https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Inderjeet-Singh-21

Heritage of Punjab & Sindh, Derby (2026)

18/06/2026

GURU ARJAN'S MARTYRDOM - Father Jerome Xavier's letter, 25 September 1606

A Portuguese letter written from Lahore on September 25, 1606, by the well known Jesuit Father Jerome Xavier to the Provincial at Goa. The substance of it is reproduced by Father Fernao Gurreiro, S. J., in his Relacao Annual das Coisas que Fizeram os Padres da Compenhia de Jesus nos partes da India Oriental, printed at Lisbon in Portugal in 1609 (New edition, 3 vols, Coimbra-Lisbon, 1930-42).
While describing the flight of the rebellious prince Khusru, son of Emperor Jahangir, from Agra to the Panjab, Fr. Xavier mentioned towards the end of his letter the arrest and death of Guru Arjun. An English translation of the relevant portion of the letter is given by Mr. John A. D'Silva in his article The Rebellion of Prince Khusro according to Jesuit sources, published in the Journal of Indian History, volume V, 1927, p. 278; also in C. H. Payne's Jahangir and the Jesuits (The Broadway Travellers Series), pp. 11-12.
Fr. Xavier's account appears to be based on second-hand information regarding the details of tortures to which Guru Arjun was subjected. According to Dr Ganda Singh this should be read together with Jahangir’s autobiography, the Tuzk-i-Jahangiri.

Extract from Fr. Jerome Xavier's letter dated Lahore
September 25, 1606, translated by John A. D'Silva
When the prince [Khusro, son of Emperor Jahangir] was fleeing from Agra, on that road there was a pagan, called the guru, who was considered among the pagans like our Pope. He was supposed to be a holy man and honoured as such. And on account of his dignity and reputation, the prince visited him desirous of hearing a good prophecy from him. The Guru congratulated him for assuming sovereignty and applied three marks on his forehead. Although the Guru was a heathen, and the prince a Mussulman, yet he was glad in putting on the prince's forehead that pagan sign as a mark of good success in his enterprise, taking the prince as the son of a pagan mother. The prince received this sign on account of the wide reputation of the sanctity of the guru. The King came to know of this. Keeping the prince as a prisoner, he ordered the Guru to be brought before him and imprisoned him also.

Some pagans begged the King to release him, as he was their saint. At last it was settled that he should pay a fine of 100,000 cruzados. This was done at the request of a rich pagan who remained as a surety for him. He thought that the King might remit the fine or the saint might pay, or that he might borrow that amount, but in this affair the rich man was disappointed. He brought what 'his Pope' had in his house, including the household furniture, also the clothes of his wife and children, and finding that all he had was not enough to cover up the fine, since the pagans have no respect to their Pope or their father, besides depriving him of all his money, he tormented the saint with new insults every day. The poor saint even received kicks on his face on many occasions and was prevented from eating till he had paid more money. The rich man did not believe that he had no money, though he had absolutely nothing and no one was even willing to give him. Thus having suffered so many injuries, pains and insults, given by the same that were adoring him, the poor Guru died.

The surety-giver wanted to escape but was made a prisoner and killed after all his possessions had been confiscated.

Reference: Early European Accounts of the Sikhs by Dr Ganda Singh (1962)

18/06/2026

GURU ARJAN'S MARTYRDOM & TUZUK E JAHANGIRI

In a particular entry in the Jahangirnama related to this study Jahangir explicitly says that he ordered the ex*****on of Guru Arjan since he had blessed his eldest son, the rebel Prince Khusrau. In this context, Wheeler M. Thackston’s translation of the original Persian text (folios 27b-28a) reads as follows:

“There was a Hindu named Arjan in Gobindwal on the banks of the Beas River. [28a] Pretending to be a spiritual guide, he had won over as devotees many simpleminded Indians and even some ignorant, stupid Muslims by broadcasting his claims to be a saint. They called him guru. Many fools [dervish-garbed worshippers] from all around had recourse to him and believed in him implicitly. For three or four generations they had been pedaling this same stuff. For a long time I had been thinking that either this false trade should be eliminated or that he should be brought into the embrace of Islam. At length, when Khusraw passed by there, this inconsequential little fellow wished to pay homage to Khusraw. When Khusraw stopped at his residence, [Arjan] came out and had an interview with [Khusraw]. Giving him some elementary spiritual precepts picked up here and there, he made a mark with saffron on his forehead, which is called qashqa in the idiom of the Hindus and which they consider lucky. When this was reported to me, I realized how perfectly false he was and ordered him brought to me. I awarded his houses and dwellings and those of his children to Murtaza Khan, and I ordered his possessions and goods confiscated and him executed [siyasat o yasa rasanand].”

