Asian Art

Descendants of the Sikh gurus

Descendants of the Sikh gurus, known as Guru-ansh, Guru-vans, or Ansi Sikhs, claim descent from the specific lineages of the Bedi, Trehan, Bhalla, and Sodhi clans of the Khatris that propagated from the Sikh gurus and their offspring. Most descendants are through the Sodhis, as seven out of the ten Sikh gurus were Sodhis. They were accorded elevated-levels of respect and veneration in the pre-colonial period beginning in the 18th century during Sikh-rule but this was challenged during the Singh Sabha movement, with them losing much power and influence in the period thereafter. Descendants of the Sikh gurus can be found residing at Una, Dera Baba Nanak, Khadur, Pinjore, Jalandhar, Guru Harsahai, Kartarpur, and Anandpur amid others. As per Harjot Singh Oberoi, the guru descendants were critical for the propagation of Sanatan Sikhism during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the families have intermarried, an example being Ramji (Kashmiran), daughter of Baba Khem Singh of the Bedi family, marrying Guru Bishen Singh of the Sodhi family of Guru Harsahai.

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See also

• ▸Hanshan and Shide
• ▸Atelanthera
• ▸History of the Jews in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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