Guru Hargobind

The animosity between the Mughal rules and Sikh leaders continued down the centuries. Jahangir was instrumental in torturing a killing the fifth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev. It is said that the death of Guru Arjan angered the Sikhs so much that they changed from a peaceful religious sect into a community of warriors, ready to defend their faith.

This portrait reflecting elegant simplicity is that of Guru Hargobind, the sixth guru. He transformed the character of the Sikh movement and martialized it as a precaution against future contingencies. He wears a simple white robe and a saffron shoulder cloth signifying his status as a guru but he also wears a sword. Thus he was a military as well as a spiritual leader. In accordance with the rest of his attire, his turban has a rosary atop, as well as a majestic 'sarpech'. His eyes look straight – Hargobind was fearless; he had the fear of God alone. His face in this portrait seems illuminated with the divine knowledge and courage. A circular halo behind his head is symbolic of his divine status.

This description by Renu Rana.