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| ⚫ | :''For the armed forces of the ], see ]'' | ||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}} | ||
| {{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}} | {{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}} | ||
| ⚫ | :''For the armed forces of the ], see ]'' | ||
| ] Sikh warriors of the Khalsa]] | [[File:Sikh_Akalis_on_the_March.jpg|thumb| | ||
| right|Early ] Sikh warriors of the Khalsa]] | |||
| ] festival of Sikhs honors the Khalsa tradition every year.]] | |||
| {{Sikhism sidebar}} | {{Sikhism sidebar}} | ||
| ] Tapa Singh, an early Khalsa soldier during the times of the ]]] | |||
| '''Khalsa''' (Punjabi: "the pure") refers to both a special group of initiated Sikh warriors, as well as a community that considers ] as its faith.<ref name=britkhalsa>, Encyclopaedia Britannica</ref><ref name=nikkyxi/> The Khalsa tradition was initiated in 1699 by the last living Guru of Sikhism, ]. Its formation was a key event in the history of Sikhism.<ref name=nikkyxi>{{cite book|author=Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh|title=Birth of the Khalsa, The: A Feminist Re-Memory of Sikh Identity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=squPx387FuwC |year=2012|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-7914-8266-7|page=xi}}</ref> The founding of Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs during the festival of ].<ref name=senker10>{{cite book|author=Cath Senker|title=My Sikh Year|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PsQozVTKW44C&pg=PA10| year= 2007|publisher= The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn= 978-1-4042-3733-9|page=10}}, Quote: "Vaisakhi is the most important mela. It marks the Sikh New Year. At Vaisakhi, Sikhs remember how their community, the Khalsa, first began."</ref><ref name="ColeSambhi1995p63">{{cite book|author1=William Owen Cole|author2=Piara Singh Sambhi|title=The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zIC_MgJ5RMUC&pg=PA63 |year=1995|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-898723-13-4|page=63}}, '''Quote:''' "The Sikh new year, Vaisakhi, occurs at Sangrand in April, usually on the thirteenth day."</ref><ref name="Jacobsen2008p192">{{cite book|author=Knut A. Jacobsen|title=South Asian Religions on Display: Religious Processions in South Asia and in the Diaspora |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WT2odZ7_d7MC&pg=PA192 |year=2008|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-07459-4|page=192}}, '''Quote:''' "(...) for the Sikhs, it celebrates the foundation of the Khalsa in 1699."</ref> | |||
| The '''Khalsa''' ({{lang-pa|ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ}}; {{IPA-pa|xaːlsaː|}}) is the army of all ] ] represented by the ] and can be called the Guru Panth, the embodiment of the Guru<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Teja|title=A Short History of the Sikhs: Volume One|year=2006|publisher=Punjabi University|location=Patiala|isbn=8173800073|page=107}}</ref> and the final temporal Guru/leader of the Sikhs. The word Khalsa translates to "pure".<ref>{{cite web|last=Gill|first=Rahuldeep|title=Early Development|url=http://www.patheos.com/Library/Sikhism/Historical-Development/Early-Developments?offset=1&max=1|work=www.patheos.com|publisher=Patheos|accessdate=14 April 2013}}</ref> Another interpretation is that of being "Pure/Genuine".<ref>{{cite book|last=Parmjit|first=Singh|title=In The Master's Presence The Sikhs of Hazoor Sahib|year=2008|publisher=Kashi House|location=London, UK|page=312}}</ref> The Khalsa was inaugurated on 13 April 1699, by ], the tenth ]. From then on the temporal leadership of the Sikhs was passed on to the Khalsa with the bestowed title of "Guru Panth" and spiritual leadership was passed on to the ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Singh|first=I.J.|title=Guru Granth & Guru Panth|url=http://www.chardikalaa.com/2012/09/22/guru-granth-guru-panth-i-j-singh|work=www.chardikalaa.com|publisher=The Chardi Kalaa Foundation|accessdate=19 March 2013}}</ref> with the Khalsa being responsible for all executive, military and civil authority in the Sikh society.<ref>], History of the Sikhs. year = 1849, page = ??</ref> The Khalsa is also called the nation of the Sikhs.<ref name=Singh>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Kartar|title=Life of Guru Gobind Singh|year=2008|publisher=Lahore Bookshop|location=Ludhiana, India|page=}}</ref>{{rp|127}} | |||
| Guru Gobind Singh started the Khalsa tradition after his father had been beheaded for resisting the religious persecution of non-Muslims (mainly Kashmiri Hindus) during the rule of the Mughal Emperor ].<ref name="Mandair2013p53"/><ref name=cs2013/><ref name=fenech4/> The Khalsa redefined the Sikh tradition from the start. It formulated an initiation ceremony (''amrit pahul'', nectar ceremony) and rules of conduct for the Khalsa warriors. It created a new institution for the temporal leadership of the Sikhs, replacing the ''masands'' system maintained by the earlier Gurus of Sikhism. Additionally, the Khalsa provided a political and religious vision for the Sikh community.<ref name=britkhalsa/><ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Teja|title=A Short History of the Sikhs: Volume One|year=2006|publisher=Punjabi University|location=Patiala|isbn=8173800073|page=107}}</ref><ref name=Singh>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Kartar|title=Life of Guru Gobind Singh|year=2008|publisher=Lahore Bookshop|location=Ludhiana, India|page=}}</ref>{{rp|127}} | |||
| The Sikhs of the Khalsa can be identified with the given ] and titles of ] and ], granted after the disciple has been baptised into the order of the Khalsa. The tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, at an event that coincided with the ] day (of the new lunar month ] 1756) created the Khalsa in the year 1699 A.D at ], in ]<ref name=Singh/>{{rp|121}} ordained that every Sikh becomes Amritdhari "]]" and follow the Five Ks; which are not merely symbols but display commitment to the philosophy of ] like a uniform of an organisation.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.amritsar.com/The%20Five%20K.shtml | title=The Five K's | accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref> | |||
| Upon initiation, a Khalsa Sikh was given the title of ] (male) or ] (female). The rules of life, included behavioral code (''Rahit'', such as no tobacco, no alcohol, etc.), and a dress code (]).<ref name=Singh/>{{rp|121–126}} The initiated Khalsa is also a warrior with a duty to protect the innocent from any form of religious persecution. The Sikhs who revere the teachings of Sikh gurus, but have not undergone the initiation have been called ''Sahajdhari''. A Sahajdhari Sikhs do not accept some or all elements of the dress and behavioral codes of the Khalsa Sikhs.<ref>, Encyclopaedia Britannica</ref> The Khalsa has been predominantly a male institution in Sikh history, with Khalsa authority in male leaders. In contemporary era, it has become more open to women.<ref name=britkhalsa/> | |||
| A ] male at being initiated into the Khalsa is titled ] meaning "Lion" and a female is entitled ] meaning "Princess". From then on they are commonly referred to as Amritdhari (having taken ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scroll.in/article/806781/non-baptised-sikhs-oppose-bill-seeking-to-exclude-them-from-key-community-poll|title=Non-baptised Sikhs oppose Bill seeking to exclude them from key community poll}}</ref> | |||
| The Khalsa is considered the pinnacle of ].<ref name=Singh/>{{rp|126}} The Khalsa is expected to perform no ritual and to believe in no superstition of any kind but only believe in one God who is the Master and the Protector of all, the only Creator and Destroyer.<ref name="Singh2001">{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Sangat|title=The Sikhs in History|year=2001|publisher=Uncommon Books|location=New Delhi, India}}</ref>{{rp|72}} | |||
| ==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
| The usual interpretation of the Ḳhālsā is made as "Pure" as in the following statement: ("pure/devoted") word ''ḳhāliṣa'' is the recognition of every Sikh that follows the discipline and text from the Guru ]. | |||
| "Khalsa", according to McLeod, is derived from the Arabic word "Khalisa" which means "pure".<ref>Sandeep Chohan and Ron Geaves (2001), ''The religious dimension in the struggle for Khalistan and its roots in Sikh history'', International Journal of Punjab Studies, Volume 8, Issue 1, page 85</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=S Jain|title=Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Volume 74|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rGljAAAAMAAJ|year=1994|publisher=Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute|page=217}}, Quote: The word "Khalsa" (from Persian ''khalis'') itself means "pure".</ref> | |||
