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cincinnatusvirtue · 1 year ago

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Countries that are no more: Sikh Empire (1799-1849)

Though short lived, this empire was notable for a few reasons. First, it was the last major bastion of native rule on the Indian Subcontinent before a century of unchecked British rule which had already been gradually expanding over the preceding century. Secondly, it was diverse & tolerant in its ethnic and religious composition, not just in the general populace but more uniquely in its administration. Finally, it was notable for the religion of its leaders, perhaps the only time in history where Sikhs reigned atop an empire. This is the Sikh Empire.

Name: In English, the empire is known as the Sikh Empire. In Persian this was translated as Sarkār-i-Khālsa or the Khālasā Rāj in Punjabi. These languages were important administratively within the empire. Essentially to mean empire or kingdom of the Sikhs. Khalsa is a Punjabi term for the Sikh community more broadly and specifically means "pure" as in one professes to follow the Sikh faith and has undergone the Amrit ritual ceremony of initiation, specifically baptism.

Language: The Sikh Empire was notable for its many languages. Persian was its administrative language at court. Persian had been the language of diplomacy, administrative and the high arts from the Middle East to the Indian Subcontinent for centuries in part due to the spread of Islam to India. It was the court language of the greatest Islamic polity in the history of India, the Mughal Empire (1526-1857). Other languages which in the empire included Indo-Aryan languages such as Punjabi which was the dynastic native tongue of the ruling family and various Punjabi dialects which made up the lingua franca of the core territory of the empire. Kashmiri and Dogri were spoken in some parts as well, also Pashto (Pashtun) also known as Afghani. There were numerous others which also took place in its territory in modern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Territory: At its peak, the empire held roughly 200,000 sq miles of territory. The territory was centered in the Punjab region of modern Northwestern India and Eastern Pakistan. It covered territory in the modern states of India, Pakistan, the Afghanistan & Pakistan border and even small parts of Western Tibet in modern China.

Symbols & Mottos: The motto of the empire was ਅਕਾਲ ਸਹਾਇ Akāl Sahāi which is Punjabi for "With God's Grace" and its anthem was ਦੇਗ ਤੇਗ ਫ਼ਤਿਹ Dēġ Tēġ Fatih Punjabi for "Victory to Charity and Arms." The also used a triangled flag called the Nishan Sahib. This flag was used by Sikhs prior to the 1799 establishment of the empire and continued to have use after its 1849 disestablishment. It is usually depicted as an orange inner field with a green outer field with golden trim and patterns both on the green outer field and orange inner field. There were also individual flags for various Sikh, Hindu and Muslim regiments within the army as well. The Muslim ones often sharing similarity with the modern Pakistan flag.

Religion: Sikhism was the dynastic religion and religion of roughly 6-12 percent of the overall population. 50-80 percent of the populace was Muslim and 10-40 percent Hindu. There were also smaller populations of Christians and Jews as well. Religious tolerance was practiced as a matter of policy throughout the empire. Sikhs certainly benefitted from a ruling dynasty that was of their community however with larger populations of Muslims and Hindus among their territory, policies of accommodation and tolerance were practiced to other faiths as well. Likewise Indian and European Christians could practice their faith and rise to important military and government positions and even some Jews featured in the military as well. Promotion within the military and government more broadly had less to do with religion, ethnicity or geographic origin than with merit and personal loyalty.

Currency: The currency of the empire was called Nanak Shahi Sikee, these were metal coins usually of silver composition.

Population: The population was estimated to be roughly 12 million people at its peak in in the late 1830s and early 1840s.

Government: The government could be characterized as a federal monarchy with a later adoption of elements of absolute monarchy. Its origins lie in the Sikh community which started in the Punjab region of the Indian Subcontinent. This region consists of modern Pakistan (mostly) and some of India (remaining portion). It spans the five major rivers west to east (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi & Sutlej). Sikhism had its origins and greatest core in the Punjab region among Punjabis. Though it is a relatively young religion by comparison to Hinduism and Islam, elements of overlap and interaction with both of these older faiths have influenced it. Nonetheless, Sikhs faced alternating periods of tolerance and persecution throughout the Mughal Empire and many Sikhs hid in jungles near the Himalayan foothills as refuge from the Muslim Mughals and various local Hindu hill tribal chiefs who persecuted them.

In response to this persecution from their neighbors, Sikhs formed militias to protect their religion community, these militias were called jathas and in turn these formed into a larger Dal Khalsa (Sikh army) circa 1735-1738. in 1748 at Amritsar, India, the most holy city for Sikhs in 1748 these militias were reorganized into a misl which is an Arabic term for equal. These misls became known as the Sikh Confederacy or Misl period (1748-1799). There were twelve sovereign Sikh misls formed and later a Muslim ruled misl which created a federation or confederacy united by Sikhism to preserve and protect their religious faith. There was uneven strength between the misls and some tried to expand at the expense of others, but they still formed a common defense of their community and even held biannual legislative meetings in Amritsar to address matters of the community.

The Mughal Empire suffered major decline in the 18th century following the death of its emperor Aurangzeb in 1707. The combination of a ruined economy from expensive wars, decentralization of power and the expanse of the Hindu oriented Maratha Empire (1674-1818) from the Western Deccan Plateau all contributed to its decline and creation of a power vacuum in parts of India, including the Punjab. To make matters worse, Nader Shah, the Shah of Persia invaded the Mughal Empire in 1739 and sacked the Mughal capital at Delhi. The plundering of riches from the Mughal capital was so great that Persia experienced three years exempt from all internal taxes. In this context the already persecuted Sikhs sought greater mutual defense, though their political autonomy remained relative to their respective misl. Despite the occasion inter-fighting with each other. Other problems came from the Afghan Durrani Empire which grew in the wake of Nader Shah's passing in Iran. The Durrani Empire would expand into Northern India including the Punjab and make the Mughals their vassals especially after defeating the Maratha Empire in 1761 at the Third Battle of Panipat. The Afghans would battle the Sikh Misls many times which aimed to defend themselves in the power vacuum from the Mughal decline.

The founder of the Sikh Empire proper, who united all the thirteen misls was a man named Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) who was of Jat-Punjabi ethnic origin and specifically Jat Sikh ethnoreligious families. His father Maja Singh and grandfather Charat Singh were the founders and chiefs of the Sukerchakia Misl. Ranjit was afflicted with smallpox as a child and left him blind in his left eye and scarred on his body, features which were noted by observers from Europe later in life.

Ranjit's father died when he was 12 and he took over chiefdom of the Sukerchakia Misl which was among the five most power Sikh misls. Through marriage Ranjit had alliances with two of the other top five misls. The Kasur misl near the major city and traditional capital of the Punjab of Lahore was controlled by a Muslim who assisted the Afghans in their invasions of India. Ranjit Singh defeated an Afghan invasion in 1797 in battle. In 1798 another Afghan army was checked by Ranjit Singh through scorched earth tactics.

in 1799 Ranjit Singh took Lahore using a combined 50,000 strong army made from his misl and that of his mother-in-law. This was traditionally dated as the founding of the Sikh Empire as Lahore would serve as its capital but Ranjit Singh would be formally vested as the Maharaja (King) of the Punjab in 1801.

