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Debate on Dasam Granth; Issues and Evidence - Global Sikh Studies

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<str<strong>on</strong>g>Debate</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong> <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>; <strong>Issues</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>Evidence</strong>.<br />

In my opini<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e must underst<strong>and</strong> various aspects of issues involved<br />

in <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Debate</str<strong>on</strong>g>.<br />

A)No body should Challenge "Amrit<br />

Sanchar/Creati<strong>on</strong> of Khalsa/ Five<br />

Kakkars/Kh<strong>and</strong>e the Pahul or <strong>Sikh</strong> Baptism as<br />

some people call it because “There is historical proof in all<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong>,Persian& europian/English sources about this event <strong>and</strong> <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

symbols which actually happened in 1699”.<br />

Academic issue is that what Banis were recited during Amrit sanchar.<br />

Review of sikh literature prior to 1900 C.E. shows that there is no<br />

menti<strong>on</strong> about the recitati<strong>on</strong> of the five ‘banis’ which are recited these<br />

days while preparing ‘amrit’..’ It varied from group to group, <strong>and</strong><br />

‘dera’ to ‘dera’ (seminary).Kirpal singh has summarized this literature<br />

review as follows.<br />

(1) Rehatnama Bhai Daya Singh (Piara): A good <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

partakes of ‘amrit’ of Sri Amritsar. First, he reads or recites complete<br />

Jap ji, from the beginning to the end <strong>and</strong> the Chaupai. Which Chaupai<br />

(quartet)? (There is no indicati<strong>on</strong>.) He reads five different sawaiyas: 1.<br />

Srawag 2.Dinan Ki Pritpal 3. Papp smooh Binasan 4. Sat sdaiv suda<br />

brat, <strong>and</strong> 5 five stanzas of An<strong>and</strong> Sahib. He stirs the ‘armit’ with a<br />

kirpan towards himself. Then <strong>on</strong>e Singh places a kirpan beside him.<br />

(Note: Here there is no menti<strong>on</strong> of Jaap Sahib <strong>and</strong> complete An<strong>and</strong><br />

Sahib. There is however menti<strong>on</strong> of stirring ‘amrit’ with a Kirpan.)<br />

(2) Bhai Chaupa Singh (Tenth Gurus’s Hazuri <strong>Sikh</strong>):<br />

Then the perfect Guru Sahib started testing the Panth. On the seventh<br />

day of Sawan, 1756 Sambat, the c<strong>on</strong>secrated drink was sought to be<br />

1


prepared. Guru Sahib said, “Chaupa Singh, bring water in a bowl.”<br />

When water was brought, Guru Sahib comm<strong>and</strong>ed, “Hold the<br />

‘Kh<strong>and</strong>a’ (double edged sword) <strong>and</strong> stir the c<strong>on</strong>tents of the bowl.” Then<br />

all the five started reading out ‘swaiyas’ each. Which five? Daya<br />

Singh…. Sahib Singh…. Himmat Singh…. Dharam Singh…. Mohkam<br />

Singh…?. When these five Singhs started reading out ‘swaiyas’, then<br />

Sahib Ch<strong>and</strong> Diwan made a request, “True Sovereign, if ‘ptashas’<br />

(sugar bubbles) are put in the bowl, it will be better.” In the meanwhile,<br />

Mata Shakti, Mata Sahib kaur, assuming the form of the ‘devi’<br />

(goddess) put sugar bubbles in the bowl. The perfect Guru Sahib took<br />

five palmfuls <strong>and</strong> put them <strong>on</strong> the eyes, <strong>and</strong> five palmfuls in the hair.<br />

Then he recited the following ‘swaiya’ from the ‘Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar’:<br />

“Deh Shiva war mohey ehay<br />

Shubh karman te kabh<strong>on</strong> na tar<strong>on</strong>.<br />

Na dar<strong>on</strong> ar siy<strong>on</strong> jab jaye lar<strong>on</strong> nishchay kar apni jeet kar<strong>on</strong>.<br />

Ar <strong>Sikh</strong> h<strong>on</strong> apne hi mann ko eh lalach han gun t<strong>on</strong> ochr<strong>on</strong>.<br />

Jab aav ki audh nidhan baney<br />

At hi run mein tab joojh mar<strong>on</strong>.<br />

[O God of power, bless me,<br />

That nothing deters me from gracious deeds.<br />

And when fight I must, I fight for sure to win.<br />

That I am instructed in wisdom <strong>on</strong>ly by my higher mind,<br />

That I crave ever to utter thy praise.<br />

When comes the end of my life,<br />

I die fighting in the thick of a (righteous) war’}<br />

Guru Sahib administered ‘amrit’ to the five Singh with his own h<strong>and</strong>s.<br />

Next day, more <strong>Sikh</strong>s requested the Master that they too be<br />

administered ‘amrit’. He said, ‘prepare ‘Karah Parshad’ <strong>and</strong> have it<br />

from the five Singhs after reading ‘swaiyas’.<br />

[Note: This ‘Maryada’ (practice) too does not accord with any current<br />

practice or any other practice.]<br />

(3) According to Guru Bilas Patshahi Daswin: [Author:<br />

Bhai Koer Singh, p-128] It is c<strong>on</strong>sidered to have been written in 1808<br />

sambat, i.e. 1751 A.D. about 43 years after the passing away of the<br />

Tenth Guru]<br />

‘Sarita jal leen achhoot mangaye kay,<br />

2


Patar loh mein tan prabh beray.<br />

Parhtey su udass hai mantr<strong>on</strong> ko,<br />

Prabh thadhey hai app bhaiye so saverey.’ (p-25)<br />

[Note: Here there is <strong>on</strong>ly a menti<strong>on</strong> of reading ‘mantra’ (mool mantra)]<br />

(4) B a n s a w a l i n a m a: [Genealogical Tree] of the ten Guru<br />

Sahibaan written by Bhai Kesar Singh Chhiber (11826 Sambat).<br />

According to this writing:<br />

Guru Sahib said: ‘Get a bowl of water at <strong>on</strong>ce.’<br />

When it was brought, Guru Sahib gave ‘karad’ (knife) to a <strong>Sikh</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

asked him to stir the water in the bowl. Then Guru Sahib asked him to<br />

read aloud Japu Ji Sahib <strong>and</strong> An<strong>and</strong> (Tenth part).<br />

Here it is worth nothing that Chhiber has used the word ‘karad’ instead<br />

of Kh<strong>and</strong>a <strong>and</strong> has menti<strong>on</strong>ed the reading out of two ‘banis’ ‘Jap’ <strong>and</strong><br />

‘An<strong>and</strong>’.<br />

[<strong>Sikh</strong> Sanskar atey maryada-Chief Khalsa Diwan, p-63]<br />

(5) History of the <strong>Sikh</strong>s, written by Khushwant Rai: 1811<br />

sambat, i.e. 1754 A.D. In the peperati<strong>on</strong> of ‘amrit’ there is menti<strong>on</strong> of<br />

reading aloud <strong>on</strong>ly five swaiyas. (p-63).<br />

Singh Bhangu, edited by Bhai Vir Singh Ji, published in 1941 A.D. Var<br />

Bhagauti, first pauri (stanza) swaiya No. 32, Tribhangi Chh<strong>and</strong>-Khag<br />

Kh<strong>and</strong>.<br />

[Note: Here there is menti<strong>on</strong> of reading of reciting three different ‘banis’,<br />

which are different from those that are read these days.]<br />

Banis read at the time of preparing ‘amrit’ are: Jap Ji, Swaiyas, five<br />

stanzas of An<strong>and</strong> Sahib. [Note: Here is no menti<strong>on</strong> of reading out Jaap<br />

Sahib <strong>and</strong> Chaupai. Only reading out five ‘pauris’ (stanzas) of An<strong>and</strong><br />

Sahib have been menti<strong>on</strong>ed.]<br />

(8) Guru Panth Parkash: {Giani Gian Singh), edited by:<br />

Singh Sahib Giani Kirpal Singh, p-1573}: ‘Jap Ji Sahib-5pauris, Jaap<br />

Sahib-5 pauris, Das Sudh, An<strong>and</strong> Sahib, <strong>and</strong> Chaupai.<br />

[Note: Here is menti<strong>on</strong> of reading out five ‘pauris’ each of Jap Ji Sahib<br />

<strong>and</strong> Jaap Sahib <strong>and</strong> this too is not clear which ‘Chaupai’ should be read<br />

out-the <strong>on</strong>e in the beginning of ‘Akal Ustat’ “Pranvo aad ek nirankara” or<br />

the 27-pad kabiyo vach Chaupai from 377 ti 404 Chaupadas of Charitar<br />

No. 405 of ‘Charitro Pakhiyan’?]<br />

3


(9) ‘Gurbilas Patshahi 10’: written by Bhai Sukha Singh of Patna<br />

Sahib: The author has menti<strong>on</strong>ed the reading out of some ‘mantras’<br />

while preparing ‘amrit’. He has not menti<strong>on</strong>ed the reading out of any<br />

particular ‘bani’ or ‘banis’.<br />

(10) ‘Guru Sobha; Likhari, Kavi Senapati (Singh): Guru<br />

Gobind Singh’s poet Laureate Senapati (Singh) in his book ‘Guru<br />

Sobha’ has not described any method of administering the ‘pahul of<br />

Kh<strong>and</strong>a’ (c<strong>on</strong>secrated drink prepared with Kh<strong>and</strong>a-two edged sword).<br />

He has <strong>on</strong>ly menti<strong>on</strong>ed the ‘kurehats’ (breach of <strong>Sikh</strong> code of c<strong>on</strong>duct)<br />

like mundan (t<strong>on</strong>suring), smoking hookah <strong>and</strong> having relati<strong>on</strong>s with<br />

‘minas’ or ‘mas<strong>and</strong>s’.<br />

(11) Sri Kalgidhar Chamatkar, written by Bhai Vir<br />

Singh: Bhai Vir Singh Ji writes the following <strong>on</strong> page 27-28: “At the<br />

place where yesterday <strong>Sikh</strong>i was put to test, today there is a thr<strong>on</strong>e<br />

around which the devotees are sitting. ‘Karah Parsad’ (sweet pudding)<br />

for 1100 is kept <strong>on</strong> white sheets. On the thr<strong>on</strong>e is sitting Guru Gobind<br />

Singh Ji apparelled in white. Before him lies a shining steel bowl<br />

c<strong>on</strong>taining water with a two-edged sword in it. In fr<strong>on</strong>t of him are<br />

st<strong>and</strong>ing the five <strong>Sikh</strong>s of yesterday, the liberated <strong>on</strong>es, who had offered<br />

their heads. They too are clad in white. Guru Sahib spoke to them-the<br />

five-“ ‘Waheguru’ is the ‘gurmantra’ chant it with perfect<br />

c<strong>on</strong>centrati<strong>on</strong>.” While the ‘Five’ got busy in chanting ‘Waheguru’,<br />

Guru Sahib himself started stirring the ‘Kh<strong>and</strong>a’ in the bowl <strong>and</strong><br />

reciting ‘banis’. St<strong>and</strong>ing before the ‘Five’ who had offered their heads,<br />

he made <strong>on</strong>e of them recite the ‘mool mantra’ five times. Then he gave<br />

him five palmfuls of ‘amrit’ sprinkled it <strong>on</strong> his eyes <strong>and</strong> put five<br />

palmfuls in his hair. In this manner he administered ‘amrit’ to the<br />

‘Five.’<br />

As outlined above review of litraure produced before 1900 A.D.shows<br />

lot of Variati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> this issue". Therefore this was the Gigantic task<br />

before <strong>Sikh</strong> Leadership in early 1900 <strong>Sikh</strong> to settle this Panthic issue.<br />

They then <strong>on</strong>ly followed what 10th guru gave the Final message which<br />

is accepted by scholars &sikh Panth that "Guru granth is the spiritual<br />

4


guru <strong>on</strong>wards from oct 1708 A.D. & Five khalsa( C<strong>on</strong>cept of Panj<br />

Pardhangi) as physical Guru. IF there is any issue for the Panth,then it<br />

can be decided by c<strong>on</strong>sesus of Khalsa Panth based <strong>on</strong> bani/shabad<br />

in Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib. Bani of G.G.S. is the sole Guru for <strong>Sikh</strong>s <strong>and</strong> a<br />

sole can<strong>on</strong> to accept any idea, c<strong>on</strong>cept, suggesti<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> any writing."<br />

GURU PANTH based up<strong>on</strong> above c<strong>on</strong>cept accepted writings of 10th<br />

Guru in <strong>Sikh</strong> Rahat Maryada which were Sanctfied By Guru Panth<br />

(1927-1936). Therefore such composti<strong>on</strong>s as accepted by the Panth are<br />

final <strong>and</strong> unquesti<strong>on</strong>able <strong>and</strong> can not be challeged by anybody. Japu<br />

Sahib, 10 swaeyas(swarg Sudu Waley 21-30 akal ustit)<strong>and</strong> kabio Benti<br />

Chaupai upto end of hymn' Dust dokh tay loh Bachai" as writings of<br />

10th Guru (as sancti<strong>on</strong>ed RehatMaryada). Oral history is also very<br />

important.In my opini<strong>on</strong> there are some compositi<strong>on</strong>s of 10th master<br />

what nobody is sure hundred percent because of lack of evidence in<br />

written literature but Panth settled this issue.<br />

There fore in summary Composti<strong>on</strong>s of 10th guru as accepted<br />

by the Panth(per SRM) are final <strong>and</strong> unquesti<strong>on</strong>able <strong>and</strong> can not<br />

be challeged by anybody. Japu Sahib, 10 swaeyas(swarg Sudu<br />

Waley 21-30 akal ustit)<strong>and</strong> kabio Benti Chaupai upto end of<br />

hymn' Dust dokh tay loh Bachai" as writings of 10th Guru (as<br />

sancti<strong>on</strong>ed RehatMaryada). This was the Gigantic task before <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

