Page 22 - Gurmat Book 4

Lesson 10: Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

With the establishment of Harimandar Sahib, Sikhs had a central place of
worship. And with compilation of the Adi Granth, Sikhs had their

scriptures. Both these developments worried the fanatic Muslims about

Sikhism becoming a major religion. They were concerned of losing control.

They started talking against Guru Arjan Dev Ji to Emperor Jahangir.

Some Hindus were jealous of Guru Ji too. One such person was a Chandu,

who was a tax collector. He was upset because Guru Arjan Dev Ji had

refused to marry his son Hargobind Ji to Chandu’s daughter. Guru Ji’s older

brother Prithi Chand and his son Meharban also joined Chandu in conspiring
against Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Jahangir was a fanatic Muslim but his son Prince Khusro was a liberal like

his grandfather Akbar. He rebelled against his father’s fanatic Muslim

practices. But Khusro was defeated and had to run for his life. He visited

Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Tarn Taaran to seek his blessings. Guru Ji welcomed

him like he would any other guest. Khusro was later captured. His eyes were
gouged out in punishment.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji was falsely charged for his role in supporting the rebel

Prince Khusro. Jahangir summoned Guru Arjan Dev Ji to Lahore. Guru Arjan
Dev Ji was arrested. Before leaving, he nominated Guru Hargobind Ji, his

son as the next Guru of the Sikhs.

Jahangir labeled the Guru as an enemy of Mughal Empire and wanted to
punish him with death. But Pir Mian Mir, one who laid the foundation of

Harimandar Sahib, advised Jahangir to not kill the innocent Guru Ji, a holy

man. Jahangir agreed and changed his sentence to a fine of two lakh rupees

plus an order to erase a few lines from the Adi Granth.

The Sikhs of Lahore wanted to pay off the fine but the Guru refused any

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 20