The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors, Volume 5

An account of the early years of Guru Gobind Rai has already been given in the life of Guru Teg Bahadur. Guru Gobind Rai, after his father’s death, continued with even more diligence than before to prepare himself for his great mission. He procured a supply of sharp-pointed arrows from Lahore, and practised archery with great industry. The Guru’s principal companions and bodyguard at this time were his aunt Viro’s five sons — Sango Shah, Jit Mai, Gopal Chand, Ganga Ram, Mahri Chand; his uncle Suraj Mai’s two grandsons, Gulab Rai and Sham Das; Kripal, his maternal uncle; Bhai Daya Ram, the friend of his youth and Bhai Nand Chand, an upright and favourite masand. The descendants of the Gurus, the masands, and the sons and grandsons of those who had served Guru Gobind Rai’s father and grandfather gathered round his standard. He also entertained a number of singers, who sang the Gurus’ hymns, and a number of bards who composed and sang in succession quatrains in praise of the Gurus. So great was the enthusiasm that the women of the city used to climb the top stories of their houses and chant the Guru’s praises in extempore verses.