Sikh Concepts and Teachings - Sikh culture and Heritage

Question / Answers

(11) Question:-	It is said that Maharaja Ranjeet Singh had best of the generals in Khalsa Army. Mention briefly about those generals.
Answer:-	Maharaja Ranjeet Singh was very particular about strengthening his army as he had to face many strong enemies including the Afghans & the Britishers. He, therefore, recruited many East India Company deserters. He employed a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, General Jean-Baptiste Ventura to train the infantry in European style. In a few years, under his command, the infantry was modernized in French pattern. Similarly, in 1822, Ranjit Singh employed another French Napoleonic War veteran, General Jean-Baptiste Ventura to modernize the Sikh cavalry. In 1827 Claude Auguste Court was hired to modernize the artillery, and in 1832 Colonel Alexander Gardner was employed to modernize the artillery. When his army was fully trained, the Sikhs proved among his best generals. Mention may be made of his great Generals Akali Phoola Singh and Hari Singh Nalwa. Akali Phoola Singh not only played a crucial role in Maharaja’s Military engagements but was also Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib who punished even the Maharaja for violation of the Sikh code of conduct. S. Hari Singh Nalwa is the only General in history who had defeated the Afghans. It is believed that he was such a terror for the Afghan people that the Afghan mothers have been frightening their children by saying that ‘Nalwa will come’. The battle of Jamrud in which he had defeated the Afghans was a historic victory, although it also killed the great warrior. When Maharaja reached the spot of Nalwa’s death, he noticed that the Pathans had all run away. Jamrud was again with the Sikhs but the loss of Nalwa was a very high cost. It is, however, a matter of great pride for all the Indians, particularly the Punjabis that last year Hari Singh Nalwa was adjudged as the greatest general of the World History by Billionaires Australia, and this year Maharaja Ranjit Singh the great Sikh ruler of the early 19th Century has been adjudged as the greatest leader of all times in a poll conducted by BBC World History Magazine.
(12) Question:-	What circumstances after the death of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh led to annexation of Punjab by the Britishers?
Answer:-	During the reign of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the British Government never dared to violate the treaty with the Maharaja and remained away from Punjab. However, after his death on 27th June 1839, there being no worthy successor, the empire became weak. His sons, born of different women, could easily fall prey to the court intrigues and that led to a number of assassinations. The nobles of the Sikh Durbar and the council of Ministers too indulged in selfish grinding of their own trumpet. A number of groups emerged leading to fighting among themselves, struggling for power. When the struggle for power reached a stage, that in 1845 Ranjit Singh's youngest son Dilip Singh was made to occupy the throne, the position of the State was highly miserable. The two main groups were that of Dogra brothers, namely Gulab Singh, Dhian Singh and Suchet Singh, and that of Sikh aristocracy, such as the Sandhawalia brothers, who resented Dogra influence. The Sikh Army was still very powerful as becomes evident from their campaigns in Tibbet and Afghanistan. But, the Britishers knew the art of dividing and ruling. They thrust upon the Sikhs a number of battles and ultimately defeated them in the Battle of Gujarat and annexed Punjab. Battle of Aliwal The battle was fought on 28 January 1846, in which the company troops decisively defeated the Sikh army. It proved as the turning point in the war.
(13) Question:-	Give a brief description of Anglo Sikh wars.