Leadership in early 1900 A.D. They decided whatever they found best<br />

based <strong>on</strong> oral evidence <strong>and</strong> whatever written sources available to them<br />

at that time <strong>and</strong> setteled the issue <strong>on</strong>ce for all.<br />

B)<strong>Sikh</strong>s have <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e <strong>Granth</strong> (AGGS). Guru<br />

Gobind Singh Sanctified <strong>on</strong>ly One <strong>Granth</strong><br />

Which is AGGS <strong>on</strong>ly. This historical fact is well<br />

documented in <strong>Sikh</strong> sources of 18 th century. Sainapat (1711), Bhai<br />

N<strong>and</strong>lal, Bhai Prahlad, <strong>and</strong> Chaupa Singh, Koer Singh (1751), Kesar<br />

Singh Chibbar (1769), Mahima Prakash (1775), Munshi Sant Singh <strong>on</strong><br />

account of Bedi family of the Una, Unpublished records, Bhatt Vahis.<br />

Persian sources: Mirza Muhammed (1705-1719 AD), Sayad Muhammed<br />

Qasim (1722 AD), Hussain Lahauri (1731), Royal Court News of<br />

Mughals, Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mualla (1708). Western accounts of 18 th<br />

century including Father Wendel, Charles Wilkins, Crauford, James<br />

Browne, George Forester, <strong>and</strong> John Griffith clearly emphasize the<br />

5


tenants of Nanak as enshrined in Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib as the <strong>on</strong>ly<br />

promulgated scripture of the <strong>Sikh</strong>.<br />

Judge Mewa Singh further interprets this issue as follows;<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong> Gurus rejected all the scriptures of Hinduism <strong>and</strong> said that<br />

they do not preach or reach the reality of God. Guru Nanak,<br />

founder of <strong>Sikh</strong>ism proclaimed-<br />

"Vedas speak of <strong>and</strong> interpret God but know not his limit; Six are<br />

the creeds of Shastras but no <strong>on</strong>e merges in God through them" {GGS<br />

148}, And,<br />

"Eighteen Purans <strong>and</strong> four Vedas do not know God's secrets" {GGS<br />

355}, And,<br />

"Shastras <strong>and</strong> Vedas keep man bound to three modes of materialism,<br />

<strong>and</strong> he does the blind deeds" {GGS 1126}.<br />

Guru Amar Das, the third <strong>Sikh</strong> Guru rejected the religious<br />

scriptures<br />

of Hindus remarking<br />

"Hindus recite Simirties, Shastras <strong>and</strong> Vedas but deluded by doubt<br />

they underst<strong>and</strong> not the truth <strong>and</strong> reality; without following the<br />

divine thought of Gurbani, man underst<strong>and</strong>s not reality <strong>and</strong> obtains<br />

no peace, misery after misery he earns."{GGS 113}<br />

Guru Arjan Dev, 5th <strong>Sikh</strong> Guru rejected the Hindu Scriptures<br />

"There are many Samirites <strong>and</strong> Shastras which I have thoroughly<br />

studied; but n<strong>on</strong>e of them reaches or preaches the invaluable name of<br />

God" {Sukhmani Sahib}<br />

Guru Gobind Singh, 10th <strong>Sikh</strong> guru, rejected all the Hindu Gods<br />

<strong>and</strong><br />

their incarnati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> the religious scriptures-<br />

"Ram, Rahim, Puran <strong>and</strong> Quran have put several thoughts but I accept<br />

n<strong>on</strong>e of them; Samirities, Shastras <strong>and</strong> Vedas describe several<br />

6


secrets but I recognize n<strong>on</strong>e of them" {Sawayas}<br />

Thus,these divine proclamati<strong>on</strong>s of <strong>Sikh</strong> Gurus obviously<br />

establish that<br />

they had no belief in Hinduism <strong>and</strong> that their religi<strong>on</strong> is<br />

independent of Hinduism. <strong>Sikh</strong> Gurus had out rightly rejected the<br />

Hindu Gods <strong>and</strong> their incarnati<strong>on</strong>s, the Hindu religious scriptures,<br />

the Hindu rites <strong>and</strong> rituals, <strong>and</strong> the Hindu caste <strong>and</strong> creed system.<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong> Gurus rather presented their independent <strong>and</strong> separate<br />

universally revealed religi<strong>on</strong> for the entire mankind of the present<br />

age, which satisfies the developed scientific <strong>and</strong> juristic mind of<br />

today<br />

2)SRM <strong>and</strong> 1925 <strong>Sikh</strong> Gurudwara Act clearly accepts<br />

<strong>and</strong> Recommends <strong>on</strong>ly SGGS as the <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>Granth</strong> of the<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong>s<br />

The following evidence is clear that Guru Panth (1927-1936) never used the<br />

Published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> as source of 10th guru Bani while creating Panthic<br />

Reht Maryada Document as <strong>Dasam</strong> granth published since 1902 was available<br />

to them.(this printed versi<strong>on</strong> is reported to be compiled at Sri Akal takhat sahib<br />

<strong>and</strong> edited by Sodhak committee1n 1895-1897based <strong>on</strong> various 32 dasam<br />

granths available at that time)?<br />

1)<strong>Sikh</strong> Rehat Maryda sanctified by Guru Panth recommends reading of "Benti<br />

chaupai <strong>on</strong>ly upto end of hymn' Dust dokh tay loh Bachai" (401)." Why they<br />

left 402,403,Aril,404 <strong>and</strong> 405 hymns as present in Published dasam <strong>Granth</strong><br />

&various h<strong>and</strong> written manuscripts?<br />

2)Why they recommended <strong>on</strong>ly 10 swaeyas(swarg Sudu Waley 21-30 from<br />

akal ustit <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>and</strong> not its total compositi<strong>on</strong> of Akal Ustit)?<br />

3) Why there is no menti<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> in the sikh rehat maryada( by<br />

Guru Panth in 1927-1936)?<br />

4) 1925 Gurudwara act <strong>on</strong>ly recommends sikh instituti<strong>on</strong>s to follow <strong>on</strong>ly Guru<br />

<strong>Granth</strong> Sahib Ji.<br />

Additi<strong>on</strong>al Historical Facts<br />

7


a)The Gurmat <strong>Granth</strong> Pracharak Sabha <strong>and</strong> its members which<br />

formed sodhak committe who compiled this So called <strong>Dasam</strong> granth fell<br />

into Oblivi<strong>on</strong> after submitting their report. <strong>Evidence</strong> shows sikhs did<br />

not accept this document.<br />

b)Lahore Singh Sabha With 118 associati<strong>on</strong>s DID NOT Recognize this<br />

newly <strong>Dasam</strong> Pathshai Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib finaly compiled by sodhak<br />

committe.<br />

c)3 articles published in Khalsa Akhbar Lahore against this committee<br />

<strong>on</strong> october 4th,25th&november1st 1895.<br />

D)Above versi<strong>on</strong> of dasam <strong>Granth</strong> was published first time in 1902 has<br />

no significance am<strong>on</strong>g the <strong>Sikh</strong>s as menti<strong>on</strong>ed by Akali Ran Singh in<br />

his book(1905) about <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>.<br />

E)Kahan Singh Nabha in 1930 in Mahan Kosh does not menti<strong>on</strong> 1897<br />

sodhak Committee report or dasam granth published in 1902 based <strong>on</strong><br />

this report. He talks about <strong>on</strong>ly two birs of Mani Singh & Sukha Singh<br />

Bir& requests more thorough work <strong>on</strong> this issue. <strong>Sikh</strong> scholars since<br />

then has reviewed these two birs menti<strong>on</strong>ed has found many<br />

authenticity Problems.<br />

From above evidence it is very clear that Guru Panth in (1927-1936)<br />

did not use this Document of so called <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> while making<br />

their final decisi<strong>on</strong>.<br />

c) Authenticity of presently published<br />

Dasm <strong>Granth</strong> printed versi<strong>on</strong> since<br />

1902( based <strong>on</strong> Sodhak committee<br />

report 1895-1897 fro 32 Dasm granth<br />

available at that time).<br />

The presently published Dasm <strong>Granth</strong><br />

since 1902 or other Dasm granth<br />

8


Birs have many questi<strong>on</strong>s of<br />

authenticity.<br />

followining academic parameters are<br />

essentials to prove the authenticity of<br />

any Document.<br />

a) Date of Document (When it was Written):<br />

b) History of the Document:<br />

c) Who is the Scribe<br />

d) Internal Inc<strong>on</strong>sistency<br />

Textual Analysis,History <strong>and</strong> Academic issues<br />

with Important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Birs Reported in<br />

Literature<br />

1)History Of Important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Birs<br />

2) TEXTUAL ANALYSIS Of Important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Birs<br />

3) Academic <strong>Issues</strong> about important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Birs<br />

1)History Of Important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Birs<br />

Mani Singh Bir History<br />

Per history given by Raja Gulab Singh Sethi at 47 Hanuman Rd, New Delhi “This bir<br />

was found during Maltan Victory presently in the Pakistan area in 1818 AD. It was found<br />

by a military pers<strong>on</strong>. Then this pers<strong>on</strong> moved to Hyderabad in South India <strong>and</strong> he settled<br />

after retirement in N<strong>and</strong>er area of Maharastra. This bir stayed with his family. Then it<br />

went to Jamad<strong>and</strong>ar Para Singh’s Dera from where it was bought by Raja Gulab Singh in<br />

9


1945 <strong>and</strong> taken to Lahore. Then after partiti<strong>on</strong> of India Raja Gulab Singh family settled in<br />

New Delhi.<br />

Babadeep Singh Bir History<br />

Giani Gian Singh in Panth Prakash reports about this bir to be written in Sumat 1804<br />

(1763 AD). Compiled by Babadeep Singh Shaheed. The ending positi<strong>on</strong> is Asfotik Kabit.<br />

Bhai R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh in his book page 51 reports “Giani Gian Singh did not see the real<br />

manuscript of this bir.” Khan Singh Nabha in 1931 reports that Bhai Mani Singh Bir <strong>and</strong><br />

Baba Deep Singh Bir are the same. Textual analysis shows that the Sangrur Bir <strong>on</strong>ly ends<br />

in Asfotik Kabits. Probably therefore Sangrur Bir was Babadeep Singh Bir <strong>and</strong> the<br />

history of such bir goes <strong>on</strong>ly up to 1857 AD.This Bir is not Tracable anymore.<br />

Sangrur Bir History<br />

This bir is reported to be received by Raja Sharup Singh (1837-1864 AD) in 1857 during<br />

Indian mutany time when he went to Delhi to help the british government. He was given<br />

this bir by a Patan Raja Sahib. It has two porti<strong>on</strong>s, first is guru granth sahib, the sec<strong>on</strong>d<br />

porti<strong>on</strong> is <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>. It c<strong>on</strong>tained extra compositi<strong>on</strong>s like Sansahar Sukhmana, Var<br />

Malkauns Ji, <strong>and</strong> Chaka Bhagota Jita which was deleted by Sodhak Committee in 1897.<br />

Dharampaul Ashta in his book “Poetry of Daam <strong>Granth</strong>” thought that this bir was<br />

prepared at Delhi by Bhai Seehan Singh <strong>and</strong> per his research Bhai Mani Singh Bir <strong>and</strong><br />

this bir has same compositi<strong>on</strong>s but Jaggi by detailed textual analysis has proven that there<br />

are many different textual variants between the two birs. This Bir is not<br />

Tracable.anymore<br />

10


Patna Ji Misal Bir History<br />

. Dates <strong>on</strong> the Bir are issue R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh ji writes. Original written in Patna<br />

Page 5(in Dabbi) date of start of writing Samat 1821, 21<br />

Maghar( Nov 7th sat,1764 AD)<br />

Date of Completi<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> end page 616(in Dabbi) samat 1822,ASU 22(27 Sept<br />

1765) But the date of Copying given in Jammu in Tatkara is Sawan 22 Sudi<br />

9(26 July 1765AD).<br />

R<strong>and</strong>hir S.<strong>and</strong>Padam saw copy this bir at Akal Takhat, Amritsar. Not available<br />

anywhere now. But Chibbar was in Jammu <strong>and</strong> while writing his Bansalinama<br />

(1769- 1779) does not menti<strong>on</strong> anything about copying in Jammu abot this<br />

Important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Bir. Sarup Das in 1775(goindval) also does not menti<strong>on</strong><br />

about this bir. No details of actual c<strong>on</strong>tents available. Many Variants in title<br />

arrangements. Bir was started writing in Patna <strong>on</strong> Nov 7 th 1764AD <strong>and</strong><br />

completed finished writing in Patna <strong>on</strong> 27thSept1765AD). If bir was not<br />

completed in Patna till 27 th Sept then how it can be copied in Jammu <strong>on</strong> 26 July<br />

1765AD Two m<strong>on</strong>ths Advance of its completi<strong>on</strong>?<br />

•<br />

Patna Ji Ad Missal which has been quoted by R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh <strong>and</strong> Padam Ji. And<br />

both of them indicate that the original has been lost <strong>and</strong> they have seen <strong>on</strong>e copy<br />

which was d<strong>on</strong>e at Jammu. Padam is Ji writes about this <strong>on</strong> page 32 of his <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

granth Darshan (1990 Editi<strong>on</strong>). R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh write more detail about this <strong>on</strong><br />

Page 49&51.No history of original or copy available.<br />

11


More over table of c<strong>on</strong>tents as reported by Padam Ji <strong>and</strong> R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh (page 50)<br />

shows variati<strong>on</strong> of titles in c<strong>on</strong>tents in yatkara. Additi<strong>on</strong>ally tatkara says Vishnu<br />

instead of chaubis Avtar . 33 saweeays <strong>and</strong> Khalsa mehma absent in tatkara .<br />

