SANTMAL, by Bhai Sobha Ram, is an account in Punjabi verse, of the Sevapanthi sect. The work, still unpublished, was completed in Bk 1923/AD 1866. A copy of the manuscript is preserved in Dera Bhai Ram Kishan, Patiala. This manuscript copied in Bk 1927/AD 1870 comprises 255 folios, each folio, 12/1/2″ X 6/ 1/2″, containing 16 lines. The work falls in the category of hagiographical writing and follows the Puranic style of narration.
The manuscript contains detailed biographies of some of the important Sevapanthi saints such as Bhai Kanhaiya, Seva Ram, Addan Shah and Dukhbhanjan. Brief sketches are provided of some lesser known Sevapanthi saints such as Bhai Dhanno, Garh Mangu, Sadanand and Bhalla Ram. The work includes some indirect references to Mughal atrocities and the sufferings of the Sikhs during the eighteenth century. Valuable and interesting information, based on personal knowledge, is given about some of the eminent contemporary personalities such as Bedi Sahib Singh of Una, Baba Vadbhag Singh and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
References :
1. Gurmukh Singh, Seva Panthian di Panjabi Sahit nun Den. Patiala, 1986
Historical Background and Context
SANTMAL is a 19th‑century Punjabi verse composition attributed to Bhai Sobha Ram. Unlike canonical texts such as the Guru Granth Sahib, which have reached widespread circulation, SANTMAL remains unpublished in print yet survives as a crucial manuscript that offers unique insights into the Sevapanthi tradition—a sect known for its staunch commitment to selfless service (seva). The manuscript, completed in Bk 1923 (AD 1866), is preserved in the Dera Bhai Ram Kishan, Patiala, with one extant copy (copied in Bk 1927/AD 1870) comprising 255 folios; each folio measures approximately 12½” by 6½” and contains 16 lines of verse.
The composition was created during a period of intense reflection on Sikh history and identity, when regional communities sought to record not only the mainstream theological and devotional narratives but also the accounts of subsects like the Sevapanthis. These hagiographical writings were instrumental in memorializing the lives of revered saints whose contributions—both spiritual and humanitarian—had a lasting impact on the Sikh collective memory.
Structure and Literary Style
SANTMAL is composed in a traditional Punjabi verse style that echoes the oral recitative traditions of Sikh history. The work is deliberately hagiographic, aiming to celebrate the sanctity, valor, and selfless service of its subjects. Its poetic style blends vivid imagery, classical meters, and a resonant tone that elevates ordinary historical accounts into the realm of lore and spiritual myth.
Verse and Form:
The hagiography is framed as a series of detailed biographies. Its poetic structure is designed not for systematic historical recordkeeping in the modern sense but rather to evoke emotion and to sanctify the deeds of its heroes. Each section is tailored to emphasize the miraculous qualities and the unwavering commitment to seva that characterize the Sevapanthi saints.
Content and Themes:
Central to the narrative are the biographies of key figures such as Bhai Kanhaiya, Seva Ram, Addan Shah, and Dukhbhanjan, alongside shorter sketches of lesserknown devotees like Bhai Dhanno, Garh Mangu, Sadanand, and Bhalla Ram. These saints are portrayed with a blend of historical reminiscence and mythic embellishment. Their lives are connected to broader events, including references to Mughal atrocities and the hardships faced by the Sikhs during the eighteenth century. Additionally, the manuscript provides valuable information about contemporary personalities of the time—such as Bedi Sahib Singh of Una, Baba Vadbhag Singh, and even mentions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh—thereby situating the hagiography within a broader sociopolitical framework.
Hagiographical Emphasis:
Beyond mere biography, SANTMAL employs traditional hagiographical techniques. Miraculous healings, divine interventions, and exemplary acts of compassion are woven into the narrative, underscoring the sanctity of its subjects. This style, while affirming the spiritual ideals of the Sevapanthi branch, also serves to inspire devotion among its readers and to reinforce the ethical imperative of selfless service.
Significance within Sikh Tradition
SANTMAL holds a multifaceted significance in the study of Sikh literature:
- Preservation of Sevapanthi Ideals:
The work is an invaluable repository of the Sevapanthi ethos—a tradition born out of the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur and later shaped by the actions of Bhai Kanhaiya and his followers. By chronicling the lives of these saints, the hagiography preserves a unique strand of Sikh spiritual practice that emphasizes compassion, inclusiveness, and the service of humanity without discrimination. - Complement to Canonical Narratives:
While the Guru Granth Sahib and other classical Sikh texts focus on theological discourses and devotional poetry, SANTMAL offers alternative perspectives by celebrating the incarnations of service within the Sikh body. It thus fills an important lacuna in Sikh historiography and provides a counterbalance to more orthodox narratives. - Historical and Cultural Insights:
The hagiography not only recounts personal biographies but also embeds significant cultural and historical references. The indirect allusions to Mughal oppression, the struggles of the Sikh community, and the interactions with local leadership offer scholars a rich tapestry of the sociopolitical environment in which these saints lived and worked.
