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[[Image:Manisinghji.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed]]
[[Image:Manisinghji.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed]]
'''Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed''' (martyr), a great Sikh personality of the eighteenth century, occupies a very esteemed position in [[Sikh]] history, when he assumed the control and steered the course of  the  Sikhs' destiny at a very critical stage. A great scholar, a devoted Sikh, and a courageous leader, Bhai Mani Singh willingly laid down his life to uphold the dignity of the Sikh religion and the Sikh  nation.  The nature of his [[martyr|martyrdom]] has become a part of the daily Sikh Ardas (prayer).
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'''Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed''' (martyr) ([[1670]] - [[9 July]] [[1737]]), a great Sikh personality of the eighteenth century, occupies a very esteemed position in [[Sikh]] history, when he assumed  control and steered the course of  the  Sikhs' destiny at a very critical stage. A great scholar, a devoted Sikh, and a courageous leader, Bhai Mani Singh willingly laid down his life to uphold the dignity of the Sikh religion and the Sikh  nation.  The nature of his [[martyr|martyrdom]] has become a part of the daily Sikh Ardas (prayer). He compiled [[Dasam Granth]] which includes Banis of Guru Gobind Singh.
==Birth==
==Birth==
There is no uncertainty about the exact year of birth of Bhai Mani Singh. Giani Thakur Singh writes his year of birth as 1672  while some other writers put it at 1670, but according to Sohan Singh Seetal, a well known Sikh historian, Bhai Mani Singh was born in 1664. Principle Satbir Singh listed his year of birth as 1672 in his 1970 edition of his, ''"Sada Itihaas"',  but changed it to 1662  in the later editions. <ref>Sada Itihaas, 1998, p 154, Principle Satbir Singh.</ref>. According to Dr Santokh Singh also, Bhai Mani Singh was born in 1662  <ref>The Guru's Word.</ref>. These earlier dates are indirectly based on Giani Giani Singh's references to ninth Guru's visit to village Akoi/Malwa in year 1665. Based on critical analysis of ancient Sikh writings, it  appears that Bhai Mani Singh may have been born no later than 1665.
The exact date of Bhai Mani Singh's birth is a bit of a mystery. [[Giani Thakur Singh]] lists his year of birth as 1672  while some other writers put it at 1670, but according to Sohan Singh Seetal, a well known Sikh historian, Bhai Mani Singh was born in 1664. Principle Satbir Singh listed his year of birth as 1672 in his 1970 edition of his, ''"Sada Itihaas"'',  but later editions listed his year of birth as 1662. <ref>Sada Itihaas, 1998, p 154, Principle Satbir Singh.</ref>. Dr Santokh Singh also lists the date of Bhai Mani Singh's birth as  1662  <ref>The Guru's Word.</ref>. These earlier dates are indirectly based on Giani Giani Singh’s references to [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]]’s visit to village Akoi/Malwa in 1665. Based on critical analysis of ancient Sikh writings, it  appears that Bhai Mani Singh may have been born no later than 1665.


==Error in Identification==
==Error in Identification==
According to ''Shaheed Bilaas'' a book edited and published by Giani Garja Singh ji in 1961, the birth date of Bhai Mani Ram (alias Bhai Mani Singh Rajput) of  ''Alipore'', [[Multan]] was 1644.


But some think this must be another Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed , as the subject of this article -  the Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed known for his extraordinary sacrifice was from the village of [[Kambowal]] in Amritsar district who was a [[Dullat Jat Sikh]] as [[Giani Gian Singh]] portrays all mainsream religious bodies sanatan Sikh including the Taksals and Akali Nihang Singh Dals who are all in agreement (contrary to what some self proclaimed scholars such as  Giani Garja Singh ji  may want you to think, as they base their findings on the [[Bhat Vahia]] historical records which are known to be unreliable, and inaccurate concerning the portrayal of Sikh history and facts.
According to ''Shaheed Bilaas Bhai Mani Singh'' a book edited and published by Giani Garja Singh in 1961, the birth date of Bhai Mani Ram; alias Bhai Mani Singh (Parmar; Rajput) from Village Alipur located in Muzaffargarh, [[Multan]] was 1644. His father, Rao Mai Das Ji, was the son of the great Shaheed Rao Ballu Ji, the General of the sixth Guru Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib's army. Shaheed Mani Singh Ji Parmar's family comes from a family of powerful kings, in fact he was the 23rd descendent of great legendary Rajput Emperor of India,  Vikramaditya.  


==In the service of the Guru==
Bhai Mani Singh is said to have been brought in the early years of his childhood to the presence of [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] at [[Anandpur]]. He was approximately  the same age as the Guru's own son, Gobind Rai. Both grew up together - Gobind Rai and Mania were the names they went by in those pre-[[Khalsa]] days. Mani Singh remained in his company even after he had ascended the religious seat as [[Guru]]. Mani Singh accompanied the Guru to the seclusion of Paonta where Guru Gobind Singh spent some three years in large part given to literary work.


