‘ Book Review ’
Hindu Itihas: Haaron Kee Daastaan
(Book Review by Amrit Pal Singh ‘Amrit’)
Book: Hindu Itihas: Haaron Kee Daastaan
Writer: Dr. Surendra Kumar Sharma ‘Agiyaat
M.A. (Hindi), Ph. D. (Punjab),
M. A. (Sanskrit), Ph. D. (America).
Language: Hindi
Pages: 134.
Third Edition.
Price: Rs 40.
Publisher and Printer: Vishv Vijay Pvt. Ltd, M-12, Connaught Circus, New Delhi – 110001. (India).
In recent years, some books have been published against Hindus and their religion. Most of such books are just an open demonstration of hatred towards Hindus. Such writers do not bother even to check the ‘facts’ they have been giving in their books. An ordinary reader accepts whatever is printed in a book shape. No wonder, we hear such slogans in ’secular India’, “Tilak’, ‘Taraazu’ aur ‘Talvaar’. In Ko Maaro Joote Chaar”.
The book ‘Hindu Itihas: Haaron Kee Daastaan’ (Hindu history: the tale of defeats) is though criticizes Hindus, but is free from any obvious hatred against them. Even then, there are some points, which cannot be accepted in the light of other facts, which seems to be hidden by the learned writer, who is, by chance, a Brahman by caste.
How should we write our history? Should we hide our past if it is black? The writer, Dr. Surendra Kumar Sharma ‘Agiyaat’, says that Hindus have a strange conception towards history. They present the black past after whitewashing it. They hope that it will be accepted as authentic history. The writer says that inferior complex is working behind it, which is found in those people, who have some specific defect.
Some friends, and enemies too, say to the writer that the filth should not be brought forward. It should be kept concealed. However, the writer thinks in a different way. He thinks that if the history is bad in reality, even then there is nothing wrong; because in that condition, we can find out what our faults were, if we analyze such history.
Some people describe the personal gains of Shiva Ji and Rana Pratap and say that our history was splendor. However, the writer, Dr. Surendra Kumar Sharma ‘Agiyaat, does not accept this. He questions, “Are one or two persons your history of thousands of years? If your history is really a splendor one, why a handful of invaders used to rule here for thousand of years, regardless of your Rana Prataps and Shivajis?”
The writer asks further, “Is it not the bitter truth of ‘your’ history that all the life of Rana Pratap passed fighting against those hindus, who were playing part of hunting dogs for Akbar, the Mogul King; and the ‘Purohits’ refused to perform the ceremony of crowning for Shivaji despite all his gains?”
In the first chapter of his book, the writer blames the Hindu religion for all the defeats of Hindus. Giving example of battle of ‘Trayin’ in 1192 AD, he says that it was unreligious for a Hindu to take food without taking bath and worshiping his god, so when Mohammad Gauri attacked Prithvi Raj’s (Hindu) army suddenly in early morning, they were not able to fight with empty stomachs for long. Thus, the writer blames Hindu religion for this defeat. The untouchability is another reason for Hindus’ defeat, according to the writer. Uses of elephants in wars, blind faith in religion etc were other reasons for Hindus’ defeats, the writer believes.
In his second chapter, ‘Kya Hindu Bahaduri Se Larhe?’ (Did Hindus fight bravely?), the writer gives many examples to prove that Hindus did not fight bravely.
For example, he says that when Sikandar attacked India in 327 BC, the King of ‘Takshila’ Raja Ambhi sent an envoy to Sikandar and surrendered before him.
Sikandar had 15, 000 armymen and King Porus had 33, 000 armymen, even then Porus was defeated by Sikandar.
In 250 BC, the Bactrian Greeks attacked India. In 180-90 BC, Demitriyas attacked. His military chief Minendra reached Patliputra.
Then came ‘Pahlavs’, who started to capture parts of Sindh. Then, ‘Shakas’ came and they occupied Saurashtra, Gujrat and Avanti.
