HOW EUROPE IS INDEBTED TO THE SIKHS ? - Global Sikh Studies

A Hindu teacher, Samrath Ram Das (guide of the Maratha ruler
Shivaji) once met Guru Hargobind Sahib and wanted to know the
reason why Guru Sahib had chosen to wear Kirpaan. Guru Sahib told
him that the Sikh Kirpaan was required for the protection of the weak,
the poor, the downtrodden and the oppressed from the tyrant and
annihilation of the cruel aggressors.
Guru Gobind Singh Sahib revealed Khalsa, the sovereign
people. Khalsa, being the direct subject of the Almighty, owes its
spiritual and temporal sovereignty to Waheguru (the Almighty). The
Khalsa (of the Almighty) was granted five "articles of faith": Kes
(unshorn hair), Kangha (the Sikh comb), Kara (the Sikh bracelet),
Kachhehra (the Sikh shorts) and Kirpaan (the Sikh sword). Although
these five articles were already a part and parcel of a Sikh's life, but
since the revelation of Khalsa, these five became an integral and
inseparable part of an initiated Sikh's being. From the moment of
initiation until death, Khalsa has an obligation not to part with any one
of these five articles of faith, at any time.
It is remarkable to note that Guru Gobind Singh Sahib declared
a Kirpaan and not dagger, sabre, rapier, scimitar, gun or pistol as an
article of faith. Kirpaan is a combination of two words: Kirpa (mercy)
and "Aan" (honour). Thus the term Kirpaan means "an article to be
used with mercy, for protection of honour/life." The other meaning
which one can derive is: "an article which blesses honour." In both
cases, the motif is that the Sikh Kirpaan can be used only for defence
and not for offence. It can not be used in the cases of ordinary fighting
for non-sacred purposes. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib did not grant status
of "article of faith" to gun. (The Guru, however, did not prohibit the
use of these weapons in case of necessity).
In the Sikh religion Khanda (double-edged sword) enjoys a
great significance. It is used for preparation of Amrit (nectar for the
Sikh initiation). Although Khanda is sacred in Sikhism, it is not an
article of faith to be carried always on person.
Sword has also been a part of social and cultural traditions of many
different communities. The practice of giving a sword as a mark of
respect or in recognition of one's exceptional contribution towards the
society is as old as the sword itself. People living in the United States,
England, and the Sikh Homeland among others share this practice. In
the United States, the custom of presentation of sword was very
popular until the later part of the nineteenth century. Interestingly,
some swords were awarded "by vote" in lotteries. during the US Civil
war. These presentation swords are usually richly crafted and vary in
sizes.
In the Sikh history and traditions, Kirpaan has enjoyed a very
special
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