Answer:-	The first battle of Mudaki was fought on 18th December 1845 when the British charged the Sikhs with the violation of the treaty of 1809. In this battle, which lasted only for 2 hrs. a number of persons were killed on both sides. The casualties on the British side were higher. Gen Sir Robert Sale and Sir Joseph Macgaskill and two aids of the Governor-General being amongst the 215 killed. On close of the battle, the Sikhs withdraw to Ferozeshah by mid-night. The next battle was fought at Ferozeshah. The attack at Ferozeshah was opened by the British Commander-in-Chief, Lord Gough at 3.30 p.m. on 21 st December 1845. However, the Sikh Gunners opened fire promptly and within 10 minutes 200 British soldiers were either killed or crippled and Sir Littler had to retire with his force. Cunningham who was present in the battle gives a graphic description of the battle scene, “Darkness, and the obstinacy of the contest, threw the English into confusion; men of all regiments and arms were mixed together; generals were doubtful of the fact or of the extent of their own success and colonels knew not what had become of the regiments they commanded or of the army of which they formed a part.” Some historians have also referred to the fact that Lord Hardinge had stated after the battle of Ferozeshah, “that the fire (of the Sikh artillery) was even more terrible than at Albuera, for the Sikhs had guns in a position of treble the calibre ever used in European Warfare”. When the Buddowal encounter took place, the British started adopting treacherous acts with the help of some Sikh Generals like Tej Singh. Despite that, the Battle of Sabraom fought after that was a tough battle for the Britishers. The Sikhs fought vigorously lord Gough. The British Commander describes this battle as the waterloo of India. Writing to Sir Robert Peel, the British Prime Minister, he paid glowing tribute to the Sikhs. “Policy precluded me publicly recording my sentiments on the splendid gallantry of our fallen foe, or to record the acts of heroism displayed, not only individually, but almost collectively by the Sikh Sardars and the army; and I declare were it not from a deep conviction that my country’s good required the sacrifice, I could have wept to have witnessed the fearful slaughter of so devoted a body of men.” Lord Gough then told the whole truth when he added, ‘Certain it is that there would have been a different story to tell if the body of men had not been commanded by traitors.” (The life and Campaigns of Viscount Gough p.108). Shah Mohammed, a Sufi poet of that period has written an immortal poem that narrates the events of the war between the Sikhs and the British. While writing about the bravery of the Sikhs, he openly declares that the Sikhs were proving a terror for the whites, but, in the absence of the wise ruler, the battles won turned into defeat, of course, mainly because of the traitors. His following words must be quoted to show the heroic stand of the men of Sham Singh Ataariwala at Sabraon. “They squeezed the blood of the Whites, As one squeezes the juice out of a lemon; If only Ranjit Singh were there, He would have been proud to see, How the Khalsa wielded their swords.” About the sad result of the campaign, he wrote ‘Oh Shah Mohammad, without Ranjit Singh, such was our plight, We won the battles, but lost the fight.’ The traitors to the Khalsa were not only taken note of by the British or the Khalsa themselves but were immortalized in doggerel verse punning on their names. Laaloo dee laalee gaee. Teju da giaa tej, Ran vich pith dikhaaike modha aae pher. ‘Laaloo lost the blush of shame, Teju lost his luster, by turning their backs in the field, they turned the tide and battle yield.’ Chillianwala Battle was again a very tough battle for the Britishers. This battle was fought at Chillianwala on 13th Jan. 1849. Sham Singh Atari wala was the hero of this battle. The Sikhs fought like devils, fierce and untamed, as plucky as Lions, they ran right on bayonets and struck their assailants when they were transfixed. The British registered nearly three thousand dead or wounded. The brave Ataariwalas were on a winning spree for three days, but when they sent George Lawrance, who was their prisoner, with terms for truce, which included the investment of Dilip Singh as Maharaja, the destiny again went against the Sikhs. The English poet, George Meredith wrote a poem in commemoration of the battle: Chillianwalah, Chillianwalah When the night set in with rain, Came the savage plundering devils To their work among the slain, And the wounded and the dying In cold blood did share the dom Of their comrades around them lying, Stiff in the dead skyless glom. Lord Dalhousie said, “In Public, I make, of course, the best of things, I treat it as a great victory. But writing confidentially to you I do not hesitate to say that consider my position grave”. The Lord added that “another such victory shall certainly spell our ruin”. BATTLE OF GUJARAT Before Lord Gough was replaced by Sir Charles Napier in the Command for the British forces, Lord Gough won a victory at Multan and thereafter General Whish joined his forces with that of Lord Gough increasing thereby the strength of the British forces considerably. There were 250000 soldiers and 100 cannons with the British as against the Sikh Army of 65,500 soldiers and 61 Cannon only. The British, therefore, knew that another battle with the Sikh may prove conclusive for the annexation of Punjab. This battle was fought at Gujarat, on the banks of river Chenab, on 21st Feb. 1849. As the Sikh forces after the battle of Chillianwala had advanced towards Chenab and entrenched themselves between the Town of Gujarat and the river, a grim fight with the British took place on that day. Both sides made extensive use of Cannon in this battle and that is why the battle came to be known as the battle of Cannon. The Sikhs fought vigorously, but because of their strength in number and Cannon, they ultimately lost to the British. Punjab was annexed.
