Akali Phula Singh: Difference between revisions

'''Akali Phula Singh Nihang''' (born '''Nihang Singh'''; 1 January 1761&nbsp;– 14 March 1823) was an [[Nihang|Akali Nihang]] Sikh leader. He was a saint soldier of the [[Khalsa]] [[Shaheedan Misl]]<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=H.S.|title=Sikh Studies, Book 7|date=2008|publisher=Hemkunt Press|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788170102458|page=36|edition=Fifth}}</ref> and head of the [[Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire)|Budha Dal]] in the early 19th century. He was also a senior general in the [[Sikh Khalsa Army]] and commander of the irregular [[Nihang]] of the army. He played a role in uniting [[Sikh misl]]s in [[Amritsar]]. He was not afraid  of the British who at many times ordered for his arrest but were not successful. During his later years he served for the [[Sikh Empire]] as a direct adviser to Maharajah [[Ranjit Singh]]. He remained an army general in many famous Sikh battles up until his martyrdom in the [[battle of Naushera]]. He was admired by the local people and had a great influence over the land<ref>{{cite book|last1=Griffin|first1=Lepel|title=The Rajas of the Punjab: Being the History of the Principal States in the Punjab and Their Political Relations with the British Government|date=1873|publisher=Trübner & Co.|location=London|page=319|edition=Second}}</ref> and his settlement was always open to help the poor and helpless.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Prem|title=Baba Phoola Singh Ji 'Akali'|date=1926|publisher=Lahore Book Shop|location=Ludhiana|isbn=81-7647-110-0|page=36|edition=4th}}</ref> He was well known and was a humble unique leader and prestigious warrior with high character.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Jagjit|title=Temple of Spirituality or Golden Temple of Amritsar|date=1998|publisher=Mittal Publications|location=New Delhi|page=43}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Kartar|title=Stories from Sikh History: Book-VII|date=1975|publisher=Hemkunt Press|location=New Delhi|page=102}}</ref> He was also known for his effort to maintain the values of ''[[Gurmat]]'' and the Khalsa ''[[Khalsa|panth]]''.

==Biography==

 

===Childhood===

Akali Phula Singh was born in 1761 in a [[Jat people|Jat]] family,<ref name="McLeod">{{cite book |last1=McLeod |first1=W. H. |last2=Fenech |first2=Louis E. |authorlink1=W. H. McLeod |title=Historical Dictionary of Sikhism |date=2014 |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] |isbn=978-1442236004 |page=243 |edition=3rd |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xajcAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA243 |accessdate=19 January 2020 |quote=PHULA SINGH (c. 1761–1823). His original name was Nihang Singh, changed to Phula Singh when he took Khalsa initiation. He was a Jat, son of an attendant at Akal Takhat, and upon joining the Akalis became their most famous leader.}}</ref> to father Sardar Ishar Singh. After his father's death Akali Phula Singh, who was still young, and his elder brother, Baba Sant Singh, were taken care of by Mahant Balram and under his mother's advice he would then later be taken under the apprentice of [[Baba Naina Singh|Akali Baba Naina Singh]], the leader of the Shaheedan Misl, and his Nihang order at Anandpur Sahib. It was from Baba Naina Singh that he would receive [[Amrit Sanchar|initiation]] into the Khalsa.<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Sikhism">{{cite book|last1=Singha|first1=H.S.|title=The Encyclopedia of Sikhism|date=2005|publisher=Hemkunt Press|location=New Dehli|isbn=9788170103011|page=164|edition=Second}}</ref>

