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Hello people this is a bit or harmless (depends who you ask) advertising to let you know that for the past year I have been sunning a podcast called Sikhism in Snippits and through this the sponsors have enabled me to write and publish a number of books. These are Sampardaic and in English. The opportunity was taken to translate and promote Sikh books and literature not available. If you are interested they can all be found ont he link below. Please take a look and if interested you can order directly off the site. If you have any questions please contact me on kam1825@hotmail.com http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Kamalpreet_Singh_Pardeshi Thanks

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਹਿOn 13th April 1978 during the occasion of Vaisakhi an extraordinary event unfolded in Amritsar. This event was to usher in a new chapter in the Sikh struggle against state oppression, unleashed by the ruling Brahmin-Hindu regime. Bhai Fauja Singh and his twelve companions were key participants in this historic turning point, and their Kurbani or sacrifice starts the Sikh freedom movement and forms the focus of this publication.Though it is thirty eight years since the thirteen Gursikhs courted martyrdom, little is known of their lives, of this crucial historical event and the impact of their Kurbani. This publication offers an insight into the moral and spiritual lives of these contemporary Sikh martyrs, the extraordinary circumstances concerning their martyrdom, as well as the reaction from the Sikh nation and Indian government.It is often said that the Kurbani of Shaheeds breathes new life into the body and spirit of the Panth. Those that know their history well will recognise this truth. Each day the Ardaas or invocatory prayer recalls and salutes the countless Sikhs who sacrifice their lives for the preservation of the Sikh faith, nation and its distinct identity. This is testament to the power of Kurbani.The tradition of Shaheedi or martyrdom comes from an inherent love for liberty and justice. It is deeply revered and honoured in Sikhism. During the Panth’s turbulent periods of strife and suffering, Shaheedi gave new hope and pride enabling the Sikhs to struggle against all odds. The story of the thirteen Shaheeds is in keeping with this sacred tradition.WORLDWIDE BOOK RELEASE - 13th April 2017More Info Soon!

Mahabharat , one of the two great epics of india , describes the story of fight of two group of cousins : kaurus and pandus . They're half cousins . Kaurus are older and more in number (100) than pandus (just 5). Also kaurus have kingdoms , pandus don't or not that great . Pandus are righteous and humble, but kaurus always stir <banned word filter activated> and want to oppress pandus . So they organize a dice game in which pandus lose everything , including their wife , draupadi. One of the kaurus bring draupadi dragging by her hair in the hall where dice game is being played, because she's now a slave, and tries to strip her naked. Her honor is preserved by divine intervention. Somehow draupadi resolves matter by winning over favor of father of Kaurus . Father of kaurus give pandus everything back. But kaurus are not happy to see they are unable to bully their younger cousins. So they say , pandus have 3 options to resolve conflict 1) war, or 2) dice game , again Pandus play dice game again and now this time they lose, they're supposed to take exile of 12 yrs . So pandus go in exile and kaurus are happy . But after 12 yrs, when mahabharat war happens, pandus win , kaurus die and pandus come to take the throne. So now you must be wondering what this has to do with hindus and sikhs. Well, we can't deny sikh and hindu are both dharmic religions, i.e in a way, we're cousins. So its like sikhs are pandus and hindus are kaurus. Our women folklore's were brutalized by angry hindus in 80's and you can say our community has been in exile (foreign countries and not in homeland punjab as much). So , now war with hindus is remaining and then we take the throne. After winning PS: I am not saying hindus are enemies . Just my imagination running wild lol

Does anyone know any good tittles? I'm trying to learn more about Sikh History, Arts ( Gurmat Sangeet and Calligraphy etc) and Literature. I would prefer if it was written in English. Also Im interested in old paintings so if there is book full of them please let me know. Thanks Gur Fateh Ji.

I am looking for a good read on jivani of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Any recommendations please?

