Though ‘baaj’, or hawk, is rarely seen in Punjab’s skies today, its place in Sikh history, symbolism and collective memory remains as strong as ever. At religious gatherings, fairs and gurdwaras across Punjab, Nihang Sikhs carrying birds resembling hawks on their shoulders, arms or even turbans continue to draw the attention of devotees and visitors. For many Sikhs, ‘baaj’ is not merely a bird but a symbol deeply tied to their faith and heritage.
Traditionally, ‘baaj’, often identified with the northern goshawk, has been regarded as a symbol of royalty, authority and courage. A powerful bird of prey, it holds a special place in the cultural traditions of many societies. In Sikh history, however, its significance goes far beyond symbolism.
Perhaps the most famous episode linked to ‘baaj’ is the First Battle of Amritsar in 1628. Historians describe it as the first major military engagement fought by Sikh forces. The conflict reportedly began when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan demanded the return of a rare white hawk that had come into the possession of Guru Hargobind Sahib. The Mughal army under General Mukhlis Khan was sent to reclaim the bird, but the Sikhs, despite being heavily outnumbered, emerged victorious. Thus, a royal hawk became the unlikely trigger for a defining moment in Sikh military history.
The association of ‘baaj’ with Sikh identity peaked during the time of Guru Gobind Singh, affectionately remembered as “Baazan Wale Guru”. Historical accounts suggest that Guru Gobind Singh kept some of the finest hunting falcons and hawks of his era. Over time, the image of the Guru with a ‘baaj’ perched on his arm became one of the most enduring symbols of Sikh courage, sovereignty and self-respect.
Yet, experts point out that many birds seen today with enthusiasts and Nihang groups are often not true ‘baaj’. Distinguishing a northern goshawk from other raptors is difficult for the average person. As a result, species such as Shikra, Black Kite, and other birds of prey that resemble hawks are frequently mistaken for the iconic ‘baaj’.
Wildlife experts say the original northern goshawk was once found in parts of northern India, including the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but sightings have become increasingly rare. Punjab Wildlife Department has tried several times to revive the hawk population in the state. Conservation and breeding proposals were prepared since 2011, while specific projects were launched in 2015 and 2018. Discussions were even held on obtaining birds from Lahore Zoo, but none of these initiatives yielded significant results.
Historical literature also indicates that Punjab was never a natural breeding ground for hawks. According to Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s renowned encyclopaedia Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh, Baaj were traditionally brought from colder regions. The text notes that the bird did not lay eggs in Punjab and was imported from distant lands, serving as a hunting companion for 10 to 12 years. Historically, hawks reached Punjab from eastern Europe, Afghanistan and the Arabian Peninsula.
Author Jagdeep Singh Faridkot, who wrote the book “Chadhe Turang Udave Baaz”, says the fascination with the bird endures because of its connection with Guru Gobind Singh.
“The real ‘baaj’ is extremely rare in Punjab today,” he says. “Young Sikhs admire the Guru and his association with ‘baaj’, so many keep birds that resemble hawks. Historically, hawks have always belonged to colder, mountainous regions. Sikh sources as well as Persian poetry describe ‘baaj’ as a bird that lives on mountain peaks. Many of the hawks owned by the Gurus came as gifts.”
Faridkot adds that Guru Gobind Singh is believed to have kept a peregrine falcon, one of the fastest animals on earth. Though not very large, it can dive at speeds exceeding 300 kmph while attacking prey. Its reputation has earned admiration across cultures.
Wildlife biologist Sunal Singh Roamin explains that public understanding of raptors often differs from scientific classification.
“The northern goshawk was the only true ‘baaj’ species historically associated with Punjab, and today it is extremely rare,” he says. “Many young enthusiasts actually keep Shikras or Black Kites. The Black Kite population has increased significantly in recent decades, partly because these birds feed on meat waste at urban dumping sites. Their behaviour has also changed. Traditionally they were predators, but many populations have increasingly adapted to scavenging,” said Sunal Singh Roamin.
Roamin believes bird keepers and Nihang groups need greater awareness of wildlife conservation laws and species identification.
The story of the ‘baaj’ in Punjab is therefore one of both memory and reality. While the bird itself has nearly vanished from the region’s natural landscape, its image remains firmly embedded in Sikh consciousness.
