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{{Short description|History of the secondary Sikh scripture, the Dasam Granth}}
[[File:Lineage chart showing the formulation of the Dasam Granth.png|thumb|Lineage chart showing the formulation of the Dasam Granth]]
{{Dasam Granth sidebar}}
The '''history of the Dasam Granth''' is related to the time of creation and compilation of various writings by [[Guru Gobind Singh]] in form of small booklets, some of which are Sikh prayers. The first combined-codex manuscripts of the Dasam Granth were created during the Guru period.<ref name=":1" /> It is also said that after 1708, the Dasam Granth was allegedly compiled by [[Bhai Mani Singh|Mani Singh Khalsa]], contributed by other [[Khalsa]] armymen under direct instructions of [[Mata Sundari]] and this volume is recognized as [[Dasam Granth|Sri Dasam Granth Sahib]] (according to a letter attributed to Mani Singh).<ref name="Senapat">Sri Gur Sobha, Poet Senapat</ref><ref name="koersingh">Gurbilas Patshshi 10, Koer Singh Kalal</ref><ref name="chibber">BansavaliNama Kesar Singh Chibber</ref><ref name="Mahimaparkasdh">Mahima Parkash, Sarup Dass Bhalla</ref><ref name="GuruKiaSakhia">Guru Kian Sakhian, Sarup Singh Kausish</ref><ref name="malcolm">Sketch of Sikhs - Sir JB Malcolm</ref><ref name="twarikhgurukhalsa">Giani Gian SIngh, Twarikh Guru Khalsa</ref> The present day Dasam Granth includes [[Jaap Sahib]], [[Akal Ustat]], [[Bachitar Natak]], [[Chandi Charitar Ukti Bilas|Chandi Charitar Ukati Bilas]], [[Chandi Charitar II]], [[Chandi di Var]], Gyan Prabodh, [[Chaubis Avtar]], [[Rudra Avtar]], [[33 Sawaiye]], [[Khalsa Mahima]], Shashtar Nam Mala Purana, [[Ath Pakh-yaan Charitar Likh-yatay]] and [[Zafarnama (letter)|Zafarnamah]].

Some argue that [[Guru Gobind Singh]] did not compile the book himself,<ref name=":1">{{Cite thesis |title=Dasam Granth re-examined: an examination of the textual history with reference to key authors and commentators |url=https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/4285/ |publisher=University of Birmingham |date=December 2013 |degree=d_ph |language=English |first=Kamalroop Singh |last=Birk}}</ref> and the historic authenticity of some of the later additions to the Dasam Granth (apocrypha) is questioned by scholars. There is a prevalent view that the Dasam Granth was written by [[Nirmala (sect)|Nirmala]] scholars or [[Hindu]] [[Pundit]]s or [[Sakta]]s scholars, possibly under the patronage of the British, and was an attempt to [[Sanskritization|''Hinduize'']] Sikhism. According to them, some of the compositions included in Dasam Granth (such as ''Charitropakhyan'') are out of tune with other Sikh scriptures, and must have been composed by other poets.<ref name="McLeod2005">{{cite book|last=McLeod|first=W. H.|title=Historical dictionary of Sikhism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ma3G-hjh6SwC&pg=PA44|accessdate=2 June 2010|date=2005-07-28|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-8108-5088-0|pages=44–}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
| title = The Encyclopaedia Of Indian Literature (Volume One (A To Devo), Volume 1
| editor = Amaresh Datta
| publisher = [[Sahitya Akademi]]
| year = 2006
| isbn = 978-81-260-1803-1
| page = 888
}}</ref>

