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Nishan Sahib

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Nishan Sahib
Nishan Sahib
Nishan Sahib
(Current Basanti[disambiguation needed] reinforced by Akal Takht Authority towards 2024) [1][2]
UseOther Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Reverse side is mirror image of obverse side
Proportion1:1 or 1:2
Adopted12 October 1936; 88 years ago (1936-10-12)[a]
DesignA triangular flag, either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (navy blue), featuring the Khanda at its centre.[4]
Designed byGuru Hargobind (yellowish-orange)
Guru Gobind Singh (navy blue)
Part of a series on
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The Nishan Sahib (Punjabi: ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ, lit. 'respected ensign'), also known as the Sikh flag, is used to represent the Sikh people worldwide.[5] In 1936, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee ratified the Sikh Rehet Maryada, which states its colour as either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (navy blue).[3] It is a triangular flag with a Khanda in its centre, made of cotton or silk cloth, and has a tassel at its end.[6]

The most common form of the Nishan Sahib, used in gurdwaras around the world, features a saffron (orange) colour.[7] The Akal Takht decided on 15 July 2024, in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada, that only basanti or surmai colours are acceptable, while kesri (saffron) is not.[8]

Overview

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Nishan Sahib emplaced at the Golden Temple, Amritsar

The flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole outside most Gurdwaras. The flagpole itself, covered with fabric (called chola) of the same colour as the flag proper, ends with a Khanda on top (In the past an Astbuj, nagani barsha or a teer would be placed on top).[7][citation needed] The emblem on the flag is known as Khanda, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda (Miri te Piri) (☬) in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans.[7]

Almost all Sikh warriors used to wear it in the eighteenth century, and Nihangs of today still do.[citation needed] The Khanda Sahib is not to be confused with the Nihang's Aad Chand which was the first symbol of the Khalsa.[citation needed] The Khanda was not introduced by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji but it was a plain yellow banner.[citation needed]

Traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth (corps of initiated Sikhs), the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood.[citation needed] It is taken down every Baisakhi (harvest festival, mid-April in the Gregorian calendar and in Vaisakh month in the Nanakshahi calendar), and replaced with a fresh flag, and the flagpole refurbished.[citation needed]

The flagbearer or standardbearer carrying the Nishan Sahib in a procession is referred to as a Nishanchi.[7]

The Nishan Sahib is placed outside Sikh Gurdwaras and is supported by a pole.

The Khanda, a Sikh symbol, today, is rendered in navy blue on the saffron background while the original was basanti (bright yellow) and surrmai neela (Royal blue).[citation needed] The khanda is placed high up on a flagpole as a sign for all Sikhs and indeed any other people that they can come and pray in this building.[citation needed] Great respect is shown to this flag and the flag is considered sacred and washed using milk and water every year in April at the festival of Vaisakhi.[9][10] The Nishan Sahib is changed once the saffron color has faded.[citation needed]

The Sikh Rehat Maryada clearly states that the Nishan Sahib hoisted outside every Gurudwara should be xanthic (Basanti in Punjabi) or greyish blue (modern day Navy blue) (Surmaaee in Punjabi) color.[3][11]

History

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Guru Amar Das

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In the era of Guru Amar Das, a white-triangular flag was erected at the then-newly constructed Baoli Sahib (stepwell) located in Goindwal on the bank of the Beas River.[12][13][7][14] This white flag was coined the dhaval dhuja ('white banner').[12] The white in the flag symbolized Piri, or saintliness, but also "goodwill" and "peace", and also acting as a landmark to aid visitors seeking out a Sikh site.[12][13] Some Sikh scholars believe there was also an Ik Onkar symbol inscribed on the flag that represented the oneness of the divine.[12] The white flag was a characterization of the raj (era) embarked by Guru Nanak.[12] Pashaura Singh speculates that the colour of the Nishan Sahib located at the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar was white as well during the period of Bhai Gurdas.[13]

Within the Guru Granth Sahib, there is a reference made to the flag established by Guru Amar Das in a hymn penned by Bhatt Kalshar:[12]

Guru Ram Das

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In a sawaiye composition authored by Bhatt Mathura in-praise of Guru Ram Das, it is stated:[12]