(14) Question:-	Why the Sikhs did not participate in 1857 revolt against the Britishers?
Answer:-	The revolt of 1857 as the British called it, is considered by the Indian people as the beginning of struggle of independence. However, the Sikhs did not treat so as all the participating rulers had their personal issues to be sorted out with the Britishers and they just combined their efforts to get the same solved. Bahadur Shah Zafar was to be retained as the ruler of India, but the Sikhs had no interest in this issue. They had fought their battles against the Britishers and had suffered losses as well as their empire only sometime before this revolt. So they were not yet in a position to fight again against them. Further, the Britishers recognizing their bravery had recruited them in big number and rewarded them with land and positions, so they could not become disloyal to their employers. Thus, they did not bother much about this so called battle of independence or the mutiny.
(15) Question:-	What was the condition of Sikhs after the annexation of Punjab?
Answer:-	After Punjab was annexed by treacherous means, the Christian influence started increasing in Punjab. Christian Missionaries were given a free play to attack the identity and ideology of the Sikh religion, its history and institutions. These missions were located in the heart of the Sikh areas like Batala. These missionaries produced and supported such works like that of Mcleod. The British also entrusted the charge of Sikh shrines to such Mahants or Pujaris who suppressed the Sikh practices and traditions and highlighted the Hindu ways and customs. For example, they introduced a practice that Mazahbi Sikhs would not be given Prashad at Darbar Sahib. Such practice was contrary to the concept of equality among the Sikhs. Similarly, a number of idols were kept at Harimandir Sahib with a view to promote idol worship. Many institutions were set up to spread English education.. The western impact and the Christian proselytisation affected all the Indians including Sikhs, who were gradually led astray from the knowledge of their own values and traditions. The Brahmanical influence had again dominated the Sikh thought. They started indulging in rituals and practices which were rejected by the Gurus. There was such a dilution of Sikh doctrine and practices, that a strong need was felt to set right the religious aberrations without any delay.
(16) Question:-	Name the important movements which were started to make the position of Sikhs better.
Answer:-	As the Sikhs started going away from their religion and values, a number of movements were launched to restore their faith in their own religion. The Namdharies started a movement led by Baba Ram Singh and Nirankaries started the movement under the leadership of Baba Dyal Ji. Both of them were aimed at saving the Sikhs going under the influence of Christianity and Brahmanism. Baba Dyal Ji solemnized his own marriage by reciting Lavaan which ceremony came to known as Lavaan Ceremony. It may be made clear that this Nirankari Movement has nothing to do with the present Nirankari Sect. more important movement was the Singh Sabha Movement. It was born out of a meeting of the devout intellectual Sikhs of that time on 30th July 1873 at Guru Ka Bagh, Amritsar. It was decided to form an association which should adopt measures to defend the Sikh faith against the onslaught of Christian Missionaries and others. This led to the birth of Singh Sabha Movement, in Amritsar and then in Lahore resulting into formation of many such Sabhas. The first Singh Sabha was formed at Amritsar by S. Thakar Singh Sandhawalia. Thakar Singh Sandhawalia & Maharaja Dalip Singh Thakar Singh Sandhawalia was the person who wanted to bring Maharaja Dalip Singh back to Punjab. After annexation of Punjab Maharaja Dilip Singh had been taken away by the British to England and converted to Christianity. It was Thakur Singh Sandhanwalia, who created in the mind of the Maharaja a curiosity and interest to come back to the land of his father. When Thakur Singh visited London in 1884 and stayed with Maharaja, the British became suspicious of his intention. As a consequence, Dilip Singh was not allowed to enter India, and Thakur Singh was also kept under surveillance for his activities. Thakur Singh went to Pondicherry which was beyond the jurisdiction of the British territories, and kept in touch with Maharaja. The Maharaja was also eager to get back his empire and became a Sikh. Although he was baptized as a Sikh before his death, he could not fulfil his desire to come back to his native land. Thakur Singh Sandhanwalia was made the Prime Minister by Dilip Singh for his emigrant government in Pondicherry, but, no useful purpose could be served as only after some time the brave Sikh having best of intentions for the restoration of the Sikh empire fell ill and died on 18th August 1887. Chief Khalsa Diwan Gradually, some other Singh Sabhas also came into being. At one stage the various Singh Sabhas were consolidated for making concerted efforts and a Chief Khalsa Diwan was setup for promoting research and publication of books on ideological and historical topics. Khalsa Tract Society came into existence through the efforts of Bhai Vir Singh in 1894. Shuddhi Sabha for conversions and reconversions into Sikhism was founded in April 1893 by Dr. Jai Singh. Among the local Singh Sabhas, the