AkalPurakhDiFauj

gooo 360! =)

January 22nd

1848 Mool Raj, Governor of Multan, revolted against the British but was defeated.

==> MOOL RAJ: During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign, Mool Raj was an efficient and loyal Governor of Multan, He was the son of Diwan Sawanmal Chaupadhae and appointed Governor by the Lahore darbar. During his reign, two British officers were killed by the Lahore forces. As a result, the British Resident of Lahore, John Lawrence, wanted to dismiss Mool Raj. On account of his loyalty to the kingdom of Ranjit Singh, he revolted against the British East India Company who were forcibly annexing Ranjit Singh's Punjab. He put up a brave defense of the fort of Multan but was defeated on this day. The British arrested and imprisoned him in Calcutta jail, where he died in 1850.

- Ref. Mahan Kosh

1849 Multan fell to the British.

1986 The additional session judge announced his judgement in the case of Indira Gandhi's murder. Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh were to be hanged. The sentence was carried out on Jan. 6, 1989. Indira Gandhi was gunned down at her resident on Oct. 31, 1984.' as a retribution for her role in operation Bluestar, during which the Indian Army attacked and desecrated Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar.

==> BLUESTAR OPERATION is the code name for the June 1984 attack on Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, by the Indian Armed Forces. This attack was conducted under the pretext of flushing out terrorists but was designed for maximum damage. The attack took place on the day of Guru Arjan Dev Patshah's Shahadat Gurpurab observations. Further this operation was sanctioned under the direct orders of Indira Gandhi (then prime minister) and Zail Singh (then President). The Golden Temple Complex was attacked by the Indian Armed Forces using tanks, helicopters, and other heavy artillery, under the command of Major General Kuldip Singh Brar. Sri Akal Takhat was desecrated during this attack. Sri Darbar Sahib sustained at least 300 bullet holes. Thousands of innocent people were murdered in cold blood. Their fault? They were attending the Martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The brave GurSikh soldiers in the Akal Takhat, numbering about 250, gave extremely tough resistance to the Indian army. However, their resistance was no match to the large number of tanks, helicopters, bombs, and other heavy artillery that destroyed the Akal Takhat. The whole Sikh nation rose as a whole to protest against this ghastly attack. Thousands of Sikhs were martyred in the holy precincts of Darbar Sahib. Many gave their lives in attempts to reach for Darbar Sahib's protection. All roads to Amritsar were blocked. Every Sikh approaching these blockades were asked to remove their kirpan and turban. Those refusing were immediately killed or arrested. Anyone with blue or saffron turbans were particularly targeted and killed. Those arrested were blind folded and their hands tied behind their backs with their own turbans. Arrested Sikhs were packed in groups of 60-70 in small rooms with liitle room for any mobility.

In protest, many respected Sikhs returned their Padam Bushan medals/honors bestowed upon them by the Indian government and sacrificed their high positions. Several Sikh Army personal deserted their posts in protest and marched straight to protect Darbar Sahib. However, Indira Ghandhi did receive retribution for her black deeds on Oct. 31st, that same year.

For detailed description of events surrounding this attack, readers are referred to the following:

. Gurbhagat Singh, Kommi Ajadi Wal - Panjab Tae Punjabi Sabhiyachar Da Bhawish, Vichar Prakashan, 1993

. Major Singh, Punjab Khuni Dahakae Di Ghatha, Vichar Prakashan, 1993

. Naraen Singh, Kau Kito Visahau? Singh Brothers, Mai Sewa, Amritsar, ISBN 81-7205-003-8, 1986, 1990, 1992.

. Naraen Singh, Sikh Vira Nu Haluna, Singh Brothers, Mai Sewa, Amritsar, ISBN 81-7205-085-2, 1987, 1989, 1993.

. Harbir Singh Bhanwer (Tribune reporter), Diary de Panne, This book is in Punjabi. It is hard to come by. I found it to be most authoritative books on this event. Mr. Bhanwer was the person who provided quite a bit of basic information to Mark Tully and Mr. Jacob for their book Amritsar: Indira Gandhi's Last Battle.

. Dr. Mohinder Singh, Blue Star Ghalughara, This book was published in 1991 (several years after Dairy de Panne), but is more detailed.

. Jathedar Kirpal Singh, Saka Neela Tara. This book is written by thim when he was the Jathedar of Akal Takhat. I have not read it, but I think it has extremely valuable information.

January 21st

1831 The King of England sent valuable gifts to Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a gesture of friendship. The gifts were really meant to be a bate of friendship! The British had encroched into his territory and came all the way to the other side of river Satluj and finally attacked the Sikh kingdom as soon as he breatherd his last, after buying all the Dogras. What followed afterwards is a history!

1846 Budhowal battle was fought and won by the Sikh troops against the East India Company. Sikhs defeated Harry Smith at Budhowal and captured his baggage. Sikhs also attacked and burned down large part of Ludhiana cantonement. HArry Smith fought a minor skirmish with Ranjodh Singh at Atwal.

google search:

http://media.desishock.com/424293/Sarangi-...et-Singh-Kirtan

http://media.desishock.com/424285/Sarangi-...t-Singh-Kirtan-

daas will try to look for more.

*edit

also, im not sure if this has already been searched, but check it out:

http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showto...17750&st=48

scroll down to post 57 and onwards.

sorry if its of no use.

January 20th

1706 Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached Talwa(n)Di, where he set camp, outside the village, is the location of Gurduara damdamaa Sahib. dam damaa means breathing place. That is take a breather after the many battles he had been through.

1841 After Gulab Singh left Lahore, Sher Singh occupied the fort. Dhian Singh became the Wazir. The Sandalwalia Sardars, hostile to the ruling group, started entering into intrigues.

1926 The British Government announced the judgement in Babbar Akali case. As a result, 5 Babbar Akalis were ordered to the hanged, 11 were sentenced to life imprisonment, and 38 were imprisoned four years. Approximately 90 religious, high spirited, daring fighters formed the Babbar Akali group. They had promised freedom to the masses and vigorously fought the British, especially in the Duaba and Malwa regions.

==> 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.

1986 Sentences handed in the case of Indian Airline hijacking.

To protest against the invasion of the Indian army on the Darbar Sahib, nine Sikhs belonging to the Sikh Students Federation hijacked an Indian Airliner from Jammu to Lahore on July 5, 1984. The hijackers were:

. Parminder Singh Harfam Maula (Leader)

. Dalip Singh,

. Manjit Singh Babbar

. Gurdip Singh Pardesi

. Malaghar Singh Babbar

. Harbhajan Singh

. Harminder Singh

. Gurvinder Singh

. Ravinder Singh

On this day, three of them were sentenced to death, two were sentenced to life-imprisonment and four were acquited. Later in 1989 the death sentence was commuted to life-imprisonment under the orders of a general amnesty. Two of the four acquited were killed by the Indian army while they were returning to India.

daas has the full audio of the second link, including a bit of simran bhai sahib does in the begining. if you could pm daas your msn, id be more than happy to send it over.

http://www.rajkaregakhalsa.net/audio/Kirta...ar%20paankh.zip

daas is not sure if thats one you were looking for, but give it a look.

daas apologizes for not updating this thread with the history of our beloved khalsa.

got a bit busy with many things, and haven't been able to post on here regularly.

will start up with the seva again tomorrow.

bhul chuk maaf.

gajave°

hanji, it was a typo.

sorry! :WW:

Gaj ke jakara gajave,

fateh pave nihal ho jave , sat sri akal, gur bar akal hi akal.

