The Ādi Granth, or the Holy Scriptures of the Sikhs (1877) · 20

It is not quite clear, by whom the Rupees were given to NSnak, if by Jairam, as head-steward, or by Navab Daulat Khan; the original only says: fgS? UtTTH HVHWt 3^ f^^fS^WT-

brother Bala, thou hast made an unsoliJ friendship (with me), whilst living thou art leaving me? ' I replied: ' Sir, thou wast the son of a Khatrl. and didst thy own business, I will now also do my own work.' Then Guru Nanak said: ' 0 brother Bala, we shall pass (here) some days, this profession must be done by us, what our business is, that we shall do; behold thou the amusemeut (show) of the Formless one! what feats the Formless one is doing! remain thou with us, live (with me)!' Then I replied: 'Well, Nanak, as you like, what you will say, that I will do.' Then I also began to do work with Nanak. When in this work two years ' had passed, Mahata Kalu came to get information (about it), and met with Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak rose and fell down at the feet of Kalu. Mahata Kalu kissed his head and pressed him to his neck and comforted him. He began to ask: '0 son, two years have now passed, since thou wast sent here, what is gained, what eaten? ' Nanak replied: ' Father, much has been eaten (spent), much has been gained, but no Damri- remains with us.' Then Mahata Kalu began to quarrel with me {i.e. Bala). Guru Nanak made me a sign, and so I did not speak. Kalu begun to say: ' I had thought, Nanak is now employed in business, what of my property he had (formerly) squandered, that he will now have gained and will restore to me.' He talked in such a way, as it was usual with Kalu. He met then with Nanak! and Jairam and began to say: ' What have you done? are you looking after him? you have not looked after his business nor have you made an effort for his betrothal, you have done nothing at all.' Bebe Nanaki replied: ' Since he has come here, he has squandered nothing of thine, you are not thankful, that he is happy and has taken to his work, one day he will make profit; and we have also some information concerning a betrothal, to-day or to-morrow it will take place in some direction; we have lost nothing in it, what must we look out? 0 father, if (the betrothal) is in any direction being brought about on your part, then do so! As it is painful to us, so it is still more painful to you.' Kalu said: ' 0 daughter Nanaki, if it will be done by me, then what is it necessary to me (to ask you)? And, daughter, if you make (it, i.e. the betrothal), it must be made in the house of a good Khatri; an indifferent one must not be made.' Jairam said then: 'We must not make eiitreatiee, 0 Mahata! There is a Khatri Mula, of the Cona family, in (the village of) Pakho, the Radhava,^ in his house is a daughter; he also is called a good man and is Patvari of the Radhava. He is making the beti'othal (of his daughter) for the sake of religious merit;^ there we have looked out for a betrothal; what is pleasing to the Lord, that will take place. 0 Mahata, compose your mind. Ram will make (all) right.' Kalu said then: * The shame is common to the sons and to the sons-in-law. I was saying in my mind: the happiness of Bebe Nanaki I have seen with my eyes, now it is my wish, that whilst living I see the happiness of Nanak; then my mind will be composed.' Then Jairam said; ' 0 Mahata, remain thou here, and the mother-lady we will also call and bring here.' Kalu replied: '0 son Jairam, it is hard for me to remain here, as I am occupied there.' Jairam said: ' 0 Mahata, thou art in the place of Parmanand,* thou art my father.' Then Kalu said: ' Jairam, when the betrothal of Nanak takes place, then give me information; keep my son Nanak under your eyes, lest he waste any money.' "Then Bebe Nanaki said: '0 father, you are not thankful. You were daily crying: "to-day

' AH MSS. read: ^TS ^?> t"" years, but in the Lahore edition this is changed (apparently nitlioiit any iuitliority, for in tlie Panjahi Gram. p.!>!), and in the Sikha de raj di vitbia, p. 211, we find also.^fy <jdo) to: *nft^ ^ artrra' (P- 29). two months.

' Thus the name is written in tlie MSS. RadliSva (also pronounced Randhava, as I was told) is the proper name of a tribe of Jats. \ftf ^ 6^W^ signifies therefore literally: in Pakho, the Radhava's (village being luft out). See p. Ixiv, 1. 25. * Tliat is to say: without taking any money for her.

