Partap Singh


Partap Singh was a Sikh priest and Panjabi writer. He served as the first acting Jathedar of Akal Takht from 19 December 1937 to 1948 and 19th Jathedar of Akal Takht from 1952 to 15 February 1955.

Early life and career

Partap Singh was born on 3 January 1904, at Dera Khalsa village in Rawalpindi division of Punjab, British India. His father was Makhan Singh Sasan and mother Mathura Devi. His grandfather, Sundar Singh served in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Between 1909 and 1918, Singh completed 5 years of education at the local primary school in Dera Khalsa and further education at the middle school in Bishan Daur. Near the completion of his primary education, he took the vows of the Khalsa and became an initiated Sikh. Subsequently, for some 3 years he studied Sikh literature and attended the services of Singh Sabha Movement and Isher Singh Rara Sahib.
In 1922, Singh enrolled into Khalsa Updesh College at Gujranwala, where he passed the certificate of Giani with the second highest marks in Panjab. From 1918 to 1921, he attended various conferences organised by Chief Khalsa Diwan, Na-Milvartan Lehir and Sikh League. These conferences had a great impact on his mind and conscience.
In 1923, Singh contributed with immense participation in the Kar Seva of Harmandir Sahib. Considering the service and education of the Giani, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee employed him as a priest. Soon after he joined, the East India Company declared that the SGPC was against the law. The government arrested various SGPC workers including Singh and imprisoned them at Jhang and Multan. During the one and half years of imprisonment, the Giani managed to learn multiple languages such as English, Urdu, Persian and Hindi.

Works

  • Zaat Paat te Chhoot Chhaat, 1933
  • Gurmat Lecture, 1944
  • Itihasic Lecture Do Bhaag, 1945
  • Sadha Desh Te Usdian Smasiawan, 1945
  • Bhagat Darshan, 1945
  • Gurmat Philosophy, 1946
  • Sansaar Da Dharmic Itihas, 1948
  • Kudrat De Chamatkaar, 1947
  • Pakistani Ghalughara, 1948
  • Akali Lahir Da Ithas, 1951
  • Baba Khuda Singh, 1962
  • Baba Bir Singh Naurangabad, 1962
  • Takhtan Bare Vichar, 1966
  • Nakli Nirankari, 1967
  • Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruma, 1968
  • Radha Swami Mat Darpan, 1969
  • Gurbani Es Jag Meh Chanan, 1975
  • Kuka Guru Dum, 1972
  • Mahabali Guru Gobind Singh, 1974
  • Hind Di Chadar Guru Tegh Bahadar, 1975
  • Akali Lahir De Mahaan Neta, 1976
  • Amritsar Sifti Da Ghar, 1977

Jathedar of Akal Takht

The inauguration of Singh as the first vice Jathedar of Akal Takht took place on 19 December 1937. He served alongside Mohan Singh Nagoke up to 1948 and later served as the Jathedar of Akal Takht from 1952 to 15 February 1955. He resign due to political difference with Master Tara Singh.

Family and personal life

In 1918, Singh married Shaant Kaur, daughter of Mangal Singh. The couple had six children.

Death

He was assassinated by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's companion Daya Singh in Amritsar, Punjab, India for criticising the occupation of the Akal Takht of the Golden temple by Bhindranwale and his corhorts. He described this occupation as sacrilegious to the Sikh faith.