An exploratory analysis by Dr. Jagroop Singh: student of Sikh Studies without any funding or conflict of interest. 6 June 2021
Harsimrat Kaur Badal recently made a speech in the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament) claiming, “It was our Guru Teg Bahadur who got beheaded to save your Tilak and Jenue”. Generally speaking, politicians are a selfish breed and will use anything and everything for their benefit. Harsimrat Kaur Badal is the epitome of that astuteness and opportunism. It is commonly accepted that Sikh religion’s DNA is to protect any person who is being victimized. Having said that, continual iteration of this magnanimous act will risk losing its potency. However, Sikh philosophy is has been a major impediment to the Hindu nationalist agenda requiring dimunation. This has led to clever gamesmanship of describing “Sikhs as a part of the Hindu brethren” and revising history to support this hypothesis.
A critical article by Vishal Agarwal was published in response to the above-mentioned speech only 15 days later. A response churned out at great speed is suggestive of an organization with strategy and ‘reach’ all over the globe. And who is Vishal Agarwal? The fact that he is married with 2 children and has a dog in Minneapolis does not adequately explain his motivation or background. However, an impressive bibliography of 20 and 46 references requires careful consideration before offering any commentary. Who would have thought that Guru Teg Bahadur would become the subject of a ‘tug of war’ between two markedly different beliefs?
This process is indicative of a religious minority being defined by the majority, in terms of ‘identity politics’ and belief system. Any ‘outsider’ commentary is rarely complimentary and requires a suitable methodology to assess the acceptability of such propaganda. However, ‘side stepping’ or silent treatment could be construed as a sign of weakness &/or submission. Comparative religious discourse and commentary usually have ulterior motives and should not be taken lightly but must always following courteous scholarly etiquette. A policy of “live and let live” with mutual respect can generate significant learning and cross fertilization of ideas.
Some initial thoughts: –
- It is accepted that plural society requires polite and respectable approach to other people’s belief. Most people are party to joining in various religious events, mindful of the fact that some spiritual concepts are transferrable and better understood with personal dialogue. The shared pleasantries should not be seen as dilution of one’s individual faith providing religious boundaries are maintained
- There is a lack of homogeneity in all religions with a variable levels of belief &/or commitment. Significant portion of people occupy a ‘cross over’ territory with a “pick and mix” approach. However, such people are not best placed to define the essence of any particular religion?
- Every religion is entitled to define itself without the imposition of external opinion. Sikhism is defined by the Canonical Text of Guru Granth Sahib as “Shabad Guru” and the Panth to enact and actualize that edict from the Akaal Takht
The apparent affection instigated towards Sikhs by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is both disingenuous and dangerous. Parshant Kishore, a political analyst recently asserted that the BJP agenda is to annihilate political opposition and control peoples’ minds completely. Therefore, this revisionist history project needs to be challenged by a counter narrative with a genuinely authentic version. It has not been forgotten that the Sikh reference library was intentionally ransacked during the ‘Blue star’ operation. It is unnecessary to open up wounds by expressing raw and visceral emotions but the underlying conspiracy cannot be overlooked or forgotten.
The hagiography of Guru Tegh Bahadur as “Hind Di Chadar” has been propagated and significantly amplified during the 400th Birth Anniversary celebrations. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur National Integration Chair, Punjabi University Patiala organized a National Webinar on 26 August 2020. Dr. Daljit Singh said, “Guru Sahib had given an unprecedented martyrdom to save the mankind from the evils of Mughal tyranny and promoted religious freedom, national integration and cultural heritage of India”. Similarly, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda organized National Webinar on 9th November 2020. The programme was conducted under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra Tiwari. The keynote speaker, Professor Jagbir Singh repeated the same word for word, pre-scripted commentary. Personalities like Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu, Guru Gobind Singh Chair was also involved. Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, went on to say some nebulous ‘sweet nothings’ like, Guru Sahib’s philosophy & teachings being relevant for all times. This will enable our society to live together peacefully by rising above religious divide. The message of “Universal Oneness” emphasized Hindu-Sikh unity above other religions. This message appears have been conveyed in many other functions at the behest of the RSS & BJP alliance.