Zafarnama in Gurmukhi <strong>and</strong> Persian.No details of c<strong>on</strong>tents known. The original<br />

or copy of this Bir is not Traceable anymore.<br />

12


History of Two Patna Birs<br />

Probably written by Sukha Singh <strong>Granth</strong>i at Patna. No coloph<strong>on</strong> available.No history of<br />

these two birs available before Sukha Singh.Tatkara shows the date written as 1755 (1698<br />

CE) but Zafarnama written in the end in same h<strong>and</strong> puts date to at least after 1706. These<br />

two birs c<strong>on</strong>tain 8 compositi<strong>on</strong>s by atshahi10 which were deleted by the Sodhak<br />

Committee in 1897AD, Sukhmana Sansaharnama, Var Malkauns, Var Bhagoti, Rag<br />

Sorth by P10, Rag Asal P10, Asfotak Kabits <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong>e bir c<strong>on</strong>tains 18 chapters of<br />

Bhagwant Gita<br />

Giani Gian Singh reports that Sukha Singh wrote that <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Bir at Patna in 1775<br />

AD. But no birs with coloph<strong>on</strong> as written in 1775 AD is available. Only the above bir to<br />

14


e written in Tatkara, Samut 1755 (1698 AD) is now available. What happened to the bir<br />

as menti<strong>on</strong>ed by Giani Gian Singh?<br />

Moti Bag Gurudwara Bir History<br />

This bir is not found anywhere anymore as menti<strong>on</strong>ed by Giani Gian Singh. It was<br />

reported to be written by Sukha Singh Granti in 1775. Charat Singh, his s<strong>on</strong>, who gave it<br />

to Baba Hakam Singh. The history of the bir goes to (1862-1876) period of Raja<br />

Mahindar Singh who put this bir into Moti Bag Gurdwara <strong>and</strong> gave m<strong>on</strong>ey to Baba<br />

Hakam Singh who presented this bir to Maharaja Mahindar Singh,. After death of Hakam<br />

Singh, his family members Baba Ram Singh <strong>and</strong> Bedi Natha Singh got this financial<br />

help. But Nahar Singh <strong>on</strong> the c<strong>on</strong>trary told Dr.jaggi that this bir was received by him<br />

from Charit Singh of Patna who was s<strong>on</strong> of Bhai Sukha Singh. Nahar Singh gave this bir<br />

to Maharaja Ranjit Singh who made Nahar Singh custodian of this bir <strong>and</strong> put it into Moti<br />

Bag Gurdwara in Patiala. After death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as britishers became the<br />

rulers in Punjab, Nahar Singh took this bir to his village <strong>and</strong> after his death, his gr<strong>and</strong> s<strong>on</strong><br />

in law Hakam Singh gave it to Maharaja Mohinder Singh Patiala. Jaggi has reviewed this<br />

bir <strong>and</strong> it has no coloph<strong>on</strong>. Textual analysis of this bir is as outlined below by jaggi.<br />

Ananadpuri(Hazuri) Bir History<br />

History of this bir goes to Maharaja Ranjit Singh period (1800-1839 AD). It is reported to<br />

be with <strong>Granth</strong>i of Mahraja Ranjit Singh named diwan Singh Singh. Then with his s<strong>on</strong> Jit<br />

singh who was tutor of maharaja dalip Singh <strong>and</strong> thenhis s<strong>on</strong> satinder singh Pi<strong>on</strong>eer<br />

15


anemling works G.T. Road Amritsar. C<strong>on</strong>tinuing with other family members went to<br />

Bombay <strong>and</strong> now probably in Ch<strong>and</strong>igarh area with the family. For detail history <strong>and</strong><br />

textual analysis Read Mahan Singh Report <strong>and</strong> Article by Dr Balbir singh Brother of<br />

Bhai Vir singh pages 156-164 in “ Panjabi Universty Panjabi Sahit Da Ithas” published<br />

by Panjab Uni 1967,1986.Edited by Dr. Surinder singh Kohli.<br />

Manuscripts Mss D5 punjabi( HT Colebrook) History<br />

John Malcom came to Punjab with Lord Lake in 1805. He was accompanied by Raja<br />

Bhag Singh of Jind up until Byas River. He could <strong>on</strong>ly copy of Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib from<br />

Punjab but in Calcutta he got the copy of Dasmi Patshah Ka <strong>Granth</strong> which was procured<br />

by HT Colebrook, an administrator <strong>and</strong> attorney by professi<strong>on</strong> in Calcutta in 1805 per<br />

discussi<strong>on</strong> of Malcom who used this <strong>Granth</strong> for writing his account “Sketch of the<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong>s”, first published in 1810 AD. HT Colebrook then d<strong>on</strong>ated this bir to British Library<br />

in 1812 AD or 1819 AD. It has no coloph<strong>on</strong> but by Malcom’s account the history can be<br />

traced to Colebrook <strong>on</strong>ly1805 per above argument. There is no clear cut history of the<br />

custodians of this bir from where Colebrook got this Bir( See Discussi<strong>on</strong> Below)<br />

Mss D6 Devnagri IN British Library L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> History<br />

• This manuscript has a coloph<strong>on</strong> indicating to be written in January 1847 AD.Note<br />

says It was sent to Paris Art exhibiti<strong>on</strong> In 1856( but such exhibiti<strong>on</strong> was held in<br />

1855AD. And since then it has been in British Library. There is no clear cut<br />

history of the custodians of this bir but seems to be in possessi<strong>on</strong> of British<br />

16


officials. MSS Panjabi D6 bears a note from the Commissi<strong>on</strong>er, “In c<strong>on</strong>formity to<br />

the orders of the Governor General of India this volume named ‘The Grunth<br />

Sahib’ published by Gooroo Gobind Singh the founder of the <strong>Sikh</strong> faith, is hereby<br />

presented to the Paris Exhibiti<strong>on</strong> Society. Signed by Pundit Radha Krishin,<br />

Ecclesiastical Councilor to His Highness the late Maharajah Runjeet Singh.<br />

Mss Panjabi E1 History<br />

This bir has no coloph<strong>on</strong> but was probably written in 1856 AD <strong>and</strong> was sent to Engl<strong>and</strong>.<br />

And is now in British Library catalogued as MSS Panjabi E1 sent by the Guru Sadho<br />

Sodhi of Kartarpur. No Titlr or heading of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> or Dasmi Patshahi Da <strong>Granth</strong>.<br />

Starts as Tatkara <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib Ka. No coloph<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> datin.Note by Dy. Comm<strong>and</strong>er<br />

lahore “ copy of original with signature of guru himself &now in possessi<strong>on</strong> of his<br />

descendent ,Guru SADHO SinGH“NO <strong>Evidence</strong>.<br />

Mss ADD 214452 History<br />

ADD 21452 title Page written in bold Enlish letters as “Dasham Padishah da <strong>Granth</strong> or<br />

The Book of the Tenth King Gooroo Govind Singh, Umtristur 1847” presented to the<br />

library <strong>on</strong> 11th June, 1856 by Attorney Lewin Bowering “ Table of c<strong>on</strong>tents reads as<br />

Tatkara <strong>Granth</strong> Ji Ka. But Date written In Tatkara Is 1898Bk (1841 AD). There is no<br />

clear cut history of the custodians of this bir.D<strong>on</strong>ated to british library by L.Bowring an<br />

att<strong>on</strong>ey.<br />

17


2) TEXTUAL ANALYSIS<br />

Dr.Jaggi,s Book(<strong>Dasam</strong> granth Kartitav-Authenticity,1966) documenting different Birs<br />

having many variati<strong>on</strong>s in the total number of compositi<strong>on</strong>s. Some are missing in<br />

comparis<strong>on</strong> with published Bir. Text analysis also shows CHHAND COUNT<br />

VARIATIONS .This clearly shows that this <strong>Granth</strong> has not Fixed text test but rather<br />

Evoluti<strong>on</strong>ary. I am hereby producing those charts in English<br />

A) Compositi<strong>on</strong> Arrangement From Jaggi,s (dasam granth<br />

Authenticity,1966)<br />

MANI SINGH<br />

BIR<br />

MOTI<br />

BAGH BIR<br />

SANGRUR<br />

BIR<br />

1 Japu Japu Japu Japu<br />

PATNA BIR<br />

2 Bachittar Natak Bachittar Sastar Naam Akaal Ustit<br />

Natak<br />

Maala<br />

3 Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar Ch<strong>and</strong>i Akaal Ustit Swayae 32<br />

Charitar<br />

4 Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar Ch<strong>and</strong>i<br />

Charitar<br />

Bachittar Natak Bachittar<br />

Natak<br />

5 Chaubees<br />

Avtaar<br />

Chaubees<br />

Avtaar<br />

Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar Chaubees<br />

Avtaar<br />

6 Brahmavtaar Brahmavtaar Chaubees<br />

Avtaar<br />

Ch<strong>and</strong>i<br />

Charitar<br />

7 Rudravtaar Rudravtaar Brahmavtaar Brahmavtaar<br />

8 Paarasnaath Paarasnaath Rudravtaar Gian Prabodh<br />

9 Sastar Naam Sast Naam Gian Prabodh Ch<strong>and</strong>i<br />

Maala<br />

Maala<br />

Charitar<br />

10 Gian Prabodh Akaal Ustit Charitropakhia Rudravtaar<br />

19


11 Akaal Ustit Gian Prabodh Sansahar Bisanpadhe<br />

Sukhmana<br />

12 Vaar Durga Ki Vaar Durga<br />

Ki<br />

Vaar Malkauns Chakka<br />

Bhagoti Ji<br />

13 Charitropakhian Charitropakh<br />

ian<br />

Chakka Bhagoti<br />

Ji<br />

Sastar Naam<br />

Maala<br />

14 Zafarnaama Asfotak Kabit Bisanpadhe Vaar Durga Ki<br />

(Persian)<br />

15 Sadd Swayae 33 Zafarnaama Charitropakhia<br />

(Gurmukhi)<br />

16 -- Bisanpadhe Zafarnaama Asfotak Kabit<br />

(Persian)<br />

17 -- Sadd Swayae 33 Bhagvat Gita<br />

18 -- Zafarnaama<br />

(Gurmukhi)<br />

Asfotak Kabit Sansahar<br />

Sukhmana<br />

19 -- Zafarnaama<br />

(Persian)<br />

Chh<strong>and</strong><br />

Without Title<br />

Chh<strong>and</strong><br />

Without Title<br />

20 -- -- -- Vaar Malkauns<br />

21 -- -- -- Vaar Bhagoti<br />

22 -- -- -- Zafarnaama<br />

A) CHHAND COUNT of Text in various DASAM<br />

GRANTH BIRS in comparis<strong>on</strong> with published Text<br />

since 1897 (From Jaggi DG Kartitav 1966)<br />

# Baani Published<br />

Bir<br />

Mani<br />

Singh<br />

Bir<br />

Moti<br />

Bagh<br />

Bir<br />

Sangrur<br />

Bir<br />

Patna<br />

Bir<br />

1 Japu 198 198 198 198 199<br />

2 Akaal Ustat 271 1/2 271 ½ 271 ½ 270 ½ 272<br />

3 Bachittar 471 471 471 471 471<br />

Natak<br />

4 Ch<strong>and</strong>i<br />

233 233 233 233 233<br />

Charitar 1<br />

5 Ch<strong>and</strong>i 262 262 262 -- 262<br />

20


Charitar 2<br />

6 Var Durga Ki 55 55 55 -- 55<br />

7 Gian Prabodh 336 335<br />

1/2<br />

336 336 336<br />

8a Chaubis Avtaar No AFZU 1382<br />

AFZU<br />

1383<br />

AFZU<br />

No AFZU<br />

Variable<br />

AFZU<br />

8b Ram Avtaar 864 860 865 863 Variable<br />

AFZU<br />

8c Krishan Avtaar 2492 2447 2451 2559 Variable<br />

AFZU<br />

8d<br />

22 nd & 23 rd<br />

Avtaar<br />

10 10 10 10 Variable<br />

AFZU<br />

8e Kal Ki 588 588 588 588 Variable<br />

AFZU<br />

8f Mir Mehdi 11 11 11 11 Variable<br />

AFZU<br />

9 Brahma Avtaar 323 343 343 343 Variable<br />

AFZU<br />

10a<br />

10b<br />

Rudra Avtaar<br />

(Dat)<br />

Rudra Avtaar<br />

(Parasnath)<br />

498 494 494 368 495<br />

358 358 358 -- 390<br />

11 Swaeeay 33 -- 33 33 32<br />

12 Shabad Hazare 10 -- 11 10 9+2<br />

13 Khalsa Mehma 4 -- -- -- --<br />

14 Shastar Nam<br />

Mala<br />

1318 1318 1318 1318 1318<br />

15 Chiritropakhian 7555 7560 7537 7530 7537<br />

21


16 Zafarnama 12 Hakiats<br />

(No AFZU)<br />

12<br />

Hakiats<br />

(No<br />

AFZU)<br />

12<br />

Hakiats<br />

(No<br />

AFZU)<br />

12<br />

Hakiats<br />

(No<br />

AFZU)<br />

12<br />

Hakiats<br />

(No<br />

AFZU)<br />

17 Asfotik Kabit -- -- 54 56 54+1<br />

18 Sansahar<br />

Sukhmana<br />

19 Var Bhagoti Ji<br />

Ki (2 nd versi<strong>on</strong>)<br />

-- -- -- 43 43<br />

-- -- -- 3 3<br />

20 Var Malkauns -- -- -- 11 11<br />

21 Bhagwant Gita -- -- -- -- 1800<br />

22 Chhaka<br />

Bhagoti<br />

-- -- -- -- 137<br />

23 Sadd -- In the<br />

End<br />

1 -- --<br />

B) CHHAND COUNT of Text in published bir of<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> <strong>and</strong> British Library MSS D5<br />

