Daula Rai On- Sahibe Kamal Guru Gobind Singh

Foreword Guru Gobind Singh figures in world history as a great leader of men, a versatile genius of the highest order, a God-man and mystic par excellence, a redoubtable warrior and adept strategist, a fearless revolutionary, a classical Hero of Carlylian description, powerful poet and patron of poets, a unique religious law giver and champion of the downtrodden, a relent- less defender of faith and an all-sacrificing martyr for the cause of suffering and persecuted humanity. In fact, it is impossible to encompass and delineate in words all the facets of his highly charismatic and remarkable personality.

Preface Though I was conscious of my incompetence to deal effectively with the subject, two factors prompted me to write this book.

First of all, no such comprehensive book on Guru Gobind Singh had been written which dwelt at some length on the mission of unique patriot and courageous fighter. Many Janam Sakhis, written earlier and now, by overzealous devotees are available. Carried away by their devotion and zeal these writers wrote such things as strain credence and the readers find it difficult to sift the factual from the fanciful. Such writings fail to depict a true picture of the persons under study and as such do them grave injustice.

Introduction It is imperative to describe the plight of the Hindus and the origin of the Sikh religion before moving on to the life of Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Nanak founded Sikhism in Babar's time. Hindu India had then been under Muslim rule for 350 years.

Muslims were tempted to invade India because of disunity among Hindus caused by political, religious and social considerations. The concept of nationalism was missing. Hindus were divided in numerous religious sects following diverse and sometimes diametrically opposite rites, rituals and beliefs. Their modes of worship were different and often they were at war with one another. Starting with worship of gods and demigods, Hinduism had degenerated into animal worship.

**Contents and Sample Pages**