[47wale-blog]

Shaheedi Profiles ft. Women: Bibi Harsharan Kaur - The last Shaheed of the Battle of Chamkaur

After the 72 hour long Battle of Chamkaur against a Mughal army of 10 lakh (1 million), which resulted in the Shaheedi of 36 of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj’s Singhs, as well as the Shaheedi of the elder Sahibzade - Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, a strong barrier was placed around the Fort of Chamkaur. As the soldiers went from village to village, making their announcements, the people of the villages were in terror and ran back to their homes to take shelter. 

However, this wasn’t the story of every household. In a village called Khroond, a 16 year old fearless daughter of Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, named Bibi Harsharan Kaur, asked her mother if she could perform the final rites for the Shaheeds of the Battle of Chamkaur. Her elderly mother replied back saying “it is total darkness outside and the soldiers are everywhere around the fort. How will you even go near?” Upon hearing this, Kalgidhar Dasmesh Pita Ji’s lioness responded by saying “I will avoid the soldiers and perform the cremation, and if need be, I’ll fight and die.” 

Instead of stopping Bibi Harsharan Kaur, her mother encouraged her and hugged her tight. She went on to explaining the Maryada that Bibi Ji needed to follow for the cremation. Bibi Harsharan Kaur did Ardaas to Akaal Purakh Vaheguroo Ji and left for the Fort of Chamkaur.

The battlefield which previously saw iron striking against iron, hooves trotting and soldiers yelling “Kill! Capture!”, had now fallen silent and was engulfed by darkness. The young Bibi Harsharan Kaur moved along smartly, avoided the guards and finally reached the Fort.

Upon arriving at the Fort, Bibi Ji saw dead bodies lying everywhere and identifying the bodies of Sikhs seemed very difficult. However, she kept her faith in Maharaj and searched for wrists with karas around them, torsos with kacheras and heads with long kesh. She wiped the face of every Shaheed as she found their bodies. With her great determination, Bibi Ji found the bodies of Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, along with approximately 30 other Shaheeds. Being cautious of the of the approaching day light, Bibi Harsharan Kaur collected wood and worked rapidly to prepare a pyre, and then lit the fire. 

The rising flames shocked the guards and caught their attention. They ran towards the pyre and saw Bibi Harsharan Kaur sitting next to the pyre. Sitting there, Bibi Ji recited Kirtan Sohila Sahib. The guards stood there, shocked and confused about how a sole woman managed to enter the fort on such a dark night. The guards then had the following conversation with Bibi Harsharan Kaur:

Guard: “Who are you?”

Bibi Ji: “I am the daughter of Guru Gobind Singh.”

Guard: “What are you doing here?”

Bibi Ji: “I am cremating my martyred brothers.”

Guard: “Don’t you know about the order that coming here is a crime?”

Bibi Ji: “I know it.”

Guard: “Then why have you disobeyed that order?”

Bibi Ji: “The orders of a false king do not stand before the orders of the Sachepatshah (True King)”

Guard: “Meaning?”

Bibi Ji: “Meaning that I have respect for the Singhs in my heart and with the Guru’s grace I have done my duty. I don’t care about your King’s orders.”

Upon hearing such fierce answers, the Mughals were infuriated and attempted to capture and attack her. However, being the true daughter of Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, Bibi Harsharan Kaur grabbed her kirpan and fought back with determination. After killing and injuring many soldiers, she fell to the ground due to the injuries she obtained. The soldiers then burned Bibi Harsharan Kaur alive, by throwing her into the pyre. Bibi Ji became Shaheed while serving her Shaheed brothers. 

The following day, story of Bibi Harsharan Kaur’s seva reached Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Talvandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib) and her elderly mother. Upon learning about her daughter’s unparalleled bravery and Shaheedi, Mata Ji thanked Akaal Purakh and said “my daughter has proven herself worthy.”

Till date, the incomparable seva and and Shaheedi of Bibi Harsharan Kaur continues being an inspiration to many young Singhs and Singhnia. May Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj also bless us with the faith, determination and love Bibi Harsharan Kaur had for HER Panth - OUR Panth - the SIKH Panth. 

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare! 

[veilofhues]

1984: The Riots, The Death of Indira Gandhi, and the Sikh Struggle Against Racism

This post presents an unapologetic perspective on the events of 1984 and their aftermath. It reflects a personal and uncompromising stance rooted in the Sikh experience. If you are uncomfortable with confronting harsh truths or unwavering views, I suggest you read no further.

