guise signing the Baptism register as witnesses.

Note, Maharaja Dalip Singh reentered the Sikh faith in 1886. He received Khande Di Pahul (Amrit) on May 26, 1886 at Aden.

Later Maharaja Dalip Singh tried to regain his lost kingdom and declared himself as the "implacable foe of the British." Unfortunately he did not get much support from his countrymen and some of his letters were intercepted by the British intelligence. Even some Sikh political and religious organizations opposed his efforts.

Maharaja Dalip Singh died on October 23, 1893 in a hotel in Paris.

-Ref.

1. Maharaja Duleep Singh Correspondence, page 81. (Punjabi University)

2. The Fall of the Kingdom of Punjab - Khushwant Singh, page 152

1921 Khadur Sahib Gurudwaras were brought under control of SGPC.

February 17th

1984 The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) fired indiscriminately upon Sri Darbar Sahib complex at Amritsar. As a result three visiting devotees were killed.

February 16th

1892 Prof. Sahib Singh, a renouned scholar of GurSikhism, was born.

==>Prof. SAHIB SINGH, a Sikh savant, teacher, writer, and interpreter of Guru Granth Sahib was born on 16 February, 1892 at village Fatewalli (now disctrict Sialkot in Pakistan) in a poor Hindu family. His name at birth was Nathu Ram. His father's name was Mr. Hira Nand who was a small shopkeeper in the village. At the age of four and a half years, his father sent him to Mr. Mian Hayat Shah to receive his early education. Mian Hayat Shah was the son of Hashim Shah, a well known Punjabi poet who was also the court poet of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Later the boy Nathu Shah went to the priamry school. He was an excellent student. He won scholarship when he finished middle school. He got married when he was hardly 13. He became a baptised Sikh under the influence of his relative and became Sahib Singh in September 1906. He finished his high school in 1909. After finishing his high school, he taught in a middle school for some time and later he worked for the post office. A little later he joined college and got his B.A. degree in 1915. He became a professor of Sanskrit and Gurbani at Guru Nanak Khalsa College Gujranwalla. Later he became a professor of Gurbani at Khalsa College Amritsar where he taught for more than 20 years.

Prof. Sahib Singh became a deputy secretary of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and was arrested in 1922 during Guru Ka Bagh Morcha. He was again arrested in 1923 during the Jaito Morcha.

In 1939, he rejoined Guru Nanak Khalsa College Gujranwalla. After retirement from that college, he rejoined Khalsa College Amritsar where he taught Punjabi and Gurbani. He got retirement from that college in 1952. He was appointed Principal of Shahid Sikh Missionary Collge, Amritsar. Later he also taught at Gurmat College Patiala.

In January 1971 he was awarded D. Litt. degree by Punjabi University Patiala.

Professor Sahib Singh had eight children: six sons and two daughters. One of his sons Sardar Daljeet Singh is a world famous eye surgeon. It is interesting to note that five of his six sons got married to five real sisters of a family in Jammu.

Prof. Sahib Singh developed Parkinson disease soon after he finished the last volume of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan. He started writing that Darpan (Steek) on January 1, 1957 and finished the last volume in 1961. He approached SGPC and asked them to get Sri Guru Granth Sahib printed because he had no money. His request was denied. That project was picked up by Mr. Sohan Lal Khanna of Raj Publishers, Jalandhar and has been in great demand ever since. His Steek of Guru Granth Sahib is widely read and appreciated today by the Sikh scholars, preachers, and students of gurbani. It is a monumental work and considered one of the most authoritative interpretation of Gurbani. It explains many complex concepts and terms of Gurbani in simple Punjabi.

His other very important book "Gurbani Viakarn" (Gurbani Grammar) is also a milestone in explaining the language of Guru Granth Sahib.

Professor Sahib Singh wrote 30 books. Almost all of them are in Punjabi. A couple of them have been translated into English and Hindi. He died on October 29, 1977. It was the day of 400th anniversary of the city of Amritsar. He was a very simple man who saw utmost poverty in his early life. He was a Sikh scholar of the highest order.

He wrote the following books:

1. Gurbani Viakarn

2. Simran Dian Barkata(n)

3. Aad Bir Bare

4. Sadacharak Lekh

5. Sarbat Da Bhala

6. Dharam Te Sadachar

7. Burayee Da Takra

8. Sikh(u) Sidak Na Hare

9. Gurbani De Itihas Bare

10. Babania(n) Kahani(an)

11. Jiwan Birtant Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

12. Guru Itihas Patshahi 2 to(n) 10

13. Jiwan Birtant Guru Gobind Singh Ji

14. Japuji Sahib Steek

15. Assa Di Vaar Steek

16. Sukhmani Sahib Steek

17. Jap(u) Sahib, Savvaye, Chuapyee Steek

18. Nitnem Steek

19. Ramkali Sad Steek

20. Bhatta(n) De Savvaye Steek

21. Satte Balwand Di // Steek

22. Sidh Gost(i) Steek

23. Salok Guru Angad Sahib Steek

24. Salok Te Shabad Farid Ji Steek

25. Salok Kabir Ji Steek

26. Bhagat-Bani Steek (Five Volumes)

27. Barahmah Tukhari te Majh Steek

28. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan (Ten Volumes)

