In Memory Of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji
Baba Deep Singh ji is one of the most honoured Martyrs in Sikh history. He was the founder of the Shahid Misl (group) and as well as of the Damdami Taksal (Damdama school of learning). He spent most of his life as a custodian of the Panth. Not only was he a brave and fearless soldier but a very intelligent scholar also who had mastered several languages.
Baba Ji was born in January, 1682. He was the son of Bhai Bhagata Ji and Mai Jeoni Ji, a Sikh couple living in Pahuvind, Amritsar. Baba Ji's parents were hard-working Sikh farmers. He was named Deepa (light). From about 12 years of age, he grew up around the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Anandpur Sahib. He learnt Gurmukhi (Punjabi script) and several other languages from Bhai Mani Singh and other Sikh scholars. It was here that he learnt the art of horsemanship, hunting and the use of the bow and other weapons. At the age of eighteen, he received 'Amrit' from the Panj Pyare at Anandpur Sahib on Vaisakhi day and took an oath to serve as one of Waheguru's warriors (Akal Purakh Dee Fauj). With his new name, Deep Singh also learnt that Sikhs are meant to always help the weak and needy, and to fight for truth and justice.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji recited the entire Granth Sahib to Bhai Mani Singh Ji and Baba Deep Singh Ji while they wrote the text. Baba Deep Singh Ji hand-wrote five more copies of the Holy Scriptures. Four copies were sent to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Takht Patna Sahib, Sri Takht Hazur Sahib, and Sri Takht Anandpur Sahib. Another copy was prepared by Baba Deep Singh Ji in Arabic script and sent to the Middle East.
In 1707, Baba Deep Singh Ji joined Banda Singh Bahadur to fight for the freedom of Punjab. They fought together in the battle at Sirhind- -the city in which Guru Gobind Singh Ji's younger sons had been killed. During the battle, Baba Deep Singh Ji beheaded Wazir Khan. Later, when the Sikh forces were reorganised into twelve mists (groups), Baba Deep Singh Ji was appointed in charge of the Shaheedi division.
In 1755, when India was attacked by Ahmad Shah Abdali, the emperor of Afghanistan, Baba Deep Singh Ji and his men freed much of stolen goods and liberated the prisoners, returning them to their homes. Ahmad Shah Abdali was able to escape to Lahore. In 1757, Jahan Khan, his General, proceeded to Amritsar with heavy artillery. Many Sikhs died fighting to defend Sri Harimander Sahib but unfortunately the Gurdwara and its surrounding buildings were demolished and the Sarovar was filled with dirt and debris. Sri Harimander Sahib was then closed to all Sikhs. Baba Deep Singh Ji took a vow not to come back alive, without freeing the Gurdwara from the Mughals.
Although Baba Deep Singh Ji was seventy-five years old, he still had the strength of a young warrior. Baba Deep Singh Ji fought with his 18-ser khanda (weighing about 32 tbs.). During the clash, one of the Mogul commanders, Jamal Khan, attacked Baba Deep Singh Ji. As they fought, both men swung their weapons with great force, leaving both of their heads separated from their bodies. Baba Deep Singh Ji immediately stood up, holding his head on his left palm while holding his khanda upright in his right hand and continued fighting till he reached Sri Harimandir Sahib. He bowed his head at the Prikarma (rectangular walkway) and lay there as a Martyr.
Baba Deep Singh Ji's shaheedi incited the Sikhs to continue to fight against Mogul oppression for many years. Even today, he is a symbol for all Sikhs how to live and die with dignity.