Wkjk wjkf, I was wondering which Sikh scholars are in line and put forward puratan Sikh principles as some such as mcleod or Singh sabha scholars will avoid key aspects that were important features to the Akali Nihang Khalsa and the Nirmala Samparda.

I have been reading some articles & books on sikh history at the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, both from sikh & non-sikh sources. It has come to me that there are some things that are either falsified or true in our history. For example, was Baba Deep Singh Ji's head actually decapitated & he was able to fight for long time while holding head on hand? Or that Baba Deep Singh Ji's head was heavily injured and that he supported his head from losing too much blood by placing hand & fighting with his other hand? From the people's opinions i read, some stated that this was to show the power of Guru ji's spiritual power, while some said that Baba Deep Singh Ji actually carried a decapitated head while fighting. There are some other history i have not yet stated, anyhow, i would like all your opinions on this subject. Please do not consider this disrespect as my main purpose is to originally find out the actual events rather than unintentionally or intentionally falsified events throughout various times & ages. Waheguru. (Source-Read comments : http://sikhprofessionals.net/wahegurus-way/6-amazing-superhuman-feats-of-baba-deep-singh-ji)

Just Read this today , looks like mud is being slung again but this time on SRM and Akal Takht https://www.facebook.com/1243366095693015/photos/a.1243371312359160.1073741827.1243366095693015/1332179263478364/?type=3&theater

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh, After doing much itihaas i have found it that the darshan of Sri Dasam and Sarbloh Darbar is of utmost importance for the sake of the chardikala of the Sikh panth alongside Satguru Granth sahib ji maharaj. What can be done in the uk and in sangats across the world to install sri Dasam granth and Sarbloh Granth as seen in Takht Sri Hazoor sahib were the maryada of the tisarpanth seems to be alive and well aswell as shastar darshan.Can those of us that believe this to be an important issue do anything to create change? The majority of non amritdharis seem to think that we only have one granth which sadness me. Our connection to Dasam pita seems to be cut when the majority of sikhs are ignorant on these traditions What can be done? Bhull chukk maaf karo, A manmukh.