According to [[Giani Gian Singh]], [[Ramraiya|the Ram Raiyas of Payal]], part of a heretical Sikh sect, were the first recorded critics of Dasam Granth in Sikh history, who attacked on Ragi Bulaki Singh for reading hymns of Dasam Granth.<ref>''ਏਸ ਸਮੇ ਇਕ ਬੁਲਾਕੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਸ਼ਹੂਰ ਰਾਗੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਬੰਦੇ ਪਾਸ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੇ ਦੀਵਾਨ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਕੇ ਫਰਿਆਦ ਕੀਤੀ ਤਲਕੇ ਪਾਇਲ ਘੁੜਾਣੀ ਪਿੰਡ ਵਿਚ ਠੈਹਰ ਕੇ ਜਦ ਮੈਂ ਰਹੁਰਾਸ ਪੜਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਨੇ ਦਸਮ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਚੋਪਈ ਪੜ੍ਹੀ ਤਾਂ ਉਥੋਂ ਦੇ ਰਾਮਰਈਏ ਲੋਗਾਂ ਨੇ ਦਸਮੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਬਾਨੀ ਪੜ੍ਹਨੇ ਬਦਲੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਭੀ ਗਾਲਿਆਂ ਦਿੱਤੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਭੀ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਰੰਦਾ ਭੀ ਭੰਨ ਦਿੱਤਾ, ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਦੇਣੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ ? ਇਹ ਗੱਲ ਸੁੰਨ ਕੇ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਨੇ ਬੰਦੇ ਨੂੰ ਨਾਲ ਲੇਕਰ ਪਾਇਲ ਪਰ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਈ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ, ਪਾਇਲ ਨੂੰ ਲੁੱਟ ਮਾਰ ਕੇ ਰਾਮਰਾਇਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਜਾਏ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਤੇ ਬੁਲਾਕਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੂੰ ਉਥੇ ਦਾ ਥਾਨੇਦਾਰ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਆਪ ਇਕ ਦਸਤਾ ਫੌਜ ਅਤੇ ਕੁਝ ਤੋਪਾਂ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਮਲੇਰ ਕੋਟਲੇ ਕੀ ਤਰਫ਼ ਕੂਚ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ । '' (Page-28,29-Shamsher Khalsa, Giani Gian Singh)</ref> (Ram Raiyas were considered enemies of the Gurus and one of the ''Panj Mel''; founder [[Ram Rai]] was ex-communicated by [[Guru Har Rai]] for his appeasement of the Mughals.) However, considering that Gian Singh was a [[Nirmala (sect)|Nirmala]] intellectual, this particular story should be viewed with caution, as it could merely be an attempt to tie criticism of Dasam Granth to heretical sects, and therefore to heresy and blasphemy.

== History ==
Kamalroop Singh Birk argues that the Dasam Granth was compiled in the court of Guru Gobind Singh, rather than being compiled by Bhai Mani Singh after the guru's death.<ref name=":2">Birk, Kamalroop Singh. ''Dasam Granth re-examined: an examination of the textual history with reference to key authors and commentators''. Doctoral dissertation. University of Birmingham, 2013. https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/4285/</ref> According to [[J. S. Grewal|Jagtar Singh Grewal]], based upon internal evidence and Sikh accounts, the constituent works of the composition were authored at the following dates:<ref name=":32">{{Cite book |last=Grewal|first=Jagtar Singh|title=Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708): Master of the White Hawk|date=25 July 2019|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780190990381|chapter=Literary Activity Recorded in Eighteenth-Century Sikh Literature}}</ref>
* ''[[Jaap Sahib]]'' and ''[[Akal Ustat]]'' in 1677
* ''Krishan Avtar'', began at Makhowal in 1684 and completed at Paonta in 1688
* ''[[Sri Charitropakhyan|Charitro Pakhyan]]'', began in 1691 and finished in 1696
* ''[[Bachittar Natak]]'', completed in 1698
* ''Ram Avtar'', completed in 1698
There are some manuscripts of the work dating to the late 17th century, such as the ''Anandpuri Bir'', dating to 1696. In 1897, the scripture was standardized and printed, with the [[apocrypha]] works found in historical manuscripts being left-out of the printed, standardized version.<ref name=":2" />

