The Nihang or Akali is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent. Nihang are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore or from the "Akali Dal" started by Guru Hargobind. Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.
Etymology
Nihang may come from the Persian word for a mythical sea creature. The term owes its origin to Mughal historians, who compared the ferocity of the Akali with that of crocodiles. The meaning of Akali in Sikhism however, is the immortal army of Akal.
Arms and attire
Traditional Nihang dress is known as Khalsa Swarupa. This comprises full attire of superelectric blue selected by Guru Gobind Singh Ji after conflicts with Vazir Khan, the Mughal Governor of Sirhind, edged bracelets of iron round their wrists and quoits of steel tiered in their lofty conical blue turbans, together with the traditional dagger carried by all Sikhs. When fully armed a Nihang will also bear one or two swords on his right hip, a katar on his left hip, a buckler made from buffalo-hide on his back, a large chakram around his neck, and an iron chain. In times of war, arms worn on the Nihang's person would generally be reserved until the warrior lost the weapon he held, often a bow or spear. Armour consisted of sanjo or iron chainmail worn under an iron breastplate. Nihang war-shoes were constructed of iron at the toe, making their pointed toes capable of inflicting cuts and stab wounds. The Nihang were particularly famous for their high turbans and their extensive use of the chakram or war-quoit. Their turbans were often pointed at the top and outfitted with a chand torra or trident which could be used for stabbing in close-quarters. Other times, the turbans would be armed with a bagh naka and one or several chakram to slice at an opponent's eyes. These steel-reinforced turbans, it was said, afforded enough protection so that there was no need for any other form of headgear. Today, Nihang still wear miniature versions of five weapons in their turbans, namely the chakram, the khanda, the karud, the kirpan, and the tir.
Nihang today
Nihang today are accorded great respect and affection by sections of the Sikh community, but they have separate beliefs and certain practices. While the order is primarily ceremonial, they are duty-bound to defend their people and faith in times of war. Nihang gather in their thousands at Anandpur, in the state of Punjab, India. Located near the Sutlej River, the city is one of the most sacred places in Sikhism, where they display their martial skills.
Use of intoxicants
Some Nihang groups consume cannabis or shaheedi degh , purpotedly to help in meditation. Sukha parshaad, "Dry-sweet", is the term Nihang use to refer to it. It was traditionally crushed and taken as a liquid, especially during festivals like Hola Mohalla. It is never smoked, as this practice is forbidden in Sikhism. In 2001, Jathedar Santa Singh, the leader of Budha Dal, along with 20 chiefs of Nihang sects, refused to accept the ban on consumption of shaheedi degh by the apex Sikh clergy - in order to preserve traditional sikh practices. According to a recent BBC article, "Traditionally they also drank shaheedi degh, an infusion of cannabis, to become closer with God"
