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Bidhi[note 1] Chand Chhina[1] (Gurmukhi: ਬਿਧੀ ਚੰਦ; 26 April 1579 – 30 August 1638 or 1640)[1] was a Sikh religious preacher and military commander.

Key Information

He was a disciple of Guru Arjan and served Guru Hargobind for most of his life.[2]

Biography

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Early life

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He was born into a Jat Sikh family of the Chhina clan.[3][4][5] His father may have been Hindal, a Sikh of Guru Amar Das.[6] As a young man, Bidhi Chand was an inhabitant of the Sur Singh village of Lahore district and had fallen into bad company and taken banditry.[1][6] One day, a pious Sikh, Bhai Adali of the village of Chohia, led him into Guru Arjan Dev 's presence where he underwent a remarkable transformation. His life of banditry and misdeeds ended for he knew now wanted nothing more than life of dedication to the service of the Guru. He became a devotee of Guru Arjan.[6]

Later life

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He was one of the five Sikhs chosen to accompany Guru Arjun on his journey to martyrdom at Lahore in 1606.[1] On the death of his father, Guru Hargobind turned his thoughts to training and raising an army to resist the dangers that threatened the peace-loving Sikhs. He chose Baba Bidhi Chand to be one of the commanders of the Risaldari (cavalry) he was raising. Baba Bidhi Chand was the first ever commander in chief of cavalry who fought with Mughals in the absence of Guru Hargobind Sahib . Baba Bidhi Chand displayed great feats of valour in several battles with the Mughal troops.[2][7] Guru Hargobind Sahib Blessed Baba Bidhi Chand as saying (Bidhi Chand Chhina Guru Ka Seena) means Bidhi Chand is the Chest of Guru. He was one of the first four commanders of the Akal Sena, the first standing Sikh army which was started by Guru Hargobind.[8]

Dilbagh and Gulbagh

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A Sikh sakhi narrates a story involving the recapture of two horses, which had been forcibly taken from the Sikhs by the Mughals, by Bidhi Chand.[9][10][11]: 537–540  The horses had been seized as the owner, a Sikh who had raised and trained them, was bringing them from Kabul as an offering for the Guru in the company of two masands who had been dispatched to the local Sikh congregation of Kabul.[2] Bidhi Chand was chosen as the best choice for the mission to recapture the prized horses, named Dilbagh and Gulbagh, from the hands of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.[7] Bidhi Chand accomplished this task by becoming employed at the stable of the Lahore Fort where the horses were kept as the worker who brought the horses fresh grass to feed to the horses and their personal groomer, he used a false name of "Kasera" while he worked there.[10] He stayed at the residence of a local Sikh named Jiwan during the time of his employment and he refused to accept the pay he was afforded by the officials.[10] He eventually won the trust of the officials who were in-charge of guarding the fort after being employed there for some time. Every night, he would desensitize the guards to sounds coming from the Ravi River by throwing large rocks into it and tell them it was just a large animal, to mask his coming plan. Later on, he managed to escape with one of the horses, Dilbagh, by jumping into the Ravi River (whose course at that time flowed near the fort) at night when the guards were sound asleep after being fed a large feast under the patronage of Bidhi Chand on his payday. He brought the horse back to the encampment of the Guru.[9][11]: 537–540 [10]

However, this was only one of the horses, Dilbagh, and he still had to capture the other, Gulbagh. He returned to Lahore and was assisted by a local Sikh named Bhai Bohru. He managed to escape with the other horse by fooling the official caretaker of the horses, Sondha Khan, by disguising himself and pretending to be an astrologer investigating the disappearance of the first horse (which he had actually been the one who had stolen it).[9] The horses were renamed by the Sikhs, with Dilbagh being renamed as Jan Bhai (meaning "as dear to life") and Gulbagh being renamed as Suhela (meaning "dear companion").[11]: 537–540 [10]