==Resources==
[[File:Sikh manuscript which combines the Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth together into a single volume.jpg|thumb|18th century Sikh manuscript which combines the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] and [[Dasam Granth]] together into a single volume]]
Following are early Sikh references of historical books and manuscripts mentioning different compositions and poetry from Dasam Granth:

===17th century resources===

====Sri Gur Katha, Bhai Jaita====
Sri Gur Katha is work of [[Bhai Jiwan Singh]], composed in the last decade of the seventeenth century,<ref>Bhai Jaita’s epic
Sri Gur Katha: a New Milestone in the Sikh Literature, Raj Kumar Hans, MSU Baroda Paper for the Conference on Sikhi(sm), Literature and Film, Hofstra University, 19-21 Oct 2012</ref> does not mention about Dasam Granth but does mention Chopai (Charitar 404), Savaiyey (Akal Ustat) and Jaap Sahib recitation during creation of [[Khalsa]] Panth.<ref>Line 118, Page 73, Sri Gur Katha, Bhai Jaita</ref>

The Anandpur Marco Bir (Not to be confused with the Anandpur Hazuri Bir, written by [[Bhai Mani Singh]]) is said to have been written by Guru Gobind Singh himself,<ref name=":0">Singh, Kamalroop, and Gurinder Singh Mann. "The Graṅth of Guru Gobind Singh: Essays, Lectures, and Translations." (2015).</ref> as evidenced by the distinct [[calligraphy]]. The bir (copy of the scripture) is commonly mistaken as a Dasam Granth manuscript, but is in fact an Adi Granth manuscript.

There are at least 4 manuscripts of the Dasam Granth from the late 1690s.<ref name=":1" />

* Anandpuri Birh (1696) - This manuscript was created in the court of Guru Gobind Singh.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> It contains three primary sections, and was written by multiple scribes. The guru also left various footnotes, and 8 folios of handwritten ''bani'' from Guru Gobind Singh can be found in this manuscript. The Zafarnama was later appended to the Manuscript.<ref name=":1" />
* Patna Birh #1 (1698) - This manuscript contains various apocryphal compositions. The Zafarnama and Hikayats were later added at the end of the manuscript.<ref name=":1" />
* Patna Birh #2 (1698) - This manuscript also contains various apocryphal compositions, and is inlaid with gold.<ref name=":1" />
* [[File:Chart documenting various manuscripts of the Dasam Granth.png|thumb|Chart documenting various manuscripts of the Dasam Granth]]Akal Takht Birh (1698) - This manuscript is visually very similar to the Patna Birh #1. It was written with the Hikayats, and the Zafarnama was later added in. This challenged the notion that the Hikayats were written in the 1700s with the Zafarnama. Kamalroop Singh concludes that the Hikayats were written in Paonta Sahib.<ref name=":1" />
<gallery>
File:Page from the Anandpuri Marco Bir of the Dasam Granth 04.jpg|Various pages from the Anandpuri Marco Bir of the Adi Granth #1
File:'Khas Patra' (important page) containing a correction authored by Guru Gobind Singh from the 'Anandpuri Hazuri bir' (manuscript) of the Dasam Granth.png|'Khas Patra' (important page) containing a correction authored by Guru Gobind Singh from the 'Anandpuri Hazuri bir' (manuscript) of the Dasam Granth
File:The apocryphal "Sahansar Sukhmana" in a manuscript of the Dasam Granth in Patna, allegedly from 1698 CE.png|The apocryphal "Sahansar Sukhmana" in a manuscript of the Dasam Granth in Patna, allegedly from 1698 CE
File:Chandi Charitar II in the 1698 CE Patna Manuscript of the Dasam Granth.png|Chandi Charitar II in the 1698 CE Patna Manuscript of the Dasam Granth
</gallery>

