Bhai Mani Singh (died 1738)

Sikh martyr who was killed for refusing to convert to Islam. He was given permission by the Mogul authorities to hold a gathering of Sikhs at the holy city of Amritsar in 1738, in return for a large donation of money from the Sikh pilgrims to the state coffers. However, in fear of the Mogul army, few pilgrims arrived and the money could not be paid. Bhai Mani Singh was told that, as he could not pay, he could either convert to Islam or die. He remained faithful to his Sikh faith and was tortured and killed. His martyrdom is commemorated at the mela (festival) of Diwali.