ITIHAS GURU KHAIA, by Sadhu Gobind Singh, whose earlier name was Pandit Ganda Singh, is a historical account, in Hindi, of the Sikhs, beginning with Guru Nanak (1469–1539) and terminating with the post-Banda Singh period of much turbulence and trial. Sadhu Gobind Singh, a Nirmala scholar, was born in Amritsar district sometime in the third or fourth decade of the nineteenth century. Quite early in life, he became the disciple of Pandit Nihal Singh. He was at Kashi for many years studying Sanskrit language and literature, philosophy, history, and the Puranas, which were his favourite subjects. It was there that he did all his creative writing. He passed away in AD 1899.
He was not only learned in Sikh letters but was also a devout Sikh. He has written five books in all—Nyaya Muktdvah, Udyog Kalid Pradarbodh, Vedant Paribhasha, Vairag Shatak, and Itihas Guru Khalsa. All these books are in Hindi. Itihas Guru Khalsa is the last work of the author. The book was published posthumously in 1902. The book, which depends mainly on Giani Gian Singh’s Panth Prakash for its source material, comprises 584 pages (pp. 585–603 of the published version contain Guru Tegh Bahadur’s hymns in the Devanagari script).
The book is divided into 72 chapters. The first five chapters refer to the origins of the world, the Aryan peoples’ settlement in India, the division of Indian society into the fourfold caste system, and the contemporary Indian milieu. Chapters 6 to 10 deal with the Muslim invasions of India and the consequent hardships undergone by the local population. Chapters 11–37 narrate the life stories of the ten Gurus of the Sikhs—some of these are rather brief, whereas others are fairly detailed accounts. Then follow the exploits of Banda Singh Bahadur (Ch. 38–53), the turbulent period after the death of Banda Singh, and the sacrifices made by the Sikhs prior to the establishment of the Sikh rule by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Besides providing a historical account of the Sikh people, the book is a very useful source on Indian philosophy, Sikh ideology, the Sikh way of life, and Sikh ethics. The language is simple, the style of writing is precise and terse, and the narrative is quite smooth. There are, however, several obvious historical inaccuracies in the narrative.
Background and Authorship
Itihas Guru Khalsa—sometimes spelled as Itihas Guru Khalsā—is the last work of Sadhu Gobind Singh (earlier known as Pandit Ganda Singh), a learned Nirmala scholar born in the Amritsar district during the early decades of the nineteenth century. Having spent many years in Kashi immersed in Sanskrit literature, philosophy, and the Puranas, Sadhu Gobind Singh brought to his historical account both rigorous learning and a deep devotional spirit. The text was published posthumously in 1902 and stands as an important contribution to the historiography of the Sikh people.
Structure and Content
The work is a comprehensive account comprising 584 pages and is divided into 72 chapters. Its organization facilitates a multifaceted exploration of Sikh history by tracing its origins and progression within a broader Indian context. Key features include:
Cosmological and Cultural Foundations (Chapters 1–5):
The early chapters set the stage by referring to the origins of the world, the settlement of the Aryan peoples in India, and the formation of the traditional fourfold caste system. These initial sections do not deal exclusively with Sikh history but help in situating the sociocultural conditions into which Sikhism was later born.
Historical Adversity and Invasion (Chapters 6–10):
A series of chapters then describes the impact of Muslim invasions on India, highlighting the hardships, destabilization, and transformation of the local milieu. This context is crucial for understanding the turbulent era that preceded the rise of the Sikh gurus.
Biographical Narratives of the Gurus (Chapters 11–37):
A major portion of Itihas Guru Khalsa is dedicated to detailed life stories of the ten Sikh Gurus. While some accounts are brief, others provide elaboration on the spiritual and institutional foundations established by these revered figures. Their teachings, sacrifices, and visionary leadership are interwoven with reflections on philosophy and ethics.
Exploitation of Martial and Sacrificial Spirit (Chapters 38–53):
The narrative then shifts focus to the exploits of Banda Singh Bahadur—a pivotal military leader whose campaigns against oppressive rulers marked a turning point in Sikh history. Following his heroism, the text accounts for the turbulent period that ensued after his death and the myriad sacrifices made by Sikhs prior to the eventual consolidation of power under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Philosophy, Ideology, and Way of Life:
Beyond recording events, the work is also a repository of Sikh ideology. It delves into Indian philosophy, the principles of Sikh ethics, and the unique Sikh approach to issues such as social justice, devotion (bhakti), and spiritual liberation. The language used is simple and precise, making complex historical and philosophical ideas accessible to a broad audience. Notably, a section (pages 585–603 in the published version) contains hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur in the Devanagari script, which enrich the narrative by linking historical fact with sacred literary tradition.
Scholarly and Devotional Significance
Itihas Guru Khalsa holds a distinguished place among works on Sikh history for several reasons:
Integration of Diverse Sources:
Sadhu Gobind Singh’s narrative draws primarily on earlier works such as Giani Gian Singh’s Panth Prakash to form its source material, though the account is imbued with the author’s unique insights and interpretations. This synthesis of material provides a layered understanding of Sikh identity and state formation.
Universal Themes and Ethical Reflection:
While it presents a detailed account of historical events, the work also emphasizes universal themes such as the impermanence of worldly life, the need for spiritual detachment, and the crucial role of the Guru in guiding one’s spiritual journey. Such reflections have resonated with devotees and scholars alike, enriching the discourse on Sikh spirituality.
Cultural and National Identity:
By chronicling the evolution of the Sikh nation—from the time of Guru Nanak through periods of intense turmoil and heroic struggle—Itihas Guru Khalsa contributes to the broader tapestry of Indian historical literature. The text not only reinforces the pride and resilience of the Sikh community but also provides insights into how historical experiences shape collective memory and cultural identity.
Itihas Guru Khalsa is more than a mere chronicle; it is a vibrant narrative that captures the intermingling of spiritual ideals, historical events, and cultural transformations over centuries. Sadhu Gobind Singh’s work remains a significant source for understanding how Sikhhood emerged from—and responded to—the dynamic challenges of its environment. Its clear language, systematic structure, and insightful analysis make it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to delve into the origins and evolution of Sikh society, philosophy, and ethics.