===18th century resources===

====Rehitnama, Bhai Prehlad Singh====
This booklet contains short poem having 38 couplets written by Bhai Prehlad Singh in the early 18th century, whose hymn, ''Sab Sikhan ko Hukam hai Guru Maneyo Granth'', is heavily quoted among [[Sikh]]s.<ref name="rehit">{{cite web |author=Category: Eighteenth century Literature |url=http://173.233.71.213/scriptures/eighteenth-century-literature/rahitname |title=thesikhencyclopedia-Rehitname |publisher=173.233.71.213 |date=2012-04-14 |accessdate=2014-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109000546/http://173.233.71.213/scriptures/eighteenth-century-literature/rahitname |archive-date=2014-01-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This Rahitnama mentioned first composition of Dasam Granth i.e. Jaap Sahib, a Sikh liturgy. Following is a quote from the same: 
ਬਿਨਾ 'ਜਪੁ' 'ਜਾਪੁ' ਜਪੇ, ਜੋ ਜੇਵਹਿ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ || 
One who is spending life(doing religious activities) without Understanding of Japuji Sahib and Jaap Sahib, 
ਸੋ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਕਾ ਕਿਰਮ ਹੂਇ, ਜਨਮ ਗਵਾਵੈ ਬਾਦ || 
he is living insect of excreta and will lose this birth.

====Rehatnama Hazuri, Bhai Chaupa Singh====
This Rehitnama is the most elaborate statement of rules of conduct for the Sikhs which is traditionally ascribed to Bhai Chaupa Singh Chhibbar concluded AD 1702–1706.<ref name="rehit" /> This rehitnama states various lines from different Banis of Dasam Granth.

====Sri Gur Sobha, Poet Senapati====
This historical book was completed by Senapati, The court poet of Guru Gobind Singh, after his demise in 1711.<ref>{{cite web|author=Category: Eighteenth century Literature |url=http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/scriptures/eighteenth-century-literature/sri-gur-sobha |title=Sri Gur Sobha - Kavi Senapati |publisher=Thesikhencyclopedia.com |date=2012-04-14 |accessdate=2014-01-04}}</ref> The source does not mention about Dasam Granth as Granth was compiled later to this source by Mani Singh. Though, this source mentioned the content of Bachitar Natak and Kalki Avtar.

The main topic is stated with the Akal Purkh's declaration of the purpose for which Guru Gobind Singh was deputed to take birth in this world. This is reminiscent of ‘Akal Purkh’s Bach’ of Bachittar Natak. The book ends with the poet's wishful thinking that the Master will come again to Anandgarh to redeem the world by defeating the evil forces and protecting and caring for the holy persons. This is on similar lines as Nihkalank Kalki Avtar described in Dasam Granth<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sikhinstitute.org/july_2008/13-gursi.htm |title=Abstract by Gurbachan Singh on Sri Gur Sobha |publisher=Sikhinstitute.org |date= |accessdate=2014-01-04}}</ref> which indicates the presence of Bachitar Natak during that period. This book is written not only in the style and language of the Sri Dasam Granth but some verses are similar to the verses found in Sri Bachitra Natak, most notably the battles of Guru Gobind Singh.

