Summary Of The Book 'Baba Dayal - Crusader of True Sikhism' By Dr Man Singh Nirankari

Baba Dayal, the founder of the Nirankari Reform Movement, was the most outstanding thinker of his times. His views and interpretation of Sikh beliefs merit special mention. The significant career of this eminent thinker and practical reformer deserves reconstruction with utmost care and objectivity. His main contribution was to re-interpret Guru Nanak's teachings, especially the belief in one Nirankar (Formless One) and to free the minds of the people from all types of superstitions.

The Nirankari Movement was indeed a revolutionary one of its time which left its indelible mark in respect to subsequent socio-religious reforms. Baba Dayal was a Sahajdhari Sikh, born in the year 1783 at Peshawar. His father died at Dayal Ji's age of infancy. He was brought up by his noble mother Ladiki, who was a grand daughter of Bhai Bhagwan Singh, the treasurer of Guru Gobind Singh. He was brought up in the Sikh traditions by his mother. He was educated and taught Sikh scriptures and Sikh history by his mother. Mata Ladiki on her death bed expressed her last wish, that Dayal should lead his life strictly as true Sikh. Baba Dayal kept his promise throughout his life.

This was a matter of providential coincidence that side by side with the ascendancy in political field by Khalsa, a quiet revolution was taking shape for the reformation of Sikh religion. There were two men of destiny who contributed mainly in the sphere of political conquest and religious transformation which changed the course of history. These two men of destiny were Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Baba Dayal was a determined leader who emphasised that for all religious matters under discussion the ultimate decision should be taken according to Guru's Words which speaks with finality. He studied Gurbani from its true perceptive. He found marked difference between precept and practice.

Being a practical reformer his way of preaching was dramatic. In this matter he followed the foot-steps of his master, the great Guru Nanak. Once Maharaja Ranjit Singh on his visit to Rawalpindi heard about Babaji's fame, and sent one gold coin (Mohar) through one of his courtiers as offering. Baba Dayal sent back the courtier without accepting the offering, with a polite message, that offering sent by proxy will not help Maharaja spiritually. Like a true Sikh Ranjit Singh should attend the congregational prayer and participate in listening Gurbani. Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepted the hint and on subsequent day participated in the function. He was greatly impressed by the piety of Baba Dayal and offered jagir to Baba Ji, which he politely refused to accept.

He believed that a true preacher must earn his livelihood by hard labour. Preaching for him was dedication and not a profession. Baba Dayal was the pioneer in introducing radical reforms in ceremonies connected with birth, marriage and death. Ultimately all those reforms were adopted by the Sikhs in general, and Nirankari Sikhs in particular. In his life time he said to those who vehementally opposed these reforms, "They do not know what they are doing, a time will come when all Sikhs would follow these reforms." These were his prophetic words.

It is surprising and indeed unfortunate that no proper recognition is conferred upon this great son of Punjab. Hardly any Punjabi knows his name, most of the Sikh organisation have ignored him. Even Sikh intellectuals and scholars have failed to give proper lead in this direction. Had Baba Dayal been in Bengal or Mahrashtra his fame as practical reformer would have resounded throughout the world. Nirankaris must share the blame for not projecting his epic life-story in befitting manner. If this brief introductory biographical sketch of Baba Dayal Ji inspires some of us for leading true Sikh way of life shall feel this attempt as duly rewarded.