Brahmins and Sikh History

Brahmin who became Sikhs

Brahmins are Sikhs? Really? The answer is YES, there are many practicing Sikhs whose ancestors belonged to the Brahmin caste. Its is very common to see typical Brahmin lastnames among the Sikhs, such as, Bhatt, Joshi, Kaul, Dutt, Chhibber, Vaid, Bali, Bhardwaj, and even Sharma. 

Sikhism attracted people from different demography and caste system and over time these families are part of a melting pot where the caste has no meaning. I am quoting a line from Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

ਰਾਜੁ ਮਾਲੁ ਰੂਪੁ ਜਾਤਿ ਜੋਬਨੁ ਪੰਜੇ ਠਗ ॥

The persuit of dominance, the desire for materials, the lust of beauty, pride of caste & joys of youth; are the deceivers. In the journey of a spiritual life one must rise beyond the deception of these deceivers.

Who is a Brahmin?

In Sikh philosophy, a Brahmin is a person who contemplates on Brahm - The Prime Soul. Following are few quotes which focus on the actual meaning of Brahmin in Gurmat philosophy:

ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥ ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਕਹੀਅਤੁ ਹੈ ਹਮਾਰੈ ॥੪॥੭॥

Says Kabeer, one who contemplates Brahm, is said to be a Brahmin among us. ||4||7|| (Bhagat Kabir ji)

ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਿੰਦੇ ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਜਿ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪੁਛੈ ਸਚੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਜਾਏ ॥

One who understands Brahm, who lovingly centers his mind on the Lord night and day, is called a Brahmin. Consulting the True Guru, he practices Truth and self-restraint, and he is rid of the disease of ego. (Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji)

ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਜੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥ ਆਪਿ ਤਰੈ ਸਗਲੇ ਕੁਲ ਤਾਰੈ ॥੩॥

He alone is a Brahmin, who contemplates Brahm. He saves himself, and saves all his generations as well. ||3|| (Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji)

ਮਨ ਕੀ ਪਤ੍ਰੀ ਵਾਚਣੀ ਸੁਖੀ ਹੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਸੋ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਭਲਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

To read the horoscope of the mind, is the most sublime joyful peace. He alone is called a good Brahmin, who understands God in contemplative meditation. (Sri Guru Amardas ji)

You can interpret this that in Sikh tradition, Bhagat Ravidas Ji, Bhagat Kabir Ji, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Bhagats, the Gurus, and Gursikhs all are considered Brahmins. The Varna System prevalent in Hindu society cements ones place in society, dictating superiority or inferiority solely on the basis of Birth. This concept plays no part in Sikh the Philosophy.

ਜੌ ਤੂੰ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਣੀ ਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਤਉ ਆਨ ਬਾਟ ਕਾਹੇ ਨਹੀ ਆਇਆ ॥੨॥ ਤੁਮ ਕਤ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣ ਹਮ ਕਤ ਸੂਦ ॥ ਹਮ ਕਤ ਲੋਹੂ ਤੁਮ ਕਤ ਦੂਧ ॥੩॥

If you are indeed a Brahmin, born of a Brahmin mother, then why didn't you come by some other way? ||2|| How is it that you are a Brahmin, and I am a Sudra of a low status? How is it that I am formed of blood, and you are made of milk? ||3|| (Bhagat Kabir ji)

Setting the Record Straight First

I have read and heard so much misinformation spread over years with derogatory and ridicule of the Brahmins that I would like to clear the air with factually correct information. 

In fact, many Brahmins followed the path of Sikh Gurus right from the time of Guru Nanak. I will try to highlight some of these Sikhs but before you read any further, its paramount that you acknowledge that these historical figures were practicing Sikhs who had abandoned their ancestral profession of Brahminsm or priesthood. They become Sikhs just as our ancestors did by abandoning thier castes and adopting the Sikh way of caste-less life. 

Special mention must be made for the Bhatts and Mohiyal Sikhs who contributed immensely to the Sikh history.

Contributon to Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs has contributions from Sikh Gurus, Sufi Peers, and Hindu Bhagats belonging to various caste in the society of that period. While compiling the Adi Granth, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji used only one criteria for selection from these learned philosophers - the composition must align with the spiritual philosophy of Guru Nanak.