Guru Arjan

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Bhai Gurdas makes specific mention of a flag existing at the court of Guru Arjan in the 24th ballad of his Varan composition (24:18–23).[13]

A mention of the banner during the period of Arjan was made by Bhatt Kalh in a sawaiye composition he authored:[12]

Guru Hargobind

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After the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the colour of the formerly white Sikh flag was replaced with saffron to symbolize sacrifice.[12][7]

A new envisionment of the Nishan Sahib was raised by Guru Hargobind at the consecration of the Akal Bunga in 1606.[15][16] The flag during this time was known as the Akal Dhuja ("the immortal flag") or Satguru ka Nishan (standard of the true Guru).[16] Guru Hargobind inscribed the flag with two symbols: the two swords of miri and piri, which were actual swords and a representation of the Sikh dual concept of temporality and spirituality.[7]

When Hargobind was imprisoned at the Gwalior Fort by the Mughal authorities, a protest march was organized by Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas.[7] The protest march was known as chaunki charhni and it began from the Akal Takht in Amritsar and ended at the Gwalior Fort.[7] It consisted of a flagbearer (nishanchi) at the front of the procession holding the Nishan Sahib.[7] Beside the flagbearer was a torchbearer, known as a mishalchi.[7]

Guru Gobind Singh

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Guru Gobind Singh imprinted two symbols on the Nishan Sahib after the formalization of the Khalsa order in 1699: a cooking vessel or cauldron to represent deg (food for all) and a sword, known as a tegh (justice for all).[7] These concepts were Sikh ideals to live up to and were represented by these symbols on the flag.[7]

Sikh Confederacy

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During the time of the Sikh Misls, the misl which was responsible for bearing the Nishan Sahib was the Nishanwalia Misl, named after this role.[12] The Nishanwalia Misl also was responsible for appointing the flag-bearers for the other misls.[12] The role assigned to carry the flag in procession was considered an honourable one.[12]

Sikh Empire

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Within the Sikh Khalsa Army, different regiments had their own particular flags they flew.[7]

Colonial period

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Later during the British Rule it became from Basanti and Surmayee to Kesari.[citation needed]

The modern form and envisionment of the Nishan Sahib can be traced back ultimately to the time of the Singh Sabha movement.[7]

Present day

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Most modern Nishan Sahibs are saffron in colour but the Nihang sect of Sikhs usually maintain a dark blue-coloured flag at their gurdwaras.[7] In a 26 July 2024 circular, the SGPC mandated that the Nishan Sahib flown by Sikhs should be either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (greyish-blue) in colour.[17]

Weapons and ornaments

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The original Nishan Sahib carried by Guru Gobind Singh ji in the Kattar, Dhal, Kirpan format had either a Ashtabhuja Duja, Nangini Barcha or Karpa Barcha used as a spear on top.[citation needed] The Nagni Barcha or snake like sword was created by Guru Gobind Singh ji and famously used by Bhai Bachittar Singh to pierce the trunk of a drunken, armored elephant in the Battle of Nimolgarh.[citation needed] The Ashtabhuja is a spear with three crescents stuck to an iron rod with two spears coming out on top.[citation needed] The Ashtabhuja was mainly used as the Battle Stadered of the Tenth Guru and is highly recommended.[citation needed] Guru Gobind Singh Ji's ashtabhuja was found in Chamkaur sahib the place where his two sons were martyred and other two captured with his mother.[citation needed] The flag is simply wrapped around the top of the spear with two strings of fabric coming out of the tip.[citation needed]

While today's Nishan Sahib has a Khanda in a dagger form on top of the flag and the fabric covering the spear till the top. The Khanda symbol is also relatively new and was made in the early 19th century.[citation needed]

