Mazhabi Sikh
Mazhabi Sikh | |
---|---|
Classification | Sikh Warriors [1][2][3][4][5][6] |
Religions | Sikhism |
Languages | Punjabi |
Populated States | Punjab, Rajasthan, Kashmir region |
A Mazhabi Sikh (also spelt as Mazbhi, Mazbi, Majhabhi or Majabhi)are the members of the Rangretta clans.[7] The Rengretta which was named by Guru Gobind Singh (The Tenth Guru Of Sikhs). The Mazhabis are the sign of bravery who have embraced the Sikh faith[1][2][3][4][5][6] They mainly found in the Punjab & In The Regions of Kashmir , Rajasthan. The word "Mazhabi" is derived from the Urdu term "Mazhab" ("sect"), and can be translated as "the religious" or "the faithful"[8]
Mazhabis are best known for their history of bravery, strength and self-sacrifice in the Sikh, Khalsa, British Indian army and Indian army. The Mazhabis were designated as a martial race by British officials.[9] "Martial Race" was a designation created by officials of British India to describe "races" (peoples) that were thought to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle, and to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness, the ability to work hard for long periods of time, fighting tenacity and military strategy. The British recruited heavily from these Martial Races for service in the British Indian Army. After the mutiny, it was only the Mazhabi Sikhs who got recognition as a martial race after they took part in Younghusband's mission to Lhasa in 1903.[9]
Contents
History
The Mazhabi Sikhs are originally inhabitants of the old Greater Punjab which today spans into Pakistani Punjab, Its frontier province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and into Indian Punjab, including its former Punjab territories of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in Northern India including Delhi. Peshawer, Lahore and Amritsar are historical to the Mazhabis and also form the historical center of Sikhism. Accorded a low caste status in the poor farmers,[citation needed] and landless labourers. The Mazhabi Sikh faith had a special appeal and they rapidly embraced it as it did not differentiate on the basis of caste or creed and held everybody equal. This emboldened the downtrodden to fight against injustice, tyranny and persecution.[10]
When Guru Tegh Bahadur was killed by the Mughals in Delhi,Bhai Jaita ji (Baba Jeevan Singh ji) brought his head back to Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh declared that the Rangrettas (Mazhabis) were his sons, and admitted them to the Sikh faith.
Reputation as soldiers
Over the years, the Mazhabi Sikhs have acquired a reputation as fine and formidable soldiers. The British recognised them as "once a redoubtable foe of the English, and now one of the finest soldiers in the British army".[11] The Mazhabis are well known for their fighting qualities[12] and are highly regarded for their determined resolve to complete the assigned tasks against all opposition; and were deployed in various military campaigns in India and abroad. The British were greatly impressed by their superior physique and the martial and religious fervour imparted by Sikhism.[10] The corps of Mazhabi Sikhs became famous[13] for their fighting reputation and discipline. In addition to their soldiering reputation, the Mazhabis were also known for their loyalty and it was noted that during their service with the army, they never once betrayed the trust placed in them.[14] The British noted that during the First World War, the Mazhabi Sikh soldiers reached a "remarkably high standard"[15][16] and that their contribution to the war surpassed that of the Jat Sikhs.[15] Whilst the Mazhabi Sikhs were an important part of the British Indian Army; British Army Regiments carried attached Mazhabi Sikh platoons. The Welch Regiment carried a Mazhabi Sikh Platoon from 1933.[17] Major-General A.E.Barstow described the Mazhabi Sikhs as "...extremely good soldiers."[18] and goes on to mention that the Sikh Pioneer Regiments, "...have a proud record of service in many campaigns."[18] Historically they have fought battles for Guru Gobind Singh and the Mazhabis formed the majority of Akali Nihang ranks, even throughout the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.[19] Maharaja Ranjit Singh also enlisted them in large numbers for the existing misls, and in the irregular corps.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had a great admiration for their bravery and enlisted the Mazhabis extensively into the Khalsa Army[20] which he nurtured into an excellent instrument of war. Being afraid, however, to form them into separate corps, Maharaja Ranjit Singh made sure that a Mazhabi Sikh company was attached to every battalion in his khalsa army[21] (misls). The Mazhabi Singhs participated in all of Ranjit Singh's campaigns and battles.[21] During his reign, the Mazhabi Sikhs were generally stationed on the Peshawer border, where constant fighting against invading Islamic Afghan and Pashtun forces gave them the opportunity to show their bravery and endurance.[20]
Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir raised a corps of Mazhabi Sikhs in 1851. The British also recognised the great fighting qualities and prowess of these soldiers in the Anglo-Sikh Wars. The stubborn and sustained resistance offered by them and their ability to maintain themselves frugally amazed them.[22] The British had admiration for the mazhabi as they made capital soldiers.[23] The British raised the first Corps of Mazhbi Sikh Pioneers, the fore bearer of the Sikh Light Infantry, in 1850. During the British Raj, they were initially recruited for a coolie corps meant for road construction. In 1855 there were only 1500 Sikh soldiers, most of them were mazhabis.[24] In 1857, 12,000 Mazhabis were listed for the 23rd, 32nd and 34th Pioneer Regiments.[citation needed] They were deployed at the Siege of Delhi, Siege of Lucknow and Capture of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The raised Pioneers were a splendid Corps and displayed remarkable valour in the field.[25] They earned a high reputation as soldiers, and became a significant component of the British Indian Army. In 1911, there were 10,866 Sikhs in the Indian army, out of which 1,626 were Mazhabis; They had been reduced to 16% of their original enlistment numbers back in 1857.[citation needed]
The first world war would see a rise their enlistment numbers as the Mazhabi Sikh pioneers, 23rd Sikh Pioneers, 32nd Sikh Pioneers and the 34th Sikh Pioneers were developed into three battalions each.[22] The mazhabi Sikh pioneers performed well during the great war. The 1/34th Sikh pioneers won the title of "Royal" during the Great war. The unit armourer and blacksmith made a highly burnished screen, proudly displaying the magnificent achievements of the Mazhabi Sikh Pioneers as epitomised in their Battle Honours. The 34th Royal Sikh Pioneers presented this screen to his majesty King George V of the United Kingdom in 1933.[22] The Mazhabis, along with the Ramdasea Sikhs, were recruited to form the Mazhabi and Ramdasea battalions, that were later merged to form the Sikh Light Infantry in 1941 for the World War II.
Akalis
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Historically the Akalis were a religious warrior order created by the tenth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh. They fought battles for Guru Gobind Singh and the Mazhabis formed the majority of the Akali Nihang ranks throughout the Guru's period, and even throughout the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.[19] The Akalis were unruly and hard to control and the Sikh Misl chiefs feared them. Throughout the 18th and 19th century they were greatly feared as determined warriors.[26] During the 18th century, when the Mughal and Afghan rulers were hell bent on destroying the Sikhs, the Akali Nihangs were often the most fearless and courageous to challenge them.[27] Under Ranjit Singh's rule, they were renowned both for their intrepid bravery and total lack of discipline except when they were controlled by other Akalis.[26]
The British first came face to face with the Mazhabi Sikh Akalis at the Battle of Ferozeshah during the First Anglo-Sikh War were they earned a notion as "Religious fanatics" among the Sikh army.[28] They kept their swords razor sharp and in battle, at the first opportunity, many of the Sikh foot abandoned their muskets and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with sword and shield. Horrific cutting wounds, severing limbs and heads, were a frightful feature of the Sikh Wars in which neither side gave quarter to the enemy.[28]
Today the Mazhabi Sikhs continue to join the Akali Nihang ranks in large numbers and still numerically dominate the order.[29] However today the Akali Nihangs survive as a relic and are simply a shadow of their former powerful selves during the 18th and 19th centuries. They continue to maintain old historical traditions and can be found all over the Punjab. They gather once a year at an event called Hola Mohalla where Nihangs from all over Punjab contest their martial skills including swordsman-ship and cavalry exercises.