Yasa is the Mongol term for ‘law’ and siyasat means ‘punishment’, signifying the phrase as ‘punishment under law’. In Mughal times both words were used for capital punishment. Under the Yasa of Mongol warlord Genghis Khan (Chingiz Khan), the blood of princes and honoured persons was not spilled. Only those means of killing were employed for them that would prevent this happening. Thus, the punishment of extreme tortures was inflicted without shedding the blood of Guru Arjan who was a religious leader even in Jahangir’s eyes.

15/06/2026

4 INDIAN ORIGIN PLAYERS IN FIFA FOOTBALL WORLD CUP (Sikh, Hindu, Muslim & Christian) – INDIA TODAY REPORT

Four players with family origins in India are set to feature at the 2026 World Cup. Their stories stretch from Punjab and Kerala to New Zealand, Qatar, Australia and even the Caribbean, reflecting the many paths taken by the Indian diaspora over generations.

SARPREET SINGH (NEW ZEALAND)
Of the four names on this list, Sarpreet Singh is the one Indian football fans are most likely to recognise. Born in Auckland to parents whose family hails from Jalandhar, Punjab, Singh has been a prominent figure in New Zealand football for several years. His family ran a grocery store in Auckland, and he has never hidden his affection for his Punjabi heritage. "I'm from a very typical Punjabi family with a lot of uncles and aunties and cousins," Singh told Sportstar.
The attacking midfielder represented New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2017 and 2019 before graduating to the senior side. In 2019, he made headlines when Bayern Munich signed him from Wellington Phoenix, becoming one of the few players from New Zealand to join a European giant.
Although he spent much of his time on loan and did not break into Bayern's first team regularly, the move elevated his profile. Now 27, Singh plays club football with Serbian side TSC and remains an important member of the All Whites setup. Since making his senior debut in 2018, he has earned 24 international caps.

TAHSIN MOHAMMED JAMSHID (QATAR)
At the other end of the age spectrum is Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, who arrives at the World Cup as one of Qatar's emerging talents. The 19-year-old winger was born in Qatar to parents from Kerala. His father, Jamshid, played for the University of Calicut and Kerala's sub-junior team before moving to the Gulf nation, while his mother, Shyma, is from Kannur. Tahsin developed through Qatar's football system and now plays for Al Duhail, one of the country's leading clubs. His rise through the ranks culminated in a senior international debut against Afghanistan during a World Cup qualifier in 2024. Indian fans may remember him from Qatar's qualifying campaign, during which he was part of the squad that faced India in Doha. Reports have suggested that Tahsin continues to hold an Indian passport while also possessing a special Qatari mission passport that enables him to represent Qatar internationally. Still in the early stages of his career, he arrives at the World Cup with the chance to establish himself on a much bigger stage.

SAMUEL MOUTOUSSAMY (DR CONGO)
Samuel Moutoussamy's story is perhaps the most fascinating of the four. Born in France, the midfielder traces his Indian ancestry through his father, who belongs to the Indo-Guadeloupean community of Tamil origin. The community emerged from the migration of Indian indentured labourers to the Caribbean during the nineteenth century, creating a cultural link that has endured across generations. His mother is Congolese, and it was through her that Moutoussamy became eligible to represent DR Congo. Despite growing up in France and spending his club career there and in Turkey, he chose international football with the Leopards. Since making his debut in 2019, the 29-year-old has become one of the team's most dependable midfielders, collecting 57 caps along the way. Known for his work rate and composure in possession, Moutoussamy will bring valuable experience to a DR Congo side returning to the World Cup after a long absence.

NISHAN VELUPILLAY (AUSTRALIA)
Nishan Velupillay heads into the World Cup as one of Australia's most exciting attacking options. The Melbourne Victory winger was born and raised in Melbourne, but his family story stretches back to the Indian subcontinent. His father, Sasinath Velupillay, is of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, while his mother, Gillian Velupillay, is Anglo-Indian. After progressing through local clubs and Melbourne Victory's academy system, Velupillay earned his first senior Australia call-up under coach Tony Popovic in 2024.
His debut could hardly have gone better. Introduced in the closing stages of a World Cup qualifier against China, he scored seven minutes after coming on to help seal a 3-1 victory. That goal proved to be the start of a rapid rise. Velupillay has since earned seven caps and scored three times, with all of his goals coming in World Cup qualifiers. Those performances convinced Popovic to include the 25-year-old in Australia's final 26-man squad for the tournament.