| There is also another word from Arabic "خالسا" which is pronounced as "Khalsa" and is adapted in Punjabi/English/Hindi and many other languages. So, there are two different words in Arabic: "خالسا" (Ḫālsā) and "خالصة" (Ḫālisa(h)). Furthermore, there is a word in Persian "خالص" meaning "pure" and pronounced as "Ḫalis". A reader of Urdu can testify the "Ḫalis" in the ] script and language as described below. | |||
| "Khalsa" is also used for a property which belongs to the emperor directly. The official language in the Mughal era was ]n and ] contains a word "Khalis" which directly translates to "Pure" in English. This may give a new meaning to the word "Khalsa". On these grounds and as per writings of the Guru Gobind Singh, the father of the Khalsa, wherein the great Guru describes the Khalsa as army of the timeless-being, it is evident that Khalsa means timeless ]. | |||
| Sikhism emerged in the northwestern part of ] (now parts of Pakistan and India). During the ] rule, according to Eleanor Nesbitt, ''khalsa'' originally meant the land that was possessed directly by the emperor, which was different from '']'' land granted to lords in exchange for a promise of loyalty and annual tribute to the emperor.<ref name="nesbitt54"/> Prior to Guru Gobind Singh, the religious organization was organized through the ''masands'' or agents. The ''masands'' would collect revenue from rural regions for the Sikh cause, much like ''jagirs'' would for the Islamic emperor.<ref name="nesbitt54"/><ref>{{cite book|author=E. G. Wace|title=Final Report on the First Regular Settlement of the Simla District in the Punjab|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GqYIAAAAQAAJ |year=1884|publisher=Calcutta Central Press|pages=xxvi–xxviii, 3, 28}}</ref> The ''khalsa'', in Sikhism, came to mean pure loyalty to the Guru, and not to the intermediary ''masands'' who were increasingly becoming corrupt, states Nesbitt.<ref name="nesbitt54">{{cite book|author=Eleanor Nesbitt|title=Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XebnCwAAQBAJ |year=2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-874557-0|pages=54–57, 29, 143}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=W. H. McLeod|title=Sikhs of the Khalsa: A History of the Khalsa Rahit|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HIrXAAAAMAAJ|year=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-565916-0|page=36}}</ref> | |||
| In Sikh tradition, the word Khalsa first appears in a '']'' (order) by ] (the sixth Guru) which refers to a '']'' as "Guru ka khalsa" ("Guru's Khalsa"). It also appears in a letter by ] (the ninth Guru), in the same sense. | |||
| ==Background== | |||
| The Sikhs faced religious persecution during the ] rule. ], the fifth Guru, was arrested and executed by Emperor ] in 1606.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of India |author=N. Jayapalan |publisher=Atlantic |year=2001 |page=160 |isbn=9788171569281}}</ref> The following Guru, ] formally militarised the Sikhs and emphasised the complementary nature of the temporal power and spiritual power.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=H.S.|title=Sikh Studies, Book 7|year=2005|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=9788170102458|page=19}}</ref> In 1675, ], the ninth Guru of the Sikhs and the father of ] was executed by the Mughal emperor ] for resisting religious persecution of non-Muslims, and for refusing to convert to Islam.<ref name="Mandair2013p53">{{cite book|author=Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair|title=Sikhism: A Guide for the Perplexed|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vdhLAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA53|year=2013|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|isbn=978-1-4411-0231-7|pages=53–54}}, Quote: "The Guru's stance was a clear and unambiguous challenge, not to the sovereignty of the Mughal state, but to the state's policy of not recognizing the sovereign existence of non-Muslims, their traditions and ways of life".</ref><ref name=cs2013>{{cite book|last=Seiple|first=Chris|title=The Routledge handbook of religion and security|publisher=Routledge|location=New York|year=2013|isbn=978-0-415-66744-9|page=96}}</ref><ref name=fenech4>{{cite book|author1=Pashaura Singh|author2=Louis E. Fenech|title=The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8I0NAwAAQBAJ |year=2014|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-969930-8|pages=236–238}};<br>{{cite journal | last=Fenech | first=Louis E. | title=Martyrdom and the Execution of Guru Arjan in Early Sikh Sources | journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society | publisher= American Oriental Society | volume=121 | issue=1 | year=2001 |doi=10.2307/606726 | pages=20–31}};<br>{{cite journal | last=Fenech | first=Louis E. | title=Martyrdom and the Sikh Tradition | journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society | publisher=American Oriental Society | volume=117 | issue=4 | year=1997 | doi=10.2307/606445 | pages=623–642}};<br>{{cite journal | last=McLeod | first=Hew | title=Sikhs and Muslims in the Punjab | journal=South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies | publisher=Taylor & Francis | volume=22 | issue=sup001 | year=1999 | issn=0085-6401 | doi=10.1080/00856408708723379 | pages=155–165}}</ref> | |||
| ==Foundation== | ==Foundation== | ||
| {{Panj Pyare}} | {{Panj Pyare}} | ||
| ] |
], at Takht ], the birthplace of Khalsa on ] 1, 1756 ].]] | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ] |
], the tenth Sikh Guru.]] | ||
| Although the early ] emperors had peaceful relations with the Sikh Gurus, the Sikhs started facing religious persecution during the reign of ]. Persecution against the Sikhs continued until the creation of the ] in 1799. ], the fifth Guru, was arrested and executed by Emperor ] in 1606.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of India |author=N. Jayapalan |publisher=Atlantic |year=2001 |page=160 |isbn=9788171569281}}</ref> The following Guru, ] formally militarised the Sikhs and emphasised the complementary nature of the temporal power and spiritual power.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=H.S.|title=Sikh Studies, Book 7|year=2005|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=9788170102458|page=19}}</ref> | |||
| Guru Gobind Singh then mixed water and sugar into an iron bowl, stirring it with a double-edged sword to prepare what he called ] ("nectar"). He then administered this to the ''Panj Pyare'', accompanied with recitations from the Adi Granth, thus founding the ''khande ka pahul'' (baptism ceremony) of a Khalsa – a warrior community.<ref name="Cynthia Mahmood Faith Baisakhi" /><ref>{{cite book|author=P Dhavan|title=When Sparrows Became Hawks: The Making of the Sikh Warrior Tradition, 1699-1799|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-7HJ5idB8_QC |year=2011|publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-975655-1 |page=49 }}</ref> The Guru also gave them a new surname "]" (lion). After the first five Khalsa had been baptized, the Guru asked the five to baptize him as a Khalsa. This made the Guru the sixth Khalsa, and his name changed from Guru Gobind Rai to Guru Gobind Singh.<ref name="Cynthia Mahmood Faith Baisakhi" /> | |||
| In 1675, ], the ninth Guru of the Sikhs was executed by the Mughal emperor ] for saving the religious rights of Hindus. In 1699, his son and the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh sent '']s'' (letters of authority) to his followers throughout the ], asking them to gather at ] on 30 March 1699, the day of ] (the annual ]). | |||
