Martyr A martyr (, ''mártys'', 'witness' Word stem, stem , ''martyr-'') is someone who suffers persecution and death for advocating, renouncing, or refusing to renounce or advocate, a religious belief or other cause as demanded by an external party. In ...

dom is a fundamental institution of

Sikhism Sikhism is an Indian religion and Indian philosophy, philosophy that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century CE. It is one of the most recently founded major religious groups, major religio ...

. Sikh festivals are largely focused on the lives of the

Sikh gurus The Sikh gurus (Punjabi language, Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ; Hindi: सिख गुरु) are the spiritual masters of Sikhism, who established the religion over the course of about two and a half centuries, beginning in 1469. The year ...

and Sikh martyrs. Their martyrdoms are regarded as instructional ideals for Sikhs, and have greatly influenced Sikh culture and practices. The term '' shahidi'' has been used by Sikhs since the 19th century to describe the act of martyrdom. A martyr is sometimes called a ''shahid'' ( Punjabi:

Gurmukhi Gurmukhī ( , Shahmukhi: ) is an abugida developed from the Laṇḍā scripts, standardized and used by the second Sikh guru, Guru Angad (1504–1552). Commonly regarded as a Sikh script, Gurmukhi is used in Punjab, India as the official scrip ...

- ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ,

Shahmukhi Shahmukhi (, , , ) is the right-to-left abjad-based script developed from the Perso-Arabic alphabet used for the Punjabi language varieties, predominantly in Punjab, Pakistan. It is generally written in the Nastaʿlīq calligraphic hand, whic ...

- شہید).

Martyrdom

Martyrdom is a fundamental institution of the Sikh faith. When one calls an individual a ''

shahid ''Shahid'' ( , , ) denotes a martyr in Islam. The word is used frequently in the Quran in the generic sense of "witness" but only once in the sense of "martyr" (i.e. one who dies for his faith); the latter sense acq ...

'', this connotes more than its definition in Arabic vocabulary or Islamic faith, which is death in battle with the infidels. For the Sikh, the perfect martyr or ''shahid'' is one who died not just in battle but also one who suffered death by refusing to renounce his faith, tenets and principles. The Sikh experience through the years gave rise to this type of ideal martyrdom. Qazi Rukunudin (alternatively spelt as Qazi Ruknuddin) was the first Sikh martyr at the time of Guru Nanak. Qazi Rukunudin became a Sikh, when Guru Nanak visited Arabia during his fourth ''Udasi''. Later, Amir-e-Makkah asked him to leave Sikhism but Qazi refused to disown his faith, then 7 orders were issued against him mentioning different types of tortures and method of killing him. Qazi Rukunudin was martyred around 1510-11. Bhai Taru Popat was the second Sikh martyr at the time of

Guru Nanak Dev Guru ( ; IAST: ''guru'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverential figure to the disciple (or '' s ...

(1469-1539). Bhai spoke against

Babur Babur (; 14 February 148326 December 1530; born Zahīr ud-Dīn Muhammad) was the founder of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent. He was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan through his father and mother respectively. He was also ...

, the

Mughal emperor The emperors of the Mughal Empire, who were all members of the Timurid dynasty (House of Babur), ruled the empire from its inception on 21 April 1526 to its dissolution on 21 September 1857. They were supreme monarchs of the Mughal Empire in ...

and he was set on fire by soldiers of Babur. Bhai Taru Popat was Martyred in the year 1526. The martyrdom of

Guru Arjan Guru Arjan (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ, pronunciation: ; 15 April 1563 – 30 May 1606) was the fifth of the ten total Sikh Gurus. He compiled the first official edition of the Sikh scripture called the Adi Granth, which later expande ...

in the 17th century is regarded as a key moment in Sikh tradition which has influenced Sikh practices and beliefs, helping define a deliberately-separate and militant Sikh community. Trilok singh artist GTB wiki

The later martyrdom of

Guru Tegh Bahadur Guru Tegh Bahadur ( Punjabi: ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ਼ ਬਹਾਦਰ (Gurmukhi); ; 1 April 1621 – 11 November 1675) was the ninth of ten gurus who founded the Sikh religion and was the leader of Sikhs from 1665 until his beheading in ...

, who refused to convert to

Islam Islam is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam are called Muslims, who are estimated to number Islam by country, 2 billion worldwide and are the world ...

in an effort to protect

Hindu Hindus (; ; also known as Sanātanīs) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism, also known by its endonym Sanātana Dharma. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pp. 35–37 Historically, the term has also be ...

religious practice, is credited with making respect for freedom of conscience a key part of Sikh identity. The emperor tried to convert Guru Teg Bahadur to Islam hoping that it would be easier to convert his followers if he relented. The guru was executed because he refused. Experts stated that these events galvanized the concept of Sikh martyrdom in the sense that Guru Arjan's death brought the Sikh

Panth Panth (also panthan, meaning "path" in Sanskrit), also called the Sampradaya, is the term used for several religious traditions in India. A panth is founded by a guru or an acharya in guru-shishya parampara, and is often led by scholars or senior ...

together while Guru Teg Bahadur's execution finally gave Sikh martyrdom its identity. Guru Teg Bahadur's death provided the impetus for his son, the tenth

Guru Gobind Singh Guru Gobind Singh (; born Gobind Das; 22 December 1666 – 7 October 1708) was the tenth and last human Sikh gurus, Sikh Guru. He was a warrior, poet, and philosopher. In 1675, at the age of nine he was formally installed as the leader of the ...

