Who Are the Nihangs? History, Beliefs, and Structure of the Sikh Martial Order

Known for their distinct electric-blue garments, high conical turbans, and traditional weaponry, the Nihang Sikhs have drawn renewed attention following an attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded, Maharashtra. Beyond their prominent martial appearance, the Nihangs represent a deep-rooted religious and military lineage dating back centuries within Sikh history.

What Happened

On August 13, Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan at the Mata Sahib Devan Ji Gurdwara in Nanded. Badal sustained a hand injury that required surgery. The accused, identified as 62-year-old Jaspal Singh, had served at the gurdwara for two years and was described as a Nihang. An official investigation into the incident is ongoing.

This incident brought the community back into the spotlight following earlier high-profile public appearances, including their presence during the 2020–21 farmers’ agitation at Delhi’s Singhu border and a student demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in July 2026.

Key Highlights

• Origins: Traced to the creation of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, where they became traditionally known as ‘Guru ki fauj’ (the Guru’s army).
• Etymology: The term Nihang is linked to freedom from worldly attachments and fearlessness, with an alternative origin traced to the Persian word nahang (crocodile), denoting toughness and ferocity.
• Decentralised Structure: The community does not have a single governing body or central registry. It has historically been divided into the Baba Budha Dal (older bands) and Taruna Dal (younger bands), which have since fragmented into more than 30 separate factions across Punjab.
• Spiritual and Martial Core: Their discipline is governed by the sant-sipahi (saint-soldier) concept and Chardi Kala (a resilient and elevated state of mind), requiring both bani (spiritual wisdom) and bana (attire).
• Chalda Vaheer: Bands of Nihangs follow a nomadic annual pilgrimage across significant historical Sikh shrines, including Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar, and Hazur Sahib in Nanded.

Why This Matters

Understanding the Nihangs requires examining both their historical role and their modern structure. Historically, Nihangs acted as mobile defence forces protecting Sikh institutions and settlements against Mughal armies and Afghan invasions, later integrating into the Sikh misls and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s military.

While their battlefield mandate subsided over time, the martial practices endured through Shastar Vidya (traditional Sikh weaponry study), horsemanship, and martial art demonstrations such as Gatka during festivals like Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib. Today, researchers emphasise that the Nihangs are not a standing military force, nor does any single organisation speak for the entire group. Because they operate across independent factions and deras, historians caution that the acts of individual members or specific groups do not represent the Nihang community as a whole.

Furthermore, their institutions are maintained through religious offerings and the management of gurdwara properties and agricultural resources. While some lead ascetic lives in camps, many Nihangs marry, earn livelihoods, and raise families while fulfilling group duties.

What to Watch Next

Authorities continue their formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal at Nanded. Observers and scholars also monitor how the decentralised factions of the order maintain their traditional institutions, annual circuits (chalda vaheer), and community engagements across Punjab and major historical sites such as Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical origin of the Nihang Sikhs?

The Nihang order originated in 1699 alongside the formation of the Khalsa Panth by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. They originally served as defenders of Sikh settlements and religious shrines against invading forces.

Is there a central leadership for all Nihangs?

No. The community has no central command, single leader, or universal membership registry. It historically split into the Baba Budha Dal and Taruna Dal, which have further divided into over 30 distinct factions in Punjab.

What does a Nihang practice besides martial arts?

According to scholars, traditional discipline requires balancing martial training with spiritual obligations, known as combining bani (wisdom) with bana (attire). This entails daily prayers, meditation, scriptural study, adherence to the Khalsa code, and community service (seva).

Source: The Hindu