Namdharis/Kookeh cont'd

Such incidents of violence brought the Namdharis to the full notice of the British rulers. Mr Macnab, in his government report against the Namdharis, advised the British rulers to deport Baba Ram Singh from the Punjab. Meanwhile, the British continued to encourage Muslim butchers to open slaughterhouses in the Punjab and increase the selling of beef. In January 1872, the Namdharis had gathered at Bhaini Sahib to celebrate Maghi.

Maghi
Celebrations of the month of Magh (January-February) that can be traced back to King Harsavardhan

A Gurmukh Singh of Farwahi village narrated to Sirdar Heera Singh a tale of how an ox had been deliberately slaughtered in his presence in Malerkotla, and how the police on this occasion used abusive language towards him.

Against the wishes of their Guru Ram Singh, the hot-headed militant Namdharis decided to attack the butchers at Malerkotla. On 13th January 1872, approximately 100 Namdhari fanatics, lead by Sirdar Heera Singh and Lehna Singh started from Bhaini Sahib for Malerkotla. Two Namdhari Sikh women, Bibi Ind Kaur and Bibi Khem Kaur, were also amongst them. Meanwhile Ram Singh sent his close companion, Lakha Singh, to warn the British commissioner of Ludihana about the impending action of his renegade followers.

On the way to Malerkotla, the Namdharis tried to steal horses and firearms from the local Sikh feudal chief of Malaudh, Sirdar Badan Singh. The Sikh chief, who according to some sources was initially willing to assist the Namdharis, opposed them, resulting in a fight that caused the death of two Namdharis. Four additional Namdharis were seriously injured. Unable to get any firearms from Malaudh, the Namdharis continued their journey which was now a further nine miles.

On 15th January 1872, the bloodthirsty Namdharis reached Malerkotla. At 7 am, the Namdharis attacked, and a bloody fight ensued between the forewarned police, and the Kooka fanatics. The police, who received eight causalities, was lead by an officer named Ahmed Khan. Seven Namdharis were killed, and as more police reinforcements arrived on the scene at midday, the remaining Kookas fled to the village of Rar.

Malerkotla
A Namdhari painting depicting the massacre at Malerkotla

As Kookas began to flee to their villages, the police pursued them and arrested 68 Kookas who were brought to the police station of Sherpur. On the evening of 15th January, the British deputy commissioner of Ludhiana, Mr. Cowen, also reached Malerkotla. On 16th of January, he summoned Baba Ram Singh from Bhaini Sahib to Malerkotla and released the 68 Kookas.

The two Namdhari women were amongst the arrested Kookas that Cowen had set free. From the remaining 66, 22 were seriously wounded. On 17th January 1872, the harsh Cowen, without any judicial process, ordered the barbaric execution of 49 Kookas by having them blown away by cannons.

Rebel Namdhari Sikhs
A painting by Vassali Verestchagin depicting Namdhari Sikhs being blown up by cannons, circa 1888

Some sources state that one young Namdhari lad named Bishan Singh attempted to choke Mr Cowen but was pulled off and cut down with a sword. In this way, Cowen murdered 50 Kookas in all. Namdhari tradition records of how one Viriyam Singh, being too short, elevated himself by placing bricks under his feet so as he could be executed by cannon fire more efficiently. On 18th January 1872, in the presence of Mr Forsyth, another 16 Kookas were blown away by cannons as they sang hymns from Sikh scriptures.

Bishan Singh
A Namdhari rendition of the young Bishan Singh being decapitated by Mr Cowen

During these killings, Baba Ram Singh was in the nearby village of Siar. On the night of 17th January, he and four companions - Sahib Singh, Lakha Singh, Jwahar Singh and Nanoo Singh, were arrested. They were sent under Gurkha guard, headed by Mr Jackson, to Allahabad prison where they were detained under the Bengal Regulation III act of 1818.

Soon after, seven more leading Namdharis were arrested and sent to Allahabad. On 10th March 1872, Baba Ram Singh, along with his personal attendant, Nanoo Singh, were sent by train from Allahabad to Calcutta. From there, at 7 pm. on 11th March 1872, they were shipped to Rangoon. Baba Ram Singh was interned in Rangoon till 18th Sept 1880. From there, he was shifted from prison to prison till he reached Murghuiat, a remote village in Burma. Baba Ram Singh died of diarrhea in prison on 29th November 1885. However, Namdhari Sikhs to this day vehemently believe he did not die there.

Baba Ram Singh
A contemporary painting depicting Baba Ram Singh blessing
Namdhari Sikh couples during a large marriage ceremony at Bhaini Sahib