| (1) Question:- |
What is meant by Sikh Heritage & Culture? Is it different from Punjabi Heritage & Culture? |
| Answer:- |
Heritage means what is passed down from the past to the coming generation. It means that whatever comes are belongs to won by reasons of his/her birth are particular community, country or nation is Heritage to him/her. Culture is a very wide term and it includes all kinds of customs, traditions, skills, languages and way of living of a particular community or country. Thus, culture is a part of Heritage. When we speak of Sikh culture and heritage, it is a part of Punjabi culture and heritage which is older than the Sikh culture and heritage. For example, if valour is a Sikh trait, it was the characteristic of Punjabis ever before the advent of Sikh religion. Porus was also from Punjab, who had displayed his bravery even when he lost his empire to Alexander. So, whatever was the heritage and culture of Punjabis became the heritage and culture of Sikhs also. But, the period of Guru Sahiban in Punjab brought revolutionary changes in all respects, particularly in the field of religion, which was stated to be the simple religion of humanity with love for one God, the creator of all and his creation. This concept of oneness of God and universal love and brotherhood brought many changes in social and political spheres also. S. Pooran Singh, the great Sikh scholar of the last century had rightly said that Punjab lived in the name of Guru Sahiban. The influence of the Gurus and other same poets whose competitions are there in Sri Guru Granth Sahib influenced the way of living of the people. After that whatever the Sikhs created in Arts, architecture, literature and adopted for living their life became Sikh culture & heritage. We have a number of forts, palaces, havelis and other buildings related to Sikh history and all of them are now a part of Sikh heritage and culture. It is a matter of regret that due to partition of the country and our own callous approach we have lost much of our heritage and culture. For example, many of the quilas built by the Gurus and thereafter are now in a bad shape as the same have not been taken care of as valuable heritage. |
| (2) Question:- |
Briefly mention about our heritage in Pakistan. |
| Answer:- |
Some of the researchers who have visited our heritage sites in Pakistan have written about the same for our information. S. Amandeep Singh, a Sikh scholar from Singapore has written two books on this aspect with a view to emphasize that our rich heritage in Pakistan is being lost. Similarly, Bobby Singh Bansal, a British Sikh visited Pakistan to explore the lost heritage of Sikhs. He had been travelling from Jamrud to Shabqadar documenting forts, historical sites and exploring Sikh heritage of Khyber – Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as North West Frontier Province). He believes that Khyber – Pakhtunkhwa Sikh Heritage Sites have the potential to increase the tourism many times more. He further holds that 90% of Sikh heritage sites are located in Pakistan, particularly, of the period of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh who ruled over the entire religion between Hazara to Afghanistan. S. Hari Singh Naluwa was the controller of these areas. There were 78 Kacha forts built in the area including Michni Bara, Shabqadar, Jamrud and Kishan Bhar. One of the forts in Haripur District was named after Hari Singh Nalwa as it was built by him in 1822. The Government in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provice has now decided to convert this fort into a museum. On the banks of river Kabul, near the Pir Sabak Village, lies the tomb of Samadhi of Bhai Phoola Singh – an Akali Sikh Leader who died in the battle of Nowshera in 1823.
