Baba Deep Singh Ji was a learned Sikh who served at Damdama Sahib, copying the scripture, and later led a band of the Khalsa. In 1757, well into his seventies, he marched to free the Harmandir Sahib from desecration and fell in battle near Amritsar.
Life
Baba Deep Singh Ji was born in 1682 in the village of Pahuwind, near Amritsar. As a young man he went to Anandpur, took Amrit, and stayed in the Guru's service, learning Gurmukhi, scripture and the use of arms. He is associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji's time at Talwandi Sabo, and tradition links him with Bhai Mani Singh Ji in the work on the scripture there.
For many years he lived at Damdama Sahib, teaching and making handwritten copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which were sent to different centres. His scholarship and discipline earned him deep respect. He also joined Banda Singh Bahadur's campaigns, and in the mid-eighteenth century led the Shaheedan (martyrs') jatha, one of the Khalsa bands later counted among the misls.
In 1757 Afghan forces desecrated the Harmandir Sahib and its sarovar. Baba Deep Singh Ji, then about seventy-five, vowed to restore its dignity and set out with Sikhs from Damdama Sahib. He fell in battle on the outskirts of Amritsar. Sikh tradition tells, with deep reverence, that he fought on until he reached the precincts of the Harmandir Sahib, keeping his vow. Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh Ji in Amritsar marks his memory, and Sikhs continue to honour him as a model of devotion joined with courage.
Why Sikhs remember Baba Deep Singh Ji
- He combined scholarship and seva of the scripture with protection of the community.
- He is a symbol of keeping one's vow and defending sacred places.
- His copies of the scripture helped spread Gurbani to many sangats.
Key events
- 1682
Birth Historical record
Born at Pahuwind, near Amritsar.
- c. 1700
Takes Amrit Historical record
Takes Amrit and serves Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- 1706 onwards
Scribe and teacher at Damdama Sahib Historical record
Makes copies of the scripture and teaches.
- 1757
March to Amritsar Historical record
Leads Sikhs to free the Harmandir Sahib from desecration and falls in battle.
- 1757
Keeping his vow Traditional account
Tradition tells he fought on until he reached the Harmandir Sahib.
For children
Baba Deep Singh Ji loved Gurbani. He spent many years carefully writing out copies of Guru Granth Sahib Ji by hand and teaching others. When he was an old man, the Golden Temple was damaged by invaders. He promised to protect it and bravely set out with other Sikhs. He gave his life keeping that promise. He teaches us to love learning and to keep our promises.
Lessons for today
Age is no barrier
Baba Deep Singh Ji acted boldly in his seventies. It is never too late to serve.
Keep your promises
His vow was to restore the dignity of the Harmandir Sahib, and he kept it. Your word is worth keeping.
Places connected with this life
- Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh Ji, Amritsar
Marks the place associated with his martyrdom. - Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
Where he lived, taught and copied the scripture.
Further reading & sources
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, Oxford University Press
- Rattan Singh Bhangu, Sri Gur Panth Prakash