The unparalleled self-sacrifice of Chaudhary Kushal Singh Dahiya.......by  Dr Sant Ram Deswal ( Shared by Pawan Kumar Bansal )

The story of Chaudhary for Guru Teg Bahadur ji

By our enlightened reader Dr Sant Ram Deswal ,Padma Shree Awardee Literature &Education .The Unique Self-Sacrifice of Chaudhary Kushal Singh Dahiya.The story of Chaudhary Kushal Singh Dahiya stands as one of the most extraordinary and under-recognized acts of bravery and devotion in Indian history.

On November 11, 1675, in the village of Rai Garhi (now called Badkhalsa) in Sonipat district, Haryana, a selfless deed took place that ensured the safe passage of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s severed head to Anandpur Sahib. This act was vital in preserving the sanctity of Sikh history and faith during one of its darkest periods.

In 1675, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb launched a campaign of religious persecution, forcing Kashmiri Pandits and others to convert to Islam. Seeking protection, a delegation of Pandits led by Pandit Kripa Ram Dutt approached Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, at Anandpur Sahib.

The Guru, deeply moved by their suffering, took upon himself the mission to defend freedom of religion. For this act of defiance, he was arrested, tortured, and brought to Chandni Chowk, Delhi, where his steadfast refusal to convert to Islam resulted in his execution on November 9, 1675.

His three disciples — Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala — were executed through horrifying means in front of him to break his resolve, but the Guru remained unshaken. The phrase “Sir diyaa par dharm na diyaa” (“He gave his head but not his faith”) immortalizes his sacrifice.

After the execution, Aurangzeb ordered that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s head and torso be displayed publicly and forbade anyone from removing them. Yet, two of the Guru’s brave followers risked their lives to rescue the remains. Bhai Jaita Ji (later known as Bhai Jeevan Singh) secretly carried the Guru’s severed head, wrapped in cotton, from Delhi to deliver it to Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib.

Simultaneously, Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara, with his sons, carried the Guru’s torso to his home in Raisina village (present-day Raisina Hills) setting his house ablaze to cremate the body with dignity. The Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, located in front of the Indian Parliament, now marks that sacred site.

As Bhai Jaita carried the Guru’s head toward Anandpur Sahib, he was relentlessly pursued by Mughal soldiers. On the evening of November 11, 1675, he reached Rai Garhi, seeking refuge among the villagers.

When he revealed that he carried the Guru’s sacred head, the villagers were filled with reverence but also fear — for the Mughal army soon surrounded the village, demanding that the Guru’s head be surrendered or the entire settlement would be destroyed.

Amid this crisis, Chaudhary Kushal Singh Dahiya, the respected head of the Dahiya clan, stepped forward. Noticing that he bore a strong resemblance to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, he devised a plan of unparalleled courage and sacrifice.

He ordered his eldest son to behead him and give his severed head to Aurangzeb’s soldiers, so they would mistake it for that of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. In this way, Bhai Jaita could safely continue his journey to Anandpur Sahib, ensuring the Guru’s head was delivered intact and the village would be spared from massacre.

The villagers were struck with disbelief at this command. Kushal Singh’s son, though shocked and heartbroken, was filled with pride at his father’s immense courage and faith. In an act of supreme devotion, he fulfilled his father’s last wish — he severed his father’s head, wrapped it in cotton, and handed it to the soldiers.

Deceived, the Mughal forces believed they had recovered the Guru’s head and withdrew, leaving the village unharmed. Meanwhile, Bhai Jaita slipped away with the real sacred head.

Five days later, on November 16, 1675, Bhai Jaita successfully reached Anandpur Sahib and presented the Guru’s head to the nine-year-old Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Deeply moved, Guru Gobind Singh embraced him and declared, “Rangreta Guru ka beta” (“The Rangreta is the Guru’s own son”), honoring his bravery and loyalty. The Guru performed the last rites of his father’s head with great respect at the site where Gurdwara Sheeshganj Sahib, Anandpur, now stands.

This series of events represents not just the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji but also the unparalleled heroism of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya, whose self-sacrifice made it possible for the Guru’s legacy to be preserved. His act of allowing his own son to behead him so that truth and righteousness might prevail remains one of the most unique and profound examples of devotion in world history.

Despite this, historians have not given Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya the recognition he rightfully deserves. His sacrifice, though monumental, remains overshadowed in most Sikh and Indian historical records.

In remembrance, a memorial has been erected in Badkhalsa village, honoring his bravery and selflessness. Many have proposed that the village be renamed “Kushal Singh Badkhalsa” to commemorate his noble deed.

To acknowledge his unparalleled contribution, a state-level commemoration will be held on November 14, 2025, at Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Rai (Sonipat), marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya. Organized to spread awareness about his sacrifice, the event aims to secure his rightful place in the annals of Indian history.

The story of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya is a shining example of selfless sacrifice, communal harmony, and indomitable courage. His act ensured the safe preservation of the Sikh Guru’s legacy and embodied the highest ideals of faith, loyalty, and humanity — a story that continues to inspire generations across the world .

Dr Sant Ram Deswal

November 11, 2025