The Valiant Ones- A Journey into the Mesmerizing World of the Sikhs

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The journey begins, unraveling the mystique of the enigmatic Sikhs - their principles, traditions and lifestyle. Initiated by the sword, guided by the Guru's Word, these saint soldiers march to a different drummer.

Gurbir Singh, writer and photographer, lives on two continents, making frequent forays to new locales, for ever returning to his native Punjab. These last three years have been spent living with Nihang Singhs, photographing their lifestyle and researching 'The Valiant Ones.'

With her background in fashion, travel and literature, Gagandeep Kaur kept the project efficacious and the writing dynamic. She has collaborated with Gurbir Singh successfully in the past. The Valiant Ones is their most recent adventure.

Khalsa raj was established by a handful of brave men and women; warriors willing to give their lives for what seems to have become a forgotten word honor.

Zakariya Khan the ruthless governor of Lahore responsible for escorting Banda Singh Bahadur to Delhi massacring Sikhs enmasse on his way there; appointed Masse Khan, a Ranghar Rajput landlord of Mandiala, kotwal or police commissioner of Amritsar. Encouraged by Zakariya Khan to take control of Darbar Sahib, Massa Ranghar set up administrative offices in some buildings, billeted his men in others.

He started using the sanctum sanctorum as a stage for his nautch girls. News of this debauchery reached a Sikh jatha in hiding at Bucha Johar, 60 km west of present day Sriganganagar in Rajasthan. Mehtab Singh from Mirankot and Sukha Singh from Mart Kamboke volunteered to venture forth and redress the wrong. As Massa reclined one evening enjoying the revelries, the Singhs walked in, while Sukha Singh kept watch, Mehtab Singh went forth and beheaded Massa Ranghar in the midst of the security of his sanctuary. The date was 11 August 1740. Achance meeting with two brothers Mehtab Singh and Sukha Singh of village Bhamboi in Gurdaspur district of Punjab set me on a course of wonder and discovery. These Nihang Singhs chaperoned me through the pages of history, unraveling the magic behind the evolution of a charismatic nation. The Nihangs, all proved to be fantastic hosts. Travelling to remote parts of Punjab, to seek, observe and explore with them; had the most incredible experiences. Their faith in their Guru and the Gurus word, strong as steel, steady as rock humble and happy in all situations. I found answers to all the queries I had at the advent. These sons and daughters of the Khalsa are a living embodiment of the principles expounded by the ten Gurus. There is a Nihang waiting to be discovered in every Sikh's persona. There is a Nihang resident in every Punjabi's conscience.

**Contents and Sample Pages**