 The Establishment of Budha Dal
Dal Khalsa became too powerful and was very difficult to control centrally by
Nawab Kapoor Singh particularly, after the death of Darbara Singh in 1734. He divided
Singhs into 2 major groups (Jathas); Budha Dal and the other one Tarvna
Dal. The Jatha of Budha Dal had all the members of the age group above 40 years
where as all the members of Tarna Dal had to be below 40 years of age. These too bands had
their own drum (Nagara) and banner (Nishan). Nawab Kapoor Singh remained in command of
these two dals which were jointly known as Dal Khalsa.
Different Misils in Dal
Khalsa
On the eve of 29th March 1748 a meeting of Sarbat Khalsa was held at Sri Akal
Takhat Sahib. There it was decided to divide Dal Khalsa into 65 bands. Together they will
be known as Dal Khalsa. Since then every Jathedar of Akal Takhat was a Nihang. Starting
from Akali Phula Singh ji who was sworn in as the first Jathedar. On 14th September 1755
Dal Khalsa was again divided into 30 small bands. As the time went by these 20 bands
formed their own branches. As more time passed by 12 misils were formed. 11 of those
misils were divided into two Dals by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. The 12th Misil was of
‘Patialay Walay’. He made 6 misils of Budha Dal. First misil belongs to the
followers of Ahluwalia. The second misil belongs to the followers of Singh Puri. The third
misil belongs to the follower of Dabwali. Fourth misil belongs to the followers of Croran
Singhia. The Fith misil belongs to the followers of Nishan walia and the final misil
belongs to the followers of Shahidi.
Tarvna Dal was led by
Jathedar Hari Singh Bhangi and it was also divided into five misils. These are as
following:
1. Misil of Bhangi
2. Misil of Ramgarhian’s
3. Misil of Kanula
4. Misil of Nabia
5. Shakar Chakian Misil
Budha Dal has a complex
history of wars and sacrifices. They have kept the old sayings of the Gurus with great
deed. Budha Dal is serving the entire community, not only by teaching the religious facts,
but also by opening various schools. Budha Dal Public School in Patiala shows that they
are serving the entire community with heart and devotion. Budha Dal Public School is one
of the best institute in the Patiala. The school has an enrollment of over 2400 students
from various cities and from various cultures. It has a base of equality for every
student. School’s main focus is on the career opportunities for each student. The
education standard of this institute is so high that results from matric and senior
secondary education are nearly 100%. Many of its students are gaining fame and recognition
in the field of medical, engineering, science and research.
Over the past many Jathedars
of Budha Dal were sworn in as the jathedars of Akal Takhat. They are as followings in a
chronological order.
Since 1925, no more jathdar of Budha Dal
became the Jathdar of Akal Takhat as SGPC took over the control of Akal Takhat.
 Budha Dal Printing Press
Budha Dal has started a
press which is printing literature related to their preachings. It was started by
Commander-in-Chief Jathedar Baba Santa Singh Ji. The press is also printing monthly
magazine by the name of Nihang Singh Sandesh (for
subscription click here) with news, views and vision on the latest
developments going around in Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal. Many other publications
depicting history, calendars, books and regular preaching are also printed here.
Literatures in Khalsa Panth
 The Adi Granth : Guru Nanak’s and
four succeeded Gurus' writings were compiled in an anthology ,the Adi Granth ,by the fifth
, Guru Arjun ,around 1600 AD. The Adi Granth comprises over 6,000 hymns composed by the
fifth Gurus (mainly those of the compiler Guru Arjun ) and includes compositions of Hindu
and Muslim saints as well as some bards.
Dasam Granth : In the final version, made by
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he inserted hymns composed by his father Guru Tegh Bahdur. Guru
Gobind compiled anthology of his own, The Dasam Granth. The Dasam Granth is a compilation
of tales of Valour of Hindu goddesses, some composed by the Guru himself, others by bards
of his court
Thus we have two parallel scriptures, one
extolling the virtues of peaceful submission ,the other of combating oppression with
force.
Akal Ustat : (Praise of Timeless God), written by Guru Gobind Singh,
depicts a concept of god underwent a martial metamorphosis. Guru Gobind Singh’s work
of timeless poetic beauty, considered to be his finest literary triumph. On the eve of
tercentenary celebrations of Khalsa, English version of AKAL USTAT will be released (by
Darshan Singh) by the foundation.
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