====Letter to Mata Sundri, Bhai Mani Singh====
The letter is claimed to have been written by [[Bhai Mani Singh]] to [[Mata Sundari]] in 1716, after 8 years of demise of Guru Gobind Singh.<ref>....ਭਾਈ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੀ ਰਾਜਧਾਨੀ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਨਾਲ ਨਿਰੰਤਰ ਬਣਿਆ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਇਹ ਪੱਤਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਜੋਤੀ-ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮਾਉਣ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਕੋਈ 4-5 ਸਾਲ ਬਾਅਦ ਦਾ ਹੈ।.....Sri Dasam Granth Krtitv, Dr. Harbhajan Singh</ref> This manuscript provides evidence of existence of 303 Charitars, Shastar Nam Mala and Krishna Avtar compositions.<ref>...ਭਾਈ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਸੁੰਦਰੀ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਇਕ ਪੱਤਰ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿਚ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ 303 'ਚਰਿਤਰ ਉਪਾਖਿਆਨ' ਅਤੇ 'ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਅਵਤਾਰ' ਦਾ ਪੂਰਬਾਰਧ ਮਿਲ ਜਾਣ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਦਾ ਉਤਰਾਰਧ ਅਥਵਾ 'ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ ਨਾਮ ਮਾਲਾ' ਨਾ ਮਿਲਣ ਦਾ ਜ਼ਿਕਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। ...Sri Dasam Granth Krtitv, Dr. Harbhajan Singh</ref> Among critics Gyani Harnam Singh Balabh believes that only 303 Charitars were written by Guru Gobind Singh among 404 Charitars in Charitropakhyan. The authenticity of this letter is questionable and has been suggested as being forged by many scholars.<ref>...ਇਹ ਵੀ ਸੋਚਣ ਦੀ ਗਲ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਜੇ ਇਸ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਦੇ ਅਸਤਿਤ੍ਵ ਦੀ ਖ਼ਬਰ 'ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ' ਦੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਉਤੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਤੋਂ ਮਿਲਦੀ, ਤਾਂ ਇਹ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਪੂਰੇ 'ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ' ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰੂ-ਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਦਸਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਫ਼ਰਜ਼ੀ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਬਣਾਈ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਉਲਟ ਹੈ। ਜਿਸ ਗਿ. ਹਰਨਾਮ ਸਿੰਘ 'ਬਲਭ' ਨੇ ਸ. ਕਰਮ ਸਿੰਘ 'ਹਿਸਟੋਰੀਅਨ' ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰੁੇੁਰਨਾ ਨਾਲ ਇਸ ਪੱਤਰ ਨੂੰ ਖੋਜ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰਿਆ ਸੀ, ਵਾਸਤਵ ਵਿਚ ਉਹ 'ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ' ਦਾ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਸੀ। 'ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨਾਵਤਾਰ ਬਾਣੀ', ਜਿਸ ਦਾ ਜ਼ਿਕਰ ਇਸ ਪੱਤਰ ਵਿਚ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਹਰਨਾਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਿਸੇ ਕਵੀ ਦੀ ਰਚਨਾ ਮੰਨਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਸ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ 'ਚਰਿਤਰੋਪਾਖਿਆਨ' ਦੇ ਕੇਵਲ 303 ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਗੁਰੂ-ਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਹਨ। ...Sri Dasam Granth Krtitv, Dr. Harbhajan Singh</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Rinehart |first=Robin |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/710992237 |title=Debating the Dasam Granth |date=2011 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-984247-6 |page=39 |oclc=710992237}}</ref>

====Parchi Gobind Singh - Bava Sevadas====
This manuscript was finished sometime in the first quarter of the eighteenth century(around 1741) by Seva Das, an [[Udasi]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Category: Eighteenth century Literature |url=http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/scriptures/eighteenth-century-literature/parchi |title=Parchi and History |publisher=Thesikhencyclopedia.com |date=2012-04-14 |accessdate=2014-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227150728/http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/scriptures/eighteenth-century-literature/parchi |archive-date=2013-12-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This book mentioned two shabads of Rama Avtar<ref>Sakhi 50, Parchi Guru Gobind Singh Ki, Sevadas</ref> and from 33 Swaiyey.<ref>Sakhi 87, Parchi Guru Gobind Singh Ki</ref> It also mentioned that Guru Gobind Singh had written [[Zafarnama (letter)|Zafarnamah]] and stories in [[Hikaaitaan]] during his lifetime.<ref>Sakhi 13, Parchi Guru Gobind Singh Ki, Bava Sewadas</ref> This serves as evidence of existence of these hymns and composition during the early 18th century and its spread among scholars and common people of that period.