Shahido singho chito gupto!

Sarbat guru khalse singh sahib ji ko sat sri akal.

Bankia(n) foaja(n) de malko, rakhni bird banhe ki laaj.

Sodhi sache patshah jio, tera panth khalsa jape akal hi akal!

Khushian de jakare gavave nihal nihaal nihaaaal ho jave,

sat sri akaaaaalo!

December 12th

1704 SHAHEEDHI, Chotae Sahibjadhae, Sakka Sirhind.

1762 Abdali left Sikh Homeland after defeat. Sikhs became de facto rulers of their land.

1841 Zorawar Singh dies while fighting the Lhassa force.

1844 Dogra Hira Singh attempted to escape to Jammu. Sham Singh and Jawahar Singh with 6000 troops caught up with and killed the fleeing Dogras.

1920 Inaugral meeting of SGPC at Sri Akal Takhat.

1921 Master Dalip Singh of Gossal attended a diwan at Rukha Kalan and delivered a lecture.

1922 Shahadat of Sardar Banta Singh and Juyala Singh Babbar.

1923 Munder carnage takes place.

1987 Akalis refuse to talk with Goverment of India unless their 5 points were fulfilled.

December 9th

1710 Baba Gurbakhash Singh (Banda Bahadur) escapes Mughal forces.

1946 Nehru introduces assurances for Sikhs in Constituent Assembly.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the following statement at a Constituent Asembly:

"Adequate safeguards would be provided for minorities in India. It was a declaration, a pledge and an undertaking before the world, a contract with millions of Indians, and therefore, in the nature of an oath, which we must keep,"

(Framing of Indian Constitution by B. Shiva Rao, pp. 181)

During the same assembly, he urged the announcement of the following statement;

"That the various territories of the union of India would be autonomous units with residuary powers,"

However, subsequent history has proven these statements to be a well-planned hoax.

1979 The Dal Khalsa in its first annual conference at Gurdaspur passed a resolution demanding the declaring of Amritsar as a "Holy City." The Youth (Dal Khalsa and the Sikh Students Federation) had long since been demanding the declaration that Amritsar was a Holy City. The SGPC chief, G. S. Tohra,' had met the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, on September 24, 1980, and had asked her to make a declaration to that effect. When more than six months had passed and there was no movement in that case, the Sikh Youth decided to organise a procession to press the Sikh demand. A joint meeting of the Dal Khalsa and the Sikh Students decided to take out such a procession on May 31, 1981.

The Hindus opposed the Sikh demand asking for the declaration of Amritsar as a "Holy City." Simply to oppose the Sikh demand, the Hindus took out a procession at Amritsar on May 29, 1981. Ten thousand armed unruly Hindus raised abusive slogans against the Sikhs and Sikh symbols. One of the Hindu slogans asked the Sikhs to "get out of India: as India belonged to the Hindus." Besides provoking, insulting and vulgar slogan raising, the Hindu processionists attacked some of the Sikh buildings and wounded a large number of Sikh passersby.

-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 110-119

December 10th

1710 Bahadhur Shah issued the orders to kill Sikhs.

1841 Battle for the conquest of Tibet by Sikhs.

1988 Conference on Sikh Studies, Long Beach

December 11th

1705 Guru Gobind Singh escapes Mughal forces in Macchiwara.

1710 Baba Gurbakhash Singh (Banda Bahadur) escaped unhurt from the fort Lohgarh.

1836 Sardar Zorawar Singh captured Ladakh.

1845 Sikhs cross Sutlej River and surprise British, causing outbreak of Anlo-Sikh War.

1991 Khalistan Flag was hoisted at CSU Chico.

December 4th

1705 Seige of Anandpur ended. The seige of Anadpur initiated on May 3, 1705 ended. In response to beseiger's continuous pleas to vacate the fort of Anandpur in return for safe passage, Guru Sahib sent rubbish covered brocades, loaded over bullocks. In violation of the solemn oaths on the Quran, the goods were looted. Ashamed at their sordid behavior, the Mughal commanders now sent a message in the Emperor's name, expressing regret at the behavior of the imperial troops and reiterated the agreement on safe conduct if Guru agreed to quit Anadpur.

1926 SGPC initiated activities to seek control of 750 Sikh Shrines.

December 5th

1705 Guru Gobind Singh Ji bid farewell to Anandpur. Accompanied by members of his family and 1500 other singhs/singhnees, Guru Sahib was leaving Anandpur with the promises of the Hindu Hill Rajas and the Muslim Mughal forces that they shall not attack this entourage. However, these promises soon evaoprated and the Sikhs were not only attacked but pursued.

1710 Sikh forces, under the leadership of Baba Gurbakhash Singh (Banda Bahadhur), fought Mughal forces in Sadora

1872 Bhai Vir Singh, a great Sikh scholar, was born.

==> Bhai VIR SINGH (1872-1957) born on Dec. 5, 1872, was a great poet, scholar, and a spiritual leader. He edited and published for the first Prachin Panth Prakash, the work of Rattan Singh Bhangu. As K.N. Subramanyam commented "He was essentially a product of the best aspects of Sikhism." He was conferred the degree of Doctor of Oriental Learning Honoris Causa, in 1949, in absentia by the Punjab University. He was awarded the Padame Bhusham in 1956. He died on June 10, 1957.

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

1966 Fateh Singh announced that he would immolate himself on Dec. 27, 1966, if Chandigarh was not transferrred to Punjab. However, neither Chandigarh was transferred nor Fateh Singh kept his promise.

1982 The President of the Akali Party said in a press statement that the police had, until then, killed 79 Sikh young men in fake police encounters.

-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 110-119

December 6th

???? Bhai Bachittar Singh and his group, while going towards Ropar, engaged the Rangars of Malikpur and the Pathaans of Ropar. Bhai Bachittar Singh was critically injured, and his adopted son, Zorawar Singh, was also hurt. Bhai Bachittar Singh was another son of Bhai Mani Singh, and is famous for attacking the elephant of Hill Rajas, astride his own horse, with the "naagni barchhaa" (given to him by Guru Sahib) in the battle of Anandpur. Sahibzada Ajit Singh, who was a member of this contingent, brought this injured and decimated group, to the hacienda (garhi) of Nihang Khan.

1778 Khalsa Dal, the combined forces of 11 Sikh Misls, attacked Ruhel Khand, U.P.

1921 Kishan Singh Garhgaj delivers an anti-British speech at Haripur.

1947

Winston Churchill sent a note to S. Baldev Singh suggesting him to stay in London for couple more days and let Jawaharlal Nehru go back to India, hoping that by talking to the British govt. and the Muslim League they could possibly find a solution, "So as to enable the Sikhs to have political feet of their own on which they may walk in the current of World-History."

S. Baldev Singh mentioned this to Nehru and then called a press conference and read a statement (apparently prepared by Nehru) that the Sikhs demand nothing from the British. Whatever the Sikhs want will get it from the Congress and the only demand of the Sikhs is that the British leave India.

Ref. - Sachi Sakhi by S. Kapur Singh.

December 7th

1715 Baba Gurbakhash Singh (Banda Bahadhur) along with 740 of his men were arrested from Gurdas Nangal. A Fierce fight took place between Baba GurBakhash Singh and Abdus Samad Khan. Baba GurBakhash Singh and his men were besieged in the Gurdas Nangal fortress near Gurdaspur. The unbreakable siege lasted for 6 months. In Dec, the entire food stock and ammunition exhausted and the Mughal forces captured Banda Bahadur with 740 men. All taken to Delhi.