Ranjit Singh held many titles, but the principal ones were Maharaja of the Punjab and Sarkar Khalsaji (Head of the Khalsa) which showed his titular leader status over the Sikh army and other misls. His authority was both geographic in nature and communal-religious in nature (to a degree).

Ranjit Singh would rule and expand the Sikh Empire until his death in 1839. The empire would survive roughly a decade after his demise.

Ranjit Singh was tolerant towards background in his governance and believed in merit and loyalty above all else. He hired Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus and Christians into his military and civil administration. These could also be Indians and Europeans with some French, Italian, Spanish, Russian & German officers taking leadership within his military. Even a few American adventurers such as Josiah Harlan and Alexander Gardner found work within Ranjit Singh's empire. The former Harlan (born to Quakers in Pennsylvania) taking on a governorship and the latter Gardner who was said to be born to a Scottish or Irish (possibly Scots-Irish) fur trader in modern day Wisconsin and had travelled to Central Asia dressed in a turban decked in Scottish tartan pattern joined the Sikh Empire's military where he served as a colonel and commanded the artillery. Ranjit refrained from hiring British officers joining his ranks but still communicated with the British East India Company which was Britain's state sponsored corporation bent on controlling India for its geostrategic and economic benefits. He relented slightly after 1835 and hired some British into his ranks.

Ranjit was secular and tolerant in his rule overall but personally followed Sikhism, he restored Sikh Gurdwaras (temples) and also prayed with Hindus in their own temples and upheld the Hindu sacred protection of cows and prevented their slaughter under punishment by death. Likewise, he had standing orders that his army was never to loot or molest civilians especially when conquering new territory and to not destroy houses of worship. All discipline was to be strictly enforced under his order. Observers noted that Ranjit would increase the salary of those who didn't engage in corruption and slice the nose off of those who were said to misbehave or act corruptly in his administration of state affairs. The mutilation was not only physical discipline but a psychological scar to deter bad behavior and forever mark one as untrustworthy.

The above is the consensus of most accounts, there are some Muslim accounts from the mid-19th century which portray Ranjit's reign as despotic and biased towards Kashmiri Muslims. The overall picture is one of a complex individual but generally agreed upon to be tough and strict at times but also overall pragmatic and not willing to let religious or national background create a personal bias towards their utilization in his administration.

After Ranjit's death the rules of succession weren't clearly established and in quick succession his son, grandson and subsequently two other sons ruled in his wake with his son Duleep Singh reigning the longest from 1843-1849. Duleep would later live in exile in Europe following defeat his by the British.

Military: The Sikh Khalsa Army at its peak in 1839 was roughly 125,000 men strong and it had infantry, cavalry and artillery components. Its origins lied in the Sikh jathas of the late 17th and early 18th centuries which passed onto the Sikh Misl (Confederacy) period of the later 18th century. These were typically cavalry based and engaged in hit and run tactics against the Mughals, Maratha and Afghans. Later Ranjit would modernize the Sikh army along European principles utilizing European and American recruited officers and by purchasing and developing modern weapons.

The military were given performance standards for logistics of troop deployment, maneuver and marksmanship. Likewise, the army was divided into three segments of elite troops, regulars and irregulars. Each with its own infantry, cavalry and artillery component. Even European style medals and awards for merit could be issued, including the Order of Merit with Ranjit's portrait featured on the medal.

Ultimately, the empire's military was a synthesis of modern (19th century) Western organization, discipline and technology with the original Indian cavalry hit and tactics and methods of its Sikh jatha forebearers.

Its infantry composition was not just Western officers and Sikhs of the Punjab for originally Sikhs looked down upon the infantry and so Afghans, Dogras and Nepali Gurkhas among others filled the infantry ranks. In time Punjabi Sikhs joined its ranks too. It reached over 50,000 in strength.

The cavalry reached a strength of 10,000 strong and consisted of Sikhs mainly, given their traditional use of cavalry dating back to jatha and misl eras preceding the 19th century.

The artillery was made up of 5,000 gunners at its peak with heavy cannons pulled by elephants, medium cannon pulled by oxen, light cannon pulled by horses and some mixed guns pulled by camels.

The traditional enemies of the empire in war consisted of the Afghans who presented its greatest threat from the West, the Sikhs pushed the Afghans from the Punjab and pressed into Afghanistan itself before being checked at the border, this demarcated the empire's western limit.

Other enemies included the Kingdom of Nepal which the Sikhs defeated. The Sikh Empire and its vassal the Dogra Rajput also fought against the Chinese Qing Empire and its vassal Tibet which resulted into a military stalemate but saw brief occupation of parts of Western Tibet in the early 1840s.

Its terminal enemy was the British East India Company which would face and defeat the Sikh Empire in two wars (1845-1846 and 1848-1849). The second war would lead to the British annexation of the Punjab and formal cessation of the Sikh Empire.

Lifespan: The empire's origins date back to the 18th century formation of the Sikh Misls within the Punjab and its gradual union under Ranjit Singh. Formally dated to start his 1799 capture of Lahore. In 1801 Ranjit was formally coronated as Maharaja of the Punjab.

Over the next several decades the empire would expand in several directions with the gradual defeat of the Afghans and Marathas who warred in the vicinity of the Punjab.

1809 saw Ranjit Singh sign a treaty of friendship with the British East India Company (EIC). This treaty requested Sikh help against the French should they attack EIC possessions elsewhere in India. Also, the Sikhs were not to pursue conquest south of the Sutlej River which acted as a border between Sikh and British spheres of influence. In reality this bought Ranjit time to focus on expanding against the Afghans in Punjab and Kashmir.

The empire expanded well into the fall reaches beyond Kashmir and Jammu and gained vassals in the Ladakh region. Likewise, the Sikhs would go onto fight the Nepalese (Gurkhas) and check their advance towards Kashmir.

The empire's lifespan very much mirrored with its founder Ranjit Singh's. Ranjit Singh had unified the Sikh Misls of the Punjab through alliance and conquest, and he driven out the Afghan invaders and expanded the Sikh polity he created to vast territories with tributary states of its own. He also gained riches from conquest, meritorious tax collections and trade agreements. Financed religious temple constructions of various faiths and modernized the military. Yet while his empire was on the surface strong, it was to peak with his demise in 1839. His health had declined in the 1830s due to a stroke and alcoholism as noted by many observers. He was said to treat his chronic pain with alcohol and opium though conversely, he refused to eat beef or smoke and was somewhat health conscious. Ultimately it was said he died of a combination of stroke and his failing liver due to his excessive alcohol consumption. He was cremated and four of his Hindu wives are said to have committed sati (ritualistic devotional suicide of widows by casting oneself onto the husband's burning funeral pyre) in a final act of martial devotion to their departed spouse.