Bhagats in Sri Guru Granth Sahib

But there were those who, though born to Brahmin Varna, men who contemplated on brahm, in alignment with the Sikh faith and Gurmat philosophy. This partial list acknowledges these spirutal beings who contributed to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

1. Ramanand: born a Kanyakubja Brahmin from Varanasi who gave up idol worship and led the Gurmat philosophy. He was the pioneer of the Bhakti movement and the Guru of Bhagat Kabir, Bhagat Ravidas, Bhagat Pippa, Bhagat Sain, and Bhagat Dhanna. His one hymn is present in the Guru Granth Sahib:
   
   I am a sacrifice to You, O True Guru.
   You have dispelled all my confusion and doubt.
   Ramanand's Lord is the all-pervading Brahman,
   The word of the Guru ends millions of karma.
   (Bhagat Ramananda in Raag Basant, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, 1995)
   
   
2. Jaidev - Jayadeva was a Sanskrit poet during the 12th century who composed Gitagovinda that is sung in traditional Odissi ragas & talas. He is the earliest dated author of two hymns that are included Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
   
   ਅਰਧਿ ਕਉ ਅਰਧਿਆ ਸਰਧਿ ਕਉ ਸਰਧਿਆ ਸਲਲ ਕਉ ਸਲਲਿ ਸੰਮਾਨਿ ਆਇਆ
   I worship the One who is worthy of being worshipped. I trust the One who is worthy of being trusted. Like water merging in water, I merge in the Lord.
   (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, 1106)
   
   
3. Bhatt Kalshar - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 54 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
4. Bhatt Balh - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 5 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
5. Bhatt Bhalh - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 1 Swaiyaa are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
6. Bhatt Bhika - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 2 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
7. Bhatt Gayand - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 13 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
8. Bhatt Harbans - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 2 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
9. Bhatt Jalap - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 5 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
10. Bhatt Kirat - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 8 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
11. Bhatt Mathura - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 14 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
12. Bhatt Nalh - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 16 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib
13. Bhatt Salh - born a Sarswat Brahmin, whose 3 Swaiyaas are present in Adi Gur Granth Sahib

    

    Bhatts from Sri Guru Granth sahib

Then there are Sikhs who associated with Sikh Gurus and adopted Sikh spiritality. Here are some of these Sikhs whose ancestors were Brahnins:

1. Pundit Gopal Das - the elementrary teacher of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi wh recongnized the brilliance of Guru Nanak in young years.
2. Bhai Praga - A Mohyal Brahmin from the ancient village of Karyala, about ten kilometres from Chakwal  in the Jhelum District in West Punjab. He was a Jathedar (leader) in Guru Hargobind's militia and attained martyrdom in the battle of Ruhela, against the forces brought in by Bhagwan Das Kherar and Karam Chand, son of Chandu.
3. Bhai Hira Nand - born a Mohyal Brahmin, who was the son of the Bhai Praga and a disciple of Guru Har Gobind j. He fought wars along side the Guru.
4. Bhai Aru Ram: born a Saraswat Brahmin accepted Gurmat and accompanied Guru Har Rai ji.
5. Bhai Mati Das: born a Mohyal Brahmin of Chhiber clan, he was the son of Bhai Hira Nand and a prominet Sikh. He accompanied Guru Tegh Bahadur ji to Delhi and was martyred by the Mughals in Chandni Chowk by sawn alive with a saw.

   

   Execution of Bhai Matidas and Bhai Satidass

   
   
6. Bhai Sati Dass: born a Mohyal Brahmin and younger brother of Bhai Mati Dass. He was also martyrd at Delhi with Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was executed by the means of being wrapped in cotton wool soaked and set on fire.
7. Pundit Kripa Ram Dutt: born a Saraswat Kasmiri Brahmin of Dutt clan, he aled the delegation of Kashmiri Pundits to Guru Tegh Bahdur requesting him for help. He stayed at Anandpur Sahib and was one of teachers of young Guru Gobind Singh ji on Puranic studies. He played a key role in creation of Dasam Granth by requesting Guru Gobind Singh ji to sanctify puranas and educate people that puranas was about spiritual knowledge and against the idol worship in any form. Later accepted Gurmat as a baptized Khalsa and attained martyredom in the battle of Chamkaur.

