Zakria Khan was the Governor of Punjab (India) in 1745 AD. His cruelty and oppressive policy towards the Sikhs resulted into their migration towards the deserts and jungles in lower Himalayas. This gave an opportunity to the Sikhs to consolidate their position through preparation for impending battles.

A Young Sikh, Bhai Taru Singh was a resident of village Puhla, District Amritsar. In his childhood the father expired and his mother brought him up as a devout Sikh. Knowledge accrued through his mother and selfless service earned him respect from the Hindus and Muslims of the area.

Bhai Taru Singh often went to the nearby forest with food and other necessities thereby extending assistance to his brother Sikhs. One Harbhagat Niranjania lodged a complaint with the Governor that Bhai Taru Singh was an informer to the Terrorists and provided them with food. Based on the complaint Bhai Taru Singh was arrested.

The villagers of the area tried their best to convince the soldiers that Bhai sahib was an innocent, peace loving and a noble person but this plea fell flat. The Sikhs also tried to ambush the party on the way but Taru Singh persuaded the Sikhs to withdraw and not spill blood.

On reaching Lahore Bhai Taru Singh was imprisoned. He was put through harsh tortures. More severe was the punishment, greater was the resolve to protect his faith. Ultimately he was produced before Zakaria Khan. Bhai Sahib told the Governor that “I earn my livelihood through hardwork on the land. I spare for the poor and pay Govt. taxes; Why is the Govt. torturing me?” Zakria Khan replied, “You have to choose between conversion to Islam or death by torture.”

Bhai Taru Singh then put a counter question to Zakria Khan, “Will I never die if I become a Muslim ? Don’t the Muslims die? When I am going to die one day irrespective of my religion then why should I desert my faith. I AM PROUD TO BE A SIKH. I love my religion more than my life and shall defend my identity (KESH) at any cost.

Zakria Khan decided to put Bhai Sahib’s steadfastness to test and ordered removal of his hair.

Bhai Taru Singh said further, “I will not allow you to cut my hair, of course you can peal off my skull. Lo, THIS WAS DONE. A cobbler was called and he pealed off the skull with long uncut hair. (See picture)

Under the curious eyes of thousands, Bhai Taru Singh posed a brave front and in complete calmness thanked God and his Gurus in the face of the Governor.

Just at that time, Zakria Khan started crying in pain because he could not pass urine. In spite of the best available medical treatment he could not be relieved of the suffering.

Zakria Khan approached the Sikh Panth and asked for forgiveness for his cruelty towards the Sikhs. It was suggested that the Governor shold get his scalp hit with Bhai Taru Singh’ shoe. He accepted the punishment and after strong hits felt relieved of the pain and could pass on his urine but shortly breathed his last.

Bhai Taru Singh’s steadfastness is exemplary. It tells us, how precious is the gift of God, the “HAIR” : the glory of the Sikhs.