In Ranjit Singh's wake, his sons and grandsons found themselves competing for succession, their were deep internal divisions and who to support and in quick order a son, grandson and two more sons of Ranjit took control with the youngest son Duleep Singh taking "control" at age five in 1843 and he would nominally reign for six years. He had a regency under his mother Jind Kaur for the years of his rule.

Following Ranjit's death, the internal division over support of his successors along with the ruling elite of the army which saw itself as the true extension of state and religion was convinced to go to war with the British in 1845-46. The Sikh administrators were said by the British to undermine the plurality and tolerance under Ranjit Singh towards other religions pushing for a Sikh supremacy in all matters. In response, the British began building a military presence along the Sutlej River, viewed as a provocation by the Sikhs. The British stated it was defensive in nature given what they saw as increasing chaos in the Sikh Empire. However, the Sikhs contend it was intended as offensive in nature to goad the empire into war. Whatever the varied causes war began in late 1845 and concluded with British victory in 1846. The result was the partial subjugation of the Sikh Empire with some territory and monies being ceded to the British. Also, separately Kashmir would be sold the to the princely state of Jammu (under British sponsorship).

Tensions between both the Sikhs and British remained which culminated in a second war in 1848-49 and saw the Sikhs fight valiantly but once more defeated. In April 1849 at Lahore, the British annexed the Punjab up to the fortress of Peshawar, gateway to the Khyber Pass towards Afghanistan. The British East India Company turned the Sikh Empire into the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province regions in modern Pakistan and India.

The British were impressed with the military prowess of the Sikhs, in part due to the religious devotion of its troops and in part due to the modernization efforts of Ranjit Singh and his able commanders. The conquest of the Sikh Empire served as the removal of last major obstacle to British rule over the whole of India. Recognizing the prowess of Sikh troops, the British were quick to incorporate them into the British Indian Army. A role they would play from the 1850s including during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 until World War II and the eventual granting of independence to India and Pakistan.

Duleep Singh was brought up in exile in Europe following the British annexation of the Sikh Empire, his teenage years spent in Scotland. He would go onto have family there and the Crown Jewels of the UK now in possession of the British Royal Family would incorporate some of its jewels taken from the Sikh Empire's Duleep Singh. Queen Victoria received the Koh-i-noor diamond which is set in the Queen Mother's crown to this day. The diamond dates back to the Mughal Empire and changed hands with the Persian looting of Delhi to Nader Shah before ending up in the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan and then the Sikh Empire under Ranjit Singh and finally with the British as a gift to Queen Victoria as it was formally surrendered to the EIC and then gifted to the queen. The modern governments of India, Pakistan Afghanistan (including the Taliban) and Iran have all demanded its return to them respectively, a demand which Britain's government has rejected. In 2018, India's Supreme Court & the Archeological Survey of India supported Britain's legal claim, stating the Treaty of Lahore in 1849 secured it through voluntary surrender, stating it was neither stolen nor taken by force, so it remains with the British Crown despite ongoing controversy.

Though the Sikh Empire lasted only half a century for the reasons outlined above, it is a polity worthy of study. First and foremost, its historical place in India as the last major bastion of independent native resistance before total British rule has endeared it to some Indian and Pakistani nationalists and international anticolonial narratives. The British recognized through its occasional defeats in battle at the hands of the Sikhs that they were a force to be reckoned with. Both sides earned a begrudging martial respect for the other following the two wars they fought. The British were keen to utilize the Sikhs for their own military, for which they served over the next century in many campaigns worldwide. Outside from its place in narratives of native resistance to colonial rule and its well-founded military prowess. The empire is relatively unique for its synthesis of administrative help from both within India and the West. Much of this can be chalked up to Ranjit Singh's personally pragmatic and disciplined approach to governance. Quite simply put Ranjit Singh wanted what he thought were the most qualified leaders regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Their merit as modernizers and reformers coupled with personal loyalty were prized above religious or ethnic affinity. Finally, the Sikh Empire is noteworthy simply for being to date the only Sikh run imperial polity in world history. Though it was the successor of the Sikh Misls which had a unified common defense, these misls were essentially politically independent in their own right rather than a singular polity. The Sikh Empire is the only time in history that a ruling dynasty over a vast territorial expanse came from practitioners of that religion and it was supported by an army and administration centered around that faith as well.

#military history #history #sikh #sikhism #india #british east india company #british imperialism #british empire #19th century #victorian era #ranjit singh #punjab #pakistan #18th century #mughal empire #maratha empire #queen victoria #british india

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bloggerfromouttaspace · 2 years ago

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Religious Views

For a very long time, I have pounded over the meaning of religion and where I belong. I still found nothing at the end. For I am a Sikh without its knowledge of its descent imbibed by the western tradition of Christianity.

For me as a whole god is nothing but one, god is what is in every little thing we do. God is present in every country regardless of church, kuil, mosque, temple, or a religious venue, god is still one that everyone prays nor worship for the bread and butter of every daily living.

When I was a child I had been lost of the motherhood of my tongue, for some reason I have always spoken and thought in English without the genuine curiosity of my own religion as being ‘’Khalsa’’, warrior. I had always enjoyed the western culture since a young age.

When I had grown to my adolescent years, I had become aware of a certain energy that made me stand out among the rest, where my face had the identity of a khalsa, but my voice had the essence of a typical white boy.

I had stood out among the rest, without a clue of where I belong or where I am even from.

I am a Punjabi Indian descent that was born in multinational country where Muslim Chinese and Indian had a say on it. Muslim’s originated from the land itself and the Chinese empire took over to endure and establish multiple business and the Indians were brought along with the Britain's during the world war sequence.

They were natural aboriginals, Islam was introduced by the Persians during the 15th century along with Indian traders to establish a law of order for freedom and democracy, as they like to pronounce – MERDEKA, where in 1957 Malaysia received its independence against the colonisation of mining rubber metal and gold by the Britain.

How do I know this ? Let's continue on the fact that I am a foreigner wherever I go, I am what they call a 3rd generation Indian. In simple terms, it is the lost touch of my own religious values as it I got more immune to the surrounding religions that I was raised in.

This is where I hate to admit it, as I am a Punjabi from Punjab that was born in Malaysia and raised in New Zealand. I still do not know the laws behind, the most righteous religion of them all in my opinion is Sikhism. Judging by the history of my own, men came from a small village fighting rights against corruption against the Muslim and Hindus for generations but yet we don’t have a place we can call home, do we ? We are well spread, mostly lost, emotionally drained of the truth of when we as Khalsa’s will put down the sword and retired in independence with peacefulness across the nation or even one nation.

That’s enough history lessons, let me explain my own. I am imbibed by the western society where I found love for Jesus Christ through relationships that made me and my life sour. I have always tried to learn about the bible as it is in English and a way for me to understand what god is telling me during my difficult moments. I found love for Christianity.

