Brahmin Sikhs

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Brahmin Sikhs
Sikh martyr Bhai Mati Das being executed by sawed in half while alive, detail of a painting by the court painter of the Maharaja of Nabha, circa 19th century.jpg
Brahmin martyr Bhai Mati Das being executed by sawed in half while alive, detail of a work by the court painter Basahatullah, circa 19th century.
Regions with significant populations
India, United Kingdom
Languages
Punjabi, Dogri, Kashmiri, Hindi, Kangri
Religion
Sikhism
Related ethnic groups
Brahmins, Gaur Brahmin, Saraswat Brahmin

Brahmin Sikh is a Sikh religious group whose members belong to Brahmin community. They played a key role in the early years of Sikhism. [1] Sometimes they are called Kashmiri Sikhs, for those who are of Kashmiri origin. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

History

Brahmins from Punjab started to follow Sikhism since the birth of Guru Nanak. They mostly come from Saraswat, a sub sect of Brahmins, also called Sarsut in Punjabi, the rest come from the Gaur (Gaud) Brahmins. [2] [7]

Population and distribution

Mostly Brahmin Sikhs reside in India and UK. The majority of Brahmin Sikhs originate from Punjab, specifically from regions such as Patiala,Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Chandigarh and Nawashahar. Additionally, a significant number have migrated and settled in Delhi. Some Brahmin Sikhs can trace their lineage to areas like Sialkot, and Lahore and Jammu and Kashmir. [4] [ citation needed ]

Contribution and influence on Sikhism

Brahmins made exceptional contributions during the period of Sikh Gurus, demonstrating their remarkable abilities and skills. [1] Their invaluable contributions played a crucial role in shaping the Sikh community and its culture. [1] The writings of 35 authors are included in Guru Granth Sahib, and among them were 16 Brahmins whose contribution amounted to 45 percent. [1] The Bhatt Brahmins, who sang and wrote in praise of the Sikh Gurus, made significant sacrifices for the cause of Sikhism, with 11 laying down their lives during the lifetime of the Gurus. [1] In recognition of their devotion, the Gurus conferred upon them the prestigious title of preacher ( Manjis ). [1] There writings known as Bhattan De Savaiye i.e. 'Hym of Bhatts'. [6] [8]

List of notable Brahmin Sikhs

Bhats

No. of Saviyas by each Bhatts and their name
NameMahalla PehlaMahalla 2Mahalla 3Mahalla 4Mahalla 5Total
Bhatt Tal10109131254
Bhatt Balh ---5-5
Bhatt Bhalh --1--1
Bhatt Bhika --2--2
Bhatt Gayand ---13-13
Bhatt Harbans ----22
Bhatt Jalap --5--5
Bhatt Kirat --44-8
Bhatt Mathura ---7714
Bhatt Nalh ---16-16
Bhatt Salh --12-3

Military, saints, and scholars

PunditTaraSingh.png
Pandit Tara Singh's (1822–1891) image found on the cover of "Updesh Shatak Basha"
Portrait of Jamadar Khushal Singh seated leaning against a bolster. Indian, Pahari, ca.1830-40.jpg
Portrait of Jamadar Khushal Singh
Miniature painting of a seated Raja Tej Singh with a sword on his lap and shield on his back.jpg
Painting of a seated Raja Teja Singh with a sword on his lap and shield on his back
Banda Singh Bahadur mural fresco.jpg
Mural fresco of Banda Bairagi (seated right) with his son, Ranjit Singh (seated left)

