Toponymy
Khalsa Demographic Settlements
This chapter primarily focuses on the Sikh demographic settlement in the Lohgarh region, followed by the expansion of Sikh settlements from Attock to Bareilly. Additionally, it highlights the spread of Sikh settlements across the Indian subcontinent under the Halimi Raj mission led by Guru Nanak Patshah, illustrating their significant contributions to shaping the global political landscape, economy, and spiritual foundations. The 35 Saints mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib played a crucial role in these Sikh settlements. Notably, rulers often spearhead demographic settlements, and in this case, Guru Nanak initiated such settlements, which is why the suffix “Patshah” is associated with him, symbolizing his role as the “King of Kings” in guiding the Sikhs and shaping their settlements.
Guru Nanak’s Strategic Settlements: Impact on Lohgarh Zone
Establishing demographic settlements in the Lohgarh zone was challenging due to its undulating terrain and dense forest cover, home to various wild animals like tigers and leopards. Guru Nanak Patshah not only devised a well-planned strategy for Sikh population settlement but also fostered the growth of trade and manufacturing centres in the region. This area was situated primarily outside the Mughal territories, with the parganas of Khizrabad, Mustafabad, and Sadhaura governing some parts. The pargana sikdar had close associations with the Sufi Saints of Sadhaura, which facilitated the smooth establishment of Sikh settlements and later, Sikh fortifications, without encountering significant obstacles. Minimal revenue generated in this region led to less interest from the Mughals. The Banjara spearheaded the mission to settle the region, initiating the metal industry in Jagadhri town, which attracted many brave Sikhs to settle in this area. The documented details of various villages and towns established by Guru Nanak Patshah and his associates provide valuable insights into the region’s toponymy, helping us understand the settlement’s development and connection to the Sikh community. Similar naming conventions were applied when establishing villages from Attock to Bareilly, reflecting the historical significance of the place, its founders, and local culture and traditions.
Kartarpur’s Sikh History: Multiple Locations and Historical Significance
Kartarpur, located in Shakargarh of the Narowal District in Pakistan’s Punjab province, holds immense historical and religious significance for the Sikhs as the town where Guru Nanak Patshah settled after his global missionary travels and farmed for 18 years until his demise in 1539 AD. Another Kartarpur near Jalandhar, Punjab, was established by Guru Arjan Patshah, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. Additionally, there are two distinct Kartarpur villages in Haryana: one in Indri, Karnal district, and another in Jagadhri, Yamunanagar district, both situated in the Lohgarh region. Guru Nanak Patshah established Manjis (Sikh preacher centres) near these Kartarpur villages. Other Kartarpur locations include towns in Anandpur, Rupnagar district, Punjab, Shahabad, Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Patiala, Punjab. Guru Nanak Patshah visited all these Kartarpur locations during his time.
Manakpur: Sikh Settlements and Guru Nanak’s Legacy
Guru Nanak Patshah commenced Sikh demographic settlements in Manakpur, near Lahore, where Banjara Sikhs acquired substantial land. These Sikh settlements expanded across the Indian subcontinent and globally. Banjara Sikhs, Sufi saints, and a significant Sikh populace coexisted in Manakpur, fostering a diverse community. Manakpur villages were established near Lohgarh Khalsa Radhani, strengthening the presence of Sikhs. These villages spread across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, holding historical significance as Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib visited them. Later, Banda Singh Bahadar utilized forts in Manakpur to resist the Mughal forces.
Begumpura: Bhagat Ravi Das’ Vision for a Just Society
In the 16th century, Bhagat Ravi Das Patshah envisioned Begumpura, a society free from sorrow, characterized by empathy, equity, and freedom from oppression. This ideal aimed to address human suffering and marked a significant milestone in human history. Begumpura remains an inspirational ideal for striving towards a more compassionate and just society, with several Begumpura settlements founded from Attock to Varanasi.
Bhagat Sain’s Impact: Naiwala & Sainwala in Lohgarh Zone
Bhagat Sain played a significant role in establishing villages like Naiwala and Sainwala in the Lohgarh zone near Paonta, Naraingarh, and Lohgarh, demonstrating his dedication to Sikh fortifications in the region.
Bhagat Kabir and Dadupur, Partapgarh & Magarpur: Spreading Sikh Influence Widely
Bhagat Kabir Sahib significantly contributed to establishing villages like Dadupur in the Lohgarh region, including districts like Yamunanagar, Karnal, and Ambala. British forces set up a cantonment in Dadupur, Yamunanagar, in the early 19th century to suppress the Sikh movement. Dadupur villages are also in Saharanpur, Roorkee, Delhi, Jaipur, Etwah, Patna, Prayagraj, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. Magarpur, Uttar Pradesh, is associated with Bhagat Kabir, who lived there. Similar villages with the name Magarpur are in the Lohgarh zone. The Guru Granth Sahib references “Magar,” highlighting the historical significance of Kabir’s travels and teachings. Partapgarh, another village in the Lohgarh zone, is linked to Bhagat Kabir Sahib.
Lohgarh: The Establishment of Sikh Forts
Guru Nanak Patshah introduced the concept of Lohgarh, leading to the establishment of the Lohgarh Khalsa Rajdhani and Sikh demographic settlements in the Lohgarh zone. This initiative took place within the Indian subcontinent during its division into various states.
Faridpur: Baba Farid’s Vision for Village Network
Baba Farid founded Faridpur near the Lohgarh Khalsa Rajdhani. Under Baba Farid’s leadership, approximately 200 villages and cities were established, spanning from Punjab to Bangladesh, including areas near the Shivalik Hills under mission Halimi Raj. In the 18th century, Sufi saints played a significant role in settling these regions and supported Banda Singh Bahadar against the Mughals.