Punjabi (Colebrook HT)<br />

# Compositi<strong>on</strong> Name Published<br />

Bir<br />

BL MSS D5<br />

Colebrook<br />

1<br />

Japu 198 198<br />

2 Akaal Ustat 271 ½ 271 1/2<br />

3 Bachittar Natak 471 471<br />

4 Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar 1 233 233<br />

5 Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar 2 262 262<br />

22


6 Var Bhagoti Ji 55 55<br />

7 Gian Prabodh 336 336<br />

8a Chaubis Avtaar No AFZU No AFZU<br />

8b Ram Avtaar 864 864<br />

8c Krishan Avtaar 2492 2490<br />

8d 22 nd & 23 rd Avtaar 10 10<br />

8e Kal Ki 588 588<br />

8f Mir Mehdi 11 11<br />

9 Brahma Avtaar 323 323<br />

10<br />

a<br />

Rudra Avtaar (Dat) 498 498<br />

10 Rudra Avtaar<br />

358 358<br />

b (Parasnath)<br />

11 Swaeeay 33 32<br />

12 Shabad Hazare 10 7<br />

13 Khalsa Mehma 4 4<br />

14 Shastar Nam Mala 1318 1318<br />

15 Chiritropakhian 7555 7556<br />

16 Zafarnama Hakiats Zafarnama<br />

in Gurmukhi<br />

12 Hakiats<br />

(No AFZU)<br />

Zafarnama<br />

in Gurmukhi<br />

12 Hakiats<br />

(958 AFZU)<br />

23


Comments <strong>on</strong> Arrangement of compositi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> cha<strong>and</strong> count<br />

in BL MSS D5 Punjabi / Colebrook DG in comparis<strong>on</strong> with<br />

a.) The arrangement of compositi<strong>on</strong> in this manuscript shows minor variati<strong>on</strong> of<br />

arrangement as compared with the published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> bir with Placement of<br />

Shastar Nam Mala before Swaeeay <strong>and</strong> Shabad Hazare. In Published DG bir Shastar<br />

Nam Mala compositi<strong>on</strong> is after Swaeeays <strong>and</strong> Shabad Hazare<br />

(1) Japu (2) Akaal Ustat (3) Bachittar Natak (4) Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar 1 (5) Ch<strong>and</strong>i Charitar 2<br />

(6) Var Bhagoti Ji (7) Gian Prabodh (8) Chaubis Avtaar (9) Brahma Avtaar 10 Rudra<br />

Avtaar [Dat] (11) Shastar Nam Mala (12) 32 Swaeeay (13) Khalsa Mehma Swaeeay<br />

(14) Shabad Hazare (15) Chiritropakhian (16) Zafarnama (17) Hakiats.<br />

b.) The cha<strong>and</strong> count in this manuscript has very minor variati<strong>on</strong>s as follows:<br />

1.) The published Bir has 2492 chh<strong>and</strong>s in Krishan Avtar .The Total Cha<strong>and</strong><br />

count of Krishan Avtar is 2490 in this manuscript.<br />

• Cha<strong>and</strong> number # 2490 as noted in published Bir in the end of Krishan<br />

Avtaar is absent in this manuscript. Page570 pulished DG “ Satra Sau<br />

Pantal ,mah sawan sudhi thiti Dee” This cha<strong>and</strong> describes the date of the<br />

Krishan Avtaar completi<strong>on</strong> in Samat 1745 (1688 AD).<br />

• Cha<strong>and</strong> Number 1509 <strong>and</strong> 1510 of published Bir are clubbed into cha<strong>and</strong><br />

#1509 in Kharag Singh Jodh Parb<strong>and</strong>h in this manuscript <strong>and</strong> part of the<br />

verse “jab kar beech sakat ko lo, tab aie nirpat kay samuih bhayo” is<br />

missing.<br />

2.) There are <strong>on</strong>ly Seven Ram Kali 10 compositi<strong>on</strong> (Shabad Hazare) in this<br />

manuscript while in Published Bir their number is ten. Last three chh<strong>and</strong>s as<br />

noted in published Bir are Extra.<br />

3.) There are 32 Swaeeyas in this manuscript while published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> has<br />

33. Only the first Swaeeya (Jagat Jot Japey) is not seen in this manuscript.<br />

4.) The total count of Chiritropakhian Cha<strong>and</strong>s is 7556 AFZU. But if <strong>on</strong>e sees the<br />

published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Bir, such AFZU is 7555. There is actual counting<br />

mistake in the Published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> because Chirtir 403 ends in AFZU<br />

7151. The 404 Chiritir has 405 Cha<strong>and</strong>s. Therefore, in actual counting 7151<br />

plus 405 should make it equal to 7556. so Manuscript totaling of 7556 is<br />

correct.<br />

5.) The Zafarnama <strong>and</strong> Hakiats has an AFZU of 858 in the end of Hakiats in the<br />

manuscript. But the published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>’s has no Afzu in end . Jeevan<br />

Singh <strong>and</strong> Chittar Singh Published DG in Samat 2055/1998AD has total<br />

number of 858 Cha<strong>and</strong>s in this secti<strong>on</strong> per manual total ( afzu) Count.<br />

24


3) Academic ISSues of Various <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

<strong>Granth</strong> Birs<br />

A. Bhai Mani Singh Bir Academic <strong>Issues</strong><br />

• No history before 1818. No <strong>on</strong>e knows where this bir was between 1713 <strong>and</strong><br />

1818? Although Internal evidence dating is 1713, but Professor Jaggi who has<br />

written about this bir has clearly documented <strong>on</strong> page 13 of his introducti<strong>on</strong> to<br />

Punjabi <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> menti<strong>on</strong>ing “this date has been written by a different<br />

author <strong>and</strong> the ink is different” indicating that this date has been inserted later <strong>on</strong>.<br />

• Mani Singh letter dated 22nd Vasakh. (No year) Ashta says probable year 1716<br />

because of B<strong>and</strong>a was alive.<br />

• Bani of Gurus authorwise. No use of word Mahala but use of word Patshahi for<br />

all Gurus. No Title noted .But it indicates that Tatkara <strong>Granth</strong> Ji Da.<br />

25


• Banis as found in Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib which is splitted autorwise. The academic<br />

analysis shows that this is the Banno versi<strong>on</strong> of Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib <strong>and</strong> not the<br />

Damdami versi<strong>on</strong>. Banis of Gurus c<strong>on</strong>sistent with Banno versi<strong>on</strong> including<br />

apocrypical Shabads of Guru Nanak (Jit Dar Lakh Mohamada, Bhai Atash Aab.),<br />

two Mira Bai shabad, Ratan Mala, hakikat Raja shivnav ki <strong>and</strong> Ink recipe<br />

THHREFORE it is a banno versi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> cannot be associated with Mani Singh,s<br />

name who compiled <strong>and</strong> wrote Damadami bir in 1706. Why would a pers<strong>on</strong> woud<br />

write the Banno versi<strong>on</strong> after 20years? Therefore <strong>on</strong> academic basis, this bir<br />

cannot be related to Bhai Mani Singh. Rather it will be disgraceful to label that<br />

this bir first part was written by Bhai Mani Singh in 1713 as noted in end. This<br />

Bir has no coloph<strong>on</strong> ).<br />

• One of Alam Kavi’s Dohra attributed to 10th Guru.<br />

• This bir ends at Hikiats as menti<strong>on</strong>ed by Giani Gian Singh. Zafarnama is written<br />

in Persi<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>ly.Then who wrote it in Punjabi in differet <strong>Granth</strong>s?<br />

26


• The textual analysis of the Bhai Mani Singh Bir clearly shows that the Chh<strong>and</strong><br />

count of this bir is different from the presently published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>. For<br />

example Ram Avtar in this bir has 860 Chh<strong>and</strong>s, but in the presently published<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> such count is 864. Krishan Avtar Saloks are 2447 in this <strong>Granth</strong><br />

while in the publihed granth are 2492 in number. Charitro Pakhyan has 7560<br />

saloks in this bir while presently published granth has 7555 saloks. There is no<br />

Swayeeay 33, Shabad Hazarey, <strong>and</strong> Khalsa Mehma in this bir which are seen in<br />

published Bir.<br />

Textual Analysis of Bhai Mani Singh Bir as reported by Dr. Jaggi in “<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong><br />

Authenticity” <strong>and</strong> “Bhai Mani Singh Jeevani <strong>and</strong> Rachna” Published by Punjabi<br />

University, 1983 pages 40 <strong>and</strong> 41.<br />

Authorship Subject Pages<br />

Guru Nanak Tatkara 1A-5A<br />

Samat Joti Joth Samana<br />

Bani<br />

5B<br />

6B-118A<br />

Guru Amar Das Tatkara 118B-122A<br />

Bani<br />

122B-209A<br />

Guru Ram Das Tatkara 209B-214A<br />

Bani<br />

214B-303A<br />

Guru Arjan Dev Tatkara 303B-318A<br />

Bani<br />

318B-528A<br />

Guru Teg Bahadur Tatkara 529B-530A<br />

27


Bani 530B-536A<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> Bani Tatkara 537B-539A<br />

Japu<br />

Bachittar Natak<br />

Ch<strong>and</strong>i Chiritar 1<br />

Ch<strong>and</strong>i Chiritar 2<br />

Chaubis Avtar<br />

Brahma Avtar<br />

Rudra Avtar<br />

Shashtar Nam Mala<br />

Gian Prabodh<br />

Akal Ustat<br />

Var Durga Ki<br />

Tatkara<br />

Chiritropakhiyan<br />

539B-541B<br />

542A-552B<br />

553A-562A<br />

562B-569A<br />

569A-741B<br />

741B-757B<br />

757B-785B<br />

786B-821A<br />

821B-829A<br />

830B-838A<br />

838B-842A<br />

842B-846A<br />

846B-1029A<br />

Bhagat Kabir Bani 1029B-1058A<br />

Bhagat Nam Dev Bani 1058B-1065A<br />

Bhagat Ravi Das Bani 1065B-1069B<br />

Bhagat Ram An<strong>and</strong> Bani 1069B<br />

Bhagat Jai Dev Bani 1070A<br />

Bhagat Tarlochan Bani 1070B-1071A<br />

Bhagat Dhana Bani 1071A-1071B<br />

Bhagat Sain, Pipa, Bhikan<br />

Bani<br />

28


<strong>and</strong> Sadna<br />

Parm An<strong>and</strong>, Sur Das, Mira Bani 1072A-1073A<br />

Bhagat Baini Bani 1073B-1074A<br />

Shiekh Farid Bani 1074B-1077B<br />

Rai Balw<strong>and</strong> Di Var Bani 1078A-1078B<br />

Sadd <strong>and</strong> Sweeyay Bani 1079A-1088B<br />

Hakikat Ra Mukam Rajey<br />

Shiv Nabh Ki<br />

Path<br />

1088B<br />

Rag Mala Path 1089A<br />

Siahi Ki Vidhi Path 1089A<br />

Zafarnama (Persian) Path 1090B-1095B<br />

B. Patna Bir Academic <strong>Issues</strong><br />

No coloph<strong>on</strong> written. By history Supposed to written by <strong>Granth</strong>i Sukha Singh Who<br />

died in 1861AD. Even if died at age of 100years <strong>and</strong> started wriing at Birth this bir<br />

stil canot go bey<strong>on</strong>d 1761 AD. Then who wrote Samat 1755(1698AD) in Tatkara<br />

because Tatkara shows the date written as 1775 (1698 CE) but Zafarnama written in<br />

the end in same h<strong>and</strong>writing <strong>and</strong> same ink puts date to at least 1706 academically. this<br />

Bir c<strong>on</strong>tains 8 compositi<strong>on</strong>s by 10 th guru ji which were deleted by the Sodhak<br />

29


Committee, Sukhmana Sansaharnama, Var Malkauns, Var Bhagoti, Rag Sorth by<br />

P10, Rag Asal P10, Asfotak Kabits <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong>e bir c<strong>on</strong>tains 18 chapters of Bhagwant<br />

Gita (1800 ch<strong>and</strong>s). See tatkara below.<br />

C) DG Hazoori /or an<strong>and</strong>puri bir Academic <strong>Issues</strong><br />

30


1)An<strong>and</strong>puri Bir; This bir has been also evaluated by Dr.balbir Singh Brother of<br />

Bhai Bir Singh <strong>and</strong> S.mahan Singh <strong>and</strong> their academic opini<strong>on</strong> is available.<br />

C<strong>on</strong>tains two paintings of 10th guru in possessi<strong>on</strong> of Matasundri pasted <strong>on</strong> page 1 <strong>and</strong> 14<br />

( padam Ji gave no history of these Phographs although made these photograph Basis for<br />

his 1990 Editi<strong>on</strong> ( as written <strong>on</strong> page10 <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Darpan by Piara singh Padam. no<br />

history of such photographs tracing them to Guru period given by padam Ji. <strong>on</strong>ly takes it<br />

to the period of History granth <strong>on</strong>ly goes upto Maharaja Ranjit Singh(1801-1839)Four<br />

different kinds of pages, no folio numbers <strong>on</strong> Khas Patras<br />

• Five different scribes, Darbari Singh, Darbari Singh Chhota, Nihala, Bala <strong>and</strong><br />

Haridas. First 63 pages are new.<strong>and</strong> different from main manuscript<br />

• History of this bir <strong>on</strong>ly goes up to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Period times as taken<br />

from a <strong>Granth</strong>i( Diwan singh) employed by him.<br />

• At two places dates of 1752 BK (1695 CE) come in wr<strong>on</strong>g chr<strong>on</strong>ological order<br />