*BENTI TO ADMIN TO PIN TOPIC* ਜੋਤਿ ਰੂਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹਾਯਉ ॥ जोति रूपि हरि आपि गुरू नानकु कहायउ ॥ Joṯ rūp har āp gurū Nānak kahā▫ya▫o. The Embodiment of Light, the Lord Himself is called Guru Nanak. (Ang 1408 Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Before the true king Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had come it was a time when much of the world and humanity was lost; people were heavily divided on the basics of tyranny and causing separations based on caste and the various religions with much manmat. It was because of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, even before he revealed himself to all of humanity in an open-way, that those who were known as the 15 Bhagats and many others before that who had bhagti could have finally been saved, (in Nirankar form). The time for Vaheguru to come was becoming very much needed especially since he couldn't have sent another "messenger" to bring humanity to him, rather he himself needed to come from Sach Khand, (he is everywhere and will always be everywhere; however, this time he needed a special form). Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji before revealing himself in 1469 had also been the one to lead all the Sants to Vaheguru and had given the Gurprassad through his Nirankar form. Once he had finally revealed himself to all of humanity on 1469, it was a joyous day; he was not born; but rather he had come: he had come with laughter, (because he had not a single bit of negative karma), instead of tears and many things which lead to hope and grace for all. The first one to have discovered the coming of the Lord Vaheguru, was Bebe Nanaki, who had prayed in constant times just to get Vaheguru to come and become her brother in human-form. Next Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had to teach the "worldly teachers", who couldn't have taught him anything in the Spiritual Realm nor the physical realm; he freed the sinners who previously had been corrupted to the point of shattered death and had finally brought the sinners into the Saints of the society of Vaheguru. He was loved by all and hated by none, (eventually), this was all due to the fact that he could not be wrong. He brought the people from various religions, to instead of fighting among themselves; unite them to Vaheguru, traveled as far as other worlds, and various other special places no human could expect to go to. Unlike many other "messengers", he not only saved humans, but also broke the burden of life and death to animals and plants; (even the single-celled organisms that he wanted to free at his time, were saved)." ਜਿਸੁ ਪਾਪੀ ਕਉ ਮਿਲੈ ਨ ਢੋਈ ॥ जिसु पापी कउ मिलै न ढोई ॥ Jis pāpī ka▫o milai na dẖo▫ī. That sinner, who finds no protection anywhere- ਸਰਣਿ ਆਵੈ ਤਾਂ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਈ ॥੧॥ सरणि आवै तां निरमलु होई ॥१॥ Saraṇ āvai ṯāʼn nirmal ho▫ī. ||1|| if he comes seeking Your Sanctuary, then he becomes immaculate and pure. ||1||" (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1141). Eventually, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had found the Ang to him, in the form of Bhai Lehna, (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji), in various historical texts it mentions Bhai Lehna being tested for the Guruship; however, he was particularly born to be the succeeding light to Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Various instances were made where Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had shown to all of humanity why Bhai Lehna was the true successor to his kingdom, rather than Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's own sons. The evidence to this was while each and every single human had failed; only Bhai Lehna had stayed loyal and the most difficult of times. Finally, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji turned Bhai Lehna into the second Guru, calling him his Ang, (part) and renaming him into Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji: Bhai Gurdas writes of this glorious moment in time as: "ਥਾਪਿਆ ਲਹਿਣਾ ਜੀਵਦੇ ਗੁਰਿਆਈ ਸਿਰਿ ਛਤ੍ਰ ਫਿਰਾਇਆ। Daapiaa Lahinaa Jeenvaday Guriaaee Siri Chhatr Dhiraaiaa. थापिआ लहिणा जींवदे गुरिआई सिरि छत्र फिराइआ । During his life time he waved the canopy of Guru seat on the head of Lahina(Guru Angad) and merged his own light into him. 5 ਵਾਰਾਂ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰਦਾਸ : ਵਾਰ ੧ ਪਉੜੀ ੪੫ ਪੰ. ੫" (Bhai Gurdas Vaaran Vaar 1 Pauri 45). The disciple was now the one to sit on the throne of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and everyone now saw Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji as the light of Vaheguru himself. This eventually continued till the giving of the Gurgaddi to Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the last form of the Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, during that time many changes happened in society. Examples include, the creation of Khalsa; the sacrifices of the Gurus in their lifetimes with Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji and Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur giving their lives for Sikhi and doing so without any fear. During this time humanity had finally understood basic values that were not possible before the coming of Vaheguru, such as the idea of equality and the need for Langar to help all of humanity, not just who became the future disciples of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In his 8th form, he had given his life to prevent the mass smallpox on the lesser people's. (Guru Sahib is greater than all of humanity). The Guru in future forms had also protected the down-ridden from being persecuted and decided to bring shastars as a way to protect the saints, and made the Dharam Yudh that humanity had longed needed. In present day many people have benefited a lot regardless whether they are Sikhs or not from the coming of Vaheguru on Earth. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru ji ke khalsa wahiguru ji ki fateh i understand and agree that the Akaal Bunga is the head of the Panth but could I have some quotes and itihaas to back this up thanks

Wjkk Wjkf How the panj takhts were created and which Guru Sahiban gave them the name of panj takhts? Wjkk Wjkf

Apologies if someone is wondering why I start topics in this section of the site. I don't consider myself an intellectual in any form; too much of a pendu for that, lol. Anyway, are there any books which look at Sikh history in the 20th century in reference to our experiences in India, preferably 1947 to the 1990's? Basically, how we've been treated by the Indian government as a collective, not just individual experiences on a local level? Are there such books?