After Shakas, ‘Kushaans’ attacked India. They conquered Punjab, Sindh and Mathura. Their King Kanishka conquered Bihar and Kashmir.
In 455 AD, the ‘Huns’ started to invade India. Even after this, another races, like Jats, Gujjars and Aheers etc continued to come here and established their kingdoms.
In 653 AD, Abdul Rahman occupied Jabul. In 712 AD, 17 years old Mohammad Bin Qasim attacked Sindh and then occupied Brahmanabad, Allaur, Multan and Kannauj etc.
In 1018 AD, Mahmud reached Buland Shahar and the local ruler Hardatt surrendered before him and embraced Islam along with his 10, 000 people. When Mahmud reached Mathura, the local residents and soldiers ran away without giving a battle. Same happened in Vrindavan. In January 1019, Mahmud attacked Kannauj. The King of Kannauj Rajpal did not dare to oppose him. Mahmud got lots of money, slaves and elephants from Kannauj.
In 1192, Mohammad Gauri defeated Prithavi Raj Chauhan and killed him. There were 1, 20, 000 armymen in Gauri’s army. On the other hand, there were 2, 00, 000 horsemen, 3, 000 elephants in Prithavi’s army.
In 1197, Mohammad Gauri’s general Mohammad Bin Qasim Bakhitiyar attacked Bihar and Bengal along with only 18 horsemen and captured them. He killed thousands of Budhists there in Udandpur.
In 1221, Changez Khan came. He killed many people and set many villages on fire. In 1398 Temur Lame attacked India and killed 1, 00, 000 people in Delhi. He reached Hardwar (a sacred city of Hindus) and killed many people. Then he reached Jammu. The local ruler became Muslim along with his people.
In 1527, babur attacked Rajput warrior Rana Sanga. Babur had 30, 000 soldeirs. Rana Sanga had 2, 01, 000 soldeirs and 1, 000 elephants. Even then, Rana Sanga was defeated and he ran away.
In 1562, King Bihari Mal of Jaipur surrendered before Mogul King Akbar and married his daughter to Akbar.
When Akbar attacked Mewar in 1568, its King Rana Uday Singh ran away and his generals Jaimal and Phatta fought against Akbar. Akbar won and captured the capital.
In 1569, Akbar sent his army towards Ranthambhor. Its King Surjan Rai surrenedered in two mintues. Raja Ramchandra of Kalinjar also surrendered before Akbar’s army.
King Chandrasen of Marwar himself appeared in the court of King Akbar and surrendered. All the Rajput Kings of Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur etc surrendered before Akbar.
In 1761, Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked India and defeated Marathas in Panipat.
In the third chapter of his book, the writer questions the ‘morality’ of Hindus. He tells that Krishan encouraged Yudhishthira to tell a lie to kill Dronacharya. Bhagwan Ram killed Bali against the rules. Brahman Pushyamitra killed his own king Brihthrath. King Devbhoomi was killed by his minister Vasudeva. The Hindu queen poisoned his husband King Bhatti Rai of ‘Uchch’. When Sikandar attacked India, Chandragupt Morya gave him a beautiful girl, a philosopher and some other articles as ‘gifts’. Rana Sanga himself invited Babur to attack India and its capital Delhi.
In the fourth chapter of his book, the writer quotes to Rigveda, the sacred book of Hindus, and other Hindu books to prove that Hindus were not non-violent people, as has been said by some foreigner writers.
In fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of his book, the writer has quoted to different religious and other books of Hindus and tried to prove that it was these books, which were responsible for Hindus’ defeat. The writer reaches on conclusion that Hindu culture and Hindu religion are responsible for India’s slavery.
Itihaas Damdami Taksaal (Sankhep)
(Book Review by Amrit Pal Singh ‘Amrit’)
Book: Itihaas Damdami Taksaal (Sankhep)
Editor: Didar Singh Khujaala
Language: Punjabi
Pages: 262
Second Edition, October 1999
Price: Rupees 40.
Publisher: Damdami Taksaal (Jatha Bhindraan), Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkaash, Mehta, Amritsar.
