| (191) Question:- |
When and who installed Guru Gobind Singh on the throne? |
| Answer:- |
Bhai Ram Koir installed Guru Gobind Singh on the throne in November 1675. As per the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, the Guru was formally installed Guru on 29th March 1676 (Baisakhi day). Bhai Koir was the great-grandson of Baba Budha Ji. After capitation, he was renamed Gurbax Singh.
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| (192) Question:- |
Guru Ji was only 9 years old when he acquired the throne, who guided him initially? |
| Answer:- |
His maternal uncle Kripal Chand guided him initially. |
| (193) Question:- |
What initial steps were taken by Guru Gobind Singh to fight against the tyranny of the Mughal Empire? |
| Answer:- |
Guru Gobind Singh ordered Sikhs to equip themselves with arms for their own security. He himself acquired expertise in different warfare skills like —skill in sword, skill in shooting, arrows, horse riding, swimming etc. He also used to go for hunting. Exercise was daily routine for all Sikhs. Fortification was started. One timbal, known as Ranjit Timbal (Ranjit Nagara) was made, which was played at the time of going for hunting. A small army was ready with in a very short time. On the advice of Peer Budhu Shah of Sadhora, Guru Ji included 500 Pathans abandoned by Aurangzeb, in his army. |
| (194) Question:- |
Why is Guru Gobind Singh called as "Kalgi Wale" and "Bazaan Wale"? |
| Answer:- |
Guru Ji used to dress in royal splendor. As a part of his dress, he used to have a plume on his turban. That is why he is remembered as the wearer of a Kalgi. Since he was fond of martial sports including hunting, he reared many species of falcons and often got them trained for their use in hunting expeditions. A falcon or a hawk is a bird of prey who has a hooked bill for tearing flesh with the help of his claws.
In Punjabi, it is known as Baaz. It is said that the Tenth Guru Was in possession of White hawk (Baaz). That is why he is also remembered as "Chitiaan Bazaan Wale" (The possessor of a white hawk). |
| (195) Question:- |
How Guru Gobind Singh managed the spiritual aspect after getting on to the throne? |
| Answer:- |
Guru Gobind Singh started preparation to fight against tyranny but he never allowed any sort of laxity in religious work. The people were inspired to follow the path of Guru Nanak during the Dewan organized twice daily. Incessant Guru Ka Langar was served. Slowly public started coming to Guru ji and Guru's fame expanded in and around Anandpur Sahib.
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| (196) Question:- |
Who were the hill rulers? What enmity did they have with the Guru? |
| Answer:- |
Guru Tegh Bahadur had purchased a land surrounded by Shivalik hills and founded a city there upon which in due course of time came to be called Anandpur Sahib. The entire area of Shivalik hills was divided into 22 parts and each part was ruled by a separate ruler. All these 22 rulers were fighting among themselves on petty differences. As the Guru had different views on various issues and did not believe in old customs, rituals, and superstitions, the hill rulers became apprehensive of his activities. When the Guru started preparing his Sikhs for martial skills, the jealousy of the rulers became all the more profound. The prominent hill rulers were Bhim Chand of Bilaspur, Fateh Chand of Srinagar, and Medni Parkash of Nahan. Bhim Chand was the leading rival of the Guru. He started instigating other rulers and collected a combined force-for an attack on the Guru.
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| (197) Question:- |
Describe the period of stay of the Guru at Paonta Sahib. |
| Answer:- |
During his stay at Paonta, Guru Gobind Singh, inspired by the natural beauty of the place, spent most of his time in literary pursuit He studied the languages and the ancient scriptures. Much of his creative literary work was also done at this place. Whatever spare time was available to him, he practiced such martial exercises like that of riding, swimming and archery. He also encouraged his own persons to be adept in such martial arts. When the neighbouring hill rulers came to know of these activities of the Guru, they became jealous and started collecting against the Guru.
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| (198) Question:- |
Which was the first battle fought by the Guru? What was its result? |
| Answer:- |
When the Guru was at Paonta, his influence increased considerably. Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur did not like his increasing influence and apprehending the increase in his power, he collected a force of other rulers and launched a combined attack on the Guru. When the Guru came to know of the same, he proceeded further and at a place called Bhangani, 10 kms. north-east of Paonta, a battle took place between the Guru's forces and the combined forces of the hill rulers. The Pathans and certain Sadhus who had joined the Guru's army at an earlier occasion deserted him before the battle started. However, the genuine soldiers on the side of the Guru fought vigorously and ultimately brought victory for the Guru. The Guru has described this battle in detail in his autobiographical work "Bachitra Natak". Those who became martyrs in this battle included the sons of Peer Buddhu Shah and Sangho Shah, the son of (Bibi Viro Ji) the sister of the Guru's father.
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| (199) Question:- |
Who was Peer Buddhu Shah? Describe his relations with the Guru. |
| Answer:- |
Peer Buddhu Shah was a very popular Peer (a Muslim Divine) of Sadhora. He had a great attachment to the house of the Guru. When the Guru started constituting his army, Peer Buddhu Shah provided him 500 Pathans who were earlier the soldiers in the royal force. However, when at the battle of Bhangaani, these Pathans deserted the Guru, the Peer directed his sons and followers to fight on the side of the Guru. It is believed that some of the Peer's persons became martyrs including his two sons namely Ashraf and Mohammad Shah. But, this fact did not belittle the Peer's devotion for the Guru. Once, wheri the Guru asked the Peer to demand anything from him, the Peer in his humility replied that if the Guru wanted to give him something, he should give him his comb with few hairs attached to it. The Guru gave him that comb and also a sword. The Peer was executed by Usman Khan on the charge of helping the Guru. Later on Peer's death was avenged by Bandha Bahadur in 1709 when Sadhora was captured and Usman Khan was killed. The two relics of the Guru are now lying at the family palace of Raja of Nabha.
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| (200) Question:- |
How did the Guru spend his period immediately after the battle of Bhangaani? |
| Answer:- |
After the battle of Bhangani, which was fought on 18th September, 1688, the Guru left Paonta and came back to Anandpur. The Guru was aware of the fact that hill rulers will not desist from further attacks on his territory. He was also conscious of the fact that the imperial Government at Delhi will also continue with its repressing policy. Thus, he continued to strenghten his position by training his persons in martial exercises. In addition, he fortified Anandpur Sahib and got erected forts at various places. The 4 forts which came up in due course of time at Anandpur were named as Anandgarh, Keshgarh, Lohgarh and Fatehgarh.
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