After the rescue of the horses, the Guru famously proclaimed: "Bidhichand Chhinā Guru ka Sīnā. Prem bhagat linā. Kade kami nān." (meaning: "Bidhi Chand Chhina is very near to Guru's heart. He is a lovable devotee. He will never suffer from want.")[12]

Military service

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Mural of Guru Hargobind, with Bhai Lakhu, Bhai Tiloka, Bhai Jetha, Bhai Bidhi Chand, and Baba Buddha, from an unidentified Samadhi located near Gurdwara Bhai Than Singh at Kot Fateh Khan, Attock, Punjab

All of the events associated with Dilbagh and Gulbagh led to the Battle of Lahira where over 35,000 Mughals were dispatched by Shah Jahan under the governor of Kabul to finish off the Sikhs. 500-1500 Sikh soldiers were placed under Bidhi Chand's command during the battle. Bidhi Chand faced the Mughal general Shamas Beg who had 7,000 soldiers under him. The battle between the two forces lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes. Shamas Beg's entire force of 7,000 was killed with Beg being cut in half by Bidhi Chand in a duel.[13][14] Later in the battle Bidhi Chand fought another Mughal general, Kabul Beg, who managed to gain the upper hand and injured Bidhi Chand. At the end the battle was a Sikh victory.[15]

Dilbagh later died on the banks of the Sutlej river, due to wounds sustained in the battle, during the journey and relocation of Guru Hargobind and his retinue to Kiratpur.[16]

Bidhi Chand also participated in the Battle of Kartarpur. He along with Baba Gurditta were given the lead responsibilities of defending Kartarpur.[17] He was eventually sent into the battle when the Mughal governor of Peshawar, Kale Khan, advanced with 20,00 troops. He along with Jati Mal held off the 20,000 Mughal soldiers.[18] A Mughal general, Anwar Khan, was killed by an arrow fired by Bidhi Chand.[19]

Missionary work

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Page 151 of a Guru Granth Sahib manuscript prepared by Bhai Bidhi Chand under the guidance of Guru Hargobind Sahib from the Sur Singh Wala Collection.

Guru Hargobind instructed Bidhi Chand to travel to the eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent to act as a missionary to spread the teachings of the Sikh faith.[11] At Deonagar (or Devnagar), he met Pir Sundar Shah, the disciple of Pir Budhan Shah, and the two developed a close bond.[11] He also became close with Pir Budhan Shah.[6] After the death of his master, Budhan Shah, Pir Sundar Shah visited Kiratpur where he petitioned Bidhi Chand to visit him at Deonagar once again, whom promised him that he shall fulfill this request within a month of his death as he refused to leave the side of his beloved Guru.[11]

Death

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In the year 1638, Bidhi Chand departed from Kiratpur, where he left his son, Lal Chand, in the service of Guru Hargobind, and died at Deonagar (or Devnagar) while in a state of meditation, on the banks of the river Gomti.[20][6] He died alongside his friend, Sundar Shah.[11]

Legacy

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Bidhi Chand Dal (early 20th century)

Many of Chand's swords and paintings are displayed in the museum of the Golden Temple. A faction of Akali-Nihangs, the Bidhi Chand Dal, is named for him.[21][22]