| He introduced ideas that indirectly challenged the discriminatory taxes imposed by Islamic authorities. For example, Aurangzeb had imposed taxes on non-Muslims that were collected from the Sikhs as well, for example the ] (poll tax on non-Muslims), pilgrim tax and ''Bhaddar'' tax – the last being a tax to be paid by anyone following the Hindu ritual of shaving the head after the death of a loved one and cremation.<ref name="MandairShackle2013p25"/> Guru Gobind Singh declared that Khalsa do not need to continue this practice, because ''Bhaddar'' is not ], but a ''bharam'' (illusion).<ref name="MandairShackle2013p25"/><ref>{{cite book|author=P Dhavan|title=When Sparrows Became Hawks: The Making of the Sikh Warrior Tradition, 1699-1799|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-7HJ5idB8_QC |year=2011|publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-975655-1 |pages=43–44 }}</ref> Not shaving the head also meant not having to pay the taxes by Sikhs who lived in Delhi and other parts of the Mughal Empire.<ref name="MandairShackle2013p25"/> However, the new code of conduct also led to internal disagreements between Sikhs in the 18th century, particularly between the Nanakpanthi and the Khalsa.<ref name="MandairShackle2013p25">{{cite book|author1=Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair |author2=Christopher Shackle|author3=Gurharpal Singh |title=Sikh Religion, Culture and Ethnicity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D8xdAgAAQBAJ |year=2013|publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-84627-4 |pages=25–28 }}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | Guru Gobind Singh addressed the congregation from the entryway of a tent pitched on a hill (now called ]). He drew his sword and asked for a volunteer who was willing to sacrifice his head. No one answered his first call, nor the second call, but on the third invitation, a person called ] (later known as Bhai Daya Singh) came forward and offered his head to the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh took the volunteer inside the tent, and emerged shortly, with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. The Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent unharmed. These five, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their Guru, were called ] ("the five beloved ones").<ref name="Cynthia Mahmood Faith Baisakhi">{{cite book|last=Mahmood |first=Cynthia Keppley |title=Fighting for faith and nation dialogues with Sikh militants |year=1996 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-0812215922 |oclc=44966032 |pages=43–45}}</ref> These five volunteers were : Daya Ram (]), Dharam Das (]), Himmat Rai (]), Mohkam Chand (]), and Sahib Chand (]). | ||
| Guru Gobind Singh had deep respect for the Khalsa, and stated that there is no difference between the True Guru and the ''sangat'' (panth).<ref>{{cite book | last=Cole | first=W. Owen |author2=Sambhi, Piara Singh | year=1978 | title=The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices | publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul | location=London| ISBN = 0-7100-8842-6 | pages=38–39 }}, Quote: All the battles I have won against tyranny I have fought with the devoted backing of the people. Through them only have I been able to bestow gifts, through their help I have escaped from harm. The love and generosity of these Sikhs have enriched my heart and home. Through their grace I have attained all learning, through their help in battle I have slain all my enemies. I was born to serve them, through them I reached eminence. What would I have been without their kind and ready help?There are millions of insignificant people like me. True service is the service of these people. I am not inclined to serve others of higher caste: charity will bear fruit in this and the next world, If given to such worthy people as these. All other sacrifices are and charities are profitless. From toe to toe, whatever I call my own, all I possess and carry, I dedicate to these people.</poem></ref> Before his founding of the Khalsa, the Sikh movement had used the Sanskrit word ''Sisya'' (literally, disciple or student), but the favored term thereafter became Khalsa.<ref name="Oberoi1994p59"/> Additionally, prior to the Khalsa, the Sikh congregations across India had a system of ''Masands'' appointed by the Sikh Gurus. The ''Masands'' led the local Sikh communities, local temples, collected wealth and donations for the Sikh cause.<ref name="Oberoi1994p59"/> Guru Gobind Singh concluded that the ''Masands'' system had become corrupt, he abolished them and introduced a more centralized system with the help of Khalsa that was under his direct supervision.<ref name="Oberoi1994p59">{{cite book|author=Harjot Oberoi|title=The Construction of Religious Boundaries: Culture, Identity, and Diversity in the Sikh Tradition|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=1NKC9g2ayJEC|year=1994|publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-61592-9 |pages=59–62 }}</ref> These developments created two groups of Sikhs, those who initiated as Khalsa, and others who remained Sikhs but did not undertake the initiation.<ref name="Oberoi1994p59"/> The Khalsa Sikhs saw themselves as a separate religious entity, while the Nanak-panthi Sikhs retained their different perspective.<ref>{{cite book|author=Harjot Oberoi|title=The Construction of Religious Boundaries: Culture, Identity, and Diversity in the Sikh Tradition|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=1NKC9g2ayJEC|year=1994|publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-61592-9 |pages=24, 77–78, 89–90 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Arvind-Pal S. Mandair |author2=Christopher Shackle|author3=Gurharpal Singh|title=Sikh Religion, Culture and Ethnicity |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=79ZcAgAAQBAJ |year=2013|publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-84634-2 |pages=30–33 }}</ref> | |||
| Guru Gobind Singh then took an iron bowl and poured some water in it. Sahib Devan (later ]) added some sugar crystals to the water, and the Guru stirred this mixture with a double-edged sword whilst reciting the ]. The resultant solution is called as "]" (ceremony of the double-edged sword) or commonly known as "]" (nectar of immortality) | |||
| The Khalsa warrior community tradition started by Guru Gobind Singh has contributed to modern scholarly debate on pluralism within Sikhism. His tradition has survived into the modern times, with initiated Sikh referred to as Khalsa Sikh, while those who do not get baptized referred to as Sahajdhari Sikhs.<ref name="SinghFenech2014p23">{{cite book|author1=Pashaura Singh|author2=Louis E. Fenech|title=The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7YwNAwAAQBAJ |year=2014|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-100411-7 |pages=23–24}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Louis E. Fenech|author2=W. H. McLeod|title=Historical Dictionary of Sikhism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xajcAwAAQBAJ |year=2014|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4422-3601-1 |pages=84–85 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Knut A. Jacobsen|author2=Kristina Myrvold|title=Sikhs Across Borders: Transnational Practices of European Sikhs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fU8BAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA142 |year=2012|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-4411-0358-1 |pages=142–147, 156–157 }}</ref> | |||
| These actions allude to the nature expected of the inductees to the Khalsa: that they must have the will and the strength to fight oppression (symbolised by the sword), but must always remember that their actions are born from protection and not hatred (symbolised by the sweetness of the sugar).{{cn}} | |||
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="200px"> | |||
| File:An inscription naming the five members of the Khalsa Panth, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.jpg|An inscription naming the five members of the ], at Takht ], the birthplace of Khalsa on ] 1, 1756 ]. | |||
| File:Guru Gobind Singh creates the Khalsa.jpg|The creation of the Khalsa; initiated by ], the tenth Sikh Guru. | |||
| </gallery> | |||
| Each of the Panj Piares were given five handfuls of the Amrit to drink, and had amrit sprinkled in their eyes five times. Each time, they repeated the phrase "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Phateh" ("The Khalsa belongs to Waheguru (the wondrous teacher), the victory belongs to Waheguru (the wondrous teacher)").<ref>{{cite book|last=Macauliffe|first=Max|title=The Sikh Religion, Vol. V|year=1909|publisher=Clarendon Press Oxford|page=95}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | == |
||
| ⚫ | {{main|Five Ks}} | ||
| Guru Gobind Singh gave them the title (analogous to "Knight" or "Sir" in English culture) of "]" (meaning "Lion"). Similarly, for female the title of "]" (meaning "Princess"). It is noted that about twenty thousand men and woman took this baptism of steel on the first day.<ref name="Singh2001"/>{{rp|72}} Majority of Sikhs nowadays carry this title without taking the oath of double-edged sword. | |||
| ] | |||
