The Relationship between the Mughal Empire and Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 'Guruship' Lineage

The pure belongs to the 'Wonderous Enlightener'. The victory belongs to the 'Wonderous Enlightener'.

Continued from the last article.

‘Aurengzeb’ always had one eye on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Guruship because of all the history that occurred between the ‘Mughal’ empire and this ‘Guruship’ over the last 154 years. Guru Nanak Dev Ji had met the first ‘Mughal’ emperor ‘Babur’ in 1521 and told him that his rule will last for as long as his empire commits righteousness, but when the empire starts to commit atrocities, then it will see it’s decline after this ‘Guruship’ will give sacrifices to uproot the tyranny. Thus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood firm against Babur’s invasion of Punjab and as a result, gained his obedience. Babur’s son ‘Hamayun’ was also put in his place by Guru Angad Dev Ji after losing a battle to ‘Sher Shah Suri’. Thus, Hamayun’s son ‘Akbar’ kept Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s words in his heart and kept a healthy relationship with both Guru Amar Das Ji and Guru Ram Das Ji. Akbar’s son Jahangir then gained support of Islamic extremists and was responsible for having Guru Arjan Dev Ji tortured barbarically for five days (before Guru Ji started the tradition of martyrdom for the ‘Sikhs’). Guru Hargobind Ji was also imprisoned in the fort of ‘Gwalior’ by ‘Jahangir’ out of fear that Guru Ji may rebel in revenge of his father’s torture. Jahangir’s son ‘Shah Jahan’ then sent his armies to attack Guru Hargobind Ji four times to try and destroy this ‘Sikh’ faith that seemed to be fearless against this empire from the very first day. The year 1635 saw the fourth battle of ‘Kartarpur Sahib’, in which Sri Tegh Bahadar Ji aged 14, fought tremendously against the very armies of this Aurengzeb’s father. History records how even some ‘Mughal’ soldiers would stop attacking and watch Sri Tegh Bahadar Ji’s amazing fighting style in awe. He truly was ‘Tegh Bahadar' (warrior of the sword) right from a young age and helped the Sikhs to be victorious over the ‘Mughals’ once more in history (totalling to four victories). Shah Jahan’s son ‘Aurengzeb, then took his father’s throne by force and as a emperor, tried to meet Guru Har Rai Ji and Guru Harkrishan Ji (both of which declined to meet or even show themselves to such a tyrant). Thus, receiving a letter from Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji in regards to a well awaited meeting with this ‘Guruship’ was something that ‘Nauranga’ looked forward to. What made it that much more exciting for him, was that this meeting would decide the fate of just how much his empire could flourish in India.    

On the other hand, Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji prepared to leave ‘Anandpur Sahib’ for the journey to martyrdom. He met his mother ‘Mata Nanaki Ji’, his wife ‘Mata Gujri Ji’, and his 9 year old son ‘Sri Gobind Singh Ji’ for the last time. Guru Ji then commenced his journey and travelled for about 71 miles, first stopping to rest at the fortress of a righteous man named ‘Saif Deen’. He was the former ‘Sooba’ (governor) of Kashmir but was removed by Nauranga, as he was a pious being who did not fit the unjust structure of the ‘Mughal’ empire. Saif Deen served Guru Ji wholeheartedly and wanted Guru Ji to spend the whole ‘Chumasa’ period in his fort due to the weather conditions. Guru Ji was pleased by the devotion he displayed and remained here for a period of three months. This could also be seen as a strategic move from Guru Ji as the ‘Mughals’ used their resources to find Guru Ji during this time. This in turn would distract them from the atrocities that they were committing on the Brahmans. Said Deen had named his fortress ‘Saifabad’ (after his name). This same fort is now known as ‘Bahadurgarh Fort’, situated in Rajpura on Patiala Road, Punjab and is now a base where the police conduct their training. This is one of the monuments that are still existing from that time and has not been a victim of ‘Kaar Seva’, so definitely worth visiting.

'Saifabad' named after the pious 'Saif Deen'

Guru Ji then restarted his journey towards Delhi but disallowed any Sikh to accompany him on route as he warned them that the outcomes will be horrific. Two Sikhs in specific, ‘Bhai Mati Das Ji’ (who was Guru Ji’s ‘Deevan’ - court minister) and ‘Bhai Gurditta Ji’ (who was sixth in the lineage of ‘Baba Budha Ji’) remained with Guru Ji on his journey alongside three others (who vary in names amongst historical sources). Some accounts mention ‘Sati Das Ji’, ‘Dyala Ji’ and ‘Jaita Ji’ whereas other accounts mention ‘Udhu Ji’ and ‘Sahib Chand Ji’. Every other ‘Sikh’ who came to greet Guru Ji was instructed to go back to their homes as he knew the time for sacrifice was near.

On the other hand, the ‘Mughal’ emperor (out of his lack of patience) thought that Guru Ji was trying to hide, even though Guru Ji clearly stated in writing that he would commence travel after the ‘Chumasa’ period.  Thus, the emperor sent his ‘Aihdis’ out again on a search patrol, who travelled from city to city and from home to home looking for Guru Ji, but they were unsuccessful in finding him. A bounty was announced by the emperor for anybody who could inform about Guru Ji’s whereabouts. People had become ambitious to obtain this bounty and kept a look out for anything they could report. Intriguing is how Guru Ji had made himself a target for the emperor and brought all of the attention upon himself. This way, the ‘Mughals’ lost their focus on the ‘Brahmans’ and instead became focused on arresting Guru Ji (who fearlessly challenged them and remained unphased by them). Guru Ji travelled at his own pace while the ‘Mughals’ were running around like chickens looking for him. 

To be continued...

The pure belongs to the 'Wonderous Enlightener'. The victory belongs to the 'Wonderous Enlightener'.

References: 1. Sant Gurbachan Singh - (Katha) 'Shaheedi Saka of Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji' Parts 1 & 2 2. Thakur Das - Shaheed Bilas 3. Kavi Santokh Singh - Gurpartap Sooraj Parkash 4. Kahan Singh (Nabha) - Mahan Kosh 5. Giani Pinderpal Singh - (Katha) Jeevan Katha Ate Shahadat Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji' 6. Bhatt Vahi 7. Alphabet.Inc - Google 8. Dr Sukhpreet S - (Lectures) 'Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji' 9. Sant Kartar Singh - (Katha) 'Shaheedi Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji' 10. Punjab Siyan - 'Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji' 11. Jatha Randhawa - Gurbani Arth Bhandar 12. The History of Kashmir (Book) 13. Bhai Vir Singh - Footnote Exegesis of 'Gurpratap Sooraj' 14. www.historicalgurdwaras.com 15. www.discoversikhism.com 16. Google Maps 17. Giani Gian Singh - Panth Parkash 18. Giani Gian Singh - Tavarikh Guru Khalsa