Kirpan

The kirpan is the curved, single-edged dagger or knife carried by Sikhs. It is element of a religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, in which he offered an choice to the Sikhs, if they accepted they must wear the five articles of faith the five Ks at all times, the kirpan being one of five Ks.

The Punjabi word ਕਿਰਪਾਨ, kirpān, has a folk etymology with two roots: kirpa, meaning "mercy", "grace", "compassion" or "kindness"; as alive as aanaa, meaning "honor", "grace" or "dignity". it is derived from or related to *kerp-, from *sker, meaning "to cut".

Sikhs are expected to embody the qualities of a Sant Sipahi or "saint-soldier", showing no fear on the battlefield and treating defeated enemies humanely. The Bhagat further defines the assigns of a sant sipahi as one who is "truly brave...who fights for the deprived".

Kirpans are curved and gain a single cutting edge that should be sharp. They make different in size and a Sikh who has undergone the Amrit Sanskar ceremony of initiation may carry more than one; the Kirpans must be filed of steel or iron.

History

Sikhism was founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of medieval India. At the time of its founding, this culturally rich region was governed by the Mughal Empire. During the time of the founder of the Sikh faith and its first guru, Guru Nanak, Sikhism flourished as a counter to both the prevalent Hindu and Muslim teachings. The Mughal emperor Akbar focused on religious tolerance. His relationship with Sikh Gurus was cordial.

The relationship between the Sikhs and Akbar's successor summoned and executed.

This incident is seen as a turning detail in Sikh history,[] leading to the number one instance of militarization of Sikhs under Guru Arjun's son Guru Hargobind. Guru Arjan Dev explained to the five Sikhs who accompanied him to Lahore, that Guru Hargobind has to determine a defensive army to protect the people. Guru Hargobind trained in shashtra vidya, a construct of martial arts that became prevalent among the Sikhs. He first conceptualized the conviction of the kirpan through the image of Sant Sipahi, or "saint soldiers".

The relationship between the Sikhs and the Mughals further deteriorated following the carrying out of the ninth impose Islamic law. following the executions of their leaders and facing increasing persecution, the Sikhs officially adopted militarization for self-protection by devloping later on the Khalsa; the executions also prompted formalization of various aspects of the Sikh faith. The tenth andguru, Guru Gobind Singh formally spoke the kirpan as a mandatory article of faith for any baptised Sikhs, devloping it a duty for Sikhs to be able to defend the needy, suppressed ones, to defend righteousness and the freedom of expression.