| Guru Gobind Singh initiated the ] tradition of the Khalsa,<ref name=colesambhip37>{{cite book | last=Cole | first=W. Owen |author2=Sambhi, Piara Singh | year=1978 | title=The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices | publisher=Routledge| ISBN = 0-7100-8842-6 | page=37}}</ref><ref>Eleanor Nesbitt, "Sikhism: a very short introduction", {{ISBN|0-19-280601-7}}, ], pp. 40–43</ref> | |||
| Guru Gobind Singh is the "Father" of the Khalsa and ] is the "Mother". One important outcome of joining the Khalsa is the abolition of one's previous ], nation, race, rituals, customs, religion, ], ]. The new member is the citizen of ] and their birthplace is the ].{{cn}} | |||
| * ''']''': uncut hair. | |||
| * ''']''': a wooden comb. | |||
| The Khalsa is led by ] or the five-beloved. At the ], the Khalsa led by Panj Pyare passed on an order/command to the Guru Gobind Singh to escape from Chamkaur. The Guru had to obey it, because at that point of time, and as proclaimed by the Guru on 30 March 1699 about his absorption into the Khalsa and declaring the five-beloved being equal to him, the Guru was a Singh of the Khalsa.{cn}} | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | ==Code of conduct== | ||
| * ''']''': short breeches. | |||
| ⚫ | The Khalsa needs to abide by the four restrictions set by Guru Gobind Singh and if a Sikh breaks one of these four restrictions they are ] from the Khalsa Panth and must go 'pesh' (get baptised again). Guru Gobind Singh also gave the Khalsa ] or 52 specific additional guidelines while living in ] in 1708.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Balawindara|title=Fifty-Two Commandments Of Guru Gobind Singh|year=2004|publisher=Singh Bros.|page=9|location=Michigan, US}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Satbir|title=Aad Sikh Te Aad Sakhian|year=1991|publisher=New Book Company|location=Jalandhar}}</ref> | ||
| He also announced a code of discipline for Khalsa warriors. Tobacco, eating meat slaughtered according to Muslim ritual and sex with Muslims were forbidden.<ref name=colesambhip37/><ref name=johnkoller313>{{cite book|author=John M Koller|title=The Indian Way: An Introduction to the Philosophies & Religions of India| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lgg3DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA313 |year=2016 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-315-50740-8 |pages=312–313 }}</ref> The Khalsas also agreed to never interact with those who followed rivals or their successors.<ref name=colesambhip37/> The co-initiation of men and women from different castes into the ranks of Khalsa also institutionalized the principle of equality in Sikhism regardless of one's caste or gender.<ref name=johnkoller313/> According to Owen and Sambhi, Guru Gobind Singh's significance to the Sikh tradition has been very important, as he institutionalized the Khalsa, resisted the ongoing persecution by the Mughal Empire, and continued "the defense of Sikhism and Hinduism against the Muslim assault of Aurangzeb".<ref>{{cite book | last=Cole | first=W. Owen |author2=Sambhi, Piara Singh | year=1978 | title=The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices | publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul | location=London| ISBN = 0-7100-8842-6 | page=36 | nopp=true}}</ref> | |||
| ===Prohibitions=== | ===Prohibitions=== | ||
| Line 58: | Line 60: | ||
| # Not to disturb the natural growth of the ]s. | # Not to disturb the natural growth of the ]s. | ||
| # Not to eat meat of |
# Not to eat meat of an animal slaughtered in the Muslim ] or Jewish ] way. | ||
| # Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse. | # Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse. | ||
| # Using tobacco or alcohol. | # Using tobacco or alcohol. | ||
| ===Five Ks=== | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | {{main|Five Ks}} | ||
| The uniform of a Singh/Kaur of the Khalsa comprises the Five Ks: | |||
| ===Duties and warriors=== | |||
| ⚫ | {{main |
||
| A Khalsa is enjoined to be honest, treat everyone as equal, meditate on God, maintain his fidelity, resist tyranny and religious persecution of oneself and others.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} | |||
| #] – Uncut hair on the face, head, and all parts of the body. | |||
| ⚫ | One of the duties of the Khalsa is to practice arms. This has been deemed necessary due to the rising persecution from the rulers. Before joining the Khalsa, most of the people were from professions like farming, pottery, masonry, carpenters, ]s, etc. | ||
| #] – A wooden comb. | |||
| ⚫ | #] – An iron bracelet. | ||
| ⚫ | Guru Gobind Singh in Oct, 1708 deputed his disciple ] to lead the Khalsa in an uprising against the Mughals. Banda Singh Bahadur first established a Sikh kingdom and then brought in the Land reforms in the form of breaking up large estates and distributing the land to peasants. He and his comrades were eventually defeated and executed, but he became an icon among the Sikhs. After a long exile the Khalsa regrouped under ], who gathered local Khalsa leaders and created '']'', a coalition army. The Dal Khalsa fought against the Mughals and the Afghans, eventually resulting in the establishment of a number of small republics called ]s (autonomous confederacies) and later in the formation of the ]. | ||
| #] – A pair of drawers (a specific type of cotton underwear). | |||
| ⚫ | #] – A dagger or sword. | ||
| ⚫ | After the fall of the Mughal empire and the later establishment of the Sikh Empire in the Punjab, the Khalsa was converted into a strong, multireligious and multinational fighting force, modernised according to European principles: the ] which had a huge role in the expansion of the empire. Led by generals like: ] himself, ] and ]. It successfully defeated all its adversaries, including the Afghan tribals and army, Hill Chiefs, ] Chinese, Tibetan and ]s. By the time of death of ] in 1839, the whole army of ] was assessed at 120,000 men, with 250 artillery pieces. The irregular levies were included.<ref name="Pearse1">Major Pearse, Hugh; ''Ranjit Singh and his white officers''. In {{cite book|first=Alexander |last=Gardner |title=The Fall of Sikh Empire |publisher=National Book Shop |location=Delhi, India |origyear=1898 |year=1999 |isbn=81-7116-231-2}}</ref> | ||
| These are for identification and representation of the ideals of Sikhism, such as honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God, and never bowing to tyranny,<ref>Eleanor Nesbitt, "Sikhism: a very short introduction", ISBN 0-19-280601-7, ], pp. 40–43</ref> and for helping/protecting the weak, and self-defense. | |||
| ⚫ | The official name of the state (]) of Sikhs was "Sarkar-i-Khalsa": Government of the Khalsa. The boundaries of this state stretched from ] to ] and from ] to ] in the south and included regions of ], ], ], ], etc. The "Sarkar-i-Khalsa" was dissolved during two wars fought against the British between 1846 and 1849. |
||
| ==Initiation== | ==Initiation== | ||
| {{Main|Amrit Sanchar}} | {{Main|Amrit Sanchar}} | ||
| Initiation into the Khalsa is referred to as ] (water of immortality life-cycle rite) or Khande di Pahul (Initiation with the ]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Nesbitt|first=Eleanor|title=Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction|year=2005|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780191578069}}</ref> Anyone from any previous religion, age, or knowledge group can take Amrit (Amrit Chhakh) when they are convinced that they are ready.<ref>{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=Elizabeth|title=Religion: A Clinical Guide for Nurses|year=2012|publisher=Springer Publishing Company|isbn=9780826108616|page=259}}</ref> This baptism is done by the ] in front of the ]. The devotee must arrive to the place of |