Through my journey with Christ and learnings I have perceived the knowledge of common law and order place against churches, that creates gossip after one another for growth, or the worship that we pray to endure such energy, either way you can spit it out in the streets or at church, Christ lives inside us and is with us everywhere we go. Familiar? As I mentioned, god is one, and I am pretty sure you know that god lives inside us, and no matter what kind of what god it is. It is call GOD, the one who provides, that is the meaning of god. There are over 2,500 to 18,000 different kind of gods in this world and people worship for one reason and one reason only, is to be provided by the provider, where in any way you can have conversations about it, you will still end up calling that positive deity GOD.

As being said and spoken of independence and world war, we live in a very old world. Where many have come and gone, struggled to worship and provide their families what was being provided to them by a certain provider, where It's still the three same letters god. So plenty of cosmologies, histories, myths that took place for it to be called a modern civilization. As they saw the younger generation being more lazy and less stressed about life and growth, religious views are a good strategy to keep the family focused on achieving their goals, hence to provide a better civilization with more production of work and mental growth for independence.

I personally think it is the war of who came first and created it all and who stood out among the rest.

Being corrupted by greed is what torments this world, where money could build hospitals, but it can also burn down a family or church. For the oppressors to acquire control and pride in doing so to feel like a general leader for shellfish egotistic esteem they find in themselves. Leaves the poor poorer and the richer rich I guess.

The moral of the story is that god is one all that provides is god, and it is one that provides, to remember that think of yourself as a one-year-old and your god are your parents, that provides and gave you such life to walk or stand. Regardless of any manners you were taught in school, respect is one I believe people should ponder their emotions about to avoid such corruption in civilization, heck I mean racism from one tone to another. Whole Different story in today's world, mate !

God is one, god is all, god provides, god is inside, it cannot be seen, it can only be felt, so what are your thoughts about what I just said??? God is only one right.

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pebblegalaxy · 2 years ago

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Hari Singh Nalwa - A Prominent Military Commander of the Sikh Empire

Hari Singh Nalwa was a prominent military commander and general of the Sikh Empire in northern India, during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army and was known for his bravery, military tactics, and administrative skills. He fought in several battles and campaigns, including the First Anglo-Sikh War, and expanded the boundaries of the Sikh…

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onlinesikhstore · 2 months ago

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Stunning Diamonte Silver Plated Indian OMPoppy Hindu British India Brooch Pin Stunning Diamonte Silver Plated Hindu Poppy Brooch Cake Pin

The Forgotten Heroes

Hindus are commonly distinguished as weak so therefore poor soldiers, yet they had been involved in fighting wars for others more than themselves. Among the first foreign forces were Hindus to fight for British on the Western front. In the war, India had hugely supported the British in most areas, these including: Politically, economically and also in military. At a time when majority of Indians were suffering from poverty and malnourishment, they gifted 100 million pounds for them to participate and strengthen the British in war. The support was in exchange also for the British’s understanding in giving India independence, which the British were in no hurry to fulfil. In total, approximately 1,338, 620 Hindus participated in the war. This number easily totals the number of army force from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa by 178,000. Hindu soldiers were involved in lands as diverse as, Palestine, France, Syria and Mesopotamia. Some historians say that it was the Hindu army which changed the course of the war by turning German soldiers at Marne. Hundreds of Thousands of Hindu soldiers lost their lives and no hero’s welcome awaited the survivors.

In the first World War, the Indian corps won 13,000 medals and 12 Victoria crosses and this is something that deserves broad recognition around the globe.

It was Indian jawans (junior soldiers) who stopped the German advance at Ypres in the autumn of 1914, soon after the war broke out, while the British were still recruiting and training their own forces. Hundreds were killed in a gallant but futile engagement at Neuve Chappelle. More than 1,000 of them died at Gallipoli, thanks to Churchill's folly. Nearly 700,000 Indian sepoys (infantry privates) fought in Mesopotamia against the Ottoman Empire, Germany's ally, many of them Indian Muslims taking up arms against their co-religionists in defence of the British Empire.

The most painful experiences were those of soldiers fighting in the trenches of Europe. Letters sent by Indian soldiers in France and Belgium to their family members in their villages back home speak an evocative language of cultural dislocation and tragedy. "The shells are pouring like rain in the monsoon," declared one. "The corpses cover the country, like sheaves of harvested corn," wrote another.

These men were undoubtedly heroes - pitchforked into battle in unfamiliar lands, in harsh and cold climatic conditions they were neither used to nor prepared for, fighting an enemy of whom they had no knowledge, risking their lives every day for little more than pride. Yet they were destined to remain largely unknown once the war was over: neglected by the British, for whom they fought, and ignored by their own country, from which they came.

We made this Poppy OM Brooch to commemorate the sacrifice of all Hindu Soldiers who participated and sacrificed their lives in both World War I and II.

#onlinesikhstore #onlinesikhstoreLtd #sikh #sikhsinuk #sikhsinkent #gurbani #gurbaniquotes #sikhquotes #SikhStore #SMARTFashionsUK #SikhArtefacts #sikhsoldiers #remembranceday #Sikhi #Sikhsirisahib #remembrance #onlinesikhshop #poppy #khalsa #singh #sikhs #sikhkara #khanda #singhs #sikhism #lestweforget #GuruNanak #khandapoppy Diamonte and Crystals Silver Plated Khanda Brooch Cake Pin for Jackets Shawls, Dupattas, Coats, Suits, Decorations, Wrappings, Sarees, Dcecoration of Wedding/Birthday/Anniversary Cakes and many other uses as described in the listing below. Brand new and in sealed Packs Properties: Diamonte Crystals, 3 dimension Color: Silver Plated Description: Stunning, glitter, elegant, beautiful. It is the perfect accessory for party, gift, weddings, proms, pageants, causal wear or other special occasions. Dimension: Approx. 3.5 cm x 2.7 cm x 1 cm *****RRP of these brooches is £31.99 each. Please note light sky blue shade in most of the brooches is due to a camera flash effect/light conditions. Email us at A or text/call 07883024604 for further information. Please do let us know about any special requests about wrapping these brooches while ordering.

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dhaliwalmanjit · 3 months ago

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Mere Jazbaat Episode 24 ~ Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu ~ Khalsa Empire Of Pu...

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lokeshsharma1 · 3 months ago

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A Guide to Historical Sites in Punjab

Punjab, a land of vibrant culture and rich history, offers a treasure trove of historical sites for travelers. From ancient forts to majestic gurudwaras, this state is a historian's paradise. Here's a quick guide to some must-visit historical sites in Punjab.

Amritsar's Golden Glory: The Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, is an iconic symbol of Sikhism and a beacon of spirituality. Its stunning golden architecture, coupled with the serene Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar), makes it a must-visit.