Bhai Mani Singh took [[Amrit]] at the hands of [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji on the day of the creation of [[Khalsa]]. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji left Anandpur on the night of December 20, 1704, his family got separated at river [[Sirsa]] during the confusion created by the [[Mughal]] attack. Bhai Mani Singh took Mata Sundri Ji and Mata Sahib Devan to [[Delhi]] via [[Ambala]].
There are common misconceptions, that Bhai Mani Singh Ji Shaheed, and according to Bhai Kesar Singh ji Chhibbar, his contemporary, of a Kamboj family. Another Giani Gian Singh Dullat [1822-1921], author of the Naveen Panth Parkash, of a Dullat Jatt family of Kamboval village (currently extinct), near Sunam in Sangrur district of the Punjab. However, both of these claims are false.


In 1706, Bhai Mani Singh escorted Mata Sundri Ji the wife of Guru Gobind Singh to [[Talwandi Sabo]] where the Guru was staying. It was there that she learned of the Martyrdom of her four sons and their Grandmother. When Guru Sahib left [[Agra]] with  Emperor  [[Bahadur Shah]] for [[Nanded]] in 1707, Mata Sahib Devan and Bhai Mani Singh accompanied him. Afterwards Bhai Mani Singh escorted Mata Sahib Devan Ji back to [[Delhi]] where she lived with Mata Sundri Ji for the rest of her life.


Mata Sundri Ji came to know of the trouble that was brewing between the ''Tat Khalsa'' and ''Bandai Khalsa'' military factions of the Sikhs. She appointed Bhai Mani Singh as the Granthi of [[Harimandir|Harimandir Sahib]] and sent him to [[Amritsar]] with Mama Kirpal Singh (Chand), the maternal uncle of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. On his arrival at [[Amritsar]] in 1721, Bhai Mani Singh restored peace among the [[Khalsa]] and put the affairs of Harimandir Sahib in order.
As mentioned earlier,  Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji, belonged to a powerful family of Rajput King's who originated from the legendary Chandarvanshi, Parmar dynasty. In addition to this, his Grandfather Shaheed Rao Ballu, was one of the advisors to great emperor Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad 'Akbar' (known as Emperor Akbar). Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji's family were originally from Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, and migrated to Village Alipur, District of Muzaffargarh, Multan, Pakistan in approximately 1582-1600 (B).


==The Mughal Empire==
By 1737, the [[Mughal]] government of [[Lahore]] had strictly prohibited the Sikhs to visit Amritsar and bathe in the holy tank. To overcome this restriction, Bhai Mani Singh applied to Governor Zakariya Khan for permission to hold the [[Diwali]] festival at the [[Golden Temple]]. The permission was granted for a promised payment  of Rs.5,000 to the Governor. Bhai Mani Singh was certain that he would be able to pay the sum out of the offerings that would  be made by the Sikhs who were invited to come.


The [[Sikhs]] came in large numbersbut Zakariya Khan, under the pretext of keeping order, sent a force under Diwan Lakhpat Rae to Amritsar. It  marched towards the city on the day of the [[festival]] in order to intimidate and disperse the Sikhs and the festival broke up at the approach of the [[Mughal]] army.
 
Here are a few passages from ''Sri Gur Partap Sooraj Granth'' and  ''Gur Padh Prem Prakash Granth'':
 
 
____________________________________________
 
'''(ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਸੂਰਜ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ, ਰੁਤ ੩, ਅੰਸ਼ੂ ੨੦)'''
 
ਪੁਰ ਮੁਲਤਾਨ ਅਲੀਪੁਰ ਨੇਰੇ । ਮਾਈ ਦਾਸ ਰਾਜਪੂਤ ਬਸੇਰੇ । ੨੫ ।
ਤਿਸ ਕੇ ਮਨੀ ਰਾਮ ਸੁਤ ਹੋਯੋ । ਆਇ ਤਹਾਂ ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਜੋਯੋ ।
ਪਾਂਚ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਲੈ ਆਪਨੇ ਸਾਥ । ਸ਼ਰਨੀ ਪਰਯੋ ਰਹਿਯੋ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਥ । ੨੬ ।
ਸੋ ਪੰਚਹੁ ਭਰਾਤਾ ਕਰ ਖਰੇ । ਸਿੰਘ ਨਾਮ ਗੁਰ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਧਰੇ ।
ਬਡੇ ਬਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਭੱਟ ਭਯੋ । ਉਦੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੂਸਰ ਬਿਦਤਯੋ । ੨੭ ।
ਅਨਿਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਰ ਅਜਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਪੁਨ । ਪੰਚਮ ਭਯੋ ਅਜਾਇਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਗੁਨ ।
ਅਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖੰਡੇ ਕੋ ਤਿਨ ਦੀਨਾ । ਮਾਨਹੁ ਪੰਚ ਪਾਂਡਵ ਬਲ ਪੀਨਾ । ੨੮ ।
ਰਨ ਮਹਿ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਮ ਜਿਨ ਭਖੀਨ । ਰਿਪੂ ਮਾਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ ਤੀਖਨ ।
 