===Stay in Amritsar===

====The Jathedar of Amritsar====

Upon hearing of news of lack of maintenance and other neglect by [[sevadar]]s of the Gurdwaras in Amritsar<ref name="Kaile 2009 pg43">{{cite book|last1=Kaile|first1=Saroop Lal|last2=Gill|first2=Harnek|title=Panth Hitaishi Akali Phula Singh|date=2009|publisher=Chattar Singh Jeevan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-985-9|page=43|edition=First}}</ref> Akali Phula Singh came to Amritsar in 1800 at this time he had under his leadership a band of about 2,000 Nihangs. He stopped the mismanagement and actively began reforming many Gurdwaras within Amritsar to the point he became responsible and accepted as being in charge of the maintenance of all Gurdwaras in the area.<ref name="Kaile 2009 pg43" /> He did ''[[Kar seva|Kar Seva]]'' at the holy sorawar at [[Harmindar Sahib]] and overall cleaning of the complex with the help of about 100,000 pilgrims this lasted for about 2 months.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Jagjit|title=Temple of Sprituality or Golden Temple of Amritsar|date=1998|publisher=Mittal Publications|location=New Delhi|page=72}}</ref><ref name="Kaile 2009 pg44">{{cite book|last1=Kaile|first1=Saroop Lal|last2=Gill|first2=Harnek|title=Panth Hitaishi Akali Phula Singh|date=2009|publisher=Chattar Singh Jeevan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-985-9|page=44|edition=First}}</ref> Later in his life he made similar improvements to [[Sri Muktsar Sahib]], [[Anandpur Sahib]], and [[Damdama Sahib]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Bishan|title=Twarikh Guru-Ka-Bagh|date=1973|publisher=Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee|location=Amritsar|edition=Third}}</ref> Seeing Akali Phula Singh's high character and dedication, the ''Sangat'' made him the [[Jathedar]] of the [[Akal Takht]] which was initiated by the [[Panj Pyare]].

At the beginning of the nineteenth century Amritsar was ruled by the [[Bhangi Misl]] under [[Mai Sukhan]] and other Sikh [[Sirdar]]s.<ref name="Singh Brothers">{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Bhajan|title=Biographical Sketches of the Sikh Martyrs|date=2010|publisher=Singh Brothers|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7205-114-3|page=146|edition=8th}}</ref> Ranjit Singh of the [[Sukerchakia Misl]] had recently acquired the capital of Punjab, [[Lahore]]. When he approached Amritsar wanting to add it to his empire it created a problem for the ruling families of the city. In 1801 Maharajah Ranjeet Singh brought his army and the Bhangi Misl fortified Amritsar preparing for battle. There was a brief shelling where Ranjit Singh fired empty rounds into the sky in the respect of the holy city. Akali Phula Singh saw this and was saddened by the event and right when the battle was imminent he intervened between the two Sikh forces in the middle of the battlefield. He said that it was a sin for a Sikh to kill another Sikh and it was also a sin to fire cannons in Amritsar and succeeded in persuading them to stop fighting. The two parties made peace under Akali Phula Singh's advice.<ref name="Singh Brothers"/> Ranjit Singh asked Akali Phula Singh to join his forces and he agreed, Akali Phula Singh with him added about 2,000 to 3,000 Nihangs to join the government army.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Kartar|title=Stories from Sikh History: Book-VII|date=1975|publisher=Hemkunt Press|location=New Delhi|page=103}}</ref> Many of Ranjit Singh's future victories would be due to Akali Phula Singh and his army.

