PSEB Notes

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 2 Sources of the History of the Punjab will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 2 Sources of the History of the Punjab

Difficulties Regarding the History of Punjab:

• The Janam Sakhis related to the Sikh Gurus have several inconsistencies in them.
• The Muslim writers who were fanatics and biased have distorted the facts of history.
• The Sikhs did not have any time for writing their own history during this period of anarchy.
• Moreover, whatever meager historical books had already been written were destroyed during the foreign invasions.
• Several historical sources were also destroyed during the partition of Punjab in 1947 A.D.

Kinds of Sources:
The main sources related to the history of Punjab are as follows:

Religious literature of the Sikhs:

• The Adi Granth Sahib gives us the most authentic information of this period.
• It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dey Ji in 1604 A.D.
• The Dasam Granth Sahib is a compilation of the works of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the poets of his court, of these, the ‘Bachitar Natak’ and ‘Zafarnama’ are historically the most important.
• The 39 Vars written by Bhai Gurdas Ji give us important information about the lives of the first six Gurus and the famous pilgrimages.
• Among the Janam Sakhis based on the life of Guru Nanak Dey Ji, the most important are Puratan Janam Sakhi,
• Meharban’s Janam Sakhi, Janam Sakhi of Bhai Bala, and Janam Sakhi of Bhai Mam Singh Ji.
• The Hukamnamas issued by the Sikh Gurus provides us with very valuable information about the contemporary society of these 34
• Hukamnamas were issued by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and 23 Hukamnamas were issued by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Historical and Semi-Historical works in Punjabi and Hindi:

• ‘Sri Gursobha’ gives us an eye-witness account of the events that took place from 1699 to 1708 A.D.
• Gursobha was written by Sainapat a famous court poet of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1741 A.D.
• Sikhan Di Bhagatmala provides valuable information about the social contention of the periods of the Gurus.
• It was written by Bhai Maui Singh Ji.
• ‘Bansavali Nama’ written by Kesar Singh Chhibbar describes the incidents from the Guru period to the middle of the 18th century.
• ‘Gurpratap Suraj Granth’ written by Bhai Santokh Singh and ‘Prachin Panth Prakash’ written by Rattan Singh Bhangu has an important position in the construction of the history of Punjab.

Historical works in Persian:

• ‘Babarnama’ written by the Mughal emperor Babar gives us historical information about Punjab at the beginning of the 16th century.
• Ain-i-Akbari’ and ‘Akbarnama’ written by Abul Fazi give us information about the relations of Akbar with the Sikh Gurus.
• Dabjstan-j-Mazahib’ written by Mubid Zulfiqar Ardistani gives us valuable information pertaining to the Sikh Gurus’.
• Khulasat-ut.Tawarjkh’ written by Sujan Rai Bhandari, ‘Muntakhibut-Lubab’ written by Khafi Khan, and ‘Jang Nama’ written by Qazi Nur Muhammad gives us information about the Punjab of the ‘8th century’.
• Umdat-ut-Tawarjkh’ written by Sohan Lai Suri and ‘Char-Bagh-i-Punjab’ written by Ganesh Das Wadhera gives us a detailed account of the incidents related to the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Bhat Vahis:

• The Bhats used to write down all the important events with dates in their Vahis.
• These give us useful information about the lives of the Sikh Gurus, their travels, and their battles.

Khalsa Darbar Records:

• These are the official records of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
• They were written in Persian and their number is more than 1 lakh.
• The Khalsa Darbar Records give useful information on the life and times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Writings of Foreign Travellers and Europeans:

• The writings of foreign travelers and Europeans contribute greatly to the construction of the history of Punjab.
• Prominent among them are ‘A Journey from Bengal to England’ by George Forster, ‘Sketch of the Sikhs’ by Malcolm, ‘Origin of Sikh Power in the Punjab’ by H.T. Princep, ‘The Court and Camp of Ranjit Singji’ by Captain William Osborne, ‘The Punjab’ by Steinbach, ‘History of the Sikhs’ by J.D. Cunningham.

