Gobind Sarvar rd 3 Annual

Sikh History Competition Package C PREVIEW

Important Dates: Saturday May 17, 2014 – Review/Info Session @ 7:00 pm Saturday May 24, 2014 – Qualification Exam @ 3:30 pm Saturday May 31, 2014 – Main Event Game Show @ 6:30 pm

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Group C: Born April 1999 - March 2002

THIS IS A PREVIEW PACKAGE C ONLY. ACTUAL PACKAGE C CONTAINS 63 PAGES

Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji and Glossary of Sikh Vocabulary.

This package has been developed with the generous support of sikschool.com and produced by Gobind Sarvar with the authorization of the publisher. Gobind Sarvar does not hold any copyrights for the below mentioned curriculum. All rights reserved by publisher (Sikhschool.com). If you have any questions please email [email protected] or contact the publisher directly at [email protected].

Published by: Sikschool.com, California USA Sikhya curriculum(C) (sikhschool.com) (2009) This book is published solely for non profit with the kind efforts of volunteers, qualified or experienced in the field of Sikh religion and . All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing of PUBLISHER, or as expressly permitted by law. Enquiries concerning reproduction should be sent to PUBLISHER, at ([email protected])

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Sri Sahib Ji

Date of Parkash: June 19, 1595 (AswV vdI 7, 21 AswV sMmq 1652)

Place of Parkash: Guru Ki Vadali, District:

Father: Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji

Mother: Mata Ganga Devi Ji

Mahal (Wife): Mata Damodri Ji, Mata Nanki Ji, Mata Marwahi Ji

Sons: Baba Gurdita Ji, Baba Anhi Rai Ji, Baba Atal Rai Ji, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, Baba Suraj Mall Ji. Daughter: Bibi Veero Ji

Gurgaddi: May 19, 1606 (jyT vdI 8, 22 jyT sMmq 1663) JotiJot: March 3, 1644 (cyq sudI 5, 6 cyq smM q 1701)

Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami

Calendar

Guru Sahib had five sons and one daughter. They were:

- Baba Gurditta Ji, born to Mata Damodri Ji in 1613.

- Bibi Veero Ji, born to Mata Damodri Ji in 1615.

- Baba Suraj Mall Ji, born to Mata Mahadevi Ji in 1617.

- Baba Anhi Rai Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1618.

- Baba Atal Rai Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1619.

- Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1621.

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Let’s go back 325 years in history to the city of Sri Amritsar Sahib where, under the blessings of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, everyone lived in perfect bliss. Ji had founded Sri Amritsar Sahib a few years before. It had become a place to receive spiritual bliss and had emerged as a major business center.

Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus of low and high castes came from different parts of South Asia to settle in Amritsar Sahib, and lived in perfect peace and harmony. They started their day with a dip (Ishnaan, ieSnwn) in the Amrit Sarovar and listened to and at Harmandir Sahib (hirmMdr swihb, also known as The or Darbar Sahib).

In such a perfect environment, there was someone who was not at peace, Baba Prithi Chand Ji, the elder brother of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, wanted to be the Guru and was full of ego and jealousy. Baba Prithi Chand's wife complained, "The youngest son obtained Gurgaddi instead of the eldest one, and the whole world, both the emperor and the common men, worship Him."

Baba Prithi Chand replied, "Arjun has no son and so His prosperity is short-lived. Our son Meharban will be the next Guru."

Baba Prithi Chand‟s wife would tease Mata Ganga Ji, Guru Arjun Dev Ji's wife, for not having a child. Mata Ganga Ji prayed to Guru Sahib to bless her with a son. Guru Sahib asked her to do & , and to ignore Baba Prithi Chand‟s and his wife‟s remarks. But Baba Prithi Chand‟s wife continued to taunt Mata Ganga Ji.

Mata Ganga Ji again requested Guru Sahib Ji, "All those who seek your blessings obtain peace and happiness. Please also fulfill my wish and bless me with a son."