____________________________________________
 
'''(ਗੁਰ ਪਦ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼, ਸਫ਼ਾ ੧੬੨)'''  
 
ਭਯੋ ਆਲਿਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਚਨਾ ਸਿਆਲ ਕੋਟ ਰਾਜਪੂਤ ।
ਫੇਰ ਮਾਈ ਦਾਸ ਸੁਤ ਰਾਜਪੂਤ ਅੱਤ ਮਜਬੂਤ ।
ਨਿਕਟ ਹੈ ਮੁਲਤਾਨ ਕੇ ਇਨ ਅਲੀ ਗਢ ਅਸਥਾਨ ।
ਤਾਂਹਿ ਕੇ ਸੁਤ ਪਾਂਚ ਪਾਂਚੋ ਭਏ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁਜਾਨ । ੭ ।
ਉਦੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਿੰਘ, ਅਨਿਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁ ਬੀਰ ।
ਅਜਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁਮਤ ਅਜਾਇਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਰਣਧੀਰ ।
 
____________________________________________
 
 
From these passages, the origin and family of Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji now becomes clear, that they belong to a powerful ancestral Parmar, Rajput family.
 
==Family Tree==
 
Here is the line of Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh:
* 23rd great grand father of Bhai Mani Singh from line of Samrat Vikramaditya sat on throne in 911 AD
* Raja Santal
* Raja Magh ( Sat on throne in 950 AD )
* Raja Munja ( Sat on throne in 974 AD )
* Raja Bhoja ( great polymath king of India ) ( Sat on throne in 1018 AD )
* Raja Jai Singh( Sat on throne in 1060 AD )
* Raja Sapta mukat ( Sat on throne in 1108 AD )
* Raja Chatra mukat ( Sat on throne in 1152 AD )
* Raja Udaydeep ( referred to as very learned man as well ) ( Sat on throne in 1198 AD )
* Raja Randhawal ( Sat on throne in 1230 AD )
* Raja Udhar ( Sat on throne in 1256 AD )
* Raja Amb Charan ( Sat on throne in 1297 AD )
* Raja Loyia ji ( Sat on throne in 1339 AD )
* Raja Shah ( Sat on throne in 1400 AD )
* Raja Som ( Sat on throne in 1434 AD )
* Raja Dharna ( Sat on throne in 1438 AD )
* Raja Des Rai ( Sat on throne in 1445 AD )
* Raja Radha ( Sat on throne in 1457 AD )
* Raja Kal Rai ( Sat on throne in 1482 AD )
* Raja Aasal ( Sat on throne in 1502 AD )
* Raja Jalha ( Sat on throne in 1541 AD )
* Raja Nar Singh ( Sat on throne in 1553 AD ) ( Lost Kingdom to Mughals after a fierce resistance )
* Rao Haafa
* Rao Chaahad
* Rao Boodha
* Rao Moola
* Rao Ballu
* Rao Mai Das
 
Bhai Mani Singh spent a considerable part of his life in service at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. He was one of the 12 sons of Mai Das. His grandfather was Rao Ballu was a reputable warrior, who was a general in Guru Hargobind's army who took part in all the battles fought by Guru Hargobind Sahib against the Mughal attackers and killed Murtaza Khan ( governor of Lahore ) who ordered Guru Arjun Devji's death & torture . Bhai Mani Singh, his grandfather, eleven brothers and seven of his ten sons died in battles fought on behalf of the Guru.
 
The following seven sons of the Rao Mai Das were from his wife Madri Bai Ji :
Bhai Jetha Singh, martyred at Alowal in 1711.
Bhai Dial Das, accompanied Guru Teg Bahadur to Delhi where he was martyred in 1675.
Bhai Mani Singh, martyred in Lahore in 1734.
Bhai Dan Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur 1705.
Bhai Man Singh, killed in the battle of Chittorgarh in 1708.
Bhai Amar Chand, died in infancy.
Bhai Roop Singh, killed with his elder brother Jetha Singh in Alowal in 1711.
The following five sons of Rao Mai Das were from his wife Ladiki Bai Ji :
Bhai Jagat Singh, martyred together with Bhai Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734.
Bhai Sohan Chand, killed in the Battle of Nadaun in 1691.
Bhai Lehna Ji, killed in the Battle of Guler in 1696.
Bhai Rai Singh, killed in the battle of Muktsar in 1705.
Bhai Hati Chand, killed in the battle of Bhangani in 1688.
 