Courtesy – Web Link in the Comment Section

08/06/2026

FIFTEEN MEN WHO R***D A CHILD IN BRADFORD DURING A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD OF HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE ARE BEGINNING JAIL SENTENCES TOTALLING 188 YEARS.

The longest sentence was handed to Yousaf Bhatti, 40, formerly of Heather Grove, off Haworth Road in Bradford, who received 17 years for eight r**es.

The survivor of the men’s attacks was aged between 14 and 18 at the time of the abuse, which took place during a four-years period more than a decade ago.

The woman was approached by the police in November 2015 after being identified by officers as a potential survivor of child sexual exploitation.

She was identified as police records indicated that she had been the subject of multiple missing person reports. A formal investigation was then launched in February 2016.

After Bhatti, the next longest sentence was handed to Anwar Aziz.
The 36-year-old, formerly of Victor Road, Manningham, Bradford, got 15 years for 14 r**es.

Then Omar Taj, 39, of Batley but formerly of Highgate, Heaton, Bradford, received 15 years for 12 r**es.

Faisal Rashid, 37, and formerly of Abbeydale Drive, Allerton, Bradford, committed ten r**es and was sentenced to 15 years.
The judge handed 13-and-a-half years to Abdul Basith.

The 44-year-old, formerly of Sylhet Close, off Lumb Lane in Bradford, was sentenced for four r**es and one conspiracy to r**e.
Burhan Uddin Ali got 13-and-a-half years.

The 39-year-old, formerly of Curzon Road, Barkerend in Bradford, committed four r**es.

Asif Budhia, 43, formerly of Wingfield Mount, Barkerend in Bradford, got 13 years for four r**es.

For committing four counts of r**e, 42-year-old Mohammed Nadeem Ali, formerly of North Park Terrace, Heaton, Bradford, was handed 13 years.

Hannan Miah, 40, of Bradford, received 12 years’ imprisonment for four r**es.

Ashfaq Ahmed from Halifax carried out two r**es. The 38-year-old, formerly of Warley Road, King Cross, got 12 years.

Aftab Ahmed, 37, formerly of Nearcliffe Road, Heaton, Bradford, received 11 years in prison for three r**es.

Amjad Hussain, 39, of Keighley and formerly of Gledhow Lane in north-east Leeds, was handed 10 years and five months for five counts of r**e.

Both Muhammad Yasir, 40, formerly of Heaton Road, Bradford, and Shahinul Haq, 39, formerly of Glen View Avenue, off Toller Lane, Bradford, received 10 years for r**e.

Jameel Ahmed, got eight years. The 35-year-old, formerly of Devonshire Terrace, Manningham, Bradford, was convicted of four counts of r**e.

The woman who survived the group’s attacks said her childhood had been taken away.

WEB LINK IN THE COMMENTS

30/05/2026

DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES IN PUNJAB, INDIA

Top 10 largest caste in every district of PUNJAB

Punjab on the basis of caste demography is a very diverse area. People outside punjab only know jatt but besides that we have 30 more castes present in the state of Punjab

Order of top castes in Punjab districts is as follows
🔻
AMRITSAR -- jatt, mazhabi, khatri/arora, brahmin, jheer, tarkhan, kamboj, ravidasia, mahajan, sunar

TARN TARAN -- jatt, mazhabi, tarkhan, jheer, khatri/arora, kamboj, brahmin, ravidasia, mahajan, sunar

GURDASPUR -- jatt, mazhabi/balmiki, brahmin, jheer, ravidasia, khatri/arora, mahajan, rajput, saini, dumna, megh

PATHANKOT -- rajput, brahmin, dumna, mahajan, jheer, ravidasia, megh, khatri/arora, saini, tarkhan

KAPURTHALA -- jatt, mazhabi/balmiki, ravidasia, kamboj, lubhana, saini, rajput, khatri/arora, brahmin, tarkhan