History was made last night in NBA draft with Dallas drafting Satnam Singh. He is first Indian born player to ever be drafted in NBA. Source: http://www.nba.com/india/news/the_biggest_leap_yet_for_india_2015_06_26.html Last year, Sim Bhullar (Canadian of Sikh/Punjabi background) made history to be first Punjabi to sign NBA contract and play in NBA. Nice to see our community finding some success in sports (especially sport like basketball and playing in NBA which is arguably one of toughest professional leagues to play in).

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾ॥ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ॥ Sikh History under attack from Hinduvta group in California Sikh history is under attack in California. According to public documents released by the California Department of Education, non-Sikh advocacy organizations are proposing to rewrite Sikh history in the California state curriculum standards. “As a part of our campaign in California to ensure that our history is preserved, we are calling on every Sikh in the United States to join us by signing this petition. There is strength in numbers and our goal is to demonstrate that Sikh Americans feel strongly about preserving and protecting our history. What happens in California sets a precedent for the rest of the nation”, says the Sikh Coalition. Two organizations — the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and a group calling itself California Parents for the Equalization of Educational Materials (CAPEEM) — are proposing to deny that Sikhism is opposed to idol worship and the caste system. Incredibly, they have even attempted to rewrite the history of Guru Nanak, denying that the founder of the Sikh religion “challenged the authority of the Brahmin and the power of the Mughal empire.” Both organizations are also attempting to diminish the unique contributions of Sikhs to California’s history. Instead of lobbying for expanded coverage of specific immigrant groups, these organizations are proposing to erase references to Sikhs and replace them with the generic catchphrase, “South Asian.” The Sikh Coalition said: “through a combination of education and advocacy, we will continue to resist these efforts to distort Sikh history. But we need your help. We urge Sikhs throughout the United States to join the campaign by signing and sharing our petition to California policymakers. We must ensure that Sikhs are recognized as a distinct and independent community — one that respects others but also defends the right to define itself”. Click Here to Sign a Petition to the California Dept. of Education - http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1607/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=11132

wjkk wjkf Can someone please provide me information regarding Laajvard, a demon who had darshan of Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev G Maharaaj? thanks wjkk wjkf

Gorak Nath jee had conquered sleep but it resulted in an organ failure for his body. Sant Baba Mahaharnam Singh jee wanted Sant Baba Nand Singh jee to conquer sleep without any organ failure (which he eventually did). Does anyone know which organ of Gorakh Nath jee failed? Thanks a lot.

wjkk wjkf Can someone please provide me information regarding raj dev lut, a demon who had darshan of Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev G Maharaaj? thanks wjkk wjkf

Do you know about Nankana Sahib saka (massacre)? Why and when did it happen? What was the outcome? Know everything in this infographic produced by Sikh Stage Check out the infographic here - http://on.fb.me/1EuOvpc Brief history about the incident explained in a simple way.

Can I please make a humble request to the Admins: When you decide to completely delete a thread as if it doesn't exist can you please bear in mind what great things are on that thread and how much the sangat can learn from it, before making your decision to delete it ? Its happened many times here but the most recent one is the 'First Sikh Temple in the UK' thread. That thread was jam=packed with fantastic historical facts. I really don't understnd why facts would want to be hidden from the sangat, especially the children because this is where they would come to learn things. Within that thread there was no swearing, no name calling, no castism (apart from the original thread starter).....It was jam=packed with brilliant historical detail. Why on earth would you want brilliant history hidden from people ? This was OUR history....and its a wonderfull history and surely the actions of the taliban in 1990's Afghanistan, where they tried to keep history and knowledge hidden from the people, is reason enough for us not to go down that same route. So please Admins, if you could please re-read that thread you deleted and sit down and think to yourself "Is there actually anything offensive beiing said on here.....or is it just these facts that I want to keep hidden from people". I say this because this second route is a very very dangerous route for our community to go down. It willl spawn 2 or 3 generations of Sikhs scared of learning and knowlede and history and will then take another 2 or 3 generations to rectify that mistake. Please reread that thread, and see what wonderfull history there was on there. Should it really be kept hidden from the Sikh readers of this forum ?