'''Marriages and children'''
 
At the age of 15, Mani Singh was married to Seeto Bai Ji , daughter of Lakhi Rai yadovanshi Rao of Khairpur . After his marriage Mani Singh spent some time with his family in his village Alipur.
List of Bhai Mani Singh's sons:
 
# Chitar Singh, martyred with Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734.
# Bachitar Singh, martyred in the battle of Nihan near Anandpur Sahib in 1704.
# Udai Singh, martyred in Sahi Tibi near Anandpur Sahib in 1704.
# Anaik Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704.
# Ajab Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704.
# Ajaib Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704.
# Gurbaksh Singh, martyred with Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734.
# Bhagwan Singh
# Balram Singh
# Desa Singh – the author of the Rahetnama (Code of conduct) of the Khalsa.
 
Seven of Mani Singh's sons were from his first wife, Seeto Bai Ji and the remainder from his second wife Khemi Bai Ji .
 
His cousin, includes  Sardar Bhagwant Singh Bangeshwar was a rajput ruler of Aurangzeb time . Bhai Mani Singh was from a distinguished family of Sikh warriors. His brother, Bhai Dayala who attained martyrdom at Dehli with Guru Tegh Bahadur. Eleven brothers of Bhai Mani Singh and 7 out of 10 children attained martyrdom.


==Execution==
==Execution==
Bhai Mani Singh was arrested for not paying the stipulated sum. He was asked by the [[Qazi]] to embrace [[Islam]] or else face death. Bhai Mani Singh stoutly refused to barter his faith and boldly opted for death. By orders of [[Zakarya Khan]], Bhai Mani Singh was executed at Nakhas, Lahore in December, 1737 AD. The Nakhas has since been known as ''Shaheed Ganj'' - the place of martyrdom <ref>Shaheed Bilaas of Giani Garja Singh (1961) states that Bhai Mani Singh (Rajput) was arrested after [[Diwali]] of 1733 AD and was executed on June 14, 1734 AD i.e. about 8 months after his arrest following Dewali (See: Shaheed Bilaas, Bhai Mani Singh, 1961, p 93, Editor Giani Garja Singh) whereas all other ancient sources and oral Sikh traditions assert that Bhai Mani Singh was martyred shortly after his arrest following Dewali---hence his Martyrdom is said to have occurred in the month of November or December according to other ancient sources. It must be remembered that the [[Mughal]] rulers of Punjab were noted for their quick executions of the Sikhs.


''It is highly improbable that they could ever have waited for eight months to execute Bhai Mani Singh after he was formally arrested and charged shortly following  Dewali. This does not make sense at all''. This is another point in ''Shaheed Bilaas'' of Giani Garja Singh which conflicts with the traditionally accepted ancient Sikh sources. To all probability, Bhai Mani Ram ''alias'' Bhai Mani Singh Rajput of Alipore (born 1644) had died naturally of old age on June 14, 1734. He was already over 90 years on that date. ''His death was later confused with that of actual Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed by Kavi Sewa Singh Bhat simply to please his Patron, Bhai Sangat Singh, the great grand son of Bhai Mani Ram Rajput'' (See: The Encyclopedia of Sikhism, Vol IV, 1998, p 95-96, (Ed) Dr Harbans Singh; Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh (a research book), 2004, pp 37-98, S Kirpal Singh).</ref>.  
Bhai Mani Singh being executed by dismemberment
 
in 1737 ca., Bhai Mani Singh asked to Governor of Lahore, Zakaria Khan, for permission to hold the Diwali festival to celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the Harmandir Sahib. The permission was granted for a tribute of Rs. 5,000. He hoped that he would be able to pay the sum out of the offerings to be made by the Sikhs who were invited to come. He issued initiations to the Sikhs of all places. The Governor alongside Diwan Lakhpat Rai had different intentions and he sent secret orders to his forces to make a surprise attack on the Sikhs during the festival. Bhai Mani Singh came to know of this plan and sent messages to tell the Sikhs not to come. The Sikhs that did come had to leave because of the presence of an unnecessary big military force and suspicious movement of the officers. Thus no money could be collected or paid to the government and Bhai Mani Singh was ordered to be executed.


This was a gruesome execution in which Bhai Mani Singh's executioner  was ordered to chop Bhai Mani Singh's body to pieces joint by joint starting from the extremities. The irony of the execution was that Bhai Mani Singh had the last word. When the executioner started to cut into Bhai Mani Singh's wrist, Bhai Mani Singh gestured to his fingers telling the executioner that he should follow the orders of his commander  with strictness,  like a true Muslim. Very puzzled by the interruption, the executioner and guards asked the Great Shaheed what he meant. Bhai Mani Singh replied, " you have been ordered to execute me by  chopping my joints, have you  forgotten  that my joints start with my fingers.
Bhai Mani Singh was taken to Lahore in chains. When Bhai Mani Singh could not pay the fine the dues he had agreed to pay the Mughals (to legally hold the event) he was ordered to convert to Islam. Refusing to give up his beliefs he was ordered death by dismemberment. When the executioner started to begin with his wrists, Bhai Mani Singh sincerely reminded the executioner of the sentence, reminding the executioner of his punishment and to start at the joints in his hands.


