Brahmin Sikhs

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Brahmin Sikhs
Brahmin martyr Bhai Mati Das being executed by sawed in half while alive, detail of a work by the court painter Basahatullah, circa 19th century.
Regions with significant populations
India, United Kingdom
Languages
Punjabi, Dogri, Kashmiri, Hindi, Kangri
Religion
Sikhism
Related ethnic groups
Brahmins, Gaur Brahmin, Saraswat Brahmin

Brahmin Sikh is a Sikh religious group whose members belong to Brahmin community. They played a key role in the early years of Sikhism. Sometimes called Kashmiri Sikhs those who are of Kashmiri origin.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

History

Brahmins from Punjab started to follow Sikhism since the birth of Guru Nanak. They mostly come from Saraswat, a sub sect of Brahmins, also called Sarsut in Punjabi, the rest come from the Gaur (Gaud) section of Brahmins.[2][10]

Population and Distribution

Mostly Brahmin Sikhs reside in India and UK. The majority of Brahmin Sikhs originate from Punjab, specifically from regions such as Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Chandigarh and Nawashahar. Additionally, a significant number have migrated and settled in Delhi. Some Brahmin Sikhs can trace their lineage to areas like Sialkot, and Lahore and Jammu and Kashmir.[9][4]

Contribution and Influence on Sikhism

Brahmins made exceptional contributions during the period of Sikh Gurus, demonstrating their remarkable abilities and skills. Their invaluable contributions played a crucial role in shaping the Sikh community and its culture. The writings of 35 authors are included in Guru Granth Sahib, and among them were 16 Brahmins whose contribution amounted to 45 percent. The Bhatt Brahmins, who sang and wrote in praise of the Sikh Gurus, made significant sacrifices for the cause of Sikhism, with 11 laying down their lives during the lifetime of the Gurus. In recognition of their devotion, the Gurus conferred upon them the prestigious title of preacher (Manjis).[11] There writings known as Bhattan De Savaiye i.e. 'Hym of Bhatts'.[8][9][12]

List of Notable Brahmin Sikhs

See also: Bhatra Sikhs and Bhattan De Savaiye

Bhats

No. of Saviyas by each Bhatts and their name
Name Mahalla Pehla Mahalla 2 Mahalla 3 Mahalla 4 Mahalla 5 Total
Bhatt Tal 10 10 9 13 12 54
Bhatt Balh - - - 5 - 5
Bhatt Bhalh - - 1 - - 1
Bhatt Bhika - - 2 - - 2
Bhatt Gayand - - - 13 - 13
Bhatt Harbans - - - - 2 2
Bhatt Jalap - - 5 - - 5
Bhatt Kirat - - 4 4 - 8
Bhatt Mathura - - - 7 7 14
Bhatt Nalh - - - 16 - 16
Bhatt Salh - - 1 2 - 3

