Guru
Hargobind Sahib
Guru Hargobind Sahib was born at village Guru Ki Wadali (district
Amritsar) on Harh Vadi 7th (21 Harh), Samvat 1652 (19th June, 1595).
He was extremely handsome and the only son of Guru Arjan Sahib and
Mata Ganga Ji. He had one daughter Bibi Viro Ji and five sons: Baba
Gurditta Ji, Suraj Mal Ji, Ani Rai Ji, Atal Rai Ji and (Guru) Tegh
Bahadur Ji. Out of these, four sons passed away during the life of
Guru Sahib and the fifth one, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji become Ninth Nanak
in 1664.
Guru Hargobind Sahib succeeded Guru Arjan Sahib in 1606, at the age
of eleven years. After the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib, the moment
was crucial for the Sikhs. Now for the first time, the Sikhs began to
think seriously to counter the high-handedness of the mighty and
theist Muslim Empire. Now a change had taken place in the character of
Sikh Nation on the force of circumstances. Dialectically speaking, it
was the need of the hour. Now the Sikh nation adopts both spiritual
and political ways simultaneously. This policy suited well to all the
social and economic segments of the Sikhs.
Guru Hargobind Sahib wore two swords, one of Spiritual Power - Piri
and the other of Military Power - Miri. Now the Sikh became "Saint-Soldier."
Guru Sahib issued various letters advising the Sikhs to take part in
the military training and martial arts. A Chronicler states that Guru
Sahib kept seven hundred Cavaliers and sixty artillerymen. There was a
band of Pathan mercenaries and Painda Khan Pathan was made its chief.
Riding, hunting, wrestling and many others martial sports were
introduced. And on the other hand the martial songs like 'Vars' were
daily sung by the Dhadd-players in the court of Guru Sahib to inspire
the Sikhs of heroic deeds. Abdul and Natha Mal were given the task in
this respect. The Guru Sahib himself was healthy and strong in body
and mind. He himself learnt the use of different weapons, besides
riding wrestling and hunting.
In due course of action, Guru Sahib errected a wall around Amritsar
city and constructed a small fort named 'Lohgarh' on the out skirts of
the city. Guru Sahib revealed Sri Akal Takht Sahib also known as Akal
Bunga (Tuineless Throned) just in front of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden
Temple) in 1609. This place became the seat of preaching and praying
in due course of time. At this place, Guru Sahib used to gave sermons
to the Sikhs and discussions were held on the problems faced by the
Sikh nation. In this way the Sikhs were encouraged to settle their own
disputes themselves, some martial sports were also performed in the
open courtyard before the Akal Takht. This development further
consolidated the Sikh nation. The Sikhs call Guru Sahib 'Sachcha
Patshah' (True Emperor) and the Sikh Nation followed the judgments or
decisions taken on Sri Akal Takht Sahib enthusiastically.
The emperor Jahangir did not tolerated this new policy of Guru Sahib
and subsequently ordered to imprison him in the Gwalior Fort. Though
the various reasons are also ascribed for the detention of Guru Sahib
but the most suitable one seems to be that the Emperor Jahangir was
falsely alarmed (about the military preparations by the Guru Sahib and
Sikhs) by the same elements; enemies of the Sikh Nation, who were
earlier responsible for the execution of Guru Arjan Sahib. After
receiving summons from Emperor Jahangir, Guru Sahib proceeded towards
Delhi before making serious consultations about rest, with all the
leading Sikh personalities including Mata Ganga Ji, Baba Budha Ji,
Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Jetha Ji and Bhai Sahlo Ji. Guru Sahib appeared
before the Emperor Jahangir and was received by the latter with due
respect. A debate on Sikh religion and Sikh doctrines held between
Guru Sahib and Jahangir (having pre-tempered mind against Guru Sahib)
but the emperor remained unimpressed and ordered for the imprisonment
of Guru Sahib at Gwalior Fort. Guru Sahib was detained in the fort
upto three years i.e. from 1609 to 1612. (There are divergent views
regarding the detention period of Guru Sahib in the Gwalior Fort
prison, but the most acceptable one seems to be three years from 1609
to 1612.)
