Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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For the hill Rajas it was simply unthinkable that they should
have social equality, or make common cause, with the low castes, or
that these low castes could ever succeed in getting Raj. In response to
the reaction of the hill Rajas, the Guru said:
‘I am pleased with the sparrows (the Khalsa, most of whom
were drawn from the low castes);
These sparrows will kill many hawks.
If I make the sparrows humble the hawks
Then alone shall I be satisfied.’ 7
This revolutionary aim appeared an impossible task to achieve
not only to the hill Rajas, but also to some later historians, who wonder
how Guru Gobind Singh could conceive of it. The author of Haqiqat
wrote, ‘At that time Tegh Bahadur* very often spoke in the words of a
mad man… As for example, The Sikhs were told: “Now it seems,
rather, it is ordained that the hawks must be hunted by the sparrows”;
that is, disgrace will reach the nobles from the lowly tribes and this the
disciples regarded as a glad tidings for them.
‘Khalsa is the army of God’ 8 , and ‘Khalsa is one who takes care
of the poor’ 9 , As such, it became its duty to fight the oppressor. “Khalsa
is one who fights in the forefront.” 10 The plebian cause and the duty
of the Khalsa to fight for it are thus made inseparable.
Guru Gobind Singh is said to have addressed Bhai Nand Lal to
the following effect:
‘Listen, Nand Lal, to this plan :
It will bring into being our Raj.
I shall weld four castes into one;
I shall make people remember God.
The Khalsa under the plan, will ride horses and support hawks;
The Turks will run away on seeing them.
It will make one man fight a lakh and a quarter;
He who dies (fighting) will be liberated….
* Here Teg Bahadur is confused for Guru Gobind Singh.