Some points for consideration: –
- Demarcation of religious boundaries is based on differences rather than commonalities. Guru Nanak’s refusal to wear the Jenue marks the initial rejection of Hinduism. Sikhism is a ‘sui generis’ and a separate religion, revealed by the utterance of Ik O’Onkar by Guru Nanak at the age of 21.
- Guru Nanak and his 9 successors Gurus were one the same by the virtue of the transference of the Atmak Jote referenced in the Guru Granth Sahib and corroborated by Bhai Gurdas & Bhai Nand Lal Ji
- The issue of cast is raised emphasizing that all Gurus were Khatris and the predominance Jatts amongst the Sikh community. Jagjit Singh (1985) refutes this claim, particularly during the militarization phase from Guru Hargobind to Banda Bahadur’s time period.
- If we are to accept the assertion that Teg bahadur was a Hindu then clarification is required of the following issues: –
- If Hindus were so upset or obligated, why didn’t they offer any reprisals following the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadur? However, Saqi Mustad Khan documents three separate incidents of Sikhs attempting to take revenge with dire consequences
- A Sikh attacked Aurangzeb on 10 July 1676 with a wooden club in Chandni Chowk
- Another Sikh attacked Auranzeb unsuccessfully with a sword on 2 November 1676
- A Sikh man threw 2 bricks at Auranzeb, as he was alighting a boat on the River Jumna, 19 February 1677
- Why did Hindus not mark the shaheedi site with a Mandir?
- In what way has Guru Teg Bahdur been celebrated or remembered by Hindus since 1675?
- PM Modi’s visits to Rakab Ganj and Sis Ganj Gurdwaras are widely publicized with photographs as a pubic relations exercise. The public would be interested to know about the experience &/or specific learning from such visits. The life and the writings of Guru Teg Bahadur should be the focus of any discussions for anyone visiting the Gurdwara
- More importantly, how do the Hindus reconcile the critical commentary regarding Hinduism, inherent in the writings of Guru Teg Bahdur?
- If Hindus were so upset or obligated, why didn’t they offer any reprisals following the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadur? However, Saqi Mustad Khan documents three separate incidents of Sikhs attempting to take revenge with dire consequences
- The article is critical about the literal sources that were not of ‘that time’ and thus casting doubts regarding their accuracy. Yet, so much is written with confidence about Hindu pilgrimages made during this pre-Guru period. The purpose of one pilgrimage is even attributed to the inability to conceive?
- The Guruship period between 1663 and 1675 is open to critical appraisal as fair game. However, his life prior to 1663 is of principle interest only to the 8th Guru in terms of the suitability of succession. It is ludicrous for mere mortals to be questioning Guru Teg Bahadur’s character and labeling him a ‘bandit’. Even devaluing the “Hind ki Chadar” claim by asserting that there was an intensification of persecution after the Guru’s sacrifice? If all this were true, then why are Hindus so keen to ‘own’ him?
- The scope of Guru Teg Bahadur’s centenary celebrations by the government is a political exploit. It also serves as a distraction from the mishandling of the pandemic. The extensive expenditure would have been better spent on propping up the healthcare facilities, inefficiencies of which have been cruelly exposed.
- “Follow Guru’s teachings to promote scientific outlook” webinar organized by Pushpa Gujral Science City (The Tribune, 3 May 2021) is a strange slant on spirituality?
Conclusion
There are political reasons for this obsession to incorporate Sikhism under the Hindu umbrella. The Hindutva cannot entertain the sovereignty of Sikhs and wishes to depict them as ‘one of the same’ or at the very least, as a sect of Hindus. The fact remains that Sikhs have the revealed word of God in the form of Guru Granth Sahib makes us a ‘nation’. Although the Sikhs meet the various criteria of nationhood the historical complexity of colonial rule and the subsequent construction of India is problematic in the new world. However, that itself will not negate their true and legitimate claim.
