Nishan Sahib

Original Nishan Sahib
	Nishan Sahib (Modern version)
Design	Triangular blue flag with symbol placed on center of flag.

The Nishan Sahib (Punjabi: ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ, romanized: niśān sāhib, lit. 'respected ensign') in Sikhism is a triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The current form of the Nishan Sahib that is in use throughout Gurdwaras around the world has an Blue color that has the symbol in the center of the flag. It is commonly hoisted on a tall flagpole outside Gurdwaras.[1]

Overview

Nishan Sahib emplaced at the Golden Temple, Amritsar

The flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole outside most Gurdwaras. The flagpole itself, covered with fabric (called chola) of the same colour as the flag proper, ends with a Khanda on top (In the past an Astbuj, nagani barsha or a teer would be placed on top).[1] The emblem on the flag is known as Khanda, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda (Miri te Piri) (☬) in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans.[1]

Almost all Sikh warriors used to wear it in the eighteenth century, and Nihangs of today still do. The Khanda Sahib is not to be confused with the Nihang's Aad Chand which was the first symbol of the Khalsa. The Khanda was not introduced by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji but it was a plain yellow banner.

Traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth (corps of initiated Sikhs), the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood. It is taken down every Baisakhi (harvest festival, mid-April in the Gregorian calendar and in Vaisakh month in the Nanakshahi calendar), and replaced with a fresh flag, and the flagpole refurbished.

The flagbearer or standardbearer carrying the Nishan Sahib in a procession is referred to as a Nishanchi.[1]

The Nishan Sahib is placed outside Sikh Gurdwaras and is supported by a pole.

The Khanda, a Sikh symbol, today, is rendered in navy blue on the saffron background while the original was basanti (bright yellow) and surrmai neela (Royal blue). The khanda is placed high up on a flagpole as a sign for all Sikhs and indeed any other people that they can come and pray in this building. Great respect is shown to this flag and the flag is considered sacred and washed using milk and water every year in April at the festival of Vaisakhi.[2][3] The Nishan Sahib is changed once the saffron color has faded.

The Sikh Rehat Maryada clearly states that the Nishan Sahib hoisted outside every Gurudwara should be xanthic (Basanti in Punjabi) or greyish blue (modern day Navy blue) (Surmaaee in Punjabi) color.[4][5]

History

Guru Amar Das

In the era of Guru Amar Das, a white-triangular flag was erected at the then-newly constructed Baoli Sahib (stepwell) located in Goindwal on the bank of the Beas River.[6][7][1][8] This white flag was coined the dhaval dhuja ('white banner').[6] The white in the flag symbolized Piri, or saintliness, but also "goodwill" and "peace", and also acting as a landmark to aid visitors seeking out a Sikh site.[6][7] Some Sikh scholars believe there was also an Ik Onkar symbol inscribed on the flag that represented the oneness of the divine.[6] The white flag was a characterization of the raj (era) embarked by Guru Nanak.[6] Pashaura Singh speculates that the colour of the Nishan Sahib located at the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar was white as well during the period of Bhai Gurdas.[7]

Within the Guru Granth Sahib, there is a reference made to the flag established by Guru Amar Das in a hymn penned by Bhatt Kalshar:[6]

ਜਿਸੁ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਧੁਰਿ ਧਵਲੁ ਧੁਜਾ ਸੇਤਿ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਬੀਣਾ ॥
Jisu dhīrju dhuri dhavlu dhujā sēti baikuṇṭh bīṇā ॥

Patience has been His white banner since the beginning of time, planted on the bridge to heaven.

—Guru Granth Sahib (page 1393) by Bhatt Kalshar

Guru Ram Das

In a sawaiye composition authored by Bhatt Mathura in-praise of Guru Ram Das, it is stated:[6]

ਫੁਨਿ ਧ੍ਰੰਮ ਧੁਜਾ ਫਹਰੰਤਿ ਸਦਾ ਅਘ ਪੁੰਜ ਤਰੰਗ ਨਿਵਾਰਨ ਕਉ ॥
Phuni dhramm dhujā phahranti sadā agh puñj taraṅg nivāran kau ॥

And, His Banner of Righteousness waves proudly forever, to defend against the waves of sin.