Historical Buildings, Paintings, and Coins:

• The historical buildings, paintings, and coins of Punjab are also very valuable sources for tracing out the history of Punjab.
• The architecture of Khadur Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kartarpur, and Paonta Sahib, various forts, paintings in the Gurdwaras, and coins of Sikh leaders also throw ample light on the contemporary society.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 1 Physical Features of the Punjab and their influence on its History will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 1 Physical Features of the Punjab and their influence on its History

Different Names of the Punjab:

• The word Punjab is a combination of the two words of the Persian language: ‘Punj’ and ‘Aab’ which literally means, the land of five rivers.
• In the Rigvedic period, Punjab was called ‘Sapta Sindhu’, it was called Tanchnada’ in the Puranas, ‘Pentapotamia’ by the Greeks, ‘Lahore Suba’ in the medieval period, and ‘Punjab Province’ by the British.

Physical Features of the Punjab:
The main aspects related to the physical features of Punjab are as follows:

The Himalayas and Sulaiman Mountain Ranges:

• The Himalayas are situated to the north of Punjab.
• It stretches from Assam in the east to Afghanistan in the west.
• These mountain ranges have proved to be a great boon for Punjab.
• The Himalayas have made the land of Punjab fertile.
• The Sulaiman mountain ranges are situated in the northwest of Punjab.
• It is in these ranges that the Khyber, Bolan, Kurram, Tochi, and Gomal passes are located.

Sub-mountainous Region:

• This region is located between the Shivalik ranges and the plains of Punjab.
• It is also called the Tarai region. Hoshiarpur, Kangra, Ambala, the northern part of Gurdaspur, and some areas of Sialkot are located in this region.

The Plains:

• The plains constitute the largest and most important region of Punjab.
• This region is located between the rivers Indus and Jamuna.
• A bigger part of the plains is surrounded by the Five Doabs.
• These Doabs are called the Bist Jalandhar Doab, Bari Doab, Rachna Doab, Chaz Doab, Sind Sagar Doab.
• The vast plains located between the Sutlej and the Jamuna rivers also form a part of Punjab and are called Malwa and Bangar.
• The southwest region of Punjab is a desert. Hence, the density of the population is very low here.

Influence of Physical Features on the History of the Punjab:

• The geographical conditions of Punjab have greatly influenced the social, political, economic, religious, and cultural life of Punjab in many ways:

Political Effects:

• As a result of its geographical location, Punjab has been the gateway of India for the conquerors for many centuries.
• All the important and decisive battles were fought here.
• The political importance of several towns of Punjab increased.
• Punjab had to suffer grave difficulties and atrocities for centuries.

Social Effects:

• The Punjabis developed special traits of character like bravery, courage, hard work, sympathy, co-operation, social service, tolerance, and sacrificing the self for the country.
• There was an increase in the number of castes and sub-castes here.
• The art and literature of Punjab could not develop.

Religious Effects:

• Punjab is considered the birthplace of Hinduism.
• Islam was much propagated in Punjab as compared to the other parts of India.
• The development and growth of Sikhism are very closely related to the geographical features of Punjab.

Economic Effects:

• Due to the fertility of its soil, agriculture is the main occupation of the Punjabis.
• The domestic and foreign trade of Punjab was encouraged.
• Several commercial towns developed in Punjab.
• The Punjabis became quite prosperous.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 13 Rise of the Dal Khalsa and its Mode of Fighting will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 13 Rise of the Dal Khalsa and its Mode of Fighting

Causes of the Rise of the Dal Khalsa:

• After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Mughal Governors began to persecute the Sikhs vigorously.
• Nawab Kapoor Singh organized Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal in 1734 A.D. in order to consolidate the Sikh power.
• By taking the opportunity of the anarchy in Punjab the Sikhs established 25 Jathas each consisting of 100 Sikhs in 1745 A.D.
• These Jathas formed the basis of the Dal Khalsa.

Establishment of the Dal Khalsa:

• The Dal Khalsa was established on Mar. 29, 1748 A.D. at Amritsar.
• It was established by Nawab Kapoor Singh.
• He organized the Sikhs into 12 Jathas.
• Each Jatha had its own leader and flag Jassa.
• Singh Ahluwalia was appointed the Chief Commander of the Dal Khalsa.

