Establishment of the Rakhi system under the Misls
A translation of the establishment of the Rakhi system from 'Haqiqat E Sikhan', a Persian document.
Introduction
Haqiqat E Sikha is an eighteenth century Persian source which covers the history of the origin and rise of the Sikhs from the time of Guru Nanak to the conquest of Multan by Ahmad Shah Abdali. The translated excerpt below mentions "Kadah Parshad", which refers to the rakhi system established by the Misls. According to this system, misldars would collect one-fifth share of crops from people twice a year as rakhi (ਰਾਖੀ) in exchange for providing security.
Translated excerpt
“They dislodged the previous noble community and made them their subjects. They had a formidable army of 50,000 cavalry and foot soldiers. They divided the areas among themselves. Jhanda Singh Bhangi captured Multan, and Charhat Singh controlled the area of banks of the Attock River and the Char Mahals. Lahna Singh Bhangi, Gujjar Singh Bhangi, and other sardars, who were known as the ‘Majhe Wale’, captured the forts and palaces near Lahore. The area of Doabs came under the control of other Sardars such as Jassa Singh Kalal (Ahluwalia), Jassa Singh Thoka (Ramgarhia), and Tara Singh Ghaiba, they were referred to as the Budha Dal. All the forests and parganas of Sirhand were under the command of Amar Singh, the son of Ala Singh. He would maintain a large cavalry, and standing army that could be mobilized whenever needed. Nearly five strong forts were also under his control. Whenever the Sikh army of other Misaldars would enter his territory, he would pay them 40,000 rupees and valuable goods, taken from a levy of 4 lakhs. Amar Singh resided in the city of Patiala. A group of Sikh warriors known for riding barefoot on horses, were also present in his army and were known as Nihangs. The money in exchange of which they would offer protection to the villages was referred to as "Kadrah" or "Kadah Prasad. They would prepare “Degh” or "Kadah Parshad" in the name of Guru Nanak and distribute it among themselves. They referred to the meat as "Mahaprashad" and consumed significant amounts of it along with alcohol."
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