DSGMC objects to RSS arm seeking research on Guru Arjan’s martyrdom

CHANDIGARH : The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has objected to a demand from an arm of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to conduct more research on the martyrdom day of fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev. The Guru was martyred on June 16, 1606, in Lahore.

“Why do they interfere in our matters,” DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK told HT, referring to the issue that the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti had raised during a seminar in New Delhi, a week ago.

“There are universities and Sikh scholars researching on Sikh history and a number of sources have authenticated facts on the Guru’s martyrdom. I am sure there’s no scope for research on the subject, things are clear,” GK added. He went on to say, “It sends a wrong message to the minorities, when we speak of rewriting history.”

After this response from the DSGMC, Surjit Kaur Jolly, a member of the Samiti, said, “Research is life of a movement.” She added that there was no specific demand from any side for research, but the subject had been broached as a suggestion, in passing. Jolly, who has served as principal of Shyama Prasad Mukherji College, Delhi, added, “We need to study all sources on Guru’s martyrdom.”

She claimed that there was scope for research on the role of Chandu Shah, the governor of Lahore during Mughal emperor Jahangir’s reign, and also in studying Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri, the autobiography of Jahangir.

Rashtriya Sikh Sangat president Gurcharan Singh Gill said Chandu Shah’s role in the Guru’s martydom day was not exclusive, but partial.

“There is a need to bring clarity,” he claimed, adding that other than Shah, Jahangir’s son Khusro also played a major role in the Guru’s martyrdom.

“The facts of Sikh history are decided. The interpretation may change from time to time. People are welcome to give their opinion, but anything that is biased will invite a reaction,” said Sikh historian Prithipal Singh Kapur, adding, however, that Sikhism, being a modern religion, should be ready to face such demands.