Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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the ideal of dedicating. “Tan, Man, Dhan’ to the Sikh revolutionary
cause. It was for this reason that they were held in high esteem in the
Panth. They were at one time its conscience keepers. When the
movement entered its lean period and split up into different fighting
corporations (Misals), one of the Misals was of the Shaheeds. They
held not territory of their own, and were provided food and shelter by
the Panth. The Shaheeds or Akalis provided the rallying point for the
Misals to coordinate in order to meet a common danger to the Panth.
At such a time, the resolution (Gurmatta) to meet such an eventuality
(e.g. at the time of threatened danger from Abdali’s invasion) would
be sponsored by the Akalis. All the Misals would honour the
resolution. 24 Even Ranjit Singh respected them and was afraid of
offending the Akalis. They were the dominating factor in the Khalsa
army committees. 24a Scott compares the Akalis with Cromwell’s
Ironsides. ‘The Akalis would represent the ‘Fifth Monarchy Men’,
stern and uncompromising, firmly believing in the righteousness of
their cause, insisting on the right to equality for all, guided by the
decisions of the Panch, or Committee of five, than by their nominal
leaders, and watching those leaders with the jealous eyes lest they
should assume absolute power.’ 25
5. As Custodian of Ethical Values
The Sikh movement, as already pointed out, had a two-pronged
approach. It aimed at raising man above his ego-centredness and thus
produces an ideal man, and it wanted to change the social and political
environment, which hindered such a development. Guru Gobind
Singh, no doubt, bestowed political sovereignty on the Khalsa, but it
was to be the Khalsa of his definition. The Guru had said that ‘Khalsa
was his own image… his perfect Guru.’ 26 Accordingly, great emphasis
was laid on the maintenance of the ethical standards set for the Khalsa.
‘He who shuns the company of the five evils, loves to associate with
noble men, owns Dharma and compassion, gives up ambition;… He
is the Khalsa of the Waheguru.’ 27 One day before his death, when the
Sikhs asked Guru Gobind Singh as to who was to be his successor, he
replied :
‘Khalsa is my image, I abide in the Khalsa;