—Guru Granth Sahib (page 1406) by Bhatt Mathura

Guru Arjan

Bhai Gurdas makes specific mention of a flag existing at the court of Guru Arjan in the 24th ballad of his Varan composition (24:18–23).[7]

A mention of the banner during the period of Arjan was made by Bhatt Kalh in a sawaiye composition he authored:[6]

ਕੁਲਿ ਸੋਢੀ ਗੁਰ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਤਨੁ ਧਰਮ ਧੁਜਾ ਅਰਜੁਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਾ ॥੬॥
Kuli sōḍhī gur rāmdās tanu dharam dhujā arjunu hari bhagtā ॥6॥

In the Sodhi family, is born Arjun, the son of Guru Raam Daas, the holder of the banner of Dharma and the devotee of God. ||6||

—Guru Granth Sahib (page 1407) by Bhatt Kalshar

Guru Hargobind

After the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the colour of the formerly white Sikh flag was replaced with saffron to symbolize sacrifice.[6][1]

A new envisionment of the Nishan Sahib was raised by Guru Hargobind at the consecration of the Akal Bunga in 1606.[9][10] The flag during this time was known as the Akal Dhuja ("the immortal flag") or Satguru ka Nishan (standard of the true Guru).[10] Guru Hargobind inscribed the flag with two symbols: the two swords of miri and piri, which were actual swords and a representation of the Sikh dual concept of temporality and spirituality.[1]

When Hargobind was imprisoned at the Gwalior Fort by the Mughal authorities, a protest march was organized by Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas.[1] The protest march was known as chaunki charhni and it began from the Akal Takht in Amritsar and ended at the Gwalior Fort.[1] It consisted of a flagbearer (nishanchi) at the front of the procession holding the Nishan Sahib.[1] Beside the flagbearer was a torchbearer, known as a mishalchi.[1]

Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh imprinted two symbols on the Nishan Sahib after the formalization of the Khalsa order in 1699: a cooking vessel or cauldron to represent deg (food for all) and a sword, known as a tegh (justice for all).[1] These concepts were Sikh ideals to live up to and were represented by these symbols on the flag.[1]

Sikh Confederacy

During the time of the Sikh Misls, the misl which was responsible for bearing the Nishan Sahib was the Nishanwalia Misl, named after this role.[6] The Nishanwalia Misl also was responsible for appointing the flag-bearers for the other misls.[6] The role assigned to carry the flag in procession was considered an honourable one.[6]

Sikh Empire

Within the Sikh Khalsa Army, different regiments had their own particular flags they flew.[1]

Colonial period

Later during the British Rule it became from Basanti and Surmayee to Kesari.

The modern form and envisionment of the Nishan Sahib can be traced back ultimately to the time of the Singh Sabha movement.[1]

Present day

Most modern Nishan Sahibs are saffron in colour but the Nihang sect of Sikhs usually maintain a dark blue-coloured flag at their gurdwaras.[1]

Weapons and ornaments

The original Nishan Sahib carried by Guru Gobind Singh ji in the Kattar, Dhal, Kirpan format had either a Ashtabhuja Duja, Nangini Barcha or Karpa Barcha used as a spear on top. The Nagni Barcha or snake like sword was created by Guru Gobind Singh ji and famously used by Bhai Bachittar Singh to pierce the trunk of a drunken, armored elephant in the Battle of Nimolgarh. The Ashtabhuja is a spear with three crescents stuck to an iron rod with two spears coming out on top. The Ashtabhuja was mainly used as the Battle Stadered of the Tenth Guru and is highly recommended. Guru Gobind Singh Ji's ashtabhuja was found in Chamkaur sahib the place where his two sons were martyred and other two captured with his mother. The flag is simply wrapped around the top of the spear with two strings of fabric coming out of the tip.

While today's Nishan Sahib has a Khanda in a dagger form on top of the flag and the fabric covering the spear till the top. The Khanda symbol is also relatively new and was made in the early 19th century.