==> BABA GURBAKHASH SINGH (BANDA 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 Baba GurBakhash Singh accompanied by the following five GurSikhs to Punjab:

Baba Binod Singh

Baba Kanh Singh

Baba Bajh Singh

Baba Bijae Singh

Baba Ram Singh

Baba Gurbakhash Singh 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 Baba Gurbakhash Singh in his efforts. Before departure, Baba Gurbakhash Singh 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, Baba Gurbakhash Singh 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, Baba Gurbakhash Singh 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, Baba Gurbakhash Singh was arrested along with his companions and taken to Delhi. He accepted Shahadat on Chaet Sudhi 1st sunmat 1773.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

December 8th

1922 Letters of the Sikh solidiers printed in the "Babbar Akali Doaba".

1933 The Babbar Akalis murder Bela Singh of Zian. The early 20th century was a time of great turnoil for Sikhs in Canada - the first wave of immigration had arrived, the notorious Komagta Maru incident happened, Sikhs had to contend with openly racist laws and societies, and the Ghadar movement was underway.

In these tumultous times Bela Singh was a traitor, the first Sikh murderer in Canada, and one of the most notorious figures in the very early Canadian Sikh community. Very few people know of him now, but his story is interesting.

Many of the early events revolve around William Hopkinson, who was an Indian-born, Anglo-Indian (english father and punjabi mother) as well as an opportunist and profiteer who exploited Sikhs. He was an informer to the government and immigration authorities. He and Bela Singh ran a gang in the East Indian community for extortion and intimidation. On August 31, 1914, the murdered body of one of the gang of goondas, Harnam Singh (who had started out as a priest) was found in Vancouver with his turban tied around his ankles. Another friend of Bela Singh's, Arjun Singh, also died of accidental gunshot that week. In retaliation, and immediately after the cremation, Bela Singh went to the Gurdwara and opened fire with two revolvers, hitting seven people. Two, Bhai Bhag Singh, and Bhai Battan Singh, died. Bela Singh was arrested and became known as the "Two gun East Indian" in the media.

With the help of William Hopkinson, somehow Bela managed to get acquited (self-defense claimed). The Sikhs were furious andHopkinson was killed by Sardar Mewa Singh in retaliation. At his trial, Mewa Singh paraphrased Guru Gobind Singh "He is truly a hero who fights on the side of the weak, gets questered and cuts limb by limb, but does not flee." On Jan 11, 1915 Mewa Singh became the first (and I believe only) Sikh executed in Canada. His portrait hands to this day in the Ross St. Gurdwara. Bela Singh continued his hooligan ways and was eventually sentenced to one year in prison for blowing up a house, and attempted murder on June 12, 1915. In the meantime, one Nawab Khan of Ludhiana who was a British spy in the Ghadar party managed to get Bela sent back to Punjab. In Punjab he was responsible for identifying many freedom fighters who were revolutionaries with the Babbar Akalis. At least six freedom fighters were hanged because of Bela Singh, who had an armed guard with him at all times, and used to say no one could touch him in the Raj. Finally, in 1933, fate and the Akalis caught up to him. He was shot by three Akalis, including a childhood friend of his, and his body decapitated.

1946 During the violence instigated by India's partition, Muslims killed 102 members of a Sikh family in Ughi Nagar.

1990 International Conference on Sikh Studies was held at George Washington University, Washington, DC. Some of the topics covered at this conference include: "Sikh Fundamentalism and Punjab Problem; Western Approaches to the Sikh Tradition; Sikh Mysticism; Sikhs in Americam - Stress and Survival; Sikhism and Modern Technology; and Evolution of Sikh Philosophy and Misinterpretation of Sikhism in Western Writings". Nearly 200 people attended this conference.

December 3rd

1849 Maharaja Dalip Singh meets Lord Dalhousie.

December 2nd

1848 Sikhs fought the British at Sadulpur, Gujranwala. The Sikh Army under Sher Singh fought against the Right Column of the Army of the Punjab under Command of Major General Joseph Thackwell. For detailed description of this war, the reader is referred to the book, "Victorian Colonial Warfare -- India: from the conquest of Sind to the Indian Mutiny," by Donald Featherstone 1992; Cassell, UK. ISBN 0-304-34172-X

1990 International Conference on Sikh Studies was held at University of British Columbia, Vancouver. The Canadian Sikh Study and Teaching Society was instrumental in organizing and hosting the conference. Some of the topics covered included: "Fundamentalism; Enlightenment of Mind; Sikhism as a Tortume Quid; Sikh Culture; From Ritual to Counter Ritual in a Critical Analysis; Role of Reason in Sikhism; Guru Granth Sahib and Modern Science; Creation of the Khalsa - a non-Sikh Indian Perspective; Need for World Institute of Sikhism, and Sikh Identity a Continuing Feature. More than 700 people attended this Sikh Academic Conference, a befitting tribute to the Vancauver Sikh community.

November 30th

1710 Mahabat Khan captured Lohgarh fort after Sikh forces withdrew from Sadhaura. Amir Khan occupied Sirhind.

1760 Sikhs attacked Lahore and looted it.

-Ref. "Amritsar Ji Dae Darshan Eshnan Utay 500 <banned word filter activated> Di Ethasak Directory," Satnam Singh Khalsa Advocate, pp 83

1921 Kishan Singh Garhgaj floats Chakarvarti Jatha.

1922 The Punjab government announces rewards for the arrest of the Babbars.

1972 Chanan Singh, President SGPC, passed away

December 1st

1764 Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked Sri Harimandir Sahib. Jathedar Gurbakash Singh and 30 GurSikhs sacrificed their lives defending the sanctity of Sri Harimandir Sahib.

1924 Babbar Amar Singh of Pindori Nijjaran, Jullunder, died during the trail of Babbar Akali conspiracy case. He was involved in the second abortive attempt to murder Labh Singh of Dhadda Fateh Singh.

November 29th

1631 Sant Sipahi Baba Budha Ji passed away in Ramdas at the age 125. Guru Hargobind personally conducted the last rights. Subsequently, his son Bhai Bhana Ji was made the head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib.

-Ref. "Amritsar Ji Dae Darshan Eshnan Utay 500 <banned word filter activated> Di Ethasak Directory," Satnam Singh Khalsa Advocate, pp. 69.

==> BABA BUDHA JI: born on 7 katak sanmat 1563 at Kathunangal (Dist. Amritsar) to father Sudhae and mother Gora. Parents named the child as Budda. In sanmat 1574, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Kathunangal village. While grazing cattle, Budda met Guru Nanak and served milk in sewa. During their conversation, Guru Nanak declared that though young in age, he was "Budha" in terms of understanding and wisdom. Since then he came to known as Budha.

Budha adopted Sikh faith and lived an exemplary GurSikh living. As a result he came to respectfully known as "Baba Budha" and righteously earned some of the highest Gurughar honors. In sanmat 1661, he was bestowed the honor of being the first Granthi (head priest) of the holy Harminder Sahib after installation of the holy Guru Granth Sahib there for the first time. He had the privilege to serve, enjoy the company, and receive blessing of first six Gurus. Guru Har Gobind Sahib learned gurmukhi from Baba Budha. Since Guru Angad Dev Ji period and until Guru Har Gobind Sahib, Baba Budha was responsible for tilak during the gur gadhi ceremonies.