Initiation into the Khalsa is referred to as ] (water of immortality life-cycle rite) or Khande di Pahul (Initiation with the ]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Nesbitt|first=Eleanor|title=Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction|year=2005|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780191578069}}</ref> Anyone from any previous religion, age, or knowledge group can take Amrit (Amrit Chhakh) when they are convinced that they are ready.<ref>{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=Elizabeth|title=Religion: A Clinical Guide for Nurses|year=2012|publisher=Springer Publishing Company|isbn=9780826108616|page=259}}</ref> This baptism is done by the ] in front of the ]. The devotee must arrive to the place of baptim, usually a ], in the morning after bathing completely including having washed their hair and must be wearing the ] of the Khalsa uniform.<ref>{{cite book|last=Brodd|first=Jeffrey|title=World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery|year=2009|publisher=Saint Mary's Press|isbn=9780884899976|page=118}}</ref> After baptism, the new Singh or Kaur must abide by the four restrictions or must get re-baptised if they break any of them. Jasjpit Singh in Lucinda Mosher book describes taking Amrit as a huge commitment, "You are making a commitment to God, to God's creation, to yourself – and you're giving up yourself. It is like giving up your own ego and accepting God into your life – and accepting yourself as one with the entire creation."<ref>{{cite book|last=Mosher|first=Lucinda|title=Faith in the Neighborhood: Belonging|year=2005|publisher=Church Publishing, Inc.|isbn=9781596271517|page=50}}</ref> | ||
| ==Initial tensions with the non-Khalsa disciples== | ==Initial tensions with the non-Khalsa disciples== | ||
| Line 86: | Line 87: | ||
| With the creation of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh had abolished all existing social divisions as was fundamental in the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev.<ref>{{cite book|last=Shan|first=Harnam|title=Creation Of Khalsa|year=2002|publisher=Guru Nanak Dev Mission Patiala|location=Chandigarh, India|page=9|url=https://archive.org/details/CreationOfKhalsa-AnEpochMakingEventInWorldHistory}}</ref> In their new order, the former lowest of the low would stand with the former highest; all would become one and drink from the same vessel.<ref name="davey">{{cite book|last=Cunningham |first=Joseph Davey |title=A history of Sikhs |year=2002 |publisher=Rupa & Co., New Delhi |isbn=8171677649 |pages=68–69 |chapter=Sikhism under Govind}}</ref> All previous beliefs relating to family, occupation, customs and ceremonies were declared useless by the Guru. This caused discomfort to the conservative followers of the Guru and they protested. Many departed from the ceremony, but the Guru declared that the low castes should be raised and would dwell next to him.<ref name="davey"/> | With the creation of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh had abolished all existing social divisions as was fundamental in the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev.<ref>{{cite book|last=Shan|first=Harnam|title=Creation Of Khalsa|year=2002|publisher=Guru Nanak Dev Mission Patiala|location=Chandigarh, India|page=9|url=https://archive.org/details/CreationOfKhalsa-AnEpochMakingEventInWorldHistory}}</ref> In their new order, the former lowest of the low would stand with the former highest; all would become one and drink from the same vessel.<ref name="davey">{{cite book|last=Cunningham |first=Joseph Davey |title=A history of Sikhs |year=2002 |publisher=Rupa & Co., New Delhi |isbn=8171677649 |pages=68–69 |chapter=Sikhism under Govind}}</ref> All previous beliefs relating to family, occupation, customs and ceremonies were declared useless by the Guru. This caused discomfort to the conservative followers of the Guru and they protested. Many departed from the ceremony, but the Guru declared that the low castes should be raised and would dwell next to him.<ref name="davey"/> | ||
| The newswriter of the Mughal government, Ghulam Mohyiuddin, reporting to the emperor wrote:<ref name="sangat">{{cite book|last=Singh |first=Sangat |title=The Sikhs in History |year=2005 |publisher=Singh Brothers |isbn=8172052758 |pages=67–68 |chapter=Evolution of Sikh Panth}}</ref><ref name="Gopal">{{cite book|last=Singh |first=Gopal |title=A history of the Sikh people |year= |publisher=Delhi |isbn= |pages=291 |chapter=}}</ref> {{cquote|He has abolished caste and custom, old rituals, beliefs and superstitions of the ]s and bonded them in one single brotherhood. No one will be superior or inferior to another. Men of all castes have been made to eat out of the single bowl. Though orthodox men have opposed him, about twenty thousand men and women have taken baptism of steel at his hand on the first day. The Guru has also told the gathering: "I'll call myself Gobind Singh only if I can make the meek sparrows pounce upon the hawks and tear them; only if one combatant of my force faces a legion of the enemy"}} | The newswriter of the Mughal government, Ghulam Mohyiuddin, reporting to the emperor wrote:<ref name="sangat">{{cite book|last=Singh |first=Sangat |title=The Sikhs in History |year=2005 |publisher=Singh Brothers |isbn=8172052758 |pages=67–68 |chapter=Evolution of Sikh Panth}}</ref><ref name="Gopal">{{cite book|last=Singh |first=Gopal |title=A history of the Sikh people |year= |publisher=Delhi |isbn= |pages=291 |chapter=}}</ref> {{cquote|He has abolished caste and custom, old rituals, beliefs and superstitions of the ]s and bonded them in one single brotherhood. No one will be superior or inferior to another. Men of all castes have been made to eat out of the single bowl. Though orthodox men have opposed him, about twenty thousand men and women have taken baptism of steel at his hand on the first day. The Guru has also told the gathering: "I' ll call myself Gobind Singh only if I can make the meek sparrows pounce upon the hawks and tear them; only if one combatant of my force faces a legion of the enemy"}} | ||
| Sri Gur Sobha (18th century) by Sainapati (Saina Singh) contains two sections (''adhyays'') on the controversies that arose, when Guru Gobind Singh's disciples in ] heard the news of his new order.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity">{{cite book|last=Deol |first=Jeevan |editor=Arvind-pal Singh and Mandair, Gurharpal Singh and Christopher Shackle |title=Sikh Religion, Culture and Ethnicity |year=2001 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0700713899 |oclc=45337782 |pages=25–26 |chapter=Eighteenth Century Khalsa Identity: Discourse, Praxis and Narrative}}</ref> Much of the controversy stated in ''Sri Gur Sobha'' revolves around ''bhaddar'', the ritual shaving of head after death of a close relative, which was discouraged by Guru Gobind Singh. According to Sainapti, while creating the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh said that ''bhaddar'' is ''bharam'' (illusion), and not '']''.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> | Sri Gur Sobha (18th century) by Sainapati (Saina Singh) contains two sections (''adhyays'') on the controversies that arose, when Guru Gobind Singh's disciples in ] heard the news of his new order.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity">{{cite book|last=Deol |first=Jeevan |editor=Arvind-pal Singh and Mandair, Gurharpal Singh and Christopher Shackle |title=Sikh Religion, Culture and Ethnicity |year=2001 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0700713899 |oclc=45337782 |pages=25–26 |chapter=Eighteenth Century Khalsa Identity: Discourse, Praxis and Narrative}}</ref> Much of the controversy stated in ''Sri Gur Sobha'' revolves around ''bhaddar'', the ritual shaving of head after death of a close relative, which was discouraged by Guru Gobind Singh. According to Sainapti, while creating the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh said that ''bhaddar'' is ''bharam'' (illusion), and not '']''.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> | ||
| Line 92: | Line 93: | ||
| Tensions developed between the Punjabi ] disciples of the Guru in Delhi, and members of the newly formed Khalsa. A prominent Khatri disciple was expelled from the place of worship (''dharmasala'') for refusing to join the Khalsa. Another disciple was expelled for eating with him, starting a chain of further expulsions.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> The expelled disciples convened a community gathering, at which two wealthy Khatris demanded that the Khalsa produce a written order from the Guru that a new mandatory code of conduct had been promulgated. A Khatri family that refused to follow the ''bhaddar'' ritual was boycotted by the Khatri community.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> The Khatri council (]) closed the bazaar to pressure the Khalsa. The Khalsa petitioned the state officials to intervene, who forced reopening of the shops. Later, peace was established between the two groups in a ''sangat'' (congregation). However, hostility between some Khatris and the Khalsa persisted in the later years.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> | Tensions developed between the Punjabi ] disciples of the Guru in Delhi, and members of the newly formed Khalsa. A prominent Khatri disciple was expelled from the place of worship (''dharmasala'') for refusing to join the Khalsa. Another disciple was expelled for eating with him, starting a chain of further expulsions.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> The expelled disciples convened a community gathering, at which two wealthy Khatris demanded that the Khalsa produce a written order from the Guru that a new mandatory code of conduct had been promulgated. A Khatri family that refused to follow the ''bhaddar'' ritual was boycotted by the Khatri community.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> The Khatri council (]) closed the bazaar to pressure the Khalsa. The Khalsa petitioned the state officials to intervene, who forced reopening of the shops. Later, peace was established between the two groups in a ''sangat'' (congregation). However, hostility between some Khatris and the Khalsa persisted in the later years.<ref name="JeevanDeol Identity"/> | ||
