Nihang Sikhs

Subject: Art and culture

Context: Amidst the farmers announcement of tractor parade on republic day Nihang Sikhs rehearse with 50 horsemen.

Concept:

Nihang or ‘Akali’ Sikhs are community of armed Sikh warriors in Indian subcontinent.
Many trace Nihang Sikhs from Fateh Singh and others from “Akali Dal” formed by Sikh Guru Hargovind.
Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla s quads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.
They wear a traditional dress called “Khalsa Swarupa”. This comprises full attire of super electric blue selected by Guru Gobind Singh, edged bracelets of iron round their wrists (jangi kara) and quoits of steel (chakram) tiered in their high conical blue turbans, together with the traditional dagger carried by all Sikhs (kirpan).
This is accompanied with swords.

About Guru Hargovind and Fateh Singh:

Guru Hargovind was the 6^th Guru (at age of 11) after his father Guru Arjan (5^th Guru) was killed by Jahangir.
He initiated the process of militarization which was complete during Guru Govind Singh’s time.
He wore two sword (Nihangs follow it today) to symbolize concepts of “miri and piri” (temporal power and spiritual authority).
He constructed the “Akal Takht” (the throne of timeless one) in front of Harmandir Saheb as the highest seat of earthly authority of the Khalsa (the collective body of the Sikhs) today.
Fateh Singh is the fourth and youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh. among the most revered martyrs in Sikhism. He is also known as Baba Fateh Singh.