Guru Sahib would often send His devotees to His respectable Sikh, Baba Buddha Ji, for Dev Ji’s blessing. Guru Sahib told Mata Ganga Ji to go to Baba Buddha Ji and seek his blessings.

The next day, Mata Ganga Ji, along with her attendants, rode in carriages to go see Baba Buddha Ji at his residence (now known as bIV swihb). The approaching carriages were kicking up a lot of dust and Baba Budha Ji saw this asked one of the sevadars, “Ji, who is that who is coming to see us in such a manner?” The sevadar replied that it was Mata Ganga Ji. Although, Baba Buddha Ji respected Mata Ganga Ji, he did not like how Mata Ganga Ji was displaying her status and wealth. When Mata Ganga Ji placed sweets before him and prayed for his blessings, Baba Buddha Ji replied, "Mata Ji, I am only a servant of your house. It is only Guru Sahib Ji who is an ocean of supernatural power and fulfills everyone's desires."

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Mata Ji came back disappointed and told the whole story to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib explained, "Saints and the True Guru are not pleased with those who show off. If you desire anything from them, appear before them in a humble manner (meaning not with carriages and attendants). If you still desire the Saint's blessing, then prepare food (lMgr) with your own hands, with your heart full of devotion, and dress like an ordinary person and go to see Baba Ji on foot."

As instructed by Guru Sahib Ji, Mata Ganga Ji milled the wheat, prepared im~sy pRSwdy (bread) and l~sI (butter milk) with her own hands, and walked barefoot to Baba Buddha Ji’s residence.

When he saw her, Baba Buddha Ji greeted her by saying, "O Mother! I am very hungry. Only a mother knows the needs of the son. Give me the food that you have brought."

While eating, Baba Buddha Ji crushed an onion and said, "Your son will be the King of kings; He will rule the hearts of His people. He will crush the power of evil kings, like I crush this onion under my fist.”

For some time Guru Arjun Dev Ji moved to the village Wadali, about six to seven miles away from Amritsar. This is where Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s Parkash took place.

This great event is remembered as Parkash Diwas (pRkwS idvs) of

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. We may also remember this day as Gurpurab (gurpurb), which means Guru‟s day but we do not call this day Guru Sahib‟s birthday.

We should not call Guru Sahib‟s Parkash day a birthday because a person who is born, has to die. Guru Sahib is beyond birth and death. Guru Sahib helps to overcome the cycle of birth and death, and to merge with (God).

Key Gurmat Message:

It is important to be humble when doing Seva. Seva of Guru Ji and true Gursikhs with humility can fulfill all desires.

Baba Prithi Chand’s Animosity

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The Parkash of (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji increased the hostility of Baba Prithi Chand, who saw no chance for himself or for his son, Meharban, to become the next Guru. Prithi Chand‟s hatred led him to try several unsuccessful attempts on (Guru) Hargobind Sahib's life.

Baba Prithi Chand hired a nurse to poison baby (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji. She applied poison to the nipple of her breast and went to Wadali. The nurse first congratulated Guru Arjun Dev Ji's wife on the birth of the child. She then caressed and fondled the baby trying to breast-feed him. The child refused suckling. Then, for some mysterious reason, the nurse fainted and fell backwards. When she regained her consciousness, she repented and disclosed that Baba Prithi Chand had hired her to kill the infant. Thus, the story of Baba Prithi Chand's ill scheme was disclosed.

The first failed attempt did not deter Baba Prithi Chand. He then hired a snake charmer to kill the child by exposing him to a cobra. He promised the snake charmer a great sum of money if he succeeded in the plot. The snake charmer found a chance and let a black cobra loose in the courtyard. The young (Guru) Hargobind Sahib took the hissing cobra in his hand and killed it immediately.

Baba Prithi Chand tried again and persuaded (Guru) Hargobind Sahib's male nurse to poison the child. The next day, the Brahmin servant slipped poison in the child's yogurt (dhIN). The child, however, turned away the poisoned yogurt and refused to take it. The Brahmin servant tried to force feed the poisoned yogurt to (Guru) Hargobind Sahib, but the child started crying.