This isn’t just another blog post. As a Sikh, what I’m about to share is not just history; it’s a part of who I am. The events of 1984 resonate with me on a deeply personal level. They’re a reminder of the battles my community has faced, the injustice endured, and the resilience we’ve carried through it all. This story is cold, hard truth—a truth that many would rather forget or distort, but one that we, as Sikhs, carry as a badge of honor, for it reminds us of who we are: strong, sovereign, and unyielding.

The Assassination of Indira Gandhi: The Spark

On October 31, 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh. This was not a senseless act of violence. It was an act of justice. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was not an isolated event but a direct response to an assault on the heart of Sikh faith. Satwant Singh and Beant Singh did what was right. They stood up for their faith, for the desecration of the Guru’s home, and for the dignity of Sikhs. Their actions were a direct and justified response to the sacrilege committed by the Indian government. This was not revenge; it was a statement that the Sikh spirit cannot and will not tolerate injustice or the destruction of what is sacred to us. Earlier that year, the Indian government, under her orders, launched Operation Blue Star, a military operation to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. But what was supposed to be a targeted mission turned into a brutal desecration of our holiest site. Tanks rolled into the temple complex, bullets flew across the sacred ground where Sikhs had prayed for centuries, and blood was spilled where peace should have reigned.

The 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: A Calculated Massacre

What followed her assassination wasn’t a riot. It was a massacre. Mobs, armed with voter lists and the backing of political leaders, targeted Sikhs in a wave of organized violence. Men were dragged from their homes, women were brutalized, children were slaughtered—all because they wore turbans, all because they were Sikhs. The death toll reached thousands, though the scars left on the survivors are countless.

This was not the work of a random mob. This was state-sponsored terror. Sikh homes and businesses were burned, gurdwaras desecrated, and the very identity of being Sikh was turned into a death sentence. The perpetrators walked free; their crimes shielded by political powers that were meant to protect every Indian citizen but chose to turn a blind eye instead.

After 1984: The Weight of Stereotypes and Racism

In the years that followed, being Sikh became synonymous with being a target. Racism against Sikhs wasn’t just casual—it was venomous, pointed, and deliberate. We were called “Khalistani” as if the demand for justice equated to extremism. Sikhs, even those with no involvement in any political movement, were labeled as “terrorists.” People spat the word "Khalistani" without knowing what it meant—without understanding the roots of the movement or the grievances that led to it. It became a slur, a weapon used to dehumanize us, to make us feel like we didn’t belong in our own country.

The irony? Many who used these terms had no real understanding of what "Khalistani" even meant. They failed to grasp that Sikhs who fought for justice and their rights were being unjustly vilified as extremists. The Khalistan movement, which emerged as a call for an independent Sikh state, was a complex issue born out of genuine grievances, but it became a convenient excuse to malign an entire community.

The word “Lassi” too—a seemingly innocent drink, used to strip us of our dignity. These weren’t just taunts. They were attempts to erase our identity, to push us into a corner, to make us feel like foreigners in our own land. People feared the beard, the turban, the kara—symbols of our faith that we hold so dear—because they didn’t understand them. They didn’t try to. Ignorance became an excuse for hate.

The Burden of Racism: Misunderstood and Misrepresented

For Sikhs in India and the diaspora, the post-1984 era became a time of fear and marginalization. Sikhs in schools, workplaces, and even public spaces were subjected to racist jokes, comments, and outright exclusion. The turban, the beard, the kara—all symbols of Sikh identity—became targets for ridicule. Without understanding the historical or cultural significance of these symbols, people lumped Sikhs into harmful stereotypes.

It wasn’t just in India. Globally, Sikhs began to face xenophobia, especially post-9/11, when many were mistakenly identified as terrorists due to their appearance. Sikhs were attacked, harassed, and subjected to constant questioning of their patriotism or loyalty.

The Strength of the Khalsa

But what they didn’t understand is that we, the Sikhs, are a community forged in the fires of persecution. The spirit of the Khalsa, the sovereign and the pure, is not one that bends or breaks easily. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa in 1699, he made us warriors—warriors for justice, warriors for equality, and warriors who would stand unflinchingly against oppression, even when the world tried to strip us of our identity.

We survived 1984, not because we were shielded, but because our resilience is written in our DNA. Our turbans are not symbols of defiance; they are symbols of sovereignty. Our beards are not symbols of extremism; they are symbols of our discipline and connection to our faith. We do not fear labels like "Khalistani" or "Lassi." We do not flinch in the face of racist slurs.