Historical Evolution of the Nishan Sahib

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Flag Date introduced Use Description
1606–Present Period during Guru Hargobind After Guru Arjan's martyrdom, the Sikh flag's color was changed from white to saffron to symbolize sacrifice. The flag was still adopted by Sikh till the present day.
1699–Present Flag of the Akali Sikhs The flag is still used by Nihang Sikhs at their Gurdwara's and congregations.
1699–Present Flag of the Akali Sikhs The flag is still used by Nihang Sikhs at their Gurdwara's and congregations.
1748–1849 Flag of Sikh Confederacy and Sikh Empire Flag used during the times of Sikh Misl (Confederacy) and the Sikh Empire. It incorporates a gold colour with the Talwar and Shield.
1799–1849 Flag of the Sikh Empire This flag was used as a military banner ?
1889–2024 Nishan Sahib used under British Empire until 2024. The flag alongside its Khanda adopted an orange colour, which has been replaced in June 2024, as it was not historically part of Sikh tradition.
26 June 2024 – Present Present Day This was introduced back by the SGPC of Basanti (xanthic) or surmai (greyish-blue as the colour during Guru Hargobind
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See also

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Flags of other Indian origin religions.

Notes

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  1. ^ The Sikh Rehat Maryada, which includes the look of the Nishan Sahib, was ratified by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee on 12 October 1936.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "From kesri to basanti: history and politics around the colour of the holy Nishan Sahib". The Indian Express. 2024-08-17. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  2. ^ Sethi, Chitleen K.; ThePrint (2024-07-29). "After complaints of 'saffronisation', Akal Takht mandates xanthic & blue colours for Nishan Sahib flag". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-08-22. Akal Takht, the highest temporal body of the Sikhs, has issued a circular asking gurdwaras across the state to ensure that the colour of the Nishan Sahib is either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (blue).
  3. ^ a b c "Sikh Reht Maryada". SGPC. 18 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-03-18.
  4. ^ Sethi, Chitleen K. (29 July 2024). "After complaints of 'saffronisation', Akal Takht mandates xanthic & blue colours for Nishan Sahib flag". The Print. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  5. ^ Singh, Jay (2002). Teach Me about Sikhism. Trafford Publishing. p. 18. ISBN 978-1-55369-822-7. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  6. ^ Mayled, Jon (2002). Sikhism. Heinemann. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-435-33627-1. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Singh, Pashaura (2019). A Dictionary of Sikh Studies. Oxford Quick Reference. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780192508430. Mostly, the flag is triangular in shape and saffron in colour. Nihangs usually have dark-blue-coloured flags in their gurdwaras.
  8. ^ Singh, Surjit. "Nishan Sahib at gurdwaras to be blue or yellow". The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  9. ^ William Owen Cole; Piara Singh Sambhi (1998). The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Sussex Academic Press. p. 58. ISBN 978-1-898723-13-4. Retrieved 30 December 2012.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ Eleanor M. Nesbitt (2004). Intercultural Education: Ethnographic and Religious Approaches. Sussex Academic Press. p. 77. ISBN 978-1-84519-033-0. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  11. ^ "Nishan Sahib (Sikh Museum)". Archived from the original on 2022-04-20. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Kulim, Gurcharan Singh (5 October 2012). "The Sikh Flag ~ Nishan Sahib". SikhNet. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d Singh, Pashaura (2006). Life and Work of Guru Arjan: History, Memory, and Biography in the Sikh Tradition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199087808. He [Bhai Gurdas] also points towards the existence of a flag (nishan) at the Sikh court (divan). In fact, the tradition of mounting a white flag (dhaval dhuja) had already begun at Goindval during the period of Guru Amar Das. Presumably, the colour of the Sikh flag at Darbar Sahib was also white, standing for the message of peace and goodwill and leading new visitors to the Sikh place of worship.
  14. ^ Singh, Pashaura; Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh (2023). The Sikh World. Routledge Worlds. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9780429848384. For the first time the third Guru mounted a "white flag" (dhaval dhuja) at the central place of Goindval, giving the message of peace and prosperity to his audience (GGS 1393).
  15. ^ Hari Ram Gupta. History of the Sikhs:The Sikhs Gurus (1469-1708). Munshilal Manohorlal 1994. p. 164.
  16. ^ a b Harbans Singh (1992–1998). The encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Vol. 3. Patiala: Punjabi University. pp. 239–240. ISBN 0-8364-2883-8. OCLC 29703420.
  17. ^ Sethi, Chitleen K. (29 July 2024). Chaudhari, Zinnia Ray (ed.). "After complaints of 'saffronisation', Akal Takht mandates xanthic & blue colours for Nishan Sahib flag". The Print. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
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