====Battle of Kasur====

====Encounter with Charles Metcalfe====

Akali Phula Singh who was participating in the ''[[Kirtan]]'' when he heard the noise he sent three<ref name="Kaile 2009 pg64">{{cite book|last1=Kaile|first1=Saroop Lal|last2=Gill|first2=Harnek|title=Panth Hitaishi Akali Phula Singh|date=2009|publisher=Chattar Singh Jeevan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-985-9|page=64|edition=First}}</ref> ''Akali Nihangs'' to inquire what is going on. When the Nihangs approached the Shia group and explained that they are disturbing the sacred hymns and atmosphere of the ''Gurdwara'' they were insulted by the Shia Muslims<ref name="Kaile 2009 pg64" /> and a confrontation took place in which one of the turbans of the Nihangs fell to the ground.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Nihal|first1=Ras|title=Nirbhai Jathedar Akali Phula Singh|date=2010|publisher=B.Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-257-7|page=23|edition=Second}}</ref> Akali Phula Singh on hearing this news came to the Muslims. With a few Nihangs he confronted and attacked the Muslims and shots were fired at their procession. Maharajah Ranjit Singh heard of the battle going on and arrived however he could not stop the rowdy Nihangs and it was after some time that the violence quelled. Akali Phula Singh killed and wounded a large amount of the Muslims and made them apologize and agree to not make noise near the Gurdwara again.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Nihal|first1=Ras|title=Nirbhai Jathedar Akali Phula Singh|date=2010|publisher=B.Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-257-7|page=24|edition=Second}}</ref> It was likely the entire platoon would have been killed if it weren't for Mahajah Ranjit Singh conveying to the Akalis to stop the fighting.<ref name="Kaile 2009 pg65">{{cite book|last1=Kaile|first1=Saroop Lal|last2=Gill|first2=Harnek|title=Panth Hitaishi Akali Phula Singh|date=2009|publisher=Chattar Singh Jeevan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-985-9|page=65|edition=First}}</ref> Maharajah sent the Muslims back to their camp and went to meet Metcalfe where he was staying.<ref name="Kaile 2009 pg67">{{cite book|last1=Kaile|first1=Saroop Lal|last2=Gill|first2=Harnek|title=Panth Hitaishi Akali Phula Singh|date=2009|publisher=Chattar Singh Jeevan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-985-9|page=67|edition=First}}</ref> He explained the situation and how most of Metcalfe's army was killed because of the Akali's perceived disrespect to the turban. This entire complication was settled that day and the treaty was written the next day.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Prem|title=Baba Phoola Singh Ji 'Akali'|date=1926|publisher=Lahore Book Shop|location=Ludhiana|isbn=81-7647-110-0|page=29|edition=4th}}</ref>

After the [[Treaty of Amritsar, 1809|Amritsar Treaty]] was accepted, the British Officer Captain White was sent to Punjab to survey the border line between the British and Sikh Raj. He got permission from Maharajah Ranjit Singh to set camp at that spot where he rested<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Prem|title=Baba Phoola Singh Ji 'Akali'|date=1926|publisher=Lahore Book Shop|location=Ludhiana|isbn=81-7647-110-0|page=32|edition=4th}}</ref> however he did not tell the local people what he was doing there.<ref name="Kaile 2009 pg74">{{cite book|last1=Kaile|first1=Saroop Lal|last2=Gill|first2=Harnek|title=Panth Hitaishi Akali Phula Singh|date=2009|publisher=Chattar Singh Jeevan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-985-9|page=74|edition=First}}</ref> Around 1799 Akali Phula Singh arrived at Damdama Sahib for maintenance of Gurdwaras in the area and the starting of ''Gurbani'' recitation ''samagam''. Here he heard the news that there was a British Regiment who wanted to capture neighboring land and were preparing maps nearby. It was also said that Captain White was mistreating the local people and displaying poor conduct.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Griffin|first1=Lepel|title=The Rajas of the Punjab: Being the History of the Principal States in the Punjab and Their Political Relations with the British Government|date=1870|publisher=Punjab Printing Company|location=Lahore|page=133}}</ref> The Nihangs could not bear the British forces trying to enter Punjab for any reason.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jawandha|first1=Nahar|title=Glimpses of Sikhism|date=2010|publisher=Sanbun Publishers|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-93-80213-25-5|page=145}}</ref>