Military, Saints & Scholars

Pandit Tara Singh's (1822–1891) image found on the cover of "Updesh Shatak Basha"
Portrait of Jamadar Khushal Singh
Painting of a seated Raja Teja Singh with a sword on his lap and shield on his back
Mural fresco of Banda Bairagi (seated right) with his son, Ranjit Singh (seated left)
  • Pandit Tara Singh Narotam[13] – Most well-known Nirmala sadhu, scholar who discover Hemkunt Sahib and writer of Gurmat Nirnay Sagar, Sri Gur Tirath Sangrah and Guru Girarath Kosh
  • Raja Khushal Singh Jamadar[14][15][16] – General and Jamadar/Wazir (till 1818) of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court and Uncle of Raja Teja Singh
  • Raja Teja Singh[17] – commander in the Sikh Empire
  • Banda Bairagi[18] – Military commander who fought against the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century. He played a significant role in establishing Sikh rule in Punjab.
  • Mahan Singh Mirpuri Bali[19] – one of the prominent generals of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
  • Raja Lal Singh[20] – Wazir of the Sikh Empire and commander of Sikh Khalsa Army
  • Bhai Kirpa Singh[21][22] – Teacher of Guru Gobind Singh and one of the martyrs of Battle of Chamkaur with his brother Sanmukh Singh.
  • Bhai Lal Singh Kurukshetra[23][24] - was one of the martyrs of Battle of Chamkaur and heroic participater of Battle of Bhangani
  • Bhai Balu Hasna[25][26][27] (1564–1660) – was a Udasi saint, who was disciple of Baba Gurditta (Successor of Baba Sri Chand), and later became head of a dhuari (or branch) of the Udasi Sampradaya
  • Bhai Almast[27] (1553–1643) – was a Udasi saint and head of a dhuari (or branch) of the Udasi Sampradaya, was born in a Kashmiri Gaur Brahman family to Bhai Hardatt and Mai Prabha, and was the elder brother of Bhai Balu Hasna, another equally prominent preacher of the Sampradaya.
  • Bhai Sant Rein[28][29][30] - was an 18th-century (1741-1871 AD) Udasi saint and scholar, who wrote Guru Nanak Vijay, Man Prabodh, Anbhai Amrit, Sri Guru Nanak Bodh and Udasi Bodh
  • Bhai Singha Purohit[31] – was Kul-Purohit and General of Guru Hargobind, 6th Sikh Guru who rescued Guru's young daughter from Mughal's clutches and killed Mughal commander Mohammed Ali before attaining martyrdom in battle against Mughals in Amritsar.
  • Akali Kaur Singh Nihang[32][33] - Kaur Singh (formerly known as Puran Singh) was a religious Preacher and scholar who wrote Guru Shabad Ratan Prakash and other books.
  • Baba Praga Das[34][35] – Baba Praga was a Brahmin of Chhibber clan belonging to the village of Karyala. He was a notable figure in Sikh history, and participated in many battles. Chowk Paraga Das of Amritsar is named after him. His loyalty and spiritual devotion to different Gurus particularly Guru Arjan Dev finds a mention in the book Suraj Prakash.
  • Dwarka Das[36] – He was the son of Baba Praga, was Dewan to Guru Har Gobind and successive Gurus until Guru Har Rai.
  • Bhai Lakhiya[36] – Also known as Bhai Lakhi Das, he was the son of Dwarka Das. He was appointed Dewan after the death of his father, but did not live long after that himself. He was the first Chhibber of Karyala to be bestowed the title of "Bhai" by a Guru.
  • Bhai Dargah Mal[36] – Was the Dewan after Bhai Lakhiya, up to the reign of Guru Har Kishen.
  • Bhai Mati Das[37]–He was a descendant of the same family as Baba Praga and was a disciple of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He preferred a barbaric death instead of a forced conversion to Islam. Bhai Mati Das was sawed in half on 9 November 1675 under the orders of Aurangzeb for his refusal to convert, and his only last wish was that he be allowed to face his Guru while the execution was being carried out.
  • Bhai Sati Das[38] – He was the younger brother of Bhai Mati Das, and a scholar of Persian who translated hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur for the understanding of some of his Muslim followers. He too was executed in a barbaric fashion on 10 November 1675 by being subjected to cuts and later burned alive, for his refusal to convert to Islam.
  • Bhai Chaupa Singh Chhibber[36][39][40]– He was a descendant of the same family as Bhai Mati Das, and was tutor and care-taker of Guru Govind Singh.
  • Bhai Sahib Singh[36] – He was a nephew of Bhai Mati Das, was appointed Dewan by Guru Govind Singh.
  • Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh[36] – He was a son of Bhai Sahib Singh. Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh died defending the Harmandir Sahib during a raid by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
  • Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber[36][41]– Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber was author of 'Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Da'. He was the son of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh.

Role and Presence at Lahore Darbar

Out of 152 Hindu Courtiers And Officials in Lahore Darbar 56 of them were Brahmins making there contribution 44%.[42]

