AMRITSAR SAHIB—The restoration process of the glorious weapons representing the Sikh history has reached its last stage. The 52 weapons belonging to Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Hargobind Sahib, Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Budha Sahib, Baba Deep Singh and other Sikh generals suffered a major damage during the operation Blue Star in 1984. These weapons have been facing continuous deterioration since then.
The restoration process was reinitiated by SGPC President Avtar Makkar who was requested by Sikh Sangat living worldwide.
These historic shastars include Sri Sahibs, teghs, katars, guns, chakarrs, shields, khandas and other weapons that have been renovated with gold and diamond embedding. Some of these have Gurbani engravings on them which make them highly valuable. The sangat visiting Darbar Sahib can catch a glimpse of these weapons every day after Sodar Rehraas Sahib recitation.
A specialized team of workers has been associated with the process under the guidance of Sardar Jagbeer Singh, Babal Balwinder Singh and Baba Narinder Singh from Sri Hazoor Sahib. These members said that the restoration process is being carried out keeping in mind the original design of the armour.
S. Gursharanjeet Singh, associate professor at GNDU strongly feels that modern technology should be used to preserve the uniqueness and originality of the Sikh shastars. He condemns the usage of gold and diamond in the restoration process saying as it would result in the loss of the original design. Bibi Kiranjot Kaur (SAD) alleges that it would be a huge setback for Sikh culture if original designs were disturbed in the ‘restoration’ process. However Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh in his statement refuses any such allegations saying that only the irreplaceable parts have been restored and no changes are being made in the original design.