Military Features of the Dal Khalsa:

• Cavalry was the main constituent of the Dal Khalsa.
• No Sikh was forced to join the army.
• Any member could leave one squad to join another.
• There was no provision of military training and regular salary.
• The members of the Dal Khalsa adopted guerilla tactics in their raids on the enemy.
• Swords, lances, spears, axes, and arrows were used in fighting.

Significance of the Dal Khalsa:

• The Dal Khalsa unified the scattered powers of the Sikhs.
• It taught the Sikhs to live in the discipline.
• It was due to the creation of the Dal Khalsa that Sikhs were enabled to form independent Misls in Punjab.
• Undoubtedly, the establishment of the Dal Khalsa proved a milestone in the History of the Sikhs.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 12 Abdus Samad Khan, Zakariya Khan and Mir Mannu: Their Relations with the Sikhs will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 12 Abdus Samad Khan, Zakariya Khan and Mir Mannu: Their Relations with the Sikhs

Abdus Samad Khan:

• Abdus Samad Khan was made the Governor of Lahore in 1713 A.D.
• He inflicted grave atrocities on the Sikhs.
• Pleased with him, the Mughal Emperor Farrukh Siyar honoured him with the title of word of the State’.
• To safeguard themselves against the Mughal atrocities, the Sikhs had organised themselves into Jathas.
• Despite his best efforts, Abdus Samad Khan failed to crush the power of the Sikhs.
• He was deposed in 1726 A.D.

Zakariya Khan:

• Zakariya Khan was appointed the Governor of Lahore in 1726 A.D.
• Hundreds of Sikhs began to be martyred every day at Delhi gate in Lahore.
• In 1726 A.D., Bhai Tara Singh Van along with 22 companions inflicted a heavy loss on the Mughal army.
• The Sikh Jathas adopted the guerilla warfare strategy and gave Zakariya Khan sleepless nights.
• In order to placate the Sikhs Zakariya Khan presented a Jagir worth 1 lakh rupees to Sardar Kapoor Singh, the Sikh leader, and bestowed upon him the title of Nawab.
• When the relations got strained again Zakariya Khan established his control over Harmandir Sahib.
• In 1738 A.D., Zakariya Khan got the Head Granthi of Harmandir Sahib i.e. Bhai Mani Singh Ji executed.
• In the same period, the executions of Bhai Bota Singh Ji, Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji, Bhai Sukha Singh Ji, Bal Haqiqat Rai Ji, and Bhai Taru Singh Ji infused a new vigour among the Sikhs.
• Consequently, the Sikhs did not let Zakariya Khan have any respite till his death.
• Zakariya Khan died on July 1, 1745 A.D.

Yahiya Khan:

• Yahiya became the Governor of Lahore in 1746 A.D.
• He took strict steps against the Sikhs.
• In May 1746 A.D., Yahiya Khan and Diwan Lakhpat Rai executed approximately 7,000 Sikhs at a place near Kahnuwan.
• This incident is often referred to as the First Holocaust.
• In 1747 A.D. Yahiya Khan’s younger brother Shah Nawaz Khan imprisoned him.

Mir Mannu:

• Mir Mannu was also known by the name of Muin-ul-Mulk.
• He was the Governor of Punjab from 1748 A.D. to 1753 A.D.
• He proved a worse foe of the Sikhs than his predecessors.
• In 1752, Mir Mannu was appointed the Governor of Punjab by Abdali.
• Despite his untiring efforts, Mir Mannu could not succeed in crushing the power of the Sikhs.
• He died in 1753 A.D.

Causes of failure of Mir Mannu:

• The Sikhs organised the Dal Khalsa.
• The Sikhs had firm determination, unlimited zeal, bravery, and a spirit of sacrifice for their Panth.
• The Sikhs used guerilla war tactics.
• Diwan Kaura Mai who was the adviser of Mir Mannu was compassionate towards his Sikhs.
• During his rule, Mir Mannu was surrounded by several problems pertaining to the state.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 11 Banda Singh Bahadur will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 11 Banda Singh Bahadur

Early Career:

• Banda Singh Bahadur was born on 27th October 1670 A.D.
• His childhood name was Lachhman Dev.
• He belonged to a very poor family.
• Moved by the incident of the killing of the she-deer who was pregnant he decided to renounce the world.
• He changed his name to Madho Das.
• He took the knowledge of occultism from Aughar tyath and settled in Nanded.
• In 1708 A.D. Madho Das had a chance to meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptized him according to Sikh traditions and renamed him Banda Singh Bahadur.

