page_title: Nishan Sahib
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Nishan Sahib / History
caption_attribution_description: English: Banner of Old Sikh warrior bands during Mughal-Sikh Wars (or later)
context_page_description: The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The word, Nishan means symbol, and the flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole, outside most Gurdwaras. The flagpole itself, covered with fabric, ends with a two-edged dagger on top. The emblem on the flag is also known as Khanda, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans.
  Traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth, the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood. It is taken down every Baisakhi, and replaced with a fresh flag, and the flagpole refurbished.
context_section_description: During the times of Guru Amar Das the Nishan Sahib was white, to represent peace and simplicity. During the time of Guru Hargobind, however the Nishan Sahib changed into a shade of yellow, known as Basanti. After the creation of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh introduced blue flag, which is still the colour of the Nihang flags. The first Sikh flags were plain, but emblems were introduced by Guru Gobind Singh. The first Sikh emblem, was not the Khanda, but the three weapons, the Kattar (dagger), Dhal (shield) and Kirpan (sabre). Later these emblems were also used by the Sikh misls and the Empire. During the time of Ranjit Singh of Punjab, the Sikh flag became red or deep orange.
caption: Flag of Dal Khalsa (Sikh Army), showing weapons like Katar (dagger), Dhal Shield and Kirpan, traditional Sikh weapons. The standard goes from 'bottom to top' signifying that the armies of the tenth guru are always victorious. It is also worthy to note the sword, shield and punch dagger. The sword represents that the army shall decapitate the enemy, protect the needy with the shield and pierce the enemies chest with the punch dagger.
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