History of the Dasam Granth
| Part of a series on the |
| Dasam Granth ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ |
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| Main compositions |
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| Apocryphal compositions (Asfottak Banis) |
| Various aspects |
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| Poetical metres, modes, measures, and rhythms |
The history of the Dasam Granth is related to the time of creation and compilation of various writings by Guru Gobind Singh in form of small booklets, some of which are Sikh prayers. The first combined-codex manuscripts of the Dasam Granth were created during the Guru period. It is also said that after 1708, the Dasam Granth was allegedly compiled by Mani Singh Khalsa, contributed by other Khalsa armymen under direct instructions of Mata Sundari and this volume is recognized as Sri Dasam Granth Sahib (according to a letter attributed to Mani Singh). The present day Dasam Granth includes Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat, Bachitar Natak, Chandi Charitar Ukati Bilas, Chandi Charitar II, Chandi di Var, Gyan Prabodh, Chaubis Avtar, Rudra Avtar, 33 Sawaiye, Khalsa Mahima, Shashtar Nam Mala Purana, Ath Pakh-yaan Charitar Likh-yatay and Zafarnamah.
Some argue that Guru Gobind Singh did not compile the book himself, and the historic authenticity of some of the later additions to the Dasam Granth (apocrypha) is questioned by scholars. There is a prevalent view that the Dasam Granth was written by Nirmala scholars or Hindu Pundits or Saktas scholars, possibly under the patronage of the British, and was an attempt to Hinduize Sikhism. According to them, some of the compositions included in Dasam Granth (such as Charitropakhyan) are out of tune with other Sikh scriptures, and must have been composed by other poets.
According to Giani Gian Singh, the Ram Raiyas of Payal, part of a heretical Sikh sect, were the first recorded critics of Dasam Granth in Sikh history, who attacked on Ragi Bulaki Singh for reading hymns of Dasam Granth. (Ram Raiyas were considered enemies of the Gurus and one of the Panj Mel; founder Ram Rai was excommunicated by Guru Har Rai for his appeasement of the Mughals.) However, considering that Gian Singh was a Nirmala intellectual, this particular story should be viewed with caution, as it could merely be an attempt to tie criticism of Dasam Granth to heretical sects, and therefore to heresy and blasphemy.