==A scholar==
==A scholar==
Bhai Mani Singh acted as scribe when [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji - the then Guru of the Sikhs - dictated [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]]. He also transcribed many copies of the sacred Sikh [[scripture]]s which were sent to different preaching centers in India. He also taught the reading of [[Gurbani]] and its [[philosophy]] to the [[Sikh]]s.
Bhai Mani Singh acted as scribe when at the age of 14  [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji - the then Guru of the Sikhs - dictated [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]]. He also transcribed many copies of the sacred Sikh [[scripture]]s which were sent to different preaching centers in India. He also taught the reading of [[Gurbani]] and its [[philosophy]] to the [[Sikh]]s.


Bhai Sahib was responsible for collecting the [[Gurbani]]<ref>Literally "Word of the Guru".</ref> of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and compiling it in the form of [[Dasam Granth]] (Book of the Tenth Guru). Besides this, Bhai Sahib also authored ''Japji Sahib Da Garb Ganjni Teeka'' (teeka means translation and explanation of a work). He expanded the first of [[Bhai GurDas]]'s Vaars into a life of Guru Nanak which is called ''Gyan Ratanawali''. Mani Singh wrote another work, the ''Bhagat Ralanawali'', an expansion of Bhai GurDas's eleventh Vaar, which contains a list of famous Sikhs up to the time of Guru Har Gobind.
Bhai Sahib was responsible for collecting the [[Gurbani]]<ref>Literally "Word of the Guru".</ref> of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and compiling it in the form of [[Dasam Granth]] (Book of the Tenth Guru). Besides this, Bhai Sahib also authored ''Japji Sahib Da Garb Ganjni Teeka'' (teeka means translation and explanation of a work). He expanded the first of [[Bhai GurDas]]'s Vaars into a life of Guru Nanak which is called ''Gyan Ratanawali''. Mani Singh wrote another work, the ''Bhagat Ralanawali'', an expansion of Bhai GurDas's eleventh Vaar, which contains a list of famous Sikhs up to the time of Guru Har Gobind.
Line 45: Line 140:
* [[Shahid Ganj Bhai Mani Singh]]
* [[Shahid Ganj Bhai Mani Singh]]
* [[Gurdwara Bhai Mani Singh]]
* [[Gurdwara Bhai Mani Singh]]
==External links==
* [http://www.thekamboj.com/manisingh The Kamboj]
* [http://www.kambojsociety.com/bhaimanisingh.asp Kamboj Society]
* [http://fateh.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/discussion.nsf/All+by+Date/25B5857CFF4C8B8B87256C06007375B2!OpenDocument Bhai Mani Singh]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 50: Line 152:
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
</div>
</div>


==Books and articles==
==Books and articles==
*Ancient Bansawalinama, Charan 10, 13, 14, Bhai Kesar Singh ji Chhibber.
*Panth Parkash, Giani Gian Singh ji.
*Prachin Panth Parkash, (ed) Bhai Vir Singh, New Delhi Edition, p 222-223, Rattan Singh Bhangu.
*Encyclopedia of Sikhism, Prof Harbans Singh.
*Encyclopaedia of Sikh Literature, Mahan Kosh, 1974, foot note, p 951.
*Gurmat Sudhakar, Bhasha Vibhag, 1970, p 221, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha.
*Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji di Shabad Murti, p 38, Bhar Randhir Singh ji.
*Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed and his Caste, Kamboj Chetna Manch 1993, p 86, Dr Parkash Singh.
*Sidki Jeewan, Mani Singh Shaheed Da Jeewan Britaant, 1907, Giani Thakur Singh.
*Jeewan Sandesh, (Itihaas Number), [[Giani Gurdit Singh]] ji.
*Bhai Mani Singh, Bhasha Vibhag, 1961, p 85, Dr S. S. Kohli.
*Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji de Darbari Rattan, 1994, p 251-252, Prof Piara Singh Padam.
*Glimpses of Sikhism and the Sikhs, 1982, Sher Singh Sher.
*Bansawalai Nama Das Patshahian ka, Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber, Singh Brothers Amritsar, 1997, p 26, Editor Piara Singh Padam,
*Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, p 248-267; Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed, 2004, Kirpal Singh ji.
*Punjab History Conference, Twenty Second Session, March 25-27, 1988, part I, Proceedings, Punjabi University Patiala, 1989, p 80, Dr G. S. Nayer Member Editorial Board, Punjabi University Patiala.
*Identity of Bhai Mani Singh, Article, Published in Punjab History Conference, Twenty Second Session, March 25-27, 1988, part I, Proceedings, Punjabi University Patiala, 1989, p 80-81, Prof Gurmukh Singh.
*Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed, (a research book), January 2004, Jullundur, K. S. Dardi.
*These Kamboj People, 1979, K. S. Dardi.


