![]() | This article may contain excessive or inappropriate references to self-published sources. (January 2023) |
![]() Nihang Singh Flag | |
![]() Photograph of a Nihang bodyguard serving in the Nizam of Hyderabad's irregular Sikh army, c. 1865 | |
Founder | |
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Disputed | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Punjab | |
Religions | |
Sikhism | |
Scriptures | |
Guru Granth Sahib • Dasam Granth • Sarbloh Granth | |
Languages | |
Punjabi • Sant Bhasha • Khalsa bole |
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The Nihang (also spelt as Nihung lit. "Crocodiles") or Akali (lit. "Immortals"), also known as Dal Khalsa, is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent.[1] Nihangs are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore[2] or from the "Akal Sena" (lit. Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind.[3] Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.