Dhadhi Jathey can teach so much if we just listen... beautiful ensure Sikhi in your family, be Guru duar da vawadar Kookar ....

I recently saw the trailer for this film and was saddened, especially seeing that Sikhs possess no viable film industry. http://www.flicks.co.nz/movie/the-dead-lands/ Ironically if we do ever have a historic Sikh film will it have exacerbated stunts like this:? I am sure that somewhere along the line the Punjab film industry grew confused between culture (Punjabi) and history (not balle balle).

I was asking this question because I heard of a great sant named Bhai Manj who after becoming a Sikh suffered through a lot of problems, but still kept his Sikhi as part of him, Guru Arjun Dev Ji warned Bhai Manj of following this path but he still followed the Guru. Next Bhai Manj falls into a pit, and his(Guru Arjun Dev Ji) Hukam was that the wood not fall, Bhai Manj kept the wood high, and when he was rescued Guru Arjun Dev Ji asked what has being Sikh given you and Bhai Manj replied that he had received the gift of NAAM through the GURU. So this Sakhi goes to prove something very important that modern Sikhs are diluted to hear"All religions aren't equal" if you have something to add, please do.

I was recently researching the history of Nanded (there is not much on it except in the 'Master's Presence') and decided to make a post about it. Here is the result: Hazoor Sahib and the Khalsa. 'Many people became martyrs there; and many houses for fakírs were erected in that place. Amidst them all, they erected a shrine over the Gurú[’s ashes], and, near his burying place, they made many other mausoleums and dharamsálas, and deposited Granth sáhibs in them. The name of that city, which was called Nader, was changed to Abchalnagar. In the present day, many Sikhs go there, and offer their oblations with much devotion. In that tomb, thousands of swords, shields, spears, and quoits, are to be found at all times; moreover the Sikhs, who go there, all worship those arms. The Sikhs believe this, that all those arms were formerly the property of Guru Govind Singh himself.' (1) One might enquire, where does the Khalsa reside in it's pristine form? The answer would inevitably be Hazoor Sahib, Nanded. One of the five sacrosanct religio-political medians, of the Khalsa, Hazoor Sahib possess a magnetic pull for the Khalsa. Devoid of the anglophonic reformism, which plagued it's North Indian counterparts, the shrine still boosts an extensive populace of Nihungs, Udasis and Nirmalas who otherwise have been effaced from their Punjabi strongholds. Despite it's prominence in the contemporary Khalsa's psyche, many adherents are still ignorant of it's multifarious historicity and often mistakenly categorise it as being the melting point between the Khalsa and other anachronistic traditions. The Akali-Nihungs believe it to be the prototypical locus of Akali-Nihung Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The esteemed Nihung pedagogue, Mahant Trliochan Singh Ji holds Nanded to be the original birthplace of the Guru before he manifested the Khalsa. Going by him, one understands that the Guru originally meditated on the divine Akal-Purakh, here, before migrating to the lofty peaks of Hemkunt. Subsequently he merged himself into the supreme consciousness before being dispatched to creation in the form of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. After exhausting Aurangzeb's nefarious crusade against him, the Guru was approached by the latter's son, Bahadur Shah, for assistance. Realizing that the latter was weaker than his incendiary predecessor, the Guru agreed to aid him knowing that Shah's victory would grant the Khalsa a temporary relieve. Thus he set about mediating between the Shah and his foes and/or engaging them in the spirit of an ubiquitous peace. Penultimately he journeyed with his newfound ally to Nanded, where the latter decided to subdue his rebellious sibling Kam Baksh. 'After seeking the Guru’s advice on what to do next in the face of the challenge from his brother, Kam Baksh, Bahadur Shah arranged to take his army towards Hyderabad. The route took them through Nanded on the banks of the River Godavari where they halted for several days. While the emperor moved off to continue his campaign, the Guru remained at Nanded to consider his plans.' (2) Subsequently the Guru decided to reside in Nanded, diverting from Shah who by now claimed the title of undisputed emperor of India. 