Koer Singh Kalal

Bhai Koer Singh or Kuir Singh was an 18th-century Sikh scholar who is best known for authoring Gurbilas Patshahi Das. It provides a detailed account surrounding the life of Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh and the origins of the Khalsa. It is regarded as the first reliable and comprehensive source as he was also a close companion of Bhai Mani Singh. Initially, he is known as a firm follower of Vaishnavism. Later, he embraced Sikhism and became a devout follower of Guru Gobind Singh.

Works Bhai Koer Singh is credited with writing one of the earliest works on the life of Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. His work, also known as Gurbilas Patshahi Dasvin or Gurbilas Patshahi 10, was completed in 1751. It contains stories directly narrated by Bhai Mani Singh. Thus, Gurbilas Patshahi Das is considered as a reliable historical source.

His work details about the creation of the Khalsa, battles, events surrounding the life and martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh. As a devout follower, Bhai Koer Singh Kalal depicted Guru Gobind Singh's as both a spiritual leader and a brave emperor. The text also contains several of the verses paraphrased from Gursobha as well as other prominent and earliest written texts on the life of Guru Gobind Singh.

Notable mentions The book verifies that Guru Gobind Singh was the composer of works like Bachitar Natak, Jaap Sahib, and Hikayats. It also confirms that Hikaaitaan was embedded at end of Zafarnama being written by Guru Gobind Singh. Other works that are verified by their mention includes Chobis Avtar, Chandi da Var and Akal Ustat at Paonta etc.

One of the notable features is the detailed mention of martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh. Therefore, it is assumed that he must have been an eyewitness to know about the event in detail including names of other Sikhs martyred. No other contemporary source mentions this information.