Next to the tomb is a building commemorating the Akali leaders – both are in ruins. Bansal said Sikhs had also built forts in Akora Khattak, Jehangira and Khairabad in Nowshera. “Sardar Lehna Singh Sandhiwalia built the fort in Akora Khattak and while the main structure is there, it has been partially destroyed,” he said, “The Bannu Fort is also an important site in the province. It used to be called Duleep Ghar Fort after the last Sikh ruler of Punjab and Ranjeet Singh’s youngest son, Maharaja Duleep Singh.” He added that during the British Raj it used to be called Edwardes Fort. While talking about the Sikh community in K-P, Bansal said that they probably decided to stay back because of a language barrier. He added that unlike the Punjabi-speaking Sikhs who settled across the border, the Pashto-speaking Sikhs would have found it difficult. |
| (3) Question:- |
Briefly describe Govind Garh Fort at Amrtisar and Quila Mubarak in Patiala. |
| Answer:- |
One famous fort known as Gobindgarh Fort was constructed by S. Gujhar Singh of Bhangian Misal and was originally called Bhangian Da Qila. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh had renovated and expanded the qila to make it magnificent and named it after the 10th Guru. After the Sikh Empire, the British wanted to demolish it, but it was not demolished and remained in neglected state. Later on it was used for settling refugees and after the partition, the Indian Army used it. It is only in 2017 that the Gobindgarh Fort was restored and thrown open to public. Now it is one of the attractions in Amritsar as it has a Replica of the great and historic cannon ‘Zam Zama’. Made on the orders of Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Andali, it was used in the Third Battle of Panipat, against the Marathas in 1761 CE. The battle broke the Maratha power over North India and gave Afghans control over Punjab. In 1762 CE, the Bhangi Chief had captured this cannon near Lahore, brought it to Amritsar and called it ‘Bhangion Di Tope’. It was a prized possession of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. However, it was damaged in battle and taken back from Amritsar to Lahore in 1818 CE, where it can still be seen today. A close reproduction of it can be seen in Gobindgarh. Also as attraction at the Gobindgarh Fort are the four bastions at four cardinals of points of the fort and the Toshakhana – the place where the Kohinoor diamond was placed.
Another qila known as Qila Mubarak built by Maharaja Ala Singh in 1764 is now being used by the government as a small museum showcasing the arms and armours used by the kings through the ages. There is one Qila Mubarak at Nabha also which is now a tourist attraction having the relics of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji along with religious manuscripts and Guru’s belongings. Similarly, old Moti Bagh Qila in Patiala is now being used for museum, taxidermy gallery at North Zone Cultural Centre. Bahadurgarh Fort, six kms. away from Patiala city was built by Nawab Saif Khan in 1658 AD, and was renovated in 1837 by Maharaja Karam Singh who named it after the 9th Guru. This fort now encloses a Gurdwara and a mosque. The fort is surrounded by two rounded walls and a moat. There is one Qila at Phillaur, which was used by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh for his army and it presently houses Punjab Police Academy Campus. |
| (4) Question:- |
It is stated that Punjab was a prosperous state and people used to live in big havelis. The rulers of princely states had also built beautiful palaces. What is there present position? |
| Answer:- |
It is true that a number of palaces and havelis were constructed by the Sikh elite. Most of the havelis were there in the prosperous parts of Punjab which have now become part of Pakistan. Whereas, the havelis were used as residence by the prominent and prosperous Sikhs, the palaces were used by the Sikh rulers of different states in Punjab. Regarding havelis, S. Amardeep Singh has stated that most of the havelis in Pakistan have become ruins. So far palaces are concerned, after the merger of princely states with Indian Union, most of these palaces have been converted into national memorials. For example, Jagatjeet Palace, Kapurthala and the Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala have been converted into Sainik School and National Institute of Sports. Some others are being used as government offices and as such the same have lost their glory and heritage value. |
| (5) Question:- |
Museums are the keepers of our heritage. What is the position of Sikh heritage museums? |
| Answer:- |
