BHAI KAHAN SINGH NABHA
Many scholars have tried to explain and interpret the inner meanings of Gurbani but after Bhai Gurdas if anyone has truly understood and interpreted the Gurbani to its nearest meanings, he is none else than the author of Encyclopedia of Sikhism (Mahan Kosh), Bhai Kahan Singh of Nabha. He was a shining star in the firmament of learning and religious thought. He was a leading and supreme authority of his time.
He was born on 30 August 1861. His father Baba Narain Singh was a saintly person who regularly recited the Guru Granth Sahib four times a month. Thrice in his life he recited the Guru Granth Sahib in one sitting. Once Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha sat with him to listen to the Akhand Path recitation. As a mark of respect, Maharaja Hira Singh, on that occasion became one of Baba Narain Singh's palanquin bearers.
Literally speaking Bhai Kahan Singh, was a true patriot. He was equally impressed by traditional Indian values as well as modern traditions. He alone has done so much literary work which is not even possible for an institution comprising eminent men of scholarship and learning. He was a preeminent genius of Punjabi literature, interpreter and a keen researcher of Gurbani, lexicographer, translator, linguist, master of poetry and an efficient editor. He did not attend any School or University but learned Sanskrit, Persian, Gurmat Poetry, History, Law, Hindu Philosophy (Vedant) from Scholars, Pandits and Maulvis, music from a famous maestro of Nabha State and the use of weapons from Nihangs. He was an excellent marksman and was very fond of hunting and shooting.
Bhai Kahan Singh served Nabha State from 1880-1912 and from 1917 -1923 in various important positions as Private Secretary, City Magistrate, Nazam (Deputy Commissioner), Mir / Munshi, Nehar Nazam, Foreign Minister, Judge of the High Court and member of Judicial Council etc. From 1915-1917 he served as a lawyer of the "Political Agency" of Patiala State. Renowned literary personality Mr. Max Arthur Macauliffe, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha and his wife Maharani Sarojini Devi were Bhai Sahib's disciples.
Bhai Kahan Singh first met Mr. Macauliffe in Rawalpindi where he had gone with Maharaja Hira Singh. Macauliffe got permission from the Maharaja to allow Bhai Sahib to expose him to Sikh religion and Gurbani. He stayed back there for three months. Subsequently, Macauliffe spent many winters in Nabha and summers in hill stations with Bhai Sahib to study Sikh Religion and Sikh history and, of course, Gurmukhi. i'v1acduiiffe's Book, 'The Sikh religion' was published by the Oxford University Press in 1907 in London. Bhai Kahan Singh's contribution was acknowledged when Macauliffe who was a bachelor, transferred the copyright of the book to Bhai Kahan Singh. He had also offered one of his houses in England (10 Sanclaire Road, London) to him, an offer which was politely declined.
'Hum Hindu Nahin' (We are not Hindus) was written to serve a specific purpose. First published in 1898, this small volume was an early contribution to a current controversy concerning the actual identity of Sikhs. An earlier legal ruling, had declared Sikhs to be Hindus. The title of Bhai Kahan Singh's response makes his own view point abundantly clear. It represented the dominant stand point of the Singh Sabha movement and has ever since retained the fame, which it had so quietly acquired. It is worth stressing that the approach adopted in this hook is neither hostile nor aggressive. In the polemic, he took care to stress that he sought peace, not discord.
Dr. J.S. Grewal, in his recently published book, Historical Aspects of Sikh Identity has recorded that Bhai Kahan Singh wrote this book responding to what he perceived as a threat to the tradition which he cherished. He was not alone. He represented the view and feelings of an increasing number of Sikhs who prized the Sikh tradition. In this process, two things from the pristine Sikh tradition were bought to the fore; tl13 Guru Granth as the preferred Sikh Identity. Neither the doctrine of Guru Granth liar the Singh Identity was new, What was new was the emphasis laid on both. Dr. Grewal concludes by saying that a serious concern for preserving the Sikh tradition may now appear to be obvious, but this dimension has been generally overlooked in explanations which focus on the mundane interests of a rising middle class.
Gurmat Martand, a two volume set, giving out the complete Sikh Maryada was published in 1938, Its contribution in terms of definitions, exegesis on standard text, makes it an exceedingly useful volume. It also needs to be emphasized that this volume lists rituals and ceremony that are performed from the 'cradle to the coffin', It is marked by research and erudition, and there is a perennial need to refer to it to clear doubts and self created distortions. It should be translated into English and other languages for the benefit of Sikhs, both at home and abroad. In this context, one has to observe with considerable anguish, as being currently and repeatedly published in the national media, the 'scrapping and squabbling' of Jathedars. It is a great fall from titan of titans, the legendary Jathedar Akali Phuja Singh. It is for the Sangat to take charge and restore our hallowed traditions and institutions to their pristine glory.
As Bhai Kahan Singh could not devote adequate time to his studies and Panthic services, he resigned from the State service. The crowning achievement of Bhai Sahib is his magnum opus the Mahan Kosh or the Encyclopedia of Sikh Literature. He undertook this stupendous task in 1912 and completed it in 1927. It was published by Durbar Patiala on the instructions of Maharaja Bhupindra Singh in four magnificent volumes in 1930. It contains 64263 words occurring in original Sikh scriptures as well as other allied works. Exemplary accuracy marks multitude of entries ranging from brief definitions of difficult works from the scriptures and traditions through descriptive notes on various entries, individuals and institutions, to account of the Gurus. It gives careful treatment of terminology, which had dropped out of usage or had changed its meaning. Mahan Kosh is indispensable for any serious student of Sikh studies. Hs qualities are undimmed by 80 years which have passed since it first appeared in print. Undertaken and carried out single handed, it is nothing short of a miracle. Bhai Kahan Singh ranks as one of the modern world's greatest encyclopaedists. This is the 12th encyclopedia published in the world. The fact that he chose to present all his works in Gurmukhi has limited his contribution to those who read Punjabi, although his reputation extends much farther, It is largely confined to the general area of Sikh studies. His work is distinguished by the vast range of coverage, the meticulous care with which he collected and arranged his material, a scrupulous concern for accuracy and the succinct nature of his presentation. These are the qualities of great encyclopedias and their manifest presence in the works of Bhai Kahan Singh qualifies him as one of the truly great theologians.
The Punjabi University at Patiala has now undertaken to translate the Mahan Kosh into English. This will expose the encyclopedia to a much larger readership.
Bhai Sahib was a widely travelled man. He visited England and Europe thrice. Once he went to represent the Nabha State in a legal case in England where he contested the case very successfully. The Afghan King Nadir Shah welcomed him when he visited Afghanistan for research in Sikh history and to ascertain whether the original copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, written by Bhai Mani Singh Ji, at Damdama Sahib was in Kabul. It was said that Ahmed Shah Abdali had taken it with him after the Great holocaust (Bara Ghallu Ghara) of 1762. The Sir was not traceable in Kabul and was presumed to have got destroyed during the holocaust.
He passed away during his afternoon nap on 23rd November 1938 but remains the perennial inspiration for scholars everywhere.
Major A.P. Singh