JALANDHAR -- ravidasia, jatt, balmiki/mazhabi, khatri/arora, brahmin, rajput, saini, kamboj, lubhana, tarkhan

HOSHIARPUR -- ravidasia, jatt, brahmin, rajput, saini, girith/chang, khatri/arora, tarkhan, balmiki, lubhana, gurjar

NAWASHAHR -- ravidasia, jatt, saini, gurjar, rajput, brahmin, balmiki, tarkhan, khatri/arora, julaha

RUPNAGAR -- ravidasia, jatt, rajput, saini, brahmin, gurjar, tarkhan, balmiki, khatri/arora, julaha

MOHALI -- jatt, ravidasia, saini, rajput, khatri/arora, brahmin, bania, balmiki, kamboj, gurjar

PATIALA -- jatt, ravidasia, mazhabi, kamboj, bania, khatri/arora, brahmin, saini, rajput, tarkhan, bazigar

FATEHGARH S -- jatt, ravidasia, mazhabi, saini, rajput, brahmin, bania, khatri/arora, tarkhan, bazigar, julaha

LUDHIANA -- jatt, ravidasia, mazhabi, khatri/arora, brahmin, bania, rajput, tarkhan, saini, sunar

MALERKOTLA -- jatt, ravidasia, kamboh, rajput, gurjar, mazhabi, arain, bania, brahmin, tarkhan

SANGRUR -- jatt, ravidasia, mazhabi, kamboj, bania, brahmin, khatri/arora, tarkhan, bazigar, saini

MANSA -- jatt, mazhabi, ravidasia, bania, brahmin, tarkhan, khatri/arora, kamboj, bazigar, dhanak

BARNALA -- jatt, ravidasia, mazhabi, bania, brahmin, tarkhan, khatri/arora, sunar, bazigar, sikriband

MOGA -- jatt, mazhabi, ravidasia, tarkhan, kamboj, bania, khatri/arora, bawariya, brahmin, saini

FARIDKOT -- jatt, mazhabi, tarkhan, ravidasia, khatri/arora, bania, brahmin, bawariya, sunar, bazigar

BATHINDA -- jatt, mazhabi, ravidasia, bania, khatri/arora, brahmin, tarkhan, sunar, bawariya, bazigar, dhanak

MUKTSAR -- jatt, mazhabi, ravidasia, kamboj, khatri/arora, bania, tarkhan, bawariya, brahmin, dhanak

FIROZPUR -- jatt, raisikh(mahtam), kamboj, mazhabi, khatri/arora, bania, brahmin, ravidasia, sunar, sansi

FAZILKA -- raisikh(mahtam), bagri-jaat, kamboj, balmiki/mazhabi, khatri/arora, sikriband, meghwal, bania, brahmin, bawariya, dhana.

Courtesy: Devil Maps

27/05/2026

FIVE-TIME OLYMPIAN, ASIAN GAMES GOLD MEDALLIST FROM PATIALA RAJA RANDHIR SINGH PASSES AWAY AT 79 (TRIBUNE Report)

A renowned shooter and cousin of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Randhir Singh belonged to the fourth generation of a distinguished sporting family from Patiala.

Five-time Olympian, Asian Games gold medallist, former Arjuna Awardee and veteran sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday. He was 79.

A renowned shooter and cousin of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Randhir Singh belonged to the fourth generation of a distinguished sporting family from Punjab's Patiala. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, represented India in Test cricket, while his father, Raja Bhalindra Singh, served as a member of the Indian Olympic Committee from 1947 to 1992.

Known for his blunt and forthright style as an administrator, Randhir Singh represented India in shooting at five Olympic Games — Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984. He was also named a reserve shooter for the Tokyo 1964 Olympics.

He also represented India at the Asian Games in Bangkok (1978), New Delhi (1982), Seoul (1986) and Hiroshima (1994), besides competing at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton in 1978.
Among his major achievements, Randhir Singh won a gold medal at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games and secured bronze (individual) and silver (team) medals at the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games.

Over the decades, he held several key positions in Indian and international sports administration. He served as Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (1987-2014), Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Asia (1991-2015), and was a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2001 to 2014 before becoming an honorary member.

