Akbar and his son Jahangir had different views regarding Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. His life was full of messages of peace, service and equality. He promoted brotherhood in the society. There was Mughal rule during his time. There were two Mughal rulers before Guru Arjan Dev Ji. First Akbar and second Jahangir. Akbar gave him enough respect but after Akbar’s death, when Jahangir ascended the throne, he started feeling jealous towards Guru Arjan Dev Ji. There were also religious and political tensions during that period. For this reason, Mughal emperor Jahangir considered him his opponent and finally got him arrested. Tortured and martyred him.
On the occasion of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s birth anniversary (April 15, 1563), let us know why Jahangir was angry with him? Why did he consider him his enemy?
When Akbar expressed regret, Jahangir was martyred.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was recognized as the fifth Guru on 16 September 1581. When he ascended the throne, the country was ruled by Akbar. Once a complaint reached Akbar that something was written against Islam in Granth Sahib. When Akbar inquired, it was completely opposite. Then Akbar presented 51 coins through Bhai Gurudas and Baba Buddha and also expressed regret. The same Akbar’s son and the next emperor got Guru Arjan Dev Ji first arrested and then martyred. It is said that Jahangir wanted to keep his rule strong. He was cautious of any influential person. The influence of Guru Arjan Dev was increasing rapidly. His followers were increasing. People considered him a spiritual leader. The Mughal court became worried due to this.
Mughal emperor Akbar. Photo: Getty Images
Special place of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Guru Arjan Dev Ji edited Guru Granth Sahib. From the point of view of calculation, the fifth Guru has the highest voice in this. His speech is composed in thirty ragas. He edited Guru Granth Sahib with the help of his brother Gurdas. The words of three dozen great people are compiled in Guru Granth Sahib, in which no discrimination of any kind is found. This was a major reason for his popularity, which irked Jahangir and he ordered his arrest. The editing of Guru Granth Sahib was completed in 1604. Within no time, this book and its message reached the peak of popularity.
Guru Arjan Dev.
Growing influence of Guru Arjan Dev
Guru Arjan Dev made Amritsar a religious centre. He got Harmandir Sahib built. This place was open to everyone. There was no discrimination here. This idea attracted people. This increased his popularity. This thing did not please Jahangir and his officials. They started harboring grudges.
Compilation of Adi Granth also became the reason for popularity
Guru Arjan Dev compiled Adi Granth. It also included the speeches of other saints along with Sikh Gurus. It also contained the writings of Hindu and Muslim saints. It was a symbol of unity but some fanatics did not like it. They felt that their influence would be reduced.
Jahangir has mentioned Guru Arjan Dev in his autobiography Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri. He wrote that the Guru’s influence had increased a lot. People were getting attracted towards him. He feared that this influence could take a political form, so he decided to control them.
Mughal emperor Jahangir.
Jahangir admitted that Khusro became a rebel because of him.
Khusro was the son of Jahangir. He rebelled against his father. It is said that he took blessings from Guru Arjan Dev. The Guru had only blessed. He did not support the rebellion but Jahangir viewed it with suspicion. This increased the opposition in his mind.
Some people in the Mughal court were against the Guru. Among these, the name of Chandu Shah is prominent. There were personal differences between him and the Guru. He spread things against the Guru in the court. This made the situation worse. Court politics also made this matter serious.
Guru ji did not compromise with his principles.
Jahangir fined Guru Arjan Dev. He was asked to change his teachings. But the Guru did not give up his principles. He adopted the path of truth. He did not accept any pressure. This was his greatness and because of this also Jahangir got irritated.
Guru Arjan Dev was arrested in 1606. He was subjected to severe torture. This incident was very sad. He endured everything, but did not give up his faith. In the end he died at the age of just 43. In Sikh tradition this is considered martyrdom.
This incident had a deep impact on the Sikh community. After this the Sikhs started preparing for their defence. Guru Hargobind Sahib organized the Sikhs. He also paid attention to military power. This brought a new change in the Sikh sect.
Jahangir had accepted the challenge
Historians believe that this was not just a religious dispute. Politics was also involved in this. The growing influence of the Guru felt like a challenge to the Mughal emperor. Besides, court conspiracies also became the reason. Jahangir’s view on this subject is found in Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri. At the same time, a detailed description is found in Dr. Ganda Singh’s book History of Sikhism. We understand different aspects from both these sources.
In this way, it can be said that there were many reasons behind considering Guru Arjan Dev as an enemy. His growing influence was a big reason. His teachings were based on equality and unity. This was not acceptable to some people. Political circumstances were also behind this. Still Guru Arjan Dev did not compromise with his principles. His martyrdom still inspires. It teaches us the importance of truth and courage. His life and sacrifice are an important part of history.
Also read: Why the Mughals could not capture South India, who stopped them? Know 5 big reasons
