RAJ KAREGA KHALSA, lit. “the Khalsa shall rule,” a phrase expressive of the will of the Sikh people to sovereignty, is part of the anthem which follows the litany or ardas recited at the end of every religious service of the Sikhs. While the ardas is said by an officiant or any Sikh leading the sangat standing and facing Guru Granth Sahib, the anthem is recited aloud in unison by everyone present, with responses from the assembly. Rendered into English the anthem comprising dohards or couplets reads: 1. Verily by the order of God the Immortal was the Panth promulgated. It is incumbent upon all the Sikhs to regard the Granth as their Guru. 2. Regard the Granth as the Guru, the manifest body of the Gurus.
Those who desire to be united with God may find Him in the Sabda, the holy Word. 3. The Khalsa shall rule and none will remain defiant; all such shall come into the fold after wandering in humiliation. All who take refuge (in the Panth) shall be protected. Some more couplets follow signifying the ultimate victory of the Panth and praise of God and the Guru. While the first two couplets appear in Giani Gian Singh, Panth Prakash (1878), as snmukhvdk, i.e. the Guru`s own utterance, the third is found at the end of Bhai Nand Lal`s Tankhdhndmd, a catalogue of prohibitions laid down for initiated Sikhs.
The remaining couplets have no authentic source and might well be later additions by the devout. The ideas embodied in the three couplets cited relate to two basic themes, the Panth and the Granth, a restatement of the earlier doctrine of minpin or the symbiosis of the mundane and the spiritual, of religion and politics. The statement that the Khalsa Panth was created un”Raj Karega Khalsa,” meaning “the Khalsa shall rule,” is a phrase expressing the Sikh people’s will for sovereignty. It is part of the anthem recited at the end of every Sikh religious service following the litany or ardas. While the ardas is led by an officiant or any Sikh facing the Guru Granth Sahib, the anthem is recited aloud in unison by all present, with responses from the assembly.
Rendered into English, the anthem comprising dohards (couplets) reads as follows: “Verily, by the order of God the Immortal, was the Panth promulgated. It is incumbent upon all Sikhs to regard the Granth as their Guru. Regard the Granth as the Guru, the manifest body of the Gurus. Those who desire to unite with God may find Him in the Sabda (the holy Word). The Khalsa shall rule, and none will remain defiant. All such shall come into the fold after wandering in humiliation. All who take refuge (in the Panth) shall be protected.”
Additional couplets follow, signifying the ultimate victory of the Panth and praising God and the Guru. While the first two couplets appear in Giani Gian Singh’s Panth Prakash (1878), as snmukhvdk (the Guru’s own utterance), the third is found at the end of Bhai Nand Lal’s Tankhdhndmd, which is a catalogue of prohibitions for initiated Sikhs. The remaining couplets lack authentic sources and may be later additions by devout followers.
The ideas embodied in the three couplets relate to two key themes—the Panth and the Granth—a restatement of the doctrine of miri-piri (the symbiosis of the mundane and the spiritual, of religion and politics). The statement that the Khalsa Panth was created under God’s command is substantiated by Guru Gobind Singh’s autobiographical Bachitra Natak, which states that God sent him into the world to uphold dharma and uproot evil. The Guru’s parting instruction to Sikhs to treat the Holy Book as their manifest Guru confirms the belief that the Guru’s utterances represent the Guru.
“Sabda is Guru,” said Guru Nanak (GG, 943); “Guru’s bani is the Guru and vice versa,” says Guru Ram Das (GG, 982); and “The Book is the abode of God,” said Guru Arjan, Nanak V, who compiled the Holy Book, the Guru Granth Sahib (GG, 1226). The third couplet, Raj Karega Khalsa aki rahe na koe; Khudr hoe sab milainge bache saran jo hoe, appearing at the end of Tankhdhndmd (a code laying down penalties for faltering Sikhs), is both the Guru’s blessing and the expression of his vision for the Khalsa’s destiny. This vision carried the Panth, under the Granth, triumphantly through the cataclysmic half-century following the Khalsa’s establishment.
The idea that the Khalsa was destined to rule was expected to emerge spontaneously after the institution of the Khalsa. Sikh doctrine that integrates religious worship and social commitment, and regards political participation and power as complementary to religious activity, makes aspiration to political power a legitimate fulcrum for social change and upliftment. Sainapati, a poet contemporary to Guru Gobind Singh, closes his Sri Gur Sobha declaring: “The Guru, king of kings, shall establish righteousness upon earth through the Khalsa.”
The author of Prem Sumdragh, who attributes his work to Guru Gobind Singh, writing in the mid-18th century, prophesied the establishment of the Khalsa’s rule. Writers like Kuir Singh, Sarup Das Bhalla, and later Ratan Singh Bharigu (1841) expanded on the notion that sovereign rule had been bestowed upon the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh.
