Gobind Sarvar 3rd Annual Sikh History Competition Package ...

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Gobind Sarvar

3rd Annual

Sikh History Competition

Package C PREVIEW

Important Dates:

Saturday May 17, 2014 – Review/Info Session @ 7:00 pm

Saturday May 24, 2014 – Qualification Exam @ 3:30 pm

Saturday May 31, 2014 – Main Event Game Show @ 6:30 pm

http://www.gobindsarvar.com/

Gobind Sarvar Sikh History Competition 2014 (Package C) Page 2 of 14

Copyright Notice

Group C: Born April 1999 - March 2002

THIS IS A PREVIEW PACKAGE C ONLY.

ACTUAL PACKAGE C CONTAINS 63 PAGES

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji and Glossary of Sikh

Vocabulary.

This package has been developed with the generous support of sikschool.com and

produced by Gobind Sarvar with the authorization of the publisher. Gobind Sarvar does

not hold any copyrights for the below mentioned curriculum. All rights reserved by

publisher (Sikhschool.com). If you have any questions please email

[email protected] or contact the publisher directly at [email protected].

Published by: Sikschool.com, California USA

Sikhya curriculum(C) (sikhschool.com) (2009)

This book is published solely for non profit with the kind efforts of volunteers, qualified or experienced in the field of Sikh religion and Punjabi language. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing of PUBLISHER, or as expressly permitted by law. Enquiries concerning reproduction should be sent to PUBLISHER, at ([email protected])


Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

Date of Parkash: June 19, 1595 (AswV vdI 7, 21 AswV sMmq 1652)

Place of Parkash: Guru Ki Vadali, District: Amritsar

Father: Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji

Mother: Mata Ganga Devi Ji

Mahal (Wife): Mata Damodri Ji, Mata Nanki Ji, Mata

Marwahi Ji

Sons: Baba Gurdita Ji, Baba Anhi Rai Ji, Baba Atal Rai Ji, Sri Guru Teg

Bahadur Sahib Ji, Baba Suraj Mall Ji.

Daughter: Bibi Veero Ji

Gurgaddi: May 19, 1606 (jyT vdI 8, 22 jyT sMmq 1663)

JotiJot: March 3, 1644 (cyq sudI 5, 6 cyq smM q 1701)

Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami

Calendar

Guru Sahib had five sons and one daughter. They were:

- Baba Gurditta Ji, born to Mata Damodri Ji in 1613.

- Bibi Veero Ji, born to Mata Damodri Ji in 1615.

- Baba Suraj Mall Ji, born to Mata Mahadevi Ji in 1617.

- Baba Anhi Rai Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1618.

- Baba Atal Rai Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1619.

- Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1621.


Let’s go back 325 years in history to the city of Sri Amritsar Sahib where, under the

blessings of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, everyone lived in perfect bliss. Guru Ram Das Ji had

founded Sri Amritsar Sahib a

few years before. It had become a place to receive spiritual bliss and had emerged as a

major business center.

Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus of low and high castes came from different parts of South

Asia to settle in Amritsar Sahib, and lived in perfect peace and harmony. They started

their day with a dip (Ishnaan, ieSnwn) in the Amrit Sarovar and listened to Kirtan and

Gurbani at Harmandir Sahib (hirmMdr swihb, also known as The Golden Temple or Darbar

Sahib).

In such a perfect environment, there was someone who was not at peace, Baba Prithi

Chand Ji, the elder brother of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, wanted to be the Guru and was full of

ego and jealousy. Baba Prithi Chand's wife complained, "The youngest son obtained

Gurgaddi instead of the eldest one, and the whole world, both the emperor and the

common men, worship Him."

Baba Prithi Chand replied, "Arjun has no son and so His prosperity is short-lived. Our son

Meharban will be the next Guru."

Baba Prithi Chand‟s wife would tease Mata Ganga Ji, Guru Arjun Dev Ji's wife, for not

having a child. Mata Ganga Ji prayed to Guru Sahib to bless her with a son. Guru Sahib

asked her to do Seva & Simran, and to ignore Baba Prithi Chand‟s and his wife‟s remarks.

But Baba Prithi Chand‟s wife continued to taunt Mata Ganga Ji.

