There are many stars in the spiritual galaxy of saint-soldiers of the House of Guru Nanak. But sometimes, like in the case of Bhai Roop Chand of Bhai family, very little is known to the modern generations. In fact, the different Gurus conferred the title of Bhai on five families only. The other families that hold the title of ‘Bhai’ besides that of Bhai Roop Chand are the families of Bhai Bhagta, Bhai Behlo, Bhai Ganga Ram and the Bhai family of Daroli village.
It is said that Bhai Roop Chand was born to the Sidhu (son of Raja Sada) and Bibi Surti at the blessings of Guru Hargobindji. The Guru himself bestowed the name of Roop Chand on the beautiful child. Bhai Roop Chand and his father displayed an exceptional devotion to the Great Guru. Due to their selfless service to the House of Nanak, Guru Hargobind gifted them with a horse, a sword and robes of honour. On the 16th Baisakh, 1687 Bikrmi (1630 A.D.) Guru Hargobind laid the foundation of Bhai Roopa village (now in Distt. Bathinda) after the name of Bhai Roop Chand. After Guru Hargobind, Bhai Roopa remained in attendance of Guru Har Rai. Later, Bhai Roop Chand and his sons Dharam Chand and Param Chand served the Ninth Master, Guru Tegh Bahadur with the same fervour. They accompanied Guru Tegh Bahadur to Assam. Here Bhai Dharam Chand, with the blessings of Guru Tegh Bahadur was instrumental in restoring peace between the warring kings.
It may not be known to everyone that it was Bhai Roop Chand, who conducted the marriage ceremony of Guru Gobind Singh at ‘Guru Ki Lahore’. After the battle of Chamkaur, the Tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh retired to Malwa. Here again, Bhai Sahib took the opportunity of serving the Master. Bhai Roop Chand presented the attire and arms to him, which the Sixth Guru had given to them and had promised to take them back in 10th form. The Guru baptized Bhai Roop Chand as Bhai Roop Singh and his sons as Param Singh and Dharam Singh. They followed the Guru to the banks of Godavari in Nanded (Maharashtra) and were with him till he left the mortal frame. Soon after Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Karam Singh, sons of Bhai Roop Singh extended full support to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in his campaign against the governor of Sirhind.
Bhai Roop Singh had seven sons. He asked his sons and relatives to reside at different places and carry forward the legacy of Sikhism. He himself laid the foundation of village Dyalpura (Bagrian), near Nabha. Bhai Param Singh and Surtia’s descendents live in Bhai Roopa village. Mahanand’s descendents live in Kotha Guru, Rawalheri and Lakhnor villages. Bhai Sukhia’s descendents live in Samadh Bhai village. (Bhai Roopa ji was cremated here). Bhai Karam Singh’s family lives in Syria wala, Thathi, Kalyan and Tolawala. (All these villages fall in Bathinda, Faridkot and Mansa districts).Bhai Arjan Singh, a descendent of Bhai Roop Singh is known for his illustrious service to the cause of Sikhism. Now Bhai Ashok Singh – a visionary, a scholar and a philanthropist and Bhai Jujahar Singh are serving the Khalsa Panth from Bagrian.
An important thing about the Bhai Roopa family is the large number of relics, manuscripts, artefacts relating to the Gurus and Sikh history, which its various members own. There are the Hukamnamas (holy warrants from Gurus), in which, besides asking for men, money and weaponry, the Gurus acknowledge Bhai Roopa’s family as their own family. The family also owns Saranda (guitar) and Khadawan (wooden shoes) of Guru Arjan Devji and Mata Ganga Ji. Some paintings of Guru Sahib’s times, including the one relating to Guru Gobind Singh’s childhood are also available with the family. Other relics include a hand written manuscript of Guru Granth Sahib. One Karcha (large spoon), Katar (scimitar), and the cot, which was used to bestow ‘Bhai title’. One pothi (manuscript) signed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a handkerchief, Loh (round steel plate to cook chapattis), the chariot, in which Mata Gangaji (wife of Guru Arjan) went to seek blessings Baba Buddha ji (Darshan of the chariot can be done at village Bhai Roopa on any day) are other objects of immense historical and heritage value. In total, 101 articles given to various members of the family on different occasions are in possession with various descendants of Bhai Roopa.
