The Prime Minister of India attended a notable event signifying ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on 26th December. The date marks the martyrdom of the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh – Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, and was declared as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ by the Prime Minister earlier on 9th January 2022, the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The Revered Martyrs: Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh
Sahibzada Jorawar Singh (9 years old) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (7 years old) hold a significant place among the most respected martyrs in Sikhism. In 1704, Emperor Aurangzeb ordered Mughal soldiers to lay siege to Anandpur Sahib, leading to the capture of Guru Gobind Singh’s two sons. Under the promise of freedom, they were coerced to convert to Islam, which both adamantly refused. Consequently, they were sentenced to death and bricked alive, choosing martyrdom over betraying their principles of Dharma.
Guru Gobind Singh: The Tenth Sikh Guru
Guru Gobind Singh is revered as the last of the ten Sikh Gurus. Born on 22nd December 1666 in Patna, Bihar, he became the Sikh Guru at the tender age of nine after his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, passed away. His life ended tragically due to assassination in 1708.
Notable Contributions to Sikhism
Guru Gobind Singh left a profound impact on Sikhism by introducing various principles. He is credited with establishing the norm of wearing turbans to cover hair. He also introduced the five ‘K’s that are central to Khalsa conduct, namely kesh (uncut hair), kanga (wooden comb), kara (iron or steel bracelet), kirpan (dagger) and kachera (short breeches). Additionally, he laid down many regulations for Khalsa warriors including abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, and halal meat, and an obligation to protect innocents from persecution. He passed on the spiritual mantle to Guru Granth Sahib, the religious scripture of the Sikhs, declaring it as the next Guru of Sikhs.
Martial and Literary Contributions
Aside from religious contributions, Guru Gobind Singh was known for his martial prowess. He ventured into battle against the Mughals at Muktsar in 1705. The Battle of Anandpur in 1704 led to profound personal losses, including his mother and two minor sons who were executed. His eldest son also perished in combat. Guru Gobind Singh’s literary input includes works such as Jaap Sahib, Benti Chaupai, Amrit Savaiye, and Zafarnama – a letter to Emperor Aurangzeb.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
One of the previous years’ questions from UPSC Civil Services Examination required knowledge about Bhakti Saints. It asked for identification of the saints preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell, and Babur took over. The answer was Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.