Miri-piri
Topic: Regional Resistance: Rajputs, Ahoms, Sikhs · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Miri-piri is a Sikh principle introduced by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, in the early 17th century. He wore two swords. One stood for miri, which means worldly or political power. The other stood for piri, which means spiritual authority. The idea was that the Guru guides Sikhs in both faith and worldly matters. It marked the community's turn to armed self-defence after the Mughals executed Guru Arjan.
Example
Guru Hargobind built the Akal Takht in Amritsar as the seat of miri, facing the Harmandir Sahib, the seat of piri. From there he trained Sikhs in arms and formed the first Sikh army.
Don't confuse with
- Khalsa: miri-piri was Guru Hargobind's principle joining worldly and spiritual authority. The Khalsa was the martial brotherhood that Guru Gobind Singh founded in 1699.
Related concepts
- Guru Angad
- Guru Amar Das
- Guru Ram Das
- Masand system
- Guru Arjan
- Harmandir Sahib
- Guru Granth Sahib
- Guru Hargobind
- Akal Takht