'Guru Gobind Singh arrived at Nanded with all the majesty of a regional Rajput court. In his entourage were 300 heavily armed Akali-Nihang warriors and a stately retinue bustling with mendicants, poets, scholars, musicians, cooks and scribes. He camped, as he always did while travelling from place to place, about a mile outside the town.' (3) Here, he set about finalising the Sri Sarbloh Granth and preparing Akali-Nihung Binod Singh, and Banda Singh Bahadur, for a political and socially oriented conflict in the Punjab. In 1708 A.D. the Guru consecrated the Adi Guru Granth Sahib Ji as his perpetual successor and journeyed to his final abode. Subsequently a mass portion of his companions left to join Banda, in the Punjab, or seek residence in other sub-continental regions. A handful however elected to stay behind, under the aegis of Akali-Nihung Santokh Singh Ji who, 'raised an unadorned stone platform (‘chabootra’) over the mound' (4) where the Guru had been cremated. In time his fledgling band was swelled by erudite scholars (the Nirmalas), passionate advocates (the Udasis) and other Nihungs. Acknowledging the need of a Pater familias, Santokh Singh in due time commenced with electing a singular heir, to succeed him, a tradition which continues even contemporarily. The deleterious inclinations of the regional Muslim populace was soon answered via a new strategy, construed by the Nihungs. Their counterparts in the Punjab would often elect a battalion, which would then for a specified period camp in the grounds of Hazoor Sahib and safeguard both the shrine and the local Khalsa populace. (5) By 1770 A.D. a weakening Afghani influence, and military under the command of Ahmad Shah Abdali, boosted several new powers onto the sub-continent's political scene. The Sikhs were plausibly the most deviant amongst them, owing to the fact that their political system boosted several varied nation states knit in a loose confederacy. Amandeep Madra, digresses from the popular doxa that this was an advantageous system, instead citing, 'in spite of the Khalsa’s initially successful revolution to overthrow the Mughal government in Punjab, their mission faced a major setback following a split in their ranks.' (6) The Khalsa, in Nanded, had managed to escape the worst of the Islamic offensive against their Punjabi brethren but faced a dire osmosis themselves. It was during the latter period that a new champion emerged. In an era where Sikhs such as Kaura Mal (a Nanakpanthi) rose to great prominence, another unsung hero Chandu Lal himself was beginning to enjoy ascending stardom. The latter was an accountant for the Nizams of Hyderabad, whose territory incorporated Nanded, and became the elect representative of his people. Lal's political strategy was based on a model of evolution, emulation and adoption; thus ensuring his perpetual prominence in state affairs. This was to serve him well in the coming era. Penultimately Sikander Jhah ascended the Hyderabadi throne amongst much strife in 1803 A.D.. With both the British and Marathas vying for dominance in the greater part of India, he faced internal factionalism and rebellion. Realizing that Hyderabad's respite, from Maratha dominance, would swiftly end in the face of his inaction Jhah summoned Lal. Acknowledging his own parochialism, Jhah requested Lal to summon aid from Ranjit Singh. The Sikh emperor of the Punjab. Prior to 1803, two Sikh diplomats had already established an alliance of goodwill with Hyderabad and Jhah wanted to expand upon it. Thus, with his agreement, Chandu Lal deputed an emissary to the Punjab and ask Singh for assistance. The latter however proved more obfuscating than initially thought. He demanded that Jhah grant him expressive permission to build a Sikh centre in Nanded, incorporating Hazoor Sahib, and the monarchy ensure the paramount safety of all Sikh pilgrims. Jhah readily acquiesced fearing the looming rebel threat and Ranjit Singh dispatched a 12,000 strong brigade to assist his forces. Amongst the latter, the Akali-Nihungs rapidly became famed as an effective policing force. Their stern mindedness, and radical loyalty ensured a swift quelling of any mutineers. The consequence of these Nihungs can be garnered from the fact that they were paid 10 Rupees in wage, whereas their Arab and Rulhia counterparts were paid only five and six Rupees respectively. (7) Meanwhile another decisive episode was playing out in Hyderabad. The British eradication of the Marathas, in 1817 A.D., allowed them the opportunity to form coalitions with many newly independent fiefdoms. Dispatching envoys to the Nizam they were delighted to learn that Lal would readily acquiesce to their presence. But the Governor-General's agent, Metcalfe, was not so readily brought to the notion. 