Notes

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bidhi Chand

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from Grokipedia
Bhai Bidhi Chand Chhina (died 14 August 1640) was a Sikh , military commander, and religious preacher primarily associated with , though he also served under . Born into a Chhina Jat family in Sursingh village near , he initially led a life of before converting to following an encounter that inspired him to abandon and dedicate himself to the Guru's service. One of Bidhi Chand's most renowned exploits was the recovery of two prized Turkish horses, Dilbagh and Gulbagh, which had been confiscated by Mughal authorities in after being presented as offerings to in 1630. Disguising himself first as a grass-cutter to retrieve Dilbagh by leaping it over the fort wall into the , and later as an astrologer to secure Gulbagh through deception and another daring escape, he successfully returned both horses to the , who renamed them Janbhai and Sohela. This feat demonstrated his intelligence, bravery, and unwavering devotion amid escalating tensions with the under . Bidhi Chand accompanied during his journey to martyrdom in in 1606 and later commanded units in Guru Hargobind's army, participating in key battles such as those between 1628 and 1632, while also preaching Sikh teachings and organizing followers across villages. He contributed to Sikh scripture by preparing a manuscript of the under the Guru's guidance and died in Deonagar while in spiritual discourse with a companion, reflecting the interfaith dialogues he valued. His legacy endures in Sikh tradition, including the naming of a Sikh faction after him.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Bidhi Chand was born into a Jat family of the Chhina in the village of Theh Chhina (later renamed Chhina Bidhi Chand), situated in present-day , , during the late amid the reign of Mughal Emperor (r. 1556–1605). His father was Bhai Vassan (also recorded as Vasan Singh), a resident of the same village, and his paternal grandfather was Bhai Bhikkhi. Bidhi Chand's mother came from Sirhali (or Sarhali) village in the same district, a locale historically linked to that contextualizes aspects of his familial and regional environment. The Chhina maintained a reputation for martial prowess within Punjab's Jat communities, though Bidhi Chand's immediate family adhered to customary agrarian and local traditions prior to his involvement with .

Pre-Sikh Criminal Activities

Prior to his initiation into , Bidhi Chand, born into a Jatt family of the Chhina clan in Sur Singh village (present-day , ), engaged in thieving and as a means of amid economic hardship. Historical accounts, including those by the 17th-century Persian writer Mohsin Fani, describe him explicitly as a thief in his early years ("Bidhia dar awwal duzd bud"), reflecting a pattern of common in rural during the Mughal era, where local groups looted travelers and livestock for survival or gain. His maternal village of Sarhali, in , bore a reputation as a hub for such activities, often termed the "Sarhali of thieves," which likely influenced his involvement in organized thefts, including the rustling of buffaloes and other valuables from villagers. These exploits, drawn from traditional Sikh narratives rather than contemporaneous imperial records, portray Bidhi Chand as a skilled but notorious operator within robber bands, preying on local communities before his encounters with prompted a shift. No specific dates or victim tallies are documented in surviving sources, underscoring the oral and hagiographic nature of these pre-conversion details.

Conversion to Sikhism

Encounter with Bhai Adli

Bidhi Chand, having fallen into banditry during his early adulthood, once stole several buffaloes from a village at night and fled into the wilderness while pursued by angry villagers. Seeking refuge, he encountered Bhai Adli (also spelled Adali), a pious Sikh from the village of Chohla who had been a devotee since the era of and later served under Dev. Bhai Adli, demonstrating compassion despite Bidhi Chand's criminal act, concealed him from his pursuers and aided his escape, an act that profoundly impressed the bandit with the Sikh's fearlessness rooted in faith and ethical conduct. Struck by Bhai Adli's exemplary behavior and spiritual demeanor, Bidhi Chand resolved to abandon his thieving ways and accompany him to for an audience with Dev, marking the initial step in his transformation from outlaw to devout Sikh. This encounter, as recounted in traditional Sikh narratives such as those preserved in Gurbilas literature, highlighted the redemptive influence of Sikh ethics on individuals immersed in moral depravity, though such hagiographical accounts blend historical events with didactic elements to emphasize spiritual causality over mere coincidence.

Initiation under Guru Arjan

Following his encounter with Bhai Adli, Bidhi Chand accompanied the Sikh to to seek an audience with . Upon meeting the Guru, Bidhi Chand professed his past as a thief and pleaded to be accepted as the Guru's own servant in that capacity, demonstrating a desire for redemption through devotion. accepted Bidhi Chand as a disciple, instructing him to renounce and banditry entirely, to live in constant fear and remembrance of God, and to dedicate himself to serving the poor and needy without expectation of reward. This guidance marked Bidhi Chand's formal initiation into the Sikh Panth, where he underwent a profound , embracing core Sikh tenets of honest living (kirat karna), sharing with others (vand chakna), and meditating on the divine name (naam japna). Under 's tutelage from around the late 1590s to 1606, Bidhi Chand shifted from a life of crime to one of discipline and piety, becoming one of the Guru's trusted followers. By 1606, Bidhi Chand's commitment was evident as he was selected among five devoted Sikhs—alongside figures like Bhai Langaha, Bhai Paira, Bhai Jetha, and Bhai Pirana—to accompany on his journey to , where the Guru faced execution by Mughal authorities under Emperor . This role underscored Bidhi Chand's rapid integration into the Sikh community and his readiness to support the Guru amid persecution, laying the groundwork for his later military and missionary service under .