Loyalty towards government forces and the Punjab Insurgency
In addition to their soldiering reputation, the Mazhabi Sikhs are renowned for their loyalty and reliability. During Operation Blue Star in 1984, when the Indian Army entered the Golden Temple, Jatt Sikh[30][31] soldiers broke out in mutiny against their officers in the Sikh Regiment[30][31] and Punjab regiments[30] A total of 2000 Sikh personnel took part in the mutinies.[30] In the most sensational case 1400 Sikhs Mainly Jatt Sikhs deserted after killing their commanding officer and armed themselves.[30] A significant number of those were also new recruits who were incited easily into mutiny and some were forced at gun point to take part in the mutinies.[30] Despite that, the Indian Army officers trust in the Mazhabi Sikhs resulted in them to express confidence to journalists that they were confident the Mazhabi Sikhs of the Sikh Light Infantry would not mutiny.[31] The Mazhabi Sikhs did not mutiny and stayed true to their posts.[31]
On the Punjab home front, Sikh militants had stepped up their attacks on law enforcement as well as civilians, including minority groups in the Punjab. The Punjab had now reached a state of emergency and Director General of Police Kanwar Pal Singh Gill responded by raising mazhabi Sikhs as "Special Police Officers."[32] This tactic was designed for community protection.[32] Their loyalty was towards government and was never questioned.[32]
The Mazhabi Sikh Special Police Officers were enlisted on 35 rupees a day[33] or Canadian $1.50.[34] The recruits were largely unemployed Mazhabi Sikhs.[34] They were provided guns by the state and were literally given the licence to kill.[33][34] K.P.S.Gill received heavy criticism[33] for the brutality and ruthlessness of his tactics, but the Sikh militants were neutralized. A large number of these special police officers were said to have been used during the February 1992 elections.[34] An open season was declared on Sikh terrorists[34] and the police were able to use whatever means deemed necessary to achieve victory.[34] Major Sikh militant leaders were targeted, and many did not survive.[34] K.P.S Gill is credited with the creation of the Mazhabi Sikh Special police and suppression of Sikh militancy in Punjab.
With the British East India Company (1850-57)
After the Anglo Sikh Wars, the Mazhabi Sikhs were first formed into a corps in 1850.[35] They were formed mainly as a labour corps placed on road and canal construction. It was However the Indian Mutiny of 1857 that the Mazhabi Sikhs were formed into the very first Pioneer corps.[36] Robert Shebbeare raised one of the very first companies of Mazhabi Sikhs. This company would go on to become the 15th (Pioneer) Regiment of Punjab.[37] John Cave-Browne wrote of the Mazhabi Sikhs being commanded directly by the Commissioner of the Punjab and that both he and Colonel Edwards of the British Army spoke very highly of the Mazhabi Sikhs as soldiers. The Mazhabi Sikhs were even referred to by John Cave-Browne as "...the demon caste."[38]
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Then it was that Colonel Edwardes, ever ready in resource, thought of a class little known and generally despised, yet whose
physical power and spirit of endurance would render them invaluable in such a crisis—the Muzbee Sikhs. A few words
respecting these may not be out of place here.
Post-independence (1947–present)
With India becoming Independent in 1947, The British Indian Army completed its transition into the new Indian Army. The Mazhabi Sikhs, largely recruited into the Sikh Light Infantry regiment continued their service with the newly independent India.[40]
Independent India immediately saw conflict after Independence with the Jammu & Kashmir Operations, the Hyderabad Police Action and the Goa Operations. Conflicts continued during the Chinese aggression in NEFA and Ladakh; and on the Western front in 1965; and on both the Eastern and Western fronts in 1971.[40] The Indian army responded by increasing its recruitment and consequently additional post war Sikh Light Infantry battalions were raised.