Mata Ganga Ji again requested Guru Sahib Ji, "All those who seek your blessings obtain

peace and happiness. Please also fulfill my wish and bless me with a son."

Guru Sahib would often send His devotees to His respectable Sikh, Baba Buddha Ji, for

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s blessing. Guru Sahib told Mata Ganga Ji to go to Baba Buddha Ji and

seek his blessings.

The next day, Mata Ganga Ji, along with her attendants, rode in carriages to go see Baba

Buddha Ji at his residence (now known as bIV swihb). The approaching carriages were

kicking up a lot of dust and Baba Budha Ji saw this asked one of the sevadars, “Ji, who is

that who is coming to see us in such a manner?” The sevadar replied that it was Mata

Ganga Ji. Although, Baba Buddha Ji respected Mata Ganga Ji, he did not like how Mata

Ganga Ji was displaying her status and wealth. When Mata Ganga Ji placed sweets before

him and prayed for his blessings, Baba Buddha Ji replied, "Mata Ji, I am only a servant of

your house. It is only Guru Sahib Ji who is an ocean of supernatural power and fulfills

everyone's desires."


Mata Ji came back disappointed and told the whole story to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib

explained, "Saints and the True Guru are not pleased with those who show off. If you

desire anything from them, appear before them in a humble manner (meaning not with

carriages and attendants). If you still desire the Saint's blessing, then prepare food (lMgr)

with your own hands, with your heart full of devotion, and dress like an ordinary person

and go to see Baba Ji on foot."

As instructed by Guru Sahib Ji, Mata Ganga Ji

milled the wheat, prepared im~sy pRSwdy (bread) and

l~sI (butter milk) with her own hands, and

walked barefoot to Baba Buddha Ji’s residence.

When he saw her, Baba Buddha Ji greeted her by

saying, "O Mother! I am very hungry. Only a

mother knows the needs of the son. Give me the

food that you have brought."

While eating, Baba Buddha Ji crushed an onion

and said, "Your son will be the King of kings; He

will rule the hearts of His people. He will crush the power of evil kings, like I crush this

onion under my fist.”

For some time Guru Arjun Dev Ji moved to the village Wadali, about six to seven miles

away from Amritsar. This is where Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s Parkash took place.

This great event is remembered as Parkash Diwas (pRkwS idvs) of

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. We may also remember this day as Gurpurab (gurpurb),

which means Guru‟s day but we do not call this day Guru Sahib‟s birthday.

We should not call Guru Sahib‟s Parkash day a birthday because a person who is born,

has to die. Guru Sahib is beyond birth and death. Guru Sahib helps Sikhs to overcome

the cycle of birth and death, and to merge with Waheguru (God).

Key Gurmat Message:

It is important to be humble when doing Seva. Seva of Guru Ji and true Gursikhs with

humility can fulfill all desires.

Baba Prithi Chand’s Animosity


The Parkash of (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji increased the hostility of Baba Prithi Chand,

who saw no chance for himself or for his son, Meharban, to become the next Guru. Prithi

Chand‟s hatred led him to try several unsuccessful attempts on (Guru) Hargobind Sahib's

life.

Baba Prithi Chand hired a nurse to poison baby (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji. She applied

poison to the nipple of her breast

and went to Wadali. The nurse first congratulated Guru Arjun Dev Ji's wife on the birth of

the child. She then caressed and fondled the baby trying to breast-feed him. The child

refused suckling. Then, for some mysterious reason, the nurse fainted and fell backwards.

When she regained her consciousness, she repented and disclosed that Baba Prithi Chand

had hired her to kill the infant. Thus, the story of Baba Prithi Chand's ill scheme was

disclosed.

The first failed attempt did not deter Baba Prithi Chand. He then hired a snake charmer

to kill the child by exposing him to a cobra. He promised the snake charmer a great sum

of money if he succeeded in the plot. The snake charmer found a chance and let a black

cobra loose in the courtyard. The young (Guru) Hargobind Sahib took the hissing cobra

in his hand and killed it immediately.

