Dr. Jagroop Singh, student of Sikh Studies without funding or conflict of interest (20 December 2021)

Listening to Amar Singh Shaunki’s “Chotte Lal Do Piyare” gives the impression of 2 young innocent and frightened kids clutching to their grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji. A couple of interpretations spring to mind: –
Their lived experience defies the innocent youth image projected by the performer’s poetic license. Over the next few days of their lives, a rightful description and status of Babbe (revered elders) comes to the fore.
If they were indeed innocent young kids? Then, how did Mata Gujri Ji transform these young ‘saplings’ into mature trees that couldn’t be uprooted?

There is a poignant eulogy to the Chotte Sahibzade by Hakim Allah Yaar Khan Jogi, which gives a different and defiant viewpoint: –

Hum Jaan de ke, aur ki Jaan bachaa chale.
We give our live to save lives of others
Sikhi ki Neev Hum heh, Suroon par uthaa chale.
The foundation of Sikhi is, carried upon our heads
Guruai ka heh Kissa, Jahan men banaa chale.
Our contribution towards the narrative of the Gurus
Singhon ki Sultnat ka, Heh pauda lagaa chale.
We have sown the seedlings of the Sikh Empire

Basic historical sketch

After a lengthy siege of Anandpur Sahib, the Mughal army and the Hindu Raje promised a safe passage for Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Despite swearing an oath upon their religious texts, they pursued the Sikh convoy with vengeful fury. The details of this are ‘embroidered’ in the Zaffarnama written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, addressed to the Emperor Aurangzeb. The overflowing Sarsa crossing proved to be a daunting prospect, leading to loss of life and key religious treasures. The arduous crossing resulted in the separation of Mata Gujri and the 2 Sahibzade from the main party. After spending the first night in Kuma’s cottage (hut), a Brahmin called Gangu Kaul was called upon for assistance. Having worked in the kitchen stores of Anandpur Sahib, he was known to the Guru’s family. Gangu took Mata Ji and the Sahibzade to the relative safety of his abode in a village called Kheri.

Unfortunately, Gangu’s temptation gets the better of him when he steals gold coins from Mata Ji during the night and denies the deed by falsely claiming a burglary. Enough to say, that this leads to a cascade of events culminating in the arrest his ‘guests’ by the Mughal authorities of Morinda. Mata Gujri and the Chotte Sahibzade were then readily transferred to Sirhind and immediately imprisoned in the open tower (Burj). This tower fully exposed to the elements of a bleak winter. Mata Gujri is said to have protested at this treatment and refused food. However, a compassionate local Sikh known as Baba Moti Ram Mehra, felt duty-bound to bring milk and fresh water for the Sahibzade.
The Chotte Sahibzade appeared in the Mughal court of Wazir khan on 2 consecutive days, refusing to lament to the severe pressure to convert into Islam. The execution order was temporarily suspended by the successful plea of the Nawab of Malerkotla, Mohammed Sher Afghan Khan. Unfortunately, Diwan Sucha Nand’s prejudicial and provocative arguments persuaded Wazir Khan to uphold the prosecution case and override the case for acquittal. The 3rd day culminated in the tortious execution of the Chotte Sahibzade, by bricking them alive. Mata Gujri Ji too ‘left this world’ soon after, on the same day. Raja Todar Mall of Sirhind with the assistance of Moti Ram Mehra preformed cremation once the deliberate obstacles could be overcome. Covering the small piece of land with gold bricks, making that the most insensitive but expensive acquisition of its time. Unfortunately, Moti Ram Mehra and his family paid an even bigger price. They were subsequently tortured to death for ignoring the decree, by helping Mata Ji and her Chotte Sahibzade.

Key points for consideration: –

1. The Chotte Sahibzade refused offer Salaam or to bow to the Wazir Khan in his court. The insisted on saluting only the almighty creator by saying, “Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh”

2. Refused all options for self preservation
They followed the way of martyrdom and sacrifice and showed the courage like Guru Gobind Singh Ji and their grand father, Guru Tegh Bahadur

3. The entire episode (Saka) demonstrates the process of nurturing character, zeal and resistance

4. Older (badde) Sahibzade achieved martyrdom on the battle field of Chamkaur
Chotte (younger) Sahibzade at age 7 & 9 set an example which remains unmatched in human history

5. Finally, “Guruai the Kissa” (all 10 Guru’s narrative) over 230 years has been consistently upheld in the most harrowing circumstances. The martyrdom of the 5th & 9th Gurus, 4 Sahibzade and numerous Sikhs in various battle, actualized God’s Ilham (revelation) as received by Guru Nanak

This may not be a pleasant fairy story but an essential one to share within families. The story can be used to explore human character flaws and the application and philosophy of Law. “Lest we forget” those ho gave their lives in martyrdom, in order to uphold the banner of truth and freedom.