Indian Army Mazhabis
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Upon independence in 1947, The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment remained with the Indian Army.[40] In addition to the Second World War raised battalions, additional battalions were raised. These battalions were:
Since independence, the Mazhabi Sikhs were transferred to the Indian Army and have established themselves as a permanent and vital part of the newly independent Indian Army. In the post-1947 conflicts India has fought in, Mazhabi Sikhs have served in almost all of them, including the wars with Pakistan in 1947,1965 and 1971, the Hyderabad Police Action of 1948 and also against the Chinese aggression in 1962.[40] Mazhabi Sikh soldiers of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Battalions fought in the Eastern and Western Sectors during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, registering remarkable victories and performing great acts of gallantry.[40] Mazhabi Sikhs have also been deployed in peacekeeping operations around the world with the United Nations Emergency Force[40] The Mazhabis have also served in Sri Lanka conducting operations against the Tamil Tigers. The 1st, 7th, 13th and 14th Battalions of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment have contributed towards peace-keeping in Sri Lanka.[40]
Social status
The social status of the Mazbhi Sikhs has varied over time. The Mazhabi Sikhs have abandoned all ties with Hinduism and its traditional caste roles. During the British Raj, the Mazbhis were listed as an agricultural caste on British censuses of caste populations. Historically the Mazhabi Sikhs are generally found throughout the Punjab province, however the Mazhabis are most numerously found in Ferozepore, Lahore, Amritsar and Faridkot.[20] The Mazhabi Sikhs perform much of the agricultural labour in these areas.[20]
In spite of the Sikhism's egalitarian tenets, many Jat Sikhs continued to look down upon the Mazhabis.[41] In March 1966, the Federation of Mazhabi Sikhs offered to support Arya Samaj and Jan Sangh in an agitation against the formation of the Jat Sikh-majority Punjabi Suba.[42] According to a report published in The Tribune on 16 March 1966, a spokesperson for the organisation stated that "the Sikh Scheduled Castes had been reduced to a position of mere serfs by the Sikh landlords who would literally crush the Mazhabi Sikhs if Punjabi Suba was formed."
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee elections in December 1954 returned a verdict totally in favour of Punjabi Suba. The electorate in this case was purely Sikh. Yet the Akali Dal was stoutly oppposed on the Punjabi Suba issue by the Khalsa Dal, a new party created by Congress Sikhs with the support of the government. The results went overwhelmingly in favour of the former. The Khalsa Dal was put to rout, its tally being a bare three seats out of the 132 contested. On the contrary, the Akali Dal won all the 111 seats for which it had put up its candidates. The remaining seats went to those supported by the Dal one Independent and seventeen Communists. Sikh solidarity on the question of Punjabi Suba was a proven fact. Arya Samaj and Jan Sangh opposition to Panjabi Suba was solely based upon an irrational fear of Sikh domination, a fear borne from these organisations belief in Hindu supremacy. These organisations ran a campaign in Panjab telling Hindu Panjabis to lie in the official census, to claim Hindi as their mother tongue rather than Panjabi, this was almost in all cases untrue. This was the first sowing of communal 'dragons teeth'. By encouraging the Hindus of Panjab to side with their coreligionists rather than their neighbours, the government were in effect driving a wedge between Sikhs and Hindus in Panjab. This policy would continue and lead to terrible violence, that would in years to come, almost destroy the state and the Indian union itself.
[42] In 2005, 56 expelled employees of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee abandoned Sikhism, and alleged that they were being discriminated against because they were Mazhabis.[43] Economically poor Mazhabi Sikhs can still face discrimination and violence from Sikhs of upper castes in Punjab's rural areas[44]
The Government of India recognises Mazhabi Sikh as a "Scheduled Caste", as part of their official affirmative action program. The urban Mazbhis have made social and economic progress over the years, and are very active in the Panjab Akali party (Sikh nationalist party). However, poverty and illiteracy is still rampant among the Mazhabi Sikhs living in the rural areas of Punjab.