Baba Prithi Chand tried again and persuaded (Guru) Hargobind Sahib's male nurse to

poison the child. The next day, the Brahmin servant slipped poison in the child's yogurt

(dhIN). The child, however, turned away the

poisoned yogurt and refused to take it. The

Brahmin servant tried to force feed the poisoned

yogurt to (Guru) Hargobind Sahib, but the child

started crying.

Listening to the cry, Guru Sahib came to see the

child. In the meantime, (Guru) Hargobind Sahib

with His tiny hands gave a

powerful push to the container in the servant‟s

hands, causing the yogurt to spill. A dog nearby

rushed forward and ate the yogurt. The dog died

immediately. The servant confessed his ill doings

to Guru Sahib, and disclosed the murderous

designs of Baba Prithi Chand. The Brahmin servant died after this incident.

When (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji became of a suitable age to receive instructions, He was

entrusted to Baba Buddha Ji for his education. Baba Buddha Ji, Bhai Jetha Ji, and Bhai

Ganga Sehgal Ji taught Gurmukhi, Hikmat ihkmq (medicine), and


Gurbani to (Guru) Hargobind Sahib. They also trained Him in martial arts (Gatka), horse

riding, and wrestling. (Guru) Hargobind Sahib grew up to be a superb saintsoldier. When

Guru Arjun Dev Ji was martyred on May 30, 1606, Guru Hargobind Sahib was only eleven

years of age.

Key Gurmat Message:

Those who harm others will have to pay for their misdeeds. Also, those protected by

Waheguru Ji cannot be touched by evil persons.

Miri-Piri de Malik Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

From Guru Angad Dev Ji to Guru Arjun Dev Ji,

Guru Sahibs not only preached Guru Nanak

Dev Ji‟s message but also practiced each

message against all odds. By this time, Sikhs

have learned how to obey Hukam, do Seva and

Simran, be humble but firm, stay calm even in

extreme conditions, give Shaheedi if needed,

etc.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was only eleven years

old when His father was martyred. All the Sikhs

were looking up to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to

give them directions. Guru Sahib decided that it was time to stand up against injustice,

to protect the innocent, and to crush the oppressor.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji decided to don two swords: one to represent spiritual powers

(Piri - pIrI); and, another to represent temporal powers and to protect the innocent (Miri

- mIrI). Guru Sahib instructed Sikhs to carry weapons and learn horse riding. He sent a

letter to his masands (msMd: preachers) asking them to instruct Sikhs to bring arms and

horses as part of their offerings, and to send youth.

The news of the cruel torture and Shaheedi of Guru Arjun Dev Ji caused a deep wound in

the hearts of the Sikhs. Their wound was so deep that they were willing to sacrifice

everything that was precious to them to regain self-respect and freedom from the

oppression of the Mugal Raj. For the first time after suffering centuries of discrimination

under Muslim rule, there arose a wild cry of resistance.


A lot of young Sikhs from all over joined Guru Hargobind Sahib‟s army. Guru Hargobind

Sahib carried the torch of Guru Nanak Sahib's message as the sixth Guru from 1606 to

1644. He proved himself a saint and a soldier, and was the first military hero of the people

of Punjab in 500 years, since the conquest of Punjab by the Mughals.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Builds Akal Takhat (Akwl qKq)

In 1609, Guru Hargobind Sahib built a modest

structure facing the Harimandar Sahib and called it

Akal Bunga. In front of the Akal Bunga there was a

large

open space, where Sikhs assembled from time to

time to listen to the Guru Sahib on matters

concerning the welfare of the community.

Guru Hargobind Sahib sat on a raised

platform that was 12 feet high, dressed as a King, wearing the two swords of Miri and

Piri, with a royal plume (klgI) on His turban. Harimandir Sahib was the seat of spiritual

authority, and Akal Bunga was the seat of temporal authority.

Guru Sahib held Darbars in front of Akal Bunga. There, He administered justice like a king

in His court, awarding honors, punishments and accepting presents of arms and horses.

In the afternoon, Guru Sahib watched wrestling matches and weapons exercises. Ballads

(FwfI vwrW) were sung by Dhadi Jathas (FwfI j`Qw) who narrated the stories of fearless bravery

and heroism.

