[The Telegraph, Patna Edition, Dated January 15, 2017]
[Prabhat Khabar, Patna Edition, Dated January 16, 2017]
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
MY VIEWS BEHIND THE LAUNCH OF THE WEBSITE, www.forgottenpast.in BY PRABUDDHA BISWAS
Forgotten
Past is a website dedicated to heritage and culture and conceived by freelance
journalist Prabuddha Biswas.
Presently there will be seven pages:
- (1) Home, (2) The Bihar Connection (3)
Beyond Bihar (4) Topics of Interest (5) My Books (6) Events (7) About Me....among
others.
The website is starting its small
journey from the historic city of Patliputra-Patna and will reach globally.
Hence, the ‘Home Page’ has placed five aspects to connect with people as a part
of ‘global branding’: -
1. DIDARGANJ YAKSHI –
THE FACE OF BIHAR
2. CHHATH FESTIVAL –
IDENTITY OF BIHAR
3. GOLGHAR –
THE LANDMARK OF PATNA
4. THE BOOK LAUNCH –
THE STORY ABOUT THE FIRST CANTONMENT OF INDIAN SUBCONTINENT IN PATNA
5. THE PEEPAL LEAF
(LOGO) – THE SYMBOL OF
Though,
it is starting its small journey from ‘Patna – Bihar’, it will also
strive to reach ‘beyond Bihar’.
THIS SITE WILL BE UNIQUE IN MANY RESPECTS: -
1. This website will highlight the integrative and rich
secular tradition of our composite culture.
2. This site will try to present the cultural heritage of
a city or a region from multifaceted angle.
3. The site will promote ‘Heritage and Culture in
totality’ by including Archaeological sites, History, Oral & Folk
traditions, Museums, Tourism, Geological and Geographical monuments, ‘Flora
& Fauna’, ‘National Park and Sanctuaries’ among others.
4. The site will be both ‘traditional and contemporary’
but modern in its outlook and presentation; as it will enroll cultural elements
of both ‘Little and Great Tradition’.
5. The site will try to have balanced approach of ‘content
and visuals’ and will also incorporate audio-visuals and video coverage in due
course to make it more people-friendly.
6. The site will not only give you the information about
the ‘Heritage’ but more than that; it will encourage people to make a journey
to heritage sites and get associated with it and that ‘emotional connect’
is more important.
7. The site will not be Bihar-Centric, but it will
attract and encourage ‘one and all’, beyond Bihar also.
8. The journey of the website will be very dynamic
and in due course, it will reach newer cultural horizons, beyond Bihar also.
9. The website will connect with ‘local communities’,
who are part and parcel, in protecting and preserving our cultural heritage.
10.
This website will be
in the fore-front to promote and popularize ‘Art and Crafts’ and creative
endeavour of indigenous people, local communities and individuals.
11.
In near future, the
website will be bi-lingual by including both ‘English and Hindi’ to have
its maximum reach in Bihar and beyond.
12.
The ultimate
goal of this endeavour is to connect with people through our ‘rich and diverse
Cultural Ethos’.
WHO WILL BE THE AUDIENCE AND USER OF THIS SITE?
1. This website will be of special interest for students
as there will be ‘pro-active approach’ (Quiz, Special Presentations/heritage
lectures in Educational Institutions to start with) to enroll students with a
call – ‘Know and Love Your Heritage’.
2. Encouraging Parents to visit the ‘Heritage and Historical Sites’ along with children during
vacations.
3. This site will try to connect with the authorities
of Government educational institutions, to share with them about ‘local/Regional/All
India Cultural and Heritage Sites’ and for maximising the government schemes
for visiting them along with students.
4. This website will attract people of other states
to visit Bihar.
5. This website will try to have ‘Live and
Special-Connect’ with Biharis, who are staying outside Bihar.
6. This website will definitely arouse people ‘across
the Globe’; whoever loves ‘Heritage and Culture'.