The Legacy of 1984: Standing Strong

To this day, many Sikhs, including myself, carry the weight of 1984 in our hearts. It is a wound, but it is also a reminder of our strength. The perpetrators of those massacres have not been brought to justice, but the Sikh community has risen time and again, stronger and more unified than before. We have fought for recognition, for the truth to be told, and for the world to understand what we went through.

Racism, whether in India or abroad, has not stopped us. In every country we live, we continue to contribute, to serve, to live by the principles of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the rest of the gurus who sacrificed so much. Our faith teaches us to live with compassion, but it also teaches us never to bow in the face of tyranny.

This is not just a chapter in history—it is the blood and spirit of every Sikh who stands tall today. We do not need to prove our loyalty or our identity to anyone. We are Sikhs. We are Khalsa. And we will never be silenced.

[weltenwellen]

Louise Glück, Poems 1962-2012

[weltenwellen]

 Li-Young Lee, The Winged Seed: A Remembrance

[veilofhues]

[veilofhues]

[veilofhues]

Unmasking Honor Killings: A Socio-Legal Perspective

A few days ago, I sat in my dimly lit room , my heart racing as the story unfolded on the screen. Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter portrayed star-crossed lovers, Parthavi and Madhukar, who dared to defy societal norms. Their love transcended caste boundaries, but it came at a steep price—the wrath of Parthavi’s family. As the scenes unfolded, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The haunting music, the stolen glances, and the palpable tension—all of it echoed the pain of countless real-life couples.

How can love be a crime?

Why do families prioritize honor over their children’s happiness?

When will society break free from these shackles?

And then it hit me—I had to write about this. Not just as an academic exercise, but as a plea for change. The movie “Dhadak” became my catalyst, igniting a fire within me to expose the darkness of honor killings.

Introduction

Honor killings, a dark reality in many societies, continue to haunt us. These acts of violence are perpetrated against individuals—often women—who defy societal norms by marrying against their families’ wishes, having pre-marital relationships, or seeking divorce. In India, honor killings are particularly prevalent, impacting families, communities, and the fabric of our society.

Understanding Honor Killings

Definition: Honor killings involve the murder of a family member, usually a woman, due to perceived dishonor or shame brought upon the family.

Triggers: Reasons for honor killings include inter-caste or inter-religious marriages, pre-marital relationships, and even allegations of adultery.

Gender Bias: While both men and women can be victims, women bear the brunt of this violence. The mere perception of dishonoring the family can lead to a brutal attack on their lives.

Socio-Legal Context

Morality: Indian society adheres to a caste-based stratification system, where caste and gender identity at birth determine one’s status. Transgressing these boundaries disrupts the social order.

Article 21: The Constitution of India guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. Honor killings directly violate this fundamental right.

Legal Framework: Although there’s no specific law addressing honor killings, existing provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) can be invoked to prosecute offenders.

Case Studies

Rajkumar and Deepa: A Dalit-Thakur couple faced brutal violence after fleeing their hometown to marry. Deepa’s family couldn’t accept their love, leading to Rajkumar’s tragic death.

Kaushalya and Shankar: Despite opposition, this inter-caste couple married. However, they were attacked in broad daylight by Kaushalya’s family.

In the last 15 years, over 30000 men, women, and children have been killed in the name of "Honour"

Killing innocent love is not Honourable. It is an act of cowardice and a crime against humanity.

CONCLUSION

In the face of honor killings, our society must confront this issue head-on. It’s time to raise our voices, challenge entrenched norms, and pave the way for a more compassionate and just world—one where love is not a currency that costs lives.

[fatimazainab]

Charles Bukowski

[veilofhues]

The Sinister Symphony: Unraveling the Nexus of Music and Political Propaganda

In this murky world, music becomes more than just a medium of artistic expression; it transforms into a potent weapon that can sway hearts, manipulate minds, and solidify the foundations of political control. With every note, composers and propagandists alike have woven tales of loyalty, nationalism, and dissent, leaving an indelible mark on the muniments of time.

I. The Power of Melody: Stirring Emotions and Shaping Minds

Music, with its ability to evoke emotions and touch the soul, has been harnessed by political leaders to sway the masses. Propagandists carefully select melodies that resonate with collective sentiments, using them as a conduit to deliver their messages. Whether it's the rousing anthems of patriotism or melancholic ballads of sacrifice, music can enchant minds and manipulate perceptions. For example

Nazi Germany's Propaganda Machine

During the dark days of Nazi Germany, the Third Reich skillfully employed music to propagate their ideology. The infamous "Horst-Wessel-Lied" became the anthem of the Nazi Party, spreading its message of nationalism and anti-Semitic hatred. The orchestration of concerts and public performances ensured the dissemination of propaganda to the masses, leaving an indelible mark on history.

