DAN SINGH, a Brar Jatt of the village of Mahima Sarja in present day Bathinda district of the Punjab, joined along with his son the contingent of Brars raised by Guru Gobind Singh after his escape from Chamkaur in December 1705. Dan Singh by virtue of his devotion and daring soon won the Guru`s trust as well as the leadership of the Brar force. The anonymous author of Malva Des Ratan di Sakhi Pothi states that he was appointed asupali (asvapa/,) or keeper of horses. It was at his suggestion that Guru Gobind Singh chose a high ground near the dhab or pool of Khidrana (now known as Tibbi Sahib near Muktsar), to defend himself against the pursuing host of the faujdar of Sirhind.
When, during the Guru`s journey towards Talvandi Sabo, the Brars became restive and demanded their arrears of pay from the Guru, Dan Singh tried to pacify them and advised them to be patient. As they remained adamant and sought immediate payment, the Guru halted in the open near Chhateana village and disbursed pay to all men who, according to the Malva Desh Ratan di Sakhi Pothi, numbered 500 cavalry and 900 foot. At the end, as the Guru asked Dan Singh to come forward and receive his pay, he answered, “Be pleased to give me sikkhi (Sikh faith) instead, 0 True King! Of worldly possessions I have enough.”
The Guru was pleased to hear this answer and remarked, “You have saved the honour of the faith for Malva as Mahan Singh (See CHALI MUKTE) saved it for Majha.” Dan Singh received the vows of the Khalsa. Later, Guru Gobind Singh told him to ask for a boon, but the only wish Dan Singh expressed was that the Guru visit his village which was close at hand. The Guru obliged him and blessed him as well as his co-villagers.
References :
1. Santokli Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37
2. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Mahima Prakash. Patiala, 1971
3. Malva DesA Ratan di Sakhi Pothi. Amritsar, 1968