THE WEBSITE LAUNCH FUNCTION OF www.forgottenpast.in ON JANUARY 15, 2017
Forgotten Past is a website dedicated to heritage and culture and conceived by freelance journalist Prabuddha Biswas.
Presently there will be seven pages: - (1) Home, (2) The Bihar Connection (3) Beyond Bihar (4) Topics of Interest (5) My Books (6) Events (7) About Me....among others.
The website is starting its small journey from the historic city of Patliputra-Patna and will reach globally. Hence, the ‘Home Page’ has placed five aspects to connect with people as a part of ‘global branding’: -
1. DIDARGANJ YAKSHI – THE FACE OF BIHAR
2. CHHATH FESTIVAL – IDENTITY OF BIHAR
3. GOLGHAR – THE LANDMARK OF PATNA
4. THE BOOK LAUNCH – THE STORY ABOUT THE FIRST CANTONMENT OF INDIAN SUBCONTINENT IN PATNA
5. THE PEEPAL LEAF (LOGO) – THE SYMBOL OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Presently, the website will work on the Bihar-Page (The Bihar Connection) so that readers can grasp and enjoy the multifaceted identity of Bihar which include marvels of Patliputra-Patna, places associated with Mahavira and Buddha, fascinating discoveries, ancient & medieval town and cities of Bihar, Buddhist Mahaviharas of Bihar, Renowned Buddhist and Brahmanical scholars of Bihar, myths and legends associated with Bihar, folklores and folk traditions, forgotten forts, fairs and festivals, multifaceted religious tradition, the Mughal Connection, famous battles and battle-sites, travellers who visited Bihar, Great exponents of Little Traditions among others.
In the ‘Beyond Bihar’ page, the site will work upon 16 cultural sites in coming months. Presently, the stories on Rajmahal (Jharkhand), Mandu (M.P.) and Goa will flash in its pages.
The website www.forgottenpast was launched today (Sunday, Jan 15, 2017) at Ram Mohan Roy Seminary Auditorium in the simple function under the banner of ‘Behar Herald’, in which the Principal Secretary of Environment and Forest, Mr. Vivek Kumar Singh was the Chief Guest. The meeting was presided by the Chairman of the Bihar Bengalee Association Dr (Capt.) D. K. Sinha.
Mr. Vivek Kumar Singh launched the website: - www.forgottenpast.in
Prabuddha Biswas shared his view point about the website.
The former HOD of History, Patna University; Dr. Sumanta Niyogi also shared his positive observation.
Mr. Bidyut Pal, Editor of Behar Herald gave the vote of thanks.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
THE SOJOURN OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR IN BIHAR By Prabuddha Biswas
The
heavy engagements had kept the Sikh Gurus after Guru Nanak busy at home. It was
his eighth successor, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who forced by circumstances and under
stern necessity had set out on a tour of the distant regions along with his
family. He started towards the east, visiting holy places, making personal
contact with his devotees, giving them spiritual solace, and by stages,
ultimately reached Sasaram.
BATHING IN KARMANASHA RIVER
Before
reaching Sasaram, he had to cross the River Karmanasha, so called because it
was a common belief among the people that whosoever bathed in it lost the fruit
and efficacy of his religious austerities and pilgrimages. The Guru Tegh
Bahadur did not pay any heed to this tradition and bathed in the river, saying
that no water could mar or undo the merits of good actions.
VISITING THE TOWN OF SASARAM
1. In the Sikh chronicles, the name of Sasaram is
associated with the name of Phaggu, a devout and a sincere follower of the
Guru. Phaggu had a long cherished desire that the Guru Tegh Bahadur may enter
into his house. Phaggu’s desire was fulfilled when Guru entered his house,
while riding on a horse. The house was soon transformed into a SANGAT and is
known as CHACHA PHAGGU’S SANGAT or simply CHACHA’S SANGAT. A pair of
sandals and a wooden necklace of Phaggu, a small door of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s
time and the Plum tree of the 9th Guru are still preserved there.