The Fortified City of Patiala: Qila Mubarak, an architectural marvel, reflects the grandeur of the Patiala Kingdom. This sprawling fort complex includes a palace, museum, and a beautiful durbar hall adorned with exquisite frescoes.

Jallianwala Bagh: A poignant reminder of India's freedom struggle, Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar commemorates the tragic massacre of 1919. The site, with its preserved bullet marks and memorial, is a somber place of reflection.

Anandpur Sahib: Known as the 'Holy City of Bliss,' Anandpur Sahib is home to several significant gurudwaras. Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Takhts (temporal seats) of Sikhism, is a revered site where the Khalsa was founded.

The Historic Town of Bathinda: Explore Bathinda's historical gems, including the ancient Bathinda Fort, believed to be one of the oldest forts in India. The town also boasts the serene Qila Mubarak Gurudwara, adding to its cultural tapestry.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum: Located in Ludhiana, this museum pays tribute to the 'Lion of Punjab' and the valiant history of the Sikh Empire. It showcases a vast collection of arms, armor, and paintings.

These historical sites offer a glimpse into Punjab's glorious past and cultural richness. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, Punjab's historical heritage is sure to leave you captivated.

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dastaanemusafir · 4 months ago

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The Golden Temple: A Glimpse into Sikhism's Holiest Shrine

Nestled in the heart of Amritsar, Punjab, the Golden Temple stands as a symbol of peace, spirituality, and architectural grandeur. Known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, this revered Sikh gurdwara attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Whether you're a devout follower or simply an admirer of beautiful structures, the Golden Temple offers a unique experience steeped in history, culture, and devotion.

A Historical Overview

The Golden Temple's history dates back to the 16th century when the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, founded the holy city of Amritsar. The construction of the temple began under his guidance and was later completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1604. The temple was built around a man-made pool, which Guru Ram Das had excavated. This pool, known as Amrit Sarovar, lends its name to the city and is believed to have healing properties.

In the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, gilded the upper floors of the temple with gold, giving it its iconic appearance and the name "Golden Temple."

Architectural Marvel

The Golden Temple's architecture is a stunning blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its gleaming gold-covered dome and marble walls inlaid with precious stones are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The temple is surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, and the reflection of the golden structure in the water is a sight to behold, especially during sunrise and sunset.

The Harmandir Sahib complex includes several significant buildings, such as the Akal Takht, the highest seat of earthly authority of the Khalsa, and the Central Sikh Museum, which houses a collection of paintings and historical artifacts related to Sikh history.

Spiritual Significance

The Golden Temple is the most sacred place of worship in Sikhism. It embodies the core values of the Sikh faith, including equality, humility, and the pursuit of justice. The temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, emphasizing the Sikh belief in universal brotherhood and acceptance.

One of the temple's most revered practices is the continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. This practice, known as Akhand Path, has been ongoing since the temple's inception.

The Langar Tradition

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Golden Temple is its langar, or community kitchen, which serves free meals to all visitors, regardless of their religion, caste, or social status. The tradition of langar was initiated by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and is a testament to the Sikh principles of selfless service and equality.

The kitchen operates 24/7, and on average, serves around 100,000 people daily. The meals, which typically include roti (bread), dal (lentils), and kheer (sweet rice pudding), are prepared and served by volunteers. The sense of community and service experienced in the langar hall is a reflection of the Sikh spirit of Seva (selfless service).

Visiting the Golden Temple

Visitors to the Golden Temple are required to follow a few guidelines to respect the sanctity of the shrine. These include covering one's head, removing shoes, and washing hands and feet before entering. The temple complex is wheelchair accessible, and there are facilities for storing shoes and personal belongings.

The serene atmosphere of the temple, combined with the melodious hymns (kirtan) that echo through the complex, creates a deeply spiritual experience. The temple is particularly captivating at night when it is illuminated, and its reflection shimmers in the Amrit Sarovar.

Beyond the Golden Temple

While the Golden Temple is undoubtedly the main attraction, Amritsar has much more to offer. The Jallianwala Bagh, located a short distance from the temple, is a poignant reminder of India's struggle for independence. The Wagah Border, where the daily lowering-of-the-flags ceremony takes place, is another popular attraction.

Amritsar is also known for its vibrant markets, where you can shop for traditional Punjabi attire, handicrafts, and delicious street food. The city's cuisine, especially its famous Amritsari kulchas (stuffed bread) and lassi (a yogurt-based drink), is a treat for food lovers.

Conclusion

The Golden Temple is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a beacon of spiritual solace and communal harmony. Its rich history, cultural significance, and the principles it stands for make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Sikhism and India's diverse heritage. Whether you come for the stunning views, the spiritual ambiance, or the hearty langar meals, the Golden Temple promises an unforgettable experience that resonates with peace and devotion.

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nandneeeeeee · 4 months ago

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Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Amritsar: A Comprehensive Guide

Amritsar, the heart of Punjab, is a city that beautifully blends rich history, vibrant culture, and spiritual tranquility. From the iconic Golden Temple to bustling markets, there are many things to do in Punjab, with Amritsar offering some of the most unforgettable experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 10 best places to visit in Amritsar to gain the best experience by witnessing the history of India!

1. The Golden Temple

No visit to Amritsar is complete without a visit to the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib. This stunning Sikh gurdwara is a symbol of human brotherhood and equality, offering spiritual solace to millions of visitors. The shimmering gold façade and the serene Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) are truly mesmerizing. Don’t miss the langar, a community kitchen that serves free meals to thousands daily.

2. Jallianwala Bagh

A short walk from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is a poignant reminder of India's struggle for independence. This public garden commemorates the 1919 massacre, where hundreds of innocent Indians were killed by British troops. The memorial and the preserved bullet marks serve as a somber reminder of the past.

3. Wagah Border

Witness the electrifying Wagah Border Ceremony, a daily military practice that showcases the parade and lowering of the flags by Indian and Pakistani forces. The energetic atmosphere, patriotic fervor, and synchronized movements make it a must-see spectacle. Arrive early to secure a good spot.

4. Partition Museum

Located in the Town Hall, the Partition Museum offers a deep dive into the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts provide a touching and informative experience about the tumultuous period in history.

5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

Housed in the beautiful Ram Bagh Palace, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is dedicated to the life and times of the "Lion of Punjab." The museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, including weapons, paintings, and coins from the Sikh Empire, offering a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

6. Durgiana Temple

Often compared to the Golden Temple due to its architecture, the Durgiana Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This Hindu temple is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the city’s inclusive and diverse spiritual culture. The temple complex is serene and offers a peaceful ambiance for visitors.

7. Gobindgarh Fort

Step back in time with a visit to Gobindgarh Fort, a historic military fort that now serves as a cultural hub. The fort offers various attractions, including live performances, 7D shows, museums, and traditional crafts. It's an excellent place to learn about Amritsar’s historical significance and enjoy some entertainment.