Finally on 18 Maghar Sanmat 1688, Baba Budha Ji passed away in village Ramdas (Dist. Amritsar). Guru Har Gobind personally conducted the cremation and last rituals. At the place of cremation, a beautiful Mandir named "SachKhand", was established.

Since Sujan Singh Ji did not have any children, Baba Budha's Gadhi came under the control of Udasi Pracharaks, which is as follows:

Charandas,

Brahamprakas

Ramprasaad

Thajurdas

Raghudas, who became Raghubir Singh after partaking Amrit. Raghubir Singh was the last Mahant after whom the control was passed onto the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee.

Present generations from Baba Buddha's brothers still flourish in Badhae Ramdaspurae.

1737 Bhai Mani Singh, a great scholar among the Sikhs, was martyred. He started a school of exposition of holy Guru Granth Sahib. He was second famous head priest of Sri Harmandir Sahib, after Baba Buddha Ji.

1885 Baba Ram Singh Namdhari passed away after 13 years of solitary confinement while in exile at Rangun, Burma.

==> BABA RAM SINGH was born on 5th Magh sunmat 1872 in village Rayia, Ludhiana, to father Jassa Singh and mother Sedha Kaur. Since early childhood, Ram Singh was inclined to reciting God's name (Vaaheguru's Naam simran). For a while, he served in the forces of Lahore darbar. However in 1841 he left active service and joined the company of Baba Balak Singh, whose preachings had enlightened thousands. Upon receiving Naam Updaesh, Ram Singh settled in Bhaenni village and engaged in extensive preaching of Sikh faith. On the Baisakhi day of 1857, Baba Ram SIngh administered "Pahul" to teh Sikhs in his village and created 22 centres in different parts of the country. He started the "Kuka" branch. Kuka Sikhs wear white attire and a malla made from white wool. Their practices include, giving Vaaheguru Gurmantar in individual's ear; amrit is not partaken together, rather given to individuals in isolation; practice of "Hawaan" ceremony; rather than the traditional Parikarma around Guru Granth Sahib during marriage ceremony, they recite lawan in presence of fire (Agni Haum). During religious ceremonies, they yell, shout, and dance out of love. The punjabi term for their yelling and shouting is "Kukeh". Hence they are popularly known as "Kukas".

When the British government were alluring unemployed Sikh youths into their armed forces, Baba Ram Singh was among many GurSikhs who considered it inappropraite to serve a foreign government. He initiated a non-cooperation movement at times when Congress wasn't even born. It is because of their principles that the Namdari movement came in direct conflict with the British government.

In 1871, the Kukas held a conference at Khote. Some recalcitrant Kuka leaders, despite Baba Ram Singh's exhortation, attacked the butchers at Amritsar on June 14, 1871 and at Raikot on 15th July, 1871. Baba Ram Singh was held responsible for this outrage and his movements were restricted. But the Kuka intransigancy could not be stemmed. Again some zealots attacked Malerkotla on January 15, 1872 and killed Kotwal Ahmedkhan and 7 sepoys. 68 Kukas were captured near the village Rar. 42 of whome were blown up with guns on January 17 under the orders of M.L. Cowan, Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, while on eboy was slaughtered to pieces. Next day the remaining 16 were blown up under the orders of T.D. Forsy, the Commissioner, Ambala Division. Only 2 Kuka women were spared. Namdhari's successfully evoked a rebellion within a Army center. As a result 95 Namdhari Sikhs were court marshaled. In 1872 a British armoury was looted and several weapons were taken away. As a result, Baba Ram Singh and 12 of his associates were exiled to Rangun, Burma. Baba Ram Singh died there after 13 years of solitary confinement, on Nov. 29th, 1885.

Baba Ram Singh married Mai Jassah of Village Tharodh in Ludhiana district and had two daughters. As a result, Baba Ram Singh's gaddhi was assumed by his younger brother Bhai Budh Singh Ji. Later Bhai Pratap Singh, son of Bhai Budh Singh assumed this gaddhi and continued to serve the followers and visitors with langer and Akhand Kirtan.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 1033-1034) Naraen Singh, "Kau Kito Visahau?" Singh Brothers, Mai Sewa, Amritsar, ISBN 81-7205-003-8, 1986, 1990, 1992

1955 Sardar Pratap Singh's accepted shahadat in Loon (Salt) Mandi, in connection with Punjabi Suba morcha.

1961 Master Tara Singh, along with Sant Fateh Singh and 8 members of Akali Dal Working Committee were tried for breaking the solemn vow taken before the Akal Takhat. Both Master Tara Singh and Sant Fateh Singh sperarately had taken vow before the Akal Takhat for fasting unto death for achieving Punjabi Speaking State but had broken the fast without achieving the objective on sheer assurances.

Five priests headed by Jathedar Achhar Singh of the Akal Takhat punished Master Tara Singh to recite more prayers besides his daily routine prayers and to perform one Akhand Path. He was also to clean utensils and shoes of the congregation in any Gurdwara for 5 days and offer Karah Parshad of Rs. 125 at the end of his punishment. Other leaders were also similarly punished in proportion to their guilt which all of them accepted.

-Source. "History of Sikh Struggles, Vol. 1," By Gurmit Singh, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 1989. pp. 27

1981 A bomb explodes at Chowk Mehta, the headquarters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala. Three Sikhs were killed. Jarnail Singh alleged that the bomb had been thrown by some of the members of the Nirankaris. In spite of three deaths, the police took absolutely no action.

-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 110-119

1983 Constitution of Khalistan released by Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer in London.

November 28th

BIRTH DATE : Sahijzada Baba Zorawar Singh Jee

1982 : All India Sikh Student Federation members were arrested during the Asian Games for raising slogans expressing Sikh demands.

November 27th

1502 Guru Amar Das married Bibi Mansa Devi of village Sankhetra, district Sialkot, daughter of Baba Devi Chand of Behl Clan. After the marriage, Bibi Mansa Devi was renamed as Bibi Ram Kaur. They had their first child in 1519, a daughter Bibi Dani, when Guru Amar Das was 40 years old. Other children from this marriage were Baba Mohan born in 1521, Baba Mohri born in 1522, and Bibi Bhani born in 1534.

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

1914 Sikhs unsuccessfully attempted to attack Ferozepur Fort. Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh, a stalwart of the Ghadr movement, took part in this attack and was consequently arrested on May 9, 1915 and galoed for a long term of imprisonment til Oct. 4, 1930 under section 121 (a) of the Indian Penal Code in the Second Lahore Conspiracy Case.

1984 Sardar Simaranjeet Singh Mann was arrested along with his associates near Joghbani border. Simaranjeet Singh Mann and his associates were on his way to Nepal.

November 26th

1708 Baba Gurbakhash Singh (Banda Bahadur) stromed Samana Town, leaving 10,000 dead, followed up by routing Faujadars of Kapuri and Mustabad. Samana was a center of traditional Sikh hatred. The executor of Guru Tegh Bahadhur belonged to this place; his son had beheaded the two younger sons of Guru GObind Singh; evacuation of Anandpur Sahib was made by the Guru on strength of false promises made by Ali Husain of Samana. The Khalsa army punished the tyrants and their associates. Later, the city of the "Jallads" (executioners) was placved under the charge of Fateh Singh, one of the five Councillors.

1871 Giani Rattan Singh Namdhari and his assitant Rattan Singh were hanged ouside Ludhiana jail in open public view.

1949 The Sikhs rejected the new Constitution of India. The Sikh members refused to sign it.

1972 The first Gurdwara service was held at the Guru Ram Das Ashram in Los Angeles, California.

1973 A young Navy enlisted man was ordered to report for captain's mast at Miramar Naval Air Station at San diego to explain the uniform he wore. When he reported for duty on this day, he was told that White turbans are defintely non-regulation.

