Ans. A triangular saffron coloured, piece of silk or cotton with printed or patched Khalsa symbols in the middle, is called ‘Nishaan Sahib’.
If the Nishaan Sahib’ is to be installed for the first time (e.g., at a Gurdwara), then the prepared cloth flag should be brought from a historic Gurdwara. This symbolizes the everlasting continuity of unfurling of the Nishaan Sahib there.
According to ‘Prachin Panth Prakash’, Guru Nanak perceived this kind of saffron coloured banner in the abode of Akaal Purakh (Sach Khand) and he brought it from there.
As already mentioned, Nishaan Sahib is triangular in shape with the opposite edges forming 45 degree angle at their joining point. In the center is the sign of af and ‘khanda’ is drawn. According to Bhai Nand Lal, the flag of Guru Gobind Singh had the words, “Waheguru Ji ki Fateh” imprinted on it.
During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the words, “Akaal Sahaae” (God be helpful) was printed on his flag. One of the Sikh “Misls” was known as “Nishaan Walia”, which means the flag carriers. In this Misl, selected warriors were enlisted and their task was to carry the Khalsa flags, during the battles, for all other Misls.
Bhai Alam Singh set an example of how much respect the Nishaan Sahib accorded. He was carrying the Nishaan Sahib in a battle against the Mughal army when he was surrounded by the enemy. The commander of the Mughal army asked Bhai Alam Singh to drop the flag otherwise his hands would be chopped off. Bhai Alam Singh replied that if his hands were chopped off he would hold he flag with his feet. The Mughal retorted, in that case his (Alam Singh’s) feet would also be chopped off. Bhai Sahib replied, then he would hold it in his mouth. The Mughal angrily asked how would he guard the flag if his (Alam Singh’s) head were cut off? Bhai Alam Singh calmly replied that in such an eventuality the entity whose Nishaan Sahib it was, shall guard it.