Sain Mian Mir and Wazir Khan (Governor of Lahore) approached Emperor
Jahangir on behalf of Guru Sahib and secured the releasing orders.
When Guru Sahib met Jahangir immediately after his release, he
insisted upon Jahangir for the release of other fifty-two Hindu
Princes on his personal surety (These Princes were said to be the
rebellious ones). The request was obliged and all the prisoners were
released in 1612. Then the title of "Bandi Chhor Baba" was
given to Guru Sahib and is still remembered by this name. Guru Sahib
reached Amritsar on the occasion of Diwali. This was a big occasion
for the Sikhs. It is said that Baba Budha Ji littered the earthen
lamps throughout the Amritsar city. The Sikhs celebrated this occasion
enthusiastically. From this day the Sikh Nation began to celebrate
Dewali festival as " Bandi Chhor Diwas " also.
Now the attitude of Jahangir and his empire towards Guru Sahib
changed considerably and remained favorable and friendly till the
death of Jahangir. It was the outcome of the noble interceding by the
religious, secular and political personalities like Sain Mian Mir Ji,
Nizam-ud-Din and the Governor of Lahore, Wazir Khan. Shortly after the
release of Guru Sahib, the angry Sikhs overtook Chandu Shah (the main
brain behind the execution of Guru Arjan Sahib). They preceded him
through the streets of Lahore. Chandu, like a mad dog, was pelted with
stones, filth, and abuses thus put to death. A chronicle further
states that "Death came to him as a relief and his body was
thrown into the river Ravi."
Shortly after the release from the Gwalior Fort and having cordial
relations with the state, Guru sahib started to re-consolidate the
Sikh Nation. He modified the concept of Charanamrit, (system of
initiating people into the fold of Sikhism, which was being exploited
by the selfish and corrupt Masands according to their own interests,
when Guru Sahib was in Gwalior prison). He tried his best to dissuade
Meharban (son of Pirthi Chand) from harbouring hostile designs against
Sikhs and Sikhism.
Guru Sahib undertook Dharam Parchar tours to spead Sikhism. He
started from Amritsar and covered thousand miles in India. In Punjab
he visited Kartarpur and made it as headquarter of Sikh Nation in
Doaba. He also visited several adjoining villages like Bara Pir,
Mukerian and laid the foundation stone of Sri Hagobindpur town (the
original name of this town was Gobindpura) near the river Beas in
1621. Guru Sahib also covered the 'Malwa' region of Punjab where the
cult of Hindu Goddess and "Sakhi Sarwar" was fascination the
lowly and downtrodden simple living people. Guru Sahib admitted the
people of the villages: Darauli, Mehraj, Damru, Dabwali, Sidhwan,
Sidhar, Lopo, Zeera, Katra and Gillan in the Sikhism. In other words
the entire Malwa region embraced Sikhism and went a long way in
integrating the Sikh Nation. This was a major achievement by Guru
Hargobind Sahib.
Guru Hargobind Sahib visited an old Sikh religious parching centre
Nanakmata (Gorakhmata) in the present Pili Bhit district of U.P. Guru
Nanak Sahib established it. It is said that some Hindu Yogis ousted
Almast Ji, (a pious Sikh preacher, deputed by Guru Hargobind Sahib to
spread Sikhism) from the gurdwara and desecrated the place by cutting
the holy and historical Peepal tree, under which earlier Guru Nanak
Sahib held discussions with the different sects of Jogis.
Guru Sahib reached Nanakmata along with some saint-soldiers. Seeing
Guru Sahib on the scene, the Yogis fled away and never came back or
interfered in the religious affairs of Almast Ji. Guru Sahib returned
Amritsar via Darauli. Guru Sahib also held a detailed discussion on
the spiritual and relious with a marathe Saint Ram Das Samrath, on the
spiritual and religious issues in a very cordial atmosphere at
Srinagar (Garhwal).
