Mission Statement
Sikhistories is committed to telling the collective story of Sikhism through personal anecdotes, historical narratives, oral accounts, and art. This digital archive represents our attempt to document and preserve Sikh culture. Weaving together threads from every corner of the globe, this tapestry of Sikh heritage will ensure that the lived experiences of Sikhs endure for generations to come.
Sikhism is the world’s youngest major religion. While there are pockets of Sikh communities in every continent, Sikhs are generally quite concentrated in Punjab. The striking recency and geographic proximity of the Panth contribute to a close-knit, family dynamic within the community. Just as every family has its own set of stories and collective experiences, so too does the broader “family” of all Sikhs.
We invite Sikhs worldwide to contribute to this cultural repository in whatever way they can: video accounts, family photos, stories of ancestors, personal reflections on what it means to be Sikh, and more. This collaborative effort is more than just an archive or documentation project. It’s a living, breathing history, meant to draw on and develop a further sense of unity within the community.
Heritage Archive
The Bagrian family traces its origins to the Marwar region of present-day Rajasthan, where their Khokhar Rajput ancestors thrived. Forced by the territorial expansion of the Delhi Sultanate, the clan migrated north to Bhatinda in southwest Punjab around the 13th century. The family's transformation into devout Sikhs began with Sidhu, who, after marrying a Sikh woman, embraced the Sikh faith, causing a rift with their Sakhi Sarwar-worshipping relatives. In 1614, Sidhu's son, Roop Chand, was baptized by Guru Hargobind, marking the family's formal entry into Sikhism. The iconic act of selfless devotion in 1631, under the scorching sun, earned them the Guru's blessings and the title of Bhai.
The House of Bagrian played a crucial role during the birth of the Khalsa in the early 18th century. Guru Gobind Singh found refuge in Bhai Roop Chand's house after the Battle of Chamkaur, receiving the sword and robes of honor from his grandfather, Guru Hargobind. Bhai Dharam Singh, son of Roop Chand, likely carried the Zafarnama to Emperor Aurangzeb.
In the fragmented landscape of the mid-18th century Sikh confederacy, Bhai Guddar Singh of Bagrian served as the royal priest for the Phulkian chiefs. His intervention in saving the daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh from infanticide showcased the family's commitment to humanitarian values. The family's influence continued into the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, with Bhai Mohar Singh handling diplomatic affairs and contributing to the consolidation of the Sikh Empire.
The aftermath of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death marked a tumultuous period for the House of Bagrian. The colonial powers seized the opportunity, leading to the First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars. The Bagrian family faced punitive measures, losing their independent status, armory, and significant territories. However, during the Rebellion of 1857, Bhai Sampuran Singh's support for the British demonstrated the family's adaptability and contributed to the perception of Sikhs as a "martial race."
As the 20th century dawned, Bhai Arjan Singh OBE emerged as a significant figure in Sikh communal politics. Despite receiving British honors for his contributions to the war effort, he covertly supported nationalist sentiments. Leading the Singh Sabha movement, he worked towards protecting Sikh identity and played a pivotal role in founding the Chief Khalsa Diwan. Eventually, he shifted towards a more radical approach, supporting the Central Sikh League and contributing to the Indian independence movement. To this day, the Bagrian estate continues to serve the Sikh community under the stewardship of Bhai Ashok Singh, Bhai Sikandar Singh, and Bhai Jujhar Singh.
The House of Bagrian