* Parmanand is said to Iiave been the father of Jairam.

this is wasted (by him); " now he does not waste thine own. And, 0 father, when he is feeding the Faqirs, then our heart is trembling; if there is no deficiency in the money of the Government, and if we remain uuabashed on the part of the Government, it is all right. And, 0 father, when he is rendering account, some surplus comes out; he is some form of the Formless one.' Then Jairam said: ' 0 Mahata, for this reason we cannot say anything to him.' Kalu replied: ' 0 son Jairam, if you render again account and if some surplus comes out, you would do well to take it to yourself, to him a Lakh (of Rupees) and a straw is the same. And call thou Bala and admonish him, I am also telling it him.' Jairam sent a man and called Bala; he said to him: ' Bhai Bala, thou art the special friend of Nanak, we were thinking of thee thus, that as Nanak is, so art thou; take thou care of Nanak, that he do not waste his money on any stranger.' Kalu said then: ' It is a shame, that (my) son and Bala remain together.' What Jairam said I did not take amiss, but that which Kalu said. I answered to Kalu: ' Mahata Kalu, may not some suspicion be in thy mind, that Bala, is remaining with Nanak and will make some extra- vagance! la my opinion GhT also is a bad thing, and some other greediness is a bad thing: to us, who were remaining with Nanak, K^anak appears as the Supreme Lord. Mahata Kalu, thou art hunijry after money and I have a craving after this one. What he (Nanak) does, that he does. We make further no apology; if thou art hungry after money, then remain thou with him, whatever comes into his hand that take! ' Then said Jairam: ' 0 Mahata, BhaT Bala speaks the truth: Xanak is not a man, he appears as something else. Well, Mahata, depart thou now! when the betrothal has taken place, at that very time the affair {i.e. the man-iage) must be done by us quickly, love will then spring up to his wife and then he will comprehend himself (what he has to do).' Then Kalu went home.

" When one month had passed, some good man brought Jairam this information about Nanak: 'Hear, Jairam, thy brother-in-law is a steward and is squandering the money of the Govern- ment, thou dost not take care of him; dost thou not know, how the temper of the Pathans is? ' Jairam became sorry, he went home and took Nanaki aside. He began to say: ' Hear, 0 beloved of the Lord, a certain man said to-day to me: "Jairam, thy brother-in-law is a steward, he is squandering the money, thou dost not admonish him; dost thou know the temper of the Pathans or not?" What shaU I do now, wife? What you say, that I will do.' Nanaki replied: 'What comes into thy mind, that do, what can I say, I must also walk according to thy word.' Jairam said: ' Give me some advice, 0 wife, I will do it.' Nanaki replied: ' Sir, has no faith yet come to you? Tou will think, that I am taking the side of my brother. Whatever be the Maya of the world, that all goes out of the hands of Nanak. But well, Sir, it is in thy mind, do this work: take thou once an account; if the account has turned out full, be it in excess or be it not in excess, but be it not deficient, then thou wilt not again be bewildered by the word of any one.' Jairam replied: ' Well, wife, I do not take it, if thou hast faith (in him), what should I do? ' NanakT said: ' Sir, don't let it go now, I will call my brother.' Jairam replied: ' Well, wife, as you like.' NanakI sent the slave-girl Tulsa and called Nanak. The slave-girl Tulsa went and made her salam. Nanak said: '0 Tulsa, why hast thou come to-day?' Tulsa replied: 'Sir, my lady told me: "Go to my brother and tell him, that he should give me his sight;" therefore I have come.' Nanak said: ' Go, Tulsa, I am coming.' Afterwards Guru Nanak asked Bhai Bala: ' Why has the Bebe called me? ' I said: ' She may have called you on account of anything.' Giu-ii Nrmak rejoined: 'Bhai Bala, my heart gives me witness, that some tale-bearing has been made about me.' Bala said: ' Sir, what tale-bearing can any one make about thee? what art thou doing?' Then Guru Nanak said: 'Bhai Bala, bring a plate of sweetmeats.' I brought it. Nanak put all the sweetmeats into his lap, they were one Seer and a half ( = three pounds). Nanak took them and came to Nanaki. Bebe NanakT was standing. ' Come brother,' she said, and put a stool for him. Nanak sat on the stool, I also was with him.