==External links==
[http://sikhdigitallibrary.blogspot.in/2014/03/bhai-mani-singh-giani-garja-singh.html '''* Shahid Bilas (Bhai Mani Singh) - Ed. Giani Garja Singh''']
* [http://www.goaarsofindia.org Information about Goaars of India]
*[http://www.thekamboj.com/manisingh The Kamboj]
* [http://punjabi.net/talk/messages/1/62701.html?1124845650 Panjabi.net discussion forum]
*[http://www.kambojsociety.com/bhaimanisingh.asp Kamboj Society]


{{Sikhism}}
* [https://sikhdigitallibrary.blogspot.com/2020/03/shahid-bhai-mani-singh-atey-bans.html Shahid Bhai Mani Singh atey Bans Shahidan - Dr. Harbhajan Singh Sekhon]


 
*Ancient Bansawalinama, Charan 10, 13, 14, Bhai Kesar Singh ji Chhibber.
[[Category:Martyr]]
*Panth Parkash, Giani Gian Singh ji.
[[Category: Damdami Taksaal]]
*Prachin Panth Parkash, (ed) Bhai Vir Singh, New D
{{Jathedars Of Damdami Taksaal}}
[[Category: Bhai]]

Latest revision as of 01:31, 14 November 2020

Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed

Bhai Mani Singh Shaheed (martyr) (1670 - 9 July 1737), a great Sikh personality of the eighteenth century, occupies a very esteemed position in Sikh history, when he assumed control and steered the course of the Sikhs' destiny at a very critical stage. A great scholar, a devoted Sikh, and a courageous leader, Bhai Mani Singh willingly laid down his life to uphold the dignity of the Sikh religion and the Sikh nation. The nature of his martyrdom has become a part of the daily Sikh Ardas (prayer). He compiled Dasam Granth which includes Banis of Guru Gobind Singh.

Birth

The exact date of Bhai Mani Singh's birth is a bit of a mystery. Giani Thakur Singh lists his year of birth as 1672 while some other writers put it at 1670, but according to Sohan Singh Seetal, a well known Sikh historian, Bhai Mani Singh was born in 1664. Principle Satbir Singh listed his year of birth as 1672 in his 1970 edition of his, "Sada Itihaas", but later editions listed his year of birth as 1662. [1]. Dr Santokh Singh also lists the date of Bhai Mani Singh's birth as 1662 [2]. These earlier dates are indirectly based on Giani Giani Singh’s references to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s visit to village Akoi/Malwa in 1665. Based on critical analysis of ancient Sikh writings, it appears that Bhai Mani Singh may have been born no later than 1665.

Error in Identification

According to Shaheed Bilaas Bhai Mani Singh a book edited and published by Giani Garja Singh in 1961, the birth date of Bhai Mani Ram; alias Bhai Mani Singh (Parmar; Rajput) from Village Alipur located in Muzaffargarh, Multan was 1644. His father, Rao Mai Das Ji, was the son of the great Shaheed Rao Ballu Ji, the General of the sixth Guru Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib's army. Shaheed Mani Singh Ji Parmar's family comes from a family of powerful kings, in fact he was the 23rd descendent of great legendary Rajput Emperor of India, Vikramaditya.


There are common misconceptions, that Bhai Mani Singh Ji Shaheed, and according to Bhai Kesar Singh ji Chhibbar, his contemporary, of a Kamboj family. Another Giani Gian Singh Dullat [1822-1921], author of the Naveen Panth Parkash, of a Dullat Jatt family of Kamboval village (currently extinct), near Sunam in Sangrur district of the Punjab. However, both of these claims are false.


As mentioned earlier, Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji, belonged to a powerful family of Rajput King's who originated from the legendary Chandarvanshi, Parmar dynasty. In addition to this, his Grandfather Shaheed Rao Ballu, was one of the advisors to great emperor Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad 'Akbar' (known as Emperor Akbar). Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji's family were originally from Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, and migrated to Village Alipur, District of Muzaffargarh, Multan, Pakistan in approximately 1582-1600 (B).