In due course, the Akal Bonga came to be known as the Akal Takhat, the Throne of the

Almighty. Throughout their struggle for freedom and independence, Sikh leaders have

assembled before the Throne of the Almighty to debate and discuss the problems faced

by the Khalsa Panth. They made collective decisions, known as gurmqw (Gurmata), to

resolve issues at hand.

Sri Akal Takhat, as it stands today, is a beautiful five-story building with a large open

space in front of it. On the other end of this space is drSnI ifaVu I (Darshani Deori), leading

to Harmandir Sahib.

On the main floor of Sri Akal Takhat, where Guru Hargobind Sahib used to sit, some of

the weapons used by the Guru Sahibs and famous Sikhs are kept.


Sri Akal Takhat is the first of the five Takhats. The other four Takhats are:

1. Takhat Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna Sahib, Bihar -

The Parkashplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

2. Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib - the

birthplace of the Khalsa

3. Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib in Sabo Ki

Talwandi where Guru Gobind Singh Ji dictated Sri Guru

Granth Sahib Ji to Bhai Mani Singh Ji

4. Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib in Nander, Maharashtra; the

place from where Guru Gobind Singh Ji left the earthly

abode after enthroning Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the everlasting Guru.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Builds Fort Logarh

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji recruited troops and assembled an army. Guru Sahib possessed

a stable of 700 horses and 60 gunners. Five hundred men were recruited as infantry.

Guru Sahib also built a fort at Amritsar called Lohgarh (fortress of steel) and created a

government of His own, similar to that of the Mughal Kings. Thus, the Sikhs came to

occupy a separate state within the Mughal state. In addition to congregational prayers

and preaching, activities such as riding, wrestling, and other warlike sports were also

given importance. This

was the beginning of the providing a sword into a Saints hands. Guru Sahib’s fame spread

far and wide. Many men came to enlist under Guru Sahib's banner. They believed that no

one else had power to face and challenge the Mughal emperor.

Key Gurmat Message:

It is important to have both spiritual (Piri) and worldly power (Miri). Guru Ji created the

Sri Akal Takhat because he wanted the Sikhs to become brave and fight against the

mighty kings (and all others) who troubled the poor and weak.

Meeting With Baba Sri Chand Ji

After Guru Angad Dev Ji moved to Khadur Sahib, Baba Sri Chand Ji started his own Udaasi

sect at Kartarpur. One day Guru Hargobind Sahib along with His elder son, Baba Gurditta

Ji, visited Baba Sri Chand Ji at Kartarpur. Baba Gurditta Ji‟s face resembled Guru Nanak

Dev Ji‟s beautiful face. Baba Sri Chand Ji was greatly surprised to see him. Baba Ji asked

Guru Sahib, "Do any of the sons belong to Baba Ji?" Guru Sahib replied, "All are yours."


Pleased with Guru Sahib‟s response, Baba Ji asked for Baba Gurditta Ji. Guru Sahib

presented Baba Gurditta Ji to him.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji had settled on the banks of the Ravi (rwvI) River at Kartarpur after

completing the Udaasis (audwsIAW - long journeys). There, Guru Nanak Dev Ji removed the

attire he had worn for the Udaasis; however, Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s elder son, Baba Sri

Chand Ji donned that Udaasi attire. Now, Baba Sri Chand Ji

entrusted the leadership of his Udaasi sect to Baba Gurditta Ji. It was this Udaasi sect

that carried out the responsibility of up- keeping Sikh institutions during hard times when

Sikhs had to live in hidings or jungles.

Key Gurmat Message:

Guru Hargobind Sahib had the utmost respect for the Son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Imprisoned in Gwalior (gvwlIAr) Fort

Chandu mischievously reported the kingly activities of Guru Hargobind Sahib as being

revolt preparations against the Muslim Emperor Jahangir. The Emperor was alarmed at

these preparations and so he invited Guru Ji to meet him in Delhi. When Guru Sahib

reached Delhi, He stayed with His army at a place called Majnu ka Tilla.

When Guru Sahib went to meet with the Emperor, He was received with respect. Over

the next few days, Jahangir asked Guru Sahib many questions regarding His spiritual

Kingship and warlike preparations. Guru Sahib answered all his questions with spiritual

wisdom. The Emperor was pleased with Guru Ji and desired to be in His company. The

queen, Noor Jehan, took a deep interest in Guru Sahib, and became His follower.