Demographics
As of 2001, according to the Indian Census, the Sikh Mazabhi are 9.98% of Punjab population.[45]
Notable Mazhabis
Music
- Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa, The first[46] Sikh Kirtana to be awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award by the government of India for his outstanding contribution to Kirtan in 2009.[46] He is the Hazoori ragi of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar[47] and has been doing kirtan for over 25 years and is considered to be one of the finest raagis[46] having knowledge of all 31 raagas in the Gurbani of the Guru Granth Sahib.[46] in addition, he also has a notable knowledge of bani in the Dasam Granth which was written by Guru Gobind Singh and he also sings the Dasam Bani in his raags.[46] Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa
Punjabi singers and actors
- Late Amar Singh Chamkila was famous Punjabi Singer
- Hans Raj Hans Famous punjabi Singer
- Sukhwinder Singh, Bollywood Singer
- Amrinder Gill Famous Punjabi Actor and Singer
- Jassi Gill Punjabi singer and actor
- Daler Mehndi, Bollywood Singer
Personalities and literature
- Sant Ram Udasi (20 April 1939 – 11 August 1986), was one of the major Punjabi poets of the 20th century having revolutionary as well as dalit consciousness. Lok Kavi Sant Ram Udasi Memorial Trust (International) was established to do research on the life and works of Sant Ram Udasi.
- Daya Singh Arif[48] (1894–1946)[48] One of Punjab's most famous poets and writers of the 20th Century. He was learnt in Punjabi,[48] Hindi,[48] Sanskrit,[48] Urdu,[48] Persian[48] and Arabic.[48] He began writing poetry in his teens[48] and published his maiden book Fanah da Makan (Abode of Mortality) in 1914.[48] This was followed by his most popular and famous piece of work Zindagi Bilas (Discourse of life) in 1915.[48] These works were published in many editions bringing him great fame. He also composed historical ballads about the Sikh Gurus, warriors and martyrs called parsangs. The majority of these are lying unpublished with his son.[48] One of his most popular books is Saputtar Bilas which was published in 1921.[48] The Punjab Government held a memorial in his honour at his native birthplace in 1967
- Giani Ditt Singh[49] An influential Sikh scholar of the 19th century. Leader of the Lahore group and Tat Khalsa.[50] He was a scholar, author and journalist. He wrote more than forty books covering Sikh doctorine, history, martyrology and social reform.[49]
- Bant Singh, Punjabi Singer and labour activist, fighting against the power of the landowner.[51] Described by Amit Sengupta as "an icon of Dalit resistance"[52] he has been active in organising poor, agricultural workers, activism that continues despite a 2006 attack that cost him both of his lower arms and his left leg."[51]
- Bhai Harchand Singh Rangreta the one who killed Ajit Singh Poohla with Navtej Singh Gaggu
Government and politics
- Sardar Buta Singh,[53] Home Minister under the Rajiv Gandhi government and erstwhile Governor of Bihar. He began his political career with the Akali Dal in 1960[53] and was elected to the Lok Sabha of Punjab in 1962 but joined the congress party in 1964.[53] He was closely associated with Prime minister Indira Gandhi and her sons Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.[53] He became the deputy Minister of Railways in 1974[54] He is a former Union Home Minister[55] former Union Minister of Communications,[citation needed] Union Minister of Agriculture in 1985[56] He is also an eight times elected member of the Lok Sabha as well as Governor of Bihar. He has also twice represented India at the United Nations General Assembly[54] He worked as chairman Scheduled Caste Commission Govt. of India (Ref.Govt. Of India Record)
- Sr Joginder Singh Maan MLA of phagwara.
- Sr Charanjit Singh Atwal,[57] Deputy speaker and speaker in the Indian Houses of Parliament hails from Ludhiana, Punjab. He is a respected member of the Indian Parliament for 20 years[57] and has over 40 years of service in politics. He has been in the field of politics since 1957 and was elected to the Punjab State Assembly in 1977.[57] He is considered among the top hierarchy of the Shiromani Akali Dal.[57]
Religious and historical figures
- Baba Deep Singh He was the first head of Misl Shaheedan Tarna Dal - an order of the Khalsa military established by Nawab Kapur Singh, the then head of Sharomani Panth Akali Buddha Dal.