, to impose an outward form of Sikh identity as well as pride in his father's martyrdom. To avoid fear and demoralization, he instituted a new Sikh order called

Khalsa The term ''Khalsa'' refers to both a community that follows Sikhism as its religion,Khalsa: Sikhism< ...

, founded on discipline and loyalty, and martyrdom became one of its foundations. Succeeding Gurus built on this new orientation, establishing a strong, self-governing warrior group.

Prominent Sikh martyrs

Guru Arjan Dev Guru Arjan (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ, pronunciation: ; 15 April 1563 – 30 May 1606) was the fifth of the ten total Sikh Gurus. He compiled the first official edition of the Sikh scripture called the Adi Granth, which later expande ...

, the 5th guru of Sikhism. * Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th guru of Sikhism. *

Bhai Dayala Bhai Dayala (Gurmukhi: ਭਾਈ ਦਿਆਲਾ ਜੀ), also known as Bhai Dayal Das, was an early martyr of Sikhism. He was boiled alongside his Sikh companions Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das and the Ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Early li ...

is one of the Sikhs who was martyred at Chandni Chowk at Delhi in November 1675 on account of his refusal to accept Islam. *

Bhai Mati Das Bhai Mati Das (Punjabi language, Punjabi: ਭਾਈ ਮਤੀ ਦਾਸ; died 11 November 1675; also known as Dewan Mati Dasa), along with his younger brother Bhai Sati Das were martyrs of early Sikh history. Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayala, and Bhai ...

is one of the greatest martyrs in Sikh history, martyred at Chandni Chowk at Delhi in November 1675 to save

Kashmiri Hindus Kashmiri Hindus are ethnic Kashmiris who practice Hinduism and are native to the Kashmir Valley of India. With respect to their contributions to Indian philosophy, Kashmiri Hindus developed the tradition of Kashmiri Shaivism. After their exodu ...

. *

Bhai Sati Das Bhai Sati Das (Punjabi language, Punjabi: ਭਾਈ ਸਤੀ ਦਾਸ; died 11 November 1675) along with his elder brother Bhai Mati Das were martyrs of early Sikh history. Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Dyal Das were all executed at ''k ...

is one of the greatest martyrs in Sikh history, martyred along with Guru Teg Bahadur at Chandni Chowk at Delhi in November 1675 to save

. *

Daya Singh Daya Singh ( ; born Daya Ram; 1661–1708) was one of the Panj Pyare, the first five Sikhs to be initiated into the Khalsa order in 17th-century India. Among the inaugural panj piare quintet, he is traditionally the highest-regarded as he was th ...

, one of

Panj Pyare Panj Pyare (, ', the five beloved ones) refers to a gathered ad hoc quintet of five baptised (''Amritdhari'') Khalsa Sikhs who act as institutionalized leaders for the wider Sikh community. Function The Panj Pyare are convened for pressing ma ...

. *

Dharam Singh Dharam Narayan Singh (25 December 1936 – 27 July 2017) was an Indian politician who served as the 11th Chief Minister of Karnataka from 28 May 2004 to 28 January 2006 and Member of the Lok Sabha from Bidar Lok Sabha constituency, in 15th Lok ...

, one of Panj Pyare. *

Himmat Singh Maharaja Himmat Singh (2 September 1899 – 24 November 1960) was the last ruler of the princely state of Idar State. He was Maharaja of Idar from 1931 to 1948.List of Ruling Princes, Chiefs and Leading Personages by Rajputana (Agency) - 1938 ...

, one of Panj Pyare. *

Mohkam Singh Mohkam Singh ( ; 6 June 1663 – 7 December 1704 or 1705), born Mohkam Chand (his given name is also transliterated as Muhkam or Mohkhum), was one of the inaugural group of Panj Pyare, or the first ''Five Beloved'' of honoured memory in the Sik ...

, one of Panj Pyare. * Sahib Singh, one of Panj Pyare. *

Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ajit Singh (, pronunciation: ; 11 February 1687 – 7 December 1704), also referred to with honorifics as Sahibzada Ajit Singh or Baba Ajit Singh, was the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh and the son of Mata Sundari. His younger brothers were ...

, the eldest of

's four sons. *

Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Jujhar Singh (, pronunciation: ; 9 April 1691 – 23 December 1704), the second son of Gobind Singh, was born to Mata Jito at Anandpur Sahib. This event is now celebrated on April 9 each year according to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Biogra ...