Listening to the cry, Guru Sahib came to see the child. In the meantime, (Guru) Hargobind Sahib with His tiny hands gave a powerful push to the container in the servant‟s hands, causing the yogurt to spill. A dog nearby rushed forward and ate the yogurt. The dog died immediately. The servant confessed his ill doings to Guru Sahib, and disclosed the murderous designs of Baba Prithi Chand. The Brahmin servant died after this incident.

When (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji became of a suitable age to receive instructions, He was entrusted to Baba Buddha Ji for his education. Baba Buddha Ji, Bhai Jetha Ji, and Bhai Ganga Sehgal Ji taught , Hikmat ihkmq (medicine), and

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Gurbani to (Guru) Hargobind Sahib. They also trained Him in martial arts (Gatka), horse riding, and wrestling. (Guru) Hargobind Sahib grew up to be a superb saintsoldier. When Guru Arjun Dev Ji was martyred on May 30, 1606, Guru Hargobind Sahib was only eleven years of age.

Key Gurmat Message: Those who harm others will have to pay for their misdeeds. Also, those protected by Waheguru Ji cannot be touched by evil persons.

Miri-Piri de Malik Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

From Dev Ji to Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Guru Sahibs not only preached Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s message but also practiced each message against all odds. By this time, Sikhs have learned how to obey Hukam, do Seva and Simran, be humble but firm, stay calm even in extreme conditions, give Shaheedi if needed, etc.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was only eleven years old when His father was martyred. All the Sikhs were looking up to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to give them directions. Guru Sahib decided that it was time to stand up against injustice, to protect the innocent, and to crush the oppressor.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji decided to don two swords: one to represent spiritual powers (Piri - pIrI); and, another to represent temporal powers and to protect the innocent (Miri - mIrI). Guru Sahib instructed Sikhs to carry weapons and learn horse riding. He sent a letter to his masands (msMd: preachers) asking them to instruct Sikhs to bring arms and horses as part of their offerings, and to send youth.

The news of the cruel torture and Shaheedi of Guru Arjun Dev Ji caused a deep wound in the hearts of the Sikhs. Their wound was so deep that they were willing to sacrifice everything that was precious to them to regain self-respect and freedom from the oppression of the Mugal Raj. For the first time after suffering centuries of discrimination under Muslim rule, there arose a wild cry of resistance.

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A lot of young Sikhs from all over joined Guru Hargobind Sahib‟s army. Guru Hargobind Sahib carried the torch of Guru Nanak Sahib's message as the sixth Guru from 1606 to 1644. He proved himself a saint and a soldier, and was the first military hero of the people of in 500 years, since the conquest of Punjab by the Mughals.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Builds Akal Takhat (Akwl qKq)

In 1609, Guru Hargobind Sahib built a modest structure facing the Harimandar Sahib and called it Akal Bunga. In front of the Akal Bunga there was a large open space, where Sikhs assembled from time to time to listen to the Guru Sahib on matters concerning the welfare of the community.

Guru Hargobind Sahib sat on a raised platform that was 12 feet high, dressed as a King, wearing the two swords of Miri and Piri, with a royal plume (klgI) on His turban. Harimandir Sahib was the seat of spiritual authority, and Akal Bunga was the seat of temporal authority. Guru Sahib held Darbars in front of Akal Bunga. There, He administered justice like a king in His court, awarding honors, punishments and accepting presents of arms and horses. In the afternoon, Guru Sahib watched wrestling matches and weapons exercises. Ballads (FwfI vwrW) were sung by Dhadi (FwfI j`Qw) who narrated the stories of fearless bravery and heroism.

In due course, the Akal Bonga came to be known as the Akal Takhat, the Throne of the Almighty. Throughout their struggle for freedom and independence, Sikh leaders have assembled before the Throne of the Almighty to debate and discuss the problems faced by the Panth. They made collective decisions, known as gurmqw (Gurmata), to resolve issues at hand.

