PRARTHANATITADAN, poem in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore on the Sikh martyr Bhai Taru Singh. Written on 2 Agrahayan, 1306 BS/1819 November 1899 and included in Katha, a collection of Tagore`s poems published in October-November 1899, the poem refers to Bhai Taru Singh`s arrest along with some other Sikhs “who had surrendered after a stiff resistance making the battleground of Shahidganj crimson red,” and who were presented before the Nawab for execution. The Nawab Zakariya Khan, the Mughal governor of the Punjab] said that he would be happy to excuse Taru Singh.
Taru Singh asked the Nawab why he was showing this indulgence especially towards him. Expressing his appreciation of Bhai Taru Singh`s qualities as a warrior, the Nawab said that he bore him no ill will, adding that he would spare his life, but would expect him to cut off his hem (long hair tied into a knot and kept under his turban). Bhai Taru Singh spoke with a touch of sarcasm that he was impressed by the Nawab`s kindliness, but would rather sacrifice his head with the bent intact. Upon this the Nawab ordered his head execution. Notable for its terse style, the poem makes the point how important for Sikhs are their religious symbols, especially kesa, their long, unshorn hair. H.B.
PRARTHANATITADAN is a Bengali poem by Rabindranath Tagore that pays tribute to the Sikh martyr Bhai Taru Singh. The poem was written on 2 Agrahayan, 1306 BS (corresponding to November 1819) and later included in Kathd, a collection of Tagore’s poems published in October–November 1899. It vividly recounts the arrest of Bhai Taru Singh and several other Sikhs after a stiff resistance at Shahidganj—a confrontation that stained the battlefield crimson. These martyrs were presented before the Nawab, Zakariya Khan, the Mughal governor of Punjab.
In the narrative, as the Nawab expressed willingness to pardon Taru Singh on account of his valor, he demanded that Taru Singh cut off his “hem” (the long, unshorn hair, which is a vital symbol of Sikh identity). With a note of defiant sarcasm and unwavering commitment to his faith, Bhai Taru Singh declared that he would prefer to sacrifice his head while keeping his hair intact. This resolute stance against renouncing his religious identity ultimately led to his execution.
Tagore’s terse yet powerful style in PRARTHANATITADAN emphasizes the critical importance of religious symbols in Sikhism, particularly the non-negotiable significance of keeping one’s kesa (unshorn hair). The poem not only memorializes the martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh but also serves as a broader commentary on the honor, courage, and steadfastness embodied by the Sikh spirit.
