History of Amritsar

From the history of pages of Guru Hargobind Saheb ji and Akal Takht and Kirtan Maryada ....the history to be told to young generation...

Battle of Amritsar 14th April 1634.

The battle of Amritsar was a campaign by Mukhlis Khan against Guru Hargobind Saheb and the Sikhs in 1634. The battle took place over two days and was a result of increasing tensions between the Moghal Government and Guru Hargobind Saheb ji.

The day before the Moghal attacked, the Sikhs recieved information that they would be attacking and evacuated Lohagarh, a small mud fort on the outskirts of the city, except for small garrison at Lohagarh but didn't get further.

The second day of the battle saw fierce fighting where Khalsa College, Amritsar is located now. Bhai Bhanno was killed in the fighting and Guru Hargobind Saheb Ji took command when he died. The battle ended when Mukhlis Khan's head was "cleft in twain" by a blow by Guru Hargobind Saheb Ji.

After the battle of Amritsar, Guru Hargobind Saheb ji went to Kiratpur. Before leaving Amritsar, the family, including the Guru Saheb,  came to the Harmander Saheb, listened to kirtan and, in a palanquin (Palki), took with them the Adi Granth Prakashed  here by Guru Arjan Dev ji. After this, Sodhi Meherwan from Prithi Chand's family took possession of Sri Harmandir Sahib with the help of Delhi.In protest, the Sikh sangat also went with Guru Sahib. The Ragi- Rabaabi's of Sr Darbar Saheb also abandoned the place.

During this long period of 65 years, the kirtan maryada inside Sri Harmandir Sahib was broken. The kirtans of the Guru's house left. After the death of Sodhi Miharwan, his son Hari Ji took over the management of the Sri Harmander Saheb.

Even during this time most of the sangats stayed away from Sri Harmandir Sahib. Hari Ji himself used to perform Kirtan in Sri Harmandir Sahib. His main purpose was to collect offerings.

After Hari's death, Sri Harmandir Sahib was taken over by his son Narayan. This occupation took place in 1756 . Continued until During this time the number of Sangat visiting Sri Harmandir Sahib decreased drastically.

According to Giani Kirpal Singh, former head granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, under the possession of Miharwan, Hari Ji and Narayan, Sri Harmandir Sahib did not remain a center of attraction for the Sikh community for long. Most of the sangats started attending the place of Kiratpur Sahib, Guru Hargobind Sahib.As the Rababi and Ragi Kirtankars moved out during this time, it was not customary to set up separate kirtan chowki at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Only Miharwan and Hari Ji continued to carry on the kirtan tradition of this place.

Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh were not directly associated with the kirtan tradition of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Guru Har Rai was at the forefront of Sikh propaganda in Kiratpur Sahib, Doaba, Malwa, Jammu and Kashmir, Sialkot, Lahore and other places.

In 1651 AD  Guru Har Rai visited for a while on the occasion of Diwali but soon returned to Kiratpur Sahib. Guru Har Krishan continued to visit the sangats at Kiratpur Sahib and Delhi.

When Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib came to Sri Harmandir Sahib, Hari Ji closed the doors of Darshani Deori with the intention of what would happen to us if Guru Ji made a permanent camp here. Har ji himself went here and there. Guru Tegh Bahadur waited for a while. Seeing Har ji not coming back, Guru ji went back. The masands closed the doors of the Golden Temple. Guru Sahib at that time sat outside the procession of Sri Harmandir Sahib and went back with the sangat. Gurdwara Thadra Sahib is presently adorned on this site.

There are no references to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's visit to Sri Harmandir Sahib. Karam Singh (Historian) 's Twarikh of Amritsar, published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, gives such a reference that Dashmesh's father came to Amritsar to the house of a Gursikh. The site was renovated by  courageous Mahant Bhai Gurdit Singh, the newly formed city Kaulsar. This place was in Katra Dal Singh. Complementary information is also given in the list of gurdwaras, which confirms this information. The tradition narrated by the mahant shows that Dashmesh ji came here to Amritsar in 1696 around. The servant who lived in Guru Ji's house, his elder brother, Mihan Ji was a servant of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Guru Tegh Bahadur gave him an iron vessel and a drum and ordered him to run a langar and increase Sikhism. Dashmesh Pita also came to this place and happily blessed Bhai Mihan who was staying here with a turban, drum, a sword and a Granth and bestowed the title of Mihan Sahib on him.

Due to the efforts of Jathedars of Sikh Misls, Sikh Sardars and other eminent Gursikhs, various measures were taken for the protection of Sri Harmandir Sahib so that the kirtan tradition and other rites of Sri Harmandir Sahib could be restored with full Sikh Maryada.