2. Gurdwara Taksal Sangat is very significant. It is said
that the place where the Gurdwara is situated, there was tobacco cultivation
during the visit of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Guru ji’s horse stopped their and was
obstructed. This land belonged to Bhai Achal Ji and Mata Jio Ji. Here Guru Ji
asked Sangat to construct Gurdwara and name it Taksal Sangat. In this Gurdwara,
there is a steel arrow said to be of Guru Tegh Bahadur along with a rare
picture of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and of Mata Jio Jee.
3. The name of the 9th Guru is also associated
with the PURANI SANGAT of Sasaram. Foundation
stone of this Gurdwara is said to be laid by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. It is
located in Jaani Bazaar, managed by mixed castes mainly Sonar (who have became
clean shaven after 1984 massacre). This Gurdwara is partially non-functional
now.
4. Some of the cases of the District Court of Shahabad
and the Patna High Court throw a good deal of light on the activity of Guru
Tegh Bahadur. One learns from the Court proceedings that the Guru paid a visit
to Sasaram in former times. Adjacent to this town there were jungles and hills,
affording seclusion to the faqirs, absorbed in prayer. He came to stay at the
place where BAGH GURU JI of Sasaram now stands. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
graciously blessed and ensured the success of the Sangat.
5. Then he came to the DHARAMSHALA and inspired a great
enthusiasm for Bhajan. The Guru took his rest (on a bed) and the SANGAT was
thus rewarded with the spiritual satisfaction. The reputation of his perfection
spread which attracted to him a large number of Faqirs, both Hindus and Muslims
as his followers. The then government authorities granted the place, where Guru
Ji was sitting along with the land of 52 bighas, surrounding it, to Guru Tegh
Bahadur for the establishment of Sangat. Then, he established a Dharamshala, and
planted an orchard and a flower garden for the upkeep of Faqirs, travellers and
visitors. He also built a masonry well in the said campus. Guru made arrangements for defraying the cost
of maintaining the DHARAMSHALA, placed his disciple Baba Rajiaji on the Gaddi
and left for the west. Hence Guru Tegh Bahadur Had been to Sasaram during his
onward journey towards east from Punjab and stayed at Sasaram for about 21 days
and also visited Sasaram in his return journey and then left for the west.
6. Besides there is another interesting document in
Persian, which reveals that Guru Tegh Bahadur was granted the Right to Levy
Octroi Tax at different rates on various types of goods and merchandise that
passed by the road, which was quite adjacent to the Sangat of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The right of levying Octroi duty continued to be enjoyed by succeeding Mahants
till 1802 AD.
THE
FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES OF THE GURU TEGH BHADUR’S PREACHING ACTIVITIES IN
SASARAM
Even
today, there is mighty hold of his faith on the AGRAHARIS, who had settled in
Sasaram before Guru Tegh Bahadur visited it. According to them, their present
prosperity was due to the blessings of the Guru Tegh Bahadur. There are about ten Gurdwaras and Udasi Deras in this town. Most of them
are constructed in the memory of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
VISITING GAYA
From
Sasaram, Guru Tegh Bahadur arrived at the sacred place of Gaya. The Brahmanas
urged upon him to offer barley-rolls for the souls of his ancestors and pressed
the Guru to give them some money for going through the rituals. The Guru
advised his Sikhs to be always cautious about the deceitful tactics employed by
the Brahmans and with a view to instruct the Brahmans, he quoted the hymn in
RAG ASA, composed by Guru Nanak at Gaya, the second ASHTAPADI OF SUKHMANI and a
hymn of KABIR.
GURDWARA SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI
- GAYA
Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji near Vishnupad Temple is controlled by Udasi
priests. As in Gurdwara Chacha Phaggu Mal at Sasaram, here too three copies of
Guru Granth Sahib in Gurmukhi and Devnagri script are seated side by side in a
rectangular pavilion on a raised platform.
COMING TO PATNA
From
Gaya, the Guru came to Patna where he was accorded a hearty welcome by his
followers.
1. Guru Tegh Bahadur was accommodated for the time being
by one JAITA SETH, a confectioner and a true devotee of the Guru, in his
spacious building, where now stands the present GURDWARA GAI GHAT.
2. To commemorate his visit, the followers of the 9th
Guru soon engaged themselves with the construction of a magnificent edifice
which came to be known as HARMANDIR and the foundation-stone of which was most
probably laid by the Guru Tegh Bahadur himself.
GURU’S PREPARATION BEFORE LEAVING PATNA
Guru
Tegh Bahadur, had not been in Patna for long when he had to march towards Assam
to help a Rajput general of Emperor Aurangzeb in his expedition against the
turbulent Assamese. After entrusting his mother, NANAKI JI and wife, GUJRI JI,
who was pregnant, to the care of his brother-in-law, BHAI KRIPAL CHAND, Guru
Tegh Bahadur accompanied the said Raja on his eastward journey.
GURU’S MARCH TOWARDS 'FURTHER EAST'
Guru
Tegh Bahadur passed through and also stayed at BARH, MUNGER, BHAGALPUR,
KAHALGAON, RAJMAHAL and MALDA.
GURDWARA PAKKI SANGAT - MUNGER
Gurdwara Pakki Sangat - Munger, a district town, 170 kilometres east of
Patna Sahib by rail, is another place where Guru Tegh Bahadur is known to have
stayed during his eastward journey. It was during his stay here that he got the
news of the birth of Guru Gobind Singh. The commemorative Shrine Gurdwara Pakki
(lit. firm or permanent) Sangat is in Belan Bazar area near the Munger fort.
Its old building also damaged badly by the 1934 earthquake was, however,
rebuilt within a year. It is a rectangular room with a verandah in front and is
served by Brahaman priests. Two relics, a cot and a pillow said to have been
used by the Guru during his stay here, are kept in the same room where Guru
Granth Sahib is seated.
GURDWARA SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR -
BHAGALPUR
Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur - Bhagalpur, another district town on the
right bank of the Ganges, 63 kilometres east of Monghyr by rail, had two Sikh
Sangats when Guru Tegh Bahadur visited it in 1667. Guru Tegh Bahadur is said to
have stayed at Bari Sangat on Burhanath Ghat of which what is left is a stone
slab, still considered holy. Over it Sardar Inder Singh Atwal got a room built
in 1974. On every amavas, Guru Granth Sahib is brought from Gurdwara Singh
Sabha in the interior of the town and a congregation is held here with the holy
book placed on the old slab called Chauki Sahib. The place itself is named
Gurdwara Bari Sangat Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Chauki Sahib. An old hand-written
copy of Guru of Guru Granth Sahib acquired from the former Udasi priest of the
Shrine is preserved in Gurdwara Singh Sabha. The other place, Chhoti Sangat,
also on the Ghat a little distance away from Bari Sangat has since been
converted into a Hindu temple
THE
LAST HALT OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR IN THE EASTERN BORDER OF BIHAR
Guru’s
last halt in Bihar was at KANTNAGAR, 12 miles east of Kahalgaon. But now
that area was engulfed by Ganges and the inhabitants were forced to settle down
in a small village of LAKSHIMPORE (near Caragola Railway station), north of
Ganges, presently in Katihar district.
Guru
Tegh Bahadur’s tour of eastern regions extended over a period of about 3 years
at the most, and though the province of Bihar could claim approximately half a
year or so.
RETURN JOURNEY OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR
Guru
Tegh Bahadur travelled back home along with the Raja (whom he accompanied to
Assam), through Gaya and Sasaram, leaving out Patna.
VISITING
GURU KA BAGH, SOUTH OF PATNA SAHIB
Though
Guru Tegh Bahadur didn’t come to Patna in his return journey but the tradition
goes that when Guru Tegh Bahadur returned from Assam, he stayed in a dry
garden, belonging to Nawab Rahim Bakhsh and Karim Bakhsh of Patna. The Nawab
offered the garden to Guru Tegh Bahadur after observing his super-natural
powers. A Gurdwara has been constructed there and is known as GURDWARA GURU
KA BAGH.
(C) Copyright of Prabuddha Biswas
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