Nihung
From SikhiPedia
Nihung (pronounced Nee-hung) (also: called Akalis) is an armed Sikh order. Early Sikh military history is dominated by the Akali Sikh military order particularly for many famous military victories won while often heavily out-numbered. The Akalis have historically been held in great affection and respect by Sikhs due the pivotal role they have played in Sikh history and Sikh military history in particular. The Nihung order is mostly ceremonial due to it being peace time but in times of war for the Sikh religion the Akalis have historically spear-headed the attack on the enemy.
The Nihung Singhs venerate three Granths: Guru Granth Sahib, Sri Dasam Granth and the Sri Sarbloh Granth. The Saintly ways is enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib. The warrior spirit is enshrined in the Sri Dasam Granth and Sri Sarbloh Granth.
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Etymology
"Nihung" is a Persian word meaning Crocodile." The invading Mughals said they fought ferociously like crocodiles that is where the term comes from.
The Nihungs were also known as Akalis. The term "Akali" is said to be derived from the Akal Purukh in Punjabi - "the Timeless One", a term for God. Thus 'Akali' translates as "Servitor of the Timeless God
The Nihung attire
The Nihungs differ essentially from all other Sikh orders in being a militaristic organisation but they are similar in some areas, in that, they are and belong to the Khalsa, created by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Nihungs wear chequered dresses of a particular shade of blue known as "electric-blue," karras of iron around their wrists, and quoits of iron or Chakkars in their lofty conical blue turbans, together with Kipans and an iron chain.
Banda Singh Bahadur, the famous disciple of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Sikh warrior-general went from being a Hindu to a Sikh and adapted to wearing this attire.
The Nihangs/Akalis in Sikh history
Nihungs/Akalis today
The Akali headquarters was the Akal Bunga at Amritsar, where they assumed the lead in directing religious ceremonies and convoking the Gurmat; indeed, they laid claim to exercise a general leadership of the whole Sikh community. Since Ranjit Singh's time Anandpur has been their real headquarters, but their influence is still being felt in the world today.
Today, Nihungs foregather in their hundreds at Anandpur, on the occasion of the festival of Hola Mohalla and display their martial skills. This tradition has been in place since the time of Guru Gobind Singh.
Their form of fighting is called Shastar Vidyia but has recent times taken the name [Gatka]]. The compositions from the Sri Dasam Granth are used in unison with the battle manoeuvres.
Shastar Vidyia is the ancient fighting style of the Sikhs. It was started by Sri Guru Hargobind Ji. Today it is used by Nihungs and other Sikhs who wish to learn it. Their 100's of gatka schools in North America and thousands in India. To see videos of Gatka go to Youtube and then search for Gatka.