 | |
| Born | Jaitha 13 December 1661 |
| Died | 7 December 1704 (aged 43) Chamkaur, Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire (present-day Rupnagar district, Punjab, India) |
| Spouse | Raj Kaur |
| Children | Bhai Gulzar Singh Bhai Gurdayal Singh Bhai Sukha Bhai Sewa Singh |
| Parent(s) | Sada Nand Mata Premo |
| Relatives | Bhai Khazan Singh (father-in-law |
Baba Jiwan Singh, a prominent Sikh general, was one of Guru Gobind Singh's closest friends. He was born Jaitha on December 13, 1661, and died on December 22, 1704. Baba Jiwan Singh, known for his bravery, commitment, and selfless service, was crucial to the Sikhs' military campaigns under Guru Gobind Singh. He was instrumental in a number of important conflicts with the Mughal army and its supporters. He is revered in Sikh history for his steadfast devotion to the Guru and his dedication to the Sikh cause. Baba Jiwan Singh is renowned for his brave and selfless defense of religious freedom and Sikhism.
Early Life and Legacy of Bhai Jiwan Singh
Born Jaita, Bhai Jiwan Singh was born into a Mazhabi Sikh family in Patna, Bihar, on December 13, 1661. Mata Premo and Sada Nand were his parents. He showed great promise at a young age and was extensively trained in a variety of combat skills. In addition to his proficiency with weapons, he was a master of Kirtan, swimming, music, and horseback riding. He was able to acquire both spiritual and martial knowledge because of his Patna upbringing.
The family of Bhai Jiwan Singh moved to Ramdas village when the Sikhs who lived in Patna made the decision to return to Punjab. There, Jaita continued his training and spiritual education while residing with Baba Buddha's great-grandson, Bhai Gurditta. He also wed Bibi Raj Kaur, Surjan Singh's daughter, during this period.
Role in Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom
Bhai Jiwan Singh was a brave and important part of the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. The body of Guru Tegh Bahadur was desecrated when he was put to death by the Mughals in Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Bhai Jiwan Singh and two other Sikhs courageously retrieved the Guru's mutilated body from the throng. He returned the Guru's remains to his son, Guru Gobind Singh, after making sure they were handled with dignity.
Bhai Jiwan Singh gained a great deal of respect and admiration for this brave and devoted deed. In recognition of his selfless service, Guru Gobind Singh bestowed upon him the title of "Mazhabi" (faithful). In his well-known statement, "Rangrete Guru Ke Bete" (The Rangretas are the Guru's sons), Guru Gobind Singh acknowledged the Mazhabi Sikhs as his own sons, regardless of their caste or origin.
The Sacrifice and Execution
In a very moving moment, Guru Gobind Singh gave Bhai Jiwan Singh instructions to carry out his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur,'s last request. In an act of supreme sacrifice, the Guru asked Bhai Jiwan Singh to decapitate him in order to grant the sacred desire of exchanging his father's head for Guru Tegh Bahadur's. In a tragic yet holy act, Bhai Jiwan Singh brought the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur from Delhi to Guru Gobind Singh in Anandpur Sahib.
Bhai Jiwan Singh is regarded as one of the most revered martyrs and companions of Guru Gobind Singh in Sikh history because of his bravery, unwavering loyalty, and sacrifice for the Sikh faith. Generations after generation are still motivated by his example of courage, devotion, and loyalty to the Guru.
Battles of Bhai Jiwan Singh
Bhai Jiwan Singh was a key figure in the Sikh military campaigns under Guru Gobind Singh. His valor and steadfast loyalty were proven in his many battles. He participated in several crucial battles that affected the Sikh resistance to the Mughal army and aided Guru Gobind Singh during the evacuation of Anandpur Sahib.
He took part in the Battle of Bhangani, the Siege of Anandpur Sahib, and the Battle of Nadaun. In the four battles involving Anandpur Sahib, Nirmohgarh, and Bajrur, Bhai Jiwan Singh also played a significant role. He also took part in the historic Battle of Chamkaur, the Battle of Sarsa, and the Battle of Bansali/Kalmot, where he displayed incredible bravery and combat prowess.
Bhai Jiwan Singh was not only a skilled warrior but also a chronicler. The Sri Gur Katha, one of his most significant works, details Guru Gobind Singh's life and activities. An important contribution to Sikh history, this work preserves the teachings and heroic tales of the Guru.
Death of Bhai Jiwan Singh
Bhai Jiwan Singh's life demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Guru Gobind Singh and the Sikh cause. After a lifetime of valor, sacrifice, and service, Bhai Jiwan Singh passed away in 1704 or 1705. The Sikh community was deeply saddened by his passing because he had been instrumental in upholding and promoting the Sikh faith. His contributions to Sikh history and his bravery in numerous battles cemented his place as one of the most significant warriors of his time.
Legacy of Bhai Jiwan Singh
Bhai Jiwan Singh's legacy lives on because of his heroic actions, military prowess, and contributions to Sikh literature. In honor of his exceptional contributions and sacrifices, a tomb was constructed at Chamkaur's Gurudwara Shaheed Burj Sahib. This tomb is a potent symbol of his courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the Sikh cause. It is a place of reverence where Sikhs remember Bhai Jiwan Singh's dedication and pay tribute to all those who gave their lives in defense of the Sikh faith.
Bhai Jiwan Singh's legacy continues to inspire Sikhs worldwide. His involvement in the battles with Guru Gobind Singh and his contributions to the preservation of Sikh history through Sri Gur Katha have had a long-lasting effect on Sikh tradition. Along with his bravery, he is renowned for his loyalty, service, and devotion to the Guru and the Sikh community. His contributions continue to inspire all Sikhs.
References
- (UK), M.S. (1970) Shaheed Bhai Jeevan Singh Jee, Manvir Singh (UK). Available at: https://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2006/12/shaheed-bhai-jeevan-singh-jee.html (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Bhai Jiwan Singh (2024) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhai_Jiwan_Singh (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Bhai Jiwan Singh (no date) Bhai Jiwan Singh - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bhai_Jiwan_Singh (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- शिरोमणि शहीद बाबा जीवन सिंह का शहीदी दिहाड़ा 26 दिसंबर को मनेगा (2021) होम. Available at: https://www.livehindustan.com/jharkhand/jamshedpur/story-the-martyrdom-day-of-shiromani-shaheed-baba-jeevan-singh-will-be-celebrated-on-26-december-5151941.html (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