II. Musicians as Pawns: The Duality of Art and Politics

Artists, with their creative brilliance, often find themselves caught in the crossfire of political agendas. Music becomes a double-edged sword, providing an avenue for self-expression while potentially becoming a pawn for political manipulation.

THE SOVIET UNION’S CENSORSHIP OF DISSENT

In the Soviet Union, musicians faced the pressure of conforming to the state's socialist realism principles. Those who deviated from the prescribed themes were censored or even persecuted. On the other hand, some artists found subtle ways to express dissent, embedding hidden meanings in their lyrics and compositions, attempting to circumvent the grip of political censorship.

III. Battle of Narratives: Music in Political Movements

Political movements have harnessed music as a unifying force, igniting passion and inspiring change. From protests to revolutions, the anthems of resistance have amplified the voices of the oppressed and emboldened the fight against injustice.

The American Civil Rights Movement

The American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s found strength in music. Songs like "We Shall Overcome" became the rallying cries for equality and justice. These musical expressions not only galvanized the movement but also inspired solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity.

C O N C L U S I O N

As we venture deeper into the shadows of history, we encounter the haunting legacy of music entangled with political propaganda. Its undeniable power to sway emotions and shape minds has made it a potent weapon in the hands of manipulators throughout time.

Yet, we must also remember that music remains a reflection of our collective consciousness, capable of inspiring revolutions and giving voice to the silenced. As we tread this intricate tapestry of music and politics, let us be mindful of its duality and harness its potential to create a world where freedom of expression and human rights thrive.

@ivorytome

[veilofhues]

Unleashing the Riot Grrrl Spirit: An Ode to Feminist Rebellion

Riot Grrrl, born in the fires of the early 1990s, emerged as a revolutionary force in the world of feminism. Led by fearless young women who were tired of the patriarchy's suffocating grip, this movement breathed life into alternative cultures and subversive ideologies

But what happens when the fiery spirit of Riot Grrrl dances with the dark beauty…A harmonious collision of rebellion and self-expression, of course!

-THE MYTH OF INCLUSIVITY

Riot Grrrl is often portrayed as an inclusive movement that welcomed women from all walks of life. However, a closer examination reveals a stark reality. The movement primarily focused on the experiences of white, middle-class women, marginalizing the voices of women of color, queer individuals, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This lack of intersectionality within Riot Grrrl raises important questions about the movement's true commitment to inclusivity.

-THE ANATOMY OF REBELLION: MUSIC, ANGER, and IDENTITY

At the heart of Riot Grrrl lies an unfiltered expression of raw emotion. Bands like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, and Sleater-Kinney used their music as a weapon, lashing out against the oppressive structures that plagued women's lives. The haunting lyrics, coupled with unbridled rage, became the anthem of a generation silenced for too long. Riot Grrrl's sonic rebellion provided an outlet for the darkness that lurked within, channeling it into a collective roar that refused to be ignored.

-THE ZINE CULTURE

Illuminating the Hidden Narratives

In the age before social media, Riot Grrrl used zines as a secret language to document their thoughts, experiences, and dreams. These handcrafted publications were the whispers shared among a chosen few, exposing the stark realities of misogyny, body shaming, and sexual assault. Through zines, the voices of Riot Grrrl transcended the margins of society, forging connections that reached far beyond their physical presence. In the dimly lit corners of coffee shops, basements, and bedrooms, these clandestine publications nurtured a sense of community, sparking flames of resistance.

-UNMASKING THE SHADOWS

The Complex Legacy

As with any movement, Riot Grrrl was not without its flaws and internal conflicts. The shadows of racism, exclusion, and privilege often tainted the pure intentions of this feminist resistance. It is essential to acknowledge and learn from these darker aspects, for they remind us that even in the pursuit of liberation, we are all subject to the complexities of our human condition. By shining a light on these shadows, we illuminate a path towards a more inclusive and intersectional feminist future.

[veilofhues]

Art Amidst Chaos:Unveiling the Expressions of Artists During Times of War

In the darkest moments of human history, artists have risen above the chaos and found solace in their creative endeavors. Through their brushes, pens, and instruments, they have captured the tumultuous emotions and haunting realities of war. In this blog post, we delve into the lives and works of artists who navigated the horrors of war, shedding light on their enduring legacies.