Sri Harmandir Sahib had 10 bungas on the east side, 22 bungas on the south side, 28 bungas on the west side and 9 bungas on the north side. Thus from 1751 to 1825 69 bungas of Sardars and villages of different misls had been set up at Sri Harmandir Sahib in collaboration with the Sangat.

The Adi Granth's  Prakash was in some of these Bungas. Pathis-Granthis, Rababis-Ragis and other devotees of Sri Harmandir Sahib took up residence in these Bungas.

The daily recitation of Kirtan  continued in some of the Bungas. Shabad Kirtan was taught in Bungas.At the time of construction of Akal Takht in front of Sri Harmandir Sahib, its name was Takht Akal Bunga. Sikh doctrines were imparted to the sangat visiting these Bungas.

 Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan used to sit under a berry at this place.Guru Hargobind Sahib built a bunga on this place and sat on this place and dressed as a Guru. Therefore, it was renamed Takht Akal Bunga. We nowadays honor it as Sri Akal Takht Sahib. At this place in evening time a large congregation use to organize in which Ragis Rabaabis perform kirtan and as per the instructions of singing notes,  Dhadi's  use to sing vaars which instill incourage emotions and valour among the Sikhs.

According to historical sources, Bunga Ram Singh Giani Giani Kaum Bhatt, Bunga Charhat Singh Ragi, Bunga Lakha Singh Nirmala, Bunga Ragi Dhanpati Singh, Akal Bunga, Bunga Bhai Sahiban, Bunga Ragi Kahan Singh Ragi used to have a continuous Paath  recitation and kirtan.

The desirous one use to received the gift of Shabad Kirtan from the kirtaniyas  of the Guru's  house living here.

Historical bungalows ceased to exist for the construction of the Ghanta Ghar and the construction of existing structures. Today, the iconic high minaret building of Bunga Ramgarhia, adjoining the langar hall, stands as a symbol of this tradition of Sikh culture.

According to Sardar SS Ramgarhia, till 1900 AD around  15 kirtani  jathas performed kirtan in Sri Darbar Sahib. Out of these 15 Jathas, 8 Jathas were of Sikh Kirtaniyas who performed kirtan from Asa di var  in the morning till noon and 7 Jathas were of Muslim Rabaabis who were engaged in the service  of Divine singing hymns from noon till the end of Diwan. During this time the duo of rabab, dotara, saranda, taus, sitar, tambura and tabla were predominant.

Arrangements were made by the chiefs of the Sikh misls to house the Sikh troops in the bungas set up around the Golden Temple. Sikh sangats from different towns near and far used to come and stay in the bungalows of their respective misls, sardars or localities. During the Sikh misls, the practice of Shabad Kirtan was restored at Sri Harmandir Sahib. But in the attacks of Ahmed Shah Abdali and his son Taimur Shah, the desecration of Sri Harmandir Sahib started again. 

In 1762 AD , Ahmad Shah Abdali blew up the Sri Harmander Saheb with gunpowder and filled the sarovar with mud, dirt and cow skeletons. This upset the Sikh community. All the Sikh Sangat started wishing for the reconstruction of Sri Harmandir Sahib.

After Abdali's departure in 1765 AD. The Sarbat Khalsa convened at Sri Amritsar during the Vaisakhi. The sacred tank of Sri Harmandir Sahib was cleaned. The Singhs restored the etiquette of kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Taking charge of the security of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the chiefs of the six misls appointed their representatives for the security of Amritsar.

The maryada of recitation, kirtan and langar were re-started.

Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, after capturing Jallandhar and Doaba, killed Zain Khan, the Mughal representative of Sirhind. During this battle the Singhs acquired considerable wealth. Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia planned to spend his share of Rs. 9 lakh on the reconstruction of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Inspired by this, many Guru lovers generously contributed, resulting in a collection of Rs. 21 lakhs. With this amount, Sri Harmandir Sahib was rebuilt and kirtan maryada was re-established at Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Capt. Matthew, a spy for the East India Company, wrote his secret letter dated April-May 1824, it is said that the kirtan maryada of Sri Harmandir Sahib which was prevalent at that time was started at 3.00 am every day in which the Bani of Guru Granth Sahib was sung and this maryada was performed till late night at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Keep going At the same time, the flow of kirtan continues at two other places.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1802 AD. After capturing the city of Amritsar, the Golden Temple was decorated with marble and gold leaf, which is also known as the 'Golden Temple'.

