Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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The English ambassadors in Delhi at that time reported to their
head that about 780 prisoners had been brought to the place along
with Banda and that one hundred of them were beheaded each day.
‘‘It is not a little remarkable with what patience they under-go their
fate, and to the last it has not been found that one apostatized from
his new formed religion.’ 13
Khafi Khan writes, “Many stories are told about the wretched
dogs of this sect, which the understanding rejects; but the author will
relate what he saw with his own eyes. When the executions were
going on, the mother of one of the prisoners, a young man just arrived
at manhood, having obtained some influential support, pleaded the
cause of her son with great feeling and earnestness before the emperor
and Saiyad Abdullah Khan. She represented that her son had suffered
imprisonment and hardship at the hands of the sect. His property was
plundered and he was made prisoner. While in captivity, he was,
without any fault of his own, introduced into the sect, and now stood
innocent among those sentenced to death. Farrukh Siyar commiserated
this artful women, and mercifully sent an officer with orders to release
the youth. That cunning woman arrived with his bloody sword upheld
over the young man’s head. She showed this order for his release.
The youth then broke out into complaints, saying: “My mother tells a
falsehood; I with heart and soul join my fellow-believers in devotion
to the Guru; send me quickly after my companions.” 14
Muhammed Latif comes to the conclusion: “The pages of history
shine with the heroic deeds of this martial race, and the examples of
self-devotion, patriotism and forbearance under the severest trails,
displayed by the leaders of their community, are excelled by none in
the annals of the nations.” 14a
2. Charhdi Kala
The Ardas (prayer) of the Sikhs asks for the boon of ‘Naam’
(God-centredness), ‘Charhdi Kala’ (Unflinching optimism), and
‘Sarbat da Bhala’ (the welfare of all). By declaring that ‘the Khalsa
belonged to God, and so did its victory’, Guru Gobind Singh hitched
the wagon of the Sikh movement to God, a never-ending source