BACHITRA NATAK (bachitra = marvellous, wondrous + natak = drama, play) is the name given a complex of compositions, commonly attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru or prophet teacher of the Sikh faith, assembled in his book, the Dasam Granth: hence, the name dasam (tenth) granth (book), i.e. Book of the Tenth Master to distinguish it from the earlier work, the Adi (first, primary or original) Granth, now venerated as Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The most familiar section of compositions collectively called Bachitra Natak Granth is the Bachitra Natak itself, some of the others being Chandi Chritra Ukti Bilas, Chandi Chritra, Var Sri Bhagauti Ji Ki (or Chandi di Var), Gian Prabodh, and Chaubis Autar.The composition of Bachitra Natak may have begun in 1688, at Paonta during the first spurt of Guru Gobind Singh\'s literary activity.
Explore Sandhvan, the birthplace of India's first Sikh President, Giani Zail Singh. Visit this historic village rich in culture and legacy.
BHALAN, village near the confluence of Soah rivulet with the River Sutlej 14 km south of Nangal in Ropar district of the Punjab, is sacred to Guru Gobind Singh, who arrived here following Khanzada Rustam Khan in the winter of 1693-94. As Guru Gobind Singh himself relates in his Bachitra Natak, the Khanzada had planned to surprise the Sikhs with a night attack, but finding the defendants alert he beat a hasty retreat. "Ravaging Barva village (on his way back)," records Guru Gobind Singh, "he made a halt at Bhalan." The shrine rebuilt by the local sangat in 1960 is called Gurdwara Dashmeshgarh (lit. Fort of the Tenth Master). It is a small square sanctum with a circumambulatory verandah around it. The Gurdwara is managed by a committee of the local Sikhs.
Discover Sangram Shah's courageous fight in the Battle of Bhangani and his legendary clash with Najabat Khan as praised in Bachitra Natak.
BHIKHAN KHAN (d. 1688) was a Pathan who had served in the Mughal army before joining Guru Gobind Singh at Paonta Sahib on the recommendation of Pir Buddhu Shah of Sadhaura. He had one hundred soldiers under his command, but he crossed over to the hill rajas on the eve of the battle of Bharigani (AD 1688). According to Bhai Santokh Singh, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, Bhikhan Khan told the Pathans in the employ of Guru Gobind Singh that the Guru was mainly dependant on them and that the rest of his army was only a miscellaneous rabble who would run away when they heard the first shot fired. He suggested that they could save their lives by taking the side of the hillmen.
Discover Sukhdev, the daring ruler of Jasrota, who fought alongside Guru Gobind Singh against Mughal forces in 1691. Learn about his heroic legacy.
GOPAL, RAJA (Raj Singh according to some sources), of Guler, mentioned in Sikh chronicles as well as in Guru Gobind Singh`s Bachitra Ndtak, was one of the hill chieftains who fought against the Guru in the battle of Bharigam in 1688. After the defeat of the rajas, Gopal seems to have sought peace and friendship with Guru Gobind Singh. When Husain Khan was despatched in 1696 by Dilawar Khan, the Mughal chief, towards the hills to chastise the recalcitrant princes, Raja Gopal, not being able to pay the heavy tribute levied upon him, prepared to fight.
Explore the epic Punjabi verse Var Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Ki, detailing Guru Gobind Singh's 1688 victory. Read this captivating historical account now.
GULAB CHAND, son of Bhai Sadhu of village Malla, in Faridkot district of the Punjab, and Bibi Viro, daughter of Guru Hargobind (1595-1644), fought along with his four brothers in the battle of Bharigani (18 September 1688), near Paonta in present day Himachal Pradesh, in which two of his brothers, Sarigram Shah and Jit Mail, were killed. Guru Gobind Singh describes Gulab Chand, in his account of the battle in his poetical work, Bachitra Ndtak, as a mighty hero "whose face lightened up at the prospect of joining action on the field of battle."
Explore 'Gurbilas Patshahi 10', a poetic account of Guru Gobind Singh's life, revealing untold stories and historical insights. A must-read for history buffs.