General Hari Singh Nalwa
- Baba Jiwan Singh,[10][58][59][60] Sikh general and Close and famous associate of Guru Gobind Singh. He was martyred at Chamkaur during the withdrawal from Anandpur in 1704[58][61]
- Baba Sangat Singh,[10][62][63] Younger brother of Baba Jivan Singh.[63] He was a lookalike[62] of Guru Gobind Singh. Sangat Singh exchanged attire with Guru Gobind Singh[63] during the Battle of Chamkaur to aid the Guru's escape. Guru Gobind Singh adorned him with his Kalgi[63] in recognition of the sacrifice he was to make.
- Bhai Mati Das[59] A Mazhabi Sikh Martyr[59] who accompanied Guru Teg Bahadur to Delhi.[64] His body was sawn in half.[59][65]
- Bhai Dyala[59] A Mazhabi Sikh Martyr[59] who accompanied Guru Teg Bahadur to Delhi.[64] He was Boiled alive in a cauldron.[65][66]
- Bhai Mani Singh[59] A Mazhabi Sikh martyr[59] personality and scholar.
- Bhai Udai Singh[59] A Mazhabi Sikh warrior and personality[59] He became a martyr in battle in December 1705.[67] He was the son of Bhai Mani Singh.[68]
- Bhai Gurditta[59] He was a disciple of Guru Teg Bahadur, 9th Guru of the Sikhs.[69] He accompanied Guru Teg Bahadur to Delhi.[59]
- Bir Singh,[10][70] Sikh warrior and close associate of Guru Gobind Singh. He along with his son Dhir Singh volunteered to sacrifice their lives in target practice by becoming human targets for Guru Gobind Singh on his command. Guru Gobind Singh did this to show Dalla the courage of his Sikhs.[70] Bir Singh and his son Dhir Singh are commemorated at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Gurdwara Bhai Bir Singh Ji and Dhir Singh Ji[70] at Bathinda, Punjab.
- Dhir Singh, Sikh warrior and son of Bir Singh[70] He volenteered with his father to become a human target for Guru Gobind Singh 10th Guru of the Sikhs, when Guru Gobind Singh wished to show Dalla the courage of his Sikhs.[70]
- Sardar Ishar Singh of Nishanchian Misal,[71] Mazhabi Sikh chieftain; father of Phula Singh.[72] was seriously wounded in the Great Holocaust in 1762, and died shortly thereafter.[72][73]
- Baba Narain Singh, Chieftain of Shahidan Misl.[71] He adopted Phula Singh after Ishar Singh's death.[72][73]
- Nabbau Singh[10][74]
- Bhai Garja Singh[10][74]
- Akali Phula Singh, The most celebrated figure and leader among the Akalis[75] He is perhaps the most influential figure during Ranjit Singh's reign and fought at the conquests of Kasur,[75] Mahmudkot,[75] and Kashmir.[75] He was killed at the Battle of Naushera.[75]
- Sardar Kala Singh[76] A Mazhabi Sikh Clan Chief & Warlord, who firmly established Sikh rule in the notorious Gandghar mountains.[76] He established himself as administrator of Hasan Abdal and set up his headquarters at Sarai Kali.[76] This was the furthest frontier outpost bordering Afghanistan at the time.[76] Sardar Kala Singh firmly suppressed the fanatical Muslim war chiefs and Pathan tribes in the area and established his own authority.[76]
See also
- Akali Nihang The Mazhabi Sikhs formed the majority of Akali Nihang forces during the times of Guru Gobind Singh[77] and throughout the reign of Ranjit Singh.[77] The Mazhabi Sikhs still today continue to join the Akali Nihang religious.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Singh, J. (1985) Perspectives on Sikh studies. Guru Nanak Foundation publishing p73
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Grewal, J.S. (1998) The Sikhs of the Punjab. Cambridge University Press p116 ISBN 0-521-63764-3
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 McLeod. W.H (2009) The A to Z of Sikhism. Scarecrow Press p128
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Hastings, J. (2003) Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Part 18. Ed. reprint. Kessinger Publishing p 608 ISBN 0-7661-3695-7
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Tan, T.Y (2005) The garrison state: the military, government and society in colonial Punjab 1849–1947. Vol 8. SAGE publishing. p72 ISBN 0-7619-3336-0
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Banerjee, I. (1970) Evolution of the Khalsa, Volume 2. 2nd Ed. A. Mukherjee publishing. p121
- ↑ [1][dead link]
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Anderson. J.D (2011) The Peoples of India. Cambridge University Press p22