There are a number museums in Punjab which shed considerable light on the heritage aspect. These include Central Sikh Museum at Amritsar, Company Bagh Museum at Amritsar, Shaheed-e-Azam Museum at Jalandhar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum at Ludhiana and Virasat-e-Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib. The last Museum has been specially designed to show case the Sikh history of 500 years. It was started on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of the Khalsa. Similarly, there are Sikh Museums outside Punjab, which include Bhai Mati Das Museum in Delhi, which was established in 2001. In all the Museums, mainly setup by Sikh organisations, we have portraits of Sikh personalities and Sikh events, focussing upon scenes of battles and martyrdoms. There are some paintings narrating episodes from Sikh history. Earlier, there used to be main emphasis on battles fought during the period of Sikh Gurus and Sikh rulers including that of the Generals of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, during the last 2-3 decade, the other important battles depicting the Sikh bravery have also been highlighted. These battles include the battle of Saragarhi and such battles like that of Gallipoli and Ypres fought during first and second World War. The events relating to Sikh contribution for the independence of the country have also started appearing in various museums and galleries in the paintings and photographs. In this direction, apart from the Sikh religious organisations as well as the Punjab Government, the efforts made by the Punjab and Sind Bank are highly appreciable. This bank commissioned paintings for its annual calendars on Sikh history for a period of three decades, from the 1970s. These calendars enjoy tremendous popularity among the Sikh community and became templates for visual narration of the Sikh past. |
| (6) Question:- |
In the present age of technology some multimedia museums have been made to highlight the Sikh heritage. Mention about such museums. |
| Answer:- |
There are three multimedia museums, the two setup by Late S. Raghbir Singh Bains of Canada and one setup at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib by S. Vikramjit Singh Sahni. The first museum setup at Khadur Sahib at the instance of Baba Sewa Singh has been described by Dr. Bains as “A significant resource treasure for students, teachers, preachers, scholars and common people and a storehouse of educational and historical information about how people and societies behaved through ages”. Second museum setup at Model Town Gurdwara, Jalandhar is also a wonderful addition. In both the museums, there are wonderful paintings depicting Sikh history about which you can know by audio narration by a robot. Further, there are touch screen computers that allow you to learn about Sikh music, art and culture, and history in an interactive way. Want to listen to a particular Gurbani Kirtan (rendering of scriptures) or see a particular scene of history replayed. The Bangla Sahib Museum journey starts with a portrait of Baba Baghel Singh, followed by a painting depicting the scene of Sikh forces, armed with their swords, capturing the Red Fort under the leadership of Singh in 1783. Opposite this is an installation depicting the Khanda, the religious symbol of Sikhs whose literal meaning is a double-edged sword, with text describing its significance. There is a replica of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s throne, a simple circular chair with velvet cushions. It shows how he led his life like a common man and did not believe in extravagance. Each wall with its paintings tells stories and gives a peep into Sikh history. Multimedia at Toronto is situated at Ontario Khalsa Darbar in Missi Ssauga. Started on 8th Oct. 2010, it is loaded with 60000 pages of text and tons of audio, video, animation and graphics, the touch-screen museum is a journey of more than 400 hours. There are four LCD screens and everything comes on them just by push off buttons. The new-age museum takes a digital swing through the lives, teachings and sacrifices of Sikh Gurus, the code of conduct, and historic Sikh shrines. It also offers interactive games and quizzes and commentaries on the universal message of Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. “But more than anything else, this museum is our tribute to Canada and its multiculturalism. This is a country rooted in diversity and respect for every belief. A visit here will help people understand how Sikh philosophy fits in with Canadian multiculturalism. |
| (7) Question:- |
What are the other items that shed light on our heritage? |
| Answer:- |
Apart from buildings, there are coins, stamps and manuscripts which commemorates our heritage. A number of Sikh coins including commemorative coins issued on different occasions can be seen in different museums and are also available with some collectors. Recently, when 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji observed, commemorative coins were issued by the SGPC as well as Government of India. Nepal Government had also issued a coin on this occasion. Similarly, commemorative stamps have also been released on various occasions in different countries and by certain organizations. Stamps relating to Sikh religion have been issued in memory of Sikh personalities places and events. Various Gurdwaras like Sri Harimandar Sahib are there on the stamps. Similarly personalities like Bhai Veer Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Bhagat Singh and so on also find a place on these stamps. Sikhs in armed forces and sports etc. also constitute a subject for the stamps (For details please refer to the book “Sikh Heritage through Stamps”). When Israel Government issued last year a stamp showing Sikh soldier the whole world came to know about their courage shown by them for protecting Haifa during world war 1. Major Dalpat Singh is known as Hero of Haifa. These stamps are mainly available with the stamp collectors. For example, S. Surinder Singh of New Delhi is one such stamp collector, who can be contacted on phone no. +91-9971008151, Email : singhstylestudio@gmail.com.
