Shastar Naam Mala
Literally translating to 'string of weapons', this is a comprehensive list of weapons used in battle and covers 1318 verses. Many names of weapons are given in addition to references of great warriors (historical and mythological) who wealded them. Many weapons that were in their infancy at the time of the Guru, such as cannons and rifles, are also mentioned. For more information on Shastar Vidiya (the traditional battlefield combat martial arts of the Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa please visit www.shastarvidiya.org).

Sach Khand Hazoor Sahib
A photograph of weapons laid out before Adi Guru Durbar

Worthy of Worship
A huge variety of weapons laid out before the sacred
scriptures signifying the respect given to all weapons (known as 'Sarbloh')

Charitropakhyaan
This is the largest (7555 verses) of all sections within the Dasam Guru Durbar. It is also the most controversial of all sections as modern mainstream Sikhs do not accept this as being authentic and believe it to be the work of authors other than Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh ji. Literally translated, Charitropakhyan means 'wiles of women'. Roles of women (both good and bad) are highlighted in 404 chapters within this section.

Charitropakhyaan
Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh ji narrates 404 stories
of the wiles of men and women within Dasam Guru Durbar

The Charitropakhyaan (also known as Treh Charittar) begin by praising Devi Bhagwati followed by tales of women taken from many texts, including, Mahabharat, Puraans, Brihaat Katha, Ayaareh Dayiash, Katha Sahityah Sagar, various Folk tales from around India and some that took place during Guru Gobind Singh ji's lifetime (eg, such as those describing the tales of Anoop Kaur).

The tales are very narrative, informative, and reveal the depth (both good and bad) of the female psyche. A lesson in morality and rules of conduct are also given to the Kyshatriya (warrior). Also see the section on 'Treh Charittar' later).

Zafarnaama
Written by Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh at Kangad (a village in Malwa) to the Emperor Aurangzeb, the composition covers 111 verses. Bhai Mani Singh and Bhai Daya Singh together gave this letter to the Emperor by hand. As was the custom, the Guru praises the Almighty and then proceeds to question the morality of the Emperor who ordered the slaying of the Guru's army and children under false pretence. The composition is an example of a Shaastradhari (using wisdom to combat tyranny) method of combating Adharam (unrighteousness). As the Emperor read this he was overcome with guilt and sought to make ammends with the Sikh Guru, but before this could happen, he passed away.

Aurangzeb
An old painting depicting the infamous Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb

Hikaayatan
Comprising some 757 verses, there are 11 pieces of advice given to the warriors of the Khalsa by Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh. Written as if to address a mass congregation, they invoke teachings from folk tales and infuse the soul with courage and conviction.

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