But Avionics Technician 3/C Ronald Sherwood, 22, of Houston, would not take the turban off all day. Turbans may not be regulation for Navy petty officers, he admitted, but they are required for Sikhs. Sherwood pleaded that he had been converted during the Thanksgiving holiday, to Sikhism, which requires, among other things, constant wearing of the turban. He had changed his name to Ronald Singh Sherwood.

Sherwood's Commanding Officer, Comdr. Martin Winchester of Fighter Squardon 92, summoned him to his office and informed him in no uncertain terms that he was out of uniform.

Two American solidiers PFCs Fresco and Broadwell who had similarly embraced Sikhism were also coutmartialled for disobeying orders to shave and doff turbans.

In 1950, President Truman had allowed an American Sikh conscripted in the Army to retain his hair unshaven. US army amended its dress code in June 1974 to allow beards and native religious head dress.

-Source. "History of Sikh Struggles, Vol. 1," By Gurmit Singh, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 1989. pp. 63-64

1983 Begining at night and throughout Nov. 27, the Hindus burnt the Sikh temple at Churu (Rajasthan). When a Sikh Jatha left for the Gurdwara, they were arrested so that they may not reach the spot.

-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 110-119

November 25th

1710 Sikhs successfully attacked and killed RustamDil Khan near Sadorae.

1888 The final straw, causing a breakup among Singh and Arya Samaj, came at the Lahore Arya Samaj anniversary celebrations. Here Lala Guru Datt Arora in a speech sharply criticised Sikhism. Pertinently, he said that is Swami Daynand called Guru nanak a fraud, what did that matter? Swamiji had the sum of the Vedas in his hands! He continued that "Guru Gobind Singh was not even a hundredth part like our Maharishsi Sawami Dayanand Saraswati and it is difficult to say whether the Sikhs have any religion or not, but surely they have no knowledge of any kind." Other Arya speakers, speciafically Pandit Lekh Ram and Lala Murli Dhar rose to second Lala Guru Datt's comments and added ctheir own words of sarcasm to the criticism of Sikh religion.

The reaction was immediate. Bhai Jawahar Singh, Bhai Ditt Singh Giani, and Bhai Maiya Singh immediately resigned from their membership and were welcomed with open arms by Prof. Gurmukh Singh into the Lahore Singh Sabha. Each one of them became staunch defender of Sikhism.

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

1967 Lachhman Singh Gill became the Chief Minister of Punjab.

1981 Second Akali-Government talks. As expected the government announced failure of talks.

november 24th

1271 Bhagat Nam Dev Ji was born at Nursi Bahamani, district Sitara (Maharashtra). His verses have been included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He died in 1349 at Pandarpur.

==> Bhagat NAMDEV (1270-1350)

RAG SORATH

The neighboring woman asketh Nam Deva:

Pray, who hath built thy tenement?

I will pay him double the wages if thou tellest me of that mason.

Sayeth Nam Dev: O woman I can tell not of the mason.

For, Seeest thou not that He Pervadeth all?

That Mason is the mainstay of my vital breath.

The Mason demands the wages of Love if one wants

Him to put up one's tenement.

Yea, if one breaks with the people,

even one's kindred, then the Mason cometh of His own.

I can describe Him not, for He abideth in the hearts of all, all over.

And, pray, how can the dumb one describe the Taste of Nectar?

Hear thou the merits of the Mason who hath bounded

the seas and made Dhruva eternal,

And rescued Sita from the cluthes of Ravana, and

handed over Lanka to Blbhlkshan,

Yea, such is my Lord, the God

Nam Dev was a celebrated saint whose name was a household word for the people of Maharashtra. They chanted his hymns amidst their families.

He was born in the village of Narsi Bamni in the Satara District of Maharashtra. His father was Dam Seti and mother Gona Bai. He was inspired to bhakti by his father and later became a disciple of Vishoba Khechar. They say, that once, when his maternal grandfather was to go out somewhere, he instructed Nam Dev to offer milk to God. Following the instructions literally, he placed a cup of milk before the image of the Lord. With a child's unquestioning faith and unflattering devotion he created such an atmosphere that God drank the proffered milk. Another time, when Nam Dev was absorbed in meditation, the proud Brahmans, jealous of his spiritual attainments, threw him out of the temple, saying that being a Shudra, he had no business to be in a holy place. Nam Dev bore the humiliation calmly and sat outside the back wall of the temple and plunged into deep meditation. Moved by his love and devotion, God performed a miracle and the temple gate moved to where Nam Dev was sitting. Seeing this, the Brahmans recognized his greatness and besought him for forgiveness. Nam Dev himself described the event thus:

Cheerfully I entered Thy Temple

But while I was worshipping Thee the Priests

drove me out saying that I was a low-caste.

0 King of Yadvas, Why didst Thou give me birth in a low-caste family?

Holding my blanket I rushed out

And sat at the back of the Temple.

As I dwelt on Thy Praises, 0 Lord!

The facade of the Temple turned around to me.

There are numerous other parables of this kind which would convince anyone that Nam Dev was an enlightened soul. Once under the orders of the Muslim king Mohammad Tughlak or Feroz Shah Tughlak, Nam Dev was arrested and asked to embrace Islam. Though subjected to coercion and cruelty, he did not give up his faith. He was then ordered to prove that he was as a real bhakt of God possessing spiritual powers. He was asked to revive a dead cow failing which he would be done to death. Nam Dev said that it was for God and not for him to bestow life on a dead creature, and, that he had no business to thwart the will of God. The king was adamant and inflicted cruelties on Nam Dev. Ultimately, God came to the rescue of his devotee and breathed life into the dead cow. The king was pleased with the bhakt and set him free. Nam Dev, however, made it clear that the miracle simply showed that man should follow truth and Justice, and, that it did not become a king to be unjust to any one. The Kaazi and the Mullah were humbled, and, they requested the bhakt to forgive them. The bhakt bade the king abide by the principles of truth and justice.

It is a historical fact that during his pilgrimage, Nam Dev came to the Punjab also. Local tradition has it that he spent a number of years in the village of Ghuman in Gurdaspur and died here at Traudsi, in the month of Asso. Every year a fair is held at his shrine as a mark of homage to his spirit.

It is common knowledge that prior to Swami Rama Nand and bhakt Kabir, the credit for spreading the gospel of bhakti from Maharashtra to Punjab goes to Nam Dev. He wrote in Marathi as well as in Saint Bhasha. Marathi Abhangas included in the Nam Dev Gatha are sung throughout Maharashtra. For the Maharashtrians they are evocative of the same spiritual ecstasy that the people of Uttar Pradesh find in the hymns of Surdas and Mira Bal. Sixty-one of Nam Dev's verses have been incorporated in the Adi Guru Granth Sahib under different ragas. The themes of these hymns are the varied spiritual experiences of Nam Dev.

- Dr. D.S. Mani, Sardar Bakhshish Singh, and Dr. Gurdit Singh Guru Granth Ratnavali, page 90

1598 Akbar visted Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Goindwal. Guru Arjan's perception of the times to come was not withstanding Akbar's high regrads for him. According to the Court historian, Abdul Fazal's Akbar Namah, Guru Arjan accorded a produse reception to Akbar on this day at Goindwal. Akbar was really impressed by Guru Arjan's bewitching and handsome appearance, sweet and melodious voice and fascinating and charming manners, his princely style of living, his warm reception and his singing of hymns in praise of God. At Guru Arjan's instance, Akbar issued orders to remit the revenue by one-sixth.

