Nihang Sikhs

Why in news?

• Ahead of Republic Day, when farmers plan to bring thousands of tractors into the national capital, members of the Nihang community held a march around Singhu border.

About Nihang Singhs:

• The Nihang or Akali is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent.
• Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered.
• Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.
• Traditional Nihang dress is known as Khalsa Swarupa and comprises full attire of superelectric blue with edged bracelets of iron round their wrists (jangi kara) and quoits of steel (chakram) tiered in their lofty conical blue turbans, together with the traditional dagger carried by all Sikhs (kirpan).
• The Nihang were particularly known for their high turbans (dastar bunga) and their extensive use of the chakram or war-quoit.

Nihangs Today:

• Nihang today are accorded great respect and affection by sections of the Sikh community, but they have separate beliefs and certain practices.
• While the order is primarily ceremonial, they are duty-bound to defend their people and faith in times of war.
• Nihang gather in their thousands at Anandpur, in Punjab, where they display their martial skills.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Sikhism:
1.Sikhism can be considered as a form of Nirguna Bhakti.
2.Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa tradition.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 only
(b)2 only     
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims Question