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Explained: Who are the Nihangs, and a peek into their history

The Nihangs have been in news for the wrong reasons recently

5-Nihang Representational image

Nihangs are a sight to watch. Dressed in blue robes, high and heavy turbans adorned with Sikh symbols, armed with traditional weapons, including swords, spears, axes and shields, the warriors remind of the era gone by. Since they were ordained Sikh warriors, over 300 years ago, who would fight battles and protect the faith, they have maintained their dress and lifestyle, minus the rigours of war.

Nihangs were in news for the wrong reason recently when a group of them maimed and killed a dalit Sikh, whom they accused of desecration of the holy book. The horrific image of the victim being hung from a police barrier, having bled to death, once again put the spotlight on the sect. Haryana police arrested four in the case, yet, many of the Nihangs at the Singhu border, remained unapologetic of the act. Earlier, in April last year, a Nihang had chopped off the hand of a Punjab police officer when he tried to stop him at a market while the COVID-19 restrictions were in force.

Though not farmers, a group of Nihangs had gathered at Singhu border and set up their camp with traditional regalia, horses. They claimed they were there as part of the sewa to be with the farmers. The umbrella body of farmers, Samyukta Kisan Morcha, had disassociated itself from the Nihang group. 

Britannica describes them as “An older quasi-monastic and basically military organization among the Sikhs is the Nihang Sahibs, created to fight Muslim incursions into the Sikh communities of the Punjab. The Nihang Sahibs wear military uniforms of blue and yellow robes whose design has remained unchanged since the 17th century.”

The word Nihang is derived from a Persian word which stands for alligator. The Nihangs have also been described as those who are fearless. The reference of term Nihang is also made through shabd 'Nirabho Hoeiou Bhaeiaa Nihangaa' of Guru Arjan Dev in Raag Asa in Guru Granth Sahib, which translate into ‘being fearless, he becomes unrestrained’.

The Sikh order in its present form dates back to the time of tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Some accounts say it was after Guru Gobind Singh saw his youngest son Sahibzada Fateh Singh dressed in blue robe and a turban that he directed his forces adorn this uniform. These warriors’ role was to protect the Sikh faith, act as soldiers, and defend the Gurudwaras. They are often referred to as Guru diyan ladlian faujan (Guru's beloved army).

As warrior Sikhs, they played a stellar role in fending off attacks by the foreign invaders and during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Their exploits are part of the rich Sikh history as they defended the faith and Sikh rule. However, as Sikhs lost political power, Nihangs were relegated to the background. However, the sect lived on as there were new entrants.

During the Sikh empire, the Nihangs were divided in two groups: Budha Dal and Taruna Dal.  The Nihangs have their own Gurudwaras, deras, and many are divided into various groups.

Though they followed the Khalsa's strict code, they were also given concession to be battle fit and ready. For instance, consumption of marijuana is banned in Sikh religion, but the Nihangs include cannabis in a special concoction they prepare for themselves. They have refused to accept a ban by the Sikh religious bodies over its consumption, saying they have their own customs and conventions. Many a time, some of the Nihangs have found themselves at odds with the law and have also come in conflict with other Sikh religious leaders. 

As they continue to maintain their independence and character of warriors, they enjoy a status different from the rest of the population, as they inspire awe, fear, and respect. At annual Hola Mohalla celebration in Anandpur Sahib, Nihangs gather in large numbers, displaying their martial skills, use of weapons and horse-riding skills.

The sect, with their distinct identity, opens a window into the past.

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