   

   Pundit Kriparam Dutt with Guru Tegh Bahadur

   
   
8. Poets of Guru Gobind Singh's Court - Several poets like Pandit Sukhdev, Brind, Alim, Kunvaresh, Kanshi Ram and Bhai Nand Lal Goya, who had earlier been at the Mughal court, came to spend the rest of their lives at the feet of the Guru. These men were assigned by Guru Gobind Singh ji to the task of rendering of Hindi, Sanskrit and Persian classics into  Gurmukhi script. Classics such as Chanakya Niti, Ranch Tantra, Hitopadesa, Upanishads and parts of Mahabharata were translated and works and manuals on martial arts such as rearing, training and employment of hawks, horses, elephants, camels and dogs were prepared. Its noteworthy to acknowledge that not all poets were Brahmins, and belonged to various religions and castes background.

   

   Poets in Guru Gobind singh ji's Court

   
   
9. Bhai Kuer Singh - The composer of GURBILAS PATSHAHI 10, a poeticized account of Guru Gobind Singh`s career, was completed in 1751, forty-three years after his death. Kuer Singh was a resident of Mohalla Kamboari of Amritsar. He entered the fold of the Khalsa under the influence of Bhai Mani Singh.
10. Pundiit Tara Singh Narottam - Pundit Tara Singh was born into a Sikh family who were originally Brahmins. He was a famous Punjabi and Sikh scholar who belonged to the Sikh Nirmala Sect. He composed Sri Gur Tirath Sangrah, a list of historical sites related to Sikh history. He was the first to trace the geographical location of Hemkunt Sahib at Sapatsring (seven peaks) by using clues from the Bachitar Natak on Guru Gobind Singh's Tap Asthan (place of meditation). He explored the Garhwal Himalayas and his search took him to Badrinath and to the nearby village of Pandukeshwar, near the present-day Gobind Ghat. In the twentieth century, Hemkunt Sahib was rediscovered by Sohan Singh and Modan Singh.

    

    Pundit Tara Singh Narottam

    
    
11. Bhai Chaupa Singh - Born as Chaupat Rai to a Chhibber, Mohyal Brahmin family, he was sent to the seva of Guru Hargobind ji as a child by his parents. He had the fortune of serving five Sikh gurus - Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Harkrishan, Guru Teg Bahadur, and Guru Gobind Singh ji. He was the care taker of young Gobind Rai and became Bhai Chaupa Singh after taking Amrit. Guru Gobind Singh ji instructed Bhai Chaupa Singh to write the the code of conduct for the Khalsa. Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji wrote this, which is famous as ‘Rahat-naama Bhai Chaupa Singh’.

    

    Sikh Code of Conduct by Bhai Chaupa Singh

    
    
12. Shaheed Bhai Gurbaksh Singh - Guru Gobind Singh ji appointed Bhai Sahib Singh (nephew of Bhai Mati Das), as his Dewan. He died in a war with Hatai Khan near the Beas and was cremated on the banks of the river. Guru Gobind then appointed his son, Gurbaksh Singh as the next Dewan. When Guru Gobind Singh left for the Deccan, Gurbaksh Singh retired to Amritsar. At the time of the invasion of Ahmed Shah Abdali, on the Harmandir Sahib, the aged Bhai Gurbaksh Singh was martyred defending the sacred site.

    

    Shaeed Bhai Gurbaksh Singh

    
    
13. Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber - He was the son of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, and known as the composer of 'Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Ka' in 1779 AD. He served Mata Sundari (wife of Guru Gobind Singh) at Delhi.

    

    Bansavalinama by Kesar Singh Chhibber

This list is incomplete and more research is needed. I could not emphasize enough on the fact that Sikhism does not acknowledge caste system and my effort has been to preserve the contribution to our history by hundreds and thousands of Sikhs whose family background came from the traditinal Brahmin caste. 

These historical people were Sikhs who had abandoned their family profession of Brahminism and adopted the sikh way of lives. Many were Amritdhari Sikhs and it will be dishonor to them if we assign the tag of Brahmin caste to them and not see them as the true Sikhs of the Gurus.