When we talk of Sikh calligraphy, we cover all such hand written documents including Beers of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth which are a valuable part of Sikh heritage. Priceless masterpieces of Sikh calligraphy are available at different places, which include Hukamnamas, manuscripts, and other artefacts. The original Hukamnamas (written orders of the Gurus) are kept at some Gurdwaras, which find a mention in the relevant chapter. A variety of manuscripts from Janamsakhi’s illustrated biographies of Guru Nanak to Gutkas, books of daily prayers to texts of religious commentary by scholars display the diversity of artistic styles of Sikh calligraphy that once flourished. The artefacts of Sikh written words can be seen on the coins or on the cielings or walls of our shrines such as Sri Harimandar Sahib, Amritsar and Baba Atal Ji at Amritsar. The most important items of calligraphy are our handwritten Beers of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth. The same are lying in certain Gurdwaras and also with certain individuals or families in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh or just possible that with some families who have shifted from these countries to other countries of the world. A lot of effort is required to discover and preserve the same. |
| (8) Question:- |
The Britishers are stated to have taken away various heritage items relating to Sikh religion. Make a brief mention about them. |
| Answer:- |
A bulk of them as removed by the Britishers are still available in the museums, art galleries, libraries and personal collections in U.K. For example, in the Art Gallery of Earl Edgerton collections, we have many items of Sikh origin such as quoits, shields, armour, matchlocks, etc. An items of particular interest is the Gauntlets of Kharak Singh (son of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh). The armour of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh is also believed to be in this collection but needs confirming. Similarly, we have Rani Jinda’s Prayer book, beautifully written in Punjabi, in the India Office Library. The sword of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh acquired by General Hudson and other Sikh weapons are also available in the National Army Museums. Some other items like Dastar Bunga of a Nihang, swords, kataars, Sikh cannons, are also available in the large collection in Royal Armouries at the Tower of London. The world famous diamond, Kohinoor, which Maharaja Sahib used to wear on bicep, is also placed hear. Some of these items are displayed while other are kept in reserve collection which can be viewed by prior arrangement with the keeper of oriental armour. In the India Office Library and British Museum, we have some compositions in Punjabi which need identification by research. The Victoria and Elbert Museum also preserves many items associated with the Sikhs such as jewellery, weapons, paintings, musical instruments, clothes, metal ornaments, etc. In the Indian section exhibition the Golden Throne of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, some paintings and a Dastar Bunga of a Nihang are on display. Access to the reserve collections can be gained by prior arrangement, and some items of the reserve collections have been touring as part of the “Warm, Rich & Fearless” exhibition. |
| (9) Question:- |
Are there any Sikh memorials outside India & Pakistan? |
| Answer:- |
After India, Pakistan & Bangladesh, we have a number of heritage items relating to Sikh religion in UK. The same include a large number of historic paintings, fabrics, jewellery, ornate weapons and suits of armour. Items came from many different collections, including the Royal Collection of Her Majesty the Queen, The India Office of Library and Records, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and numerous private collections. A contemporary painting by Aparna Kaur was donated by the Vipasha Gallery in London. Many items associated with Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular are available in museums in other countries also. These include institute of oriental studies, St. Petersburg, Russia, Indian National Army Museum, Singapore, Ghadarites/Kamagatamaru Museum (Desh Bhagat Centre) Vancouver, Canada and Wolverhampton Museum in U.K. where the famous gates to the Noor Mahal Sarai are kept.