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

1675 Martyrdom, Ninth Patshah, Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji.

==> GURU ARJAN DEV (1563-1606) Guru Arjan, the 'Prince of Martyrs' and the 'Prophet of Peace', proffered his precious life to nurture the glory that was to be the Sikh Panth. The Fifth Master's life was marked by divine bliss and sublime sacrifices, born of a sweet acceptance of God's Will. Gifted with a quintessential poetic afflatus, and immeasurable imaginative sympathies, the Guru gave the movement of Sikhism a definite direction, perspective and program. He made the new faith coeval or coextensive with the whole gamut of existence and raised its exquisite edifice on values for which there is neither death nor change.

Guru Arjan Dev adorned the sacred throne of Guru Nanak from Sept. 1, 1581 to May 30, 1606. Born at Goindwal on April 15, 1563, he was the youngest and noblest son of Guru Ram Das and Mata Bibi Bhani. On 23 Hadh sunmat 1636, he married Ganga Devi, daughter of Krishan Chand of Mau village. He had an innate poetic sensibility which was exquisitely displayed in the epistles that he sent to his father from Lahore. They are deeply expressive of the pangs of separation and the exuberance of Love. The Fourth Master's decision to make Guru Arjan his spiritual heir was bitterly opposed by Prithvi Chand who contended that being the eldest son, he alone was entitled to the Guruship. Thus, he could never reconcile himself to his younger brother's installation as Guru.

Under Guru Arjan Dev the Sikh movement registered great progress. In sunmat 1645, he cemented the Santokhsar sarovar. Further, the Guru not only completed the construction of the Sarovars started at 'Guru Ka Chak' by his predecessor but also constructed two more Sarovars. He had the Harmandar built in the middle of Amritsar Sarovar and invited a celebrated Muslim divine, Mian Mir, to lay its foundation stone in sunmat 1645. Remarkable for its architectural and aesthetic beauty and unique in its conception, the temple with its four doors symbolizes the inborn equality of all mankind.

Indeed, it is open to all the four castes without any discrimination. Thus, the Guru sought a dissolution of all castes and creed distinctions. Unlike the Hindu shrines that are built on a high plinth, the Harmandar (the Temple of God) was built on a level lower than that of the surrounding areas, thereby making it imperative for the devotees to go down the steps in a spirit of true humility. In addition, the towns of Tarn Taran and Kartarpur flourished under the Guru's tutelage. He had a magnificent tank built at Tarn Taran (pool of salvation) in sunmat 1647 and a Bavalli constructed at Lahore. in sunmat 1651, he established the town of Kartarpur Nagar (Dist. Jullander) and Ramsar in sunmat 1659-60.

Guru Arjan undertook a tour of the Punjab to preach Sikhism. He rationalized the institution of the masands and ordained that every Sikh should voluntarily donate a tenth of his income raised by the sweat of his brow for religious purposes. The masands collected the offerings thus made and deposited them in the Guru's treasury. Again, when the Punjab was in the grip of drought and famine, Guru Arjan persuaded the Emperor Akbar to remit the land revenue for that year.

The most epochal achievement, however, of Guru Arjan was the compilation of the Adi Granth. The Guru devoted three years from 1601 to 1604 to the completion of the sublime project. He studied thoroughly the entire treasure of Gurbani, collected the hymns and psalms of the previous Gurus, and screened the utterances of the bhakts collected by the previous Gurus. He not only put the entire Bani together but also compiled it systematically under different ragas. Guru Arjan's genius for compilation is eminently projected by the vars included in the Adi Granth. He has added shlokas to the Bani of all the earlier Gurus in order to elucidate the deeper meanings. To compile the outpourings of his predecessors and the, Bhakts under various ragas (musical measures) obviously demanded an unflattering grasp of the musical measures. Besides being a notable compiler, Guru Arjan was also a gifted poet. More than half of the holy Granth consists of his own utterances. They comprise 2218 verses. Thus his work exceeds that of the other 35 inspired poets whose compositions are enshrined in the Guru Granth.

The essential message of Guru Arjan's hymns is meditation on Nam. The Guru has lucidly expatiated on the concept of brahmgiani (the enlightened soul). According to him, this enlightenment can be attained only through meditation on the Lord and the Guru's grace. In depicting the attributes of the brahmgiani, he has compared him to a lotus flower which immersed in mud and water is yet pure and beautiful. Without ill-will or enmity he is forever courageous and calm.

Guru Arjan set a fine personal example by living up to his own concept of a brahmgiani. All his holy compositions are characterized by humility and tenderness. He seeks the grace of God for the fulfillment of all kinds of human needs. With the compilation of the first volume of the Adi Granth, the Sikh religion registered greater unity and identity. The Sikhs now owned a unique Book or Granth of their own, and thus acquired a distinct and separate entity. Guru Arjan installed the holy Granth at the Harmandar and appointed Baba Budha Ji as the first Granthi of Harmandar Sahib. Thus, Amritsar became the most significant centre of the Sikh faith and the Sikhs emerged as a new and powerful community.

During the period between Guru Nanak and Guru Arjan, there was no conflict between the Sikhs and the Mughal Kings. Emperor Akbar was in particular a man of liberal views and he respected the ideals of the Sikh movement. But, with his death and the following enthronement of Jehangir, there was a total reversal of policy and change of attitude.

Jehangir's own writings reveal that he considered the spread of Sikhism as a positive threat to Islam. In a moment of fanatic frenzy, he characterized Sikhism as a 'shop of falsehood' and declared that he would extirpate it at the earliest opportunity. Thus he set about with a fanatical zeal to carry out his threat: and he trumped up the charge of treason against the Guru. With the complicity of the officials, Jehangir had the Guru soon imprisoned and tortured to death at Lahore in 1606. The martyrdom of Guru Arjan engendered a wave of shock and indignation among the Sikhs. No single event till then had so profoundly brought home to them the necessity of the sword. It is therefore not surprising that under the Sixth Master, Guru Hargobind they were militarized and prepared to face the Mugal might squarely. Thus emerged a new epoch in the history of Sikhism which led to a synthesis between Bhakti and Shakti (wordly power). Guru Arjan was the first Sikh Guru, who by his martyrdom lent to Sikhism a strength and solidarity that it had never known before. As desired by the Fifth Master, Guru Hargobind was ordained Guru in 1606, and, he guided and shaped the destiny of the Sikh community until 1645.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 80) Dr. D.S. Mani, Sardar Bakhshish Singh, and Dr. Gurdit Singh Guru Granth Ratnavali, page 90

1969 Fateh Singh announced another fast unto death for transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. The fast was to begin on Jan. 26, 1970, to be followed by self-immolation on Feb. 1, 1970.

1979 "Maerath Morcha" announced on behalf of All India Sikh Student Federation.

1990 and Nov. 25, a International Conference on Sikh Studies was held at the University of Toronto. Dr. K.S. Mann, secretary of the Sikh Studies Institute, Chandigarh, travelled to Tonronto four months prior to the conference to organize a series of Sikh Academic Conferences in North america. It was a huge task undertaken to lay down the ground work for 7 major conferences. Apart from the education of the Sikh community, these conferences emphasized the participation of Western scholars. Topics covered includedDDistinguished scholars from India, United Kingdom, and United States took part andpresented papers on diverse topivs concerning "Dasam Granth, a critiques of Two Views; Arjan Dev, Apostle of Peace; Sikhism a Faith Misunderstood; Sikh World View - Its Eternal Relevance; Concept of Chardi Kala in Sikhism; Origin and Debelopment of Sikh Studies; Gurbilas Patshai 10, An 18th Century Mosaic; Concept of Miri Piri; The Sikhs and the British; Context of World Religions; and World Centre of Sikh Studies. About 350 people attended this conference.