(Ch<strong>and</strong>i Ukat Bilas <strong>on</strong> page 125 written in fagun 1752 but Jodh Parb<strong>and</strong> written<br />

<strong>on</strong> page 154 <strong>on</strong> chet 1752). On folio 109, 116 dates - 1745BK <strong>and</strong> then 1744BK<br />

also wr<strong>on</strong>g chr<strong>on</strong>ology<br />

• Probably this bir is the same as the presidium bir used by Sodhak Committee in<br />

1897 with two pictures, scribe, described as Darbari Singh Wadha, <strong>and</strong> Darbari<br />

Singh Chhota. Ankpali rewritten at some pages, some of the pages new. Total<br />

pages 403.<br />

• There is no coloph<strong>on</strong> in this bir.<br />

• See tatkara of anadpuribir <strong>and</strong> Photos from this Bir<br />

31


D) Devnagri <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> academic <strong>Issues</strong><br />

Devnagri <strong>Dasam</strong> granth prepared by Britishers in 1847 after <strong>Sikh</strong>s lost ist Anglo sikh<br />

war in 1946 <strong>and</strong> British became masters of Panjab Virtually.MSS Panjabi D6 bears a note<br />

from the Commissi<strong>on</strong>er, “In c<strong>on</strong>formity to the orders of the Governor General of India<br />

this volume named ‘The Grunth Sahib’ published by Gooroo Gobind Singh the founder<br />

of the <strong>Sikh</strong> faith, is hereby presented to the Paris Exhibiti<strong>on</strong> Society by Pundit Radha<br />

Kishum, Ecclesiastical Councellor to His Highness the late Maharajah Runjeet Singh”.<br />

This manuscript is in Devnagri <strong>and</strong> starts with Om. The table of c<strong>on</strong>tents starts with Om<br />

Sat Sri Suchi Panjabi <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib Ka Sri Mukhbak Patshahi 10.<br />

34


By history Radha Krishin was Sanskrit Scholar <strong>and</strong> teacher of Raja Hira Singh then<br />

Duleep Singh. His father P<strong>and</strong>it MADHUSUDHAN was head priest of court & chief of<br />

Charities dept.in1808AD till annexati<strong>on</strong>. His Gr<strong>and</strong> father was P<strong>and</strong>it Brij lal also held a<br />

post of court p<strong>and</strong>it under Ranjit Singh. Why he signed that gooro gobind singh was<br />

founder of sikh Faith ?. Why IK ONKAR was changed into<br />

OM.<br />

E)Daswen Padshah ka <strong>Granth</strong>"that was presented to<br />

Queen Victoria in 1859<strong>and</strong> placed in Oriental Library.<br />

This manuscript is presently preserved in British Library, catalogued as MSS Panj. E 1.<br />

19 th century (copy 1859). Al<strong>on</strong>g with this <strong>Granth</strong>, the sec<strong>on</strong>d copy was of Aad <strong>Granth</strong><br />

which is catalogued as MSS Panj. E 2 was also given to Queen Victoria in 1859.<br />

There is no coloph<strong>on</strong>. Note <strong>on</strong> folio 4a menti<strong>on</strong>s a stool <strong>and</strong> cushi<strong>on</strong>s covered with<br />

brocade also presented by Sadhu Singh for use with the granth. This <strong>Granth</strong> is cataloged<br />

in British Library as “MSS Punjabi E1” sent by the Guru Sadho Sodhi of Kartarpur. No<br />

heading of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> or Dasvein Patshah. Starts as Tatkara <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib Ka. Note<br />

by Dy. Comm<strong>and</strong>er Lahore “ copy of original with signature of guru himself &now in<br />

possessi<strong>on</strong> of his descendent ,Guru SADHO Singh“<br />

This is an atypical Comment” AS we all know Sodhi Sadhu Singh family had <strong>on</strong>ly<br />

Original Kartarpuri bir Compiled by Guru Arjan <strong>and</strong> no original <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>”Why<br />

such wr<strong>on</strong>g note about history of this <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> ?.<br />

35


F)Misal Patna Bir Academic issues <strong>Issues</strong><br />

R<strong>and</strong>hir singh writes <strong>on</strong> Page49 of his Book. This Bir Prepared by Sewadars at takhat<br />

Patna after they found 10 th Guru Bani. Where are the original Documents? Copy reported<br />

tobe In Akal takhat Bunga Takhat Toshakhana. No such copy seen there now where is it<br />

now?. Dates <strong>on</strong> the Bir are issue R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh ji writes. Original written in Patna.<br />

Where is Original of thisBir Now?. R<strong>and</strong>hir singh writes<br />

“Page 5(in Dabbi) date of start of writing Samat 1821, 21 Maghar( Nov 7th sat,1764 AD) Date<br />

of Completi<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> end page 616(in Dabbi) samat 1822,ASU 22(27 Sept 1765) But the<br />

date of Copying given in Jammu in Tatkara is Sawan 22 Sudi 9(26 July 1765AD”.<br />

If bir was not completed in Patna till 27 th Sept then how it can be copied in Jammu <strong>on</strong> 26<br />

July 1765AD Two m<strong>on</strong>ths Advance of its completi<strong>on</strong>?<br />

If this Bir was copied in Jammu then in Punjab in 1765AD then why Chhibar who wrote<br />

his Bansalinama in (1769-1769) in Jammu is silent about this so Important manuscript?<br />

<strong>and</strong> Mehma parkash( which was written at Goindwal , then Punjab) 1776Ad Is also Silent<br />

about this Important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Bir?<br />

It is available nowhere now? why so much Important Bir Disappeared. Thereis no history<br />

of original or copy of this bir.<br />

F)PRE 1700 Sri <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Bir at Hazur Sahib<br />

Recently <strong>on</strong>e writer has menti<strong>on</strong>ed that there was pre-1700 dasam granth bir at Hazur Sahib.<br />

Questi<strong>on</strong> is why the management at Hazur Sahib produced a new bir ? why they did not Publish<br />

PRE 1700 Sri <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Bir al<strong>on</strong>e .The Sodhak Committee set up by Takhat Sachkh<strong>and</strong> Sri<br />

36


Hazur Sahib prepared <strong>and</strong> published another st<strong>and</strong>ard cerem<strong>on</strong>ial editi<strong>on</strong> in 2002. It has 1428<br />

pages <strong>and</strong> is beautifully printed. It is a n<strong>on</strong> pad-chhed ( no separati<strong>on</strong> of words) versi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> was<br />

based <strong>on</strong> a 444 NS or 1913 CE Munshi Gulab Singh & S<strong>on</strong>'s editi<strong>on</strong>( previous editi<strong>on</strong> was<br />

1900Ad based <strong>on</strong> Sodhak Committee Report by same Press} <strong>and</strong> 80 other available puratan<br />

saroops. Nihangs do Prakash of another 1428 p. pad-chhed <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>.<br />

G) R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh also refers to a 18th century DG in a Gurdwara at Kolkata in Shabad Moorat<br />

Page 52 r<strong>and</strong>hir Singh just menti<strong>on</strong> about such Bir in 2 lines no details at ( gurudwara ,sangat-<br />

Tula Patti date Samat 1840( 1783AD). His note adds further this bir does not matches with any<br />

4Birs as reported by Gianni Gain Singh Joint was also not copy of any above two Old Bars which<br />

R<strong>and</strong>hir Sigh felt to be more authentic( Mani Singh Bir& Pâtna Ji DiMisal). This bir is nowhere<br />

available now. No details can be commented.Was Calcutta part of Punjab in 1783 AD?<br />

Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib as the <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

Can<strong>on</strong>; Fresh Look at the Text <strong>and</strong><br />

History of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong><br />

The lineage of Pers<strong>on</strong>al Guruship was terminated ( Can<strong>on</strong> Closed) <strong>on</strong> October, 6 th<br />

Wednesday1708 A.D. by the 10 th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, after finalizing the sanctificati<strong>on</strong><br />

of Guru Nanak,s Missi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> passing the successi<strong>on</strong> to Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib as future Guru of the<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong>s. This was the final culminati<strong>on</strong> of the <strong>Sikh</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cept of Guruship, capable of resisting the<br />

temptati<strong>on</strong> of c<strong>on</strong>tinuati<strong>on</strong> of the lineage of human Gurus. The Tenth Guru while maintaining the<br />

c<strong>on</strong>cept of ‘Shabad Guru’ also made the Panth distinctive by introducing corporate Guruship. The<br />

c<strong>on</strong>cept of Guruship c<strong>on</strong>tinued <strong>and</strong> the role of human gurus was transferred to the Guru Panth <strong>and</strong><br />

that of the revealed word to Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib making <strong>Sikh</strong>ism a unique modern religi<strong>on</strong>. This<br />

historical fact is well documented in Indian, Persian <strong>and</strong> Western <strong>Sikh</strong> sources of 18 th century.<br />

37


Indian sources: Sainapat (1711), Bhai N<strong>and</strong> Lal, Bhai Prahlad, <strong>and</strong> Chaupa Singh, Koer Singh<br />

(1751), Kesar Singh Chhibber (1769-1779Ad), Mehama Prakash (1776), Munshi Sant Singh ( <strong>on</strong><br />

account of Bedi family of the Ulna, Unpublished records), Bhatt Valhi’s.<br />

Persian sources: Mirza Muhammad (1705-1719 AD), Sayad Muhammad Qasim (1722 AD),<br />

Hussain Lahauri(1731), Royal Court News of Mughals, Akhbarat-i-Darbar-i-Mualla (1708).<br />

Western sources: Father Wendel, Charles Wilkins, Crauford, James Browne, George Forester,<br />

<strong>and</strong> John Griffith. These sources clearly emphasize the tenants of Nanak as enshrined in Guru<br />

<strong>Granth</strong> Sahib as the <strong>on</strong>ly promulgated scripture of the <strong>Sikh</strong>s.<br />

There was no trace of any <strong>Granth</strong> with compositi<strong>on</strong>s as noted in Sodhak committee versi<strong>on</strong><br />

(1897AD) in Punjab or Delhi areas <strong>Sikh</strong> Instituti<strong>on</strong>s during 18 th century. This<br />

<strong>Granth</strong> must be seen in light of history. History shows that in late 18 th century Britishers started<br />

enjoying the fast declining power of Mughals at Delhi, but has to face recently rising str<strong>on</strong>g <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

power In the North. Historically, they knew the real power of <strong>Sikh</strong>s in Northern regi<strong>on</strong>.<br />

There is no evidence to support the asserti<strong>on</strong> floated by Mcleod <strong>and</strong> Grewal that in 18 th<br />

century, “Adi granth was not given any exclusive preference over the Bani of Guru<br />

Gobind Singh.” Malcolm’s self-created story that “At time of Khalsa Initiati<strong>on</strong>, Five<br />

Weap<strong>on</strong>s were presented to initiate” This idea was again promoted by Pashaura Singh &<br />

Mcleod that the “Organizers of Singh Sabha Movement replaced the traditi<strong>on</strong> of Five<br />

Weap<strong>on</strong>s with that of Five religious symbols (known as Five Ks)” But their ideas are not<br />

based <strong>on</strong> any <strong>Sikh</strong> or Western historical sources. Over 30 europeans including 5 French<br />

accounts do not write about any Gurmukhi granth of <strong>Dasam</strong>i patshahi in 18 th century.<br />

John Malcolm c<strong>on</strong>cocted the story to diffuse the most important c<strong>on</strong>cept of ‘Five<br />

Kakkars’ (<strong>Sikh</strong> baptism/Amrit cerem<strong>on</strong>y started <strong>on</strong> Vaisakhi of 1699AD) of Khalsa<br />

initiated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Malcolm in his book, Sketch of <strong>Sikh</strong>s (1810-<br />

1812AD), described that during <strong>Sikh</strong> baptism, “He ( Punj Piara) is then presented<br />

38


with the five weap<strong>on</strong>s: a sword, a firelock, a bow <strong>and</strong> arrow <strong>and</strong> a pike”. On page<br />

186 of the same book he further describes that Guru Gobind Singh created<br />

Khalsa <strong>on</strong> Friday, 8 th m<strong>on</strong>th of B’hadra in samat 1753 (1696 A.D.) The footnote<br />

<strong>on</strong> the same page reads as “Agreeably to this author, Guru Gobind was initated <strong>on</strong><br />

Friday the 8 th m<strong>on</strong>th of B’hadra in the samat 1753 (1696 A.D) <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong> that day his<br />

great work, the <strong>Dasam</strong>a Padshah Ka <strong>Granth</strong>, or book of the tenth king was<br />

completed”. This date matches with the date where the Chiritro Pakhiyan ends the<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> before the start of Zafarnama. Malcom reports that he used Dasma<br />

Patsh ka <strong>Granth</strong> which was procured by Colebrook (Now cataloged as MSS D5<br />

Punjabi in British Library, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>). He also used translati<strong>on</strong>s by Dr.Layden for<br />

his account. Dr. Layden was the translator of <strong>Sikh</strong> documents as is noted in the<br />

List of <strong>Sikh</strong> Compositi<strong>on</strong>s translated by John Layden <strong>and</strong> Used by Malcolm (MSS<br />

IOR EUR McKenzie Volume 40 British Library).This document shows that<br />

Layden translated <strong>on</strong>ly Bachitar Natak with its 14 cantos from a <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

manuscript. This c<strong>on</strong>firms the fact that there was <strong>on</strong>ly Bachitar Natak<br />

compositi<strong>on</strong> related to 10 th Guru at that time. There was no entity like Bachitar<br />

Natak <strong>Granth</strong> or Dasmi Patshahi Da <strong>Granth</strong> otherwise Dr Layden would have<br />

Translated directly from Such document. Colebrook, an attorney <strong>and</strong><br />

administrator in Calcutta, probably procured “Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong>” in<br />