one at Bhasaur was the most active under its leader, Babu Teja Singh. Among individual scholars, who played a vital role in carrying the movement forward, were included Bhai Ditt Singh, Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha, Giani Gian Singh, Pandit Tara Singh Narottam, Professor Sahib Singh, Principal Jodh Singh, Dr. Ganda Singh and many other Sikh scholars who, apprised the Sikhs of the rich traditions of this religion through their writings as to make them feel proud of their spiritual and historical heritage. Hum Hindu Naheen by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha When Arya Samaj spread its network in Punjab and they started propagating that the Sikhs were only an offshoot of Hindus, the prominent Sikh leaders like Gyani Ditt Singh, Bhai Sahib Ajan Singh Bajarian, Jawahar Singh, Bhai Takhat Singh & Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha started opposing this theory through their lectures and writings. Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha's tract "Hum Hindu Naheen" published in 1898 set forth forceful Singh Sabha standpoint with regard to Sikh identity. The various reasons given by the learned scholar are so convincing that the position becomes crystal clear. Bhai Sahib also wrote many other works which deal with such aspects which are helpful in understanding Guru Granth Sahib. Gurmat Martand in two parts as published by SGPC explains various terms pertaining to Sikh religion. His encyclopaedia called Mahankosh is one of the most useful works for references and research. Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha was also instrumental in encouraging and guiding Macauliffe in writing his "The Sikh Religion in rise Volumes" to enlighten the Western world about Sikh Religion. Liberation of Gurdwaras Another important movement was that of battle for freedom of Historical Gurdwaras from the influence of Mahants established by the Britishers for diluting the Sikh values. Many a Sikh practices were replaced by rituals and instead of preaching the teaching of the Gurus, the clergy class started living in luxury and comfort. These people were patronised by the British. Even the Central Shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple at Amritsar, was controlled by the British Deputy Commissioner through a Sikh Manager appointed by him. This led to the establishment of idols within the temple premises; sitting of Pandits and astrologers therein and following several such practices as were not permitted in the Sikh Religion. One of these practices was that backward classes pilgrims were not allowed inside Harimandir upto a particular time in the Morning. In short, the Sikhs were not satisfied with the administration of Gurdwaras, particularly, at Harimandir at Amritsar, and were of the view that the British must quit the same so that the Sikhs could administers their shrines in their own manner. This movement witnessed a number of sacrifices by the Sikhs which included the Massacre of Sikhs by Mahant Narayan Das, the custodian of Nanakana Sahib Shrine, the firing at the Jatha of Sikhs at Jaiton and the martyrdom of Sikhs at Guru Ka Bagh. Gradually, this movement for the liberation of Gurdwaras became a part of the freedom movement of the country. For example, when Jaiton Morcha coincided with another morcha at gurdwara Bhai Pheru at Lahore, where many thousand Sikhs courted arrest. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru was also arrested at Jaito for participating in the morcha. Mr. M.A. Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malviya and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad all showed their sympathy for the Sikhs and stood with them in this passive but successful agitation. Similarly, when after a strong agitation by the Sikhs, the Britishers were forced to hand over the keys to that time President of SGPC, Baba Kharak Singh. When the court official, on 19th January, 1922, surrendered the bunch of keys wrapped in a piece of red cloth, the victory was won by the Sikhs. The Indians all over the country considered it as a big achievement against the British. Mahatma Gandhi sent a telegram to Baba Kharak Singh, which read as “First Decisive battle for India’s freedom won”. Although, all these movements took a significant toll of the Sikhs with more than 1000 people killed, 3000 wounded and 30000 arrested, the net result was a big transformation in the Sikh social, educational and religious affairs. The control of Gurdwaras came to the Sikhs for which a Gurdwaras Act 1925 was also passed. The institutions like Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Chief Khalsa Diwan and various Singh Sabhas were also created for the administration of Gurdwaras, both historical & non-historical. Chief Khalsa Diwan was mainly setup for promoting education among the Sikhs for which a number of schools were setup and the prestigious Khalsa College at Amritsar was also started. For improving the economic condition of the community, Punjab & Sind Bank was created. Considerable literature was published and Punjabi Language & literature got a big boost which gave rise and prominence to many writers including Prof. Puran Singh and Bhai Veer Singh. Many other scholarly theologians like Gyani Gyan Singh, Pandit Tara Singh Narottam, Prof. Sahib Singh, Dr. Ganda Singh etc. were also the products of these movements.