Military Exploits of Banda Singh Bahadur:

• After becoming Sikh, Banda Singh Bahadur decided to go to Punjab to avenge the Mughal atrocities committed against Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
• As a result of the JjJukamnamas issued by Guru Sahib, thousands of Sikhs gathered under his flag.
• Banda Singh Bahadur started his victory spree from Sonepat in 1709 A.D.
• The second victory of Banda Singh Bahadur was over Samana.
• After Samana, he conquered Ghuram, Mustafabad, Kapuri, Sadhaura, and Ropar.
• The most important victory of Banda Singh Bahadur was over Sirhind on 22nd May 1710 A.D.
• Banda Singh Bahadur defeated Wazir Khan, the Faujdar of Sirhind.
• Banda Singh Bahadur made Lohgarh his capital in 1713 A.D.
• Farrukh Siyar, the new Mughal Emperor commanded Abdus Samad Khan, the Subedar of Lahore to crush the power of
• Sikhs and capture Banda Singh Bahadur.
• After a long siege, Banda Singh Bahadur had to surrender on December, 17,1715 A.D. at Gurdas Nangal.
• Banda Singh Bahadur was brutally executed on June 9, 1716 A.D.

Causes of Banda Singh Bahadur’s Early success:

• There was a great discontentment against the Mughals for their unbearable atrocities over the Sikhs.
• As a consequence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Hukamnamas, the Sikhs gave complete support to Banda Singh Bahadur.
• The successors of Aurangzeb were weak.
• The initial military exploits of Banda Singh Bahadur were against petty local Mughal officials.
• Banda Singh Bahadur was an intrepid and efficient military commander.
• The Sikhs fought with great religious fervour.

Causes of Banda Singh Bahadur’s Ultimate Failure:

• The Mughal empire was very powerful and had unlimited resources.
• There was a lack of organisation among the Sikhs.
• Banda Singh Bahadur began to violate instructions given to him by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
• He tried to bring about changes in Sikhism.
• The Hindu Chiefs and landlords started opposing him.
• There was a surprise attack on the Sikhs by the Mughals at Gurdas Nangal.
• Differences between Banda Singh Bahadur and Binod Singh weakened the position of Banda Singh Bahadur.
• Hence Banda Singh Bahadur had to face defeat in the end.

Estimate of Banda Singh Bahadur’s Character:

• Banda Singh Bahadur was very brave and courageous.
• His personality was very impressive.
• Banda Singh Bahadur was a great warrior and a General of a high order.
• He had set up an efficient administration in the areas conquered by him.
• He was a great organiser.
• Banda Singh Bahadur occupies an important place in the history of Punjab.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 10 Guru Gobind Singh Ji: The Foundation of Khalsa, His Battles and Personality will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 10 Guru Gobind Singh Ji: The Foundation of Khalsa, His Battles and Personality

Early Career:

• Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on 22nd December 1666 A.D. at Patna.
• The name of his father was Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the name of his mother was Gujari Ji.
• Kirpal Chand, the maternal uncle of Guru Gobind Singh Ji was his virtual guardian when he was a minor.
• Before his martyrdom, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji appointed him as his successor.
• On 11th November 1675 A.D., he assumed Guruship according to the Sikh tradition.
• Guru Sahib was blessed with four Sahibzadas.
• Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji.

Battles of Pre-Khalsa Period:

• After assuming Guruship in 1675 A.D., Guru Gobind Singh Ji organized an army.
• Because of his activities, the Hill Chiefs started opposing.
• The first battle between Guru Sahib and the Hill Chiefs was fought on 22nd September 1688 A.D.
• It is also called the Battle of Bhangani.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji convincingly won this battle.
• After the Battle of Bhangani, Guru Sahib constructed the forts of Anandgarh, Lohgarh, Fatehgarh, and Keshgarh.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji defeated the Mughals- in the Battle of Nadaun fought on 20th March 1690 A.D.
• Aurangzeb sent several military expeditions to crush the growing power of Guru Gobind Singh Ji but remained unsuccessful.