Gurumukhi now cataloged as British Library MSS Punjabi D5 prepared by<br />

Nirmalas at Patna which was under the c<strong>on</strong>trol of East India company at that<br />

time). The title page of this <strong>Granth</strong> reads as,” NANAK PANTHI KABHYA” in<br />

Devnagri <strong>and</strong> at the top it title the given is in Devnagri as “ Gurumuki <strong>Granth</strong><br />

39


DasmiDasmi Patshahi .” Therefore the date of completi<strong>on</strong> of this <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong><br />

<strong>and</strong> creati<strong>on</strong> of Khalsa was taken from the this manuscript by Malcolm. But<br />

this manuscript is in Gurumukhi <strong>and</strong> clearly shows that Zafarnama is written in<br />

the same h<strong>and</strong>writing <strong>and</strong> same ink suggesting the date of this manuscript to be<br />

post 1706 A.D. era.There were 32 <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> circulating in Punjab area by 1895<br />

A.D., including some printed versi<strong>on</strong>s. Currently available published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong><br />

(1900, 1902) was created by the Sodhak Committee composed of British Cr<strong>on</strong>ies<br />

(Gurmat <strong>Granth</strong> parcharak Sabha a wing of Amritsar Singh Sabha) in1895-1896 <strong>and</strong><br />

they inturn issued a report with corrected h<strong>and</strong> written versi<strong>on</strong> in 1897 with the aim to<br />

match it as close as possible with the <strong>Granth</strong> floated earlier by them in the late 18 th<br />

century with the help of Nirmalas of Patna. The manuscript of this earlier <strong>Granth</strong> was<br />

planted in the East India Library by Colebrook & Charles Wilkins which was later used<br />

by John Malcolm in 1810, as a reference in his book “Sketch of the <strong>Sikh</strong>s”. Devnagri<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> (Presently in British Library, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>) was written in February 1847 after<br />

the <strong>Sikh</strong>s lost the first Anglo-<strong>Sikh</strong> War (Sec<strong>on</strong>d treaty with Lahore December 16, 1846 at<br />

Bhairowal when Britishers became virtual masters of Punjab). Treacherous Sardar Tej<br />

Singh was the chief of the regency council when this Devnagri <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> was<br />

created. In recogniti<strong>on</strong> of his services, the title of Raja was c<strong>on</strong>ferred <strong>on</strong> him <strong>on</strong> August<br />

7, 1847. In 1848 – 1849 Lord Dalhousie Open Proposal At The Eliminati<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

Nati<strong>on</strong> . In1855 Census <strong>Sikh</strong>s are clubbed with Hindus <strong>and</strong> No Separate <strong>Sikh</strong> Category<br />

although they signed treaties with Maharajah of <strong>Sikh</strong> Nati<strong>on</strong>. Situati<strong>on</strong> changed after<br />

1857 as <strong>Sikh</strong>s helped British in c<strong>on</strong>trolling Indian Mutiny.<br />

Story of Mani Singh compiling a <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> at the request of Mata Sundri during his stay at<br />

Amritsar between 1724 to 1736, is difficult to prove as the <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> reported to be<br />

compiled by him with seprate Bani of all gurus <strong>and</strong> Bhagat,s was found <strong>on</strong>ly in 1818 by history.<br />

40


The gurus Bani part of this manuscript is a Bano Versi<strong>on</strong> of Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib .therefore this<br />

granth cannot be the compositi<strong>on</strong> of Mani Singh who compiled the Damdami versi<strong>on</strong> of Adi<br />

Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib earlier In 1706AD. The story of Mehtab Singh <strong>and</strong> Sukha Singh slaying<br />

Massa Ranghar <strong>and</strong> reward of successful missi<strong>on</strong> keeping the various parts of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> as a<br />

single volume cannot be supported by any historical evidence. No such <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> has been<br />

seen anywhere. Baba deep Singh Ji has been documented in history that in 1726AD compiled 4<br />

copies of Damdami versi<strong>on</strong> of Sri Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib Ji. Giani Gian Singh reports that he also<br />

compiled a manuscript of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> in 1747 A.D. which ends at Asfotak Kabit. Only<br />

Sangrur Bir, as studied by Padam <strong>and</strong> Jaggi, is reported to end with the title of Asfotak Kabit. No<br />

original manuscript of this Baba deep Singh Bir is seen any where.. Therefore, it is probably<br />

Sangrur Bir is same as Baba Deep Singh Bir as reported by Giani Gian Singh.Bhai R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh<br />

clearly points out in his book, SHABMOORAT-Dasmi Patshahi dey <strong>Granth</strong> Da Ithas 1966 that<br />

“Giani Gian Singh never saw this Baba Deep Singh Bir reported by Him “. The first porti<strong>on</strong> o<br />

Sangrur Bir was composed of ‘Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib’ <strong>and</strong> the sec<strong>on</strong>d of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>.This<br />

manuscript c<strong>on</strong>tained additi<strong>on</strong>al compositi<strong>on</strong>s like Sansahar Sukhmana, Vaar Malkauns <strong>and</strong><br />

Chakka Bhagoti which were edited out by Sodhak Committee in 1897. Therefore, this manuscript<br />

cannot be c<strong>on</strong>sidered authentic. Also by history, Baba Deep Singh bir/Sangrur bir appeared in<br />

1857.This bir is no more available any where now.Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha 1931 In Mahan kosh<br />

writes that Baba deep Singh Bir <strong>and</strong> Bhai Mani Singh Bir is same. Then, Which is the original<br />

<strong>and</strong> Authentic Bir written by 10th Guru Ji Or compiled by Bhai Mani Singh Ji ? All of<br />

following <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Birs menti<strong>on</strong>ed in literature does not meet authenticity criteria by<br />

academic parameters. Mani Singh Bir, Ananadpuri (Hazuri) Two DG birs now present in patna<br />

Sahib. For details of history,textual analysis <strong>and</strong> issues read my article “<str<strong>on</strong>g>Debate</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong> <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

<strong>Granth</strong>; <strong>Issues</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Evidence</strong>” by clicking at http://www.globalsikhstudies.net/r_link/dasam.htm .<br />

Sangrur Bir, Misal Patna Bir,Moti Bag Gurudwara Bir Not traceable anywhere now)<br />

41


The author of this article has reviewed the history <strong>and</strong> texts of all important <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

<strong>Granth</strong>s reported in literature from 18 th to 20 th century <strong>and</strong> the summary of my findings is given<br />

below.<br />

Historical analysis shows that 10th master may have made many <strong>Granth</strong>s as noted in the 18 th<br />

century Gumukhi literature namely Smudsagar / Avtarlila / Vidyasagar <strong>Granth</strong>/Vidyadar <strong>Granth</strong> /<br />

Bachitar Natak /Satsai <strong>Granth</strong> (Chhibar—1769-1779AD <strong>and</strong> Mehma Parkash –1776AD). Chhibar<br />

& Sarup das Bhalla does not menti<strong>on</strong> about the c<strong>on</strong>tents or any arrangement of these <strong>Granth</strong>s. No<br />

Such original manuscripts of these <strong>Granth</strong> are available as they were reported to be lost either in<br />

rivers <strong>and</strong>/or warfare. Recognized academic parameters to prove authenticity of any <strong>Granth</strong><br />

must be as follows;<br />

(a) Date of document (when it was written),<br />

(b) History of the document,<br />

(c) Who is the scribe, <strong>and</strong>,<br />

(d) Internal inc<strong>on</strong>sistency,<br />

By using above criteria then which is closest versi<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> with the title of<br />

‘<strong>Granth</strong>’ as “Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong>.”?.The evidence proves that the compositi<strong>on</strong>s<br />

<strong>and</strong> their arrangements, as noted in the current published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> ( Since corrected<br />

in 1897 <strong>and</strong> published in 1900,1902AD) can be easily traced to Colebrook’s Gurumukhi<br />

<strong>Granth</strong> ( BL MSS Punjabi 5D ) based <strong>on</strong> Text <strong>and</strong> History. It has no coloph<strong>on</strong> but<br />

probably was written between 1781 <strong>and</strong> 1805 A.D., because Charles Wilkin in 1781 A.D.<br />

writes in his account that he saw at Patna another <strong>Granth</strong> written in Hindoove <strong>and</strong><br />

Sanskrit <strong>on</strong>ly. Then Colebrook procures this Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong> title written in<br />

Devnagri but c<strong>on</strong>tents of <strong>Granth</strong> in Gurmukhi. Neither Colebrook Nor Malcolm writes<br />

anywhere from where they procured this <strong>Granth</strong>. Malcolm writes about his c<strong>on</strong>tacts with<br />

42


Nirmalas in his account. Charles Wilkin writes in his account to translate at some<br />

future period the <strong>Granth</strong> he saw in Hindoove with many Sanskrit words in 1781AD.<br />

Therefore it proves British source of this <strong>Granth</strong> is from Nirmalas in patna <strong>on</strong>ly as<br />

Malcolm & Colebrook do not write about any history or source of this <strong>Granth</strong><br />

• There was no <strong>Granth</strong> with the title “ Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong>” associated<br />

with Guru Gobind Singh in Punjab or Delhi areas in 18 th century as reported<br />

by Malcolm. Budha dal organizati<strong>on</strong> ,s Sri Sarbloh <strong>Granth</strong> Ji, Published by<br />

Singh Sahib Baba Santa Singh Ji at Budha dal Printing Press Lower Mal<br />

Patiala, Editor <strong>and</strong> Writer Jathedar Dyal Singh Year 2000 writes in<br />

Introducti<strong>on</strong> page Khakha of volume <strong>on</strong>e that “ Sarbloh <strong>Granth</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

<strong>Granth</strong> came to Punjab in Samat 1860(1803AD)”<br />

• . Photographs published by Padam in his 3 rd editi<strong>on</strong> of “<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Darpan 1990”<br />

from Anad puri Bir has no authenticity Padam Ji reports those photographs to be in<br />

possessi<strong>on</strong> of Mata Sundri Ji .But by history gives no evidence to trace these pictures to<br />

18 th <strong>and</strong> 19 th century bel<strong>on</strong>ging to 10 th guru Ji<br />

• By the end of the 19th century (1895), 32 Birs of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>, including 6 printed<br />

versi<strong>on</strong>s, were available in Punjab<br />

1) Published by Diwan Boota Singh. Aftaf Punjab Press, Kept at Gurdwara Darshni<br />

Deori,Guru Ka Bazar. (Pages 1214).<br />

2) Published by Syalkoat Printing press. Used at Mahant Gurdit Dera.<br />

3) Published by Jind Press. Prepared under the directi<strong>on</strong> of Maharaja of Jind from 11<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>s. (Pages 2098)<br />

4) Published by Amrit Sir Printing Press by P<strong>and</strong>it Bhagwan Singh. (Pages 1478.)<br />

43


5) Typed volume by Sardar Sundar Singh Sahib. (Pages 1412)<br />

6) Published by Bhai Hari Singh Printing Press.<br />

Above six versi<strong>on</strong> were in circulati<strong>on</strong> in Punjab at the that time which were used by Sodhak<br />

Committee to compile & correct the final versi<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Dasam</strong> Patshahi GURU <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib<br />

JI.<br />

There are many unanswered questi<strong>on</strong>s relating to the compilati<strong>on</strong> of present <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong><br />

prepared under the directi<strong>on</strong> of Sodhak committee.<br />

A) Why the committee did not accept any <strong>on</strong>e original versi<strong>on</strong>?<br />

B) The compositi<strong>on</strong>s shown underneath were deleted by the Sodhak committee which were<br />

originally present in many h<strong>and</strong> written <strong>and</strong> published manuscripts of 32 <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>.<br />

Questi<strong>on</strong> arises as to why the Sodhak Committee deleted the following compositi<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> who<br />

authorized the committee members to do so.<br />

1. Sansahar Sukhmana – 43 stanzas Few praising Hindu Deities <strong>and</strong> betraying Sukhmani by 5th<br />

Guru,<br />

2. Vaar Malkauns – 11 Pauris, Nanak Jo Prabh Bhawangey, Harji Harm<strong>and</strong>ar Awangey<br />

3. Vaar Bhagouti Ji Ki – Different from Vaar Durga Ki – Bhagat Bhagouti Tis Ki, Jo Jan Dhir Dhre<br />

4- Sri Bhagwant Gita Bhakha sri Govind singh Kirt<br />

5- Raag Asa &Raag Sorith Patshai Das<br />

6- Asfotak Kabits (Published by R<strong>and</strong>ir Singh in <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> at Punjabi University),Saddthree<br />

verses recited in lakhi Jungle<br />

7-Majh Patshahi 10,<br />

8-Chhaka Bhagauti Ji Ka.<br />

• . Lahore Singh Sabha with 118 associati<strong>on</strong>s did not recognize the new <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

Pathshai Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib in 1897. Three articles were published in Khalsa<br />

Akhbar Lahore against the Sodhak committee <strong>on</strong> October 4 <strong>and</strong> 25, <strong>and</strong><br />

November 1 st , 1895.<br />

44


• The above Bir has no significance am<strong>on</strong>g the <strong>Sikh</strong>s as it is not menti<strong>on</strong>ed by Akali Ran<br />

Singh in his book about <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> (1905)<br />

• Kahan Singh Nabha in Mahan Kosh (1931) does not menti<strong>on</strong> 1897 Sodhak committee<br />

report or <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> published in 1900 & 1902 AD. He talks <strong>on</strong>ly about two Birs <strong>on</strong>e<br />

by Mani Singh <strong>and</strong> another by Sukha Singh, <strong>and</strong> requests more thorough work <strong>on</strong> this<br />

issue.<br />

• SGPC authorized SRM gives no importance to <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Published by Sodhak<br />

Committee<br />

• Dharam Pal Ashta (1959) based his thesis <strong>on</strong> Sodhak committee report of 1897 without<br />

c<strong>on</strong>firming the authenticity of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Manuscripts used in his study.<br />