Military Service

Role in Recovering Dilbagh and Gulbagh

Bidhi Chand was selected for the mission to recover two prized horses, Dilbagh (a white stallion) and Gulbagh, which had been brought from by a Sikh devotee as offerings for but were seized en route by Mughal officials and housed in the stables under the custody of the local governor. His background as a skilled thief prior to his conversion made him uniquely suited for the task, as the operation required stealth and infiltration rather than open confrontation. To execute the recovery, Bidhi Chand traveled to and established contact with Jiwan, a Sikh carpenter residing there, securing as a within the fort to familiarize himself with the layout and routines of the stables. On a subsequent night, he infiltrated the stables undetected, mounted Gulbagh, and escaped by guiding the horse over a low and down a sloped wall, evading guards through the cover of darkness. Returning to the fort under the same guise shortly thereafter, he repeated the feat with Dilbagh, again exploiting the terrain to ride the horse to safety outside the walls. Upon successful retrieval, Bidhi Chand presented both horses to at , demonstrating his loyalty and resourcefulness in service to the without resorting to . This non-combative recovery underscored Bidhi Chand's tactical acumen and contributed to elevating the Sikh community's morale amid escalating tensions with Mughal authorities, though it later precipitated retaliatory conflicts such as the Battle of Gurusar.

Participation in Battles against Mughals

Bidhi Chand participated in the initial armed confrontations between Guru Hargobind's Sikh forces and Mughal troops during the late 1620s, including the first major battle at Pipli Sahib near in May 1628, where he helped rout the enemy after their commander Mukhlis Khan was slain, personally engaging and killing resistant Mughal soldiers alongside Painde Khan and Jati Mal. In the Battle of Gurusar on 29 April 1631, Bidhi Chand reinforced Hargobind's outnumbered army of approximately 4,000 against a Mughal force of 35,000 led by Rattan Chand, leading a contingent of 1,000 horsemen in a decisive that helped secure victory and the subsequent establishment of a Sikh outpost at the site. During the siege at Kartarpur in 1635, Bidhi Chand commanded defensive operations alongside , Hargobind's eldest son, repelling repeated Mughal assaults until the attackers withdrew after sustaining heavy losses, with no conclusive victor on the first day but eventual Sikh success. His repeated displays of valor in these engagements elevated his status as a trusted cavalry commander within Guru Hargobind's misldari system, contributing to the militarization of the Sikh sangat amid escalating tensions with Mughal authorities.

Command in Guru Hargobind's Cavalry

Bhai Bidhi Chand was appointed by Guru Hargobind as one of the commanders of the risaldari, the units formed to defend the Sikh community amid escalating Mughal hostilities in the early . This role came after his initiation into and his demonstrated loyalty through feats like recovering the horses Dilbagh and Gulbagh from Mughal custody in around 1620. Guru Hargobind organized his forces into structured battalions, with Bidhi Chand leading approximately 500 horsemen alongside other key lieutenants such as Bhai Lakhu, Jati Mal, and Mehar Chand, enabling coordinated maneuvers in skirmishes and larger engagements. In this capacity, Bidhi Chand excelled in , leveraging his pre-conversion skills as a horseman and thief for intelligence gathering and rapid strikes against Mughal patrols. He was among the five principal warriors handpicked by the —together with Bhai Jetha, Bhai Pirana, Bhai Saina, and Bhai Lakhu—for their valor and organizational prowess, contributing to the of Sikh sangat (congregations) into a disciplined . His command emphasized mobility and surprise, as seen in defensive actions that routed pursuing Mughal troops, though primary accounts from Sikh traditions highlight these exploits without precise battle dates beyond the broader Amritsar-Lahore conflicts of 1621–1634. Bidhi Chand's leadership extended to training and rallying Sikh volunteers, transforming disparate rural fighters into cohesive units equipped with swords, shields, and matchlocks supplied by the . Sikh historical narratives credit him with feats of personal bravery in charges, such as outmaneuvering larger Mughal contingents, which bolstered Sikh morale and territorial control around . These roles underscored Hargobind's doctrine of miri-piri (temporal-spiritual authority), where Bidhi Chand's command bridged martial defense with religious devotion until his death in 1640.