Mention may also be made of the monuments erected in Brighton, France and Ethiopia in memory of the Indian soldiers who gave their lives in the course of World Wars. The contribution made by the Indian soldiers in this regard is dominated by the Sikhs. As the Brighton memorial was got erected by Maharaja of Patiala, outside this pavilion he got a door way erected to thank the people of Brighton for looking after the wounded Indian soldiers at Brighton hospital. |
| (10) Question:- |
Are there any organizations engaged in preserving the Sikh heritage? |
| Answer:- |
Apart from the concerned Governments, there are various organizations engaged in preserving our buildings, memorials and other heritage items for example, Jaliawalan Bagh, where the maximum people killed on Vailsakhi day in 1919 is managed by a board of trustee appointed by the central government. When 100th Anniversary of the event in was celebrated in 2019, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had started a museum to mark the occasion. The city of Amritsar is closely related to Sikh heritage. The Company Bagh is the place where Maharaja Sahib had laid out a garden and named it as Ram Bagh after the name of fourth Guru. In the centre of the garden surrounded by a mote filled with water, a double story palace was made with a Tehkhana (basement) as a cool underground chamber.
Maharaja Sahib devoted his time in this palace in summer days when he visited Amritsar. Now this palace has been converted into a museum to commemorate the 400th year of the city of Amritsar. This museum is most important and cultural pride of the Punjab. It is famous for its rare and priceless collections, particularly paintings, weapons and armours, manuscripts and coins.
Some Sikh memorials constructed during the last ten years include Virasat-e-Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib, Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Memorial at Chapparchiri, and Wadda and Chota Ghalughara Memorials. Another Memorial that came into being recently is the first memorial to commemorate the Sikh contribution for the independence of the country. This is known as Jang-e-Azadi Memorial. Built in Kartarpur town near the city of Jalandhar, it has been built over an area of 25 acres. It’s work started in 2015 under the supervision of a committee of historians, journalists and intellectuals constituted for finalizing the action plan and concept of the memorial. The project has been designed by architect Raj Rewal. This designs includes various galleries which project the different movements of freedom struggle, a tower known as Shaheed-e-Minar, an auditorium, movie hall, open air theatre, Amphitheatre, library and research and seminar halls. In Delhi also Guru Teg Bahadur Memorial was built near the Singhu Border. This memorial has been setup as a tourist attraction with a unique concept and design. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji has been represented by the central pylon (fabricated in steel), while his three disciples have been represented by the three semi-arches. Also, 10 Sikh Gurus have been represented by the ten monoliths around this memorial. Inscribed with fundamental principles of Sikhism, these monoliths are visible even from a distance of 1-2 kms.
When we talk of Sikh Memorials in foreign countries, we have memorials in Holland, Belgium, UK, France and Italy. Most of these memorials are dedicated to the bravery of Sikh soldiers shown by them in various battles fought during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. S. Bhupinder Singh, presently living in Holland has played an important role in setting up various memorials including the famous Ypres Memorial. He had started research work in 1996, whereby he collected precious information and rare photographs of the martyr Sikh soldiers during the world wars. He has written two books, ‘How Europe is indebted to the Sikhs’, two volumes, and the two works on contribution of Sikhs in both world wars, namely ‘Sikhs in World War I’ and ‘Sikhs in World War II’. These two books are a sort of mini archive of the Sikhs. It is because of his efforts that annual celebrations in Holland and Belgium for remembering these brave soldiers are organized. In May 2018 a gathering at Dam Square in Amsterdam paid homage to the Sikh soldiers of the Second World War. This kind of celebration is being organized by the national committee every year since 1999. Again in Nov 2018, 100 years of the end of First World War was celebrated in Eiper Menon Gate (Belgium) where also the soldiers who gave their lives were remembered through a prade led by Five Pyaras followed by Miri Piri Gatka Party of France’s wonderful performance. S. Bhupinder Singh is also a great source of inspiration for the World Sikh Shaheed Military Yaadgari Committee, Italy to which the credit goes for creating maximum number of Sikh memorials. |