Creation and Importance of the Khalsa Panth:

• To put an end to the Mughal atrocities and render a new shape to society, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth on 30th March 1699 A.D. on the day of Baisakhi at Keshgarh in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji announced Bhai Daya Ram Ji, Bhai Dharam Das Ji, Bhai Mohkam Chand Ji, Bhai Sahib Chand Ji, and Bhai Himmat Rai Ji as the Panj Payaras Some special principles of the Khalsa were laid down.
• It led to the creation of an ideal society.
• It infused unprecedented courage and bravery among the Sikhs.
• The creation of the Khalsa Panth heralded a new era in the history of the Sikhs.

Battles of Post-Khalsa Period:

• The creation of the Khalsa in 1699 A.D. rendered sleepless nights to the Hill Chiefs.
• In 1701 A.D., the First Battle of Sri Anandpur Sahib was fought between the Hill Chiefs and Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
• The battle remained inconclusive.
• In 1704 A.D., the Second Battle of Sri Anandpur Sahib was fought.
• On the insistence of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji left the fort of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
• In 1704 A.D. the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib was fought where the two elder sons of Guru Ji i.e. Sahibzada Ajit Singh and
• Sahibzada Jujhar Singh was martyred.
• The Battle of Khidrana fought in 1705 A.D. was the last decisive battle fought between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Mughals.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji came out victorious in this battle.

Immersed in Eternal Light:

• In 1708 A.D. Guru Gobind Singh Ji came to Nanded.
• Faujdar Wazir Khan of Sirhind who was Guru Ji’s sworn enemy sent two Pathans to Nanded, one of whom stabbed Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji succumbed to the wounds on 7th October 1708 A.D.
• Before he was immersed in Eternal Light Guru Gobind Singh Ji advised the Sikhs to regard Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their Guru thereafter.

Character and Personality of Guru Gobind Singh Ji:

• Guru Gobind Singh Ji is counted among the great personalities of the world.
• His personality was extremely impressive and attractive.
• He was an obedient son, a thoughtful father, and an ideal husband.
• He was a poet and writer of a high order.
• He was a great warrior and commander-in-chief of his times.
• Even during the times of battles, he did not forget his religious duties.
• He was a great social reformer and an organizer of a high order.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 9 Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and His Martyrdom will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 9 Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and His Martyrdom

Early Career:

• Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was born on April 1, 1621 A.D. at Amritsar.
• The name of his father was Guru Hargobind Ji and the name of his mother was Nanaki.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was imparted education by Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was married to Gujari, the daughter of Lai Chand, a resident of Kartarpur.
• On the instructions of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji lived at Bakala for 20 years.
• It was Makhan Shah Lubana who found him out and the Sikhs accepted him as their Guru.
• He assumed Guruship in 1664 A.D.

Travels of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji:

• After assuming Guruship, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji undertook the travels of several areas within and outside Punjab.
• The main objective of these travels was to propagate Sikhism and spread the message of truth and love.
• First, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji travelled to Aipritsar, Walla, Ghukewali, Khadur Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, Khemkaran, Kiratpur Sahib, Bilaspur, etc. in 1664 A.D.
• After this, he travelled to Eastern India i.e. Saifabad, Dhamdhan, Delhi, Mathura, Brindaban, Agra, Kanpur, Banaras, Gaya, Patna, Dhaka, and Assam.
• In 1673 A.D. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji travelled to the Malwa and Bangar regions of Punjab for the second time.
• These travels led to the glory of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Sikhism.

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji:
The main facts associated with the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are as follows:

Causes:

• The enmity between the Sikhs and Mughals was increasing.
• Aurangzeb was an orthodox Sunni Muslim.
• Naqshbandis tried to instigate Aurangzeb against the Sikhs.
• Ram Rai was using all measures to get hold of Guruship.
• Kashmiri Pandits pleaded help from Guru Sahib for their defence.

