NANU, BHAI

NANU, BHAI, a Sikh contemporary of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh, was, according to Bhatt Vahi Multani Sindhi, the son of Bagha, a Chhimba (linenprinter) resident of Mohalla (ward) Dilvali Sikkhari in the city of Delhi. According to Kesar Singh Chhibbar, Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Kd, it was Bhai Nanu who reclaimed the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur from Chandani Chowk, the site of the Guru`s execution in November 1675, and, accompanied by Bhai Jaita, a Rarighreta Sikh, also of Delhi, carried it to Anandpur, where Guru Gobind Singh cremated it with due honour.

Bhai Nanu who later took the rites of the Khalsa and became Nanu Singh, was, according to Bhatt sources, killed in the battle of Chamkaur on 7 December 1705. His two sons, Gharbara Singh and Darbara Singh, were also in the retinue of Guru Gobind Singh. Gharbara Singh laid down his life fighting in the battle of Agamgarh Fort, near Anandpur, on 31 August 1700.

References :

1. Padam, Piara Singh and Giani Garja Singh, eds., Guru kidn Sakhian. Patiala, 1986
2. Kesar Singh Chhibbar, Bansavalindma Dasan Pdtshdhidn Kd. Chandigarh, 1972.