Hargobind (1595–1644)

Indian religious leader, sixth guru (teacher) of Sikhism 1606–44. He encouraged Sikhs to develop military skills in response to growing persecution, and became both a spiritual leader and the head of an organized and successful Sikh army. At the festival of Diwali, Sikhs celebrate his release from prison.

Arjan, Hargobind's father and predecessor, had been martyred for refusing to convert to Islam. He had told his son to ‘sit fully armed on the throne...’ As the oppression of Sikhs by the Moguls continued, Hargobind realized that the Sikhs would need to be prepared to fight to survive. On his ordination as guru, he wore two swords, one symbolizing God's spiritual power and the other symbolizing the worldly power necessary to protect Sikhs and their freedom to practise their religion.

According to Sikh tradition, Guru Hargobind was imprisoned for refusing to pay fines to the Mogul emperor. The emperor ordered his release, but he would not leave unless 52 innocent Hindu princes, also held prisoner, were released at the same time. The emperor agreed on one condition: only those prisoners who could hold on to the guru's cloak would be allowed to go. As the prison passages were very narrow, it was thought that only a few would be able to leave. However, Guru Hargobind made sure that his cloak had many long tassels, allowing all 52 prisoners to take a part of it and gain freedom. The story is told to Sikh children to illustrate the importance of defending their faith and standing up to oppression.

Hargobind was succeeded by his 14-year-old grandson Har Rai.