Martyrdom:

• Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji along with his three companions.
• Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji were brought before the court of Delhi on November 6, 1675 A.D.
• They were asked to embrace Islam which they outrightly refused.
• After his three companions were martyred, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was also martyred on November 11, 1675 A.D. at Chandni Chowk in Delhi.

Importance:

• The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sent a wave of hatred and revenge in the whole of Punjab against the Mughal empire.
• Hinduism was protected against extinction.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji was inspired to establish the Khalsa Panth.
• It marked the beginning of the tradition of sacrifice among the Sikhs for the protection of Sikhism.
• It sounded the death knell of the Mughal Empire.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 8 Guru Har Rai Ji and Guru Har Krishan Ji will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 8 Guru Har Rai Ji and Guru Har Krishan Ji

Guru Har Rai Ji:

• Guru Har Rai Ji was born on 30th January 1630 A.D. at Kiratpur Sahib.
• He was the grandson of Guru Hargobind Ji.
• He was married to Sulakhni, the daughter of Daya Ram of Anup city.
• He assumed Guruship on March 8, 1645 A.D.
• He established three centres for the propagation of Sikhism which he called ‘Bakhshishes’.
• Dara, the son of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan often came for the darshan of Guru Har Rai Ji.
• Guru Har Rai Ji helped Dara against Aurangzeb.
• On being summoned to Delhi by Aurangzeb, Guru Har Rai Ji sent his son Ram Rai to Delhi.
• Because, he deliberately misinterpreted the Gurbani in Delhi Darbar, he was declared unworthy of Guruship by Guru Har Rai Ji.
• He appointed his younger son Har Krishan as his successor.
• He immersed in Eternal Light on October 6, 1661 A.D.

Guru Har Krishan Ji:

• He was born on July 7, 1656 A.D. at Kiratpur Sahib.
• The name of his father was Guru Har Rai Sahib and the name of his mother was Sulakhni.
• He assumed Guruship at a small age of 5 years in 1661 A.D.
• He is often remembered as the Bal Guru.
• He was summoned by Aurangzeb to Delhi.
• He went to Delhi in 1664 A.D. where he tirelessly served the people suffering from smallpox and cholera.
• He himself fell a victim to smallpox.
• He immersed in Eternal Light on March 30, 1664 A.D. at Delhi.
• He uttered the words “Baba Bakala” before breathing his last which meant that the next Guru of the Sikhs is at Baba Bakala.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 7 Guru Hargobind Ji and Transformation of Sikhism will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 7 Guru Hargobind Ji and Transformation of Sikhism

Early Career:

• Guru Hargobind Ji was born on 19 June 1595 A.D. at village Wadali in Distt. Amritsar.
• The name of his father was Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the name of his mother was Ganga Devi.
• Five sons and one daughter were born to him He assumed the Gurgaddi in 1606 A.D.

New Policy of Guru Hargobind Ji:
The main features of the New Policy of Guru Hargobind Ji are as follow:

Causes:

• The Mughal emperor Jahangir could not tolerate the flourishing of any other religion except Islam.
• Jahangir got Guru Arjan Dev Ji martyred in 1606 A.D.
• Guru Arjan Dev Ji himself had instructed Guru Hargobind Ji to adopt the New Policy.

Features:

• Guru Hargobind Ji wore the two swords known as Miri and Piri.
• Guru Hargobind Ji organized an army.
• He instructed the Sikhs to bring him offerings of arms and horses.
• He undertook the construction of the Akal Takht Sahib.
• He adopted several paraphernalia of sovereignty and assumed royal symbols.
• The city of Amritsar was fortified The fort of Lohgarh was constructed.
• Guru Ji made several changes in his daily life.

Importance:

• The Sikh saints became soldiers.
• The Sikhs were united.
• The propagation and preaching of Sikhism were enhanced.
• The relations between the Sikhs and the Mughals were strained.
• The New Policy established the basis of the Khalsa Panth.