(17) Question:-	Give a brief description of the Battle of Saragarhi.
Answer:-	This famous battle was fought on 12th September 1897 between the 21 brave Sikhs of the 36 Sikh Regiment with 10,000 Afreedi Pathans. The British had 2 of their forts on the Samana range of the Hindu kush and Sulaiman ranges, viz. Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan which were a few miles apart. Since these forts were not inter visible, a relay post was created at Saragarhi which was mid-way between these two forts as to provide for heliographic communications between them. AFGHANS ATTACK AT SARAGARHI In 1897, when there was a general uprising by the Afghans, the 36th Sikhs were occupying two forts as well as the picket of Saragarhi which was under the Signaling detachment under the command of Hav. Ishar Singh. It may be mentioned here that between 27 th August and 11 th September there were vigorous efforts by the Afghans to capture the fort but the brave soldiers of the 36th Sikhs had foiled these attacks. On 12th September, the Afghans attacked Saragarhi so that communication between the two forts would be destroyed. The Sikh soldiers fought so bravely in this unequal battle that the Pathans had to run away as a large number of them were killed by these Sikh soldiers before each one of them became a martyr. In commemoration of this gallant action, September 12 was declared a holiday in perpetuity for all the regiments enlisting Sikhs. The Saragarhi heroes were collectively awarded IOM Class I (the highest gallantry award at that time) posthumously. Apart from this highest gallantry award given to each one of them, the family of each was given Rs.500 in cash and 2 murabbas of land (about a thousand sq. yards). The British Governor constructed 3 Gurdwaras at Firozepur, Amritsar and Saragarhi as a permanent memorial to these soldiers. Every year a big 3 day carnival is organised at Firozepur and tributes are paid to these great heroes. It may be made clear that the gallantry awards given on that day to the 21 Sikh soldiers were the highest in number ever awarded for any single day. Parliament in their special session had remembered the daring of Sikh soldiers, and had observed “the English as well as Indian subjects are proud of 36th Sikh Regiment and it is no exaggeration to record that the armed forces which possess valiant Sikhs cannot face defeat in war”. Such a tribute has never been given to any other people by a Parliament and that too of a Ruling country.
(18) Question:-	What kind of valour was shown by the Sikhs in first World War?
Answer:-	When the British were feeling humbled by the Germans, they sent the Sikh troops to France (Marseilles) as the Sikhs reached there, the French and the Britishers felt emboldened. The 47th Sikhs fought the battle of Ypres then at Law Basse and finally the battles of Neuve Chapple and showed exemplary courage and dedication. It need to be mentioned here that when the third centenary of the creation of Khalsa was celebrated all over the world, a monument was unveiled at Hollebeek in memory of these brave soldiers. This monument was unveiled on April 4, 1999. The city of Ieper together with the European Sikh community organized a celebration of peace on that date at cloth hall in Ieper, Belgium. Sardar Bhupinder Singh, the main person behind this show and his other companions reminded the people of Sikh martyrs, who had spent hard times in an alien place and faced difficult weather, ununderstandable language, and killing gas used by the Germans. However, they maintained their glory by following the tradition of bravery and loyalty. A significant battle of the First World War was fought by the Sikhs at Gallipoli in the first week of June 1915.
