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- The final segments commemorate the aftermath of his martyrdom, including the courageous act of Bhai Jaita, who carried the Guru’s severed head to Anandpur Sahib, and the defiance of Lakhi Shah Vanjara, who cremated the Guru’s body by sacrificing his own home.
- A powerful chapter of India’s spiritual and moral history has been brought to life through a compelling new exhibition honouring Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, whose martyrdom in 1675 remains a defining symbol of courage and religious freedom.
- Defender of Faith,” the exhibition has opened at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan in the capital, marking 350 years since the Guru laid down his life in Chandni Chowk rather than renounce his principles.
A powerful chapter of India’s spiritual and moral history has been brought to life through a compelling new exhibition honouring Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, whose martyrdom in 1675 remains a defining symbol of courage and religious freedom.
Titled “Guru Tegh Bahadur: Defender of Faith,” the exhibition has opened at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan in the capital, marking 350 years since the Guru laid down his life in Chandni Chowk rather than renounce his principles. His execution, carried out for protecting the religious rights of Kashmiri Pandits, stands as one of the most significant acts of resistance against forced conversion in the subcontinent’s history.
The exhibition was inaugurated during an international seminar organised by the National Institute of Punjab Studies in collaboration with the University of Delhi’s Punjabi Department. The opening ceremony drew several prominent figures, including former President Ram Nath Kovind, MP Manish Tewari, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kulwant Singh Sandhwan, and author-diplomat Navtej Sarna, all of whom reflected on the enduring relevance of the Guru’s legacy.
Curated by Mohinder Singh, Director General of the National Institute of Punjab Studies, the display presents an expansive visual and historical narrative of the Guru’s life. Rare manuscripts, ancestral relics, illustrations and photographs preserved by the family of Bhai Rup Chand form the heart of the collection, guiding visitors from the Guru’s early life to his final moments.
Among the striking works on display is a painting by Phulan Rani depicting the young Tegh Bahadur cradled by his mother, Mata Nanaki, while surrounded by members of the Sikh household, including Guru Hargobind. Another piece captures his formative training in martial arts at Kartarpur, the period during which his bravery earned him the name “Tegh Bahadur,” meaning wielder of the sword.
The exhibition also brings alive key moments from Sikh tradition. A dramatic artwork illustrates the tale of the trader Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana, whose sinking ship was saved after praying to the Guru. His eventual discovery of the true Guru in Bakala, despite numerous impostors, is immortalised in the famed proclamation, “Guru ladho re” — “I have found the Guru.”
The visual journey continues through depictions of the Guru’s extensive travels across the Indian subcontinent, from Amritsar and Patiala to Guwahati, Dhaka and Nizamabad. Historic locations such as the well at Charan Paduka, known for its spiritual significance, feature prominently, underlining the vast geographical spread of his influence.
Equally poignant are portrayals of his family life, including scenes of his meeting with young Gobind Rai in Patna alongside Mata Gujri. Rare hukamnamas and court paintings further enrich the narrative, offering glimpses into his spiritual leadership and compassionate guidance.
The exhibition becomes increasingly solemn as it approaches the period of his arrest. Paintings vividly illustrate the torture and execution of his companions — Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala — before his own beheading in Delhi. One poignant inscription captures the essence of his stand: “I have given my head but not my resolve.”
The final segments commemorate the aftermath of his martyrdom, including the courageous act of Bhai Jaita, who carried the Guru’s severed head to Anandpur Sahib, and the defiance of Lakhi Shah Vanjara, who cremated the Guru’s body by sacrificing his own home. These acts of devotion are connected to present-day sacred sites such as Gurdwara Sis Ganj and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj, which continue to draw pilgrims and historians alike.
Concluding with depictions of Guru Gobind Singh’s anointment as the next spiritual leader, the exhibition offers not just a historical account but a profound meditation on faith, sacrifice and resilience. For many visitors, it stands as a reminder that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy transcends time, continuing to inspire the values of dignity, justice and unwavering conviction.