The source does not mention about Dasam Granth as it contains events of Guru's lifetime but it evident existence of 4 compositions in the early 18th century.

====Gurbilas Patshahi 10, Bhai Koer Singh Kalal====
This book mentioned about serve as evidence to Guruship to [[Guru Granth Sahib]], written in 1751 after 43 years of Guru Gobind Singh demise also mentioned most of the compositions of Dasam Granth. Though, this book does not cover events happened after the demise of Guru in much detail.

This book confirms writing of Chobis Avtar, Jaap Sahib and Akal Ustat at Paonta, Bachitar Natak, Chandi di Var. It mentioned that Hikaaitaan was embedded at end of Zafarnama by Guru Gobind Singh and sent it to Aurangzeb.<ref>ਜਫ਼ਰਨਾਮ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਜਗ ਜਾਨੈ। ਲਿਖੀ ਹਿਕਾਯਤ ਦਵਾਦਸ ਤਾ ਮੈ। Page 199, Gurbilas Patshahi 10, Bhai Koer Singh</ref>

'''Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Ka, Kesar Singh Chibbar'''
[[File:A photograph of the Charitropakhyan Pothi (volume of pages) in the hand of Guru Gobind Singh.png|thumb|A photo of the Charitropakhyan Pothi (volume of pages) in the hand of Guru Gobind Singh from the 18th Century]]
Bansvalinama was written is 1769 and covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sikh Encyclopedia |date=19 December 2000 |url=https://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/sikh-scriptures-and-literature/eighteenth-century-literature/bansavalinama-dasan-patshahian-ka/?amp}}</ref> Kesar Singh explains and quotes verses from the Ugardanti.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Kesar |title=Bansavalinama |publisher=Singh Brothers |pages=258–260 |language=Punjabi}}</ref> According to the Bansavlinama the Sikhs requested that Guru Gobind Singh merge Dasam Granth with the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru responded to the request by saying, “The [[Guru Granth Sahib|Adi Granth]] is the Guru. This (Dasam Granth) is my play. They shall remain separate.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Kesar |title=Bansavalinama |publisher=Singh Brothers |pages=161 |language=Punjabi}}</ref> In many parts Kesar Singh quotes Dasam Granth compisions such as Chabius Avtar, Bachitar Natak and Khalsa Mehima.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Kesar |title=Bansavalinama |publisher=Singh Brothers |pages=141 |language=Punjabi}}</ref>

====Guru Kian Sakhian, Sarup Singh Kaushish====
Guru Kian Sakhian is a historical piece of information about lives of Sikh Gurus written by Bhatt Sarup Singh Kaushish completed in 1790 AD at Bhadson<ref>{{cite web|author=Category: Eighteenth century Literature |url=http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/scriptures/eighteenth-century-literature/guru-kian-sakhian |title=Guru Kian Sakhian |publisher=Thesikhencyclopedia.com |date=2012-04-14 |accessdate=2014-01-04}}</ref> and it is mostly referred book as it contains dates and events are sketchy and brief. This book does not mention about compilation of Dasam Granth but it does refer to writings inside Dasam Granth which includes Bachitar Natak written at [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]], Krishna Avtar wrote at [[Paunta]] Sahib.<ref>Sakhi 43/65, Guru Kian Sakhian, Sarup Singh Kaushish</ref> The book mentioned various lines from 33 Sawaiyey,<ref>Page 125, Sakhi 60, Guru Kian Sakhian, Sarup Singh Kaushish</ref> Shastarnam Mala and terminology used in Dasam Granth.