The Betrayals

This blog will not be complete without the mention of some Brahmins who opposed the philosophy of Sikhism and saw it as a threat to their way of life:

• Gangu Pundit belonged to the Kaul Brahmin clan and was the chef in the kitchen of Guru Gobind Singh ji at Anandpur sahib. He gave shelter to Guru's mother Mata Gujri and two young sahibzade at hiw home near Morinda. he btrayed their trust by informig the Mughals of their location for a reward.

  

  Betrayal of Gangu Pundit

  
  
• Dewan Suchanand was a minister in the court of Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind. Sucha Nand’s enemity towards Guru Gobind Singh ji and his family is well documented. He incited the Nawab to punish the sons of Guru Gobind Singh by calling them the sons of the snake. This prompted the response by Sikhs to call thier toddlers as Bhujangi or young snake.

  

  Diwan Suchanand in Sirhind Court

• Pundit Jalla was a Kashmiri Pundit based at Amritsar. He was the guide and advisor of Dogra prince Raja Hira singh. The famous Jallian wala Bagh was the garden of his residence. Hira singh deputed Pundit Jalla to collect revenue from the Sikh Sardars, Jagirdars, Nawabs, and Rajas within the Lahore juridiction. The agressive tax collection by Pundit Jalla became unpopular and resentment grew against Pundit Jalla and Raja Hira Singh. Both were killed by the Sikh army after they attacked the sons of maharaja Ranjit Singh at the Dera of hai Bir Singh of Naurangabad.
• Lal Singh Misr - Raja Lal Singh (died 1866) was Wazir of the Sikh Empire and commander of Sikh Khalsa Army forces during the First Anglo-Sikh War. He was a confidante of Dogras but switched his loyalty to Maharani Jind Kaur, helping them to persecute Hira Singh. During the First Anglo-Sikh War of 1845-1846, Lal Singh took the command of the Khalsa, but alongside Tej Singh Misr, he was secretly working with the British, sending information to and receiving orders from Captain Peter Nicholson, an officer stationed at Ferozepur. During the battle, he did not order his trrop to engage and hid himself in a ditch during the battle. In the aftermath of the First Anglo-Sikh War, Lal Singh was rewarded by the British by being confirmed as Wazir of the State of Lahore under Henry Lawrence. However, he fell from grace when it was discovered that he conspired against Raja Gulab Singh Dogra's attempts to occupy Kashmir, granted him by the British under the Treaty of Amritsar. Lal was tried by a Court of Inquiry, found guilty, and exiled to Agra with a pension of 12,000 rupees a year.

  

  Surrender of Maharaja Duleep Singh

The stories like that of Suchanand, Gangu, Jalla, and Lal Singh are the reason of mistrust between the Sikhs and Brahmins. These few traitors, unfortunately cloud the contributions of countlss Sikhs who came from the Brahmin background. It is unfair as the traitors can come from any background. Dewan Chandumal, Dewan Jaspat Rai, and Lakhpat Rai were Khatris. Rajput rulers of Himachal sided with Mughals against the Guru, and Rajput ruler of Kot Kapura closed the gates of the city to the Guru. Many Jatt Sardars also betrayed and sided with the British, such as Rajas of Cis-Satluj, Ranjodh Singh Majithia, Sardar Arur Sigh (Grandfather of Simranjit Singh Maan) who gave Siropa to General Dyer after the massacre of Jallianwala Bagh.

I end with a quote from Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Recognize the Lord's Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter. ||1||Pause||

(Raag Asa, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Guru Nanak Dev, 349)

References form following sources:

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Brahmins_in_Sikhism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramananda

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bhagat_Jaidev

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Brahmins_in_Sikhism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhai_Mati_Das

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhai_Sati_Das

https://www.risingkashmir.com/Guru-Teg-Bahadur--A-great-symbol-of-martyrdom-96680

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/52_court_poets_of_Guru_Gobind_Singh

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundit_Tara_Singh

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Chhibber

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/mann-sorry-for-nanas-siropa-to-dwyer/articleshow/5394713.cms

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lal_Singh

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gangu