Akali Phula Singh got into conflict with the Dogra courtiers and [[Brahmin]] officials and blamed them for causing distress and damage to Sikh Government. The courtiers were also opposing Prince [[Kharak Singh]] and Prince [[Sher Singh]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Nihal|first1=Ras|title=Nirbhai Jathedar Akali Phula Singh|date=2010|publisher=B.Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-257-7|page=35|edition=Second}}</ref> They made it hard for Akali Phula Singh to meet with the Maharajah Ranjit Singh nor did they tell the Maharajah Ranjit Singh his requests. Akali Phula Singh admitted himself into the fort where Ranjit Singh was without the Dogra Officials or Brahmin Officials permission. He tried to persuade the Maharajah to abandon the corrupt Dogras and corrupt Brahmanis but Ranjit Singh refused. He stated that to Ranjit Singh that he was not inline with [[Sikhism|Sikhi]] and [[Gurmat]] and not respecting the Sikh empire that was given to him by the blessing of Maharajah [[Guru Gobind Singh]] and thus he is not happy living under this rule and with this he left Ranjit Singh.<ref name="Sikh Studies: Book 6">{{cite book|last1=Singha|first1=H.S.|title=Sikh Studies: Book 6|date=2005|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=9788170102588|page=48}}</ref> In 1814 Akali Phula Singh left his ''Nihanghan di Chhaoni'' in Amritsar and arrived in Anandpur Sahib, which was near British land and the British did not like this and saw him as a major threat. Akali Phula Singh and his ''Shaheedan Misl'' opened up a ''dera'' here.

In 1813 prince Kanowar Partap of [[Jind]] acquired the Kingdom of Jind from his father's will.<ref name="Sikh Studies: Book 6"/> However, the will was not accepted by the British government. Kanowar Partap revolted by taking the Jind fort over and thus the British wanted him captured. Under distress alongside with his father the prince came at the refuge of Akali Phula Singh's camp in Anandpur. The British sent an order to Akali Phula Singh and wanted him to send back the prince so he could be arrested or else prepare for war.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Nihal|first1=Ras|title=Nirbhai Jathedar Akali Phula Singh|date=2010|publisher=B.Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh|location=Amritsar|isbn=978-81-7601-257-7|page=37|edition=Second}}</ref>

Muzaffar Khan and five of his sons were killed while his remaining two sons were imprisoned and then later given 2,400 rupees and a large piece of land near Sukherpaur.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Griffin|first1=Lepel|title=Rulers of India: Ranjit Singh|date=1892|publisher=Oxford|location=London|page=123}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Patwant|title=The Sikhs|date=2007|publisher=Crown Publishing Group|isbn=978-0307429339}}</ref> The Sikh army suffered about 1,900 casualties and 12,000 Muslims were killed by 4,000 Sikhs.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Prem|title=Baba Phoola Singh Ji 'Akali'|date=1926|publisher=Lahore Book Shop|location=Ludhiana|isbn=81-7647-110-0|page=48|edition=4th}}</ref> Multan was incorporated into the Sikh empire. This victory meant that there was no longer any Afghan presence in Punjab<ref name="Jaques" /> and also the Sikhs gained a major centre of trade. Maharajah Ranjit celebrated for eight days and freely distributed wealth throughout both Lahore and Amritsar. Akali Phula Singh fought so hard that when he returned his hand swelled up so much that his sword handle was stuck to his hand and had to be removed with great difficulty only upon his return.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Prem|title=Baba Phoola Singh Ji 'Akali'|date=1926|publisher=Lahore Book Shop|location=Ludhiana|isbn=81-7647-110-0|page=50|edition=4th}}</ref> He also had to stitch up some minor war wounds, but quickly recovered.

Upon the assassination of Fateh Khan and the civil disruption that evaded the Kabul region Maharajah Ranjit Singh took advantage of the situation and advanced his army to [[Attock]] in October 1818.<ref>{{cite book|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh|date=1986|publisher=Nirmal Publishers and Distribution|location=New Delhi|page=34|edition=Reprint}}</ref> The Maharajah himself led the expedition to bring the rebellious Pathans under control. A bridge of boats was constructed across the river Attock and a small ''jatha'' was sent to assess the situation, but the ''jatha'' was attacked. This enraged the Maharaja. He sent Akali Phula Singh and general Hari Singh Nalwa to fight against the rebels. As soon as the Sikh army was within firing range, they were showered with a rain of bullets. Akali Phula Singh ordered a tactical retreat. This coaxed the rebels from their bunkers to expel the retreating Sikhs. When the enemy was in the open battlefield, Akali Phula Singh ordered a severe attack and then encircled them.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Prem|title=Baba Phoola Singh Ji 'Akali'|date=1926|publisher=Lahore Book Shop|location=Ludhiana|isbn=81-7647-110-0|page=57|edition=4th}}</ref> Their commander Feroze Khan accepted his defeat and requested the Sikhs to end the battle. The rulers of Khatkha surrendered themselves to the Khalsa forces and thus were spared. The next day, the remaining Khalsa army and Maharajah Sahib came across the river and camped there. Small contingents were stationed in the forts of Khairabad and Jahangira. The Sikh army then proceeded towards Peshawar.