8. Akal Takht

Situated within the Golden Temple complex, Akal Takht is the highest seat of earthly authority of the Khalsa. It was established by Guru Hargobind and symbolizes the unity of spiritual and temporal concerns in Sikhism. The Takht is a place of great reverence and is integral to the Sikh faith.

9. Ram Tirath

An ancient pilgrimage site, Ram Tirath is believed to be the birthplace of Lav and Kush, the sons of Lord Rama. The temple complex includes a large tank, temples, and hutments where Valmiki is said to have lived. The fair held here annually attracts thousands of devotees and is a vibrant display of local traditions.

10. Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar

For those who love shopping, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar is a paradise. Famous for its textiles, including the renowned Amritsari Phulkari and juttis (traditional footwear), the market is bustling with activity. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and experience the local culture.

Conclusion

Amritsar, with its blend of historical, cultural, and spiritual sites, offers a rich and varied travel experience. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a shopaholic, the city has something for everyone. With so many things to do in Punjab, Amritsar stands out as a jewel that provides a deep dive into the heart and soul of the region. Make sure to explore these top 10 places to fully appreciate the charm and significance of this incredible city.

#places to visit #amritsar #punjab #travel #india #asia #travel destinations #golden temple

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brookstonalmanac · 7 months ago

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Events 4.13

1111 – Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 – Constantinople falls to the Crusaders of the Fourth Crusade, temporarily ending the Byzantine Empire. 1455 – Thirteen Years' War: the beginning of the Battle for Kneiphof. 1612 – Samurai Miyamoto Musashi defeats Sasaki Kojirō in a duel at Funajima island. 1613 – Samuel Argall, having captured Pocahontas in Passapatanzy, Virginia, sets off with her to Jamestown with the intention of exchanging her for English prisoners held by her father. 1699 – The Sikh religion is formalised as the Khalsa – the brotherhood of Warrior-Saints – by Guru Gobind Singh in northern India, in accordance with the Nanakshahi calendar. 1742 – George Frideric Handel's oratorio Messiah makes its world premiere in Dublin, Ireland. 1777 – American Revolutionary War: American forces are ambushed and defeated in the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey. 1829 – The Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 gives Roman Catholics in the United Kingdom the right to vote and to sit in Parliament. 1849 – Lajos Kossuth presents the Hungarian Declaration of Independence in a closed session of the National Assembly. 1861 – American Civil War: Union forces surrender Fort Sumter to Confederate forces. 1865 – American Civil War: Raleigh, North Carolina is occupied by Union forces. 1870 – The New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art is founded. 1873 – The Colfax massacre: More than 60 to 150 black men are murdered in Colfax, Louisiana, while surrendering to a mob of former Confederate soldiers and members of the Ku Klux Klan. 1909 – The 31 March Incident leads to the overthrow of Sultan Abdul Hamid II. 1919 – Jallianwala Bagh massacre: British Indian Army troops led by Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer kill approximately 379–1,000 unarmed demonstrators including men and women in Amritsar, India; and approximately 1,500 injured. 1941 – A pact of neutrality between the USSR and Japan is signed. 1943 – World War II: The discovery of mass graves of Polish prisoners of war killed by Soviet forces in the Katyń Forest Massacre is announced, causing a diplomatic rift between the Polish government-in-exile in London and the Soviet Union, which denies responsibility. 1943 – The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C., on the 200th anniversary of President Thomas Jefferson's birth. 1945 – World War II: German troops kill more than 1,000 political and military prisoners in Gardelegen, Germany. 1945 – World War II: Soviet and Bulgarian forces capture Vienna. 1948 – In an ambush, 78 Jewish doctors, nurses and medical students from Hadassah Hospital, and a British soldier, are massacred by Arabs in Sheikh Jarrah. This event came to be known as the Hadassah medical convoy massacre. 1953 – CIA director Allen Dulles launches the mind-control program Project MKUltra. 1958 – American pianist Van Cliburn is awarded first prize at the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. 1960 – The United States launches Transit 1-B, the world's first satellite navigation system. 1964 – At the Academy Awards, Sidney Poitier becomes the first African-American man to win the Best Actor award for the 1963 film Lilies of the Field. 1970 – An oxygen tank aboard the Apollo 13 Service Module explodes, putting the crew in great danger and causing major damage to the Apollo command and service module (codenamed "Odyssey") while en route to the Moon. 1972 – The Universal Postal Union decides to recognize the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate Chinese representative, effectively expelling the Republic of China administering Taiwan. 1972 – Vietnam War: The Battle of An Lộc begins. 1975 – An attack by the Phalangist resistance kills 26 militia members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, marking the start of the 15-year Lebanese Civil War. 1997 – Tiger Woods becomes the youngest golfer to win the Masters Tournament. 2017 – The US drops the largest ever non-nuclear weapon on Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

#Events

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histroy-of-punjab · 2 years ago

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Hari Singh Nalwa Birthday 1st May

Hari Singh Nalwa was a prominent Sikh general and commander during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire. He was born on 1st May 1791 in Gujranwala, Punjab (now in Pakistan) and was the son of Gurdas Singh Uppal.

Hari Singh Nalwa served as the governor of Peshawar and was known for his bravery and leadership qualities. He was instrumental in expanding the Sikh Empire's territory and played a key role in many battles, including the Battle of Multan, Battle of Jamrud, and the Battle of Nowshera.

He also built many forts, including the famous Jamrud Fort, to protect the empire's territories in northern areas. He was considered a fierce warrior and was known to fight in the frontline alongside his soldiers.

Hari Singh Nalwa died in the Battle of Jamrud in 1837, fighting against the Pashtun tribes. His death was a huge loss for the Sikh Empire, and he is still remembered as a legendary figure in the Sikh community. His legacy lives on through the many forts and structures he built and the sacrifices he made for his people.

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livesanskrit · 1 year ago

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Send from Sansgreet Android App. Sanskrit greetings app from team @livesanskrit .

It's the first Android app for sending @sanskrit greetings. Download app from https://livesanskrit.com/sansgreet

Banda Singh Bahadur (born Lachman Dev)(27 October 1670 – 9 June 1716, Delhi), was a Sikh warrior and a commander of Khalsa army. At age 15 he left home to become a Hindu ascetic, and was given the name ‘’Madho Das’’. He established a monastery at Nānded, on the bank of the river Godāvarī, where in September 1708 he was visited by, and became a disciple of, Guru Gobind Singh, who gave him the new name of Banda Bahadur. He came to Khanda in Sonipat and assembled a fighting force and led the struggle against the Mughal Empire. His first major action was the sacking of the Mughal provincial capital, Samana, in November 1709.[1] After establishing his authority and Khalsa rule in Punjab, Banda Singh Bahadur abolished the zamindari system, and granted property rights to the tillers of the land. Banda Singh was captured by the Mughals and tortured to death in 1715-1716.