November 22nd

1664 Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji visited Sri Amrisar. About a month after his installation as the Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadhur decided to visit Amritsar and pay homage at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Since Guru Hargobind's departure from Amritsar to Kiratpur in 1635 no other Guru had visited Harmandir Sahib. The custody of the shrine had fallen in the hands of Minas, Prithi Chand's descendants, who were staunch enemies of the Sikh Gurus and their families. On hearing of the arrival of Guru Tegh Bahadhur in Amritsar, the occupants closed the doors of the shrine and refused to admit the Guru and his party into the Gurudwara. Guru Tegh bahadhur with his followers camped under a tree only a few meters to the north of Akal Takhat. This place was later known as Thara Sahib abd a gurudwara was built at the site. A Few days later, on the full moon light, Makhan Shah and his men, who had accompanied the Guru to Amritsar, managed to get admittance into Harmandir Sahib. Guru Tegh Bahadhur went in and offered his prayers.

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

An enterprising Mina obtained Guru Sahib's nishan, signature, on a sheet of paper and later pasted it on the coverage of the Mina Granth to give it credibility.

1664 Guru Tegh Bahadhur reached Amritsar. The Minas locked the doors of Harimandir Sahib fearing that Guru Sahib had reverted to the place to take it over. Guru Sahib spent the night by the side of Sri Akal Takhat where a shrine now stands. However, he was not allowed to visits Harimandir Sahib by the Masands there and subsequently turned away.

1693 Aurangzeb issued orders that read: "News from Sirhind, Gobind declares himself to be Guru Nanak. Faujdars ordered to prevent him from assembling his forces." When these orders did not produce much effect, "a general order was issued for their massacre."

1818 Maharaja Ranjit Singh's forces conquered Peshwar.

1840 Co-regency of Chand Kaur and Sher Singh formed.

1848 Anglo-Sikh war was fought at Ram Nagar, Gujranwala

1953 Indian regime announced formation of State Organization Commission. All the Hindu members were fanatic and anti-Sikh Hindus.

November 23rd

1845 Sikh troops marched to the Sutlej ferries.

1938 Kahan Singh Nabha, a great Sikh Scholar passed away.

==> KAHAN SINGH: is among the noted learned Sikh scholars. He was born on Bhado Wadi 10th sunmat 1918 (1861) in village Sabaj Banaera, Patiala, to father Bhai Narayan Singh and mother Mata Har Kaur Ji. As a child Kahan Singh was very active and thereby extremely close to his parents. He learned Gurmukhi from Bhai Bhup Singh. He was initiated to read Sri Guru Granth Sahib at the age of five by his father. At seven years of age, he was fluent in reciting Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Subsequently, Kahan Singh was sent to Delhi for Sanskrit education. He studies initially from Bawa Kalyan Das then Pandit Sri Dhar, Bansi Dhar, Bhai Vir Singh, Bhai Ram Singh, and Bawa Parmanand. He studied poetry from Bhai Bhagwan Singh Dughu. Subsequently, he learned music from Mahant of Gurusar Maharaj, Gaja Singh. At 20 yrs. he started learning Pharsi and english. By the age of 22, Bhai Kahan Singh had accomplished the basic necessary for understanding and analyzing Sikh literature.

His knowledge of Sikh scriptures and history is most profound and unrivalled. Beside being trained in the old school of sikh scholarship wherein depth of knowledge and mastery of detail was more emphasized, he has also cultivated the variety and vastness of view which is characteristic of western learning. He not only possesses an intimate knowledge of the most obvious and the most distant facts, but he also knows how to marshall them and use them to some purpose.

Belonged to the earliest batch of the Singh Sabha reformers, Kahan Singh greatly influenced the formation of the modern opinion about Sikhism. Mr. M.A. Macauliffe, the author of the Sikh Religion, found in him a guide, philosopher, and friend. If Bhai Dit Singh and others were responsible for the social and religious reforms, Bhai Kahan Singh has worked for the whole movement as a writer, articulating its principles in works.

His work Mahan Kosh, is a unique reference and probably the only one of a kind available to sikh preachers. It is a dictionary and an encyclopedia combined of sikh literature. It contains words occurring in the original Sikh scriptures as well as in other allied books.

Mahan Kosh, today is not only an all-inclusive work for ready reference, but contains solid articles on great and intricate topics connected with the Sikh history and religion. It represents a whole library of literature on Sikhism.

Kahan Singh Nabha passed away on Nov. 23, 1938.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1971 Guru Ram Das Ashram in Los Angeles was established.

November 21st

1921 The "Chabia da morcha" was started. Due to some misunderstandings, the keys to Sri Harimandir Sahib's "ToshaKhana" (Panthic treasury) were seized the Deputy Commissioner on Nov. 7, 1921. The agitation to recover the keys is known as "Chabia da morcha". This agitation resulted in the eventual return of the keys on Jan. 19, 1922. The keys were returned to Baba Kharak Singh, President of SGPC, during active diwan in front of the Akal Takhat, by District Authorities, Amritsar. Mahatma Gandhi hailed this event as the "first decisive battle for India's freedom won".

==> Baba KHARAK SINGH, popularly known as "the Betaj Badshah" was one of the greatest Sikh leaders, a religious reformer and freedom fighter. For more than three decades, he struggled boldly against mis-management of Gurdwaras and the British rule in India. He was tried by court in every important agitation for independence, went to prison fifteen times and suffered incarceration for an aggregate of twenty years. In the liberation of Sikh shrines from the British agents his role was decisive. Giani Partap Singh calls him the most honored Sikh leader of Indian people and founder of Gurdwara Reform Movement who had firm determination, a sense of selfless service detachment and simplicity ("Akali Lehar de Mahan Neta", p. 5, tr. mine).

Baba Kharak Singh was born on June 10, 1868 in Sialkot (now in Pakistan). He came of a wealthy family. His father, Rai Bahadur Hari Singh Rais was a big contractor. So good education was achieved easily. He matriculated from Scotch Mission High School in his home town. After passing Intermediate from Murray College, Sialkot, he joined Government College, Lahore. He was fortunate to be one of the first batch to pass B.A. from Punjab University. Then he joined the law course in Allahabad University. But he had to discontinue the studies on account of his father's death. He was married in a rich family and had one son.

With the noble idea of devoting himself fully to public and national service, Kharak Singh renounced all comforts of a wealthy home. It was an act of great sacrifice on his part. In this respect he can be justly compared to Jawaharlal Nehru. Later he faced all difficulties and deprivation with good grace. During the days of poverty he did not seek help from any quarter.

Even in his early public activity his patriotic and religious spirit was evident. For some time he worked as Secretary, Municipal Committee, Sialkot. But he resigned because the President was the Deputy Commissioner, an Englishman. It was against his self-respect to salute that foreign officer and keep standing while presenting papers. He got the first honor to be the President of Sialkot Singh Sabha and Khalsa High School. At the same time he was also an active member of Chief Khalsa Diwan when it was free from the official influence.