• Historical analysis shows that no Bir of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> was seen in Punjab or New Delhi<br />

area in 18th century, <strong>on</strong>ly Charles Wilkins in 1781 saw a sec<strong>on</strong>d <strong>Granth</strong> (written in<br />

Hindoove &Sanskrit) in Patna which he reported appeared later. In his account he has<br />

clearly menti<strong>on</strong>ed that Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib was the <strong>on</strong>ly sanctified <strong>and</strong> promulgated<br />

<strong>Granth</strong> of <strong>Sikh</strong>s.<br />

• Historical records show that B<strong>and</strong>a Singh Bahadar, Nawab Kapur Singh, Jassa Singh<br />

Ahluwalia, <strong>and</strong> Sardars of <strong>Sikh</strong> Misals of the 18th century do not revere <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>.<br />

Baghel Singh built eight historical Gurudwaras in New Delhi in 1784: No evidence of<br />

installati<strong>on</strong> of any <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> anywhere in 1784AD at newly built Delhi Gurudwaras<br />

• Textual analyses of all known Birs of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> show arrangement variati<strong>on</strong>s of<br />

titles in Tatkara, <strong>and</strong> in the internal textual c<strong>on</strong>tents. History of presently available<br />

important <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Birs with compositi<strong>on</strong>s as noted in corrected <strong>Granth</strong> by<br />

Sodhak Committee(1897AD) does not go bey<strong>on</strong>d before 1818 AD.<br />

45


• Khaas Patra available has many academic issues. Kesar Singh Chibbar 1769AD (61<br />

years later) menti<strong>on</strong>s “seven loose sheets came into the possessi<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Sikh</strong>s in<br />

Lahore” Santokh Singh in 1843 (135 years later), talks about seeing” 62<br />

patras”N<strong>on</strong>e of the above authors put the pages in Appendix.Who collected these<br />

patras, from where, <strong>and</strong> who were the custodians? No historical evidence of such<br />

collecti<strong>on</strong>.I have seen Khas Patras of Bhai Mani Singh Bir <strong>and</strong> An<strong>and</strong>Puri Bir. I<br />

have not seen Moti Bagh Gurdwara Bir as it is not available now.( quoting<br />

Jaggi,work 1966 who has seen them).This h<strong>and</strong> writing is called Shikasta<br />

Gurmukhi (Khas lipi) of these Khas patras is same. This type of h<strong>and</strong>writing is<br />

seen in 8 other sikh manuscritpts including Hukamnamas. This type of writing<br />

was prevalent at that time in MANDI SAKET <strong>and</strong> adjacent Sahara Riesman. (see<br />

Jaggi 1966 <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> Partita 1966 Pages 113 -139) Jaggi has proven by<br />

comparing the h<strong>and</strong> writing that this Khas Patra writing bel<strong>on</strong>gs to Charat Singh<br />

granthi (who was s<strong>on</strong> of Bhai Sukha Singh who became a powerful Mahant in<br />

1832 as he was promoted from a <strong>Granth</strong>i Post) at Patna. Giani Gian Singh ( 1880<br />

AD Panth parkash ) is of the same opini<strong>on</strong> “There is another <strong>Granth</strong>i named<br />

Sukha Singh who compiled a bir <strong>on</strong> his own at Patna. Charat Singh is his s<strong>on</strong>. His<br />

h<strong>and</strong>writing perfectly matches with the Gurus. Having announced the signature of<br />

the Guru, he received m<strong>on</strong>ey four times the usual or as much as he wanted”. Khas<br />

Patras Chh<strong>and</strong> Serial Numbers<br />

-Mani Singh Bir 8 khas patras (2229-2258,5346-5774)<br />

-Moti Bagh Bir 7Khas patras (7011-7117, 7333-7444)<br />

-An<strong>and</strong>puri Bir 8 khas patras (7178-7332)<br />

46


Khas Patras <strong>and</strong> internal text does not match in many khas Patras. Transcripti<strong>on</strong> pages of<br />

many Khas Patras bears Nissans as ascribed to GuruJi.<br />

Now matching the serial Numbers of Khas patras in the all three dasam <strong>Granth</strong> proves<br />

the fact that there is <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e source of these khas Patras who made M<strong>on</strong>ey which was<br />

Charat Singh as reporteted by giani Gian Singh<br />

• Letter of Mani Singh is shown to be spurious please refer to jaggi,s “ <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong><br />

Authenticity, 1966”<br />

• Historical inc<strong>on</strong>sistencies in Bachitar Natak.<br />

-Bachittar Natak does not menti<strong>on</strong> martyrdom of fifth guru &Adi granth installati<strong>on</strong> 1604.<br />

Four lines between the name of fifth guru <strong>and</strong> ninth guru. Praise of Guru Teg Bahadur<br />

martyrdom in Brahamnical way.<br />

-Absesnce of Pir Budhu Shah role in Battle of Bhangani.<br />

-Talks about Bedis <strong>and</strong> Sodhis but does not menti<strong>on</strong> sec<strong>on</strong>d guru who was Trehan <strong>and</strong><br />

third guru who was Bhalla.<br />

-Places Mohammed appearance in history after Raman<strong>and</strong> (wr<strong>on</strong>g chr<strong>on</strong>ology)<br />

-In Canto 7, writes that Guru Gobind Singh went from Patna to madura Des,area<br />

between Beas & Jehlum (Bakala?) where he was brought up.<br />

-Does not menti<strong>on</strong> the creati<strong>on</strong> of Khalsa, the most important historical event by Guru<br />

Gobind Singh <strong>and</strong> fails to menti<strong>on</strong> Amrit cerem<strong>on</strong>y.<br />

-Fails to menti<strong>on</strong> Battle of Chamkaur<br />

-Talks about Waheguru, Akal Purkh but no menti<strong>on</strong> of Adi <strong>Granth</strong> from 1604 revered by<br />

the <strong>Sikh</strong> Gurus<br />

• There are various scribes of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>, therefore, it is difficult to discuss the<br />

orthography due to lack of many original manuscripts.<br />

47


• Ideological inc<strong>on</strong>sistencies <strong>and</strong> variati<strong>on</strong>s<br />

• Heterogeneous <strong>Granth</strong> of different collecti<strong>on</strong>s compiled by Sukha Singh <strong>and</strong> promoted by<br />

the Britishers.<br />

• Dating inc<strong>on</strong>sistencies <strong>and</strong> wr<strong>on</strong>g chr<strong>on</strong>ology. Eight compositi<strong>on</strong>s present in many Birs<br />

were deleted in the 1897 versi<strong>on</strong> of published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> text.<br />

• Bachitar Natak, a manipulative collecti<strong>on</strong> with no menti<strong>on</strong> of martyrdom of 5th Guru,<br />

reverence of Adi <strong>Granth</strong> compiled in 1604—the spiritual guru to the <strong>Sikh</strong>s since then. No<br />

menti<strong>on</strong> of creati<strong>on</strong> of Khalsa <strong>and</strong> Amrit cerem<strong>on</strong>y.<br />

• Malcom’s sketch of the <strong>Sikh</strong>s created a distorted <strong>Sikh</strong>ism ( change of 5 Kakars to 5<br />

weap<strong>on</strong>s, wr<strong>on</strong>g date of creati<strong>on</strong> of Khalsa <strong>and</strong> Amrit Chhak by Gurugobind Singh Ji by<br />

matching it with the date where the Chiritro Pakhiyan ends in <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> as<br />

written in colebrooke,s granth written between 1781-1805 AD) to diminish the<br />

spirit of the <strong>Sikh</strong>s <strong>and</strong> their government as proposed by William Franklin in 1803 in his<br />

account.<br />

A)Achievements of 18th Century <strong>Sikh</strong>ism Without <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong><br />

-C<strong>on</strong>trol of territory between Indus <strong>and</strong> Ganges<br />

-No foreign invasi<strong>on</strong> after 1767<br />

-The Rohillas leader Najib-Ud- Daulah admits his defeat in his letter to Queen-Mother<br />

Shah Alam II, “<strong>Sikh</strong>s have prevailed everywhere”. His s<strong>on</strong>, Zubita Khan gets baptized ,1777<br />

(Dharam Singh). “Ek Guru Ka Do Chela, Adha <strong>Sikh</strong>, Adha Rohilla”.<br />

-Jat Raja of Bhartpur gets military assistance from <strong>Sikh</strong> misals<br />

-<strong>Sikh</strong>s raid Delhi 13 times between 1766 <strong>and</strong> 1788. In 1783 Jassa S. Ahluwalia seated <strong>and</strong><br />

crowned in Red Fort. Bagel Singh c<strong>on</strong>trols Delhi for <strong>on</strong>e year <strong>and</strong> builds eight historical<br />

gurudwaras <strong>and</strong> takes Rakhi<br />

- Successes against Nawad of Oudh<br />

48


• Maratha led fights against Cis-Satluj states with failure <strong>and</strong> final treaty with <strong>Sikh</strong>s, 1785<br />

• 1791 – Captured Lt. Col. Robert Stuart from Anupshahar cant<strong>on</strong>ment at Bank of Ganges<br />

<strong>and</strong> released after 10 m<strong>on</strong>ths with ransom of Rs. 60,000<br />

• Dominated Hill Rajas at base of Himalayas from Jehlum to Ganges<br />

• Multan c<strong>on</strong>quered in 1772<br />

• Shah Jaman of Kabul last time came to Lahore in 1798. Sent presents to <strong>Sikh</strong>s at<br />

Amritsar but <strong>Sikh</strong>s did not allow him to go to Delhi <strong>and</strong> he returned empty h<strong>and</strong>ed.<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong>s in 18 th century have great territorial successes but failed to watch the<br />

Gurudwaras where religious teaching was d<strong>on</strong>e by Udasis, Nirmalas& Shahids taksals<br />

who gave vedantic interpretati<strong>on</strong> to Sri Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib through newly created<br />

“<strong>Dasam</strong>i Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong>” popularized including help of its creati<strong>on</strong> by Malcolm.<br />

B) British Missi<strong>on</strong>ary Expansi<strong>on</strong> <strong>Evidence</strong><br />

Britishers have missi<strong>on</strong>ary interest in the creati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> promoti<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

<strong>Granth</strong> as proven by following account of Tennant:<br />

– William Tennant, 1796 (Ch. Missi<strong>on</strong>ary <strong>and</strong> his Majesty’s Chaplin):<br />

“They may be regarded as the reformed in India, <strong>and</strong> though the rules of<br />

their founder Nanuch have c<strong>on</strong>siderable hold over them, they would not perhaps<br />

prove as inaccessible to the arguments of missi<strong>on</strong>aries as the followers of<br />

Brahma. The extensive county of Punjab is holy in their possessi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> forms a<br />

wide <strong>and</strong> untried field, which in some future period may signalize the labors of<br />

European missi<strong>on</strong>aries”<br />

C) British POLITICAL Expansi<strong>on</strong> into North <strong>Evidence</strong><br />

George Thomas in 1800 entered the Punjab with 5,000 troops <strong>and</strong> 60 pieces of artillery, but<br />

was unsuccessful in planting the British flag <strong>on</strong> the bank of Sutlej.(Dr. G<strong>and</strong>a<br />

Singh)William Franklin, 1803 writes:<br />

“The nati<strong>on</strong>, so obscure as hardly to be menti<strong>on</strong>ed, even as a tribe, at the<br />

beginning of the present century, have within these last thirty years raised<br />

themselves in such reputati<strong>on</strong>, as not <strong>on</strong>ly to attract the notice, but excite the<br />

alarm of the neighbors <strong>on</strong> both sides of their government.<br />

They possess the whole of Punjab <strong>and</strong> it is very probable will <strong>on</strong>e<br />

day or the other, have an eye to a participati<strong>on</strong> of the Viziers provinces; I propose,<br />

therefore to obtain every possible informati<strong>on</strong> of their tribe, manners, customs,<br />

<strong>and</strong> spirit of the government, should we be able to penetrate into the Punjab…”<br />

-1803 Lord lake writes friendly letters to sikh Chiefs, Official orders <strong>on</strong> the above<br />

proposal passed by East India Co. June 25th 1805.<br />

c) Achievements of the Britishers by Introducing <strong>and</strong> Promoting <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

<strong>Granth</strong> through Nirmalas/shahids in Punjab Early 19th Century by<br />

Vedantizati<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Sikh</strong>ism<br />

49


• Able to create an ideological rift between the <strong>Sikh</strong>s( nanakpanthis <strong>and</strong> khalsa<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong>s,Jats <strong>and</strong> N<strong>on</strong> Jats)<br />

• Decreased the influence of Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib<br />

• Fall of Maharaja Ranjit Singh kingdom. (Political Territorial gain <strong>and</strong> finishing the<br />

barrier between rest of India <strong>and</strong> central Asia)<br />

• Punjab became a new field for Christian missi<strong>on</strong>aries <strong>and</strong> total of 44 new missi<strong>on</strong>s<br />

came in Punjab after the fall of <strong>Sikh</strong> kingdom. Only Lothian Missi<strong>on</strong> was opened in 1834.<br />

• Christian’s missi<strong>on</strong>s total 44, American Presbyterian – 16, Church of Engl<strong>and</strong> – 7,<br />

American United Presbyterian – 11, Church of Scotl<strong>and</strong> – 3, New Zeal<strong>and</strong> Presbyterian –<br />

2, Methodist Church of Southern Asia – 6<br />

• Dalip Singh, Last <strong>Sikh</strong> King, baptized to Christianity in 1853& Raja Harman Singh s/o<br />

R<strong>and</strong>hir Singh of Kapurthala in late eighteen sixties<br />

d) Financial Gain by Mahant Nawal Singh, Dayal Singh <strong>and</strong> Sukha Singh<br />