- ↑ Sydney, L and O'Mally, S. (1934) India's Social Heritage. Curzon Press. ISBN 0700700455 p42
- ↑ George Devereux Oswell & Sir William Wilson Hunter, (1972) Sketches of rulers of India, Volume 1. Ed. Reprint. Researchco Publications p93
- ↑ Royal Central Asian Society (1936) Journal of the Royal Central Asian Society, Volume 23. Royal Central Asian Society p326
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 DeWitt C. Ellinwood, S. D. Pradhan (1978) India and World War I. Manohar Publishers p218
- ↑ Leigh. M.S (1922) The Punjab and the war. Superintendent, Government Printing, Punjab p49
- ↑ Cyril Ernest Napier Lomax, John De Courcy (1952) The History of the Welch Regiment, 1919–1951. Western Mail & Echo p29
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Barstow. A.E (1985) The Sikhs, an ethnology. B.R. Publishing Corporation p97
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 McQueen. Sir. J.W and Baaghaa. A.S (1994) Unseen faces and untold cases, heroes and villains of Sikh rule, Volume 8 of Series in Sikh history and culture. Bahri Publications p106
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Barstow. A.E (1985) The Sikhs, an ethnology. B.R. Publishing Corporation p75
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021019/windows/slice.htm
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 [2][dead link]
- ↑ http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/movements/Various%20sects/VASects.htm
- ↑ [3][dead link]
- ↑ Great Britain and the East Volume 46 (1936) Great Britain and the East, Ltd p344
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 McLeod, W.H. (2009) The A to Z of Sikhism. Scarecrow Press. p147 ISBN 0810868288
- ↑ Surjit Singh Gandhi. (2007) History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606–1708 C.E Vol. 2 of History of Sikh Gurus Retold. Atlantic Publishers. p1002 ISBN 8126908580
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ O'Brien. J. (2006) The construction of Pakistani Christian identity. Issue 96 of Publication (Research Society of Pakistan) Volume 1 of Subaltern studies. p426 ISBN 969-425-096-X
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 Ron E. Hassner., (2013) Religion in the Military Worldwide. Cambridge University Press. p171
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 Wilkinson., S.I.,(2015) Army and Nation: The Military and Indian Democracy Since Independence. Harvard University Press p221
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 http://journals.hil.unb.ca/index.php/jcs/article/view/4293/4888
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/police-chief-k.p.s.-gill-turns-the-tide-in-punjab-with-controversial-and-ruthless-methods/1/302060.html
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 34.5 34.6 http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6a83b1c.html
- ↑ Chand N. Das (1997) Hours of Glory: famous battles of the Indian army, 1801-1971. Vision Books, p357
- ↑ Tan, T.Y (2005) The garrison state: the military, government and society in colonial Punjab 1849–1947. Vol 8. SAGE publishing. p73 ISBN 0-7619-3336-0
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 http://www.britishmedals.us/collections/TB/heic/griffith.html
- ↑ Cave-Brown, J. (2013 reprint) The Punjab and Delhi in 1857. Book on Demand Ltd ISBN 9785518918429
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 http://www.sikhreview.org/november1995/chivalry.htm
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Kurup, Stalin India Untouched: Stories of a People Apart
- ↑ http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/SCST/dh_sc_punjab.pdf
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ |http://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-nirmal-singh-ji-khalsa-get-padma-shri-award-2009-india
- ↑ 48.00 48.01 48.02 48.03 48.04 48.05 48.06 48.07 48.08 48.09 48.10 48.11 48.12 http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/famous-sikh-personalities/daya-singh-arif.html
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 McLeod. W.H (2009) The A to Z of Sikhism. Scarecrow Press p59
- ↑ McLeod. W.H (2009) The A to Z of Sikhism. Scarecrow Press p59
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 Amit Sengupta, "Untouchable India", p. 82–84 in Index on Censorship, Volume 35, Number 4 (2006).