| ==As a military force== | |||
| ⚫ | == |
||
| ⚫ | {{main articles|Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire)|l1=Dal Khalsa|Sikh Khalsa Army|Fauj-i-Ain|Fauj-i-Khas}} | ||
| ⚫ | One of the duties of the Khalsa is to practice arms. This has been deemed necessary due to the rising persecution from the rulers. Before joining the Khalsa, most of the people were from professions like farming, pottery, masonry, carpenters, ]s, etc. | ||
| ⚫ | Guru Gobind Singh in Oct, 1708 deputed his disciple ] to lead the Khalsa in an uprising against the Mughals. Banda Singh Bahadur first established a Sikh kingdom and then brought in the Land reforms in the form of breaking up large estates and distributing the land to peasants. He and his comrades were eventually defeated and executed, but he became an icon among the Sikhs. After a long exile the Khalsa regrouped under ], who gathered local Khalsa leaders and created '']'', a coalition army. The Dal Khalsa fought against the Mughals and the Afghans, eventually resulting in the establishment of a number of small republics called ]s (autonomous confederacies) and later in the formation of the ]. | ||
| ⚫ | After the fall of the Mughal empire and the later establishment of the Sikh Empire in the Punjab, the Khalsa was converted into a strong, multireligious and multinational fighting force, modernised according to European principles: the ] which had a huge role in the expansion of the empire. Led by generals like: ] himself, ] and ]. It successfully defeated all its adversaries, including the Afghan tribals and army, Hill Chiefs, ] Chinese, Tibetan and ]s. By the time of death of ] in 1839, the whole army of ] was assessed at 120,000 men, with 250 artillery pieces. The irregular levies were included.<ref name="Pearse1">Major Pearse, Hugh; ''Ranjit Singh and his white officers''. In {{cite book|first=Alexander |last=Gardner |title=The Fall of Sikh Empire |publisher=National Book Shop |location=Delhi, India |origyear=1898 |year=1999 |isbn=81-7116-231-2}}</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | The official name of the state (]) of Sikhs was "Sarkar-i-Khalsa": Government of the Khalsa. The boundaries of this state stretched from ] to ] and from ] to ] in the south and included regions of ], ], ], ], etc. The "Sarkar-i-Khalsa" was dissolved during two wars fought against the British between 1846 and 1849. | ||
| ⚫ | ==Modern status== | ||
| ] to cook food (]) in huge amount]] | ] to cook food (]) in huge amount]] | ||
| Today, the Khalsa is respected by the entire gamut of Sikhs; however, not all Sikhs are Amritdharis<ref name="Cynthia Mahmood Faith Baisakhi"/> The issue of Khalsa code of conduct has led to several controversies. In the early 1950s, a serious split occurred in the ], when the ] in ] elected a clean-shaven Sikh to serve on its management committee.<ref name="PRMagocsi Canada">{{cite book|editor=Paul Robert Magocsi |title=Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples |origyear=1998 |year=1999 |publisher=University of Toronto Press |isbn=978-0802029386 |oclc=56300149 |pages=1157}}</ref> Although most of the early Sikh immigrants to Canada were non-Khalsa, and a majority of the members of the society were clean-shaven non-Khalsa Sikhs, a faction objected to the election of a non-Khalsa to the management committee. The factions in Vancouver and |
Today, the Khalsa is respected by the entire gamut of Sikhs; however, not all Sikhs are Amritdharis<ref name="Cynthia Mahmood Faith Baisakhi"/> The issue of Khalsa code of conduct has led to several controversies. In the early 1950s, a serious split occurred in the ], when the ] in ], Canada elected a clean-shaven Sikh to serve on its management committee.<ref name="PRMagocsi Canada">{{cite book|editor=Paul Robert Magocsi |title=Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples |origyear=1998 |year=1999 |publisher=University of Toronto Press |isbn=978-0802029386 |oclc=56300149 |pages=1157}}</ref> Although most of the early Sikh immigrants to Canada were non-Khalsa, and a majority of the members of the society were clean-shaven non-Khalsa Sikhs, a faction objected to the election of a non-Khalsa to the management committee. The factions in Vancouver and Victoria broke away from the Khalsa Diwan Society, and established their own gurdwara society called Akali Singh.<ref name="PRMagocsi Canada"/> | ||
| In the United Kingdom there have been tensions between the Khalsa Sikhs and the non-Khalsa Sikhs. Many Sikhs in Britain have insisted on their right of not conforming to the Khalsa norms, while maintaining that they are truly Sikh. On the other hand, some of the Khalsa Sikhs think of the non-Khalsa Sikhs as having abandoned the Sikh faith altogether.<ref>{{cite book | In the United Kingdom there have been tensions between the Khalsa Sikhs and the non-Khalsa Sikhs. Many Sikhs in Britain have insisted on their right of not conforming to the Khalsa norms, while maintaining that they are truly Sikh. On the other hand, some of the Khalsa Sikhs think of the non-Khalsa Sikhs as having abandoned the Sikh faith altogether.<ref>{{cite book | ||
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Revision as of 05:22, 13 April 2018
- For the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, see Sikh Khalsa Army
The Khalsa (Template:Lang-pa; [xaːlsaː]) is the army of all initiated Sikhs represented by the five beloved-ones and can be called the Guru Panth, the embodiment of the Guru and the final temporal Guru/leader of the Sikhs. The word Khalsa translates to "pure". Another interpretation is that of being "Pure/Genuine". The Khalsa was inaugurated on 13 April 1699, by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. From then on the temporal leadership of the Sikhs was passed on to the Khalsa with the bestowed title of "Guru Panth" and spiritual leadership was passed on to the Guru Granth Sahib with the Khalsa being responsible for all executive, military and civil authority in the Sikh society. The Khalsa is also called the nation of the Sikhs.
The Sikhs of the Khalsa can be identified with the given Five Ks and titles of Singh and Kaur, granted after the disciple has been baptised into the order of the Khalsa. The tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, at an event that coincided with the Vaisakhi day (of the new lunar month Baisakh Samvat 1756) created the Khalsa in the year 1699 A.D at Kesgarh, in Anandpur Sahib ordained that every Sikh becomes Amritdhari "" and follow the Five Ks; which are not merely symbols but display commitment to the philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev like a uniform of an organisation.
A Sikh male at being initiated into the Khalsa is titled Singh meaning "Lion" and a female is entitled Kaur meaning "Princess". From then on they are commonly referred to as Amritdhari (having taken Amrit).
The Khalsa is considered the pinnacle of Sikhism. The Khalsa is expected to perform no ritual and to believe in no superstition of any kind but only believe in one God who is the Master and the Protector of all, the only Creator and Destroyer.
Etymology
The usual interpretation of the Ḳhālsā is made as "Pure" as in the following statement: ("pure/devoted") word ḳhāliṣa is the recognition of every Sikh that follows the discipline and text from the Guru Granth Sahib.
There is also another word from Arabic "خالسا" which is pronounced as "Khalsa" and is adapted in Punjabi/English/Hindi and many other languages. So, there are two different words in Arabic: "خالسا" (Ḫālsā) and "خالصة" (Ḫālisa(h)). Furthermore, there is a word in Persian "خالص" meaning "pure" and pronounced as "Ḫalis". A reader of Urdu can testify the "Ḫalis" in the Persian script and language as described below.