Printer: Printwell, 146, Industrial Focal Point, Amritsar.
This book is an effort to bring out the history of Damdami Taksaal. The book says that Guru Amardas Ji appointed 22 ‘Manjis’ and 72 ‘Peerhaas’ to preach the Gurbani. Guru Arjan Dev Ji edited ‘Beerh Sahib’ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji). Baba Sri Chand started preaching the Gurmat. After Sri Chand, Baba Gurditta Ji was famous ‘Mahatma’ of Udasi sect. There were four disciples of Baba Gurditta Ji. Their names were ‘Baalu Hasna’, ‘Phoole Shah’, ‘Goyenda’ and ‘Almast’. They established four ‘Dhooney’ of Udasis. The four ‘Dhooney’ and six ‘Bakhsishaan’ are called ‘Das Naam Udasi’. All the Udasis belonging to these ‘Dhooney’ and ‘Bakhshishaan’ established hundred of ‘Deras’, ‘Akhaarhe’ and centers. During the hard days of Mughal rule, Udasis, Nirmalas and Seva Panthis continued to preach Sikhi. The book tells that many chiefs of Sikh ‘Misals’ adopted Sikhi under influence of Udasi, Nirmalas and Sevapanthis.
During the ‘Singh Sabha Movement’, Udasis and Nirmalas established idols of Sri Chand and removed Sri Guru Granth Sahib, or they installed other books of Hindu religious books along with Guru Granth Sahib, so that their ‘deras’ could not be taken over under new Gurdwara Act. The book says that Udasis used not to cut their hair/beard, but frightened by Singh Sabha movement, now ‘Jataa-dhari’, ‘Mundit’, ‘Bhasmadhari’, ‘Nange’ and those, who wear russet clothes, can be seen.
According to the book, Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Budhha Ji used to do the ‘katha’ of Gurbani. During the time period of Guru Hargobind Sahib to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Sikh-scholars used to ‘Katha’. When Guru Gobind Singh came to ‘Sabo Ki Talwandi’, Guru Ji sent Baba Deep Singh alongwith 25 Singhs to Dheer Mal to bring the ‘Gurbani Beerh’, which was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Dheer Mal refused to do so.
The writer is mistaken here. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji arrived Sabo Ki Talwandi, Dheer Mal was not alive at that time. He had been died, so it is wrong to say that he refused to give the Gurbani ‘Pothi’.
The book says that Guru Gobind Singh Ji started to recite the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Bhai Mani Singh ji had been writing it. In the morning, Guru Ji used to recite Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Bhai Mani would write it. In the evening Guru Ji would teach its meanings to 48 Singhs. From ‘Kattak Sudi Pooranmaasi’, Sambat 1762 Bikrami to 23 ‘Saavan’, 1763 Bikrami, in 9 months and 9 days, Guru Ji completed the work.
According to the book, Bhai Mani Singh started the ‘Taksal’ at Sri Amritsar and Baba Deep Singh Ji started it at Damdama Sahib. The names of 48 Singhs, who were educated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Sabo Ki Talwandi, have been given in this book.
Then, the brief biographies have been given of Taksal-chiefs. Baba Deep Singh Ji was the first chief of Damdami Taksal. It is written in this book that when Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave ‘Guruship’ to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Bhai Mani Singh ji was doing the ‘Chaur’ over Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Baba Deep Singh Ji, Bhai Dharam Singh Ji, Bhai Hari Singh Ji, Bhai Santokh Singh Ji Bhai Gurbaksh Singh were present there as ‘Panj Piyare’.
The writer did not quote to any of old Guru-history books to prove his statement that Baba Deep Singh Ji was present there in Sri Hazoor Sahib, Nanded, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji left for his heavenly abode. Instead, he quoted to ‘Sri Gurmukh Parkash’, written by Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa (Bhindran wale), who himself was the chief of Damdami Taksal (Jatha Bhindran). It is not an old book.