#sansgreet #sanskritgreetings #greetingsinsanskrit #sanskritquotes #sanskritthoughts #emergingsanskrit #sanskrittrends #trendsinsanskrit #livesanskrit #sanskritlanguage #sanskritlove #sanskritdailyquotes #sanskritdailythoughts #sanskrit #samskrit #resanskrit #bandasinghbahadur #delhi #khalsa #sikh #sikhwarrior #khanda #punjabi #gurugobindsinghji #sikhism #jammu #kashmir #poonch #fateh #rajput

#greetingsinsanskrit #sanskritgreetings #sanskrittrends #trendsinsanskrit #livesanskrit #sanskrit #celebratingsanskrit #indianarmy #punjab

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kvhaani · 2 years ago

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MUSE: KAINAAT ANSARI

Date written: early 2022

Short summary: This is set in an alternate reality earth in the 1800s. The names of multiple different kingdoms, continents and countries have been changed to reflect that. This starter focuses on Kainaat Ansari, an adventurous princess who escapes her ancestral home for the first time with her body guard and personal friend, Himmat Mohal.

Kainaat’s breath catches in her throat at almost everything she takes in. Bandonese culture is absolutely enthralling, she thinks, as her eyes drink in the complex architecture and the stunning clothing worn by the most prosperous of aristocrats in the magnificent ballroom. Gatherings of the most affluent in society is not a foreign concept for her; having lived her entire life in a palace a hundred times grander than this charming room, Kainaat has grown quite accustomed to such ostentatious displays of wealth and opulence as a normal part of life.

Despite this, the Chatron finds that she often needs to collect her jaw off the polished floor. So many new and wonderful rarities for her to behold in this room alone— if she weren’t so awed by every little detail, from the type of alcohol being served to the style of makeup being worn, Kainaat would surely feel small and out of place here.

/That/ is a feeling she’s slowly familiarising herself with.

When Kainaat had been planning her escape from the high-walled prison that was her ancestral home, she had mentally prepared herself for the fish-out-of-water feeling; after all, she would be leaving all that was familiar and known, all that was /safe/— only to travel to a location that she’d only ever read about in her favourite lessons. Kainaat hadn’t so much as left her home city of Iravat. It was where she’d been born twenty six years prior, and most likely where she would die, unless she took matters into her own hands and broke free from the royal family’s ironclad hold on her.

Himmat Mohal, a stoic old ex-seaman and her closest royal advisor, had been the only one she’d trusted to help her get out. He had taken her aside before the journey to explain how different her life was about to be. Himmat had tactfully made Kainaat aware of the fact that she’d never left the safety of Khalsa Palace; she had no real exposure to new culture; many foreign practices would come as a shock to her. Kainaat had been adamant on pressing forward with the voyage anyway.

Clearly she’d underestimated /just/ how different everything would be.

When she had arrived at Bando’s shores posing as the daughter of a Chatran diplomat (Himmat Mohal had such excellent acting skills, who knew?), she couldn’t stop herself from gaping at all the brilliant new sights and sensations, much like the fish from the aforementioned fish-out-of-water idiom. The bustling port itself was filled with so many new things for her to explore that she spent the first six hours of her life as a runaway animatedly rushing from one loud vendor to the next, sampling the various items they had to offer.

Iravat isn’t close to the ocean at all, perhaps that’s why it’s the capital of the Chatra Empire— less risk of invasion from hostile enemies overseas. Unfortunately, it also means they don’t get to sample the kind of seafood delicacies denizens of coastal cities get to enjoy on a regular basis. The first time she had tried Yeoneojang at the port, and the flavours had burst to life on her unsuspecting taste buds, a dazed and overwhelmed Kainaat had wondered how she could ever go back to eating regular Chatran chicken dishes ever again. How she envied the Bandonese!

By the time the sun began to kiss the horizon and the ocean started to reflect the gorgeous orange-red canvas painting the sky, poor Himmat Mohal had started drowning under the various items of clothing she’d purchased. All the vendors had retired that evening with much heavier pockets (and Himmat Mohal had retired that night with severely sore arm muscles).

Kainaat could barely get herself to sleep that night; partly from the excitement of exploring the famous city of Cheonsang the next day, and partly from the dread of being found out. She had lived a remarkably sheltered life within the Iravat palace walls; Chatran tradition mandated that she remain hidden behind a veil until her wedding day. Kainaat’s unobscured face had never been seen by anyone who did not already live within close contact of the royal family, or men who were potential suitors, a fact that she would use to her advantage to extend her stay in Bando for as long as possible.

Of course, there was always the threat of the Chatran Council sending envoys to bring her back by force but they’d have to find her first. She had left a goodbye note in flawless Chatran script on the satin sheets of her bed but had never mentioned where she would be going, or with whom. While she shudders to think what would happen if she and Himmat were to be caught, Kainaat believes the risk is worth it.

So why Bando, of all places? For one thing, it’s far away from home— at least according to the maps Kainaat had poured over in the royal library. She liked to study maps of foreign lands and distant territories, imagining what her life might be like if she were a sailor like Himmat Mohal used to be. Her favourite destination to dream about had always been Bando.

Kainaat still remembers her first history lesson— back when she still had baby teeth and could barely reach the top of her study table— she would sit and listen to her tutors talk about the kingdom and its refined cultural traditions. As she grew older, Kainaat would listen in on chatter from the maids and traders frequenting the palace, excitedly conversing about the growing ethnic diversity in the city of Cheonsang. She would spend her days in the royal library, absorbing all the scrolls available on Bando— there weren’t many, but she liked to read the ones available to her over and over again, never getting tired of them.

Besides the constant tours of the royal library, Kainaat also liked to sit in the courtyard with Himmat Mohal and listen to tales of his travels to the far away land. She would pester him with questions about the food and the people and his favourite landmarks to visit— to his credit, he’d always answer with patience, no matter how many times she would ask.

She doesn’t know when it had happened but after a certain point, she stopped going to the library to pour over the map and imagine herself in various different locations— Kainaat’s wishes of seeing the world dissolved and she soon began to imagine her life purely in Bando; in Kai’s mind, the kingdom became a place where cultures from all corners of Endal gathered and made a name for themselves. She wanted so desperately to be one of those people too.

Now that she stands in the impressive ballroom, Kainaat breathes a gentle sigh of deep contentment. Dark eyes drink in the vibrant colours, barely-blinking so she doesn’t miss a single thing. The lively, upbeat music acts as fuel to the spirited energy radiating within the Half-Moon Hotel, vivacious characters dancing to instruments she has only ever seen in pictures. Hearing them in person feels surreal. The patrons engage in pompous discussions in various languages left and right, some she recognises and some that sound completely bizarre. Servers in sophisticated looking maroon waistcoats carry trays of exotic dishes, offering beverages and snacks in exquisite silver platters to guests without a drink in hand.

Kainaat herself hasn't yet touched a drop of the stuff— Himmat Mohal hasn’t imposed many restrictions on her on the trip but the one decree he remains firm on is the ‘no alcohol’ rule— though judging by the way many of the members seem to stumble while they dance, or slur their words when they speak, she supposes she’s not missing much.

