Table of Contents
Who are ‘Nihang’?
- Nihangs are a very famous and prestigious order of Sikh warriors, characterised by blue robes, antiquated arms such as swords and spears, and decorated turbans surmounted by steel quoits.
- This order has been at the forefront of the Sikh martial tradition for more than 300 years.
- They are conspicuous due to wearing blue robes, bangles or bracelets of steel round their wrists (Kara), and quoits of steel (Chakra) in their lofty conical blue turbans, together with daggers, knives and swords of varying sizes (Kirpan), and an iron chain.
Origin
- The Nihangs trace their origins to the founding of the Khalsa Panth by the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singhji, around 1699.
- Many claim the sect to be “guru di laadli fauj” (the guru’s favourite army).
- Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (12 December 1699 – 26 December 1704) was the fourth and youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh.
- One day the Sahibzaadey were performing their battle skills, and the youngest of them all Baba Fateh Singh Ji also wanted to play with his brothers.
- The other brothers replied: “At the moment you are too small.”
- The young Sahibzaada felt so let down, that he went inside and tied a dastaar (turban) as tall as one hand.
- He put on a blue dress.
- Placed a Chakar (round disc carried on a belt or worn on the turban) on himself.
- He adorned himself with a small Khanda.
- Over his dastaar he wrapped a ‘dumalla’ and held in his hand a
- He then went to where his brothers were playing and said, “Now I don’t look small.’’
Meaning of the word Nihang
- Immortal
- Unrestrained
- Sanskrit word ‘nihshank’ which means without fear
- Persian word for Crocodile
Military History
- The Nihangs differ essentially from all other Sikh orders in being a militaristic
- Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily
- Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of 15tAhpreil 2S02i0kh Empire
Respected traditional sect
- The Nihangs have historically been held in great affection and respect by Sikhs due the pivotal role they have played in the Sikh history and the Sikh military history in particular.
- The Nihang’s activities are currently mostly ceremonial, as it is peace time but in times of war for the Sikh religion, the Akalis have historically spear-headed the attack on the
The Nihang sects
- The Nihangs are not one consolidated sect or group.
- Traditionally, the Nihangs have been pro-establishment.
- There are very divided and while following the same traditions and norms, they have their own independent deras.
- The deras have weapons, licensed firearms, horses and generally everyone undergoes martial training.
Some Bad practices have crept in
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