Shield of India: The Brave Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
In the vibrant and sometimes turbulent landscape of 17th-century India, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, stood as a beacon of courage, compassion, and justice. Born on April 1, 1621, he was destined to guide his followers through times of distress. By 1664, he had been anointed as Guru, and his teachings emphasized liberty and fearlessness. The crucial turning point came in early 1675, when a group of Kashmiri Pandits, facing brutal oppression under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, approached Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib. They were given a chilling ultimatum: convert to Islam or face death. Guru Tegh Bahadur, moved by their plight, declared that the right to faith must be protected for everyone, no matter their religion. On July 11, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur set out for Delhi to stand up against this injustice. He was arrested and bravely endured harsh torture along with his devoted companions. On November 11, 1675, his companions—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayal Das, and Bhai Sati D...