Sri Akal Takhat, as it stands today, is a beautiful five-story building with a large open space in front of it. On the other end of this space is drSnI ifaVu I (Darshani Deori), leading to Harmandir Sahib.

On the main floor of Sri Akal Takhat, where Guru Hargobind Sahib used to sit, some of the weapons used by the Guru Sahibs and famous Sikhs are kept.

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Sri Akal Takhat is the first of the five Takhats. The other four Takhats are:

1. Takhat Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna Sahib, Bihar - The Parkashplace of Ji

2. Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in - the birthplace of the Khalsa

3. Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib in Sabo Ki

Talwandi where Guru Gobind Singh Ji dictated Sri Ji to Ji

4. Takhat Sri in Nander, Maharashtra; the place from where Guru Gobind Singh Ji left the earthly abode after enthroning Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the everlasting Guru.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Builds Fort Logarh

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji recruited troops and assembled an army. Guru Sahib possessed a stable of 700 horses and 60 gunners. Five hundred men were recruited as infantry. Guru Sahib also built a fort at Amritsar called Lohgarh (fortress of steel) and created a government of His own, similar to that of the Mughal Kings. Thus, the Sikhs came to occupy a separate state within the Mughal state. In addition to congregational prayers and preaching, activities such as riding, wrestling, and other warlike sports were also given importance. This was the beginning of the providing a sword into a Saints hands. Guru Sahib’s fame spread far and wide. Many men came to enlist under Guru Sahib's banner. They believed that no one else had power to face and challenge the Mughal emperor. Key Gurmat Message:

It is important to have both spiritual (Piri) and worldly power (Miri). Guru Ji created the Sri Akal Takhat because he wanted the Sikhs to become brave and fight against the mighty kings (and all others) who troubled the poor and weak.

Meeting With Baba Sri Chand Ji

After Guru Angad Dev Ji moved to Khadur Sahib, Baba Sri Chand Ji started his own Udaasi sect at Kartarpur. One day Guru Hargobind Sahib along with His elder son, Baba Gurditta Ji, visited Baba Sri Chand Ji at Kartarpur. Baba Gurditta Ji‟s face resembled Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s beautiful face. Baba Sri Chand Ji was greatly surprised to see him. Baba Ji asked Guru Sahib, "Do any of the sons belong to Baba Ji?" Guru Sahib replied, "All are yours."

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Pleased with Guru Sahib‟s response, Baba Ji asked for Baba Gurditta Ji. Guru Sahib presented Baba Gurditta Ji to him. Guru Nanak Dev Ji had settled on the banks of the Ravi (rwvI) River at Kartarpur after completing the Udaasis (audwsIAW - long journeys). There, Guru Nanak Dev Ji removed the attire he had worn for the Udaasis; however, Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s elder son, Baba Sri Chand Ji donned that Udaasi attire. Now, Baba Sri Chand Ji entrusted the leadership of his Udaasi sect to Baba Gurditta Ji. It was this Udaasi sect that carried out the responsibility of up- keeping Sikh institutions during hard times when Sikhs had to live in hidings or jungles.

Key Gurmat Message:

Guru Hargobind Sahib had the utmost respect for the Son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Imprisoned in Gwalior (gvwlIAr) Fort

Chandu mischievously reported the kingly activities of Guru Hargobind Sahib as being revolt preparations against the Muslim Emperor Jahangir. The Emperor was alarmed at these preparations and so he invited Guru Ji to meet him in . When Guru Sahib reached Delhi, He stayed with His army at a place called Majnu ka Tilla.

When Guru Sahib went to meet with the Emperor, He was received with respect. Over the next few days, Jahangir asked Guru Sahib many questions regarding His spiritual Kingship and warlike preparations. Guru Sahib answered all his questions with spiritual wisdom. The Emperor was pleased with Guru Ji and desired to be in His company. The queen, Noor Jehan, took a deep interest in Guru Sahib, and became His follower.

