Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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The Guru showed benevolence to the despised calico-printers,
Kalals and the low-caste Gujars, Ahirs, Kambohs and Soods whom
no one took into any account.
The Guru thought that water-carriers, barbers, Aroras, potters,
Saini, Goldsmiths, sweepers (Chuhras), leather-workers,
Bhats, Brahmins, beggars, Bahoroopias, Lubanas and potters —
all downtrodden should be given sovereignity; they would remember
the gift of the Guru.’ 14
2. Plebian Base
The Sikh movement had not only a plebian political mission,
but it had also a plebian base. It was necessary that the downtrodden
castes and classes should be both the architects and masters of their
own destiny. When Guru Hargobind declared his intention of arming
the Panth, four hundred men volunteered their services. ‘Calicoprinters,
water-carriers, and sarpenters; Barbers, all came to (his)
place.’ 15 The Muhammandan survivors of the battle of Lohgarh
reported: ‘Although the Sikhs were of all castes and trade, they proved
brave in battle, and the Imperial army was not to blame for its defeat.’ 16
The Subedar of Jullundur agreed to mount an expedition against Guru
Hargobind, because ‘it was supposed that the few men the Guru had
with him were a worthless rabble, since they had been enlisted from
the dregs of the people. It was said that they consisted only of strolling
singers, barbers, washermen, cobblers, and such like, who would
disperse the moment they found themselves confronted with the regular
troops.’ 17 Painda Khan deserted the Guru and told the Emperor that
the Guru had no army. ‘Barbers, Washermen, , pedlars, strolling
ministrels, and similar unwarlike people compose that he calleth his
army.’ 18 When asked by the Raja what kind of army Guru Gobind Singh
had, Bhikhan Khan replied:
‘Subject people have come together; rustic Jats, oil-pressers,
barbers, Bhati, Lubana, Leather-dressers. Many Banias,
Aroras, Bhats; Sudras, Calico-printers, Jats, carpenters,
twelve castes and Sanat (low castes) are joined; these are