Presence at the Lahore Darbar

Of the 152 Hindu courtiers and officials in Lahore Darbar, 56 of them were Brahmins, amounting to 44%. [37]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bumbroo, Sanjay (14 November 2008). "Brahmins' contribution to Sikhism highlighted". The Tribune. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  2. 1 2 "Brahmin Sikh History" via Internet Archive.
  3. "A turbaned identity". The Indian Express. 2012-07-01. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  4. 1 2 "Who Are Kashmiri Sikhs ? – KashmirPEN". 2020-05-14. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  5. "Kashmiri Sikhs: The vibrant minority that has always stood behind the majority | Free Press Kashmir".
  6. 1 2 "A complete guide to Sikhism | WorldCat.org". www.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  7. "History of the Sikh Faith". The Book Review, Monthly Review of Important Books. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  8. Chauhan, Dr. G.S. (2006). Bani Of Bhagats. Hemkunt Press. p. 125.
  9. Singh, Harbans (1998). The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism: S-Z. Publications Bureau. p. 315. ISBN   9788173805301.
  10. Latif, Syed Muhammad (1891). History Of The Panjab. Calcutta Central Press Company Limited. p. 391. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  11. "Samadh Jamadar Khushal Singh At Lahore – Gateway To Sikhism". www.allaboutsikhs.com. 2014-01-27. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  12. Grewal, J.S. (1990). The Sikhs of the Punjab. Cambridge University Press. p. 107. ISBN   0-521-63764-3 . Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  13. "Tej Singh, Raja – Gateway To Sikhism". www.allaboutsikhs.com. 2007-03-24. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  14. Sufi, G. M. D. (1974). Kashīr, Being a History of Kashmir from the Earliest Times to Our Own. Light & Life Publishers.
  15. ''Mohyal History'' (Urdu, 1940) Chuni Lal Dutt
  16. "LAL SINGH, RAJA – The Sikh Encyclopedia". 2000-12-19. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  17. "Bhai KIRPA SINGH DUTT – from supplicant to a Khalsa martyr". www.jksikhs.com. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  18. "Pandit Kirpa Singh Dutt – Gateway To Sikhism". www.allaboutsikhs.com. 1999-11-30. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  19. Gandhi, Surjit Singh (2007). History of Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E Vol. 2. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p. 606. ISBN   9788126908585.
  20. Randhir, G.S. Sikh Shrines in India. Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN   8-123-02260-3.
  21. "BALU HASNA – The Sikh Encyclopedia". 2000-12-19. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  22. P. 493 The Sikh Reference Book By Harajindara Siṅgha Dilagīra
  23. 1 2 Dilagīra, Harajindara Siṅgha (1997). The Sikh Reference Book. Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark. ISBN   978-0-9695964-2-4.
  24. Vaid, Ram Das (1953). Sri Sant Rain Granthaavali. Shri Sant Renashrem. p. 1. English translation: Sant Rein was born on 1741 to Pandit Hari Vallabh and Mata Savitri Devi in Gaur Brahmin family of Sri Nagar, Kashmir
  25. Padam, Piara Singh (1978). Mahatma Sant Rein. Punjabi University, Patiala. pp. 1–2.
  26. Singh, Sulakhan (2011). The Udasis In The Colonial Punjab 1849-1947 A.D. Department of History (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar). p. 157.
  27. Dilagīra, Harajindara Siṅgha (1997). The Sikh Reference Book. Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark. ISBN   978-0-9695964-2-4.
  28. Kaur Singh Nihang Akali Archived 2014-05-04 at the Wayback Machine : Retrieved sikhencyclopedia.com
  29. Sasan, Prem Singh. Brahmin Sikh Itihas. All India Central Brahmin Sikh Committee (New Delhi). p. 153.
  30. Society, Sikhi Sewa. I Martiri (in Italian). Sikhi Sewa Society.
  31. Sharma, Anurag (2022-11-12). BRAHMINS WHO REFUSED TO BEG: BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUMIHARS, "AYACHAK" BRAHMINS OF EAST INDIA. Notion Press. ISBN   979-8-88833-371-6.
  32. Proceedings. Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University. 1998. ISBN   978-81-7380-462-5.
  33. Singh, Bakhshish (1998). Punjab History Conference. Vol. 1. Patiala: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. p. 113. ISBN   9788173804625.
  34. Sharma, Anurag (2022-11-12). BRAHMINS WHO REFUSED TO BEG: BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUMIHARS, "AYACHAK" BRAHMINS OF EAST INDIA). Notion Press. ISBN   979-8-88833-371-6.
  35. Singh, Manpreet J. (2021-12-30). The Sikh Next Door: An Identity in Transition. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN   978-93-89812-71-8.
  36. "Kesar Singh Chibber". SikhNet. 2023-02-10. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  37. "Role of Select Courtiers and Officials at Lahore Darbar (1799–1849)". apnaorg.com. Retrieved 2023-04-28.