Guru Sahib visited Kashmir in 1620. Some chronicles state that Guru
Sahib went there at the invitation of emperor Jahangir, because his
personal physician's advice for a natural climate and atmospheric
change. It is also stated that Jahangir and his party paid a visit to
Goindwal Sahib and reached Amritsar via Taran Taran. The emperor
offered financial assistance for the construction of Sri Akal Takht
Sahib, but Guru Sahib declined the offer politely.
On the other hand some Sikh source term the visit to Kashmir as a
part of Guru Sahib's preaching campaign. Guru Hargobind Sahib
patronized one Sewa Das for preaching Sikhism. He and his mother Bhag
Bhari served Guru Sahib with much zeal and devotion. Guru Sahib held a
short meeting with his many devoted Sikhs and a preacher Kattu Shah (a
converted Mohammedan). Guru Sahib visited Sialkot, Wazirabad, Mirpur,
Bhimbar Rehran, Baramula, Uri and Muzafrabad. He appointed Bhai Garhia
Ji to preach the Sikh religion. The large number of Kashmiris, both
Hindus and Muslims embraced Sikhism due to the devoted and committed
preaching by Guru Sahib. He married Bibi Marwahi Ji (Mata Mahadevi
Ji), the daughter of a devoted Sikh couple Daya Ram Ji and Bhagan Ji
at village Mandiali.
Guru Sahib returned home via Baramula and proceeded further to Gujarat
where he met Saint Shah Daulla who appreciated Guru Sahib spiritual
status and mode of living with splendor. Guru Sahib also visited Rai
Bhoe-di-Talwandi (the birth place of Guru Nanak Sahib), Mange and
Madai in Lahore district. He also visted Kurukshetra and established
there a Sikh preaching centre (Now in Haryana State).
Guru Sahib spent the last decade of his life (from 1635 to 1644) at
Kiratpur Sahib, which is situated in the hill state of Hadur
(Nalagarh), founded by Baba Gurditta Ji (Guru's son). It is said that
Raja Tara Chand donated land for this purpose. Guru Sahib devoted his
much time in reorganizing the Sikh Nation and updating the preaching
centres by establishing a new system called Dhunas. Baba Gurditta Ji
was made the incharge of religious affairs and he further appointed
four head preachers area vice: Almast Ji, Phaul Ji, Gonda Ji and Baba
Hansa Ji. Guru Sahib made reconciliation with Udasi sect headed by
Baba Sri Chand Ji. Guru Sahib's religious tours and preaching made the
Sikhism more popular in different parts of India.
On the other hand Guru Sahib did not abandoned the mission of
militarizing the Sikhs. Now for the first time in the Indian history
since the invasion of Muslims, the Sikh Nation, under the supreme
command of Guru Hargobind Sahib, prepared for the armed resistance.
The tyranny and injustice of the Muslim theocratic state was opposed.
This was only an imperative measure of defense. Guru Sahib converted
the peaceful sect into a warlike community, ready to defend their
interests with the swords and it was the need of the hour.
After the death of emperor Jahangir the policy matter of the new
young emperor Shah Jahan changed considerably. The emperor took the
notice of new converts to Sikhism from the Muslims. He ordered to
destroy all the temples and Gurdwaras, which were under construction.
The sacred Baoli of Guru Arjan Sahib in Dabbi Babar, Lahore (now in
Pakistan) was desecrated and converted into a mosque. (Later Maharaja
RanJit Singh re-excavated and re-established this Baoli. Again it was
destroyed in 1947, by the unruly and fanatic Muslims mob). On the
other hand the influence of Naqashbandis (a radical and fundamentalist
order of the Muslim's clergy).
In 1629 Mukhlis Khan was made the Governor to Lahore. He and Qazi
Rustam Khan were best friends. According to some historical accounts
Kaulan(Mata), a Hindu lady , as it is also signified to by the name
Kaulan, was forcibly abducted by the Qazi Rustam Khan in her childhood
and was made a maid servant . She was treated like a slave .At the
young age; she came under the influence of the teachings of Sain Mian
Mir Ji. She also began to take part in the religious sittings of Guru
Sahib and became an ardent and pious follower of Guru Sahib.
