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66ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : JAN-MARCH <strong>2006</strong> / 537-38 NSbitterest enemy <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Sikh</strong>s, was paradoxically their greatestbenefactor. He invaded India and helped destroy the Mughaladministration, then in 1761 he crushed the Maratha Power at Panipat,thereby creating a huge power vaccuum, which the <strong>Sikh</strong>s filled quiteadequately. Durrani tried his best to subdue the <strong>Sikh</strong>s and the Punjab,but retreated in the face <strong>of</strong> an relentless onslaught by the <strong>Sikh</strong>s. The12 Sardars occupied territory between the Jamuna and Indus, a looseintermingled mass <strong>of</strong> independent land, with fluid borders that shiftedconstantly.What strikes us with astonishment is that within a short span <strong>of</strong>about 50 years (1708-1760’s), <strong>Sikh</strong>s had gone from being chased frompillar to post, hunted down like wild animals, with a price <strong>of</strong> Rupees80 on each <strong>Sikh</strong> man, woman and child, sleeping on horseback, andalways on the go, to being established rulers <strong>of</strong> the land.If we take a real close look at the situation: The problems wefaced then and those we face now are not so much different. Then,we were physically hunted down, and killed. The <strong>Sikh</strong>s weresurrounded by enemies on all sides, and daily existence was a challenge.Thus the “problems” and “dangers” were more well-defined, and visible.Today the situation is not so clear-cut. The dangers the Panth facesare not as cut and dried. Apostasy is rearing its ugly head insidiouslyamong the youth, and today has reached the middle-aged and eventhe elderly <strong>Sikh</strong>s. Gurbani is being questioned, misinterpreted andmisrepresented, and useless and empty rituals as opposed to moralityand high living are on the upbeat. “Truth is High, but higher still istruthful Living”, declared Guru Nanak. But today this rings hollow inthe <strong>Sikh</strong> context. We don’t have many leaders that subscribe to truthor truthful living.In the 1920’s, the <strong>Sikh</strong> nation faced the very same situation aswe face today. We overcame the odds and gained the crown in the1760’s and again in changed circumstances in the 1920’s, and we cando it again today – if we follow the same Rules and Systems we usedthen.1. The Punj Piaras were accepted by all, irrespective <strong>of</strong> status, asSupreme. No one from the commonest <strong>Sikh</strong> foot soldier to the Sardar/Chief/ even the Maharaja dared to question the Punj Piara’s verdict2. The Misls met twice a year without fail and all decisions were