Religious and Missionary Contributions

Service as Masand

Bhai Bidhi Chand undertook extensive missionary work as a preacher under Guru Hargobind, traveling to eastern provinces such as Bengal to propagate Sikh teachings and organize local communities. He emphasized the principles of Sikhism, including resilience against tyranny and submission to divine will, drawing from Guru Arjan's martyrdom in 1606 to inspire followers. This role aligned with the masand system's functions of evangelism and community building, though specific records of tithe collection by Bidhi Chand remain undocumented in primary accounts. In one notable episode, Bidhi Chand earned the trust of the Muslim saint Sundar Shah in Devnagar through discussions on , rooted in Guru Nanak's teachings. Honoring a pledge, he returned to Devnagar in 1640, where they engaged in three days of reflection on Sikh philosophy before both died on August 14, 1640. Separate Sikh and Muslim funeral rites followed, with shrines built at the site to commemorate their interfaith accord. Bidhi Chand also contributed to scriptural preservation by preparing a pothi of the under Hargobind's direct supervision, aiding in the compilation and distribution of sacred texts during a period of militarized Sikh expansion. This scribal service supported the network's efforts to maintain doctrinal uniformity across regions. His preaching integrated with , as he recruited 52 youths from his village for at Sri , blending evangelism with preparation for defense.

Preaching and Expansion of Sikhism

Bidhi Chand was commissioned by Guru Arjan to preach the Sikh way of life, undertaking journeys to numerous villages and remote areas to impart the faith's core tenets of devotion, ethical living, and equality. After Guru Arjan's execution on 30 May 1606, Bidhi Chand addressed mass gatherings to elucidate the Guru's martyrdom as an act of divine will and a call to resist tyranny without despair, thereby bolstering community resolve and attracting adherents amid Mughal pressures. During Guru Hargobind's era (from 1606 onward), Bidhi Chand extended his efforts across and adjoining territories, delivering sermons that underscored justice, humility, and unwavering loyalty to the , often illustrating these through his personal shift from to as a model for reform. These discourses aimed to fortify Sikh doctrines and identity in nascent stages, fostering growth by encouraging ethical conduct and scriptural adherence in diverse locales. Integral to his propagation was the habitual recitation of , including the , which he incorporated into travels and interactions to exemplify meditative discipline and reinforce oral transmission of Sikh philosophy. Such practices, combined with his reputation for valor, enhanced Sikhism's appeal, contributing to its organizational expansion through inspired recruits and sustained morale against external threats.

Death and Legacy

Final Years and Demise

In the later years of his service to Guru Hargobind, Bidhi Chand continued his roles as a military commander and religious preacher, contributing to the expansion of Sikhism through missionary work as a masand. By 1638, he departed from Kiratpur Sahib, entrusting his son Lal Chand to the Guru's service, and traveled to Deonagar (also known as Devnagar) accompanied by his companion Sundar Shah. According to historical accounts in Gurbilas Chhevin Patshahi, Bidhi Chand, sensing his impending end, fulfilled a prior commitment by seeking seclusion for spiritual reflection. He and Sundar Shah spent three days contemplating the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, emphasizing devotion and Sikh principles, before both passed away simultaneously on 14 August 1640. No specific cause of death is recorded in these sources, suggesting a natural demise following a life of intense martial and religious activity. His passing occurred in Deonagar, a site associated with his final meditative retreat, marking the end of a key figure in early Sikh militarization and proselytization efforts under .