During these days, Jahangir fell ill. Following the malicious advice of his Hindu ministers,

he invited his astrologers to seek their advice. Chandu, who was always looking for ways

to detach the Emperor from Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, heavily bribed these astrologers.

The astrologers said that Jahangir could only be cured if a holy man of God should go to

the Fort of Gwalior (a high security prison) and pray for his recovery from there. Chandu

then advised the Emperor that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was


the holiest of men and should be sent to Gwalior. Jahangir

requested Guru Hargobind Sahib to go to Gwalior.

Although Guru Hargobind Sahib saw through the plot of

Chandu, He left for Gwalior immediately.

In fact, Chandu wrote letters to Hari Das, the Commander

of Fort Gwalior, urging him to poison Guru Sahib or kill Him

in any way and in return receive a large reward. Hari Das

by that time was so devoted to Guru Sahib that he showed

all

these letters to Him. Guru Sahib simply smiled and said

nothing.

A number of Rajput princes were also imprisoned in the fort at Gwalior. Guru Sahib started

to have regular morning and evening congregations of the prisoners in the Fort.

Sikh devotees missed Guru Sahib and as a result, started going in large numbers to the

Gwalior Fort and walk around it, bowing in respect to Guru Sahib Ji. After a year or so,

when Jahangir recovered, he thought of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji again. Jahangir realized

the mischief played by Chandu and ordered the release of Guru Sahib. Undoubtedly, Noor

Jehan, who had disciple-like devotion to Guru Sahib, had something to do with His recall

from Gwalior.

However, Guru Sahib would not go unless the

Emperor agreed to release all the prisoners in the

fort. Jahangir reluctantly agreed to release as many

kings that could hold on to Guru Ji's robe. Guru Sahib

got a special Chola (robe) made which had 52 klIAW, or strings.

All 52 of the kings, each one of them holding on to a

silken string of Guru Sahib's robe, came out of the prison. For this, Guru Sahib is

remembered as bdM I CoV, the Liberator. When Guru Sahib reached Amritsar,

the town was illuminated with lights to welcome him. Sikhs celebrated the return of their

Guru. Even today, the anniversary of that event is celebrated on Diwali as “Bandi Chhorh

Diwas.”

Key Gurmat Message:

Guru Ji is the true liberator (one who frees us from our shackles). Guru Ji can free us

from all bad qualities such as greed, anger, etc.


Baba Buddha Ji and Chonki (Night Choir)

The Sikhs left behind at Amritsar felt very keenly the pain of separation from the

Guru. Headed by Baba Buddha Ji, they started to recite “Naam‟ in remembrance of Guru

Sahib. Every evening they would light torches and go in procession (cONkI chonki) around

Harimandir Sahib, feeling the Guru to be with them. On His return, Guru Sahib told Baba

Buddha Ji how this devotion had attracted Him to the Harimandir Sahib every evening.

Guru Sahib blessed them by saying that the chonki (night choir) organized by Baba

Buddha Ji at

Harimandir Sahib would continue forever and that He would always be present in it. Every

evening since then the Sikhs have organized a chonki (known as bwbw b~uFw jI dI cONkI) around

Harimandir Sahib and feel

Guru Sahib‟s and Baba Buddha Ji‟s presence in it. Even today, Kirtan only stops at

Harimandir Sahib when the chonki reaches Harmandir Sahib. This because of Guru Sahibs

Hukam that they will be present in it and thus out of respect the Kirtan is temporarily

paused for an Ardaas at the end of the Chonki.

Friendship With Jahangir

The Emperor Jahangir, who was convinced that he had been misled in handling the case

of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, befriended Guru Sahib after His release from Fort Gwalior. Throwing

the blame on Chandu, the Emperor handed Chandu over to Guru Hargobind Sahib.

Chandu was paraded in the streets of Lahore, where the same grain- parcher that Chandu

used to pour burning sand on Guru Arjun Dev Ji‟s head, struck Chandu with a ladle, killing

him on the spot.