29. Meri Jiwan Kahani (Autobiography)

30. Japuji Sahib Steek (Hindi)

-Ref. "Meri Jiwan Kahani" by Prof. Sahib Singh

1923 Waryam Singh of Dhugga and Dalipa of Dhammian join the Babbar Khalsa.

1986 Foundation stone was laid for the re-construction of Akal Takhat after Operation Bluestar. Sri Akal Takhat was severely damaged in this operation. Although the Government of India forcibly repaired the building under curfew, through Baba Santa Singh, main leader Budha Dal, this is not accepted by Guru Khalsa Panth. This building repaired by Government of India was torn down and Baba Santa Singh punished for his cooperation with the government in this matter.

==>AKAL TAKHAT - an institution, initially named Akal Bunga, established by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib in sunmat 1665 for Sikh Governance, located in front of Harmindar Sahib, Amritsar. Regular diwans were conducted daily, during early morning and evening by Guru Sahib. AkalBunga, represents the centre for all Panthic jathaebandia (groups). It is where Gurmat resolutions are announced and procalamations made that are binding to all Sikhs around the world. Akal Bunga is the first Takhat for Sikhs and hence popularly known as Akal Takhat. Some of the arms preserved at this location include:

1. Sri Sahibs (swords) of Guru Hargobind Sahib that represented Miri and Piri

2. Sri Sahib (sword) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

3. Sri Sahib (sword) of Baba Buddha Ji

4. Sri Sahib (sword) of Bhai Jaetha Ji

5. Sri Sahib Baba Karam Singh Ji Shaheed

6. Sri Sahib Bhai Uday Singh Ji, who was with Guru Gobind Singh Ji

7. Sri Sahib Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji

8. Dudhara Khanda (double-edged sword) of Baba Gurbakash Singh Ji Shaheed

9. Dudhara Khanda (double-edged sword) of Baba Deep Singh Ji

10. Dudhara Khanda of Baba Nodh Singh Ji Shaheed

11. Khadag Bhai Vachitar Singh Ji which weighed 10 Saer

12. Guru Hargobinds Sahib's "Guraj" weighing 16 saer. It was given to Dharamvir Jassa Singh by Matta Sundari

13. A sword like weapon belonging to Guru Hargobind Sahib Guru Hargobind Sahib's Katar

14. Baba Ajit Singh's Katar

15. Baba Jujhar Singh's Katar

16. Guru Hargobind Sahib's kirpan

17. Guru Hargobind's Paeshkabaj

18. Baba Deep Singh's Paeshkabaj

19. A sword like weapon of Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed

20. Pistol of Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed

21. Two arrows of Guru Gobind Singh each cxontaining one Toala of gold

22. Medium sized Khanda of Baba Deep Singh Ji

23. Two kirpans of Baba Deep Singh Ji

24. Two small Khandas of Baba Deep Singh Ji

25. Chakar Of Baba Deep Singh Ji

26. Small Chakar of Baba Deep Singh Ji

27. Baba Deep Singh Ji's chakar for head decoration

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 36)

February 15th

1605 Guru Hargobind married Mata Damodari, daughter of Narian Das, a Julka Khatri of the village of Dall, 6 Kilometers southeast of Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district of the Punjab. This marriage resulted in a son, Baba Gurditta born in 1613 and a daughter, Bibi Viro born in 1615.

1762 Ahmad Shah Abdali traveled from Sirhind to Lahore with 50 bullock-carts filled with heads of Sikh.

1809 The East India Company established a cantonment in Ludhiana. This cantonment was specifically established to check the advance of Khalsa forces beyond the Sutlej.

1984 Feb. 15-20, the Hindus of Haryana under the guidance of the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal and senior police officials, attacked innocent Sikhs in the cities of Panipat, Rohtak, Kaithal Karnal, Ambala, Jind and other parts of Haryana province and killed 20 Sikhs, burnt six Sikh shrines and looted 200 Sikh houses and shops. The hair and beards of more than 12 Sikhs were shaved off by the Hindus in the presence of heavy contingents of police and Central Reserve Police CRP.

February 14th

1983 11 Sikhs killed in a strike observed by the Hindus of Punjab.

The Hindus observed a strike throughout the Punjab. On this occasion they indulged in hooliganism, ransacked the model of Sri Darbar Sahib, displayed at Amritsar Railway station. The hooligan Hindus and the Hindu Central Reserve Police (CRP), fired at Sikhs sitting in their shops and at those going into their houses. Eleven Sikhs were killed. Not even a single Hindu was wounded. In contrast, when the Sikhs held a peaceful protest day on April 4, 1983, 26 Sikhs were killed; but the law is different for Sikhs and for Hindus. Even if the hooligans and the criminals are Hindus, the Hindu force has instructions to kill Sikhs only.

Additionally, from 14 until 21 February, Haryana gangs murdered Sikhs passengers in Panipat and several other area, burned their Gurdwaras.