(19) Question:-	Describe briefly the battle of Galli Poli ?
Answer:-	The battle fought at Gallipoli in the 1st Week of June, 1915 was highly significant to prove the shining glory of the Sikhs. The Task given to the Sikhs was highly arduous. They were to capture two Turkish trench lines named as J- 11 and J-13. The brave soldiers of the 14th Sikhs were equally divided for the ask on these two lines. The fierce battle took place on 3rd and 4th June, 1915, wherein the brave soldiers fought vigorously. The history records that the allies did not succeed but the Sikhs who were brought for the help of Royal Fusiliers for reliving them of the high pressure, did show their bravery as per their tradition. Their loss was tremendous. They suffered 371 officers and men killed or wounded. The tough fight given by them and spirit and valour shown therein became a glorious chapter in the history of warfare. Sir Hamilton wrote to Commander-in-Chief in India. HAMILTON PRAISES THE SIKH “In spite of tremendous losses there was not a sign of wavering all day. Not an inch of ground was given up and not a single straggler came back. The enemy’s trenches were found to be blocked with the bodies of Sikhs and of the enemy who died fighting at close quarters, and the glacis slope was thickly dotted with the bodies of these fine soldiers all lying on their faces as they fell in their steady advance on the enemy. The history of Sikhs affords many instances of their value as soldiers, but it may be safely asserted that nothing finer than the grim valour and steady discipline displayed by them on the 4th June has ever been done by soldiers of the Khalsa.” Mr. R.A. Savory was the young 2nd Lt. Associated with this battle, who later on retired as Lt. Gen. When he gave the description of this battle fought on June 4, 1915, he specifically mentioned the brave act of a Sikh, named Udai Singh who had saved his life.
(20) Question:-	How did the Sikhs became a part of the struggle for Indian independence and what was their contribution in this regard?
Answer:-	The Sikhs always desired to get their country free from the foreign rulers. The flame of their love for independence was lit as early as 1849, immediately after the annexation of their empire. Bhai Bir Singh of Naurangabad had made his center as a center of revolt against them. Bhai Maharaj Singh raised voice against them for which he was exiled to penal colony of Singapore. Even after reaching Singapore on June 9, 1850, Bhai Maharaj Sigh remained a source of revolutionary spirit among the Sikhs who continued fighting for their rights. The British did not care about his deteriorating health and kept him locked up in Jail under harsh and unhealthy circumstances. The great revolutionary and an arch-enemy of the British died, away from his country and became a martyr. In his memory stands now a Gurudwara at Silat Road in Singapore. When the Independence movement progressed in various parts of the country, the Sikhs became its integral part. Whether it was Kookas under Baba Ram Singhor Babbar Akalis or the Gadar Party activists like Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna, Bhai Kesar Singh, Bhai Harnam Singh etc., they were all Sikhs, which the British considered as the enemies of the British Government. Similarly when Kamagata Maru ship carried the passengers to Canada and then came back to India most of its passengers were Sikhs. Indian leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Mahatma Gandhi condemned the British and the Canadians for their treatment with the passengers of this ship. The Canadian Authorities had even rejected the request made by Baba Gurdit Singh for the supply of provisions. The ship was fired as a result of which a number of passengers were wounded. Although the movement failed at that time, the patriotic spirit shown by Baba Gurdit Singh and his companions proved a contributory factor for shaking the very foundation of the British Raj. When Justine Trudu, became Prime Minister for the first time, he apologized for the action of the Canadian Government against Kamagata Maru passengers 100 years ago, a tribute of the highest order was paid to those great patriots. In addition to the great movements mentioned above, there were certain Sikh leaders without whose mention; the story of the Freedom struggle cannot be narrated. They include S. Kartar Singh Sarabha, Udham Singh and S. Bhagat Singh who was hanged along with his companions Sukhdev and Rajguru.