See also

References

  1. ^ Census of India, 1891. 1893.
  2. ^ a b "Brahmin Sikh History" – via Internet Archive.
  3. ^ "A turbaned identity". The Indian Express. 2012-07-01. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  4. ^ a b "Who Are Kashmiri Sikhs ? – KashmirPEN". 2020-05-14. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  5. ^ "www.sikhcastes.com". sites.google.com. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  6. ^ "Kashmiri Sikhs: The vibrant minority that has always stood behind the majority | Free Press Kashmir".
  7. ^ Balfour, Edward (1871). Cyclopaedia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia, Commercial, Industrial and Scientific: Products of the Mineral, Vegetable and Animal Kingdoms, Useful Arts and Manufactures. Ed. by Edward Balfour. [Dr.:] Scottish and Adelphi Press.
  8. ^ a b "A complete guide to Sikhism | WorldCat.org". www.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  9. ^ a b c "History of Bhatra Sikhs". Gurdwara Bhat Sikh Council UK. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  10. ^ "History of the Sikh Faith". The Book Review, Monthly Review of Important Books. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  11. ^ "Brahmins' contribution to Sikhism highlighted". SikhNet. 2008-11-17. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  12. ^ Chauhan, Dr. G.S. (2006). Bani Of Bhagats. Hemkunt Press. p. 125.
  13. ^ Singh, Harbans (1998). The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism: S-Z. Publications Bureau. p. 315. ISBN 9788173805301.
  14. ^ Latif, Syed Muhammad (1891). History Of The Panjab. Calcutta Central Press Company Limited. p. 391. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  15. ^ "Samadh Jamadar Khushal Singh At Lahore – Gateway To Sikhism". www.allaboutsikhs.com. 2014-01-27. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  16. ^ Grewal, J.S. (1990). The Sikhs of the Punjab. Cambridge University Press. p. 107. ISBN 0-521-63764-3. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  17. ^ "Tej Singh, Raja – Gateway To Sikhism". www.allaboutsikhs.com. 2007-03-24. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  18. ^ Sufi, G. M. D. (1974). Kashīr, Being a History of Kashmir from the Earliest Times to Our Own. Light & Life Publishers.
  19. ^ ''Mohyal History'' (Urdu, 1940) Chuni Lal Dutt
  20. ^ "LAL SINGH, RAJA – The Sikh Encyclopedia". 2000-12-19. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  21. ^ "Bhai KIRPA SINGH DUTT – from supplicant to a Khalsa martyr". www.jksikhs.com. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  22. ^ "Pandit Kirpa Singh Dutt – Gateway To Sikhism". www.allaboutsikhs.com. 1999-11-30. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  23. ^ Gandhi, Surjit Singh (2007). History of Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E Vol. 2. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p. 606. ISBN 9788126908585.
  24. ^ Randhir, G.S. Sikh Shrines in India. Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 8-123-02260-3.
  25. ^ "BALU HASNA – The Sikh Encyclopedia". 2000-12-19. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  26. ^ P. 493 The Sikh Reference Book By Harajindara Siṅgha Dilagīra
  27. ^ a b Dilagīra, Harajindara Siṅgha (1997). The Sikh Reference Book. Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark. ISBN 978-0-9695964-2-4.
  28. ^ Vaid, Ram Das (1953). Sri Sant Rain Granthaavali. Shri Sant Renashrem. p. 1. English translation: Sant Rein was born on 1741 to Pandit Hari Vallabh and Mata Savitri Devi in Gaur Brahmin family of Sri Nagar, Kashmir
  29. ^ Padam, Piara Singh (1978). Mahatma Sant Rein. Punjabi University, Patiala. pp. 1–2.
  30. ^ Singh, Sulakhan (2011). The Udasis In The Colonial Punjab 1849-1947 A.D. Department of History (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar). p. 157.
  31. ^ Dilagīra, Harajindara Siṅgha (1997). The Sikh Reference Book. Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark. ISBN 978-0-9695964-2-4.
  32. ^ Kaur Singh Nihang Akali Archived 2014-05-04 at the Wayback Machine: Retrieved sikhencyclopedia.com
  33. ^ Sasan, Prem Singh. Brahmin Sikh Itihas. All India Central Brahmin Sikh Committee (New Delhi). p. 153.
  34. ^ Society, Sikhi Sewa. I Martiri (in Italian). Sikhi Sewa Society.
  35. ^ Sharma, Anurag (2022-11-12). BRAHMINS WHO REFUSED TO BEG: BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUMIHARS, "AYACHAK" BRAHMINS OF EAST INDIA. Notion Press. ISBN 979-8-88833-371-6.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g "Mohyal". Sikhwiki.
  37. ^ Proceedings. Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University. 1998. ISBN 978-81-7380-462-5.
  38. ^ Singh, Bakhshish (1998). Punjab History Conference. Vol. 1. Patiala: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 113. ISBN 9788173804625.
  39. ^ Sharma, Anurag (2022-11-12). BRAHMINS WHO REFUSED TO BEG: BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUMIHARS, "AYACHAK" BRAHMINS OF EAST INDIA). Notion Press. ISBN 979-8-88833-371-6.
  40. ^ Singh, Manpreet J. (2021-12-30). The Sikh Next Door: An Identity in Transition. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-93-89812-71-8.
  41. ^ "Kesar Singh Chibber". SikhNet. 2023-02-10. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  42. ^ "Role of Select Courtiers and Officials at Lahore Darbar (1799–1849)". apnaorg.com. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
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