'Governor-General Lord Hastings pointed out his pivotal role to Metcalfe: "I feared that, in your dissatisfaction at not finding in ChundooLal so perfect an instrument as you wished, you had overlooked the deep engagement of the Government to uphold him." Metcalfe was not impressed with his government’s compromising position.' (8) Metcalfe's disdain, it seems, stemmed from several facts amongst them being Ranjit Singh's blockading of British expansion in the Punjab. Simultaneously Chandu Lal's employment of the Akali-Nihungs, in the state militia, did not curry him favour in the agent's eyes. Reports from Punjab perpetually reiterated the inflammatory nature of these men and cautioned Europeans from approaching them. Lal employed 2,000 of them in his cavalry, and a further 2,310 as infantry. (9) Metcalfe was plausibly one of the initial individuals to acknowledge Hazoor Sahib as a threat, especially if the British were to engage Ranjit Singh to the north. The Nihungs, despite being alien from Singh, nonetheless possessed a patriotic undercurrent and could effortlessly engage British forces in a costly war which could potentially alienate Hyderabad from the ubiquitous colonial spectrum. The regional British resident, Colonel James Fraser, also identified the Nihungs and the mainstream Sikh populace as a threat although his brief was diluted by his close relations with local Sikh leaders. Whilst Nanded continued to flourish as an ambivalent British bastion, events to the North-West of the sub-continent manifested new and grim realities. On 27th June, 1839 A.D., an ailing Ranjit Singh finally died ending a four decade inhibition on British expansionism. His chosen successor, Kharak Singh proved to be acutely maladroit and several different Princes and factions laid claim to the throne. Overnight, Punjab had become an unrestrained space. An element which the British could not tolerate. Conquered territories, under Sikh rule, commenced expressing malcontent but the British elected to play a waiting game. A strong-willed successor could easily restore the Sikh empire's prominence and prowess but would the latter be cordial to the British? Would he/she allow British penetration towards the North-Western frontier? Whilst these dubieties plagued the British, Fraser concluded his brief and submitted it to the Nizam the following year. Initially landing on Chandu Lal's desk, the latter processed it through the bureaucratic framework. The result? 'Fraser's Sikh report was kept pending for several years.' (10) Lal was fast becoming a British antagonist, but would this new course serve him well in the coming era? Only time would tell. (Continued in the 'Nihungs of Nanded, Hazoor Sahib and the Khalsa Part II'). Sources: (1) Accessed from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=466081230104924&set=a.196886630357720.48096.196229850423398&type=1&theater (2) ibid. (3) Accessed from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=466481280064919&set=a.196886630357720.48096.196229850423398&type=1&theater (4) ibid. (5) Accessed from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=466903703356010&set=a.196886630357720.48096.196229850423398&type=1&theater (6) Accessed from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=467316379981409&set=a.196886630357720.48096.196229850423398&type=1&theater (7) Accessed from: http://www.<banned site filter activated>/htmls/article_samparda_hazoori2.html (8) Accessed from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=468144949898552&set=a.196886630357720.48096.196229850423398&type=1&theater (9) Accessed from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=468538873192493&set=a.196886630357720.48096.196229850423398&type=1&theater (10) Accessed from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=469409606438753&set=a.196886630357720.48096.196229850423398&type=1&theater Original article: http://tisarpanth.blogspot.co.nz/2014/07/in-nanded-we-reside.html?view=magazine Please like Tisarpanth on facebook for more content.