When Jahangir found out that Sri Guru Hargobind Ji was a great lover of sports, he invited

Him to accompany him on a tiger hunt. During the chase a ferocious tiger attacked the

Emperor. The attendants accompanying the royal party lost their nerve, and their horses

and elephants panicked. Guru Ji rushed His horse and pulling out His sword, engaged and

killed the dangerous tiger single- handedly. Jahangir was full of gratitude towards Guru Ji

for risking His life. Jahangir became so fond of Guru Sahib that he asked Him to

accompany him on a number of visits.

The False King and the True King (s~cw pwqSwh)

We treasure a beautiful story of a Sikh from Agra who was a humble grass-cutter. The

tents of Emperor Jahangir and Guru Sahib were pitched side by side in the fields. A poor

grass-cutter came to see Guru Ji. The royal attendants led the grass-cutter, who


desperately wanted to see the Sacha Patshah (s~cw pwqSwh True King), into the camp of the

Emperor. The grass-cutter put a coin before him

and stood with folded hands, praying, his eyes filled with tears and his throat choked with

emotion. The Emperor was overwhelmed with the

devotion of the Sikh and offered him large gifts. The Sikh replied, "Sachay Patshah, if you

are so pleased, bless me with the Waheguru's Naam that I be liberated." When the Sikh

was told that he had come to the wrong camp, and that the One Who granted liberation

was in

the next camp, the Sikh boldly picked the coin that he had offered by mistake. The

emperor felt offended and tried to trade the coin with

several gold coins, but the Sikh refused by saying, “My hard earned coin is meant only

for the Sachay Patshah, my Guru.” Picking up his coin, the grass-cutter Sikh went towards

Guru Ji's tent. He placed the

coin before Guru Sahib and said, "My Lord! Forgive me! I took the ordinary king as Sachay

Patshah. Bless me with the glory of Waheguru's Naam that I be liberated."

This episode changed the life of Jahangir and he realized that the

True King was greater than him.

Key Gurmat Message:

Emperors or worldy kings can only give you worldy things. Sacha Patshah (The True King)

not only helps us unite with Waheguru, but also gives us everything else that we might

need, the worldly things, the virtues, the Naam, etc.

Battle of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

After returning to Amritsar Sahib, Guru Hargobind Sahib‟s power continued to grow. The

Mughals became very angry and tried to suppress the power of the Sikhs. This led to Guru

Sahib fighting four battles with the Mughals. Guru Sahib‟s intension was not to acquire

any land or temporal power. The only intent was to fight against the

injustice that the people had been experiencing under Mughal rule. Guru Hargobind Sahib

won all four battles even though he faced huge Mughal forces in each battle. Guru Sahib

also never started any of these battles, and always fought in defense.

Under Guru Sahib‟s leadership, there was a great change in the character of the Sikhs.

Sikhs got a new spirit of heroism to resist the mighty and unjust power of the Mughals.


Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was also looked upon by the Sikhs and nonSikhs as an

accomplished swordsman, hero, and thorough master of war.

Imperial White Hawk in the Hands of the Sikhs

The relations between Guru Hargobind Sahib and Emperor Jahangir remained peaceful

and friendly. Following the death of Jahangir in 1627, his son Shah Jahan succeeded him

in 1628. Shah Jahan was hostile towards non-Muslims, in particular the Sikhs. The wound

inflicted by Jahangir (martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji) on the psyche of the Sikhs needed

little fire to become inflamed. Both parties were primed for a clash on the slightest cause.

One day in 1628, Emperor Shah Jahan went hunting from Lahore in the direction of

Amritsar. Guru Hargobind Sahib also happened to be camping in the vicinity. The Emperor

spotted a bird and let fly his white hawk in pursuit. The overpampered hawk, instead of

striking the bird down, pecked at it, pursuing it into Guru Ji's camp. The Sikhs let fly their

own hawk which seized the bird, and the Emperor's hawk followed. The Sikhs caught both

birds. The royal huntsman pushed themselves into Guru Ji's camp and threatening

punishment, commanded that their hawk be returned. The Sikhs refused to yield to their

threatening behavior. After a hot altercation, royal huntsman angrily returned to report

the matter to the Emperor. On hearing the report, Emperor Shah Jahan was enraged and

ordered his general, Mukhlis Khan, with

7,000 cavalry, to bring both Guru Sahib and the hawk.

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