Gallery

Illustrated folio of a Nishan Sahib from a Guru Granth Sahib manuscript housed at Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur and dated to 1714
Nishan of Harmandir Sahib, ca. 1840
Khanda
A Nihang Singh changing cloth of Nishan Sahib, Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan, Sohana, Mohali, Punjab, India
Nishan Sahib in blue, at Akali Phoola Singh di Burj in Amritsar
Puratan Nishan Sahib
Basanti Nishan Sahib, as introduced by SGPC
ca.1820 fresco from Harmandir Sahib showing Nishan with Katar (dagger), Dhal (shield), and Kirpan (sword)
Sikh Basanti (yellow) Nishan Sahib (flag) as introduced by Guru Hargobind
Sikh Nihang Khalsa Fauj Flag, introduced by Guru Gobind Singh
Flag used during the times of Sikh misls and the Sikh Empire
19th century painting depicting Guru Gobind Singh with followers carrying Basanti flag with emblems
Sikh Empire Nishan Sahib flag, introduced by Ranjit Singh
Today's Sikh Nishan Sahib
Flag of the Nihang Khalsa Fauj showing weapons like Katar (dagger), Dhal Shield and Kirpan. The standard goes from 'bottom to top' signifying that the armies of the tenth guru are always victorious.
Illuminated Guru Granth Sahib folio of a Nishan, ca. 1775, with red background, thin gold borders, and central motif of a tulwar sword and dhal shield. Paint on paper, Punjab

References

Singh, Pashaura (2019). A Dictionary of Sikh Studies. Oxford Quick Reference. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780192508430. Mostly, it is triangular in shape and saffron in colour. Nihangs usually have dark-blue-coloured flags in their gurdwaras. The mast is always draped in cloth of the same colour, called chola. The Khalsa emblem of Khanda is embroidered or printed on the flag, and a steel spear, a two-edged sword, or another Khanda surmounts it. The tradition of mounting a 'white flag' (dhaval dhuja) at the Sikh centre on the bank of the Beas River began at Goindval during the period of Guru Amar Das (GGS 1393). It gave the message of peace and welfare of all. After Guru Arjan's martyrdom the colour of the flag became saffron, symbolizing sacrifice. Guru Hargobind put the symbols of two swords of temporal (miri) and spiritual (piri) authority on the flag he mounted in front of the newly built Akal Takhat. The protest march (chaunki charhni) established by Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas from the Akal Takhat to the Gwalior fort during the imprisonment of the sixth Guru had the Sikh flag carried in front by a standard-bearer (nishanchi) alongside a torchbearer (mishalchi). After the creation of the Khalsa in 1699, the imprints of 'cooking vessel or cauldron' (deg) and 'sword' (teg) were put on the flag to highlight the Khalsa ideal of providing food and justice to all. During the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, each regiment of the Khalsa army had its own particular flag. The modern standard form of Nishan Sahib came about as the result of Singh Sabha reforms.
William Owen Cole; Piara Singh Sambhi (1998). The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Sussex Academic Press. p. 58. ISBN 978-1-898723-13-4. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
Eleanor M. Nesbitt (2004). Intercultural Education: Ethnographic and Religious Approaches. Sussex Academic Press. p. 77. ISBN 978-1-84519-033-0. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
Sikh Rehat Maryada: Section Three, Chapter IV, Article V, r. Archived 2022-03-18 at the Wayback Machine
"Nishan Sahib (Sikh Museum)". Archived from the original on 2022-04-20. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
Kulim, Gurcharan Singh (5 October 2012). "The Sikh Flag ~ Nishan Sahib". SikhNet. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
Singh, Pashaura (2006). Life and Work of Guru Arjan: History, Memory, and Biography in the Sikh Tradition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199087808. He [Bhai Gurdas] also points towards the existence of a flag (nishan) at the Sikh court (divan). In fact, the tradition of mounting a white flag (dhaval dhuja) had already begun at Goindval during the period of Guru Amar Das. Presumably, the colour of the Sikh flag at Darbar Sahib was also white, standing for the message of peace and goodwill and leading new visitors to the Sikh place of worship.
Singh, Pashaura; Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh (2023). The Sikh World. Routledge Worlds. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9780429848384. For the first time the third Guru mounted a "white flag" (dhaval dhuja) at the central place of Goindval, giving the message of peace and prosperity to his audience (GGS 1393).
Hari Ram Gupta. History of the Sikhs:The Sikhs Gurus (1469-1708). Munshilal Manohorlal 1994. p. 164.
Harbans Singh (1992–1998). The encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Vol. 3. Patiala: Punjabi University. pp. 239–240. ISBN 0-8364-2883-8. OCLC 29703420.