'''Manuscripts'''

Many manuscripts of the Dasam Granth came into being in the 1700s.<ref name=":1" /> This includes but is not limited to:

* Bhai Mani Singh Adi-Dasam (1713)<ref name=":1" /> - This manuscript also contains certain folios authored by Guru Gobind Singh.
* Patna Missal Manuscript (1765)<ref name=":1" />
* Bhai Daya Singh (Attributed, early 1700s)<ref name=":1" />
* Baba Deep Singh (mid to late 1700s)<ref name=":1" />

<gallery>
File:Opening folio of the Bhai Daya Singh recension of the Dasam Granth.png|Opening folio of the Bhai Daya Singh recension of the Dasam Granth
File:Opening folio of a Dasam Granth manuscript authored by Baba Deep Singh.jpg|Opening folio of a Dasam Granth manuscript authored by Baba Deep Singh
File:'Khas Patra' (important page) authored by Guru Gobind Singh from the 'Bhai Mani Singh Bir' (manuscript).png|'Khas Patra' (important page) authored by Guru Gobind Singh from the 'Bhai Mani Singh Bir' (manuscript)
File:Folio of the Charitropakhyan from the Patna Missal Dasam Granth manuscript from 1765.jpg|Folio of the Charitropakhyan from the Patna Missal Dasam Granth manuscript from 1765
</gallery>

===19th century resources===
[[File:Dasam.Granth.Frontispiece.BL.Manuscript.1825-1850.jpg|thumbnail|[[Dasam Granth]] frontispiece ca. 1825-1850]]

====Sketch of Sikhs, JB Malcolm====
Among several valuable works [[John Malcolm]] completed Sketch of Sikhs in 1812 and mentioned about Dasam Granth which converted many to Sikhism to fight against tyranny.{{clarify|date=March 2019}} Following is a quote from his book: 
{{blockquote|Guru Govind Singh, in the Vichitra Natac, a work written by himself, and inserted in the Dasani Padshah ka Granth, traces the descent of the Kshatriya tribe of Sondhi, to which he belongs, from a race of Hindu head, and throw it into the fire, he would be resuscitated to the enjoyment of the greatest glory. The Guru excused himself from trying this experiment, declaring that he was content that his descendants should enjoy the fruits of that tree which he had planted.<ref name="ReferenceA">Page 51, Sketch of Sikhs, JB Malcolm</ref>{{verify source|date=March 2019}}}}
[[File:Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth together.jpg|thumb|Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth side-by-side. Sikh fresco artwork]]

====Shaheed Bilas Bhai Mani Singh, Poet Seva Singh====
Shaheed Bilas Bhai Mani Singh is a historical account of [[Bhai Mani Singh]] completed by Poet Seva Singh before 1846.<ref>{{cite web|author=Category: Nineteenth century Literature |url=http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/scriptures/nineteenth-century-literature/shahid-bilas-bhai-mani-singh |title=Shahid Bilas Bhai Mani Singh |publisher=Thesikhencyclopedia.com |date=2012-04-14 |accessdate=2014-01-04}}</ref> He mentioned about writing of Krishna Avtar at Punta Sahib shown here under: 
ਬਾਵਨ ਕਵੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਢਿਗ ਰਹੈ। ਮਨਿਆ ਉਨ ਮਹਿ ਗੁਨੀਆ ਅਹੈ। 
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੁਖ ਤੋਂ ਕਲਗੀਧਰ ਆਪੈ। ਬੀਰ ਰਸ ਕੀ ਕਥਾ ਅਲਾਪੈ। 
ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਚਰਿਤਰ ਮਧ ਹੈ ਜਾਨੋ। ਖੜਗ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਾ ਯੁਧ ਪਛਾਨੋ। 
ਜਿਸ ਤੇ ਸੁਨਤ ਕਾਇਰਤਾ ਭਾਗੈ।ਧਰਮ ਜੁਧ ਮਹਿ ਹੋਈ ਅਨੁਰਾਗੇ। 
(ਚੋਪਈ 47, ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਬਿਲਾਸ ਕਵੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਿੰਘ)