Nanak asked: ' 0 Bebe, ivhy have I been called? ' She replied: ' 0 brother, many days have passed since I have seen you, I had a longing to see you, then I sent for you.' Guru Nanak said: ' Bebe-ji, I doubt it; tell me why you have called me! ' Then the Bebe replied: ' 0 brother, all is known to thee, but it cannot be told.' Nanak said: ' I know in my own mind, that somebody has made a tale-bearing about me, therefore say I also, that account should be taken from me.' The Bebe Nanakl comforted him, but Guru Nanak said: 'No, this is a matter of account, here no regard is had to any one.' Then the Bebe said: ' Well, brother.'

"In Samvat 1543,' on the fifteenth of the light half of the month of Manghar, the account was made; the account of three months was given. One hundred and thirty-five Rupees remained due to Nanak after (deducting) eating, drinking, taking and giving. Then Ninak said to Jairam: ' "Well, brother-in-law, we have become justified in thy sight: take this Commissariat and give it to some one else! ours is the Formless one, the creator! ' - Then Jairam fell at his feet and Bebe Nanakl began to weep and to say: ' First beat me and then go! ' Nanak said: ' 0 brother-in- law: now the account has turned out full, but if it would be less or more, then how? you would bring me into difficulties.' Jairam replied: ' 0 brother, formerly I knew something, but now faith has come to me on both sides; pardon me for this fault! I have erred very much! '....'

" Nanak went to the Commissariat and sat down there; all the workmen began to congratulate him, Hindus and Musalmans were happy."]

(13). NanaTc's betrothal. He has to give account and comes out icith a surplus.

[In Samvat 1544, on the fifth of the light half of (the month of) Manghar, the betrothal of Nanak took place in the house of Mulfi, the (jona, in Pakho, the lladhavil's (village). Jairain and Bebe Nanak! gave notice to Mahata Kalu and to the lady mother ^ and congratulated; they called them (saying): " If you come, the marriage expenses will be made." Kalu having heard tliis was very happy and likewise the lady mother. "Who had brought this information, his mouth was filled with sugar-candy and Khir,' which the mother prepared with her own hands. Having filled his mouth she began to say: "I am a sacrifice to thy mouth, which has given me the information of the congratulation of Nanak." Then all the females of the YedTs came by night and sat down to sing; they began to say: "One Nanak, a good man, has been pro- duced in our family; as his betrothal has lawfully taken place, our family is rendered spotless by him." And the lady mother sent congratulation to her father's house in the Manjha.* Eama Jhangar' was the father of the lady and Bhiral was her mother; they were the maternal grand- father and grandmother of Nanak and the father and mother-in-law of Kalu. She sent word to them: " Come and go to Sultanpur, we will make fine expenses (in the marriage)." Bhirai, the grandmother, and Eama, the grandfather, and Kisna, the grandmother's brother, these three having heard this, were happy and came thence to Talvandt and met Kiilu. Having met him they rose and went from Talvandi with Kalu and Lalu, the VedT, and the mother lady, six men were ready. Two servants were with Rama, three servants and one Mardana, the Dum* of the house, in all four men were with Kulfi, so that all together there were twelve men. When they

" All the MSS. have the year 1543, only the Lahore edition has clianged it to 1544.

' The MS. No. 2885 reads: }}4^|^| ^'g' TJ WS^STE vT. O't work is (to say and to testify): the creator is!

' We break off here, as the lengthened speeclies and mutual comphments are quite irrelevant.

* The words are: »H*n "^VeI^- * MVh is rice boiled in milk.

° J^TTT. the Manjha is the central part of the Bari Diiah.

' "3^313 is the family name, properly Rama of the Jhangar family.

' About 31^, sec p. xi, note 1. Though Musalmans, they are also attached to Hindu houses.

■were on the point of starting, they went to Rae Buliir to take leave of him. Kalu went and stood before the Rae; the Rae asked: "How, Kalu?" Kalu said: "The betrothal of Nanak, thy slave, has taken place, we are going to make the marriage expenses in Pakho, the Radhava's (village), may leave be given to us! " The Rae replied: "Kalu, it is good, but is Nanak careful? " Ealu said: "0 Rae, he has given me ground for apprehension." "No, Kalu, I spoke on account of something else, thy temper is harsh, but he is a Sadh, do not quarrel with him!" "This is not my intention, 0 Rae! and, 0 Rae, you have been made equal to the Supreme Lord, speak you with kindness!" The Rae said: "Go, Kfdu, may God do you good, may he accomplish the work! We also love him, hut, Kalu, kiss the head of Nanak as being mine, go, the Lord protect you! "

