![]() ![]() Ranjit Singh, after studying him for a moment, exclaimed, ‘If there are a few more like you, the freedom of the country is secure’.” ![]() It was then that the Nihang adjusted his arrow, squared his shoulders and said, ‘I can only command’. One of the myths surrounding their bravery goes as: Once Maharaja Ranjit Singh, seated on an elephant, had asked a Nihang why he refused to bow before royal authority. They are revered as the military of the Sikhs, a force to be reckoned with. The Nihangs, also known as the Akalis, have a remarkable history of winning battles even when outnumbered and faced with strong opponents. In 1849, their powerful hold over the community reduced after the fall of the Sikh empire and the British authorities of Punjab appointed a manager ( sarbrah) for the administration of the Golden Temple in 1859. They also took control of the religious affairs of the Sikhs at Akal Bunga (now known as Akal Takht) in Amritsar. They also occupied the prime position in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. They played a major role in defending the Sikhs during the repeated attacks of Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Abdali in the mid-18th century. They were always at the forefront, protecting Gurudwaras, safeguarding the people. Nihangs are intrinsically woven into Sikh history. Horses hold an important place in their lives and are called “ jaan bhai” or “life brother”. Moreover, they use only iron utensils to cook and eat their meals. ![]() They recite the holy Jaapji Sahib Path while the Gatka dance, a martial art form of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev described the Nihangs as ‘the one who is Nirbhau (fearless) and they still live a very traditional life. They hoist a blue Nishan Sahib (flag) atop their shrines. They do not profess any allegiance to an earthly master. Nihangs observe the Khalsa code of conduct in its strictest sense. Guru Gobind Singh was so struck by how good he looked, that he said, “From this dress, the Nihang will be formed”, thus leading to the formation of the Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Laddleeaa Faujaa, or beloved army.Īny person irrespective of caste, creed or religion can be included provided he has unshorn hair as per the Sikh traditions at the time of entering the sect. ![]() When left out, he went back to the palace and put on new, blue clothes and tied a turban (called dastaar) which was as long as his arm, put on a Chakar, kirpan and took a spear, all to impress his brothers and get to play with them. Legend has it that the formation of this group took place when Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were playing and left out his youngest - Baba Fateh Singh. Nihangs are an order of Sikh warriors and are normally recognised by their blue robes and the fact that they always carry a weapon, mostly a sword, which is in addition to the kirpan, and a spear, and wear a blue high turban with the chakram or war-quoit.Īn Indian Express report, quoting Sikh historian Dr Balwant Singh Dhillon says, “Etymologically, the word Nihang in Persian means an alligator, sword and pen but the characteristics of Nihangs seem to stem more from the Sanskrit word nihshank which means without fear, unblemished, pure, carefree and indifferent to worldly gains and comfort.” We take a closer look at who are the Nihangs and their history. The police investigation has revealed that three men, including the two Nihangs got into an argument with Harmanjit outside a hotel near the Golden Temple over the latter chewing tobacco near the holy site.ĬCTV footage also revealed the horrific crime, as people stood by and did nothing. The Nihang Sikhs are making headlines once again after news reports emerged that two Nihang Sikhs were part of a group who hacked a man to death.Īccording to the police, the deceased has been identified as Harmanjit Singh of Chatiwind area of Amritsar. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |