Physical Description of Guru Gobind Singh Ji by Historian Dr. H.R. Gupta

Dr. Hari Ram Gupta is the author of books on Sikh history ‘History of The Sikhs’ vol. 1 – 5. While Guru Gobind Das (this is prior to creation of the Khalsa in 1699) was travelling to Nahan in 1685, he stayed at a place called Toka (present Himachal Pradesh state of India). Dr. Gupta’s ancestors supplied provisions and performed other ancillary services for the Guru while he stayed there. In order to recognize their contribution, the Guru held a darbar and conferred the title of Bhure Shahi on them. A small Gurdwara commemorates the Guru’s stay at Toka. A fair is held there every year, on the tenth day of Jeth (May).

Dr. Gupta has provided the following physical description of Guru Gobind Singh in his first volume:

“In physique, Gobind Singh was handsome young man, of medium height and build, with heavy jet black hair, high forehead and brows, large and piercing eyes, rosy cheeks, red lips, exquisite teeth: a perfectly pleasing personality as a whole, exalting fascinating fragrance of the flower of life. There was fire in his eyes, resonance in voice, and every feature was lofty, thoughtful and innocent. He, was ever cheerful, impressive and commanding, a prince of the blood.

He was always well-dressed, and well-armed. He wore a sword and a shield, bow and arrow. His sword was sparkling and shield strong. His bow was of green colour and arrows were tipped with gold. Such arrows were used only in the battlefield so that the others could identify the assailant. He wore a plume on his turban and got the appellation of Kalgidhar. He rode generally on a blue horse and was called nile ghore da swar or the rider of the blue horse. While on horse-back, he carried a white hawk on his right hand. The people hailed him as chityan bajanwala or the hunter with the white hawk.

Written By: Gurmeet Sandhu