The idea of protection—bache saran jo hoe—logically complements the divine authority granted to the Khalsa. Since the Khalsa is God’s own (Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa), its victories also belong to God (Waheguru Ji ki Fateh). God, for Sikhs, is the Compassionate Preserver who gives protection to seekers. The Guru Granth Sahib states: “Jo saran aavai tis kanth laavai; ihu birad suami sandhai” (GG, 512). Thus, bache saran jo hoe is integral to Raj Karega Khalsa.
The Khalsa adhered to this edict during its brief rule under Banda Singh Bahadur, ensuring peace and security for all, irrespective of class or creed. Even Qa/T Nur Muhammad, an enemy chronicler, reluctantly acknowledges in his Jangnama (War Notes, 1767): “Never do they (the Sikhs) kill the weak, nor do they chase those who flee the field.” The Khalsa raj, as established under Banda Singh, was liberal and free from religious fanaticism and social discrimination. The ideals enshrined in the Sikh anthem and crystallized through the liberation of Punjab from Mughal and Afghan rule continue to inspire Sikh religious, social, and political life. The daily recitation of the Raj Karega Khalsa anthem remains a source of strength and vision for the Sikh community.
References :
1. Kapur Singh, “Raj Karega Khalsa”, The Sikh Review, April 1978
2. Ganda Singh, “The True Import of Raj Karega Khalsa,” The Sikh Review, July 1987
J.S.G.
The Relevance of “Raj Karega Khalsa” in Sikhism
The phrase “Raj Karega Khalsa,” meaning “the Khalsa shall rule,” holds profound spiritual, historical, and cultural significance within Sikhism. It transcends its literal interpretation, embodying the ideals of justice, equality, and moral governance. Deeply embedded in Sikh liturgical practices, the phrase is recited as part of the Sikh anthem following the ardas (prayer), reinforcing its role as a source of collective inspiration for the community.
Spiritual and Philosophical Relevance
“Raj Karega Khalsa” reflects the Sikh worldview, which integrates the spiritual and temporal dimensions of existence. Sikhism emphasizes the concept of miri-piri—a symbiosis of temporal authority (miri) and spiritual sovereignty (piri). The phrase encapsulates this philosophy, suggesting that the Khalsa, a community of initiated Sikhs, is tasked with upholding both divine principles and societal ethics.
The phrase also symbolizes liberation from tyranny and injustice, not through mere conquest but by embodying the values of compassion, humility, and service. The Khalsa is envisioned as a collective of individuals who have renounced ego (haumai) and are dedicated to living according to divine will (hukam). Their “rule,” therefore, is not about domination but about fostering a just and equitable society guided by spiritual wisdom.
Historical and Sociopolitical Context
Historically, the phrase gained prominence during the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The Guru’s vision was to create a community of saint-soldiers who would defend the oppressed and uphold righteousness. The phrase “Raj Karega Khalsa” became a rallying cry for Sikhs during periods of persecution and struggle, particularly in the 18th century when the community faced relentless oppression under Mughal and Afghan rule.
Under the leadership of figures like Banda Singh Bahadur, the Khalsa demonstrated the practical application of this ideal by establishing governance rooted in justice, equality, and religious tolerance. Banda Singh’s brief yet impactful rule in Punjab exemplified the principles of “Raj Karega Khalsa,” providing security and dignity to all, regardless of class or creed.
Liturgical and Communal Significance
The recitation of “Raj Karega Khalsa” as part of Sikh religious services serves as a powerful affirmation of faith and unity. It is not merely a historical or political slogan; it is a spiritual declaration that resonates with Sikhs across generations. The collective recitation of the phrase reinforces the communal identity of the Khalsa and its commitment to the values of justice, service, and humility.
The phrase also serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of truth and righteousness, as envisioned by the Sikh Gurus. It instills hope and resilience, encouraging Sikhs to remain steadfast in their principles despite challenges.
Relevance in Contemporary Times
In today’s world, “Raj Karega Khalsa” continues to inspire Sikhs to work toward a just and inclusive society. While its historical context is rooted in the quest for self-determination, its contemporary relevance lies in its call for ethical leadership and social responsibility. The phrase challenges Sikhs to embody the values of the Khalsa in their personal and communal lives, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and standing against injustice.
Moreover, the phrase underscores the importance of balancing spiritual growth with active engagement in societal affairs. It calls upon Sikhs to lead by example, demonstrating that true “rule” is not about power but about service and moral integrity.
Conclusion
“Raj Karega Khalsa” is more than a declaration of sovereignty; it is a timeless principle that encapsulates the spiritual and social ethos of Sikhism. It reminds Sikhs of their responsibility to uphold righteousness and justice while remaining rooted in their spiritual values. As a source of inspiration and guidance, the phrase continues to resonate deeply within the Sikh community, shaping its identity and aspirations in an ever-evolving world.