The Nihungs played a special role in this battle and after trekking through rough terrain and leaving their horses behind the Akali ''jatha'' reached Bayram Gela. They met with the rulers of the area. Meer Mohamand Khan and Mohamand Ali Khan submitted to the Khalsa empire however Jabardast Khan refused to submit and join the empire and prepared for war. The Sikhs quickly attacked and besieged Jabardast Khan's fort. They destroyed the doors with gunpowder.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Prem|title=Baba Phoola Singh Ji 'Akali'|date=1926|publisher=Lahore Book Shop|location=Ludhiana|isbn=81-7647-110-0|page=61|edition=4th}}</ref> Using their swords, the Akalis attacked the Pathans. Chenkhar Khan and his soldiers were arrested and after taking complete control of the fort, the Akalis left the area, leaving a few Singhs stationed behind. After a few days of rest they prepared to take over Peer Punchal using a variety of routes and roads.

After the victory in Kashmir Maharajah Ranjit Singh had a ''Deep Mala'' of the entire city of Amritsar for three days and elaborate markets were set up. During this time Ranjit Singh began massively improving Harmandir Sahib and many other Gurdwaras in the region. When Ranjit Singh arrived in Lahore he had even bigger celebrations there, and thousands of rupees were distributed freely to the people. Later when Akali Phula Singh, General Diwan Chand, and Sahibjada Karak Singh arrived in Lahore great parades on elephants were arranged around the city, thousands of rupees were distributed again. Maharajah Ranjit Singh was very impressed by Akali Phula Singh performance and wanted him and his army to remain at the Lahore darbar but Akali Phoola Singh refused and preferred to live in Amritsar and perform administrative work.<ref name="Glimpses of Sikhism"/> Akali Phula Singh told Ranjit Singh that though they will remain in Amritsar we will always be available when requested.

[[File:Dost Mohammad Khan, of Caubal, Emir of Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|left|100px|[[Dost Mohammad Barakzai|Muhammad Azim Khan]]]]

In 1823 Dost Muhammad Azim Khan peacefully takes over Peshawar from his brother Sirdar Yar Mohammand Khan who was under the rule of Ranjit Singh's raj. Muhammad Azim Khan declares [[Jihad]] against the Sikh empire and Islamic religious teachers motivated around 25,000<ref>{{cite book|last1=Torrens-Spence|first1=Johnny|title=Historic Battlefields of Pakistan|date=2006|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0195978971|page=31}}</ref> jehadi pathans to join under Mohammad Azim Khan army. Ranjit Singh preparing to recapture the ancient city sent 2,000 horsemen under [[Sher Singh|Kanwar Sher Singh]] and [[Diwan Kirpa Ram]] to check the advance of Afghans. Another army division  was sent under Hari Singh Nalwa to help the first group. Next Maharajah alongside Akali Phula Singh, Sardar Desa Singh Majithia, Sardar Fateh Singh Ahluwalia joined and reached Attock.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Bhagat|title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh and His Times|date=1990|publisher=Sehgal Publishing Service|location=Delhi|page=88}}</ref>

 