Historical Assessment and Commemoration

In , Bidhi Chand is assessed as a pivotal figure exemplifying the , transitioning from a notorious thief to a trusted and preacher under Gurus Arjan and . Persian chronicles, such as those referenced in J.S. Grewal's translations of major texts, confirm his active role in Sikh-Mughal skirmishes, lending empirical weight to traditional Sikh accounts of his leadership in battles like those at in 1634 and Kartarpur in 1635. like highlight his campaigns as strategically innovative, though devotional sources may amplify exploits such as the clandestine recovery of 's horses, Dilbagh and Gulbagh, from Mughal custody through disguises. This duality reflects the causal shift toward militarized self-defense in early amid Mughal pressures, with Bidhi Chand commanding up to 500-1,500 Sikh horsemen in key engagements. His legacy endures as a model of personal reform and devotion, inspiring Sikh resilience against persecution. While Sikh and vars emphasize hagiographic elements, cross-verification with contemporary records underscores his tangible contributions to organization and outreach. Commemoration centers on the Bidhi Chand , one of four primary Akali-Nihang factions tracing lineage to his traditions and upholding rituals like daily spiritual cleansing. Gurdwaras erected in his honor, such as those marking his feats, and preserved artifacts—including a manuscript he scribed under —sustain his memory in Sikh institutions. Annual retellings of his sakhis in literature and reinforce his role in propagating , with descendants maintaining items like swords linked to Guru Hargobind's era.

References

  1. http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhs/bhai_bidhi_chand.html
  2. https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smspublications/inthegurusfootsteps/chapter4/
  3. https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bhai_Bidhi_Chand_Chhina
  4. https://www.sikhawareness.com/topic/19679-baba-bidhi-chand-dal-fake-lineage/
  5. https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/beta/sikh-warriors-bhai-bidhi-chand/
  6. https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Bidhi_Chand
  7. https://dvnetwork.org/page/bhai-bidi-chand
  8. https://gurmatbibek.com/forum/read.php?3,5102
  9. https://www.gurmatacademy.org/reference/gursikhs/bhai-bidhi-chand/
  10. https://discover.hubpages.com/animals/A-Golden-Legend-from-Sikh-History-Tale-of-Bidhi-Chand-and-Horses-for-the-Guru-Hargobind
  11. https://soundcloud.com/sggs-academy/148-gurbilas-patshahi-6-chapter-20-part-3-background-of-bhai-bidhi-chand
  12. https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/bhai-bidhi-chand/
  13. https://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/bidhi-chand-bhai/
  14. https://sikhvichardhara.com/history-of-early-gursikhs/
  15. https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Battle_of_Gurusar
  16. https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/sikh_battle_of_gurusar.html
  17. https://www.searchgurbani.com/gurus/guruhargobindi3
  18. https://www.gurmatbibek.com/contents.php?id=208
  19. https://www.sikhnet.com/news/guru-hargobind-sahib-ji-tumultuous-life-lasting-legacy
  20. https://gyansetuthinktank.org/guru-hargobind-sahib-as-a-military-leader/
  21. https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhs/bhai_bidhi_chand.html
  22. https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smsarticles/essaysonsikhvalues/thesikhgurus/
  23. https://www.vidhia.com/Historical%2C%2520Political%2C%2520Philosophical%2520and%2520Informational/Sikh_History_From_Persian_Sources_-_JS_Grewal_Irfan_Habib.pdf
  24. https://archive.org/download/AShortHistoryOfTheSikhs-Volume1/a.short.history.of.the.sikhs-DiscoverSikhism.com.pdf
  25. https://sikhexpo.com/blogs/news/who-were-the-nihang-warriors
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