Kalu mounted a cart and started; on the fifth day they arrived at Sultanpur, on Thursday. They entered the house of Parmanand, the Palta, and congratulations began to be made. Nanak obtained information, that the mother and the father, the father's younger brother, the maternal grandfather and grandmother and uncle (on the mother's side) and also Mardana, the Diim, had come. He rose and ran and feU down at the feet of Kalu. Kalu lifted him up, and kissed his head. Nanak said: "0 father, is the Rae pleased?" Kalu replied: "0 son, it is good, that thou didst remind me, the Rae had said, that I should kiss thy head." Then Nanak fell down at the feet of his mother lady; his mother kissed his head and pressed him to her neck. Then Nanak fell down at the feet of his uncle Lalfi. Lalu took him to his neck, kissed his face and said: "0 son, thou hast made our family spotless here and the future the Lord knows." Then Nanak fell down at the feet of his grandfather Rama. Rama took him to his neck and did not let him go. Then the grandmother Bhirai said: "Let him go from thy neck!" Rama replied to BhiraT: " "WTien my desire will he fulfilled, then I will let bim go."....

In Samvat 1544, on the seventh of the light half of the month of Magh, they started from Sultanpur, having reflected on a good moment and day. Nidha, the Brahman, was sent in advance to the village of Pakho, the Radhava. The gi'andson of Pakho, the Radhava, was Hita, his PatvarT was Mula, the Cona. Nidha, the Brahman, went and gave information to Mula: "0 Mahata Mula, be happy!" Mula replied: "Reverence to thee, 0 Pandha! Come! whence hast thou come?" Nidha said: "I have come from Sultanpur." Mula said then: "Why hast thou come?" Nidha replied: "0 brother, Juiram and Pai-manand, the Palta, have sent me." Mula said: "Why hast thou been sent?" Nidha replied: "Kalu, the father-in-law, has come from Talvandi for the sake of making the marriage expenses. And Jairam had said to me: ' Go thou and bring information to Mahata Mula; ' therefore have I come." Mula replied: " May they come on my head! "

On Sunday, the tenth, after a watch of the day had risen ( = passed), they arrived. Mula had made some preparations (of food) and put down (for them). Parmanand, the Palta, went and gave the wedding presents with his own hands. In taking and giving congratulations the custom was well observed from the side of both parties. Then Kalu, the Vedl, said to Parmanand: "0 brother, ask thou for the appointment of the marriage day!" Parmanand was an intelligent man, he took Mula and sat aside with him. The matter was accomplished. "Look, 0 Mahata, the lad is a young man, and it is heard that the girl also is grown up: give thou a day for the marriage, the Vedis have come from Talvandi, and the Jhangars, the relatives of the mother of the lad, have come from the Manjha." Mula answered: "0 brother, be of good cheer! give me one year's delay, then having ascertained a good time for the marriage I will send you word." Having said this he dismissed them in a good manner with honour. They re-entered Sultanpur with great joy. Congratulations began to be made; Bebe Nanaki called her companions and they sat down to sing. On the fourth day they took leave.

Then Mardana, the Dura, said: "O Nanak, give me some marriage present of thy own." Nanak replied: " O Mardana, what wilt thou take? We have some business with thee."

Mardana said: " Sir, give me some good thing! " Nanak replied: " Of a good thing thou wilt earn grief." Mardana said: "If thou wilt give me a good thing, how shall I be grieved?" Nanak replied: "0 Mardana, thou art a Mirasi,' thou art pleased with money and clothes, and the future thing (the other world) thou dost not know." Mardana said: "0 Nanak, if you know a good thing, give us that!" Xanak replied: "We have given to thee the skill of the strings, this (art) is necessary for us." Then Mardana rose and stood and paid reverence. Then Nanak took off his coat from his neck, gave it to him and put it on his neck, saying: "0 Mardana, mind my word!" Mardana said: "Sir, command me!" "Mardana, thou art the MirasI of the YedTs, thou must not beg from others!" Mardana replied: "Well, Sir, I agree to this, but you must take care of me!" Xanak said: "Hear, 0 Mardana, the creator takes care of all."

