“Those Sikhs Who Had Their Scalps Torn Off” – Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji 

Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji is a shining jewel of Sikh history, whose name is taken with deep reverence in the Sikh Ardas with the words:

“Jinhāṅ Singhāṅ ne khopṛīāṅ luhāīāṅ” – Those Sikhs who had their scalps removed.

Bhai Taru Singh Ji was born in the village of Puhla, near Sri Amritsar Sahib, into a devout Gursikh family. When he was very young, his father passed away, and he was raised by his Gursikh mother. His mother instilled such strong Sikh values in him that the teachings of Gurmat and Gurbani became part of his very being. He lived a pure, upright Sikh life, earning respect from people of all faiths.

As he grew older, Bhai Taru Singh Ji took up his ancestral occupation of agriculture. His life revolved around the Sikh principles of earning an honest living, meditating on the Divine Name, and sharing with others. This was a period after the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, when severe persecution of Sikhs had begun. During Nadir Shah’s invasion, Sikhs repeatedly harassed his retreating forces. Before leaving Punjab, Nadir Shah warned the Lahore governor Zakariya Khan that people with long hair and beards would soon rule the land. This warning inflamed Zakariya Khan’s religious fanaticism, and he set out to erase the Sikhs completely. As a result, Sikhs were forced to take refuge in forests and wilderness.

Life in the forests was extremely harsh; there were no organized langars. Yet determined Sikhs like Bhai Taru Singh Ji prepared food at night and secretly delivered it to Sikhs hiding in the jungles. Because of his integrity and reputation, no one openly opposed him, and he continued living in his village. Though not wealthy, he was content through honest labour and service. Bhai Taru Singh Ji had received Amrit from Bhai Mani Singh Ji. 

Betrayal and Arrest

Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s growing influence deeply troubled Akil Das of Jandiala, also known as Harbhagat Niranjania Mahant. Bhai Taru Singh Ji and his sister Bibi Taro Kaur regularly fed Sikhs in hiding. Learning of this, the Mahant falsely accused Bhai Sahib to the Lahore governor Zakariya Khan, claiming that he sheltered bandits and encouraged theft. Zakariya Khan provided twenty soldiers and ordered Harbhagat Niranjania himself to arrest Bhai Taru Singh Ji. Before dawn, Bhai Taru Singh Ji was arrested and taken to Lahore. 

Refusal to Abandon Sikhi

In Lahore, Bhai Taru Singh Ji was pressured to accept Islam. He refused without hesitation. Zakariya Khan tried persuasion and threats, but Bhai Sahib remained steadfast. Enraged, the governor ordered that Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s scalp, along with his hair, be removed.

Bhai Sahib calmly replied that Zakariya Khan could tear off his scalp along with his hair if he wished. The governor ordered the executioner to remove the scalp and place it at his feet, declaring that he would send this Sikh to the afterlife with a kick.

Bhai Taru Singh Ji responded fearlessly:

“Zakariya Khan, watch the play of the Creator. You will go to hell before me, struck again and again by my shoe. I shall sit in the lap of my Guru.”

The executioner removed Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s scalp, yet miraculously he remained alive. Historical tradition holds that Bhai Taru Singh Ji lived for 22 days after his scalp was removed. 

Divine Retribution

During this period, Zakariya Khan developed severe urinary retention. Despite the efforts of physicians, he found no relief. In agony, he repented and sent Bhai Subeg Singh to the Dal Khalsa to seek forgiveness for the atrocities committed against Sikhs.

The Dal Khalsa replied that Bhai Taru Singh Ji had foretold that Zakariya Khan would be led to hell by blows from his shoe, and advised that his shoe be struck upon the governor’s head.

Zakariya Khan was brought before Bhai Taru Singh Ji and begged for mercy. When Bhai Sahib’s shoe was struck upon Zakariya Khan’s head, his urinary blockage was relieved. When the blows stopped, the blockage returned. For three weeks, Zakariya Khan begged for continuous blows, experiencing temporary relief each time. Ultimately, Zakariya Khan died from the effects, struck by Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s shoe.

Bhai Taru Singh Ji then proclaimed that such was the destined end of the tyrant.

On 1 July 1745 CE, 22 days after his scalp was removed, Bhai Taru Singh Ji attained martyrdom, giving new meaning to Sikh sacrifice. His Shaheed Ganj is located near Delhi Gate in Lahore.