Here are a few passages from Sri Gur Partap Sooraj Granth and Gur Padh Prem Prakash Granth:


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(ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਸੂਰਜ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ, ਰੁਤ ੩, ਅੰਸ਼ੂ ੨੦)

ਪੁਰ ਮੁਲਤਾਨ ਅਲੀਪੁਰ ਨੇਰੇ । ਮਾਈ ਦਾਸ ਰਾਜਪੂਤ ਬਸੇਰੇ । ੨੫ । ਤਿਸ ਕੇ ਮਨੀ ਰਾਮ ਸੁਤ ਹੋਯੋ । ਆਇ ਤਹਾਂ ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਜੋਯੋ । ਪਾਂਚ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਲੈ ਆਪਨੇ ਸਾਥ । ਸ਼ਰਨੀ ਪਰਯੋ ਰਹਿਯੋ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਥ । ੨੬ । ਸੋ ਪੰਚਹੁ ਭਰਾਤਾ ਕਰ ਖਰੇ । ਸਿੰਘ ਨਾਮ ਗੁਰ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਧਰੇ । ਬਡੇ ਬਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਭੱਟ ਭਯੋ । ਉਦੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੂਸਰ ਬਿਦਤਯੋ । ੨੭ । ਅਨਿਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਰ ਅਜਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਪੁਨ । ਪੰਚਮ ਭਯੋ ਅਜਾਇਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਗੁਨ । ਅਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖੰਡੇ ਕੋ ਤਿਨ ਦੀਨਾ । ਮਾਨਹੁ ਪੰਚ ਪਾਂਡਵ ਬਲ ਪੀਨਾ । ੨੮ । ਰਨ ਮਹਿ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਮ ਜਿਨ ਭਖੀਨ । ਰਿਪੂ ਮਾਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ ਤੀਖਨ ।

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(ਗੁਰ ਪਦ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼, ਸਫ਼ਾ ੧੬੨)

ਭਯੋ ਆਲਿਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਚਨਾ ਸਿਆਲ ਕੋਟ ਰਾਜਪੂਤ । ਫੇਰ ਮਾਈ ਦਾਸ ਸੁਤ ਰਾਜਪੂਤ ਅੱਤ ਮਜਬੂਤ । ਨਿਕਟ ਹੈ ਮੁਲਤਾਨ ਕੇ ਇਨ ਅਲੀ ਗਢ ਅਸਥਾਨ । ਤਾਂਹਿ ਕੇ ਸੁਤ ਪਾਂਚ ਪਾਂਚੋ ਭਏ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁਜਾਨ । ੭ । ਉਦੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਿੰਘ, ਅਨਿਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁ ਬੀਰ । ਅਜਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁਮਤ ਅਜਾਇਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਰਣਧੀਰ ।

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From these passages, the origin and family of Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji now becomes clear, that they belong to a powerful ancestral Parmar, Rajput family.

Family Tree

Here is the line of Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh:

  • 23rd great grand father of Bhai Mani Singh from line of Samrat Vikramaditya sat on throne in 911 AD
  • Raja Santal
  • Raja Magh ( Sat on throne in 950 AD )
  • Raja Munja ( Sat on throne in 974 AD )
  • Raja Bhoja ( great polymath king of India ) ( Sat on throne in 1018 AD )
  • Raja Jai Singh( Sat on throne in 1060 AD )
  • Raja Sapta mukat ( Sat on throne in 1108 AD )
  • Raja Chatra mukat ( Sat on throne in 1152 AD )
  • Raja Udaydeep ( referred to as very learned man as well ) ( Sat on throne in 1198 AD )
  • Raja Randhawal ( Sat on throne in 1230 AD )
  • Raja Udhar ( Sat on throne in 1256 AD )
  • Raja Amb Charan ( Sat on throne in 1297 AD )
  • Raja Loyia ji ( Sat on throne in 1339 AD )
  • Raja Shah ( Sat on throne in 1400 AD )
  • Raja Som ( Sat on throne in 1434 AD )
  • Raja Dharna ( Sat on throne in 1438 AD )
  • Raja Des Rai ( Sat on throne in 1445 AD )
  • Raja Radha ( Sat on throne in 1457 AD )
  • Raja Kal Rai ( Sat on throne in 1482 AD )
  • Raja Aasal ( Sat on throne in 1502 AD )
  • Raja Jalha ( Sat on throne in 1541 AD )
  • Raja Nar Singh ( Sat on throne in 1553 AD ) ( Lost Kingdom to Mughals after a fierce resistance )
  • Rao Haafa
  • Rao Chaahad
  • Rao Boodha
  • Rao Moola
  • Rao Ballu
  • Rao Mai Das

Bhai Mani Singh spent a considerable part of his life in service at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. He was one of the 12 sons of Mai Das. His grandfather was Rao Ballu was a reputable warrior, who was a general in Guru Hargobind's army who took part in all the battles fought by Guru Hargobind Sahib against the Mughal attackers and killed Murtaza Khan ( governor of Lahore ) who ordered Guru Arjun Devji's death & torture . Bhai Mani Singh, his grandfather, eleven brothers and seven of his ten sons died in battles fought on behalf of the Guru.

