DAS GUR KATHA, by Karikan, one of the poets in attendance on Guru Gobind Singh, is a versified account, in an admixture of Braj, Hindi and Punjabi, of the events of the lives of the Ten Gurus. The only known manuscript of the work is present in the Panjab Public Library at Lahore, a copy of which was obtained for the library of the Khalsa College at Amritsar in 1956 and which was published with annotation in book form, in 1967, by the Khalsa Samachar, Amritsar. The colophon indicates the author`s name, but not the year of composition which from internal evidence is reckoned to be around AD 1699.
The work deals with events up to the creation of the Khalsa which took place during this year. The Katha comprises 234 stanzas and is written in different poetical metres such as Doha, Savaiyya, Chaupai, Pauri, Soratia and Arill. The post attributes the popularity of Gurmukhi characters to Guru Nanak who, according to him, communicated his message in a much easier language and form than those of the Vedas. Succession in Guru Nanak`s line was determined by qualities of humility and dedication and not by ties of blood. Guru Nanak`s spiritual successor was Guru Arigad, his own devoted disciple. Especially detailed is the account of Guru Hargobind, Nanak VI, comprising 84 stanzas.
The poet hails him as one who combined the spiritual with the temporal and describes the battles he had to engage in. Among other details is the enumeration of Mughal provinces under Emperor Shah Jahan. The poet panegyrizes Guru Tegh Bahadur`s martyrdom which, as he says, he voluntarily embraced to uphold righteousness. The concluding twenty-one stanzas describe the cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur`s severed head brought from Delhi to Anandpur by a disciple, Guru Gobind Singh`s investiture as successor to Guru Tegh Bahadur and creation of the Khalsa. Events are described with considerable embellishment, and no dates are given. Certain factual errors such as ascription to Guru Gobind Singh worship of the goddess Durga have also crept into the work.
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“Das Gur Katha: Tales of the Ten Sikh Gurus” is a seminal work in Sikh literature that weaves together the legends, virtues, and historical episodes of the ten Sikh Gurus into a cohesive, versified narrative. Traditionally attributed to the poet Kavi Kankan, this ballad-like account—composed between the late 17th and the 18th centuries—offers one of the earliest and most vivid records of the Gurus’ lives, serving not only as a literary artifact but also as a spiritual guide for generations of Sikhs.
A Window into Sikh History and Philosophy
At its core, “Das Gur Katha” chronicles the lives of the Gurus—from the pioneering spirit of Guru Nanak to the martial and spiritual legacy of Guru Gobind Singh. The work encapsulates the central tenets of Sikhism, such as devotion to the Divine, the equitable distribution of wealth, community service, and the blending of spiritual and temporal responsibilities. By recounting their struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices, the text reinforces the ideals of humility, resilience, and selfless service—values that continue to inspire Sikh identity today.
Literary Style and Cultural Significance
Composed in a lyrical, poetic form, the narrative employs a rich mixture of Braj and Punjabi languages rendered in the Gurmukhi script. This blended linguistic style not only reflects the cultural milieu of its time but also ensures that its message resonates with a diverse audience. The verses of “Das Gur Katha” are more than mere historical accounts; they are moral epics that provide guidance on ethical leadership, social justice, and the proper conduct of life. In doing so, the work functions as a bridge between the oral traditions of the past and the evolving literary landscape of later Sikh scholarship.
Preservation and Modern Access
In contemporary times, efforts to digitize and translate “Das Gur Katha” have made this invaluable text more accessible than ever. Institutions like The Sarbloh Scholar have re-edited the original Gurmukhi manuscript to preserve its authentic style, while translations—such as the English version by Kamalroop Singh Nihang—offer a window for modern readers unfamiliar with the original language. These digital incarnations ensure that the profound teachings and historical narratives of the Gurus remain a living tradition in both academic circles and among the faithful.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
“Das Gur Katha” stands as a testimony to the power of devotional literature in shaping a community’s collective memory and spiritual identity. It not only documents the heroic deeds and philosophical insights of the Sikh Gurus but also cements their place as eternal guides in the face of temporal challenges. For scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the evolution of Sikh thought, this ballad provides both historical context and enduring inspiration.