The myth of “Hind ki Chadar” needs to be refuted and corrected as often as is necessary. The actual phrase was “Srist ki Chadar” referring to mankind in general without any preference to Hindu religion per se. Kavi Sainapat in Sri Guru Sobha (1711) clarifies it as a freedom of choice issue and an expression of that chosen faith.
Finally, Sikh community needs to develop fortitude in resisting the inevitable and persistent goading by certain Hindu factions, which is intended to lead us astray. Greater effort needs to be put into the education and development of young generations for an improved understanding of their faith and therefore relish contemporary challenges. The following 2 quotations from Guru Granth Sahib on Hindu philosophy explain the necessity of a radicle new Sikh religion over 5 centuries ago: –
Hindu mooleh bhule akhuti jahin
The Hindus have forgotten the Primal Lord; they are going astray.
Narad kahiia si pooj karanhi
As Naarad instructed them, they are worshipping idols.
Andhe goongeh andh andhar
They are blind and mute, the blindest of the blind.
Pathar le poojeh mugadh gavaar
The ignorant fools pick up stones and worship them.
Ohe ja aap dube tum kaha taranhar? ||2||
But when those stones themselves sink, who will carry you across? ||2||
(Guru Granth Sahib, page 556)
And
Tirath barat aur daan kar, man mei dharai gumaan
Those who make pilgrimages to sacred shrines, observe ritualistic fasts and make donations to charity while still taking pride in their minds –
Nanak nihfal jaat tih, jion kunchar isnaan ||46||
O Nanak, their actions are useless, like the elephant that takes a bath, and then rolls in the dust. ||46||
(Guru Granth Sahib, page 1428)
Reference:
Agarwal, Vishal (2021) Did ‘Their’ Guru Teg Bahadur Save ‘Our’ Hindu Dharma? (Indiafacts.org.in) 25 February 2021, retrieved 2 May 2021
https://www.indiafacts.org.in/analyses/did-their-guru-tegh-bahadur-save-our-hindu-dharma/
Badal, Harsimrat Kaur (2021) Most Fiery speech in Lok Sabha on Farm Laws and Farmer Protest (ABP News on YouTube) 10 February 2021
HIND DI CHADAR – GURU TEGH BAHADUR SAHIB JI || VIDEO …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z2djdIb-cA
Chaddah, Mehar Singh (1982) Are Sikhs a Nation? (Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee)
Khaira, Mohinder Singh (2021) Satguru Nanak is Guru Teg Bahadur (article in Panjabi published in Panjab Times UK) page 37, 20 May 2021
Khan, Saki Mustad () Maasir-I-‘Alamagiri a history of the Emperor Aurangzi’Alamgir (reign 1658-1707 AD) (Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta)
Kishore, Parshant (2021) BJP wants more than your vote and that’s the problem (Indian Express online, YouTube)
Nabha, Kahn Singh (1898) Hum Hindu Nahin (Panjabi book)
Nitti, Gabriela (2019) Is it true that Guru Teg Bahadur identified himself as a Hindu before his martyrdom? (Quora)
Outlook India (2002) Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom; a critique of Satish Chandra’s role in NCERT Text Books (Outlook India) 13 February 2002
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/guru-tegh-bahadurs-martyrdom/214551
Sngh, Gurtej (2021) Why do Sikhs still find kings lions and lawsuit dogs (Facebook) 1 June 2021
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001311287227
Singh, Harinder (2017) Beware of revisionism: Hind-di-chadar & dharam-di-chadar reduce Guru’s domain from global to local, political-spiritual to merely religious. (Twitter) 23 November 2017
https://twitter.com/1force/status/933713755652968448?lang=en
Singh, Jagjit (1985) Perspectives on Sikh Studies (Guru Nanak Foundation, New Delhi) Page 139
Singh, Labh Princpal (2017) Hum Hindu Nahi (Southall, London. Panjabi book, published by Sikh Missionary Society UK)
1984 Truth of Sikh Reference Library (YouTube video)
Khalsa Diary 