PICASSO : Capturing the Guernica Tragedy

1 .Pablo Picasso's iconic painting, "Guernica," stands as a testament to the human suffering and devastation wrought by war. Created in response to the bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, Picasso's masterpiece powerfully conveys the horrors of war through its distorted figures and stark monochromatic palette. #Picasso #Guernica #SpanishCivilWar

2. Remarque: Words of War

Erich Maria Remarque, a German author, penned the seminal novel "All Quiet on the Western Front." The novel exposes the brutal realities of World War I, delving into the psychological and emotional toll war exacts on soldiers. Remarque's evocative prose highlights the futility and senselessness of war, leaving an indelible impact on readers worldwide.

3. Shostakovich: Symphony of Sorrow

Dmitry Shostakovich, a renowned Russian composer, endured the atrocities of World War II. His Symphony No. 7, known as the "Leningrad Symphony," became a symbol of resistance against the Nazi invasion. Written during the siege of Leningrad, the symphony encapsulates the resilience and defiance of the human spirit in the face of war's horrors.

4. Kahlo: The Wounds of Conflict

Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter, portrayed her physical and emotional pain through her self-portraits, which often explored the consequences of war. Her work "The Two Fridas" poignantly reflects the disintegration of identity in the aftermath of war, with one Frida symbolizing her Mexican heritage and the other her European influence.

5. Capa: Bearing Witness Through the Lens

Robert Capa, a legendary war photographer, captured some of the most powerful images of conflict throughout the 20th century. From the Spanish Civil War to World War II, Capa's photographs revealed the harsh realities faced by civilians and soldiers alike. His iconic image, "The Falling Soldier," immortalizes the sacrifices made on the battlefield.

_CONCLUSION_

In times of war, artists transcend the boundaries of their mediums to confront the horrors and illuminate the profound truths hidden within. Their works serve as a poignant reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of art to speak out against violence. Let us honor these artists who dared to confront the darkest aspects of our world, sparking hope and contemplation amidst the chaos.

@ivorytome

[veilofhues]

Delving into the Depths: A Dark Academic Journey

Greetings, fellow scholars and seekers of knowledge,

Today marks the inception of a new endeavor, as I unveil my Tumblr account, a haven where the intricacies of literature, history, music, nostalgia, and personal opinions converge. Allow me to invite you on a dark academic journey, where the shadows of the past intertwine with the allure of the written word, accompanied by the haunting melodies of forgotten eras.

In the age of fleeting trends and shallow distractions, this realm offers solace to those who yearn for intellectual depth, contemplation, and a respite from the banality of the everyday. Here, we shall explore the vast expanse of human thought and experience, delving into the hidden corners of history and literature, unveiling forgotten narratives that whisper through the ages.

Literature, the mirror that reflects our collective soul, shall serve as our guide. We shall immerse ourselves in the works of long-gone masters, their ink-stained words seeping into our consciousness. From the chilling tales of Poe to the ethereal prose of Woolf, every page will lead us closer to the essence of the human condition. Together, we shall traverse the realms of fiction and non-fiction, discovering hidden gems and reevaluating revered classics.

History, that relentless teacher of the past, shall reveal its secrets to us. We shall unravel the intricacies of bygone eras, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, revolutions, and the enduring struggles of humanity. The echoes of forgotten battles and the whispers of long-dead leaders shall guide our understanding of the present, allowing us to reflect on the complexities of our own times.

But this journey is not limited to the written word alone. Music, the language of emotions, shall be our companion. From haunting classical compositions to the rebellious rhythms of rock 'n' roll, each note shall awaken forgotten sentiments and unlock hidden memories. Let us bask in the melodies that have shaped generations, transporting us to times long gone.

Nostalgia, that wistful longing for days past, shall be the thread that binds us. Together, we shall revisit the cherished relics of our collective memories, reminiscing about the toys, movies, and cultural artifacts that colored our lives. Through shared experiences, we shall celebrate the beauty of nostalgia, cherishing the moments that shaped us into who we are today.

Lastly, this domain shall be a platform for the expression of personal opinions. I encourage open dialogue and respectful debates, for it is through the exchange of ideas that our perspectives expand and evolve. Let us challenge one another, engaging in intellectual discourse that will leave no stone unturned.

So, my dear companions, join me as we embark on this journey through the labyrinthine corridors of knowledge and imagination. Together, we shall traverse the annals of literature, history, music, nostalgia, and opinions, shedding light on the hidden recesses of our shared human experience.

May this Tumblr account become a sanctuary for the curious souls, the lovers of intellectual pursuit, and the seekers of truth. Let our collective quest for knowledge be adorned with the darkness of academia, casting a captivating glow upon our path.

Yours in the pursuit of enlightenment .

@ivorytome