External links

SikhMuseum.com Nishan Sahib Exhibit

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[:0-1] Singh, Pashaura (2019). A Dictionary of Sikh Studies. Oxford Quick Reference. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780192508430. Mostly, it is triangular in shape and saffron in colour. Nihangs usually have dark-blue-coloured flags in their gurdwaras. The mast is always draped in cloth of the same colour, called chola. The Khalsa emblem of Khanda is embroidered or printed on the flag, and a steel spear, a two-edged sword, or another Khanda surmounts it. The tradition of mounting a 'white flag' (dhaval dhuja) at the Sikh centre on the bank of the Beas River began at Goindval during the period of Guru Amar Das (GGS 1393). It gave the message of peace and welfare of all. After Guru Arjan's martyrdom the colour of the flag became saffron, symbolizing sacrifice. Guru Hargobind put the symbols of two swords of temporal (miri) and spiritual (piri) authority on the flag he mounted in front of the newly built Akal Takhat. The protest march (chaunki charhni) established by Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas from the Akal Takhat to the Gwalior fort during the imprisonment of the sixth Guru had the Sikh flag carried in front by a standard-bearer (nishanchi) alongside a torchbearer (mishalchi). After the creation of the Khalsa in 1699, the imprints of 'cooking vessel or cauldron' (deg) and 'sword' (teg) were put on the flag to highlight the Khalsa ideal of providing food and justice to all. During the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, each regiment of the Khalsa army had its own particular flag. The modern standard form of Nishan Sahib came about as the result of Singh Sabha reforms.

[ColeSambhi1998-2] William Owen Cole; Piara Singh Sambhi (1998). The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Sussex Academic Press. p. 58. ISBN 978-1-898723-13-4. Retrieved 30 December 2012.

[Nesbitt2004-3] Eleanor M. Nesbitt (2004). Intercultural Education: Ethnographic and Religious Approaches. Sussex Academic Press. p. 77. ISBN 978-1-84519-033-0. Retrieved 30 December 2012.

[4] Sikh Rehat Maryada: Section Three, Chapter IV, Article V, r. Archived 2022-03-18 at the Wayback Machine

[5] "Nishan Sahib (Sikh Museum)". Archived from the original on 2022-04-20. Retrieved 2023-05-31.

[:1-6] Kulim, Gurcharan Singh (5 October 2012). "The Sikh Flag ~ Nishan Sahib". SikhNet. Retrieved 6 September 2023.

[:2-7] Singh, Pashaura (2006). Life and Work of Guru Arjan: History, Memory, and Biography in the Sikh Tradition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199087808. He [Bhai Gurdas] also points towards the existence of a flag (nishan) at the Sikh court (divan). In fact, the tradition of mounting a white flag (dhaval dhuja) had already begun at Goindval during the period of Guru Amar Das. Presumably, the colour of the Sikh flag at Darbar Sahib was also white, standing for the message of peace and goodwill and leading new visitors to the Sikh place of worship.

[8] Singh, Pashaura; Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh (2023). The Sikh World. Routledge Worlds. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9780429848384. For the first time the third Guru mounted a "white flag" (dhaval dhuja) at the central place of Goindval, giving the message of peace and prosperity to his audience (GGS 1393).

[:12-9] Hari Ram Gupta. History of the Sikhs:The Sikhs Gurus (1469-1708). Munshilal Manohorlal 1994. p. 164.

[:13a-10] Harbans Singh (1992–1998). The encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Vol. 3. Patiala: Punjabi University. pp. 239–240. ISBN 0-8364-2883-8. OCLC 29703420.