Nihang
The Nihang (Punjabi: ਨਿਹੰਗ) are an armed Sikh order. They are also referred to as Akali (lit. immortal). Nihang are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore or from the "Akal Sena"(lit. The Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind. Their beliefs differ from orthodox Sikhs in that they maintain some tenets of the Hindu faith, such as worshipping deities of the Hindu pantheon as aspects of the one god. Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the guerrilla squads of the armed forces of Ranjit Singh.
Etymology
Nihang may come from the Persian word for a mythical sea creature (Persian: نهنگ). The term owes its origin to Mughal historians, who compared the ferocity of the Akali with that of crocodiles.
Arms and attire
Traditional Nihang dress is known as Shiva Swarupa meaning "Shiva's appearance". This comprises full attire of superelectric blue, edged bracelets of iron round their wrists (jangi kara) and quoits of steel (chakram) tiered in their lofty conical blue turbans, together with the traditional sword carried by all Sikhs (kirpan). When fully armed a Nihang will also bear one or two swords (either the curved talwar or the straight khanda) on his right hip, a katara (dagger) on his left hip, a buckler made from buffalo-hide (dhala) on his back, a large chakram around his neck, and an iron chain. In times of war, arms worn on the Nihang's person would generally be reserved until the warrior lost the weapon he held, often a bow or spear (barsha). Armour consisted of sanjo or iron chainmail worn under an iron breastplate (char aina). Nihang war-shoes (jangi mojeh) were constructed of iron at the toe, making their pointed toes capable of inflicting cuts and stab wounds.