==Compilation==
===Timeline===
{| cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; background:#aedead; border:1"
|-
|width=25%|'''Name of Composition'''
|width=25%|'''Written at'''
|width=15%|'''Verses'''
|width=20%|'''Timeline'''

|-
|Jaap Sahib|| Paunta Sahib||199 ||
|-
|Akal Ustat|| Paunta Sahib||271.5 ||
|-
|Bachitar Natak|| Paunta Sahib||471 ||
|-
|Chandi Charitar Ukati Bilas|| Paunta Sahib||233 ||
|-
|Chandi Charitar II|| Paunta Sahib||266 ||
|-
|Chandi di Var|| Paunta Sahib||55 ||
|-
|Chaubis Avtar|| Paunta Sahib, Anandpur Sahib||5571 ||
|-
|Brahma Avtar|| Paunta Sahib||348 ||
|-
|Rudra Avtar|| Paunta Sahib, Anandpur Sahib||855 ||
|-
|Shabad Patshahi 10|| Anandpur Sahib, Machiwara||10 ||
|-
|33 Sawaiyey|| Anandpur Sahib||33 ||
|-
|Khalsa Mahima|| [[Kapal Mochan]]||4 ||
|-
|Gyan Parbodh||Anandpur Sahib||336 ||
|-
|Shastar Nam Mala Purana|| Paunta Sahib||1317 ||
|-
|Ath Pakhyan Chairtar Likhyate|| Paunta Sahib, Anandpur Sahib||7569 ||
|-
|Zafarnama|| Dina Kangar||868 ||
|}

===History of scripture's name===
Guru Gobind Singh wrote various booklets and had a title on each of them. As per internal references, the scripture comprises the following major booklets:
#Bachitar Natak Granth
#Shastarnam Mala Purana
#Charitropakhyan Granth
#Gyan Prabodh Granth
#Zafarnama/Jangnamah<ref name=":1" />

According to early Sikh historical resources, the scripture was not named as Dasam Granth and each composition within this scripture are named separately by various authors like:
* Bhai Koer Singh states ''Pratham Pehar Satgur Aise, Krishna Charitar Gavat hai Jaise''
* Bava Sewa Dass states ''Keteyan Rubaiyan likhiyan keteyan badhshahaan ki sakhiyan likhiyan, aur apni haqiqat bhi likhi''

Later, In Bansavali Nama Patshahi 10, Kesar Singh Chibber named this granth as ''Chota Granth'' (The Small Granth).<ref>ਛੋਟਾ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਜੀ ਜਨਮੇ ਦਸਵੇਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਕੇ ਧਾਮ। ਸੰਮਤ ਸਤਾਰਾਂ ਸੈ ਪਚਵੰਜਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਖਿਡਾਵੇ ਲਿਖਾਰੇ ਨਾਮ। ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੂੰ ਸੀ ਪਿਆਰਾ। ਹਥੀਂ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਖਿਡਾਇਆ। ਸਿਖਾਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਜੀ ਅਗਲੇ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਾਹੀਏ ਰਲਾਇਆ। ਬਚਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਹੈ ਉਹ ਏਹ ਅਸਾਡੀ ਖੇਡ ਹੈ। ਨਾਲ ਨ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਆਹਾ ਪਿਆਰਾ, ਕਉਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਭੇਦ। ਸੋ ਦੋਨੋ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਨੋ ਵਡਾ ਹੈ ਟਿਕਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਟਕੇ ਪੋਥੀਆਂ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਪੋਤ੍ਰੇ ਕਰਿ ਪਛਾਨੋ।
</ref>

In 1812, JB Malcolm called this scripture as ''[[Dasam Granth|Dasvein padhshsh da granth]]'' (The Scripture of 10th Ruler).<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

Later, Khalsa accepted the name ''Dasam Granth'', for the reason that it contains compositions of 10th Guru of Sikhs.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Dasam Granth]]

History of the Dasam Granth - Revision history

Rohit Singh: Started post