Why in news:

• Baba Jiwan Singh’s (Bhai Jaita Ji) birth anniversary was recently observed by the state government of Punjab.

Key Points:

• Baba Jiwan Singh, originally named Bhai Jaita, was a prominent Sikh general and a close companion of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru.
• His life and contributions are significant in the context of Sikh history, particularly during the tumultuous period of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
• Baba Jiwan Singh was born in, 1661, in Patna, Bihar, to Sada Nand and Mata Premo. He received training in various martial arts and warfare techniques from a young age. His education also included horse riding, swimming, music, and Kirtan (devotional singing).
• Following the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, at the hands of the Mughal Empire, Bhai Jaita played a crucial role in recovering his dismembered body from Delhi.
• Along with two other Sikhs, he brought the body back to Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh honored him with the title "Mazhabi" (faithful) and publicly acknowledged his bravery by stating that "the Rangretas are the Guru's sons".

Contributions and Literary Works

• Baba Jiwan Singh was not only a skilled warrior but also an accomplished poet. His literary work, Sri Gur Katha, is a significant contribution to Sikh literature.
• This text provides a firsthand account of various battles involving Guru Gobind Singh and details important aspects of Sikh philosophy and practices, including the preparation of Amrit (the nectar of immortality) and the significance of the five symbols in Sikhism.
• His poetry is characterized by emotional depth and devotion to the Guru, employing various literary techniques such as alliteration, simile, and metaphor.

Military engagements

• Throughout his life, Baba Jiwan Singh participated in several key battles alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He fought valiantly during the evacuation of Anandpur Sahib and took part in battles including Bhangani, Nadaun, Anandpur Sahib, Bajrur, Nirmohgarh, and Sarsa.
• His bravery was particularly noted during the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib in December 1704. In this battle, he displayed exceptional courage by continuing to fight against overwhelming Mughal forces even after most of his companions had fallen.

Martyrdom

• Baba Jiwan Singh's life came to a heroic end during the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib. In 1704, he fought fiercely against a massive Mughal army while disguised as Guru Gobind Singh Ji to mislead the enemy. His actions were instrumental in protecting Guruji and allowing others to escape. Ultimately, he was martyred in this battle along with many other Sikhs.