The thread on #Nihangs.

The act of chopping off the  hands of police personnel by one of  #Nihangs is talk of social media. The act itself smacks of barbaric cruelty & deserves maximum condemnation.

But the response to act in Social media- ranging from rise of Khalistan movement to anti-hindu nature of #Nihangs -   betrays poor social understanding.
In this thread I will try refute both the misconception & built a case why we should do more to  adjust #Nihangs in new world.

During 'misl' period (or even before), Nihangs played crucial role in combating Mughals, Nadir Shah, Abdalli , Zakaria Khan & others.

During sikh rule in early half of 19th century, they were part sikh army - sort royal army (like Basij of  today's Iran ).

Maharja Ranjit Singh displayed key skill in managing their passions. There were many tales of their taking tough stand against muslims and the situation was only avoided most times by crafty play by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
One such incident is here. https://twitter.com/satty643/status/1033523829451018240?s=19

After Sikh raj, British were able to  include Sikhs in their army and give them shape of regiments (Sikh infantry, Punjab light infantry etc).

But some due to religious or other reasons some never went towards newlife. Modern day Nihangs are in that category.

It would be surprise for many to know that it was #Nihangs who had gall and courage to capture Babri Masjid in 1858 and perform havan in it.

Historic account From Kishore Kunal's book on Ayodhya on Nihang Sikh's role in 1858 & copy of FIR.

In 1947 RSS and Nihang organisations worked very closely in settling score with muslims - very active in Jammu region and princely states on indian side.

Another mistake which people make is to associate #Nihangs with Khalistan movement. Khalistan movement originated in minds of mainbody of sikhs in 70's or 80's. It is there that it died in mid 90's.

Many Nihangs organisation openly sided with goverment side in tussle.

As a one example of how #Nihangs differ from main body of sikhs, do enjoy this Braham Kawach.

Most modern days sikh would consider this too hinduised to be comfortable with it.
The prayer has been passed down through Nihangs over the years.

More recently they have appeared in TV reality show displaying their acrobatics. And many a times the one odd judge of show has wondered whether their antics are too crude for modern day esthetics.

The acrobat displayed by #Nihangs has certain history. It was part of their military training. Many times that involved hand to hand fight. Hence such training. It is amazing that they are able to keep the tradition alive without much of state help.

All these are indicators that they have not adjusted in the new life and are kind of struck in their old ways. The way they care horses in this day and age is amazing.

More aware, responsive or mature society would have adjusted them in one way or other.

Nihangs had traditionally lived tough life. Incident like above is very unfortunate. 

This obsession with human safety is modern trend (not that I am against it).

But for #Nihangs to appreciate new age aesthetics of human safety, the efforts must be made to integrate them to new economy.

I would say some challenge for Sikh organizations & state of India.

Perhaps we could start by setting up the cavalry forces of them..

(End)