- ↑ Amit Sengupta, The Dalit sword of Mansa, Himāl Southasian, October 2006. Accessed online 1 October 2010.
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 Pathak, B and Lal, A.K. (2003)Social exclusion: essays in honour of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Volume 1. Concept Publishing Company p291
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 Singh, R. and Shankar, K. (2008) Sikh Achievers. Hemkunt Press. p34 ISBN 8170103657
- ↑ The Illustrated weekly of India. (1989) The Illustrated weekly of India, Volume 110, Issues 40–53 p33-35
- ↑ P.S. Doijad (1998) Transfer of Plant Protection Technology Among Dryland Farmers. Mittal Publications:India. p111
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 Congressional Record, V. 147, Pt. 8, 12 June 2001 to 25 June 2001 p11493
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 McLeod. W.H (2009) The A to Z of Sikhism. Scarecrow Press p98
- ↑ 59.00 59.01 59.02 59.03 59.04 59.05 59.06 59.07 59.08 59.09 59.10 59.11 Singh. B.L (1995 reprint) Short Sketch of the Life and Works of Guru Gobind Singh. Asian Educational Services p14
- ↑ Leslie, J.(2003) Authority and Meanings in Indian Religions: Hinduism and the Case of Valmiki. Ashgate Publishing p69-70
- ↑ Leslie, J.(2003) Authority and Meanings in Indian Religions: Hinduism and the Case of Valmiki. Ashgate Publishing p69
- ↑ 62.0 62.1 Leslie, J.(2003) Authority and Meanings in Indian Religions: Hinduism and the Case of Valmiki. Ashgate Publishing p70
- ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 63.3 Gandhi, S.S (2007) History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606–1708 C.E Volume 2 of History of Sikh Gurus Retold, Surjit Singh Gandhi, ISBN 81-269-0859-9, ISBN 978-81-269-0859-2. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p831
- ↑ 64.0 64.1 Jain. Harish (2003) The making of Punjab. Unistar Publishing p216
- ↑ 65.0 65.1 Studies in Sikhism and Comparative Religion. Vol 21. Guru Nanak Foundation p165
- ↑ Singh. B.L (1995 reprint) Short Sketch of the Life and Works of Guru Gobind Singh. Asian Educational Services p15
- ↑ Gandhi, S.S. (2007) History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E. Atlantic Publishers & Distribution. p966
- ↑ The Sikh Review, Volume 56, Issues 1-6 p64
- ↑ Sharma, S.K., Sharma, U. (2004) Cultural and Religious Heritage of India: Sikhism. Mittal Publications. p81
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 70.3 70.4 Murphy, A. (2012) The Materiality of the Past: History and Representation in Sikh Tradition. Oxford University Press. p34-35
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 http://www.rajkaregakhalsa.net/literature/General%20Sikhism/Akali%20Baba%20Phoola%20Singh.pdf
- ↑ 72.0 72.1 72.2 Dr. Singha, H.S. (2005) Sikh Studies, Book 6 Hemkunt Press. p43
- ↑ 73.0 73.1 Sikh Cultural Centre (2006) The Sikh Review, Volume 54, Issues 7-12; Volume 54, Issues 631-636. p35
- ↑ 74.0 74.1 Kumar, S. (2002) How the Sikh Light Infantry evolved. A slice of history. The Tribune. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021019/windows/slice.htm
- ↑ 75.0 75.1 75.2 75.3 75.4 Nalwa, V. (2009)Hari Singh Nalwa, "champion of the Khalsaji" (1791–1837). Hari Singh Nalwa – Khalsaji p305
- ↑ 76.0 76.1 76.2 76.3 76.4 http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/sikh-political-figures/kala-singh.html
- ↑ 77.0 77.1 McQueen. Sir. J.W and Baaghaa. A.S (1994) Unseen faces and untold cases, heroes and villains of Sikh rule Volume 8 of Series in Sikh history and culture. Bahri Publications p106
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