Nihang

The Nihang (also spelt as Nihung lit. "Crocodiles") or Akali (lit. "Immortals"), is a martial order of Sikhs originating in the Indian subcontinent. Historically, they were known for their brave fighting skills and ruthless techniques in the battlefield during the Mughal period. Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire. In the 1901 Census, recorded Nihangs were less than one thousand , but more recently, there has been an increase in the Nihang order. Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories despite being heavily outnumbered. Nihangs also formed an important part of the Sikh Khalsa Army. Despite their obscured origins, the Nihang claim to be the true form of the Khalsa and representatives of Guru Gobind Singh. The Akalis of the 20th century cannot be traced back to the historical Nihangs, as since 1920, the term Akali has also been used synonymously to refer to members of a Sikh political party called the Shiromani Akali Dal. Nihangs, also known as Dal Khalsa, are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore or from the "Akal Sena" (lit. Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind.

The Nihang (also spelt as Nihung lit. "Crocodiles") or Akali (lit. "Immortals"), is a martial order of Sikhs originating in the Indian subcontinent. Historically, they were known for their brave fighting skills and ruthless techniques in the battlefield during the Mughal period. Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire. In the 1901 Census, recorded Nihangs were less than one thousand , but more recently, there has been an increase in the Nihang order. Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories despite being heavily outnumbered. Nihangs also formed an important part of the Sikh Khalsa Army. Despite their obscured origins, the Nihang claim to be the true form of the Khalsa and representatives of Guru Gobind Singh. The Akalis of the 20th century cannot be traced back to the historical Nihangs, as since 1920, the term Akali has also been used synonymously to refer to members of a Sikh political party called the Shiromani Akali Dal. Nihangs, also known as Dal Khalsa, are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore or from the "Akal Sena" (lit. Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind. ==Use of intoxicants== Some Nihang groups consume cannabis or shaheedi degh ( ), also known as sukha, purportedly to help in meditation. Sūkha parshaad ( ), "Comfort-gift", is the term Nihang use to refer to it. It is crushed and taken as a liquid, especially during festivals like Hola Mohalla. It is never smoked, as this practice is forbidden in Sikhism. While consuming cannabis, the Nihangs strictly shun and forbid usage of any tobacco or alcohol. In 2001, Jathedar Santa Singh, the leader of Budha Dal, along with 20 chiefs of Nihang sects, refused to accept the ban on consumption of shaheedi degh by the apex Sikh clergy – in order to preserve traditional Sikh practices. According to a BBC article, "Traditionally they also drank shaheedi degh, an infusion of cannabis, to become closer with God." ==See also==

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