, the second son of

. *

Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Zorawar Singh (, pronunciation: ; 17 November 1696 – 26 December 1704), alternatively spelt as Jorawar Singh, was a son of Guru Gobind Singh who was executed in the court of Wazir Khan, the Mughal Governor of Sirhind. Background In 1699, th ...

was the third of

's four sons. *

Sahibzada Fateh Singh Fateh Singh (, pronunciation: ; 25 February 1699 – 26 December 1704 or 26 December 1705), commonly referred to with honorifics as Baba Fateh Singh or Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh, was the fourth and youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh. Biograp ...

was the youngest of

's four sons. * Bibi Dalair Kaur * Baba Moti Ram Mehra * Chali Mukte *

Banda Singh Bahadur Banda Singh Bahadur, born Lachman Dev (27 October 1670 – 9 June 1716), was a Sikh warrior and a Jathedar, general of the Khalsa Fauj, Khalsa Army. At age 15, he left home to become an Sannyasa, ascetic, and was given the name Madho Das Baira ...

was the Sikh Military Commander Appointed By Guru Gobind Singh. * Bhai Tara Singh Wan was martyred in the Battle of Wan. * Bhai Mani Singh * Bhai Mahi Singh *

Bhai Taru Singh Bhai Taru Singh (Punjabi language, Punjabi: ਭਾਈ ਤਾਰੂ ਸਿੰਘ; – 1 July 1745) was a prominent Martyrdom in Sikhism, Sikh martyr known for sacrificing his life, for protecting his Sikhism, Sikh values, by having had his head ...

Baba Deep Singh Baba Deep Singh (26 January 1682 – 13 November 1757) is revered among Sikhs as one of the most hallowed martyrs in Sikhism. He is remembered for his sacrifice and devotion to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Baba Deep Singh was the fir ...

was avenging the desecration of the Golden Temple by the Afghan army. In 1757, he led an army to defend the Golden Temple. * Baba Gurbaksh Singh * Bhai Garja Singh * Bhai Bota Singh * Bhai Subeg Singh ------ During the Era of Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh *

Akali Phoola Singh Akali Phula Singh Nihang (born Phula Singh; 1 January 1761 – 14 March 1823) was an Nihang, Akali Nihang Sikh leader. He was a saint soldier of the Khalsa Shaheedan Misl and head of the Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire), Budha Dal in the early 19th cen ...

Hari Singh Nalwa Hari Singh Nalwa (29 April 1791 – 30 April 1837) was the commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army, Sikh Khalsa Fauj, the army of the Sikh Empire. He is known for his role in the conquests of Kasur, Sialkot, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, Peshaw ...

, others singhs and kings after the ruler of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji. ------ During 19s *

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale (; born Jarnail Singh Brar; 2 June 1947– 6 June 1984) was a Sikh militant. After Operation Bluestar, he posthumously became the leading figure for the Khalistan movement, although he did not personally advocate for ...

was declared a martyr by the

Akal Takht The Akal Takht (; ), also spelt as Akal Takhat and historically known as Akal Bunga, is the most prominent of the Takht (Sikhism), five takhts (Seat (legal entity), seats of authority) of the Sikhs. Located within the Golden Temple, Darbar Sah ...

. * Major General

Shabeg Singh Shabeg Singh, PVSM, AVSM (1 May 1924 – 6 June 1984), was an Indian military officer. He had previously served in the British Indian Army and in the Indian Army but later joined the movement of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He is well known fo ...

was declared a martyr by the Akal Takht. * Harjinder Singh Jinda was declared a national martyr by the Akal Takht. * Sukhdev Singh Sukha was declared a national martyr by the Akal Takht. *

Satwant Singh Satwant Singh (1962 – 6 January 1989) was one of the bodyguards, along with Beant Singh (assassin), Beant Singh, who Assassination of Indira Gandhi, assassinated the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, at her New Delhi residence on 31 Oct ...

assassin of Prime Minister

Indira Gandhi Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi (Given name, ''née'' Nehru; 19 November 1917 – 31 October 1984) was an Indian politician and stateswoman who served as the Prime Minister of India, prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 un ...

was declared a martyr by the Akal Takht. * Beant Singh assassin of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was declared a martyr by the Akal Takht. *

Kehar Singh Kehar Singh (Punjabi: ਕੇਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ, Kehar Singh) was an Assistant (the name of the post later termed as Assistant Section Officer) in the erstwhile Directorate General of Supply and Disposal, New Delhi, and was tried and execute ...

, was declared martyr by the Akal Takht. * Jaswant Singh Khalra prominent Sikh Human Rights Activist famous for his research concerning more than 25000 killings in the Punjab.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Martyrdom In Sikhism

Martyrdom

Prominent Sikh martyrs

See also

References