Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha cont'd

In 25th February 2001, Nihang Niddar Singh spoke to the elderly Giani Baba Daya Singh of Samparda Bhindra. According to Baba Daya Singh, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha was the person originally approached by the British agents, to flare up the issue regarding the authenticity of the ‘Raagmala’. The ‘Raagmala’ is the final page of Adi Guru Durbar, believed by some such as the British Raj-influenced Akhand Kirtani Jatha (A.K.J.) as being the work of individual(s) other than the Sikh Gurus. Even today, the legacy of the British Raj remains within mainstream Tat Khalsa-nurtured Sikhism, as the Raagmala’s authenticity is still under debate and has not been resolved by the S.G.P.C.

Bhai Kahn Singh in turn instigated Teja Singh Bhasauria (also known as ‘Babu Teja Singh’), one of the leaders of the fanatical Panch Khalsa Diwan, to fuel the ‘Raagmala’ issue further. In 1909, Babu Teja Singh, like his close friend Kahn Singh, produced an expunged version of Khalsa codes, ‘Khalsa Rehit Prakash’.

Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha
A painting of Kahn Singh from his work, Mahan Kosh

Giani Gurdev Singh, a veteran of Samparda Bhindra now residing in England, spoke of the ignominious death of Bhai Kahn Singh over the ‘Raagmala’ issue. Giani Ji contends that the King of Patiala had discovered Bhai Kahn Singh’s role in promoting the ‘Raagmala’ controversy, and summoned him to his court. Giani Ji continues:

Giani Ji’s account is contrary to what has been written in ‘Mahan Kosh’ which states that Bhai Kahn Singh passed away peacefully on 23rd November 1938. During the interview, the grandson of Sant Giani Baba Gurbachan Singh Khalsa ‘Bhindrawaley’, Giani Avtar Singh was also present and confirmed Giani Gurdev Singh’s story. They both contend that Kahn Singh’s suicide was common knowledge amongst the ‘Parcharaks’ (missionaries) and ‘Granthis’ (preachers and scholars) of Sikhism in Punjab at that time.

Sant Giani Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa 'Bhindrawaley'
Giani Ji (center) seated behind Adi Guru Durbar during a recitation of evening prayers

However, one questions whether the suicide was only down to the ‘Raagmala’ issue. Kahn Singh Nabha no doubt had bigger skeletons in his cupboard. Prior to his death, Kahn Singh at one time had been responsible for also promoting the practice of the belief in ‘Dehdhari Gurus’ (individuals worshiped as Gurus, most often in place of Adi Guru Durbar, see Articles section for more information)

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