She can’t seem to get enough of the different clothes adorned by the various guests representing different cultures. Kainaat herself is wearing a deep red chiffon saree adorned with delicate golden embroidery and decorative gold lace stitched onto the hem. It had been a little difficult to explain to the local tailor how to get the style right but with weeks of back and forth, he finally designed one to her liking.

Kainaat’s extravagant accessories include matching gold and red chooriyan bangles, a gold bindi and red jhumka drop earrings, of which the left connects to her nose ring in an elegant arch known as a ‘naath.’ She wears an extravagant white neckpiece meant to draw attention to her collarbones and completes the look with various sized matching rings.

Though she is no longer in Iravat, she is determined to represent her own culture to these foreigners too. The colour and quantity of a young woman’s jewellery in Chatra is meant to signify protection and prosperity, so while it is a little heavy wearing all this and walking around, Kainaat does her best to hold her head high and appear regal.

She still can’t believe she’s here in Bando, taking in an ambience that far exceeds her expectations and transcends the boundaries of her wildest imagination. It’s truly a dream come true.

Just when Kainaat thinks she can’t possibly feel any more excitement, a strange loud noise ripples through the room, startling her. Kai jumps and accidentally bumps into Himmat, who shoots her an amused look in response to her spooked expression. He’s wearing an ivory-coloured Sherwani with a matching plain turban and a metallic Chatra seal.

“What was that?” She asks in native Chatran, patting down her crimson saree as a deep embarrassed blush colours her cheeks the same colour.

“Look up there, rajkumari,” Himmat replies, pointing up to the mezzanine, where a man stands holding a mallet. “It’s called a Chau gong. Used to get attention.”

“Well, it seems he has my full attention now,” she scoffs, trying to focus on the man’s words— Rubandic, she realises— instead of the feeling of her racing heart thundering against her chest.

Kainaat considers how refined he sounds, the velvety notes in his tone delighting a part of her that had always wondered what the language sounded like in its pure form, without her Chatran tutor’s accent.

#KAINAAT #oc ; kainaat

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troytiwari · 3 years ago

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Remembering Bhai Taru Singh on his Jayanti: The Sikh martyr who had his head scalped for refusing to convert to Islam

Who was Bhai Taru Singh?

Bhai Taru Singh was born around 1720 in the Amritsar region during the rule of the Mughal empire. Right from his childhood days, Singh was deeply inspired by the Sikh ethos and attached to his religion. When he saw Sikh rebels rescuing a poor girl from the clutches of Mughal oppressors, he decided to become initiated into the Khalsa.

Singh has one sister, Tar Kaur. Both the siblings started serving food and aid to gurusikhs(devout Sikhs of the Guru). At that time, Sikh rebels were planning to topple the Mughal governor of Punjab, Zakaria Khan. According to historical accounts, an informant reported the siblings to Khan. The two were arrested on charges of treason.

It is said that villagers were able to secure the release of his sister by bribing the Mughal governor, but Bhai Taru Singh resolutely refused to seek a pardon. For his refusal to bow down before Khan, Singh was sent to imprisonment. He was reportedly tortured during his incarceration, but Singh did not grumble and stoically endured the agony.

Mughal governor Zakaria Khan had Bhai Taru Singh’s head scalped for refusing to convert to Islam

Later, when he was brought before Khan and asked about what gave him the strength to continue patiently suffer torture meted out to him, he said he drew his powers to endure torture through his keshas (‘unshorn hair’) blessed by Guru Gobind Singh. Rattled by his unwavering faith in Sikhism, Zakaria Khan gave Singh an ultimatum of either embracing Islam and have his hair cut off as an offering or face execution.

When he refused to abandon his religion, Khan had Bhai Taru Singh’s scalp cut away from his skull with a sharp weapon to prevent his hair from growing further. As per Sikh historian Ratan Singh Bhangu, after his scalp was torn off, Singh cursed Zakaria Khan, saying he would be killed by his shoes.

Sikh sources say after cutting Singh’s scalp, Khan was afflicted by unbearable pain and the inability to urinate. Realising his mistake, Khan sent an apology to the Khalsa Panth for his atrocities against the Sikhs and asked for their forgiveness. They reportedly suggested to him that if he wanted his pain to subside, he will have to hit himself with Singh’s shoes. Though it cured Khan of his condition, he died 22 days after having hit himself with the shoes, just like Singh had predicted. Upon learning that he had outlived his tormentor, Bhai Taru Singh died on 1 July 1745.

Mosques present in vicinity of Gurudwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh demolished after dispute over ownership of the site

As a mark of remembrance, Gurudwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh was built at the spot where Bhai Taru Singh was executed, which is in present-day Pakistan. The gurdwara was built after 1762 when the Sikh rule began in Punjab. The shrine was built on the grounds of the Shaheed Ganj Mosque in Naulakha Bazar of Lahore and was commissioned in 1722 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Alamgir II, with its construction completed by Abdullah Khan in 1753.

But in the 1880s, the dispute between Sikhs and Muslims started over the ownership of the place. The Sikh community started protesting and objecting over the existence of a mosque near the spot where Bhai Taru Singh was martyred and soon the matter reached the court. In July 1935, when British authorities were hatching out a settlement between the two communities, a group of Sikhs demolished the mosque, touching off a deadly wave of communal riots.

However, as per Pakistani historian Shahid Shabbir, the mosque was demolished in presence of British officials after a court ruled in the favor of the Sikh community. Shabbir says the photographs of British officials and Sikh protesters standing at the site when walls and dome of the mosque were brought down were published in leading dailies.

Nevertheless, the site became a thorn in the side of Muslims and Sikhs since then. Even today, there are claims and counterclaims over the ownership of the land. Sikhs claim the land belongs to them while Muslims say they are the rightful heir to the site. It is said that the site is associated with four historical shrines. These include the Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Bhai Taru Singh (Shaheedi Asthan), Shaheed Ganj mosque (now non-existent), Darbar Hazrat Shah Kaku Chisti (dargah) and Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Singh Singhnian.

Pakistan had recently sealed Gurudwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh after a Muslim group claimed they won’t allow the Sikh shrine to exist

Recently, in July 2021, Pakistan had sealed the historical Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh after a land dispute between local Sikhs and a group of activists of Dawat-e-Islami (Barelvi). According to reports published then, Dawat-e-Islami claimed that the Gurdwara was located on the burial site of Muslims Pir Kaku Shah and they wouldn’t allow a Gurdwara to exist in the same premises. As communal tensions escalated, the Pakistani government intervened and sealed the premises which house a Gurdwara as well as a Mazar to avoid any untoward incident

#bhai taru singh #hinduism #hindu religion #news #history #hindustan #pakistan #dharma #mosque #temple #indian history #hindudharma #god #bhagvadgita #sanatana #sanatani #sanatandharma

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