During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, kirtani  jathas of the highest order like Bhai Manshaa Singh continued to be performed in the kirtan maryada of the Golden Temple. When Bhai Manshaa Singh Ji used to perform Kirtan, the eyes of Maharaja Ranjit Singh would get wet in emotion and respect of Gurbani. Similarly the sangats were very much impressed by the kirtan of Bhai Desa Ji, Bhai Garja Singh Ji, Bhai Budha Ji. There was so much power in the kirtan of these groups that the minds of the listeners were concentrated, the minds were attached to the Guru's feet and all enjoyed the Guru's word.

One day Maharaja Ranjit Singh came to know that the life of Bhai Manshaa Singh, the foremost kirtanist of the time, was going on in a very miserable condition and poverty. Maharaja Ranjit Singh knew that such an intelligent Raagi kirtankar was seldom able to perform seva with the blessings of Akal Purakh. Knowing this, the Maharaja, carrying gifts and money for Bhai Manshaa Singh, proceeded to his house with Lam Lashkar. When Bhai Manshaa Singh was startled, he closed the door of the house and from the inside humbly appreciated the Maharaja's thinking, thanked him and expressed his inability to accept the offerings.

On repeated requests from the Maharaja, Bhai Manshaa Singh said, "I am a servant of Guru Ram Das's house. I do not need any worldly support." Hearing this, the whole sangat and Maharaja Ranjit Singh realized that the kirtanists of the Guru's house were richer and more satisfied than the worldly kings and emperors.

The kirtan of Sri Darbar Sahib has been performed with great devotion by the kirtaniyas of Sri Harmander Saheb. Along with Sri Harmander Sahib, kirtan continued to flow in the surrounding bungas built in the parikarama.

Bhai Charhat Singh Ragi, Bhai Dhanpat Singh Ragi, Bhai Kahn Singh Ragi also taught kirtan in these bungas. In Bunga Ahluwalia also Jathas were formed to serve in Sri Harmandir Sahib.

During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, an English mission arrived in India on 31 May 1827 and was brought to Amritsar to visit the Sri Harmander Saheb. When Lord Auckland reached Amritsar on this mission, he expressed his desire to visit the Sri Harmander Saheb. The Maharaja warned the citizens of Amritsar that  Governor-General had come from outside and that no one should treat the men who came with him in a way that would offend his views on the Sikhs and tarnish the image of the Sikh community. The Governor-General had no knowledge of the etiquette of the Golden Temple, nor was he informed of it by the court officials of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Auckland started entering Sri Harmandir Sahib with shoes on which the sangat objected to his entry into this holy place with shoes. In the end, the Governor General's boots were taken off and Darshan of Darbar Sahib was conducted. At Sri Harmandir Sahib, Auckland sat on a carpet with Maharaja Ranjit Singh and listened to Shabad Kirtan.

After the British occupation of the Punjab, Henry Lawrence appointed Lahina Singh as the manager of the Sri Harmander Saheb. 

From then until now the entire management of Sri Harmandir Sahib has been in the hands of the Panth and the local Sangat. During the British rule there was periodic government interference in the management of Sri Harmandir Sahib but the kirtan maryada of Sri Harmandir Sahib continued uninterrupted. At this time the kirtani jathas of Sikh ragis and Muslim Rabaabis  continued the flow of kirtan maryada of Sri Harmandir Sahib.

After the independence of India, most of the Muslim rabaabis migrated to Pakistan. Some of them converted to Sikhism while living in India. The family members of some of the Rababis who went to Pakistan nowadays perform Shabad Kirtan in Pakistan from time to time on the arrival of Sangats. With this, money also accumulates for their livelihood and the rababi tradition of Gurmat Sangeet is also flourishing in one form or another. Shabad kirtan of these rababi kirtankars in Harimandar Sahib or other historical gurdwaras is not possible due to non-adoption of Sikh form nor are these rababi kirtankars coming forward to adopt Sikh. Their purpose is limited to raising money through vocal and musical knowledge. But still we have to work hard to promote this tradition. By organizing workshops of Rababi kirtankars, Sikh youth should be made to acquire the virtues of the Rababi kirtan system. Similar efforts were made by the Department of Gurmat Sangeet of the Punjabi University.

If we do not take conscious steps in this direction now, we will lose this precious heritage and only in recordings and museums will we be able to see the rabaabis and their kirtan style.

After the reconstruction carried out by Maharaja Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, the flow of kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib continued uninterrupted till June 1984. During the Operation Blue Star on Sri Harmandir Sahib by the Government of India, the practice of kirtan was once again stopped, which was later changed to 7 June 1984.

Bhai Gurcharan Singh Amritsari, who was arrested by the Indian Army during the visit of the then President of India Giani Zail Singh to Sri Harmandir Sahib, resumed the kirtan by a group formed to identify Ragi Singhs among the prisoners which continues uninterrupted till date.

Courtesy: Sajjan Singh