Then all the fomUies took leave and departed, after having met with joy and comfort. Nanak's conduct was the same as of old; if one came (to beg), he did not send away any one empty. Eumours were spread among the people that Nanak will be ruined to-day or to- morrow. The people came and informed Nanaki and Jairam. NanakI said to Jairara: " Tou must look out, (else) you may be led astray by the talk of the people." Jairara was pondering within, but he did not let out any breath. Then one day Nanak said himself to Jairam: "0 brother-in-law, account should be given to the Government, many days have passed (now)." Jairam went to the Navab and said: " 0 Navab, health! The steward Nanak says: ' If the Navab would take account, it would be well.' " Navab Daulat Khan said: " Jairam, call thy brother-in-law, the steward." Jairam sent the Brahman Nidha and called him (saying): " Nanak, bring the ledger and give account." Nanak was much pleased and brought the ledger. The people were filling the ears of the Navab (saying): "Navab, health! The steward is squandering the money of the Navab."' Having come (Nanak) saluted the Navab. The Navab asked: "0 steward, what is thy name?" Nanak replied: "My name is Nanak Nirank'iri." The Navab said to Jairam: "Jairara, I have understood nothing, what did the steward say?" Jairam satisfied the Navab in Persian: "Tou say, (he is) incomparable, countless, without a sample, to whom this quality is applied, his servant I am." The Navab laughed and said: "Jairam, is Nanak married?" Jairam replied: "Sir, he is not married." Then the Navab said: "I under- stand now, if he will be married, such talk will not be conceived (by him)." Then the Navab said: " Nanak, I have heard that thou art squandering my money; dost thou not know that I am Daulat Khan LodI? " Nanak replied: " Navab, health! May account be taken! 'What- ever comes out for the Navab, that will now be paid and you may take it, and what will come out for (this) poor one, that you may give him or not give him, as you please." The Navab said: "Jairam, in what manner does the steward speak?" Jairam replied: "Navab, health! The steward is truthful, he is not guilty of a crime." The Navab said then: "Call Jado Rae Navi Sinda! " Jado Rae Navi Sinda came and saluted. The Navab said: "0 Jado Rae, account should be taken from Nauak in a good manner! " Jado Eae answered: " Navab, health! " He began to make the account; the account lasted five days and five nights. Jado Rae Navi Sinda raised many difficulties, but with the Lord and with truth nothing could be brought against (him); three hundred and twenty-one Rupees came out as surplus for Nanak from the side of the Navab. Jairam was happy, he came and paid reverence to the Navab. The Navab

' T*1cH*r\ > a singer generally in ludia ( J\ ^, an adjective formed from Jl,«, PI. of 'i\jj,t); they are Musalmaus and attach themselves also to Hindu families, from which they get some allowance.

' It is clearly seen froni these words that the reason for giving account was very different from that stated above, where Nanak is said to have asked it himself.

said: "How is it, Jairam, is the account made up?" Jairam replied: "Health, 0 Navab! it is made up." The Navab said: "How has it turned out?" Jairam replied: "Health, 0 Navab, call Jado E.ae! " Jado E.ae was called; having come he paid reverence to the Navab. The ' Navab said: "Has the account been taken? and how has it turned out?" Jado Rae replied: "Navab, health! three hundred and twenty-one Rupees have come out as surplus to Nanak." The Navab said: " "WTiat, ours or his?" Jado Rae replied: "Of Nanak, they are due to Nanak on the part of the Government." Then the Navab said: " The people were saying that Nanak is squandering the money." Then Jairam said: "0 Navab, health! the people are bearing much spite." The Navab said: "Call the treasurer Bhavani-das! " The treasurer was called, came and saluted. The Navab said: " BhavauT-das, the money that is due to Nanak, give him now! and give him three thousand Rupees in addition." Bhavani-das replied: "Very well, health, 0 Nanak! " Bhavani-das gave him the three hundred and twenty-one Rupees and throe thousand Rupees in addition. Nanak took the bags and came home; some of them he took to his shop, but the most of them he placed with his sister. Afterwards Jairam came very happy. Nanaki asked: "How did the account turn out?" Jairam said: "0 beloved of God, I am quite astonished. I was thinking that Nanak was openly squandering the money, and now, that the account is being made, comes out on the contrary a surplus for him." Nanaki said: "What surplus has to-day come out?" Jairam replied: "A surplus of three hundred and twenty-one Rupees after eating, drinking and giving away."]

(14). Marriage of JS^nai, ichich turns out unhappy.