During these days, Jahangir fell ill. Following the malicious advice of his Hindu ministers, he invited his astrologers to seek their advice. Chandu, who was always looking for ways to detach the Emperor from Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, heavily bribed these astrologers. The astrologers said that Jahangir could only be cured if a holy man of God should go to the Fort of Gwalior (a high security prison) and pray for his recovery from there. Chandu then advised the Emperor that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was

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the holiest of men and should be sent to Gwalior. Jahangir requested Guru Hargobind Sahib to go to Gwalior. Although Guru Hargobind Sahib saw through the plot of Chandu, He left for Gwalior immediately.

In fact, Chandu wrote letters to Hari Das, the Commander of Fort Gwalior, urging him to poison Guru Sahib or kill Him in any way and in return receive a large reward. Hari Das by that time was so devoted to Guru Sahib that he showed all these letters to Him. Guru Sahib simply smiled and said nothing.

A number of Rajput princes were also imprisoned in the fort at Gwalior. Guru Sahib started to have regular morning and evening congregations of the prisoners in the Fort.

Sikh devotees missed Guru Sahib and as a result, started going in large numbers to the Gwalior Fort and walk around it, bowing in respect to Guru Sahib Ji. After a year or so, when Jahangir recovered, he thought of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji again. Jahangir realized the mischief played by Chandu and ordered the release of Guru Sahib. Undoubtedly, Noor Jehan, who had disciple-like devotion to Guru Sahib, had something to do with His recall from Gwalior.

However, Guru Sahib would not go unless the Emperor agreed to release all the prisoners in the fort. Jahangir reluctantly agreed to release as many kings that could hold on to Guru Ji's robe. Guru Sahib got a special Chola (robe) made which had 52 klIAW, or strings.

All 52 of the kings, each one of them holding on to a silken string of Guru Sahib's robe, came out of the prison. For this, Guru Sahib is remembered as bdM I CoV, the Liberator. When Guru Sahib reached Amritsar, the town was illuminated with lights to welcome him. Sikhs celebrated the return of their Guru. Even today, the anniversary of that event is celebrated on Diwali as “Bandi Chhorh Diwas.”

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji is the true liberator (one who frees us from our shackles). Guru Ji can free us from all bad qualities such as greed, anger, etc.

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Baba Buddha Ji and Chonki (Night Choir)

The Sikhs left behind at Amritsar felt very keenly the pain of separation from the Guru. Headed by Baba Buddha Ji, they started to recite “Naam‟ in remembrance of Guru Sahib. Every evening they would light torches and go in procession (cONkI chonki) around Harimandir Sahib, feeling the Guru to be with them. On His return, Guru Sahib told Baba Buddha Ji how this devotion had attracted Him to the Harimandir Sahib every evening. Guru Sahib blessed them by saying that the chonki (night choir) organized by Baba Buddha Ji at

Harimandir Sahib would continue forever and that He would always be present in it. Every evening since then the Sikhs have organized a chonki (known as bwbw b~uFw jI dI cONkI) around Harimandir Sahib and feel

Guru Sahib‟s and Baba Buddha Ji‟s presence in it. Even today, Kirtan only stops at Harimandir Sahib when the chonki reaches Harmandir Sahib. This because of Guru Sahibs Hukam that they will be present in it and thus out of respect the Kirtan is temporarily paused for an Ardaas at the end of the Chonki.

Friendship With Jahangir

The Emperor Jahangir, who was convinced that he had been misled in handling the case of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, befriended Guru Sahib after His release from Fort Gwalior. Throwing the blame on Chandu, the Emperor handed Chandu over to Guru Hargobind Sahib. Chandu was paraded in the streets of , where the same grain- parcher that Chandu used to pour burning sand on Guru Arjun Dev Ji‟s head, struck Chandu with a ladle, killing him on the spot.