Sher Singh and Hari Singh crossed the Attock river via a boat bridge and took over the [[Jahangira]] fort after a small battle. Mohammmad Azim Khan dispatched an army of Ghazis under Dost Muhammad Khan and Jabbar Khan to fight against the Sikhs near Jahangira. Mohammad Azim Khan also destroyed the boat bridge at Attock so Maharajah Ranjit Singh and his army would not be able to cross. Maharajah Ranjit Singh started construction of new bridge but he quickly received the news that a force of Ghazis had encircled his army across the river and the Khalsa army had a chance of being wiped out there. Maharajah Ranjit Singh ordered the army to swim across the river and the Sikh forces were successful with little loss of men and luggage and Maharajah Ranjit Singh reached Jahangira.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Torrens-Spence|first1=Johnny|title=Historic Battlefields of Pakistan|date=2006|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0195978971|page=32}}</ref> During this time Jai Singh Attariwala who had left the Sikh Army in 1821 and joined Azim Khan came back to Ranjit Singh who instantiated him into his former rank. Here the army was strategically divided into three formations. 800 cavalry and 700 infantry soldiers was placed under Akali Phula Singh.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Samra|first1=Mandeep|title=Modern Sikh Historiography|date=2004|publisher=K.K. Publications|page=61}}</ref>

====Martyrdom====

[[File:JathedarHanumanSingh.jpg|thumb|100px|[[Akali Hanuman Singh]] mural at [[Gurdwara Baba Atal|Baba Atal Sahib]]]]

In the ''Uoper Desh'' region after severe hand-to-hand combat Akali Phula Singh was wounded in the leg so he came back to fight on a horse. Whilst fighting on horse his horse got shot so he came back to the battlefield on in [[howdah]] on the elephant<ref name="Hemkunt Press"/> upon which he would be fired down and attain martyrdom. Around this time General Ventura, Hari Singh Nalwa, and Sirdar Budh Singh attacked Muhammad Azim Khan's army. When the Ghazis heard that Azim Khan ran away they lost hope and were quickly defeated. The Sikhs chased away any surviving enemies and after winning the battle the news of Akali Phula Singhs death spread around the army. Ranjit Singh with tears in his eyes along with the other Sirdars reached where Akali Phula Singh's body was lying in the howdah. Ranjit Singh covered his body with a shawl and returned to his campsite in dismay. The next day Akali Phula Singh was cremated and his ashes deposited in the Lunda river.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=H.S.|title=Sikh Studies, Book 7|date=2008|publisher=Hemkunt Press|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788170102458|page=37|edition=Fifth}}</ref>  Akali Phula Singh was succeeded by [[Jathedar Baba Hanuman Singh Nihang]].

The sovereignty of Akali Phula Singh's ''[[Khalsa| Khalsa Panth]]'' over Ranjit Singh was made clear on a particular event when Ranjit Singh brought dancers for his grandson's wedding. The community was upset with Ranjit Singh for this action. When Ranjit Singh visited Amritsar for his daily listening of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib nobody spoke to him. Ranjit Singh could not bear nobody talking to him so he asked for forgiveness. Akali Phula Singh being the leader of the ''panth'' ordered Ranjit Singh to be flogged and he immediately agreed.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Chhabra|first1=G. S.|title=Advance Study in the History of Modern India (Volume-2: 1803-1920)|date=2005|publisher=Lotus Press|location=New Delhi|isbn=81-89093-07-X|page=126|edition=Fifth}}</ref> Upon getting in the position to receive the whipping with a naked back and leaning against the tamarind tree in front of the Akal Bunga (Akal Takht) Akali Phula Singh asked if it was enough that the Maharajah was ready to receive the punishment and should be forgiven without getting the actual whipping. He asked the ''[[Sangat (term)|Sangat]]'' who had gathered around if they agreed that he should be forgiven that they should respond with the ''[[Sat Sri Akal]]'' battle cry in response the entire ''Sangat'' cried out ''Sat Shri Akal'' in approval.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Kartar|title=Stories from Sikh History: Book-VII|date=1975|publisher=Hemkunt Press|location=New Delhi|page=160}}</ref>