He also served on various IOC commissions and represented the IOC on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board. In addition, he held positions with the Sports Authority of India, the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and the Afro-Asian Games Council, among several other sporting bodies.
“With deep sorrow, we share the sad news of the passing of Raja Randhir Singh, who left for his heavenly abode today. A distinguished Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and one of the most respected sports administrators in India, Asia, and the International Olympic Committee, Raja Randhir Singh made invaluable contributions to the development of shooting sports and the Olympic movement. The National Rifle Association of India and the entire shooting fraternity mourn this irreparable loss and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” read a message shared across the Indian shooting fraternity.

18/05/2026

KULWINDER SINGH JOHAL BECOMES LEICESTER’S FIRST TURBANED SIKH LORD MAYOR IN ENGLAND

A new chapter has been written in the political history of Leicester, widely known as Mini India in England, as for the first time an Amritdhari Punjabi Sikh has been honoured with the position of Lord Mayor of Leicester City Council. Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal has officially taken office as Leicester first fully turbaned Amritdhari Sikh Lord Mayor. His ceremonial inauguration took place at Leicester Town Hall in the presence of dignitaries, community leaders and members of the Punjabi and Sikh communities, who celebrated the occasion with great pride and enthusiasm.

Kulwinder Singh Johal originally belongs to village Tehang near Phillaur in Jalandhar district, Punjab. He moved to England with his family at a young age. His father Jasvir Singh Johal and mother Tarsem Kaur Johal instilled in him the values of hard work, humility and community service. He completed his education in Leicester and later worked for around 25 years at Russell Castings Limited.
During his working years, he actively supported workers rights and remained closely connected with community welfare activities. Inspired by Sikh principles of seva and equality, he devoted many years to religious and social service. He served for several years as General Secretary of Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Leicester. In 2002, during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the Gurdwara, he played an important role in organising the arrangements and introducing the Queen to Sikh history and traditions.

Johal has also made significant contributions in the field of sports and youth development. He played a leading role in developing GNG Football Club and encouraging young people to participate in sports and positive community activities. His efforts have been widely appreciated within the local community.

Living in the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields areas of Leicester, Kulwinder Singh Johal has long been recognised for his dedication to helping people from all backgrounds. His simple lifestyle, direct connection with local residents and willingness to support everyone earned him respect across the city. In 2015, he was elected as a Labour Party councillor for the first time and has continued to win elections and serve the community since then. (As reported by Punjab Times)

16/05/2026

ROHRI, SINDH 1860

As per the folklore this is ‘Sateen Jo Aastan’ or the final resting place for the Seven Female-friends. The fear of a tyrannical raja resulted in their disappearance, possibly in a cave in the side of a hill. Thus, they became Sati hence the name. But it seems more like Jauhar instead of Sati. Scores of women visit this place every day for its mysterious healing power.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/151531/satiyan-jo-asthan-ailing-women-flock-to-rohris-seven-sisters/

This is also the burial place of a ruler from Sukkur, Mir Abu Al-Qasim Namkeen (1553). The tomb complex was ordered to be built by him. It was constructed in the ochre stone similar to that used in the necropolis of Makli Hill. Inscriptions and Quranic verses in the finest Naskh script adorn the walls and interior of these structures.
In the front part of the photo one can see the small mosque and in the far end we can see the Bukkur fortress.

Courtesy: British Library & Dewa Sikander Singh Veerji was identifying the place.

12/05/2026

SINDHI HINDU JEWELLER 1928

Portrait of a jeweller in his shop in Hyderabad (Sindh) c. 1928. The jeweller is more likely to be Hindu as he is wearing dhoti, has a stick moustache and no beard. All the above points towards this. Hyderabad was Hindu majority city in Sindh as per 1941 census. 27% of the Sindh’s population was Hindu as per 1941 Census. As per last census in 2017, the Hindus constitute 8.73% of Sindh’s population.

Courtesy: Old Indian Photos website

10/05/2026

SIKHS IN BALOCHISTAN, STORY OF PROCURING JANGNAMA QAZI NUR MOHD 1906

In search of a Gurdwara dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sardar Karam Singh Historian went to Makran and returned to Sindh. Here he was made aware that the Khan of Kalat has an old manuscript which has important information on Sikhs. Karam Singh went to Rai Bahadur Sardar Sadhu Singh at Sibbi in February 1906. By next month the copy of the manuscript was delivered to them at Quetta. Sardar Karam Singh later translated the Persian manuscript Jangnama by Qazi Nur Mohd in Punjabi. Qazi Nur Mohd was eye witnessed to battles between Sikhs and Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1764. Qazi was with the Baloch chief who had joined the Durrani ruler.

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