Raj Karega Khalsa (Punjabi:ਰਾਜ ਕਰੇਗਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ,romanized: Rāja karēgā khālasā,lit. 'the pure will rule') is a slogan representing theSikh idea of sovereignty and it is recited at the conclusion ofArdas.[1][2] Originally, the phrase was part of a short couplet that later came to become part of the daily Sikh supplication prayer.[3]
The complete quote is ' Raaj Karega Khalsa, Aaki Rahe Na Koye'. Aaki means corrupt or impure (opposite of Khalsa i.e. pure or pawitar).[citation needed]
Raj Karega Khalsa, lit. "theKhalsa shall rule," a phrase expressive of the will of the Sikh people to sovereignty, is part of the anthem which follows the litany or ardas recited at the end of every religious service of the Sikhs. Another view is that it refers to spiritual conquest of one's mind and achievingmukti (liberation) rather than territorial sovereignty.[2] While the ardas is said by an officiant or any Sikh leading the sangat standing and facing Guru Granth Sahib, the anthem is recited aloud in unison by everyone present, with responses from the assembly.[1]
Scholars date the composition to the year 1718 but scholar Harjinder Singh argues it was written down earlier between the years 1699–1708, originating in theghazals ofBhai Nand Lal.[4]
While not present in early Sikh scripture, it is found in the thirddohra, or couplet, ofGuru Gobind Singh'sGuru Maneyo Granth verse, conferred upon the congregation upon the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.[5] The couplet "Raj Karega Khalsa, Aki Rahe Na Koe. Khuar Hue Sabh Milenge, Bache Saran Jo Hoe" (The pure shall rule, no opponent will remain, those separated will unite and all the devotees shall be saved) is also attested at the end ofBhai Nand Lal Singh's Rehitnama.
The relevant portion of the originalardās which was recited in history is:[6]
Delhi Takht Par Bahegi Aap Guru Ki Fauj,
Chattar Firega Sees Par Badi Karegi Mauj,
Raaj Karega Khalsa Aaakki Rahe Na Koye,
Khuaar Hoye Sab Milainge Bache Sharan Jo Hoye
Thecolonial British banned parts of thisardās as they feared its martial and potential political implications.[4] Therefore, they mentioned not to say the first two stanzas and only start with "Raj Karega Khalsa. The translatedardās with the preceding lines included is:
On theDelhi throne, the Army of the Guru will sit,
The imperial umbrella will float over their heads and they will enjoy bliss,
The Khalsa will rule and no rebels[7] shall exist,
The areas and people who are missing will be reunited, those who take refuge in it will be saved.
When the appropriate time came, the Sikh Army, in the command of BabaBaghel Singh, SardarJassa Singh Ahluwalia, SardarJassa Singh Ramgarhia and few other chieftains, conquered Delhi and did seva (service) of all the historical gurdwaras of Delhi. Even after conquering, they didn’t claim the crown and simply asked the ruler of Delhi to rule with “conscience” and not to put the ‘jizya’ tax on non Muslims. There are many places in Delhi showing the invasion of Delhi by Sikh Army, includingTis Hazari, Mori gate and many more.
The phrase symbolizes Sikh sovereignty, withW. H. McLeod translating it as follows:[3]
raj kareg Khalsa, ak rahahi na ko.
khvar hoi sabb milainge, bachahi saran jo hoi.
The Khalsa shall rule, no enemy shall remain.
All who endure suffering and privation shall be brought to the safety of the Guru’s protection.
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