The following seven sons of the Rao Mai Das were from his wife Madri Bai Ji : Bhai Jetha Singh, martyred at Alowal in 1711. Bhai Dial Das, accompanied Guru Teg Bahadur to Delhi where he was martyred in 1675. Bhai Mani Singh, martyred in Lahore in 1734. Bhai Dan Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur 1705. Bhai Man Singh, killed in the battle of Chittorgarh in 1708. Bhai Amar Chand, died in infancy. Bhai Roop Singh, killed with his elder brother Jetha Singh in Alowal in 1711. The following five sons of Rao Mai Das were from his wife Ladiki Bai Ji : Bhai Jagat Singh, martyred together with Bhai Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734. Bhai Sohan Chand, killed in the Battle of Nadaun in 1691. Bhai Lehna Ji, killed in the Battle of Guler in 1696. Bhai Rai Singh, killed in the battle of Muktsar in 1705. Bhai Hati Chand, killed in the battle of Bhangani in 1688.

Marriages and children

At the age of 15, Mani Singh was married to Seeto Bai Ji , daughter of Lakhi Rai yadovanshi Rao of Khairpur . After his marriage Mani Singh spent some time with his family in his village Alipur. List of Bhai Mani Singh's sons:

  1. Chitar Singh, martyred with Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734.
  2. Bachitar Singh, martyred in the battle of Nihan near Anandpur Sahib in 1704.
  3. Udai Singh, martyred in Sahi Tibi near Anandpur Sahib in 1704.
  4. Anaik Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704.
  5. Ajab Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704.
  6. Ajaib Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704.
  7. Gurbaksh Singh, martyred with Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734.
  8. Bhagwan Singh
  9. Balram Singh
  10. Desa Singh – the author of the Rahetnama (Code of conduct) of the Khalsa.
Seven of Mani Singh's sons were from his first wife, Seeto Bai Ji and the remainder from his second wife Khemi Bai Ji .

His cousin, includes Sardar Bhagwant Singh Bangeshwar was a rajput ruler of Aurangzeb time . Bhai Mani Singh was from a distinguished family of Sikh warriors. His brother, Bhai Dayala who attained martyrdom at Dehli with Guru Tegh Bahadur. Eleven brothers of Bhai Mani Singh and 7 out of 10 children attained martyrdom.

Execution

Bhai Mani Singh being executed by dismemberment

in 1737 ca., Bhai Mani Singh asked to Governor of Lahore, Zakaria Khan, for permission to hold the Diwali festival to celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the Harmandir Sahib. The permission was granted for a tribute of Rs. 5,000. He hoped that he would be able to pay the sum out of the offerings to be made by the Sikhs who were invited to come. He issued initiations to the Sikhs of all places. The Governor alongside Diwan Lakhpat Rai had different intentions and he sent secret orders to his forces to make a surprise attack on the Sikhs during the festival. Bhai Mani Singh came to know of this plan and sent messages to tell the Sikhs not to come. The Sikhs that did come had to leave because of the presence of an unnecessary big military force and suspicious movement of the officers. Thus no money could be collected or paid to the government and Bhai Mani Singh was ordered to be executed.

Bhai Mani Singh was taken to Lahore in chains. When Bhai Mani Singh could not pay the fine the dues he had agreed to pay the Mughals (to legally hold the event) he was ordered to convert to Islam. Refusing to give up his beliefs he was ordered death by dismemberment. When the executioner started to begin with his wrists, Bhai Mani Singh sincerely reminded the executioner of the sentence, reminding the executioner of his punishment and to start at the joints in his hands.

A scholar

Bhai Mani Singh acted as scribe when at the age of 14 Guru Gobind Singh Ji - the then Guru of the Sikhs - dictated Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He also transcribed many copies of the sacred Sikh scriptures which were sent to different preaching centers in India. He also taught the reading of Gurbani and its philosophy to the Sikhs.

Bhai Sahib was responsible for collecting the Gurbani[3] of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and compiling it in the form of Dasam Granth (Book of the Tenth Guru). Besides this, Bhai Sahib also authored Japji Sahib Da Garb Ganjni Teeka (teeka means translation and explanation of a work). He expanded the first of Bhai GurDas's Vaars into a life of Guru Nanak which is called Gyan Ratanawali. Mani Singh wrote another work, the Bhagat Ralanawali, an expansion of Bhai GurDas's eleventh Vaar, which contains a list of famous Sikhs up to the time of Guru Har Gobind.

In his capacity as a Granthi of the Darbar Sahib at Harmandar Sahib, Bhai Singh is also stated to have composed the Ardaas (Supplication) in its current format; he also started the tradition of mentioning deeds of various Gursikhs with the supplication.

Disambiguation


External links

References

  1. ^ Sada Itihaas, 1998, p 154, Principle Satbir Singh.
  2. ^ The Guru's Word.
  3. ^ Literally "Word of the Guru".


Books and articles

* Shahid Bilas (Bhai Mani Singh) - Ed. Giani Garja Singh

  • Ancient Bansawalinama, Charan 10, 13, 14, Bhai Kesar Singh ji Chhibber.
  • Panth Parkash, Giani Gian Singh ji.
  • Prachin Panth Parkash, (ed) Bhai Vir Singh, New D