Dal Khalsa

Synonyms

Khalsa

Definition

Khalsa forces

Main Text

Historiographically, the term Dal Khalsa is used in two ways. Generally, the Khalsa itself is referred to as Dal Khalsa, insofar as the Khalsa retained its militant character in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. [4] More specifically, Dal Khalsa signifies the reorganization of the Khalsa into 11 misls. In this entry, I refer to Dal Khalsa in this latter, narrower sense.

Dal Khalsa refers to the 1778 organization of the Khalsa into 11 misls (misl meaning “alike,” from the Arabic root م—ث—ل). [3] This reorganization marked a significant institutional development coinciding with the Khalsa’s consolidation of territorial control and internal organization. Prior organization of the Khalsa, initiated by Nawab Kapur Singh in 1733, divided the Khalsa into Budha Dal (Old Army) and Taruna Dal (Young Army). [3] These Dals were then further divided into 65 jathas. For logistical reasons, the 65 jathas(perhaps found cumbersome after the...