The Word ‘Nihang’ in ‘Gur Bilas Paat-shaahee 10’

(Amrit Pal Singh ‘Amrit’)

Bhai Kuyer Singh wrote his book in 1751 AD. The word ‘Nihang’ has been used in this book for several times.

Most of times, Kuyer Singh used this word for ‘warriors’ or as an adjective (‘brave’).

Here are a few examples: –

Satgur Sanmukh Jaat Bhyo, Mag Mai Milai Nihang.

and

Nihangan Naam Bataavahee, Meendee Kar Laghu Ang.

and

Eh Nihangan Kau At Kaam.

and

Naam Nihangan Jaano Tehee.

To elucidate further, let us consider another line written by Kuyer Singh, in which he has used the word ‘Nihang’. In the 20th chapter, Kuyer Singh gives description of a meeting between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and King Bahadur Shah. Bahadur Shah makes a request to Guru Ji to stay there for a few days and says: –

Alp Divas Bit Hai Sukh Sanga.
Taa Tai Charhai Su Beg Nihanga.

(A few days will be spent with pleasure. Then, ‘Nihangs‘ {warriors} will go further swiftly).

In the lines given above, the word ‘Nihanga’ has been used commonly for Mogul, as well as Sikh warriors.

Kuyer Singh has used the word ‘Nihang’ for ‘sword’ also. When giving description of Bhai Bachitra Singh Ji fighting against the mad elephant, Kuyer Singh uses the word ‘Nihangang’ for sword, which was tied with trunk of the elephant: –

Ite Aap Ke Rang Aaye Su Singhang.
Hane Soorbeerang Ute Vai Nihangang.

Thus, Kuyer Singh has used the word ‘Nihang’ for a variety of meanings, mainly for ‘warrior’, however he has not used this word for Sikhs as a proper noun.

Bhai Kuyer Singh wrote this book in 1751 AD. The word ‘Nihang’ has been used in this book for several times.

Most of times, Kuyer Singh used this word for ‘warriors’ or as an adjective (‘brave’).

Here are a few examples: –

Satgur Sanmukh Jaat Bhyo, Mag Mai Milai Nihang.

and

Nihangan Naam Bataavahee, Meendee Kar Laghu Ang.

and

Eh Nihangan Kau At Kaam.

and

Naam Nihangan Jaano Tehee.

To elucidate further, let us consider another line written by Kuyer Singh, in which he has used the word ‘Nihang’. In the 20th chapter, Kuyer Singh gives description of a meeting between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and King Bahadur Shah. Bahadur Shah makes a request to Guru Ji to stay there for a few days and says: –

Alp Divas Bit Hai Sukh Sanga.
Taa Tai Charhai Su Beg Nihanga.

(A few days will be spent with pleasure. Then, ‘Nihangs‘ {warriors} will go further swiftly).

In the lines given above, the word ‘Nihanga’ has been used commonly for Mogul, as well as Sikh warriors.

Kuyer Singh has used the word ‘Nihang’ for ‘sword’ also. When giving description of Bhai Bachitra Singh Ji fighting against the mad elephant, Kuyer Singh uses the word ‘Nihangang’ for sword, which was tied with trunk of the elephant: –

Ite Aap Ke Rang Aaye Su Singhang.
Hane Soorbeerang Ute Vai Nihangang.

Thus, Kuyer Singh has used the word ‘Nihang’ for a variety of meanings, mainly for ‘warrior’, however he has not used this word for Sikhs as a proper noun.