The book says that Baba Deep Singh helped Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in every battle and movement. When Baba Banda Singh Bahadur came to Anandpur Sahib, Baba Deep Singh stayed with him for three months. Baba Banda Singh was impressed to listen the ‘Katha’ by Baba Deep Singh. Here again, the writer did not give reference to any of old books.
According to the book, after the death of Divan Darbara Singh, in 1734 AD Tarna Dal and Budhha Dal were organized. Tarna Dal was divided in five groups. One of these groups was headed by Baba Deep Singh. There were 2,000 horsemen in his group.
When Jahan Khan filled up the ’sarovar’ of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Baba Deep Singh came forward to rescue. In a battle, Baba Deep Singh’s head was cut off. He put his cut head on his palm and continued to fight. Bhai Mahit Singh and Baba Naudh Singh also fought there without heads.
Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji was the second chief of Damdami Taksal. He was son of Bhai Dasaunda Singh and Mother Lachhmi Ji of village ‘Leel’, near Khemkaram, Distt. Amritsar. According to this book, the ‘Janamsakhi Giyan Ratnaavali’ was recited by Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and was written by Bhai Surat Singh. During Abdali’s invasion, Amritsar was attacked. Baba Gurbaksh Singh was martyred in the battlefield. Baba Gurbaksh Singh’s head was cut off. He started to fight without his head.
The writer says that after the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh, the ‘Katha’ in Sri Harmandir Sahib was stopped, which was restarted by Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji. The people used to call him ‘Nihang Singh’.
Giani Bhai Surat Singh was the next chief. He belonged to village ‘Chann-kot’, Distt. Jhang (Pakistan). He wrote the ‘teeka’ of first ‘Vaar’ of Bhai Gurdas Ji. Bhai Surat Singh took over the control of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1765 AD. He used to do ‘Katha’ in Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Born in Sambat 1825 Bikrami, Bhai Gurdas Singh Ji was the next chief of Damdami Taksal, according to this book. He was elder son of Bhai Surat Singh Ji.
After the death of Bhai Gurdas Singh Ji, his younger brother Bhai Sant Singh became the next chief of Damdami Taksal. The writer says that Bhai Sant Singh was the teacher of great poet Bhai Santokh Singh Ji and poet Megh Singh Ji. Bhai Sant Singh Ji expired on ‘Haarh Sudi’ 8, Samvat 1889 Bikrami.
Sant Dya Singh Ji was the next chief. After his death, Sant Giani Bhagwan Singh became the chief. The writer says that Sant Bhagwan Singh accepted 14 ‘Gupt Avtaars’. These are the 14 ‘Gupt Avtaars’: -
- Baba Sri Chand Ji
- Baba Lakhmi Chand Ji
- Baba Mohari Ji
- Baba Mohan Ji
- Baba Anand bhagat Ji
- Baba Gurditta Ji
- Baba Sooraj Mal Ji
- Baba Ani Rai Ji
- Baba Atal Rai Ji
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji
- Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji
- Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji
- Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji
- Ramrai Ji
Sant Harnam Singh Bedi was the next (9th) chief of Damdami Taksal, who was succeeded by Sant Bishan Singh Muraale wale. Sant Bishan Singh expired on ‘Maagh’ 15, 1962 Bikrami. Sant Sundar Singh Bhindrawale was the next chief of Damdami Taksal, who was born in 1883 AD (1940 Bikrami Samvat) in village Bhindar Kalaan, Distt. Firozpur. Sant Gurbachan Singh Bhindrawale, who was born on February 12, 1902, succeeded Sant Sundar Singh.
The biography of Sant Gurbachan Singh Bhindrawale in this book has been written by Sant Kartar Singh Bhindrawale. It is the longest part of this book.
The next chief of Damdami Taksal was Sant Kartar Singh Bhindrawale, according to this book. He died on August 16, 1977 AD. He was succeeded by Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa (Bhindrawale).
Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa was born in 1947 AD in village ‘Rode’, Distt. Faridkot. This book tells about his role during ‘Nirankari and Sikhs dispute’ in Amritsar, Nirankari-chief Murder case, Lala Jagat Narayan Murder case, ‘Akali Morcha’ etc. Interestingly, this book does not give any details of ‘Operation Blue Star’, which was a big episode of Sikh history. The writer says that Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa went to an un-told place after the ‘Operation Blue Star’.
Brief biography of Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji has also been given in this book, who is acting chief of Damdami Taksal. A brief description of Gurdwara Gurdarshan Prakash, Mehta has been given on last pages.
Dalit Sikh Panth De Raakhe
(Book Review by Amrit Pal Singh ‘Amrit’)
Book: Dalit Sikh Panth De Raakhe.
Writer: Pritam Singh, M.A., Joint Director (Retd.).
Language: Punjabi.
Pages: 160.
First Edition, January 2003.
Price: Free of Cost.
Publisher: Pritam Singh, M.A.
Printer: Saini Graphics, 35, Phase 7, Mohali.
It will be appropriate here to tell the readers that this book is dedicated to “Guru Bhagats’ Sadhan Ji, Namdev Ji, Ravidas Ji, Sain Ji and Kabir Ji, who, according to the writer, sowed the seed of ‘Sikhi’, 289 years before Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This dedication by the writer shows his mentality and knowledge of history.
The book being discussed is divided into 4 parts.
In the preface (bhoomika), the writer says that he got ‘Mahan Kosh’ as a present from Professor Sukhdev Singh. Then, the writer thought to write on those ‘Dalit’ Sikhs, warriors, religious great men, martyrs etc. according to the writer, this book will break the myth that Sikh Dharma belongs only to landowners and ‘Jatts’. The writers says that people belonging to ‘high castes’ did not help Gurus. After becoming the owerners of land during Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s ‘Panthak’ reign, Jatts started to call themselves the wealthy. The writers says that the ‘Dalits’ were called ‘Mazahabi Sikhs’, ‘Ramgarhia Sikhs’, ‘Saini Sikhs’, ‘Ravidasi Sikhs’, ‘Chhimbe Sikhs’ and ‘Naayee Sikhs’; and they were turned away from the Sikh organizations. The writer says that even Sikh religion cannot provide social/economic/political freedom to the ‘Dalits’.
The first part of the book is ‘Why did ‘Dalits’ become Sikhs?’ While giving the background of ‘Dalits’, the writers says that the original inhabitants of India are now called ‘Dalits’. They had the kingdom over this country, which was called ‘Jambu Desh’ or ‘Sapt Sindhu’ earlier. According to the writer, Dravids, Anariyas, Das, Dasiyu, Raksh, Baanar, Naag, Asur, Shudra, Achhoot, Jaatav, Mahaar, Naayee, Dhobi, Jheevar, Tarkhaan, Luhaar, Saini, Maali, Ghumiyaar, Chhimbe, Suniyaar, Julaahe, Kamboj and Lubaane were the owners of this country until 800 BC.
While giving the above list, the writer showed clearly that he has no knowledge of history of ancient India and the origin of different castes and races. There is clearly difference between present ‘India’ and old ‘Sapt Sindhu’. Not India, but old Punjab is called ‘Sapt Sindhu’ by some writers.
Continuing with his ’sermon’, the writer says that the people, who were called ’shudras’, were called ’supperessed castes’ after 1919. After 1932, they were called ‘Scheduled castes/scheduled tribes and Harijans. After the independence, they were called scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes, religious minorities, for example Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists etc. After 1960, they were given the name of ‘Dalit’. After 1978, they were called ‘Dalit Shoshat Samaaj’ and after 1984, they were called ‘Bahujan Samaj’.
The writer says that there is description of wars between gods and demons in Rig Veda. The description of Indra’s attack on ‘Adivaasis’ is given. It proves that the civilisation of Sindhu valley was destroyed by Aryan’s attacks.
He says the war between Aryans and Dravidians continued for 700 years. In 800 BC, King Ram Chandra defeated King Bali and King Ravan; and occupied Kishkindha and Lanka. The aboriginals were made ‘Shudras’ and untouchables.
