Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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It was clear that further pursuit of the Sikh mission demanded armed
conflict with Mughal Authority. The iniciatiative for this purpose was
also taken by Guru Arjun. Before he left for Lahore, he knew what
was in store for him. He apointed Hargobind as his successor. 35 He
told MianMir that he was suffering torture to set an example that
religion, as conceived by the Sikh Gurus, must be defended by the
open profession thereof. This sacrifice was a nceessary prelude to the
armed struggle to come; because the spirit of the people, who had
been rendered impotent by the caste ideology and cowed down by six
centuries of tyrannical political domination, had to be roused. In order
to leave no doubt of his intentions, he instructed, before his departure
for Lahore, his son Hargobind that he would have to retaliate against
the Turks (tyrants). 36 Guru Arjan, during the last moments of his life,
again sent specific instructions to his successor, ‘Let him sit fully armed
on his throne and maintain an army to the best of his ability.’ 37
It was customery for the former Gurus to wear Seli (a woolen
cord) as an insignia of Gurship. On the very first occasion of his
instalment as Guru, when Bhai Gurdas placed a Seli and a turban
before him, Hargobind ordered that the Seli should be deposited in
the treasure. “My Seli”, he said “shall be a sword belt, and I shall wear
my turban with a royal aigrette.” 38 He girded himself with two swords,
signifying Miri and Piri, i.e. one symbolizing temporal power and the
other spiritual power. 39 On the ninth day of his succession, he issued
an encyclical letter demanding an immediate gift of arms from his
followers, and soon after laid the foundation of Akal Takht — the
throne of God. 40 The Akal Takht was raised as a seat of temporal
authority close to, but distinct from, the Hari Mandir (the Golden
Temple). For the same purpose, he raised two flags in front of the
Akal Takht. He told Bhai Budha: “In the Guru’s house spiritual and
worldly well-being shall be combined: the cauldron to supply the poor
and the needy, and the scimitar to smite the oppressors.” 41
Four hundred warriors from Majha, Doaba and Malwa
regions volunteered their services to the Guru. They said, ‘We
are poor, we have no money to offer, we place our lives at the
disposal of the Guru.’ 42 Besides these, many more gathered