historyof
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

The fifth Sikh Guru, Akali Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606) sensed troubled times ahead given the increasing tensions between Akbar and the Hindu Rajputs.

It was he who began the process of militarising the Sikhs.

At this time Mughal ruler Akbar was still locked in conflict with the few remaining die hard Rajputs ('By My Sword and Shield - Traditional Weapons of the Indian Warrior', Jaiwant Paul, Pa. 44-45 Col. James Tod, Annales and Antiques of Rajaat'han, (London, 1902), 1:597). Pa. 103-104).

'Surya Bansi' fifth Guru, himself a Kyshatriya had many Rajput disciples, and requested Akali Baba Buddha (who was now over 90 years old), to tutor his only son, Hargobind (1590–1644) in Shastar Vidiya. The aged Sikh hesitated about his ability and competence for such a task, but the Guru, “the protector of the poor”, assured him of his suitability ('Gurbilas Patshahi 6' (written 1720), eds. Joginder Singh & Dr Amarjit Singh, Published Punjab: Bhasha Vibhag (1998), Pa. 54-55)

Other young men were also taught Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya. The Guru also employed his martially trained Rajputs, Jatts, etc assist Akali Baba Buddha.