SKETCH OF THE SIKHS. g^'t 



his sword. Govind, in consequence of this pretended divine order, vowed 

 he would preserve his hair, devoted and sacred to that divinity, and direc*; 

 ted his followers to do the same.* The origin of that blue, chequered-f- 

 dress, which was at one time worn by all Govind's followers, and is still 

 worn by the Acdlis, or never-dying, the most remarkable class of devo- 

 tees of that SQ&, is differently stated by different authors ; but it appears 

 probable, that both these institutions proceeded from the policy of Go- 

 vind, who sought to separate his followers from all other classes oi India ^ 

 as much by their appearance, as by their religion ; and he judged with wis- 

 dom, when he gave consequence to such distin6lions, which, though first 

 established, as mere forms, soon supersede the substance of belief; and, 

 when strengthened by usage, become the points to which ignorant and un-. 

 enlightened minds have, in all ages of the world, shewn the most resolute 

 and unconquerable adherence. 



Gu'Ru' Govind inculcated his tenets upon his followers by his preach- 

 ing, his adlions, and his works * among which is the Das'amd Pddshdh ka 

 Grant'h, or the book of the tenth king or ruler ; Guru' Govind being 

 the tenth leader of the se6t from Na'nac. This volume, which is not 

 limited to religious subjects, but filled with accounts of his own battles, 

 and written with the view of stirring up a spirit of valor and emulation ' 

 sunong his followers, is at least as much revered, among the Sikhs, as the 

 Adi-Grant'h of Arjunmal. Govind is said to have first instituted the 

 Guru Mil! ^a, or state council, among the Sikhs, which meets at A7nritsar. 



• The goddess Durga'Bhava'ni' is said, by a Sj7i/i author, to be rcprcscutcd, iii some 

 Images, with her hair lon<r and dishevelled. 



+ This institution is also siiid to be borrowed from the llindu mytho!oi,^y. Bala Ra'm, 

 the elder brother of CuTsiina, wore blue clothes, from which he is called iS^/Jw^w, ox the 

 dothed in dark blue f and Shilivas, ox the 0/uc clothed. 



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