The years from 1675 to 1699 were very important in the life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This time is called the Pre Khalsa period. During these years, Guru Ji organised an army, adopted royal symbols, and built Paonta Sahib as a strong centre. He also trained Sikhs in fighting skills and encouraged them through literature. These steps slowly prepared the ground for the creation of the Khalsa in 1699. How did these events shape Sikh history? Let us understand the main happenings of this period.
Army Organisation
When Guru Gobind Singh Ji became Guru in 1675, he saw that Sikhs needed strength to face the difficult times. So, he decided to build an army. He told Sikhs that if a family had four sons, one should join the Guru’s army to serve Sikhism. He also asked Sikhs to give him horses and weapons instead of money. The Sikhs followed his words with great excitement. Soon, many Sikhs joined the army and a large number of weapons and horses were collected. This made the Sikh community stronger and ready to face challenges.
Adoption of Royal Symbols
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, like his grandfather Guru Hargobind Ji, showed his leadership by adopting royal symbols. He wore a kalgi (aigrette) on his turban, sat on a throne, and used a royal umbrella. He kept a strong army with many horses and elephants. Guru Ji also went to the forests of Makhowal for hunting, which was a sign of royal power in those days. To inspire his Sikhs, he had a big drum made called the ‘Ranjit Nagara.’ This drum was beaten to announce his presence and to show the growing strength of the Sikh community.
Invitation from Nahan
As Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s influence grew, Bhim Chand, the ruler of Kahlur, became jealous. At that time, Guru Ji did not want to fight because he was still building his army. He was thinking of moving to a safer place when King Medni Parkash of Nahan invited him. Guru Ji accepted the invitation and went with his family from Makhowal to Nahan. On the banks of the Yamuna River, at a quiet and beautiful spot, Guru Ji built a fort called Paonta Sahib. The word ‘Paonta’ means a foothold or a place to stay. This fort became an important centre for Guru Ji’s future plans.
Activities at Paonta Sahib during the Pre Khalsa Period
At Paonta Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji began training Sikhs in military skills. They learned horse‑riding and how to use guns. On the advice of Pir Budhu Shah of Sadhaura, Guru Ji also added 500 Pathans to his army. These Pathans had earlier served in the Mughal army. Along with military work, Guru Ji encouraged literature at Paonta Sahib. He gave support to 52 poets in his court. Their writings praised God and inspired Sikhs to fight against injustice and cruelty. In this way, Paonta Sahib became both a centre of military training and a centre of learning. Guru Ji’s contribution to literature is remembered as very special.
The years from 1675 to 1699 mark the Pre Khalsa period of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a time of preparation and transformation. Guru Ji first focused on Army Organisation, asking Sikh families to dedicate one son and contribute horses and weapons. This built a strong, disciplined force. He then adopted Royal Symbols like the kalgi, throne, umbrella, and the war drum Ranjit Nagara, projecting authority and inspiring confidence. Facing jealousy from Bhim Chand, Guru Ji accepted the Invitation from Nahan and established Paonta Sahib on the Yamuna’s banks, a safe and strategic base. At Paonta Sahib, he trained Sikhs in horse‑riding and musketry, recruited 500 Pathans, and supported 52 poets whose writings praised God and encouraged resistance against injustice.
Together, these steps strengthened the Sikh community militarily, culturally, and spiritually. The Pre Khalsa period was not just preparation but the foundation for the Khalsa’s creation in 1699, shaping Sikh identity and resilience for generations.