Guru Hargobind Ji and Jahangir:

• Jahangir took Guru Hargobind Ji as a prisoner in 1606 A.D.
• He was kept in the fort of Gwalior.
• There is a diverse opinion among the historians regarding the period of imprisonment of Guru Ji.
• When Guru Ji was freed, then he insisted on the freedom of the other 52 imprisoned kings.
• For this reason, Guru Hargobind Ji began to be called Bandi Chhod Baba.
• After the release, the relations between Guru Hargobind Ji and Jahangir took a friendly turn.

Guru Hargobind Ji and Shah Jahan:

• In 1628 A.D., when Shah Jahan became the Mughal emperor, the relations between the Mughals and the Sikhs got strained again.
• Shah Jahan’s fanaticism sent a wave of resentment among the Sikhs.
• In 1634 A.D., the first battle between the Mughals and the Sikhs was fought at Amritsar.
• The Sikhs were victorious in the battle.
• The battles fought between the Sikhs and the Mughals at Lahira, Kartarpur, and Phagwara were won by the Sikhs.
• These victories spread the fame of Guru Hargobind Ji far and wide.

Immersed in Eternal Light:

• In 1635 A.D., Guru Hargobind Sahib built a new town called Kiratpur Sahib.
• He spent the last ten years of his life here.
• Before his death, Har Rai Ji was nominated by him as his successor.
• Guru Hargobind Ji was immersed in Eternal Light on March 3, 1645 A.D.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 6 Guru Arjan Dev Ji and His Martyrdom will help you in revision during exams.

PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 6 Guru Arjan Dev Ji and His Martyrdom

Early Career and Difficulties:

• Guru Arjan Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1563 A.D. at Goindwal Sahib.
• The name of his father was Guru Ram Das Ji and the name of his mother was Bibi Bhani Ji.
• He was married to Ganga Devi, the daughter of Krishan Chand of village Mou of Phillaur.
• He assumed Guruship in 1581 A.D.
• After his assumption of Guruship, his elder brother Prithi Chand adopted an attitude of open defiance.
• He had to face opposition from the Naqshbandis and the Brahmans.
• Diwan Chandu Shah of Lahore was also against him.

Development of Sikhism under Guru Arjan Dev Ji:

• During his pontificate, Guru Arjan Dev Ji undertook multifarious tasks for the development of Sikhism.
• During his Guruship, he got Sri Harmandir Sahib constructed. Its construction work was completed in 1601 A.D.
• In 1590 A.D. Tarn in 1593 A.D. Kartarpur and in 1595 A.D. Sri Hargobindpur were founded.
• The compilation of the Adi Granth Sahib Ji was the greatest accomplishment of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. This great task was accomplished in 1604 A.D.
• Guru Arjan Dev Ji contributed significantly towards the Masand system.
• Guru Arjan Dev Ji encouraged the Sikhs the trade horses with the Arab countries.
• He kept the doors of Sikhism open by nominating his successor.

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji:
A few facts related to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji are as follows:

Causes:

• Jahangir was an orthodox Sunni Muslim.
• He could not tolerate the growing prosperity of Sikh Panth.
• Prithi Chand, the elder brother of Guru Arjan Dev Ji had started hatching conspiracies to acquire the Gurgaddi.
• Chandu Shah, the Diwan of Lahore wanted to take revenge for his insult from Guru Sahib Ji.
• The Naqshbandis also instigated Jahangir against Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
• The help extended to Shahzada Khusrau by Guru Arjan Dev Ji became the immediate cause of his martyrdom.

Martyrdom:

• On Jahangir’s instructions, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was taken prisoner on 24th May 1606 A.D.
• He was asked to pay a fine of rupees 2 lakhs which was refused.
• Guru Arjan Dev Ji was martyred at Lahore on 30th May 1606 A.D.

Importance:

• The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji is considered to be an important incident in Sikh history.
• Because he was the first Sikh Guru who gave his martyrdom he was called ‘Shaheedan de Sirtaj’.
• As a consequence of this martyrdom, there came about a transformation in the form of Sikhism.
• Guru Hargobind Ji decided to adopt a new policy of Miri and Piri.
• The Sikhs began to unite in a single band.
• The relations between the Sikhs and Mughals grew tense.
• The era of Mughal atrocities bega.
• Sikhism gained greater popularity than before.