On noticing this attitude of Kaulan Ji, Qazi became harsher towards
her .How a Qazi, an extreme fanatic personality; tolerate her deep and
devotional interest in Sikh religion? Because of Qazi's harsh
treatment she sought the help of Mian Mir Ji, who deputed his disciple
Abdullah (Abdul Yar Khan) to escort Kaulan Ji safely to Amritsar,
Where she was treated kindly by Guru Sahib and provided her a safe and
separate lodging near a pond, (later it was converted into a tank by
Guru Sahib and named it Kaulsar, after the name of Kaulan Ji). She was
a pious disciple of Guru Sahib and an ardent follower of Sikhism. She
began to arrange religious congregations on Sikhism and Gurbani, at
her residence. Within a short span of time she became much popular
among the Sikh masses. Thus she won the sympathy of the Sikhs who
began to address her as Mata Kaulan Ji. She breathed her last on 4th
July 1629 at Kartarpur (Jalandhar) while serving for the Sikh Nation.
When Shah Jahan succeeded the throne after the death of his father
Jahangir, Qazi Rustam Khan lodged a complaint with the new emperor,
who was incensed earlier by the fanatic Muslims and Hindus against the
Sikh Nation and Guru Sahib. He obliged the complaint and revised his
policy matter; earlier adopted by his father Jahangir towards Guru
Sahib.The possible conflict out of charged circumstances was
inevitable. Guru Sahib fought five battles during the regime of
emperor Shah Jahan, and all were won. A small conflict of Rohilla near
Sri Hargobindpur was fought in 1621. It was the first armed clash
between the Faujdar of Jalandhar and Hargobind Sahib.
Near the site of new town Hargobindpur, Bhagwan Das, a Khatri 'Kirar'
contemplated his right of ownership on the land and with the help of
some hired ruffians forcibly tried to dislodge the Sikhs, who were
engaged in developing the new township. In the ensuing small clash
Bhagwan Das and his most hired ruffians were killed. After this
incident, Rattan Chand (son of Bhagwan Das) and Karam Chand (son of
Chandu Mal) incensed the Faujdar of Jalandhar against Guru Sahib.
Abdulla Khan the Faujdar of Jalandhar dispatched ten thousand
soldiers. They were intercepted by the mighty and devoted Sikh
Saint-Soldiers at Rohilla Ghat on the bank of the river Beas. The
Mughal army met a crushing defeat by the hands of, but there was an
immense loss of lives and material on the both sides. Besides Rattan
Chand and Karam Chand, the Faujdar of Jalandhar, Abdullah Khan his two
sons and five commanders were killed. Guru Sahib sacrificed Saint
Soldiers like Mathura Bhat Ji (son of Baba Bhikha Ji), Bhai Nanu Ji,
Bhai Saktu Ji, Bhai Jattu Ji, Bhai Pirana Ji, Bhai Paras Ram Ji, Bhai
Jagannath Ji and Bhai Kalyana Ji.
The second and the most serious conflict between Guru Sahib and the
Mughal forces were fought in April 1634. It started with the lifting
of a royal hawk of the imperial army of Shah Jahan by the Sikhs, who
incidentally were also hunting in the same territory aroud Gumtala
Village near Amritsar. This led to a small violent conflict between
the two parties. Guru Hargobind Sahib was not directly involved in his
clash.
This incident enraged the emperor, Shah Jahan. He deputed Mukhils
Khan with, 7,000 soldiers "to teach the lesson" to Guru
Hargobind Sahib. The mini fortress of Lohgarh was attacked. The Sikhs
though small in number, gave a stiff resistance. Guru Sahib and the
whole family had to hurriedly move to Chabal, to solemnize the
marriage of Bibi Veero Ji (the daughter of Guru Hargobind Sahib). The
attackers had an upper hand over the Sikhs on the first day of the
battle. They looted and plundered all the property and holy residence
of Guru Sahib. On the next morning the Sikhs, after consolidating
their position, retaliated and made a vigorous attack on the sleeping
Mughal forces. Mukhlis Khan, the commander and most of his leading
lieutenants were killed. Guru Sahib also suffered a heavy loss of life
and property. This was the first armed clash between the Mughals and
the Sikhs.