"Khalsa" is also used for a property which belongs to the emperor directly. The official language in the Mughal era was Persian and Persian language contains a word "Khalis" which directly translates to "Pure" in English. This may give a new meaning to the word "Khalsa". On these grounds and as per writings of the Guru Gobind Singh, the father of the Khalsa, wherein the great Guru describes the Khalsa as army of the timeless-being, it is evident that Khalsa means timeless sovereign.
In Sikh tradition, the word Khalsa first appears in a hukmanama (order) by Guru Hargobind (the sixth Guru) which refers to a sangat as "Guru ka khalsa" ("Guru's Khalsa"). It also appears in a letter by Guru Tegh Bahadur (the ninth Guru), in the same sense.
Foundation
| Panj Pyare |
|---|
 |
Although the early Mughal emperors had peaceful relations with the Sikh Gurus, the Sikhs started facing religious persecution during the reign of Jahangir. Persecution against the Sikhs continued until the creation of the Sikh Kingdom in 1799. Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, was arrested and executed by Emperor Jahangir in 1606. The following Guru, Guru Hargobind formally militarised the Sikhs and emphasised the complementary nature of the temporal power and spiritual power.
In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs was executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for saving the religious rights of Hindus. In 1699, his son and the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh sent hukmanamas (letters of authority) to his followers throughout the Indian sub-continent, asking them to gather at Anandpur Sahib on 30 March 1699, the day of Vaisakhi (the annual harvest festival).
Guru Gobind Singh addressed the congregation from the entryway of a tent pitched on a hill (now called Kesgarh Sahib). He drew his sword and asked for a volunteer who was willing to sacrifice his head. No one answered his first call, nor the second call, but on the third invitation, a person called Daya Ram (later known as Bhai Daya Singh) came forward and offered his head to the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh took the volunteer inside the tent, and emerged shortly, with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. The Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent unharmed. These five, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their Guru, were called Panj Piare ("the five beloved ones"). These five volunteers were : Daya Ram (Bhai Daya Singh), Dharam Das (Bhai Dharam Singh), Himmat Rai (Bhai Himmat Singh), Mohkam Chand (Bhai Mohkam Singh), and Sahib Chand (Bhai Sahib Singh).
Guru Gobind Singh then took an iron bowl and poured some water in it. Sahib Devan (later Mata Sahib Kaur) added some sugar crystals to the water, and the Guru stirred this mixture with a double-edged sword whilst reciting the Five Banis. The resultant solution is called as "Khandey di Pahul" (ceremony of the double-edged sword) or commonly known as "amrit" (nectar of immortality)
These actions allude to the nature expected of the inductees to the Khalsa: that they must have the will and the strength to fight oppression (symbolised by the sword), but must always remember that their actions are born from protection and not hatred (symbolised by the sweetness of the sugar).
Each of the Panj Piares were given five handfuls of the Amrit to drink, and had amrit sprinkled in their eyes five times. Each time, they repeated the phrase "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Phateh" ("The Khalsa belongs to Waheguru (the wondrous teacher), the victory belongs to Waheguru (the wondrous teacher)").
Guru Gobind Singh gave them the title (analogous to "Knight" or "Sir" in English culture) of "Singh" (meaning "Lion"). Similarly, for female the title of "Kaur" (meaning "Princess"). It is noted that about twenty thousand men and woman took this baptism of steel on the first day. Majority of Sikhs nowadays carry this title without taking the oath of double-edged sword.
Guru Gobind Singh is the "Father" of the Khalsa and Mata Sahib Kaur is the "Mother". One important outcome of joining the Khalsa is the abolition of one's previous caste, nation, race, rituals, customs, religion, clan, Karma. The new member is the citizen of Anandpur Sahib and their birthplace is the Keshgarh Sahib.
The Khalsa is led by Panj Pyare or the five-beloved. At the Battle of Chamkaur, the Khalsa led by Panj Pyare passed on an order/command to the Guru Gobind Singh to escape from Chamkaur. The Guru had to obey it, because at that point of time, and as proclaimed by the Guru on 30 March 1699 about his absorption into the Khalsa and declaring the five-beloved being equal to him, the Guru was a Singh of the Khalsa.{cn}}
Code of conduct
The Khalsa needs to abide by the four restrictions set by Guru Gobind Singh and if a Sikh breaks one of these four restrictions they are excommunicated from the Khalsa Panth and must go 'pesh' (get baptised again). Guru Gobind Singh also gave the Khalsa 52 hukams or 52 specific additional guidelines while living in Nanded in 1708.
Prohibitions
The four prohibitions or mandatory restrictions of the Khalsa or life of khalsa at time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji are:
- Not to disturb the natural growth of the hairs.
- Not to eat meat of an animal slaughtered in the Muslim halal or Jewish kosher way.
- Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse.
- Using tobacco or alcohol.
Five Ks
Main article: Five KsThe uniform of a Singh/Kaur of the Khalsa comprises the Five Ks:
- Kesh – Uncut hair on the face, head, and all parts of the body.
- Kanga – A wooden comb.
- Kara – An iron bracelet.
- Kacchera – A pair of drawers (a specific type of cotton underwear).
- Kirpan – A dagger or sword.
These are for identification and representation of the ideals of Sikhism, such as honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God, and never bowing to tyranny, and for helping/protecting the weak, and self-defense.
Initiation
Main article: Amrit SancharInitiation into the Khalsa is referred to as Amrit Sanchar (water of immortality life-cycle rite) or Khande di Pahul (Initiation with the double edged sword). Anyone from any previous religion, age, or knowledge group can take Amrit (Amrit Chhakh) when they are convinced that they are ready. This baptism is done by the Panj Pyare in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. The devotee must arrive to the place of baptim, usually a Gurdwara, in the morning after bathing completely including having washed their hair and must be wearing the 5 articles of the Khalsa uniform. After baptism, the new Singh or Kaur must abide by the four restrictions or must get re-baptised if they break any of them. Jasjpit Singh in Lucinda Mosher book describes taking Amrit as a huge commitment, "You are making a commitment to God, to God's creation, to yourself – and you're giving up yourself. It is like giving up your own ego and accepting God into your life – and accepting yourself as one with the entire creation."
Initial tensions with the non-Khalsa disciples
With the creation of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh had abolished all existing social divisions as was fundamental in the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev. In their new order, the former lowest of the low would stand with the former highest; all would become one and drink from the same vessel. All previous beliefs relating to family, occupation, customs and ceremonies were declared useless by the Guru. This caused discomfort to the conservative followers of the Guru and they protested. Many departed from the ceremony, but the Guru declared that the low castes should be raised and would dwell next to him.
The newswriter of the Mughal government, Ghulam Mohyiuddin, reporting to the emperor wrote:
He has abolished caste and custom, old rituals, beliefs and superstitions of the Hindus and bonded them in one single brotherhood. No one will be superior or inferior to another. Men of all castes have been made to eat out of the single bowl. Though orthodox men have opposed him, about twenty thousand men and women have taken baptism of steel at his hand on the first day. The Guru has also told the gathering: "I' ll call myself Gobind Singh only if I can make the meek sparrows pounce upon the hawks and tear them; only if one combatant of my force faces a legion of the enemy"
Sri Gur Sobha (18th century) by Sainapati (Saina Singh) contains two sections (adhyays) on the controversies that arose, when Guru Gobind Singh's disciples in Delhi heard the news of his new order. Much of the controversy stated in Sri Gur Sobha revolves around bhaddar, the ritual shaving of head after death of a close relative, which was discouraged by Guru Gobind Singh. According to Sainapti, while creating the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh said that bhaddar is bharam (illusion), and not dharam.