<strong>Granth</strong>i (who later became Mahant at Takhat), at Patna Sahib.<br />

• Compilers of Brahmincal ideology c<strong>on</strong>verting & promoting Dasmi patshi Ka <strong>Granth</strong> in<br />

Gurmukhi from collecti<strong>on</strong> named Nanak Panthi Kabya in Hindoove as reported By<br />

Charles Wilkins in 1781(Colebrook D.G.given to E.I. Library in 1812 with no colopan)<br />

received following financial gains.<br />

• Annual pensi<strong>on</strong> in rupees from 1814 <strong>on</strong>wards<br />

• Annual mofussi<strong>on</strong> opium 20 seers from bureau of revenue service from1814 “registrar<br />

of pensi<strong>on</strong>s available from Patna treasury”.<br />

• No grounds <strong>on</strong> which this pensi<strong>on</strong> in Rupees <strong>and</strong> opium was paid indicated in the<br />

records.<br />

• Takhat Patna was under East India company in end 18th century initially by order of<br />

collecti<strong>on</strong> by Shah Alam. In 1810 Board of Revenue, in 1865 under civil district judge.<br />

• For details please refer to Book by Dr. Ved Prakash “<strong>Sikh</strong>s in Bihar”<br />

e) British c<strong>on</strong>tinued interest in c<strong>on</strong>trol of <strong>Sikh</strong> Religious Places even<br />

30 years after Annexati<strong>on</strong><br />

50


• After 1857AD Indan Mutiny there was Change in Political Atmosphere as Britishers<br />

used help of <strong>Sikh</strong>s to c<strong>on</strong>trol this mutiny . Special Reservati<strong>on</strong> for Khalsa <strong>Sikh</strong>s in the<br />

Military <strong>and</strong> neutral religi<strong>on</strong> policy was there <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> paper <strong>on</strong>ly. Eggert<strong>on</strong> letter exposes<br />

real British plan to c<strong>on</strong>trol <strong>Sikh</strong>s through their instituti<strong>on</strong>s( c<strong>on</strong>trolling all Pujaris at darbar<br />

sahib <strong>and</strong> Akal takhat).<br />

In 1881 because of c<strong>on</strong>tinued Excellent Military Help by <strong>Sikh</strong>s to the Britishers. There<br />

was a Proposal by Viceroy Ripen to Give <strong>Sikh</strong> Instituti<strong>on</strong>s into <strong>Sikh</strong> H<strong>and</strong>s, but Eggert<strong>on</strong>,<br />

Gov. of Punjab, Opposed This Advice. ““I Think it will be politically dangerous to allow the<br />

management of <strong>Sikh</strong> temples to fall into the h<strong>and</strong>s of a committee, emancipated from<br />

government c<strong>on</strong>trol. <strong>and</strong> trust, your Excellency will resist passing such orders in the case,<br />

as will enable to c<strong>on</strong>tinue the system, which has worked successfully for more than 30<br />

years.” (MS. ADD 43592, British Library)<br />

Based <strong>on</strong> academic parameters guidelines, history <strong>Sikh</strong> British relati<strong>on</strong>s, history <strong>and</strong> texts<br />

of various <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong>s available between 18 th -20 th centuries It becomes very clear that the<br />

earliest authentic versi<strong>on</strong> with the title of <strong>Granth</strong> as “ Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong>”<br />

written in Devnagri <strong>and</strong> actual <strong>Granth</strong> written in Gurumukhi is (BL MSS Punjabi 5D)<br />

d<strong>on</strong>ated to British Library by Colebrook. The compositi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> their arrangements as<br />

noted in the current <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> ( corrected by sodhak committee in 1897) clearly<br />

match with this <strong>Granth</strong>. There is no coloph<strong>on</strong> in this granth but in my opini<strong>on</strong> it was<br />

probably written between 1781 AD <strong>and</strong> 1805 A.D., because Charles Wilkin in 1781 A.D.<br />

locates another <strong>Granth</strong> in Patina in Hindoove <strong>and</strong> Sanskrit. But it appears then<br />

Colebrook procures this Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong> titled in Devnagri but <strong>Granth</strong><br />

C<strong>on</strong>tents in Gurmukhi with help of Nirmalas at Patna.<br />

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• I agree with Gian Singh Giani (1880, Panth Parkash) that “There was no<br />

Bir of this <strong>Granth</strong> during the time of the 10th Guru Ji. Banis remained<br />

separated here <strong>and</strong> there”. They were interpolated into heterogeneous<br />

<strong>Granth</strong> compiled in late 18 th<br />

Century.1n early 1900s Panthic <strong>Sikh</strong>s knew<br />

which were real compositi<strong>on</strong>s of 10 th Guru, <strong>and</strong> re-identified those again<br />

<strong>and</strong> made them part of SRM. Therefore, compositi<strong>on</strong>s of the 10 th master<br />

as accepted in SRM are final <strong>and</strong> cannot <strong>and</strong> should not be challenged.<br />

• Tenth guru <strong>on</strong>ly gave sanctificati<strong>on</strong> to A.G.G.S. al<strong>on</strong>e in 1708, <strong>and</strong> not to any other<br />

<strong>Granth</strong>.<br />

• Bani of A.G.G.S. is the sole Guru for <strong>Sikh</strong>s <strong>and</strong> a sole can<strong>on</strong> to accept any idea, c<strong>on</strong>cept,<br />

suggesti<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> any writing. Based up<strong>on</strong> above doctrine, Banis of 10th Guru that are<br />

accepted in <strong>Sikh</strong> Rahat Maryada got sanctified by Guru Panth (1927-1936) are final <strong>and</strong><br />

unquesti<strong>on</strong>able. Japu Sahib, 10 Swaeyas (swarg Sudu Waley 21-30 Akal Ustit), Chaupai,<br />

Ardas, Dohra <strong>and</strong> Sweeya in Rehras (as sancti<strong>on</strong>ed in RehatMaryada). Additi<strong>on</strong>aly<br />

Others compositi<strong>on</strong>s including Akal Ustit (except Chh<strong>and</strong> 201-230),Khalsa Mehma, 33<br />

Swaeyas, Shabad Hazarey <strong>and</strong> Zafarnama are Banis / writings of 10th Guru as their<br />

interpretati<strong>on</strong> matches with idea, c<strong>on</strong>tent <strong>and</strong> message of SGGS.<br />

• “Khalsa Panth” is the <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>Sikh</strong> entity that is collectively authorized to make /<br />

accept any changes based up<strong>on</strong> the doctrines enshrined in A.G.G.S. acceptable to<br />

the Guru Panth as finalized by the 10th Guru before his demise <strong>on</strong> October, 1708<br />

A.D.<br />

Based <strong>on</strong> the review of history <strong>and</strong> Text of the current <strong>Granth</strong>, it clearly shows that it was<br />

used by the Britishers to divide the <strong>Sikh</strong>s for gaining political power to exp<strong>and</strong> into<br />

North, as well as for Missi<strong>on</strong>ary Expansi<strong>on</strong> in Punjab in early 1800A.D. <strong>Dasam</strong><br />

<strong>Granth</strong> since 1947 has become a h<strong>and</strong>y tool for the Brahmanical ideology to use it<br />

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for divisi<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>g the <strong>Sikh</strong>s <strong>and</strong> diffuse the unique <strong>Sikh</strong> ideology enshrined in Sri<br />

Guru <strong>Granth</strong> Sahib.<br />

In c<strong>on</strong>clusi<strong>on</strong>, presently <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> is a piece of <strong>Sikh</strong> literature like many other books in <strong>Sikh</strong><br />

history which does c<strong>on</strong>tain Nit Nem compositi<strong>on</strong> of <strong>Sikh</strong>s as sancti<strong>on</strong>ed In <strong>Sikh</strong> Rahat Mardaya.<br />

Tenth guru gave no sanctificati<strong>on</strong> to any <strong>Granth</strong> other than the S.G.G.S. Presently published<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> available since 1897 is a heterogeneous <strong>Granth</strong> compiled in late 18th century by<br />

Mahant Nawal & Dayal Singh <strong>and</strong> Sukha Singh <strong>Granth</strong>i at Patna by transliterating a Hindoove<br />

language manuscript “Nanak Panthi Kabya” to Gurmukhi <strong>Granth</strong>, “Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong>”<br />

(presently located in BL L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> Cataloged as MSS D5 Punlabi). They Interpolated Bani <strong>and</strong><br />

some writings of Patshahi 10 <strong>and</strong> other similar Saloks popular in SGGS ( Gutkas or oral<br />

remembrance of <strong>Sikh</strong> families) into this heterogeneous <strong>Granth</strong> inorder to gain credibility of this<br />

<strong>Granth</strong>. This <strong>Granth</strong> was promoted by Malcolm initially in “Sketch of the <strong>Sikh</strong>s” <strong>and</strong> was<br />

brought to Punjab Gurdwaras by Nirmalas <strong>and</strong> Shahid Taksals in early 19th Century. This fact<br />

can be easily understood <strong>and</strong> deduced from the summary of Malcolm’s account given in his book<br />

(1810,1812AD).<br />

“The tribes of Acalis (immortals) who have now assumed a dictatorial sway in all the religious<br />

cerem<strong>on</strong>ies at Amritsar, <strong>and</strong> Nirmala <strong>and</strong> Shahid, who read the sacred writings, may<br />

hereafter introduce some changes in those usages which the <strong>Sikh</strong>s revere: but it is probable<br />

that the spirit of equality, which has been hitherto c<strong>on</strong>sidered as the vital principal of the<br />

Khalsa or comm<strong>on</strong>wealth, <strong>and</strong> which makes all <strong>Sikh</strong>s so reluctant to own either a temporal<br />

or spiritual leader will tend greatly to preserve their instituti<strong>on</strong>s from invasi<strong>on</strong>; <strong>and</strong> it is<br />

stated in a traditi<strong>on</strong> which is universally believed by the <strong>Sikh</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> has, indeed been inserted in<br />

their sacred writings, that Guru Gobind Singh when he was asked by his followers, who<br />

surrounded his death bed, to whom he would leave the authority? Replied, I have delivered<br />

over the Khalsa (comm<strong>on</strong>wealth) to God, who never dies. I have been your guide; <strong>and</strong> will still<br />

53


preserve you; read the Grant’h <strong>and</strong> attend to its tenets; <strong>and</strong> whoever remains true to the<br />

state him will I aid.”<br />

Why Malcolm Wrote in 1810 A.D. that, “Nirmala <strong>and</strong> Shahid, who read the sacred writings,<br />

may hereafter introduce some changes”? Because, as per British Policy, they created <strong>and</strong><br />

popularized Dasmi Patshi Ka <strong>Granth</strong> which was transliterated from a document called<br />

“NANAK PANTHI KABHYA” with the help of Nirmalaa of Patna.<br />

It is well known to students of Political Science <strong>and</strong> history that “It has been always a<br />

notorious tactics of political power to deny a distinct unity to populati<strong>on</strong>s it seeks to<br />

govern, to treat them as C<strong>on</strong>tingent <strong>and</strong> Indeterminate” History <strong>and</strong> other evidence as<br />

outlined above shows that in 1800 Britishers started enjoying the fast declining fortunes<br />

of Mughals at Delhi but has to face recently rising str<strong>on</strong>g <strong>Sikh</strong> Power In North. They knew<br />

real power <strong>and</strong> history of <strong>Sikh</strong>s in North. They intenti<strong>on</strong>ally created <strong>and</strong> promoted so<br />

called “Dasmi Patshahi Ka <strong>Granth</strong>” to gain entry in Punjab <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong> their Kingdom for<br />

Missi<strong>on</strong>ary <strong>and</strong> Political Purpose.<br />

<strong>Sikh</strong>ism is an integrated religi<strong>on</strong> with unity of <strong>Sikh</strong> thought between the first <strong>and</strong> tenth<br />

Guru. Tenth Guru sanctified <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e <strong>Granth</strong> which is SGGS<br />

Gian Singh Giani, (Panth Parkash 1880) “The <strong>Granth</strong> that is now known as that of<br />

the 10th Guru. There was no Bir of this <strong>Granth</strong> during the time of the Guru. Banis<br />

remained separated here <strong>and</strong> there”Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha 1931AD writes<br />

“ignorant <strong>and</strong> Manmauji has written many Birs of <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> who have made<br />

them meaningless. He lamented that no Guru’s Premi tried to do any corrective<br />

remedy so far”. The authenticity of this published <strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> as compiled by<br />

Sodhak Committee in 1897 needs a thorough Gurmat based independent inquiry by<br />

54


a committee of Panthic scholars of all shades c<strong>on</strong>stituted under the guidance of<br />

SGPC <strong>and</strong> Sri Akal tact as so<strong>on</strong> as possible.<br />

Sri Akal Tact <strong>and</strong> the Singh Sahibans at Darbar Sahib Amritsar have already<br />

rejected the Chritiropakhyan in their letter #36672 August 3 rd 1973 issued by<br />

Gurbax Singh secretary Dharam Parchar committee S.G.P.C. with their opini<strong>on</strong><br />

that “ChritroPakhyan is not Dashmesh Bani. The Pakhyanns are infact copies of<br />

old Hindu Mythhas Stories”. They must take a fresh look at other spurious Banis<br />

purposely lumped together <strong>and</strong> attributed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.<br />

For OPINION ON autheticity issues of<br />

<strong>Dasam</strong> <strong>Granth</strong> BY OTHER<br />

SCHOLARS. Please Click<br />

<strong>on</strong>http://www.globalsikhstudies.net/r_li<br />

nk/dasam.htm<br />

For debates <strong>on</strong> Skh study issues.Click <strong>on</strong><br />

www.<strong>Global</strong>sikhstudies.net<br />

Jasbir singh mann M.D.<br />

California<br />

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