When Jahangir found out that Sri Guru Hargobind Ji was a great lover of sports, he invited Him to accompany him on a tiger hunt. During the chase a ferocious tiger attacked the Emperor. The attendants accompanying the royal party lost their nerve, and their horses and elephants panicked. Guru Ji rushed His horse and pulling out His sword, engaged and killed the dangerous tiger single- handedly. Jahangir was full of gratitude towards Guru Ji for risking His life. Jahangir became so fond of Guru Sahib that he asked Him to accompany him on a number of visits. The False King and the True King (s~cw pwqSwh) We treasure a beautiful story of a Sikh from Agra who was a humble grass-cutter. The tents of Emperor Jahangir and Guru Sahib were pitched side by side in the fields. A poor grass-cutter came to see Guru Ji. The royal attendants led the grass-cutter, who

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desperately wanted to see the Sacha Patshah (s~cw pwqSwh True King), into the camp of the Emperor. The grass-cutter put a coin before him and stood with folded hands, praying, his eyes filled with tears and his throat choked with emotion. The Emperor was overwhelmed with the devotion of the Sikh and offered him large gifts. The Sikh replied, "Sachay Patshah, if you are so pleased, bless me with the Waheguru's Naam that I be liberated." When the Sikh was told that he had come to the wrong camp, and that the One Who granted liberation was in the next camp, the Sikh boldly picked the coin that he had offered by mistake. The emperor felt offended and tried to trade the coin with several gold coins, but the Sikh refused by saying, “My hard earned coin is meant only for the Sachay Patshah, my Guru.” Picking up his coin, the grass-cutter Sikh went towards Guru Ji's tent. He placed the coin before Guru Sahib and said, "My Lord! Forgive me! I took the ordinary king as Sachay Patshah. Bless me with the glory of Waheguru's Naam that I be liberated."

This episode changed the life of Jahangir and he realized that the

True King was greater than him.

Key Gurmat Message:

Emperors or worldy kings can only give you worldy things. Sacha Patshah (The True King) not only helps us unite with Waheguru, but also gives us everything else that we might need, the worldly things, the virtues, the Naam, etc.

Battle of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

After returning to Amritsar Sahib, Guru Hargobind Sahib‟s power continued to grow. The Mughals became very angry and tried to suppress the power of the Sikhs. This led to Guru Sahib fighting four battles with the Mughals. Guru Sahib‟s intension was not to acquire any land or temporal power. The only intent was to fight against the injustice that the people had been experiencing under Mughal rule. Guru Hargobind Sahib won all four battles even though he faced huge Mughal forces in each battle. Guru Sahib also never started any of these battles, and always fought in defense.

Under Guru Sahib‟s leadership, there was a great change in the character of the Sikhs. Sikhs got a new spirit of heroism to resist the mighty and unjust power of the Mughals.

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Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was also looked upon by the Sikhs and nonSikhs as an accomplished swordsman, hero, and thorough master of war.

Imperial White Hawk in the Hands of the Sikhs

The relations between Guru Hargobind Sahib and Emperor Jahangir remained peaceful and friendly. Following the death of Jahangir in 1627, his son Shah Jahan succeeded him in 1628. Shah Jahan was hostile towards non-Muslims, in particular the Sikhs. The wound inflicted by Jahangir (martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji) on the psyche of the Sikhs needed little fire to become inflamed. Both parties were primed for a clash on the slightest cause.

One day in 1628, Emperor Shah Jahan went hunting from Lahore in the direction of Amritsar. Guru Hargobind Sahib also happened to be camping in the vicinity. The Emperor spotted a bird and let fly his white hawk in pursuit. The overpampered hawk, instead of striking the bird down, pecked at it, pursuing it into Guru Ji's camp. The Sikhs let fly their own hawk which seized the bird, and the Emperor's hawk followed. The Sikhs caught both birds. The royal huntsman pushed themselves into Guru Ji's camp and threatening punishment, commanded that their hawk be returned. The Sikhs refused to yield to their threatening behavior. After a hot altercation, royal huntsman angrily returned to report the matter to the Emperor. On hearing the report, Emperor Shah Jahan was enraged and ordered his general, Mukhlis Khan, with

7,000 cavalry, to bring both Guru Sahib and the hawk.

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