Life as a Nihang leader Akali Phula Singh

a photograph of akali nihang sikh taken during 1860s. akali wearing characteristically recognisable turban. mazhabi sikhs dominated order throughout 18th , 19th centuries.



19th century shamshir sword. nihangs carry traditional longer-length kirpans.

akali phula singh helped solidate many of ideals of guru khalsa created guru gobind singh. strict follower of amrit vela , sri guru granth sahib , paid high importance asa ki var daily nihang sevadar paid due act upon dharma on populous. nihangs not find necessary obey law of land nor believe in law of property or subjection of kind. akali phula singh made routine steal lot of wealth , weapons rich rulers until confronted maharajah ranjit singh act after whatever akali phula singh required provided maharajah ranjeet singh. nihangs aim @ selfless service (seva) of world though generous poor , weak. akalis known of great integrity , known not break hukam.

nihangs slept on horses many days @ time , rule on move , not stay @ same place long. prefer sword on gun trained excellent marksmen. in warfare first attack , not retreat in battle, rather keep charging. cries of akal akal loudly. akali phula singh enforced qualities of ideal nihang.

some prominent english sikh scholars against akali phola singh max macauliffe. many of english writers ignore nihangs victories , on attribute dogras substitute when nihangs fought battles. akali phula singh talked in unique slang-like punjabi not understood british , misinterpreted.

punishment of ranjit singh

the sovereignty of akali phula singh s khalsa panth on ranjit singh made clear on particular event when ranjit singh brought dancers grandson s wedding. community upset ranjit singh action. when ranjit singh visited amritsar daily listening of sri guru granth sahib nobody spoke him. ranjit singh not bear nobody talking him asked forgiveness. akali phula singh being leader of panth ordered ranjit singh flogged , agreed. upon getting in position receive whipping naked , leaning against tamarind tree in front of akal bunga (akal takht) akali phula singh asked if enough maharajah ready receive punishment , should forgiven without getting actual whipping. asked sangat had gathered around if agreed should forgiven should respond sat sri akal battle cry in response entire sangat cried out sat shri akal in approval.