After this battle, Guru Hargobind Sahib retired to the semi desert
wastelands of Bhatinda. (While leaving Amritsar for the Malwa region,
Guru Sahib took Guru Granth Sahib with him but after meeting a halt
for sometimes at Daroli he sent Guru Granth Sahib to Kartarpur along
with the family). Soon after this, a tussle between Guru Sahib and
Subedar of Lahore began over the two horses, which were forcibly
snatched and taken into custody by the Mughal officials from the two
devotees of Guru Sahib, at Lahore. This incident was informed to Guru
Sahib. Bhai Bidhi Chand a daring disciple recovered the horses one by
one from the royal stable. This dare devil act was considered an open
thereat to the authority of the Mughal Empire. The imperial forces
(22000 troops) were dispatched towards the Lakhi Jungle under the
command of Qammar Beg and Lalla Beg. Guru Hargobind Sahib had only
three to four thousand warriors. The Sikh forces under the command of
Rai Jodh and Kirt Bhatt camped near a water reservoir. The
interception took place near Mehraj and Lahira villages. According to
some chronicle (on 16th December 1634) the Sikhs waged a guerilla
attack on Mughal forces at night, which resulted heavy causalities in
the Mughal camp. The Sikhs routed and defeated the enemy. Guru Sahib
lost 1200 Saint Soldiers including Kirt Bhatt Ji and Bhai Jetha Ji. On
the other side Sameer Beg and his two sons Shams Beg and Qasim Beg
were also killed. The Mughal forces fled to Lahore leaving behind the
dead and wounded. The Sikhs did not intercept the fleecing enemy. Guru
Sahib built a tank called Gurusar commemorating the victory. Near a
village Nathane Guru Sahib faced another encounter with the Mughal
forces but remained victorious.
After these successful encounters Guru Sahib retired at Kartarpur
(Jalandhar) along with his warriors. Painda Khan Pathan a commander in
Guru's army and childhood friend, deserted him later and joined the
Mughal camp after some altercation with the Sikhs and Guru Sahib on
some petty issues. He and Kala Khan (brother of slain Mukhlis Khan),
along with imperial army made an attack on Guru Sahib at Kartarpur on
26th April 1635. The Sikhs having a nominal strength of 5000, fought
with rare courage and velour. Teg Bahadar Ji (Guru), Baba Gurditta Ji
and Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji showed great feasts of bravery. Painda Khan
and Kala Khan were killed. Several Sikh Saint Soldiers were also
martyred.
After the battle of Kartarpur, Guru Sahib moved onwards Kiratpur
Sahib, which was under the rule of Raja Tara Chand (a hill state
chief). Again Guru Sahib's entourage was suddenly ambushed by a
contingent of royal forces under the command of Ahmed Khan in the
village Palahi near Phagwara town on 29th April 1635. It caused
considerable loss on the Guru's soldiers. Bhai Dasa Ji and Bhai Sohela
Ji (sons of Ballu Bhat, and grandsons of Mula Bhat) sacrificed their
lives. Guru Sahib crossed the Sutlej River and reached Kiratpur Sahib
where he established another spiritual and preaching center of the
Sikh Nation. Here, Guru Sahib spent ten years of his life and breathed
his last on Chet Sudhi 5th (6th Chet Samvat 1701) 28th February 1644
(some chronicle record the date as 3rd March, 1644). It is said that
when Guru's body was placed on fire, and as the flames rose high, a
large number of Sikhs tried to burn themselves on the funeral pier.
Har Rai Sahib (Guru) dissuaded them, but earlier two had jumped into
the pier and were consumed by the fire. Before his death Guru Sahib
nominated his grandson Har Rai Sahib (The second son of Baba Gurditta
Ji) as his successor (Seventh Nanak).