According to the writer, King Ashoka was a ‘Shudra’. The writer does not forget to tell that Aryans (Hindus) were bad-character people. The writer quoted to another writer, who says that Hindus used to eat meat.
The writer says that Bhagat Sadhna (butcher), Namdev (calico printer), Ravidas (leather worker), Kabir (weaver), Sain (barber) wrote Gurbani and sowed the seed of ‘Sikh Religion’. The writer did not mention the names of Shiekh Farid and Brahman Bhagats, like Ramanand, Jaidev etc. The writer says that in 15th centuary, this movement was lead by Guru Nanak Dev, who belonged to ‘Khatri’ caste, which is ‘low’ caste of ‘Kshtriyas’. It makes it clear that the writer does not know that in Guru Granth Sahib, the word ‘Khatri’ has been used for ‘Kshtriya’. Both the words have same meaning. In his zeal, the writer did not care to give any references to make his statement reliable, but continued beating about the bush.
In third part of the book, the writer has given brief history of Bhagat Sadhna Ji, Namdev Ji, Ravidas Ji, Sain Ji, Kabir Ji, Bhai Mardana Ji, Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji, Bhai Alam Singh, Bhai Sangat Singh, Baba Moti Mahira, Bhai Udai Singh, Bhai Bachitra Singh, Shahid Baba Deep Singh, Bhai Bir Singh, Bhai Garja Singh, Bhai Nibahu Singh, Bhai Mahtab Singh Miran-kotia, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Jassa Singh Ramgarhi, Akali Phoola Singh, Bhai Tara Singh Gheba, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Hari Singh Narva, Akali Godarh Singh, Ram Singh Namdhari, Prof. Gurmukh Singh, Giani Dit Singh, Baba Nand Singh Kalera-wale, Baba Sadhu Ram Tibbe Wale, Shahid Udham Singh, Giani Zail Singh, Bhai Nand Singh, Shahid Beant Singh, Kabaddi-player Balwinder Singh Phidda. According to the writer, all of them belonged to ‘Dalit’ community.
The writer says that after the murder of Indira Gandhi, Bhai Satwant Singh killed Bhai Beant Singh.
The writer wrote that Hari Singh ‘Narva’ was a ‘Ranghreta’. He says that the right word is ‘Narva’, not ‘Nalva’. He says that Kahan Singh Nabha wrote in ‘Mahan Kosh’ that Hari Singh Nalva was a ‘Khatri’, because Kahan Singh Nabha himself was a ‘Khatri’. It is another example, which shows the ignorance of the writer Pritam Singh. Kahan Singh Nabha was NOT a ‘Khatri’. He was a Jatt.
According to the writer, Maharaja Ranjit Singh belonged to ‘Sansi’ tribe. The writer says that Bhai Tara Singh Gheba, Akali Phoola Singh, Bhai Nibahu Singh, Bhai Garja Singh, Baba Deep Singh were ‘Ranghretas’ (‘Mazahabis’).
In the fourth part of the book, the writer gives the names of five beloved ones in this sequence: -
- Bhai Mohkam Chand, Dhobi.
- Bhai Himmat Rai, Jheevar.
- Bhai Sahib Chand, Naayee.
- Bhai Dharam Das, Jaat.
- Bhai Dya Ram, Khatri/Vaish.
According to the writer, all the five beloved ones were ‘Dalits’. The fourth beloved one, Bhai Dharam Das was a ‘Jaat’, not a ‘Jatt’. Then, the writer tells a story, which proves that ‘Jatts’ are ‘low caste people’. The writer says that ‘Khatri’ and ‘Vaish’ are one caste, thus Bhai Dya Ram was a ‘Vaish’, who was on fifth place in the five beloved ones. While changing this sequence, the writer did not care to quote any old book to prove his statement.
All such attempts by the writer show nothing, but his hatred towards so-called high caste people. To prove that the ‘Dalits’ are the protector of the ‘Sikh Panth’, the writer has given false information or changed the facts.