The sphere of Kharak Singh's public life widened in 1912 when he became Chairman of Reception Committee of Fifth Sikh Educational Conference, Sialkot. In 1915 he acted as President of Sikh Educational Conference, Taran Taran. A bold action on his part here was to disallow a resolution conveying greetings to the British victory in World War I. As Sohan Singh Josh says, he tore the resolution to pieces and threw it in waste paper basket ("Akali Morchian da Itihas", p. 52). He did not care for the displeasure of some Sikh leaders inclined towards the authorities.

Baba Kharak Singh was closely associated with Gurdwara Reform Movement for many years. He revolted against closure of Gurdwara Babay-de-Ber at Sialkot by the "patit" Sarbrah Ganda Singh. He led a jatha to get the doors of that shrine opened. When his action was declared by the D.C. as violative of law, he replied, "I know law better than you" (Quoted by Kirpal Singh, "Chonvian Sikh Juwania", p.4). He broke open the lock and brought official control to an end.

Kharak Singh plunged into active politics in 1919 soon after seeing the horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. Along with others, he organized Central Sikh League, a purely political party of the Sikhs. On October 20, 1920 he presided over its Lahore Session. The issue of the demolished wall of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj, Delhi, felled by officials was taken up. He also endorsed Non-Cooperation Movement of Indian National Congress. During those days mutual cooperation among political parties was quite common. Congress leaders like M.K. Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dr. Kitchloo participated in the Sikh League meetings.

Side by side he brought the representative religious body of the Sikhs - Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee - on sound footing. The previous committee formed by Panjab Govt. was elaborately extended. In August 1921 he became the first President of the real S.G.P.C. With his control (to quote Sohan Singh Josh again) the command of Sikhs came into the hands of such a leader who was sworn enemy of the English Raj, who hated selfish leaders and who could bear the worst blows to arouse the deadened spirit of Sikhs ("Akali Morchian da Itihas", p. 52, tr. mine). Under his guidance the objectives of S.G.P.C. were to bring the Sikh shrines under Panthic control, to abolish the influence of Mahants, to utilize the property and income of sacred places for religious purposes and to practice Sikhism as per teachings of the Gurus.

For missionary purpose Kharak Singh took bold initiative and determined stand. He ran one of the biggest factories manufacturing Kirpans without licence.

Contrary to the British Govt. instructions, he did not reduce the size of this weapon from three feet to nine inches. The police raided his factory on November 2 1, 1921 and seized 179 Kirpans. In the second raid on March 22, 1922, again 158 swords were seized. In the face of his determination the authorities had to yield. The people praised him for "liberating" the Kirpan irrespective of its length.

The brave Sikh crusader compelled the administration to hand over to him 53 keys of Toshakhana (Treasury) of Harmandir Sahib. These were still in the hands of officially appointed Manager though the whole complex had come in control of the Sikhs in October 1920. In a clever move these keys were obtained by Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, in November 1921. Baba Kharak Singh as President of S.G.P.C gave a call for agitation which came to be known as the keys Morcha. Along with some other leaders he was arrested on November 29, 1921 at Ajnala for violating prohibitory orders.

During the prosecution in that case in the court of Mr. Conor, he made bold statement against the British authorities. To quote an extract, "As the Government is a party to this prosecution and the Judge is one of its servants, I, therefore, do not wish to make any statement. My position as President of the Sikh Panth is like that of the President of the United States, France and Germany" (Quoted by Mohinder Singh, "The Akali Struggle", pp. 50-51). He was jailed for six months but had to be released earlier due to public protest.

Finally, the keys of Toshakhana were handed over to him by the District Judge on January 19, 1922. It was his great achievement and a big victory over the administration. Mahatma Gandhi called it decisive victory in "first Battle for India's Freedom". He also got Pandit Dina Nath released who was arrested along with Akalis. This glorious success made him a much esteemed leader of all the people. At this point people started calling him Betaj Badshah (Uncrowned King) and Baba Ji.

For his speeches against Colonial government, Baba Kharak Singh was again arrested in March 1922. Among other things he had said, "These Englishmen should leave India now. If they want to stay, they should live like tame persons" ("Akali Morchian da Itilias", p. 244; tr. mine). There were two charges against him - sedition and manufacture of large sword. He was sent to Dera Ghazi Khan Jail where his imprisonment was later extended to five years. In that jail he sacrificed A class facilities and lived like ordinary prisoners. The authorities there asked him to stop wearing black turban which irritated them. But he refused to carry out that instruction. As a result his turban was forcibly taken off. He protested against this outrage by removing shirt also. It is on record that he remained only in underwear for four years. When black turban was allowed he insisted on permission for Gandhi cap for Congressmen. Then his release was recommended by the Punjab Council. But he, like Master Tara Singh, refused to give any written or verbal assurance regarding his conduct.

When the Simon Commission arrived in 1928, he organized a big demonstration against it. Nothing less than absolute independence was acceptable to him. His protest against the demand of Dominion Status for India had to be considered by other leaders.

Baba Kharak Singh's open criticism of certain leaders of Congress Party brought about his alienation from it. In 1922 he was elected President of Panjab Pradesh Congress Committee also. But in 1929 the recommendation made by Nehru Committee annoyed him. Even the withdrawal of demand of Dominion Status could not appease him. Some Congress leaders said that his attitude was adamant. He organized a separate Akali Conference in Lahore.

As leader of the Sikhs he brought about many reforms in their shrines and organizations. Corruptions at religious places could not be tolerated by him. Influence of government agents was checked and then completely removed. He became the president of S.G.P.C. again in 1926. During his administration, the Sikh institutions were not used for honoring British officials, as had been done in the past. In 1929, he presided over All India Sikh Educational Conference for the second time.

During 1932-33 he had differences with Master Tara Singh who had been his companion. It was alleged that he had secret understanding with Maharaj Patiala who had employed his nephews Sunder Singh and Nirmal Singh. Baba Ji could not tolerate such petty things. He submitted his resignation from S.G.P.C. and Akali Dal. With that action the field was left completely opened for Master Tara Singh.

Meanwhile Kharak Singh continued playing his role in the struggle for independence. In 1931 he was detained, but released after six months. Next year he was again arrested for his active role in the movement and remained in jail for nineteen months. In 1935 he rejected Communal Award passed by the British Govt. This brought him imprisonment for two years. Like Subhas Chander Bose, he was not in favor of helping the British in World War II. In 1940 he was jailed for one year for speaking against the government.

Even in his old age Baba ji was active in the struggle for freedom. When the question of partition of the country came up, he raised the slogan - Undivided India. In 1944 he presided over United India Conference at Gujranwala. For his forceful speech there he was again arrested but released soon after.

After independence in l947 Baba Kharak Singh settled in Delhi. He did not seek any office or position on the basis of his sacrifices. On his 86th birthday Prime Minister Nehru and President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad praised his bravery, patriotism and determination. He breathed his last on October 6, 1963, aged 95, survived by three grandsons, his son having pre-deceased him in an accident.

-from "Baba Kharak Singh - The Betaj Badshah by Dr. Dharam Singh Sikh Review, Sept. 1992 issue

1953 Sampuran Singh Raman starts fast unto death for Punjabi Suba.

1967 Master Tara Singh passed away.

==> 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 (Udru) and Akali te Pardesi (Grumukhi) 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.

1997 Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjit Singh, Jathedar, Sri Akal Takhat, formally released the Constitution of the World Sikh Council, which has been adopted on the unanimous recommendations of the Committee including :

Justice Kuldip Singh

Justice R.S. Narula

Dr. H.K. Manmohan Singh