Tensions developed between the Punjabi Khatri disciples of the Guru in Delhi, and members of the newly formed Khalsa. A prominent Khatri disciple was expelled from the place of worship (dharmasala) for refusing to join the Khalsa. Another disciple was expelled for eating with him, starting a chain of further expulsions. The expelled disciples convened a community gathering, at which two wealthy Khatris demanded that the Khalsa produce a written order from the Guru that a new mandatory code of conduct had been promulgated. A Khatri family that refused to follow the bhaddar ritual was boycotted by the Khatri community. The Khatri council (panch) closed the bazaar to pressure the Khalsa. The Khalsa petitioned the state officials to intervene, who forced reopening of the shops. Later, peace was established between the two groups in a sangat (congregation). However, hostility between some Khatris and the Khalsa persisted in the later years.
As a military force
Main articles: Dal Khalsa, Sikh Khalsa Army, Fauj-i-Ain, and Fauj-i-KhasOne of the duties of the Khalsa is to practice arms. This has been deemed necessary due to the rising persecution from the rulers. Before joining the Khalsa, most of the people were from professions like farming, pottery, masonry, carpenters, Labanas, etc.
Guru Gobind Singh in Oct, 1708 deputed his disciple Banda Singh Bahadur to lead the Khalsa in an uprising against the Mughals. Banda Singh Bahadur first established a Sikh kingdom and then brought in the Land reforms in the form of breaking up large estates and distributing the land to peasants. He and his comrades were eventually defeated and executed, but he became an icon among the Sikhs. After a long exile the Khalsa regrouped under Nawab Kapur Singh, who gathered local Khalsa leaders and created Dal Khalsa, a coalition army. The Dal Khalsa fought against the Mughals and the Afghans, eventually resulting in the establishment of a number of small republics called misls (autonomous confederacies) and later in the formation of the Sikh Empire.
After the fall of the Mughal empire and the later establishment of the Sikh Empire in the Punjab, the Khalsa was converted into a strong, multireligious and multinational fighting force, modernised according to European principles: the Sikh Khalsa Army which had a huge role in the expansion of the empire. Led by generals like: Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself, Misr Diwan Chand and Hari Singh Nalwa. It successfully defeated all its adversaries, including the Afghan tribals and army, Hill Chiefs, Misldars, Chinese, Tibetan and Gurkhas. By the time of death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839, the whole army of Sikh Empire was assessed at 120,000 men, with 250 artillery pieces. The irregular levies were included.
The official name of the state (Sikh Empire) of Sikhs was "Sarkar-i-Khalsa": Government of the Khalsa. The boundaries of this state stretched from Tibet to Afghanistan and from Kashmir to Sutlej in the south and included regions of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Ladakh, etc. The "Sarkar-i-Khalsa" was dissolved during two wars fought against the British between 1846 and 1849.
Modern status
Today, the Khalsa is respected by the entire gamut of Sikhs; however, not all Sikhs are Amritdharis The issue of Khalsa code of conduct has led to several controversies. In the early 1950s, a serious split occurred in the Canadian Sikh community, when the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver, Canada elected a clean-shaven Sikh to serve on its management committee. Although most of the early Sikh immigrants to Canada were non-Khalsa, and a majority of the members of the society were clean-shaven non-Khalsa Sikhs, a faction objected to the election of a non-Khalsa to the management committee. The factions in Vancouver and Victoria broke away from the Khalsa Diwan Society, and established their own gurdwara society called Akali Singh.
In the United Kingdom there have been tensions between the Khalsa Sikhs and the non-Khalsa Sikhs. Many Sikhs in Britain have insisted on their right of not conforming to the Khalsa norms, while maintaining that they are truly Sikh. On the other hand, some of the Khalsa Sikhs think of the non-Khalsa Sikhs as having abandoned the Sikh faith altogether.
Each year the Khalsa display their military skills around the world at a festival called Hola Mohalla. During Hola Mohalla military exercises are performed alongside mock battles followed by kirtan and valour poetry competitions. The Khalsa also lead the Sikhs in the annual Vaisakhi parade.
The Khalsa celebrating the Sikh festival Hola Mohalla or simply Hola.
See also
References
- Singh, Teja (2006). A Short History of the Sikhs: Volume One. Patiala: Punjabi University. p. 107. ISBN 8173800073.
- Gill, Rahuldeep. "Early Development". www.patheos.com. Patheos. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
- Parmjit, Singh (2008). In The Master's Presence The Sikhs of Hazoor Sahib. London, UK: Kashi House. p. 312.
- Singh, I.J. "Guru Granth & Guru Panth". www.chardikalaa.com. The Chardi Kalaa Foundation. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
- Joseph Davey Cunningham, History of the Sikhs. year = 1849, page = ??
- ^ Singh, Kartar (2008). Life of Guru Gobind Singh. Ludhiana, India: Lahore Bookshop.
- "The Five K's". Retrieved 9 October 2012.
- "Non-baptised Sikhs oppose Bill seeking to exclude them from key community poll".
- ^ Singh, Sangat (2001). The Sikhs in History. New Delhi, India: Uncommon Books.
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- Singh, H.S. (2005). Sikh Studies, Book 7. Hemkunt Press. p. 19. ISBN 9788170102458.
- ^ Mahmood, Cynthia Keppley (1996). Fighting for faith and nation dialogues with Sikh militants. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 43–45. ISBN 978-0812215922. OCLC 44966032.
- Macauliffe, Max (1909). The Sikh Religion, Vol. V. Clarendon Press Oxford. p. 95.
- Singh, Balawindara (2004). Fifty-Two Commandments Of Guru Gobind Singh. Michigan, US: Singh Bros. p. 9.
- Singh, Satbir (1991). Aad Sikh Te Aad Sakhian. Jalandhar: New Book Company.
- "Section Six". Archived from the original on 2 February 2002.
- Eleanor Nesbitt, "Sikhism: a very short introduction", ISBN 0-19-280601-7, Oxford University Press, pp. 40–43
- Nesbitt, Eleanor (2005). Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780191578069.
- Taylor, Elizabeth (2012). Religion: A Clinical Guide for Nurses. Springer Publishing Company. p. 259. ISBN 9780826108616.
- Brodd, Jeffrey (2009). World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery. Saint Mary's Press. p. 118. ISBN 9780884899976.
- Mosher, Lucinda (2005). Faith in the Neighborhood: Belonging. Church Publishing, Inc. p. 50. ISBN 9781596271517.
- Shan, Harnam (2002). Creation Of Khalsa. Chandigarh, India: Guru Nanak Dev Mission Patiala. p. 9.
- ^ Cunningham, Joseph Davey (2002). "Sikhism under Govind". A history of Sikhs. Rupa & Co., New Delhi. pp. 68–69. ISBN 8171677649.
- Singh, Sangat (2005). "Evolution of Sikh Panth". The Sikhs in History. Singh Brothers. pp. 67–68. ISBN 8172052758.
- Singh, Gopal. A history of the Sikh people. Delhi. p. 291.
- ^ Deol, Jeevan (2001). "Eighteenth Century Khalsa Identity: Discourse, Praxis and Narrative". In Arvind-pal Singh and Mandair, Gurharpal Singh and Christopher Shackle (ed.). Sikh Religion, Culture and Ethnicity. Routledge. pp. 25–26. ISBN 978-0700713899. OCLC 45337782.
- Major Pearse, Hugh; Ranjit Singh and his white officers. In Gardner, Alexander (1999) . The Fall of Sikh Empire. Delhi, India: National Book Shop. ISBN 81-7116-231-2.
- ^ Paul Robert Magocsi, ed. (1999) . Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples. University of Toronto Press. p. 1157. ISBN 978-0802029386. OCLC 56300149.
- Parsons, Gerald (1994). The Growth of Religious Diversity: Britain from 1945. Routledge. p. 231. ISBN 978-0415083263. OCLC 29957116.
- "Picture of the Day: Los Angeles, CA celebrates Vaisakhi". 9 April 2012.
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